Is it for the birds????

It's really bad when your body is craving the exercise that when your kid has no school you set the alarm any way!!!  Actually I love that factor.  I love that my body has a new good healthy habit.  When you don't go or you get your 7th day of rest sometimes you just don't have the same amount of energy or anything.  There are so many benefits of working out for me.  I have been working with trainers at the gym.  They are so helpful.  They answer any of my questions.  If I develop a problem with one of the machines they are right there to answer it.  Tell me what I can do better to increase my muscle building and fat burning. 

If your thinking of making a change this up coming year.  think of them....
                                          Even if its not something your sure of they offer a free trial

NEW YORK SPORT & FITNESS

134 W. Water st Elmira ny 14901

607-732-7322

Gym hours

Monday - Thursday......................................................... 5:00am - 9:30pm Friday............................................................................ 5:00am - 8:00pm Saturday ....................................................................... 7:00am - 5:00pm Sunday.......................................................................... 7:00am - 3:00pm

Daycare hours
Monday - Friday........................... 9:00am - 11:30am and 4:15pm - 7:30pm Saturday ...................................................................... 8:00am - 11:30am

 

Chiropractic care this is how I feel.....

I have tried pain doctors and interventions from them in the form of spinal injections.  This worked once, but since then hasn't completely helped.  I've been on medications going on 4 years.  I got tired of it.  I've heard the good stories and the bad.  However, I decided to go to Dr Kraft for a consult.  This is where they do x-rays and with measurements see if your body's in alignment.  If not they'll let you know how far off it is.  They also explain why if your neck is out of alignment how it can affect the rest of your body.  

Let me tell you I started with them in August then started my journey in October.  The difference of me be able to move in the beginning was better.  If you combine it with my journey - you won't believe the person I've become physically!  Think about it.  Call them, talk with them. 

Here's there info.  Dr John Kraft 117 West Lockhart Street, Sayre - (570) 888-6325

Who needs chiropractic care:  A person who has misaligned spinal bone (vertebrae) which causes compression, tension, irritation and damage to the Central Nerve System is called a subluxation.    The central Nerve system controls all function and healing to the human body.  This subluxation causes interference of the central nerve system.  It also causes the organs and muscles of the body to mal-function and heal poorly due to the interference they create in the central nerve system. 

Malfunction is the body and poor healing  result in lowered resistance to infection, allergies, illness, and disease. 

Subluxations can be caused by a lifetimes of stress and trauma.  Slips, falls, auto accidents, sports injuries, poor posture, bad sleeping habits, stress at work, or even  childhood mishaps and the birthing process. 

In most cases subluxations can be present without symptoms or warnings.  Usually it's existed for several years by the time symptoms arrive.

New updates!

I don't know as I've ever talked about the shirt size I was wearing.  It was a 4x.  I'm proud to say I'm down to a 3x.  it's not baggy yet but I'm working on that problem!  Another week and a half until new profile pics come along. 



As far as christmas goes I got some gift cards and I went and bought myself this scale.  Everyone says they're not as reliable.  It's a scale that measure water weight, body weight, and fat percentage.  I think it will at least show me the differnce as I start loosing more weight.  It should definately show that I'm going down in body fat percentage.  Here's hoping anyway. 
So here's the stats:  Body fat percentage was 64.7%.

They say the only true way to measure this is by a bod pod. 



I don't think you would find many people my weight or size willing to get into that.  I'm not usually clausterphobic but just looking at this makes me start to panic.  I think I'll stick with just getting healthy.  Building muscle, burning fat, gettiing trimmer so I can go shopping in regular size clothes store.  So I can get rid of the risk of heart attack, stroke, heart disease, and get rid of all or some  of the diseases and medical problems I have now. 

Weigh in #11

Well here we are, I made it through the Christmas holiday!  Hoping that you all had a joyous holiday and spent it with family.   I did eat in moderation this week.  I don't feel the need to "eat in moderation" unless it would be Christmas or Easter.  I haven't encountered much of summer but my "moderation" food in summer would be salads.  I have learned how to make healthier versions of some of the salads I like.  We will see how the rest of the year goes with "moderation" foods.  I had some of this and that.  I also had problems getting to the gym when  we have had parties since Dec. 24th through the 26th.  I also have one on the 29th with my dad.  That I'm bringing healthy food too.  As I did to every one of my celebrations but Christmas day.    Pain in my back is still there and sometimes stronger than ever but I plan to start back at the gym bright and early in the morning. 

So today when I weighed in I was nervous as I am like last week when I only had  a bite of macaroni and cheese.  As Fawn has told me this is life and don't let a bite here or there get you all nervous or upset.  Re focus on your goal and move on.  Don't feel guilty about having different types of food you want in moderation that aren't as healthy as you have been eating.  I used to say that when I was on a "diet."  I actually used to say that with every meal I ate.  To me I can't eat something I want but isn't as healthy everyday.  I have my goals and I want to reach them.  As Fawn told me today  I didn't have to eat it the closer to you stay to healthy the quicker your results come.  I knew that but I made a decision to eat it.  I have many more weeks where we don't have "Christmas."  The foods I have had don't have the same taste to me.  I don't crave them.  Actually the one that had alot of sugar (ham)  that I tried scraping off made me really really tired.  I want to find a different option for next ham dinner. 

So today I lost another 3.5 lbs   at the weigh in.  It feels good but because I had a ham dinner this week and only bite of macaroni and cheese last week it really makes me question the weight loss process.  I've decided I'm not going to try and figure it out anymore.  I'm going to with the flow even if it's 10 lbs, 2 lbs, or nothing.  At least I'm trying to do that. 

Starting weight                        338 lbs
last week weight                      287.5 lbs
this week weight                      284 lbs
weight loss this week              3.5 lbs
total weight loss                        54 lbs
lbs to loose before next goal    15 lbs
weeks to loose weight               5 weeks
average per week needed           3 lbs

I may or may not make it.  I have set my goal not to easy as they say average weight loss after the first few weeks is 2 lbs.  I didn't want to set an easy one to get  so that I didn't try hard enough and just lounged my way to my goal and journey.  

Merry Christmas!!!!

I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas.  Tomorrow starts our family festivities.  We sill be having a party with my husbands family but first I need to finish some wrapping, stick the last of the cookies into the oven for Santa, and then we'll take a drive looking at Christmas lights, and go to our Christmas eve service.  Christmas day we are doing our small family Christmas and then we are headed to my in laws for a lunch with them.   Then the next day I have a family breakfast with my ma's side of the family.  The same day a lunch with some of my cousins and aunts, then I get to see my dad on the 29th.  I love all the family time.  I pray that each one of you have a great Christmas.  I hope that you are lovingly surrounded by warm friends and family. 

I can't wait for my kids to tell me the story of Christmas on Christmas eve - a tradition every year!

10 weeks... Thanks everyone so much

It's been 10 weeks today that I started my journey.  I've lost 50.5 lbs.  I've changed in many ways.  Amongst this all I have gained so much from each one of you who have read my blog.  For those I see in person who support me all the day through!  I've had ups and downs.  That's what life is.  I don't have to go back to my old ways because I'm doing this.  This is my new way of living.  Eating healthy, exercising ( I love it!), and eating less healthier foods in moderation.  I have also seen others get inspired to eat healthier to get those lbs of that they want gone.  Amen! 

I got my holiday baking going for the kids.  Eat less healthier things in moderation remember!! My cookies are about the size of a quarter.  I'm also not making dozens and dozens of each like I used to. 

Taken from my friend, who's also on the journey - Take a  look at all the page views and different countries it's getting too!   3023 page views in just 10 weeks!!  God is good all the time!!

United States 2,984

Canada 23

Australia 4

United Kingdom 3

France 2

Croatia 2

Singapore 2

Brazil 1

Germany 1

Israel 1

Weigh in #10

Since my journey one of my worst fears came true.  I didn't loose what I wanted to loose.  To me it what a little devastating and I punished myself for it.  I went straight to the gym.  Took out my aggression on my body.  I used to eat alot of food to take out my aggression that way.  I'm glad my way of thinking changed as far as the food goes.  I talked to Fawn and she put me back on track.  This is a way of living and I will try my best not to punish myself anymore.  I don't want being strict and regimented with food and exercise to become my "drug of choice."  I want this to be normal balanced part of my life.  I'm ashamed to say I punished myself at the gym. 

I'm trying to remember that I put this weight on slowly and it will come off slowly.  When I'm working out I'm burning fat and building muscle.  Muscle weighs more than fat so I won't always come out weighing less every week.  That muscle I'm building is helping to establish a better metabolism. 

Starting weight                  338
Last week weight              288
This week weight              287.5
This week weight loss         .5 lb
Total weight loss                50.5 lbs

Off to another week of changing me.

Christmas is coming!!

I'm so excited about CHRISTmas coming.  Celebrating with family and friends the birth of Jesus Christ my Lord and Saviour.  He's committed to each one of us.  He's there for everyone during the ups and the downs.  Since I accepted the Lord into my heart, I feel as though I'm not just married to my husband but to the Lord as well.  He's there to help us find out where we are going or doing with the rest of our life.  We talk to him on a daily basis.  He's there to help provide for us in times where we have had trouble.  We pray and give him our problems.  Let him take control of the situation - he's there.  He answer's prayer.  I had to learn how to give everything over to him as I'm human and I don't like to loose that control.  Knowing we are celebrating his life.  A life he gave for me and you.  The promise of an ever lasting life.  I dream of it, and I know the pictures inside my head can't come close to the place that is being prepared for those who live for the Lord.  I care about each one of you and am willing to help you become one of his children.  If you have any questions or would like to talk to you please don't hesitate to contact me in any way. 

Weigh in ...Tomorrow

Tomorrow is my weigh in.  This week I'm nervous but shouldn't be.  On Friday I had a bite of unhealthized macaroni and cheese.  It  wasn't processed though.  I choose to have things in moderation.  When you ad being sick, upon eating a spoonful of macaroni and cheese, and getting ready for the upcoming holidays seems to make me worry about any less healthy food you eat.  On top of that I had a great week last week.  I did all I can and I will be happy with my weigh in.  It's about the entire journey.  Eating healthier foods, a better mindset, functioning better, and getting down to a healthier weight. 

Pain...

Lately I've been have severe pain in my right leg from my bottom to my toes.  It's piercing pain that makes me unable to walk well.  Changing positions doesn't help.  Sometimes this makes you frustrated.  When pushing through life, continuing with your eating plan, and exercising it makes you wonder if all this is worth it.  With my conditions they say it won't resolve that I will always still have pain .  It's not something they can do surgery on at this age of my life.  One thing I don't like is having to take these pain pills all the time.  I eventually want to have decreased pain so I can't stop doing what I'm doing.  I'm going to keep going.  You can't let that mind, old habits, or the fact it would be easier now get to you.  It will much easier to maintain a physically fit mind and body in the long run.  Please keep me in your prayers.  Not just for this journey but for the physical pain to decrease and if the Lord see fit for him to heal me of this pain.

Go (goal) for it

You'll always miss 100% of the shots you don't take.  ~Wayne Gretzky
Take a shot on yourself your worth it!
As being over weight I always promised myself every new years eve that I would start a "diet", eat healthier (even though what I thought was healthier really wants healthy), and start exercising.  I also promised this after I had both of my children.  I guess people are right you have to do it for yourself.  All those time I was just saying it as it was a traditional new years eve thing that people say.  I said it after I had my children as that's what every woman says.  Then I wasn't unhappy with the way I looked.  I was big yes but it really didn't seem to limit my activity with my  family.  That's one of my motivating factors now because my activity is limited due to my size and back problems.  All my ailments in life are stemming from my weight and if they don't my weight isn't helping the problems but making them worse.  I also was tired of the way I was living.  I just existed. 

As I did, you can to go for the Goal!

New Goal!!

So here we are we've gotten into the 200's, we've lost 50 lbs, and now we're ready to set our next goal.  We're setting our next goal to be done by January 31st.  That's 7 more weigh ins.  I would like to go from 288 to be in the 260's even at 269.  One pound is one pound.  It all counts and gets me closer to being healthier!! 

So I have set several goals all before New year's eve, go ahead set some goals for you now ans start acting on them!! You can do this or anything you plan for. 

How am I feeling?

Well, I'm feeling structurally better.  The feelings of cold, congestion, cough, and decreased appetite are here again.  I'm foggy and not sleeping well.  Every time I cough trying to make sure that I'm not getting sick.  I wish I could go back to sleep again and wake up and be completely fine.  Keeping my fluids going and eating a much smaller meal that's balanced when I'm hungry.  Just trying to push through.  I know people say get  to the doctor.  Most of these things you get are just viral.  We will wait and see. 

Weigh in #9

Sometimes in life you got highs and lows.  When you go through all of these changes you reevaluate your goals in life.  That's what I'm going to have to do regarding my goal to loose 50 lbs by Christmas.  Sometimes life can be hard but you have to prioritize what you want in life. 

I started this journey to get healthy and loose weight.  To be in better physical shape so I can live a better fuller life.  So I can serve this world and my Lord the way he wants me to.   I believe that this is what was meant for me to do.  To show others that they can change their life.  If a person who's been over weight since I was a child can do it, and she's approximately 200 lbs over the suggest weight.  So I've lost approximately 1/4th of what is needed to get to the "suggested weight."  Than maybe they will try to achieve their goals.  Not just weight loss or a journey to health.  A journey to achieve any goal they have had in the past and never ventured down that road or a goal they've attempted but never reached.  Remember to achieve something it's best to go at it with a plan.  My plan eating and exercising plan.  The changes that have taken place on the outside has definatley affected the inside of my heart and mind. 

So I will be setting a new goal for me.  I have since reached my christmas goal of loosing 50 lbs. 
It's amazing how far you can go with something if your completely committed, make a plan, inform your family/friends so they can support you, and put your plan into action.  I think the reason that alot of this is working for me now is I'm vowing to live this way.  I can eat alot of my favorite meals on my meal plan and if I choose to have something that's not really on my meal plan I have learned how to make it healthier.  If I can't find a way I have alot of connections or use of the internet to find what I'm looking for. 


Starting weight             338 lbs
Last week weight          293 lbs
This week weight          288 lbs
Weight loss this week       5 lbs
Total weight loss            50 lbs
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Great accessories!!

From a little help from an elf called Mom, I was blessed with this great Potato cutter.  It was hard work making sweet potato fries by hand.  My hands was all orange and sore.  However, I did it because they were great tasting and it goes well with my eating plan.  That area of prepping food will now go faster and we'll probably have them more often because it's easier and less time consuming.  If you don't have any outlet stores around you, this can be found on several websites.  Can taste the sweet potato fries.  You can also use this to  make veggie sticks.

click hear to visit a shopping page for this potato cutter

When I first moved out I had boughten a set of knives, I believe the cheapest you can get from Walmart.  Paying no more than $20.00.  I have now since learned what bargain shopping was.  I hope my mom used my skills this time.  She bout me some Chicago cutlery knives a 10 piece with sharpener.  I can't wait to use these.  This sells for $129.99 normally but there are places where you can get it cheaper.  Look here:

However at Opentip.com It sells for $60.30  I encourage everyone to search for coupon codes.  That can help with shipping, a percentage, or dollar amount off.  I have never ordered from this website.  I was using it as a price comparison. 

At the outlets they were on sale for $49.95 Then you could have scored another 20% off with leaving your email. Then tax. 

If there is anything you need that can help accelerate your healthy lifestyle, let me know I'd be happy to find you a great deal!

Can't wait for Fawn, why?

I can't wait for see Fawn.  Why?  I can't wait because I want to wrap my arms around her give her a hug and say thanks for helping learn how to change my life for the better!

She has inspired me to help others change their life.... I'm praying about it and we will see what God has in store for my life. 

ONE BIG PRAISE!!!

Last night at our Wesleyan woman meeting.  I brought two healthy dishes - a chicken pasta salad and turkey chili.  I think many people like them. They seen how much I was eating and asked all about my journey.  I answered questions but I am not at the place yet where I can answer questions directed to what they should do - especially if they have certain health problems.  I loved getting the questions.  I love thinking that everyone is really truly interested in changing their life.  That couldn't believe I could eat pasta or bread!  I said I eat most things that god has been gracious enough to give us from his earth.  I try not to eat all that processed food.  There was a whole talk explaining what certain foods are.  Either protein, carb, grain, etc.  Some thought veggies were veggies.  I explained that some of the veggies are really starchy so you consider them a starch and not a veggie.  When Fawn comes I think maybe a workshop is in order!  I've already got some information to hand out.   I can't wait to see if our dinner's we have at church are transformed to a new and healthy version  - that tastes great!

Take a look and see - this journey is really rippling - all over the world!

Not again...

So here it is, we had a pot luck at our pastor's parsonage last night.  Complements of Fawn's mom and dad.  I have now had a rough night sleep.  Terrible headache that won't go away, sore throat, and body ache.  I missed several appointments.  One including being at the gym this morning to up my cardio and machines.   I also missed the chiropractor which will help with the headache.  I will get there this afternoon.

I feel like crawling in bed with blankets and not coming out until I feel better.  That's not how life works.  So I will push on and see if I can get back on track this afternoon.  I will not allow anyone but God and myself to control what I do.  I will get healthy!! That's what God desires for my life.  That's also what I desire for my life. 

Here we go.....Team Transformation!!!!!!!

Upping that exercise!! Bring it on!

So I've dealt with pain throughout the past few years.  This past couple weeks I think I had been pushing hard and my right leg was hurting pretty bad.  So I talked to my pain dr this week and there's really nothing that can be done at this time. 

Well I was at the gym today the trainer I had been working was watching me doing cardio and asked me when I was done how I felt.  I said really energized!  However, I had a question.  Every other time on the treadmill my heart rate was between 150-165.  Today it was between 140-150.  He said it sounds like it's time to up the workout some more.  He's going to leave orders for me tomorrow.  Praying I can meet the challenge, burn more calories, and up my physical fitness. 

Here's what my work out summary workout looked like:

We'll see what this next week brings!

Changes I'm getting close to be able to fit in jeans!!

I started this journey on Oct 6.  It's been 2 months.  There are many ways you can  measure your success.  I took a weight measurement in the beginning and you weekly see how that's changing.  I have been updating you guys and telling you how I'm doing on exercising and how my endurance and times on the machines change.  There's another way that proves how your doing.  In the beginning I took measurements of my body.  Here's how those have changed over the course of two months:

                        Oct 6                       Dec 6

Chest -          53"                               49 1/2"    (Everyone knew I'd loose it here!!)     
Waist -          57"                               54"
Hips -            59"                               56"
bicep -           15.25"                          14.5"
calf -              18.5"                            18"
thigh              29.25"                           27"

I'm almost able to fit into a pair of jeans.  The size chart says I"m only 2" away from fitting.  The sad part is I didn't even know I couldn't find a pair big enough for me until I tried.  After I had my son and then an injury 8 weeks later never again did I put on a pair of  jeans!!  When I do fit into a pair, I will bring you along via video tape!!  I'm praying it will be by the end of December

2 months total and new pics!!

                     

Take a look at these on my transformation pics page and compare them to when I started and one month in.

So  months have gone by and here's my second set of update pictures for the "outside."  This is what my insides look like:

             

A little cheesy but like a friend said I have a bounce in my step and my emotions are getting that same bounce.  It feels great with this new mindset plus I love the difference of how I'm committed.

Weigh in #8........

Today I weighed in again.  Let me tell you, getting used to the fact that we loose slower at this point is hard but when you look at the overall picture and how much weight you lost you don't feel as bad about it.  I've looked at other's results and see that they lost a lot in the beginning and a little after that so I'm on track.  I heard this in the beginning.  You've heard it from many people that you will reach a plateau or loose smaller amounts of weight but you don't think it will happen to you.  I'm okay with that now.  I think it's finally sinking in. 

There is a praise/accomplishment.  As I'm on the chiropractors table on my back - he wants me to bring my knees up to my abdomen as far as I can.  I'm never usually able to do so.  Last friday I could lift them slightly to help him.  Today I was able to do it on my own!!!  One small step in my road to health!!

So today I lost another 2 lbs!

weight in the beginning         338 lbs
weight last week                    295 lbs
weight lost this week                2 lbs
Today's weight                        293 lbs
Total weight loss                     45 lbs
lbs left for goal                          5 lbs
weeks left to reach goal            2 lbs


Thank you so much for all the encouragement!! 

One more day.....

Today and tomorrow is one more day.   One more day of a journey of life.  One small goal amongst the big goal of me living a healthy life and without it taking much work.  By much work I mean, having it be natural the way I make food or the way I do the exercise.  We have a Wesleyan woman Christmas meeting and I'm trying to find a healthy dish to bring so that I know I'm eating some healthy food and that others may want to try it and realize that healthy food is tasteful and decide that want to make healthier choices for their life. 

Tomorrow is another day - a day for my weigh in.  A day for the gym.  A day for my pain doctor's appointment.  Another day I choose to change me and my life. 

A new year on the way....

As it's less than a month from a new year I always start thinking of what changes I will be making for the new year.

OLD resolutions:

Loose weight, exercise, get prettier, and help all of my relationships and family stay/get happier.  These were my goals always, never did I make a plan, execute, or achieve these goals as a result of new years resolutions.  I loved myself inside but was truly unhappy with my outside.

Let me show you how this journey has changed my mindset- I guess I've helped with some of this but none of it changed until I decided to go on this journey.

NEW resolutions:

This year I won't have to make a resolution to loose weight as I'm already on a journey doing that, I'm exercising.  Both of these I had help to make a goal (get healthier), a plan was made on how to do this, and now I'm working on this.  There's no need for me to get prettier - once I'm healthier I will feel better about myself.  I already do feel better about who I am.  I would like for my many segregated parts of my family to be happy and to reunite.  However, I have decided  there is nothing I can do about it besides pray.  I'm finally going to listen to my husband not worry about it.  I'm giving it to the lord.  I will work on me and spend loving time with those who want to be around me.  I will not feel discouraged if things don't seem to work out like I think they should.  I'm not in control. 

In order to achieve success in anything:  1) set a goal  2) make a plan  3) establish a support group  4)  take your first step towards that goal 5) finally arrive at the finish line.

In anything you can do, instead of setting new years eve resolutions that you don't follow through on I encourage you to step out now and decide to start yourself a journey.  You can do this.  Believe in yourself!!

Tired and sore....

I have lost 43 lbs since the beginning of my journey.  I figured that by now I would see dome decrease in back pain.  That's one thing I'm desperately waiting for.  My back pain started in 2007 when I was pregnant with my youngest Benjamin.  If I don't see less pain by 50 lbs I'm praying for sure that I will feel better by a 100 lbs.  Everyone assures me that loosing weight and getting fit will help in the long run.  Which will keep me away from a surgery that could harm me more.  They say if I have a surgery once I will probably have to have one every 5 years for the rest of my life.  I'm glad that I'm here trying to preserve my health.  Sometimes all the medical intervention just isn't worth it.  However I'm grateful that it's there when I need it.  We'll see how the pain disperse every 20 lbs or so...

Taking a risk

Yes, risk taking is inherently failure-prone.  Otherwise, it would be called sure-thing-taking.  ~Tim McMahon

Here's another one of the quotes I got off a website.  I felt as though it fit my past and present and wanted to share it with you.  With all of my previous "diets"  I felt as though I was always taking a risk because it depended on me to carry it through and stay with it.  To not get disappointed in the weight loss.  To ignore my hungar.  I wansn't able to do those things.  I wasn't able to stay on my "diet." 

When I began talking with Fawn, reading these other blogs, and praying about it I felt as though this plan here is a "sure-thing-taking."  There was just something from the beginning telling me that I was going to be ok, content with amount and types of food I woudl be comsuming, that I would live this as my life, I would loose the weight, I would be committed to myself, my family, Fawn, and those of you who read my blog. 

After I get to a desired point which hasn't been set yet most people have asked if I will go back to eating those unhealthier things that I have cleaned out of my cupboards on a regular basis.  I will not.  I desire to put the healthy food in my mouth.  To eating as little processed food as possible.  I desire to eat great tasting food.  So I may add back in some healthy items that I'm not eating now.  Such as white rice I can ad back in but I'm not eating it now because I'm trying to get as much fiber and eat as clean as possible.

It's slow now

There are those that we're so excited for me in the beginning when I was loosing more weight per week.  Now they don't seem as interested in how I'm doing or how much I'm loosing.  It's not all about numbers.  It's about health!

I'm changing inside my mind, fat is disappearing as we speak, my organs are functioning better, and my family life is better.  I'm dropping around 2 lbs a week - is that ok?  Yes most definately.  As long as my body's doing better, it will happen!! I can't wait.  It will happen slowly - same as when I put the weight on.  It didn't happen in two days.

Well I say this - keep watching.  You will see what I can do and what changes for my quality of life.  Also the functions of my life are changing and making it more comfortable for me.  Keep an eye out cause next time you look I'll be 20 lbs down, 40 lbs down, then 100 lbs down, and then my goal weight (when I finally decide to set my goal weight)

Weigh in #8

Well this week has been busy.  It's starting to snow here.  I just can't wait for it to move on when the sled riding begins and Christmas is here in person and not just in the hearts of some.  I love all parts of Christmas.  The decorations, the get togethers, holiday food, baking with the family, Christmas music, Christmas movies, the anticipation of my children and others awaiting Santa, and the celebration of Jesus Christ's birth.  It's an amazing time of year.  I thank God that he is here with me on this journey. 

Thanks that have gone on this week:

I took my first aerobics class and had alot of pain so it restricted my exercising. 
Thanksgiving meals this week.  I tried to stay as close as possible to my meal plan.  I did however eat some of my Aunt Debbie's scalloped corn.  Not alot, about 1 tbsp. 
I had black friday and I was up for alot of ours in a row.  I don't even want to think how many.  My eating plan was also off due to that. 
I have had some added stress this week where I'm saddened about a furry family member. 

More on the positive side:
I survived my first aerobic class. 
I enjoyed black friday shopping with my family. 
I enjoyed another thanksgiving meal. 
My calories have been reduced and my body's okay with that!
My sleeping plan is back is back in order.


Starting weight                                               338 lbs
last week weight                                             297 lbs
This week weight                                            295lbs
Weight loss this week                                          2lbs
Total weight loss                                                43lbs
Weight loss until next goal                                    7lbs
Weeks until goal                                                   3 weeks

Off to a stick to it scheduled, eating plan, and exercising plan.

Back at it again!

I am back in the saddle again.  I got on the treadmill again. I needed some rest after my workout at the gym on wednesday.  I walked once a day on thursday and friday.  I'm going to return to the gym on monday.  I'm hoping to get two classes of light and lively in this week.  Probably monday and friday. 

I also prepped food today for another thanksgiving meal with my mom and more family.   A total of 21 of us!!  It will be a great time and celebration. 

On tuesday Fawn reduced my calories some.  I'm not hungry after I eat or too soon before I should be eating next.  I am however able to finish the food on my plate.  I wasn't able to do that so what I did was eat around the plate.  Eat protein, veggie, and then carb and kept going around to make sure I was eating completely balanced.  Instead of just eating my carb and protein and then feeling full. 

I hope everyone had a happy and healthy thanksgiving. 

How sore is sore?

Well after my light and lively class at the gym I felt like I had a good intense workout that I wasn't used too.  My body ached real bad.  My things had tingling, burning, and stabbing pain at points.   That was however since I was up all night with black friday as well.  Since I came home and got some sleep my legs feel like I just had a workout is all.  Can't believe I'm that out of shape.  Sorry to say so, but I am.   Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving and black friday. 

Give Thanks With A Grateful Heart

Today, I will be eating yet another Thanksgiving meal.  This is the 2nd of 3 this year.  I will be taking healthier arrangements for all who wish may try or eat from them.  Just the same dishes as I did for the church harvest dinner.  Then I will proceed out to walmart, target, and toysrus, etc for several of hours of waiting to get to "black friday." 

I am thankful that my God is so gracious and has given me all these days, this days, and hopefully many more blessed days to come.  I'm thankful for the never ending love from my husband.  No matter what I choose to do for many things he's always behind me.  I'm thankful I've been blessed with two beautiful children.  I'm thankful for my other families and friends.  I'm thankful for this journey and those beside me and behind me on this journey.  I'm thankful for Fawn taking my emails, calls, and text's.  I'm thankful for the program that she started.  I'm thankful for Zac's patience when I worry about taking up to much time time with Fawn. 

May God bless you all.  May you all find the good in everything.  Not just today but everyday. 

See... eating healthy isn't expensive

Well everyone says I can't afford to eat well and healthy.  My thought is yes you can.  First measure the portions - that helps to save money.  If you can grow a garden.  Next look in the weekly ads.  Find deals and plan your meals around the sales.  Look at my deal here.  Boy did I score. 

Normally for sweet potato in our area we pay $0.99/ lb.  They we're on sale this week for $0.29 a lb.  I went in to wegmans and asked for a case.  You wouldn't believe how pretty they looked.  Not ugly and pitted.  That's what you find around here.  It's hard to find good quality sweet potato. 


                                        





See Look you can eat healthy and watch the bottom line at the same time.  I challenge you too!  During this case of sweet potato I'm going to be trying some other recipes that I will post here for you.  Stay tuned!  If you have any recipes that I may try to make healthy send them my way!







Wow! Huh! You can make things economical.  I will be trying different recipes and will post them here for you.  Stay tuned

Emotional Recovery and physical exercise

After today's little upset, I'm back on the bike or the treadmill rather.  Emotionally I'm back on track.  I did a half our on the treadmill at the gym today.  Just love their treadmills you can program them for your age and weight so it tells you how many calories your burning.  It also inclines with the push of a button.  My treadmill is a manual thing and when you incline it - it is to inclined for me right now.  I tried it but I only made it 10 minutes. 

A new triumph!  I did my first aerobic class.  It was called light and lively.  It worked upper and lower body.  We used weights, small kids balls, stepper, and these horrid horrid band things.  We put them around our legs boy did it work my thighs.  That's a good thing - they really need it!!  Altogether I had a great experience.  There was woman of all sizes and ages in there.  They were a very welcoming group.  They encouraged me and told me to do what I could handle.  I tell you I went in there thinking it was going to be easy.  After all I had been working out now for  6 weeks.  It was a wake up call to how out of shape I am.  I have decided I can get to two of these a week.  I'm going to attempt a spinning class and see how that goes this coming week. 

Humiliated!! I wanted to cry inside.

When your overweight you have a conscience that everyone is looking at you and thinking all these awful things about you.  Yes half of them or so may be true.  Is it the right thing to do?  NO!  Do we need your support YES! I need the support as I'm changing my mind, body, and habits.  I'm working on my emotions and the way I handle them.  I'm being proactive for myself.  I'm eating right and going to the gym.

Things I don't expect:

I was working out on a treadmill today and there was men behind me working out.  One made a noise like "neyyyyy" (sp)  to imitate a farm animal.  It hurt, nobody deserves it.  Do you think that's going to help promote me to get healthy?  In my old way of thinking I would have gotten out some oreos and milk, lots of spaghetti with bread and butter, or about 6 mcdouble sandwiches from "McDonald's".  I was so upset I didn't try to let it show. 

Truth time, I didn't eat anything that wasn't on my meal plan! How I wanted to though!  This was fuel for me.  It just gave me more drive to show the arrogant man that I can and will do this for me.  I will not fail because of him.  I will not change my plans because of him.  Every day, week, month, year that I will remain healthy will not be accredited to them.  It will be accredited to God, me, Fawn & Zac, my family, church family, and friends.  You all get accredited because you have endured me through all this and encouraged me!! Just remember we do need that!  It may sting but that sting goes away.  Life moves on.  I will pray for those of you who feel they need to make fun or put others down to make yourself feel better.  You know, I used to eat to make me feel better.  Imagine what your soul looks like.....

Why not go out on a limb?

Why not go out on a limb?  Isn't that where the fruit is?  ~Frank Scully

I was going through a website and found this quote.  It made me think.  This is the real first time I went out on a limb to get healthy.  To do something I haven't done before.  To restrict healthier meals into my mouth and exercise.  I find it sad that in the past 31 years I've never exercised.  When I was younger my Dad and I would go for a bike ride say from Millport to Horseheads.  We would go hiking and spend lots of time in the woods.  We hung up tree stands and went hunting.  To this date as an adult I have yet to do hardly any of this with my child.  However, I really desire to do these things and I will do more as I get healthier.  I feel ashamed that I'm that big that I can't do these things or interact like that with my children. 

I'm taking steps walking out on that branch and grabbing my fruit.  Making this happen is one of the most imortant things in my life.  It ranks up there with marrying my husband and having my children. 

Weigh in #7

Click here to see how much I lost this week

TEMPTATION!!!!!

If you know me, you know that one of my favorite meals is grilled cheese and tomato soup! mmmmm..... I can taste it now.  I had my niece over helping with the house and had to think of a meal she would eat.  She has decided not to include meat into what she eats.  So that's why I decided I would make this as it's something everyone can have but me.  I just love it in the winter like most everyone.  I like it in fall, summer, and spring.  I especially liked it when I was pregnant with both of my children. 

This is a vow I'm going to make, I will research a healthier homemade tomato soup and some type of grilled sandwich which I will try.  Then I will rate it and post the results and recipes  for everyone to try. 

Becoming free!

Well as everyone seen I have thoroughly cleaned out  my kitchen and got rid of less healthier items.  I promised myself I will not stockpile food.  I will not buy it if we don't need it.  Which in itself is a big step for me.  I have since decided to stop the hoarding and clean out the rest of my house.  I haven't gotten rid of one piece of clothing or toys since my youngest son was born.  I don't know why.  Ben my youngest has started sleeping in Mark's room.  In return we took and put my gym equipment in his room and made his room a exercise/game room.  I have passed on some of the toys and clothes to my brother-in-law Richard who's expecting a baby in march.  I have more bagged and in the  garage ready to go when they get room.  Our living room is overhauled and ready for the Christmas tree.  We have started on my mountain of backed up laundry.   I had several bags of papers and garbage that we no longer need or that aren't usable.  I'm feeling free.  I need to do my desk and paperwork area.  Then my bedroom.  Which will be tough as we use it to store upcoming Christmas gifts and birthday  presents.  I wish I had an organizational expert to help me get the right containers.  

On the reverse side

Well, I'm on the learning side of my new journey.  Although, I'm so excited about helping a new member of this health club.  Her name is Dawn we attend church together.  Today I went to her house I had my youngest son with me and she had her grandaughter with her.  We walked to TOPS markets to educate her on selecting healthier foods and to stock her up a little. She did great.  We circled the outside of the store which is where most of her foods came from.  The only thing I remember going down an aisle for was cereal, rice, tomato puree, natural smuckers peanut butter, and whole wheat bread. 

People say that eating healthier costs more money.  I say nay.  Sure a product like peanut butter may cost $.30 more a jar but you are measuring how much your eating and not putting it 1/2 inch thick.  Your also not eating as much food in general.  Your portions are smaller.  Another tip to eating healthier but less expensively is plan your meals around the grocery ads that week.   You can also purchase beef by the section of cow.  Look at your local Sam's club store to see if they have what you need in bulk.  At our TOPS the ground turkey is almost $4 lb.  At Sam's you can get it for about $2 lb.  Get your meats in bulk weigh and freeze them. 

No matter what you learn you can always pass it along in some form or another. 

Starting at New York Sport & Fitness



I have been exercising at home or walking around at different places.  I think it's definitely time to do more.  I'm going to be working out and learning a whole lot more at New York Sport & Fitness.  What a big step going to a gym for someone who's really never done that sort of thing.  I'm hoping after a month I will love it and begin to crave being there.  I know that this will help me as I will build muscle and burn fat.  I can't wait to see the proof.

If your trying to change your life and you come to a stand still, don't figure it isn't working.  Think I guess I need to cut back a little bit on the calories and/or step up the exercise.  If your not sure all you have to do is take NYS&F up on there offer of a free trial membership.  They have trainers who get you accustomed to the machines.  They also have many different classes they offer. 

I can't believe how convenient it was.  They have a daycare, juice bar, 4 different TVs you can choose from to watch and listen to.  The machines are very easy to understand since I have never been inside a gym.  My trainer was great on showing me how to use them and very encouraging.  They have a sheet for you that lists your machines weight your lifting, seat position, and how many reps.  It was rather easier and I wondered why I hadn't done this before.  I did find muscles however I never knew existed.  They were very consciences about making sure I was comfortable with my back problems. 


Click here to see NYS&F !!!!!

LIFE

On my last post entitled Black Friday I had a friend and my pastor's wife from church leave a comment on that post.  The comment read:

"I think the reason you are doing so well with your "journey" Carolyn is because you go after something and you keep at it. You have DRIVE!! Wish I had just a bit more of that myself. I love you. Keep on keeping on! "

I want to explain that I'm living life.  I am.  I won't ever quit this way of living.  There's no reason to go back to the old me.  Where I did away with cereal bowls and bought large bowls to eat my cereal or have spaghetti out of because I probably had at least 3 or more cereal bowls full plus bread to go with it.   I learned how to eat other filling healthy tasteful foods that aren't as harmful to my waist line with that spaghetti.    In the future I'm sure I may have a brownie but I now know it doesn't have to be two or three.   I also don't have to hide food I'm eating from anyone.  I'm proud of the food I eat and put in my body.  My mind, body, and heart is okay that I may treat myself once in a while.  I know what's healthier and I can pick and choose recipes better than just getting it out of a box.  I also know how to exercise so if I'm worried about the calories in that brownie I can always do some extra exercise.  In my mind knowing I can do extra exercise doesn't give me the permission to over indulge in food or snack.  Keep in mind that I now eat for nutrition and energy.  Eating double really doesn't give you anymore energy.  It just over fills you and makes you feel like laying around and doing nothing.  I don't eat because I'm sad, angry, mad, or unhappy anymore.  I don't eat just to eat with others anymore just because they are eating. 

I want to thank all of those people who have come into my life.  To thank everyone for following my blog and keeping me accountable.  I have so much praise for my Lord and Savior that he has allowed me to be here, go on this journey, and reep the benefits from it.  I also praise him that there has been many ways for me to pay it forward. 

Health and Happiness to you all this week. 

BLACK FRIDAY!

In a previous post, I explained that black friday to me just wasn't a shopping day.  It's an official start to the holiday season.  I love when it's snowing outside  - there's Christmas music on in the car on the way there.  Christmas music filling your heart.  The store is playing Christmas music.  I know, I know alot of people are saying the holidays are all commercial.  To me the holidays are what you make of them.  You don't need to buy anything extravagant or anything at all.  It's the time spent with people that you love.  The time spent celebrating Jesus's birth.  I shop for alot of people for the holidays.  It's something I enjoy.  It's the thrill of getting the deal.  If I don't however, and I don't worry about it.  I don't go out on black friday and push and shove etc.  to get what I want.  This year the stores are opening earlier and makes it more difficult to get to more than one store.  That's what family is for.  As this journey is my life change.  I'm going to live my life.  I'm not canceling black friday.  I'm going.  I'm making arrangements around my eating schedule.  Taking snacks and drinks with me.  I can still live life.  Going on a health journey doesn't hold you back from doing anything.  I will partake in another thanksgiving meal and then go scout my stores.  You can come on this journey with us all and still do activities.  This journey doesn't limit you.  It has helped my back which will help me in the end due to less pain and the ability to wait at my stores until they open.   Come on ........

Weigh in # 6 39 days in...

As I look and reflect on this past week.  I feel as though it's been a little stressful.  I feel like some of that liveliness I had has been diminished.  I thought about the discouragement and thought about "giving up."  I knew it wouldn't serve me or any reason to give up.  I did decide to continue with a strong and healthy spirit.  I will put all my effort into that.  The prayers are welcomed. 

At the end of weigh in #5 Fawn and I had set a goal for the first time.  The goal was to be out of the 300's by end of weight in #6.  That would have meant loosing 6 lbs this past week.  I secretly had a goal for 7 lbs since that would have put me at a total weight loss of 40 lbs.  Well I didn't make my goal.  I'm not to be too disappointed though because I did make it out of the 300's.  I reached Fawn's goal.  I lost 6 lbs. 

That same week another goal was set, to reach 50 lbs total weight loss by Christmas!  Will I make it - I positively have to think I'm going to.  It's the only way to succeed.  I'm still sick this week coughing and congested.  I'm going to forge ahead this week. 


Starting weight              338 lbs
last weeks weight          305  lbs
this weeks weight          299 lbs
weight loss this week        6 lbs
weight loss total              39 lbs
pounds until next goal      11 lbs

Positives for the week:
Lost more weight yayyy!
Have provided part of my church family with a healthy thanksgiving meal
I didn't associate Holidays with over eating to spend time with your family.
I will be starting to work with a gym this week.

Negatives for the week:
I'm still sick
I've had a little emotional setback

Here's to another good week!

My old plate and my new plate.......

As I said I used to pile up my plate at every meal I ate here's an example:

I would eat this plus a few rolls and some green bean casserole -then pie and cinnamon twists

I could also go back for seconds

This is what i ate for this year's Thanksgiving with my in laws

a teaspoon of butternut squash

1/3 cup whole wheat stuffing

1/3 cup sweet potato with horseradish

Green beans

4 oz turkey (white) I used to have dark with skin

I was content with my food.  It tasted great and I wasn't hungary anymore.  I had sweet potatoe and squash and didn't crave any apple crisp.  If you want something sweet or tangy you can get it right out of your healthy food.  You don't have to reach for unhealthy or less healthy options.  Your plate doesn't need to be loaded with food to enjoy your holiday with family. 

Healthy Harvest dinner at Church mmmmmmmmmmm.............

I had such a great time preparing food with the ladies of our church.  Everyone helped each other.  What a family we have from everyone there.  Our healthy menu consisted of:

Raw veggies and healthy horseradish dip
Sweet potatoes
Butternut squash
Green bean casserole
Barbecued naturally sugar free baked beans
Whole wheat stuffing
Deviled eggs (with cottage cheese, olive oil, black pepper, hot sauce or horseradish)
Lower fat gravy

The food had no added butter or salt. 

Some people tried the healthy food and some people didn't.  It's their life choices they made.  Any recipes will gladly be given out just message me.  It was so encouraging the people that seen me and said " You look great, keep it up.  Next year we won't recognise you"  I said, I'll proudly wear a name tag.  Some people talking about trying journeys of their own. 

Come check out my explanation of healthy harvest food dinner and new plans for the church

Here's videos of the healthy food we served

here's some of the food and explanations of what's in it

more healthy options

Testimonials from some who partook in healthy food this harvest dinner

1st testimonial come see what her favorite was

          Another persons testimony and suggestion for next year

A greatcook's opinion

Someone opinion and she doesn't even know me

The last and final opinion!!

I hope you sure enjoyed looking at my blog and our harvest dinner.  We sure enjoyed the food and fellowship.



Vibrancy

I changed the background of my blog.  I changed it because I don't feel at the moment the nice flowery one fit my excitement for living life anymore.  I changed the background just as I keep changing.  My body's chaning, my mind is changing, and my ever want to live my life and be able to same I'm happy and fulfilled.  Change has happened with me exercising that never happened before.  I didn't use to like change but I'm embracing it and loving it.  Change is good especially when it's good for you.  Oh I can't begin to say how glad I am that I'm on this journey not just the weight loss but the transformation within my mind, my heart, and my spirit.  I feel so much better as a person, wife, mother, and friend.  It's also the people that I surround my self with are so amazing.  Thanks again. 

I won't post until tomorrow night or sunday as I will be at church preparing for our harvest dinner.  Have a blessed day.

So excited!! RiPpLe RiPpLe RiPpLe

Here we go on another journey!!! This time I'm on the other side of it.  One of my dear friends I met at church and have known for about 5 years now is going to start her journey to health! Her name is Dawn she is a grandmother of so many.  Not only her own but her heart extends to so many little ones that she knows.  She will be blogging and telling you about her past and her new life.  I ask that you look at her upcoming blog and encourage her.  She has seen Fawn's Dad who is on a life changed to gain energy by not eating all the processed foods.  She has also seen me who's had trouble in the past with battling with my weight.  I'm glad that we were able to help inspire her to reach out for help.  Fawn has asked me to help with her since I'm local.  I can't wait because it will just reinforce how I'm living and what I'm doing.  It will also give me some insight on what I can help others do.  There will be things that we'll have to ask fawn together because her situation isn't a duplicate of mine.  I'm so excited about her upcoming journey and the fact that the ripple effect is here with us.  To understand what the ripple effect is and how it works take a look at Fawn's video here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A6rWbfnyuAc

Come join us on the ripple effect - and we'll pay it forward!!!

Anyone of you have a healthy suggestion out there?

As we are approaching thanksgiving I'm thinking about the foods I used to eat.  On most of the foods I just changed how I make them or what I put in them.  There's one that's stumping me.  I love turkey sandwiches after thanksgiving.  My hubby used to make me about 3 or 4 at a time.  Made using white bread, a healthy dose of miracle whip, and even more salt.  Plus the turkey.  I think sometimes I could have just age miracle whip and salt sandwiches.  This ear for my lunch I will be having one sandwich on whole wheat bread with 4 ounces of turkey and no salt.  What has stumped me is what to put on it.  I don't think mustard would taste right.  I'm doing no butter and no "mayo" type anything.  I thought for flavor I would roast a pepper and used that.  It would also provide some moisture.  What do you guys think?  What type of things do you eat on your turkey sandwich?  Maybe it will help me come up with an idea. 

I would have posted earlier but I'm getting things ready for our church harvest dinner on Saturday.  Also the next day we are having my husbands thanksgiving.  We are having it early so we make sure everyone can be there.  I will post some pics and videos that  make this coming weekend.  Anyone is welcome to a healthy version of the recipes.  Please ask!!

Here's from me to you wishing you a Healthy!!! and Happy Thanksgiving!

So easy stuffed peppers or stuffed pepper soup

So easy Stuffed Peppers or Stuffed Pepper Soup

 

Servings for one

Ingredients:

4 oz turkey/ground beef

3/4 cup brown rice cooked

1/2  pepper

1/4 cup onion

1 cup tomato puree no salt added

Water to add to make the right consistency

Your choice of any spices

You can prepare it and freeze it and then when you want it just throw it in oven for stuffed pepper or sauce pan for stuffed pepper soup.  2 meals in one depending on what you want.

I prepare the pepper in advanced because I like mine well done.  So I par boil it a little bit. 

Saute onion with pam in sauce pan add turkey/ground beef and rice.  Add any other spices you desire such as garlic and black pepper.  Cut up pepper.  Add pepper and tomato puree to sauce pan bring to a small rolling boil.  Turn off and simmer. 

Another option for this this you can turn this into rice spaghetti - just add appropriate spices to tomato puree. 

Tip * Freezes Well in freezer ziploc bags - if you freeze in ziploc containers it allows it to ice over it.