The Skinny Rules

These are the rules .. 
1. drink a large glass of water before every meal--no excuses! 
2. don't drink your calories 
3. Eat protein at every meal--or stay hungry and grouchy 
4. slash your intake of refined flours and grains 
5. Eat 30 to 50 grams of fiber a day 
6. Eat apples and berries every single day. Every. Single. Day. 
7. No carbs after lunch 
8. Learn to read food labels so you know what you are eating. 
9. Stop guessing about portion sizes and get it right--for good. 
10. No more added sweeteners, including artificial ones. 
11. Get rid of those white potatoes. 
12. Make one day a week meatless. 
13. Get rid of fast foods and fried foods. 
14. Eat a real breakfast. 
15. Make your own food and eat alt least ten meals a week at home. 
16. Banish high salt foods. 
17. Eat your vegetables--just do it! 
18. Go to bed hungry. 
19. Sleep right. 
20. Plan one splurge meal a week. 

I know it has been a while since I posted.  I have been flirting with ONEderland all summer.   I blame stress, an my eating.   I know I could have made many better choices.   It is time to get back to work.   Bob Harper, from the biggest looser, wrote a book with a 30 day eating plan.  John and I read the book over the summer.   I decided to buy it and give the 30 days a try.  Week 1 I would call a success.   I am down 5 pounds from September 1.   I started at the RAC and I hope that strength training will get the numbers moving down again.   I can see 100 pounds down.  It is so close!!!!  

ONEderland!!!!!

YIPPEE!!!!!  I finally made it.  9 days after my mini goal, but I am there!!!!!!  What a week this has been.  Started out each morning in the usual way.  Making good food choices, but by the time dinner rolled around I ate whatever.  I even had apple pie and wine one night.   Well, not that I would encourage that type of eating, maybe it was exactly what I needed.  I was not good about logging all my food.   I got in a few walks, but really was not into my workouts.   This morning I got up and decided to just get on the scale.  My normal weigh day is Wednesday now, but I figured what the heck...

I am so HAPPY I did get on today.  What a ride this has been.  The next mini goal is August 2. 33 days about 5 weeks  I would like to be 100 pounds down.   It is less than 20 pounds and if I can keep up with 2 pounds a week I just may make it.  I have under 20 to go!  So fingers crossed for me!

Day 140

The end of my mini goal that started back in February and I am sad to say I am not at ONEderland.  YET! very close.  My scale was all over the place in the morning.  Why I have to step on it more than 1 time is beyond me.  I am about 2.5pounds from ONderland.   I have to just move on and not stress.

New mini goal....  to be down a total of 100 pounds on my 1 year anniversary of deciding to do this.
I have 6 weeks and about 20 pounds.  It will be tough.  I have not been losing at the 2 pound a week rate I have wanted, but I will do the very best I can to get there.  Over 80 pounds lost is nothing to be upset about!

Fitbit Ultra

I ordered the fitbit for John and I.   It is a fancy pedometer. It calculates steps, distance, calories burned, stairs climbed, and sleep quality. John has a bad habit of losing pedometers, I hope he can keep track of this one. It was expensive.  Tiger got one earlier in the year and loves hers. 

I still have the pedometer I borrowed from Ellen, but I have been looking at this tool since January and decided to just do it.  I will wear both for a few days to check for accuracy.  I am excited because it will sync to my fitness pal.  Now to figure out how :)

  I will keep you posted on what we think of this tool.

May 20, 2012

My first official 5K.   I started training on February 26 with the couch to 5K program.   I had been running a 5K for a few weeks before this date, but this was the real deal.   A sea of people 1,200 runners.

The Finish Line

It was a warm sunny morning.  I had been training in cooler temperatures, but I was still thrilled with my time 42 minutes 17 seconds.   I started at the back of the pack so I could possible shave a little time off of this chip time.  Still it was a great run and a great time was had by all.

John got a personal best of 23 minutes 47 seconds. I am so proud of him.  Next up he is participating in a triathlon.

 Lynn and I jogged the first mile together for the most part.  We were seperated by people every so often.

the finish line

Mom had a late start due to some parking issues.   I feel bad about it after all that training, but she still did the run.  She missed part of the 3.1 miles because she joined Lynn and I for the last mile and a half. 

the finish line

I am so proud of my mom and sister, and I am so thankful for the team who ran this with me and those who cheered me on. Thanks for coming Stacey, Ellen and Tracy!

I am so lucky to have the support of family and friends.  When we were all done, Melanie asked me to run another 5K in July.  I am honestly considering it.

the team
Mom, Lynn, John, Me, Melanie, Jeremy

Non-Scale Victory 5/2012

These were getting tight last summer.

John and I were out running errands yesterday and I realized how big my pants were feeling.   we got home and had some lunch and I was feeling silly.  who knew I would be able to get myself in to half of my pants.   This was a great non scale victory for me.  I have been feeling frustrated recently on this journey.  I have had minor losses each week and I think I will not make my June 20 goal.
(day 102/140)  However, this moment of silliness revived me.  I am going to get there.  I have learned to set mini goals.  I have learned to enjoy new foods, I have learned I can still eat chocolate and pizza and french fries in moderation.   I have learned to like running. I like to work out and I am frustrated if I miss a day.

This is not an easy journey, but it is one I have enjoyed.   I am so thankful my husband has been so supportive and has has his own success.

Half Way

Today was a good day. I was afraid to get on the scale with the past weeks I have had, but I got on and was happy with the results. I am officially half way to my weight loss goal, that arbitrary number I picked to lose, (not a final weight)  I set back in August.  Down 75 pounds and thrilled. I am 88 days into my 140 day mini goal I set back in February. The ONEderland goal.  I was beginning to feel defeated. I was on a plateau and then had a minor injury and was sure I set my goal to high. Well I have 52 days left  (7weeks) 12.3 pounds to go!!!!!

August 2011 (when this all began)

Today, April 28, 2012

Down 75 pounds

I completed week 8 day 3 and then minor knee injury.  I can get back to running in a few days.  Not sure what happened I ran 3 miles and later walked 3.  This is somewhat normal for me now.  Then my right knee stiffened up and it hurt.  Hurt enough for me to make an appointment to see a doctor.
I am feeling better.  I went back to swimming because the Doc said no running for 7-10 days.   The pool has been great. At the same time I am anxious to get back out to run.  I never imagined saying that.

I am feeling like I can make ONEderland in the time I have set. 7 weeks about 2 pounds a week I will get there.  My next mini goal is August 2 to be down 100 pounds.  100 pounds in 1 year not impossible.

John and I have lost  120 pounds between us.   We are a good looking couple.

August 2011

St. Patty's Day 2012

John 4/28/2012