Weekly Health Update no. 7

Fitness 

This week I had hoped to work out at least three times, but it never happened. I'd usually feel really bad about this, however, I have excellent news to report in my nutrition...so let's skip to that!

Nutrition

On Monday I began Weight Watchers and I am happy to report that I absolutely positively LOVE it! :))) Monday was a bit rough and I ate more than I was allowed, but Tuesday through today I have stayed within range and actually have extra weekly points to burn! WOOP WOOP! The reason I slacked off of exercising was to give myself time to adjust to my new eating plan. Since I have always struggled with the nutritional part of this journey I felt that it was much more important to focus on this. I use my WW calculator to figure out points, and then log these points directly into the calculator. It is SO much easier to do this than to calorie count, and I am very excited that this is working for me! :)

Next Week's Motivating Picture

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Lauren Conrad - A long, lean body without looking rail thin. Gorgeous! 

Weight/Measurements

I have said this many times before, but I seriously hate the scale. If I see that I've lost weight, I get overly confident and start thinking "Hey! I lost 5 lbs, I can afford to eat this pint of ice cream" or the opposite happens and I feel helpless and defeated. On Monday I weighed myself to see my starting point and I am happy to report that I have lost 1 lb. I know it's not amazing, but it's a start, and I AM SO HAPPY! :)

Wrap-Up

Overall it has been a great week! I did not feel deprived of any food and have made great choices during my first week on WW. While I would have liked to exercise as well, I am happy with the progress I have made. Next week I'm hoping to keep up on WW and squeeze in a few work-outs.

To those on their own journey -- how is it going??

My Sweet Husband & a Weekly Health Update no. 6

Yesterday, I mentioned that my husband travels each week, Monday through Friday, and that we only see each other on the weekends. Back in March he interviewed for this position and we were extremely blessed when he landed this job. His is a tax resolution consultant and loves helping people. Additionally, he gets to share his faith through this position. While this job is financially great for our family, I miss him so very much when he's gone. Yesterday we ate lunch together, and then he was off! When I got into my vehicle after work, I found this lovely note on the front seat...

Linds,

I just want to remind you of how beautiful you are. I thought so the day I first saw you at church. To tell you the truth you grow more beautiful to me each and every day...

The note continued on for a bit, and I was overjoyed by my husband's thoughtfulness and sweet words. When I got home I stumbled upon another one...

Linds,

I hope you have sweet dreams. Let's meet in our dreams. Start in New York and then head to Rome...

This note was on my pillow. Can I just say that I absolutely adore this man? Even when he isn't home he knows how to make me swoon. It's little things like this that are strengthening our marriage while he is away. We know that things will not be this way forever, and we are hoping that he gets promoted to a territory soon. If this happens, we may have to move, but at least we'd be together.

Keith Joseph, I love you! :) 

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Fitness

Same ole, same ole. Last week I didn't have any scheduled workouts. My nephew did sleep over one night, and I chased him around the house, but I really don't think that counts. 

Nutrition

On Thursday of last week my Weight Watchers materials arrived! I spent the end of the week reading over everything and preparing to start at the beginning of this week. I am happy to report that I did begin WW yesterday...but I must save that for next week's report! :) 

Next Week's Motivating Picture

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The beautiful Rachel McAdams - Toned back and slim arms. Just beautifully feminine!

Weight/Measurements

Tomorrow I will weigh myself so that I know what I'm starting at for Weight Watchers, and tonight I will take my measurements...seems as though I'm starting this whole journey over, but hey at least I'm still going, right?

Wrap-Up

I'm feeling pretty great about Weight Watchers and will hopefully have good news to report next week! :) I plan on working out 3 times this week, so here's to hoping that happens!!! :) 

Life and a Weekly Health Update no. 5

Hello dears. :) I hope everyone had a fantastic weekend! (And a Happy late Mother's Day to all of the moms out there!) My weekend, as always, went by way too quickly but it was delightful. It was the first school-free weekend for me and the hubs and we thoroughly enjoyed it. 

On Friday night I went with my co-worker/friend Karie to see Something Borrowed and I have to say that I was a little disappointed. Overall I did like the movie, but my expectations may have been a bit too high. The storyline stayed pretty true to the book, but I thought that there were some very important things that were left out, and a few added items that were unnecessary. I guess this is what happens when you take an amazing book and condense it into a 2 hour movie. BUT, I'd definitely see it again, I'll probably buy the DVD, and you can bet I am still a huge Emily Giffin fan. :)

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Fitness

Let's face it -- I have completely slacked off of my "a whole new healthy me!" regimen. The reason? I have lost any and all motivation. Sure, working out and eating better makes me feel better, but sometimes I feel like I am fighting a battle against laziness/procrastination and I am losing badly. Last week I failed to write this update, and even though I have nothing good to report I must keep posting because the accountability is priceless. 

I didn't work out last week at all, so there's really nothing to update.

Nutrition

I have been doing an okay job at eating healthy, but I'm still refusing to count calories. I know it's a necessary evil but I just can't stick with it. I do have somewhat promising news -- last week I ordered Keith and I each a Weight Watchers member's starter kit. While this will still be sort of like counting calories, I think I'll feel a lot better by having a point system and keeping track of everything. A year ago Keith and I did WW for a few weeks...he lost 10 pounds, I lost 5. (Don't you just love how quickly men lose weight?) 

Next Week's Motivating Picture

 

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Jennifer Hudson - Because losing weight and being healthy IS possible. She's gorgeous. :)

Weight/Measurements

I still have not stepped a foot on the scale since the last time, so I have no clue how much I'm weighing. I can guarantee I haven't lost any further weight just by the way my pants are fitting. As for measurements, there's really no improvement. I mean come on, you can't stop working out and eating good and expect results. 

Wrap-Up

While I feel like a borderline failure, I am hopeful. My challenge of posting a bathing suit picture of myself on July 30th still stands, so I better get my butt in gear or prepare for embarrassment. Wish me luck! 

To the ladies that started their own regime, how are y'all doing? Any advice?

*Read about the start of this journey here. You can also see my past weeks progress here. Thanks for stopping by!

Weekly Health Update no. 4

Fitness

For what it was, last week was fine. I only worked out on Thursday; my sister and I did pilates. I had good intentions, but it just didn't happen -- and that's okay. I didn't beat myself up over it. And even though I didn't work out too much, my body is feeling great. My legs feel strong and my muscles are becoming more defined. :) 

Nutrition

I did a little better than last week, but still not where I need to be. This Sunday was Easter, and while I didn't eat tons of candy, I did eat some wonderful home cooking at my mother-in-laws. Yum, yum. Last week I confessed that this is the toughest part for me, and nothing has changed. 

Next Week's Motivating Picture

Audrina Patridge - Her tummy (and body) is fantastically sculpted. 

Weight/Measurements

I have yet to weigh myself since the last scale fiasco, but I am feeling great. I am still somewhat fighting off a sinus infection, but I feel like my energy level is way up. The part of my body that I am loving is my legs and how firm they have gotten. I still have so much work left to do to better my health, but I am finally on the right road, going the right way.

Wrap-Up

While I wish that would have really grasped this journey with a tight grip and would be reporting a loss of pounds, I really am satisfied with the baby steps I've taken. This weekly update has worked wonders, and has helped me to make right choices, even if they aren't the "perfect" choices. 

Weekly Health Update no. 3

Fitness

Last week I lowered my expectations after a few of you lovely bloggers suggested that I stop aiming so high. It was almost like I was setting myself up for failure, so this past week I aimed to workout 3 nights a week. How'd I do? Well, I ended up working out twice. Last week I was not feeling like myself...very fatigued and unmotivated. (Which is why this post is late) I actually ended up going to the Doctor yesterday because I couldn't take it anymore. Come to find out I have an upper respiratory infection. Blah. I am currently on a Z Pack and am starting to feel a bit better. Here's how my week went:

Monday - Nada. I picked up my little sister, Lacey from the airport this night!

Tuesday - Yoga (30 minutes)

Wednesday -Rest

Thursday - Pilates (25 minutes)

Friday -Nada. Movie night with my sis. (We watched Tangled, again!)

Saturday - Nada. My husband got back from being gone a week!

Sunday - Rest

This week was the first time I had tried Jillian Michael's Yoga, and oh my word was it nuts. I really didn't like much. I found that it hurt my joints, especially my knees and wrists, and was just praying for the 30 minutes to end quick! However, the next day I was so sore, so I may end up trying it again this week.

Nutrition 

This is the hardest part for me. Last week I wanted to begin the SparkPeople regimen, but I failed. There's just something that I hate about counting calories and monitoring every single thing that I put into my mouth. I tried to just judge the food that I was eating, but I tend to overdue my portions. (Thank you, American society) For this current week my plan is to not beat myself up over the nutritional part of my journey. I'll take it one day at a time.

Next Week's Motivating Picture 

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Carrie Underwood - Her legs are amazing. 

Weight/Measurements 

Well, I did it. I finally weighed myself and I am hating the results. I gained 1.5 lbs. Realistically I know that this is probably weight from the muscles that I am gaining, but I still hate it. I hate that this stupid number holds so much of my self-worth. On a brighter note, while my legs are nowhere near Mrs. Underwood's, they are starting to firm up. Also, my arms are starting to slim down and become defined. The one problem that I am having is that my tummy is gaining muscle (I can see the beginning of ABS!) but since I am not losing much fat, my tummy is starting to look bigger. Not. cool. If this doesn't motivate me to eat better then I don't know what will! 

Wrap-Up 

This week was nothing special. Not my best, but I'm coming to realize that it's going to take many baby steps to get to where I want to be. And I am finally okay with that.

Weekly Health Update no. 2

 

Fitness

This week I unfortunately did not do as well as I'd hoped. Instead of working out 6 days a week I bumped it down to 5, but only worked out 3. 

Monday - NYC Ballet (55 min.) 

Tuesday - 30 Day Shred (23 min.)

Wednesday - Tae Bo (35 min.)

Thursday - Pilates (20 min.)

Friday - Rest

Saturday - Rest

Sunday - Tae Bo (55 min.)

   

My best workout was on Monday with the NYC Ballet. I really felt great after this workout, but my week seemed to go downhill from there. Working out 6 days a week just wasn't realistic with my schedule, but I am very disappointed that I only completed 3. I'm not going to beat myself up about it...just going to do better next week! 

Nutrition 

This week I tried to keep a food diary, but that didn't really work too great. I did log the foods that I ate during the day at work, but in the evenings I would forget. I ate fairly well, but I have a confession -- I have zero control when it comes to Easter candy. Zip. Zilch. Nada! Tomorrow I will begin logging my food on SparkPeople.com and will hopefully be able to stick to a solid plan.

Next Week's Motivating Picture 

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 Blake Lively - Svelte muscles, beautiful femininity.

  

Weight/Measurements

I have not weighed myself since I first started my fitness regimen, so I have no idea how I am doing. I have been told by several people that I look "skinnier", but quite frankly that could just be from figure flattering clothes. However, I am happy to report that my shirts are feeling a bit looser in the arm area, and my pants are fitting a bit better. I plan on doing my first weigh-in next for Sunday's report. Wish me luck! :) 

Wrap-Up  

This weekend I saw my friend Anna at church, and she asked me how things were going. I reeeeally wish I could have told her that they were going fantastic, but instead I confessed to her about the Easter candy that is lurking in my house. While I was a bit bummed about my report, this is exactly why I am posting about my progress! I need this accountability! So Anna, thank you for checking in on me! This week wasn't by best, but I am looking forward to the upcoming week's plan! :)

Weekly Health Update no. 1

Fitness

 

This week was my first week with a workout schedule, and I must say that I am pretty proud of myself. I mapped out my entire week, and stuck to it! Here's how my week went:

Monday - 30 Day Shred (23 min.)

Tuesday - NYC Ballet (55 min.)

Wednesday - Tae Bo (55 min.)

Thursday - Pilates (20 min.)

Friday - 30 Day Shred

Saturday - Rest

Sunday - Tae Bo (55 min.) and 30 Day Shred (from Friday, 23 min.)

Each workout is entirely different, but I'd have to say my favorite is Tae Bo. This workout seriously kicks my behind, but in an amazing way. I know I've only been working out for one week, but I am already feeling so much better. A major factor in me sticking to this schedule was my husband being out of town all week.  (When he's home I just can't help but love on him) This upcoming week he'll be home, but I am determined to stick to it! 

Nutrition

This week I focused on making healthy choices, but I wasn't too strict. If I wanted to eat some candy, I did. However, I also ate incredibly healthy dinners (can we say chicken fajitas on wheat tortillas?) and my typical boring healthy lunch. (A sandwich on white wheat, baked chips, and yogurt.) Since this was my first week working out I didn't want to immediately begin my SparkPeople regimen. I will say that working out has made me go "Why in the world did I just work out for an hour if I am going to eat ice cream?!?!" So, that's good. :) Next week I will begin to keep a food journal. 

Next Week's Motivating Picture

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Hilary Swank - long, lean, and muscular. Strong. I love this picture.

Weight/Measurements

While I have weighed myself to know where I am starting, I will not be posting this number. The main reason is that I just don't want all the world to know my weight, but moreover I'd rather this journey not be about the number on the scale. This will be about my body's transformation and my health. I did take "Week One" pictures, but will not be posting those until I have some lovely "after" shots! :) My plan is to try my absolute hardest to not weigh myself every week. I have learned from the past that this will either discourage me or make me overly happy. (The overly happy part results into the mindset of "Oh, I lost 5 lbs. and I can afford to eat bad for one day." No, not happening this time!)

New Goal?

I have been thinking about creating a new goal that will keep me motivated on this journey. I tend to stay focused right out of the gate, but typically slack off. Besides all of the perks of being healthy and fit, I feel like I need a little something extra. So, here's what I've come up with:

On July 30th, I will post a picture of myself in a bathing suit  (Eeeek.) Whether it's a one or two piece, I'm not sure yet. (Does it really matter? Just the word bathing suit makes me nervous) BUT, what I do know is that this will most definitely keep my head in the game. What do y'all think?

Wrap-Up

That's all I've got! I'll be back next Sunday with more (hopefully great) updates!