Alternative activites calorie counter

Not feeling the urge to exercise today.  I AM eating smart and feeling a little better about my efforts.  A day or two off won't hurt a thing and I will find activities to keep me moving.  A little gardening would burn some calories and give my brain some much needed fresh air.  Cleaning the house always tires me out... that should just about make up for it!

A break from smelling sweaty! 

Some great activities for burning calories:
A one-hour hike will burn you 438 calories.
In addition to burning 511 calories per hour, ice skating is a great cardiovascular exercise.
Group activites like basketball condition your entire body along with whittling 584 calories an hour.
Jumping rope is cheap, increases coordination and balance at up to 730 calories an hour.
Inline skating burns an incredible 913 calories an hour, yet it is easy on your joints.

Keeping in mind that Valentine's day is around the corner... here is a wesite that lists calories burnt during naughty activities (it's VERY specific!!) http://calorielab.com/news/2008/02/12/calories-burned-during-sex/

Wink, wink

Info exchange

Here are some fantastic articles I came across that are no nonsense easy to follow advice!  Thanks Adria!!
5 Foods that fight fat
Hungry Girl gives great tips
Need more willpower?

A long-time friend of mine is a personal fitness trainer who has battled with her weight and health in the past.  She has so much knowledge to share so she started a website: http://fittipdaily.com/ with great articles and daily tips.  Check it out and remember to check back daily for quick and interesting reads that just might give you that extra edge!

Wednesday slump

Walked to the Biggest Loser again.  Boy, that's a fast way to do 80-90 minutes and burn 450 calories!  Feeling a little down today, but trying to look forward to Hawaii-- want to feel good in a swimsuit!  Keep going mama!!

Body Chemistry 101

I watched a very interesting documentary yesterday called "Fat: What No One Is Telling You".  If you have Netflix, it's available in the instant watch section.It really delves into how there are so many different causes for obesity and that there is no one clear solution.  I think it makes some very important points that most people don't understand or know.  We all want to lose weight, but how many people actually take the time to learn about body chemisty, metabolism, and nutrition?  There is no magic formula of diet and exercise that will suddenly cause massive weight loss and solve your own personal health issues.  It is an individual journey of trial and error and the more knowledge you can arm yourself with, the more successful you will be.  We have to be our own personal dietitions, trainers and physicians at home because only the super rich can afford to have a fulltime staff armed with that kind of knowledge.  Medical science is still catching up on these issues as well.

So my advice is study like it's a class you can't fail!  Take an academic approach and try try try again!

MONDAY - need I say more?

Still very tired following a crazy weekend and a Sunday night battle of wills with my son.  Does getting mad burn calories?  It should, it sure takes a lot out of a person!  Toward the end of last week I was stepping on the scale and registering a whole pound less than I did this morning... grrrr.  Oh well, maybe it will disappear by next week and look even better...

weight: 199
waist: 43
hips: 46
bust: 44
weight lost this week: 1.2
inches lost: 0

I've been working so hard on the treadmill it would be nice to have some movement in the measurements.  Some days I am on for over an hour, which don't get me wrong, feels GREAT!  I've even been doing some light jogging (not my favorite thing).  Going to try hard to keep it up and keep seeing some progress.

Busy day ahead

Here comes the weekend and you know what that means...  all the things that have to get done crammed into 2 days mixed with family visits and extracuricular activities with the kids.  Try to squeeze in a little me time, treadmill time, not eat like a maniac and smile all the time.  I am excited for the Monday weigh in and stat update... I've been working hard and my checks throughout the week have been showing progress! 

Kick ass!

I will say NO...

I'm feeling difficult... I want to argue and complain and I don't know why!  I had a very successful morning getting the kids through the morning routine and off to school while fitting in a little treadmill time.  I'm going to be extra vigilant today with my eating as these kind of moods often lead to some crazy foods getting in.  I don't even know how it happens.  I can't possibly be responsible for the fat-loaded artery-clogging waist-expanding that I know is bad for me food sneaking it's way in.  OK, maybe having a glutton fest is a more appropriate description and yes, I am completely responsible!  That's why today I will be a model of self control!

Sunny mood to match a beautiful day!

The sun is out again and I got up early and hit the treadmill!  I love that you can watch older episodes of your favorite shows online, best idea ever!  I got caught up on Biggest Loser which made me want to work harder and the time just flew... after 90 minutes, nearly 5 miles, I burned 490 calories!!!  I feel great, my mood is bright and I am ready for a great day!

I rewarded myself with a wonderful healthy breakfast of a whole grain english muffin with fresh spinich, egg whites, and a slice of cheese.  A giant glass of water and I feel fantastic!!  I don't feel that I am losing much weight this week, but I feel good and stronger so I think my muscle tone is improving and gaining mass. 

YAY ME!  And yay for Ryan too, I think he is feeling a little inspired today.  He just hopped on the treadmill and set it for "weight loss" *whew* he's a brave man! 

Still riding my sunshine high

Yum!  Last night I made a very simple one dish meal that was fantastic!!  Sliced sweet potatoes, carrots, tossed with olive oil fresh rosemary, topped with chicken breasts which were then brushed in a quick honey mustard/ balsalmic vinegar glaze.  One pan, 375 degrees and HEAVEN!!  Super low fat, lots of nutients, and so tasty!  Even the kids didn't complain which is comparable to them jumping up and down and shouting, "This totally doesn't SUCK!!  Thanks Mom!!"  Okay, I have an active imagination...  but still... no compaining counts for something.

Beautiful sunshine yesterday kept me outside and working in the yard (every activity burns calories).  After a yummy fruit smoothie, compliments of my magic bullet knock-off, I am ready to take this day by the horns and wrestle it into submission!  I can tell that exercise is making a big difference in lightening my mood...

Fruit Smoothie: 1 scoop nonfat yogurt, frozen blueberries, frozen cranberries, frozen peach, half grannysmith apple (peel on), handfull fresh spinich, vanilla soy milk, 2 ice cubes

Monday UPDATE

It's Monday again.  I am bleary eyed after letting the kiddos crash in my bed last night and not getting alot of sleep.  I did my grocery shopping right from my list yesterday and the kitchen is well stocked with healthy things.  I weighed myself this morning and although I haven't slipped below that bad, bad cutoff number of 200, I am still losing which is the important part!  I took a nutrition class about 10 years ago and the dietition told us that there will always be a 1-2 week lull shortly after beginning any healthy regimen that is simply your body adjusting and countering the changes so that it can figure out what the hell is going on.  That is the point that many people call it quits because it seems hopeless.  I have been working my but off on the treadmill 5-6 days a week as well as drastically changing my diet so I must be on the right track. 

weight: 200.2
waist: 43
hips: 46
bust: 44
weight lost this week: 1.6
inches lost: 1

YAHOO

Dangling Carrots

I am so excited I had to hop on for round 2 today!  My husband and I decided on a trip to Hawaii in August for our 10th anniversary.  That means we have exactly 7 months to lose love handles and be bathing suit worthy!  Nothing like a super exciting goal to motivate you! 

So I thumbed through my new Biggest Loser Family Cookbook and made a shopping list.  Healthy meals, healthy snacks and by God, exercise for my thunder thighs!  No sweat... well, probably alot of sweat but a big reward in the end! 

Live Mighty

oh, and a big CONGRATS to C & M on thier healthy beautiful baby boy!!

Successfully distracted! Oxymoron? I think not!

I've found that I can stay on the treadmill longer if I have something to keep my mind occupied.  I've been watching some ridiculous (but entertaining) TV shows that are hour long programs which translates into 45 minute walks once the commercials are nixed.  Thank goodness for on demand, networks that support full episodes, and... Netflix!  They really keep me going (literally!).  Today was 46 min, 350 cal, 2 miles!  Oh YEAH!

I think in the future I may give audiobooks a try.  I hear you can download plenty for free and a friend of mine swears she's never gotten more done around the house before she discovered them.  Any distraction that can keep you from thinking of the mile long list of reasons why you won't achieve something makes success so much easier!!!!

Here's a link for info on TEXT donations to the Red Cross for relief for earthquake hit Haiti
http://www.swaggrabber.com/

**Shout out to my brother-in-law Matt who is taking the very difficult step toward getting healthy.  You can do it!!!

Today's Specials

I got a new family cookbook today focusing on healthy recipes the whole family will love.  I think I will go through this afternoon and pick out a couple things and make a shopping list.  I've got the exercise on track and in my tradition of doing one thing at a time, I think it's time to start adjusting the menu!  One thing I have found about cookbooks is that if it isn't packed with pictures I have a hard time wanting to make the recipes.  I have other healthy cookbooks that I've cracked open once or twice and the pages have never seen the light of day again...  so now that I know that about myself I can keep the frustration and desire to just quit under control.

Get to know your triggers.  Identifying the specific things that slow you down can make an enormous difference!  Do the things that make you more likely to be successful (no matter how silly or stupid).

Feeling a little better today I decided to hit the treadmill.  While I was walking it felt just fine, but when I hopped off I realized my extremely low caloric intake of the last couple of days was a bad mix with exercise.  I'm feeling dizzy and light headed.  Good thing it was only 30 minutes and 220 calories burnt.  I kept down a 6 inch Subway veggie delight last night so I think I am on the mend...

Bad way to start the day

Last night at about 3 AM while I was emptying the contents of my tortured stomache I realized why my mood has been so dark.  I've been on an ick rollercoaster for a couple of days but as usual life moves too quickly to take the time out to care for myself and notice that I hadn't been feeling well.  So today is rest and feel better day!  I'm on an apple juice diet (the only thing that sounds even a little okay) and at least I will try to keep hydrated today as my body recovers.

Since I won't be sharing anything of particular interest, here is some good reading for you...

http://fittipdaily.com/  get the lastest healthy tips from a dear friend of mine

http://www.cookinglight.com/ try something new and healthy

http://kidshealth.org/teen/food_fitness/nutrition/snacking.html healthy snacks for kids & teens (make it a family effort)

Monday UPDATE

The weekend is over.  It's dreary and rainy here and I'm feeling the drag this kind of weather brings.  I just hopped off the treadmill and my muscles are still feeling all the little electric impulses.  I simply set the speed and incline today and spent a constant 43 minutes just walking. 

I have been doing my best to increase hydration and with this kind of shift my body will be retaining much more water to replenish the energy I am using as well as condition the areas of my body that aren't used to as much physical activity.  With that in mind here are the stats:

weight: 201.8
waist: 43
hips: 47
bust: 44


Which means no movement in the measurements, but that will come with time.  I've lost a total of 4.2 lbs!  Hopefully I can combat my poopy mood with exercise and by this time next week I will have fallen below that dreaded 200 lb mark!

Here comes the weekend

Woohoo!  It's Friday and despite a mid week lull in my motivation, I am feeling great!  Had a Kashi bar for breakfast, jumped on the treadmill and after 43 minutes, 2.13 miles, drumroll please.... 338 calories!  Of course the calories are calculated by the preprogrammed treadmill that has never asked for my weight, height or other stats which would be used to accurately calculate caloric use. 

Old Navy has 75% off in the clearance section today and there is quite a bit of activewear in that section.  I ordered a few things thinking that my kickstart deserves a reward.  Putting on something I like also increases my wanting to work out.  So now if I can survive the weekend and be ready for my Monday weigh in...

Oh yeah~ my daughter's pearl of wisdom today while she watched me on the treadmill... Mommy, your tummy doesn't even look fat

Cheers!

Doing the job is all about the right tools

I decided that if I am going to do this, I should do it right and not guess.  So I went to the store today and upgraded my crappy bathroom scale with the number dial to a digital that is supposed to be accurate within .2 of a pound.  No offense to my husband who bought me the old scale as a gift (I had asked for it, he doesn't have a death wish).  So as of today, here is my accurate weight...

204.4 lbs (still yikes!)

I am going to assume that the old scale was correct and still consider 206 as my jumping off point because let's face it, it made me want to jump off a cliff.  I did not hop back on the treadmill last night as I'd hoped, my husband has started working odd hours and I didn't want to wake him as he is settling into his new routine.  I do have my sneakers on now so I might as well get my big ole booty out of this chair and climb some mountains!

Like Miley says "...it's the climb"

I cried like a loser watching "Biggest Loser"

Last night I sat down with a bowl of ice cream... fat free people!  I turned on the tube and decided to watch "Biggest Loser" for the first time ever.  Now I understand all the excitement!  It was motivating and heart wrenching and YES, I did connect on some spiritual level with those giant sad beautiful people.  I didn't want to see any of them go, it just wasn't fair!!  And... I even cried like a big dummy.  I'm thinking that in the future I should probably watch it on NBC's website the next day so I can hop on the treadmill at the same time. 

"Biggest Loser" did inspire me to take horrific pictures of myself this morning which I will not be posting yet.  At some point, when I am past the shock of seeing my gargantuan self I will post for the world to see along with updates of my progress.

30 minutes on the treadmill this morning on the "weight loss" setting, 200+ calories burnt and I may go back for more this afternoon...  If only I could balance my laptop from there and work...

My beautiful little inspiration

I sat down at my computer this morning and started working right away... which is a good thing.  My 4 year old daughter asked me over and over when I was going to do my walking.  Finally when I reached a stopping point, I grabbed my sneakers and said, "Now, Noelle, I'm going to do my walking NOW!"  She smiled and told me that she loves it when I walk and she loves it when we eat healthy!

If that isn't a reason to do this, I don't know what is.  I made a promise when she was born to keep her healthy and happy and to not let her suffer through adolescence feeling the same inadequacies that my sister and I did.  And before you get the wrong idea, I will not give her body image issues, give her a need to set unrealistic expectations, or make her feel anything other than what she truly is... BEAUTIFUL and AMAZING!  I simply want to lay the foundations for her to make smart healthy choices without having to think twice or punish and dislike herself for always making the easy bad choices.

So today I walked for 45 minutes, over 2 miles and burned over 300 calories (alledgedly). 

I'm still feeling motivated!  A friend suggested that I take a picture of myself in a bikini to compare as time goes on.  What is this "bikini"?  It seems like a familiar word buried in the receses of distant past memories but I simply can't force myself to recognize it...

I will take pics and maybe as time goes on and I have some guts to show the progress, I'll post.  Maybe

My mission

Starting my first blog...

Well, I've been struggling to survive dreary winter days and a near constant self-loathing to match.  But this is a new year... I'm 30... I weigh 206 pounds (YIKES!!!)... and I haven't been pregnant in 5 years (no longer an excuse)...

I'm going to do everything better.  Love my husband and children more, be motivated to work (not internet shop), be proactive!  I bought a treadmill January 1 and this is a new beginning and this blog will provide me acountability for my actions.  We just moved to a new town and life has been given a new start!  Here we go...

weight: 206
waist: 43
hips: 47
bust: 44

mood:  hopeful, creative, open