Trying to regroup

Oh! How I have fallen behind. I have discovered I am not good at keeping up with a blog. I also think that I got lazy and didn't want to report on my failures! But keeping a food journal really helps me keep track of my eating. It helps better than any thing else I've tried. So today I decided to try to get back on track. I have a good reason to do so. We are trying to have another baby. Not only would I like to lose some weight before that happens, I also want to continue good habits throughout my pregnancy.

I am recording what I eat at www.sparkpeople.com. It's free and so easy to use. That's all I am doing as far as a "diet". Just trying to be conscious of what I put in my mouth. I do so much "mindless" eating. I find myself popping a cookie in my mouth every time I walk through the kitchen. Just because they are "there". Just knowing I was going to record it today at sparkpeople made me pause and be aware of what I'm eating. So if this is so effective, why don't I do this everyday? Good question. I wish I had the answer. I keep looking for that...whatever...that will make today different than every other day. Every morning I wake with the best intentions, and every night I go to bed mad at myself for not following through.

Diet today was:
Breakfast-2 pieces of whole wheat toast w/ PB and J
Yogurt
Coffee w/ a splash of 2% milk

Lunch-I thought I was going to have to go into work today, so I quickly made a sandwich in between dropping Evan back home from camp and rushing to my office. Just 2 pieces of whole wheat w/ some turkey breast, cheese , cucumber, and mustard. I didn't need to stay at work, so when I came home, I made a homemade cheese pizza for the kids. I had a slice of that w/ some grapes.

Snack-Popsicle made w/ Crystal Light

Dinner-Baked Tacquitos w/ salsa and 1 tbsp of guacamole, and mixed vegetables.

Exercise- I wanted to walk on the beach while Evan was in his camp, but it rained the whole time. Maybe tomorrow. I am going to do a Firm DVD. The ad slogan they use is visible results in 10 workouts. This will be workout #5 lately, so we'll see!

Feeling Frustrated

I think I have lost track of the days! Anyway, still on my program, but feeling a bit frustrated. I do not expect Biggest Loser numbers each week, but I am up 2 pounds! I don't get it! I have been working out almost everyday, and I have done really well logging my meals sparkpeople.com. And have I mentioned my husband has lost over 20 pounds since he started his new job? Granted, he does lift heavy things for most of the night, but he eats bacon and eggs daily, can kill 3 Little Debbies in one sitting, and has no concern WHATSOEVER for counting calories. And he has the nerve to weigh himself in front of me on Saturday. He lost 5 more pounds! And did I mention those Little Debbies have been sitting in that pantry (Cosmic Brownies, my favorite) and I have not eaten any of them. Not a crumb! Isn't that worth something? Arg! Off to eat my stupid 60 calorie Fudgesicle!

Day 35-Weigh-in Day

Well, no change on the scale. It was a little upsetting. I know I burned more than 3500 calories with exercise. And that's supposed to equal a pound! Oh well, maybe I'll have a big week next week. I am logging my food and exercise on www.sparkpeople.com. I really like how they have it layed out. And when the Self Challenge begins again, I will try that. I am going to do that instead of the Jump Start Diet. I feel the tips are helpful, but maybe not specific enough for me? I don't know. I need something to tell me, "Put that damn fork down now!". I do great for breakfast and lunch, but everything falls apart at dinner! Maybe it's boredom? I don't know. However, hubby had a BIG box of Little Debbie brownies and I didn't eat ANY of them!

Exercise today was 20 minutes of a Denise Austin toning DVD (I woke up late!).
I'm at about 5700 steps right now, so I'll have to sneak some extra steps in while cleaning tonight.

Day 33

I admit I am suffering from a drop in motivation. I slept in yesterday and this morning. I did work out yesterday when I got home. Today, since hubby was off, we went to the beach and I walked in the sand. That's quite a glut workout! But I am sure I didn't burn as many calories as when I do a DVD. I am starting to focus more on diet. I think I eat reasonably healthy foods, I just have a hard time with portions. Especially when I get home, I seem to eat more than I need. I will try to focus on eating more slowly. I am trying the Jump Start Diet from www.self.com. It gives different tips to try each day. The kids are screaming, so more on that later.

Day 31

We took the kids to a park with a walking track. I surprised myself by running a half mile w/o stopping. I didn't think I could do it. I would love to add on to that, but finding a place to run with the kids is a challenge. That was my exercise for the day. I alternated walking and running on the track while hubby watched the kids. That is until they started screaming for me. The rest of the time was chasing them around the playground. I am almost to my step goal and hope to add some more before bed.
Breakfast: 2 frozen pancakes w/ sugar free syrup, yogurt, coffee w/ milk
Lunch: Leftover bulgobi
Snack: Cucumber and cream cheese on a piece of wheat bread
Dinner: Small steak, baked homemade "fries", green beans
Dessert: It was supposed to be a key lime yogurt pie, but the crust fell apart so it was more like pudding. It was yummy, though!
Estimate is around 1800 calories.

Goal for tomorrow:
30 minutes of exercise
10,000 steps
1800 calories

Day 30

Lazy Saturday day....the weather was awful. We had hoped to take the kids to the park (and I could walk the track while they played) but it was too damp. Instead, I took them to McDonald's playland to burn off some energy. And I only had a yogurt parfait there. No fries (okay, I ate 2 of Paige's-while she wasn't looking...that child does NOT like to share). I did a 45 minute workout DVD. It was one called Fit to Firm Fast (which is what I'm hoping for). Didn't meet my step goal. Will have to try harder on that tomorrow.

Breakfast: 2 eggs scrambled w/ veggies and cheese, yogurt, coffee w/ milk
Lunch: leftover tacos and corn from yesterday
Snack: Cucumber sandwich (piece of bread w/ light cream cheese and cucumbers) then yogurt parfait and McDonald's later
Dinner: I made a dish called Bulgobi that we love to get at this Korean restaurant nearby. It was sooo good.
Calorie count estimate=1800

Goals for tomorrow:
45 minutes of exercise
10,000 steps
1800 calories

Day 28/29 And Weigh-in day

I have been a little busy in the evenings. But I'll try to do better now. It keeps me honest to write about my days. Thursday was weigh day. I lost another 2 pounds! Very exciting. I did a 30 minute DVD for my morning work out. Then proceeded to ruin the rest of the day by eating out twice! We had another Counselor Appreciation luncheon (I had prime rib!) and then went to a buffet that night. I tried to stick with the crab legs and boiled shrimp. I did have an egg roll and some stir fry. And a piece of sugar free pie...nowhere near the damage I usually do at a buffet! So I guess that's progress.

Friday, I took the day off from exercise. I did try to get my steps. I'm not sure if I did, because I think my jeans rubbed the pedometer and reset the numbers! I did make my weekly Walmart trip that evening. And with 2 kids, that's quite a workout!

Breakfast: Oatmeal, yogurt, coffee w/ milk
Snack: PBand J sandwich
That was supposed to be my lunch, but I was still so hungry, I went to the cafeteria and got a "baked" corn dog. Nice. But I refused the fries and asked for green beans instead. But they tasted to good not to have something bad for me in them.
Dinner: 2 Hard tacos and some corn
Snack: Skinny cow Popsicle

Goals for tomorrow
45 minutes of exercise
10,000 steps
1800 calories

Day 27

Goodness, had to go out to eat again. And the day before weigh in day! Hubby wanted to go to Denny's. I thought my best bet would be breakfast, so I did that, and only ate little more than half. Which is good, since I also had a sweet tooth today! I did my morning workout, 33 minutes of a Leslie Sansone's walking w/ weights DVD. It was a little too easy. I should have pushed it more. So far, only 7500 steps, so I'll try to fit some more in before bed.

Breakfast: Oatmeal, yogurt, coffee (ran out of milk!!)
Lunch: Leftover tuna casserole, orange
Snack: 2 Truffles
Dinner: 2 pancakes, English muffin, eggs, hashbrowns
Snack: Ice cream sandwich (!)

By my estimates on mytrainerbob.com (and I looked up the calories for the Denny's online), calorie count is about 1900.

Goals for tomorrow:
Morning work out
More steps
1800 calories

Day 26

Forgot to post last night. It was a good day. I did my morning workout, 35 minutes of a Kathy Smith DVD. And I met my step goals of 10,000. By the calorie counter online, my calorie count was about 1900, not too bad.
I'm off to work so I don't have time to post my diet.

Day 25

Very exciting day. I tried on a pair of jeans that I haven't worn since Winter 2005/2006, when I became pregnant with Paige. And they fit!!!! Of course, they were loose then, and they are tight now, but I was still very excited. It's so motivating to see results. I did not meet my step goals today, despite going to 3 different parks with the kids!! I did do a FitTv workout, a pilates-based workout. It was a hour long program, but had commercials. According to my estimates, calorie count for today was about 1900. Not bad.
Breakfast: 2 frozen blueberry pancakes w/ sugar-free syrup, yogurt, coffee w/ milk
Lunch: Wendy's chili, a grilled chicken Go Wrap, and some of the kids' nuggets
Dinner: Large green salad, frozen lasagna
Snack: I'm still a little hungry, so I think I'll have an apple before bed

Goals for tomorrow:
35 minutes of exercise
10,000 steps (back to work, so no excuses!)

Day 24

While my cold is not completely gone, I do feel much better. I managed to workout today. I did 45 minutes of a circuit training DVD. I wanted to try to make up a little for time lost over the past 2 days. I even logged over 8300 steps. Not bad for not leaving the house! Tomorrow we plan to take the kids to play on the beach, so I hope to get some walking in on sand. That's a great workout! I logged my meals on mytrainerbob.com, but I'm not sure if the calorie count is accurate. It's hard to tell when it's from a recipe. But it said about 1300 for today. I think it's probably a bit higher.
Breakfast: 2 scrambled eggs, hashbrowns (there's only 70 calories per half cup, and I used Pam, not butter to cook! very exciting!), yogurt, coffee/milk
Lunch: I made sausage and chicken gumbo from a mix
Snack:Orange
Dinner: The last of the chili
Snack: I'm eating a small bag of microwave popcorn now

Goals for tomorrow:
At least 35 minutes of exercise
9000 steps
Log my meals/watch calories

Day 23

This day was not much better. Still battling bad congestion with my cold. I did not work out. Unless you count taking my 5 year old to a skating party. This was his first time on the "real" skates, so I ended up walking him around the rink about 732 times, and then picking him up when he fell. That should count for something! The rest of the day I rested. So I only logged about 5300 steps. But I will back in the saddle for Day 24!

I watched Biggest Loser on FLN last night. The show really inspires me, and I love to watch. But I am so irritated by the product placement on the show!! Sitting around talking about Yoplait yogurt and Extra gum! I really think they could edit a lot of the show and make it one hour. Too much filler. At least this year, the contestants seem more supportive. No one (yet) is so focused on the "game" aspect of it like last season.

Breakfast: Yogurt and coffee w/milk
Lunch: Some rotisserie chicken, then after skating some left over chili.
Dinner:George Foreman burger and some baked home fries (and about 20 Pringles-man, once you pop you can't stop!)

Goals for tomorrow:
Get back to the workouts-at least 30 minutes
At least 8000 steps
Count calories-I joined Mytrainerbob.com after watching the Biggest Loser, and there is a food log w/ calorie counter there that I will start using

Day 22

Ugh! Today I was a slug! I have a bit of a cold. I'm so congested and I didn't sleep well. So...I didn't get up this morning to work out. We ran errands after work, so I really didn't do anything after, either. I am not anywhere near 10,000 steps. But I hope to get at least 7500 before I collapse into bed. Tomorrow is another day...

Breakfast: 2 frozen pancakes w/ sugar-free syrup, yogurt, coffee w/milk
Lunch: Small homemade cheese pizza, w/ skim mozzarella
Snack:Orange, piece of Dove chocolate
Dinner: Homemade southwestern chili (I went for seconds...so good on a cold day!)

Days 20/21-Weigh-in day

I have exercised for 3 weeks in a row! Yay me! And if only I could get a handle on my diet, I think I would lose more. I did lose another pound. But at this rate, I would not reach my goal. I did a Cathe Friedich (sp?) workout today (man, she is tough!) and yesterday was another Firm DVD.
Yesterday
Breakfast: Toast and 2 eggs, coffee w/ milk
Lunch: Grilled chicken salad
Snack: Orange and a small piece of Dove chocolate
Dinner: Leftover hashbrowns, a hot dog, and some sweet potatoes. I didn't cook a meal, as you could tell. Just whatever I had in the fridge.
Snack:piece of pie. Must be PMS

Today:
Breakfast: Oatmeal, yogurt, coffee w/ milk
Lunch: Today was the luncheon. I got confused. I was proud of myself. I passed the Seafood au Gratin (which is out of this world) and got the salad w/ shrimp and lump crabmeat on top. Dressing on the side. I did have a piece of bread and bread pudding (which I ended up not liking so didn't eat much)
Snack: apple
Dinner: Mom and step-dad wanted to take us out for Chinese. It was a buffet, but I restrained myself. I had 2 cups of the hot and sour soup. Sooooo good on a cold night. Then I had a bunch of broccoli, and 4 small pieces of sesame chicken on some rice. And a dumpling. No egg rolls! And no crab ragoon. This is a big step for me!

Goals for tomorrow:
10,ooo steps
32 minutes of exercise
No eating out!

Day 18/19

Wow! On day 19 already! And I hate to say this, but I'm beginning to enjoy working out! I am getting some aches in my shins. Once I hit 35 minutes a day, I will take 2 days off a week to let my muscles rest. I did a 30 minute workout today, a DVD called Gym in a Box. Yesterday's workout was Ramp it Up from the Slim in 6 series. Yesterday I did not meet my 10,000 step goal (not quite 8000), but today I did. I had almost 10,000 before I left work today! It was a busy day.
I watched the Biggest Loser Sunday night. The new season started last Tuesday, but I have DirecTV and have to wait until the weekend to catch it on FLN. It is such an inspiring show. And I have to be honest...I took a little pleasure in the fact that I weighed less than all the participants. That's awful to say, I know. But every other year, there were always a couple contestants who started out smaller than me. Of course, this is the "biggest" year, as they kept pointing out. Ouch! Our nation is definitely getting bigger!
Since I am getting used to getting up in the morning, my next task will be to get serious about my diet. I write down what I eat, but not portions. That's what gets me. And days like today, I eat little at work, then way too much for dinner. Not terribly unhealthy, just too much of it.
Breakfast: Oatmeal, yogurt, coffee w/ milk and sweetener
Lunch:Small green salad, apple...later a chocolate covered pretzel...it was a tough day!
Dinner: I made a "healthy" hash brown casserole for dinner, w/ some lean pork chops w/ shake n bake on them. But I was so hungry while waiting for it to cook, I ate about 4 spoonfuls of potato salad! Plus I went back for seconds! Yikes!

Goals for tomorrow:
31 minutes of exercise
10,000 steps
Eat a bigger lunch (this won't be a problem, as I'm going to a luncheon tomorrow. However, the choices may not be too healthy!)

Days 16/17

I didn't get to blog last night. I usually do this after I put the kids to bed. I got in bed with them and didn't get back up! Anyway, I did meet my workout goal. But today and yesterday I only logged around 8000 steps each day. I'll have to make sure I do better on the weekend. I didn't necessarily eat "diet" food yesterday, but I am getting better with portions, which is the goal.
Today I walked this bridge we have. It is so steep on the way up. It is quite a glut workout! It was much colder than I thought. I was wearing shorts and a T-shirt and was freezing! There are usually so many people walking on this bridge. but today I was one of the only ones. Which was a good things, as my shorts were riding up between my thighs. I hate that! Chubby girls know what I am talking about. So embarrassing!

Breakfast: Two eggs, toast, coffee w/ milk and sweetener
Lunch: Light hot dog and large green salad
Dinner: This chicken dumpling crock pot meal I made. I tweaked the ingredients to make it healthier.

Goals for tomorrow
10,000 steps
Watch portions
29 minute workout

Day 15

I woke up this morning feeling lighter, not sure why. So even though it's not official weigh-in day, I weighed myself again. I was down an additional 2 pounds. I'm not going to change the "official" weight, but it made me feel good to see that. I was so excited I dug out some pants that are usually too tight. They were wearable, but snug. In fact, so snug, my pedometed did not give me an accurate reading today. I think my pants were so tight they rubbed against it and kept resetting the steps! But I don't think I walked as much as yesterday. I was in a meeting for the whole morning, so I was stuck in a chair. I did do 26 minutes of a DVD this morning. It was a dance-inspired aerobic workout.

Breakfast: Oatmeal, yogurt, coffee w/ milk and sweetener
Lunch: Subway, 6 inch Sweet Onion Chicken Teriayki on honey oat and a yogurt
Dinner: I made fideo, but I had to substitute some ingredients and it did NOT work like it usually does. I ended up throwing it all away. I ate a green salad, chicken sandwich, and some of the kids pizza quesadilla they didn't finish.

Goals for tomorrow: 27 mintutes
Walk more
Plan and shop for healthy meals for the week

Day 14, Weigh-In Day!

Okay, so I just noticed that the date is above each posting. Making it completely unnecessary for ME to add the date. I'm slow. But today was weigh-in day. I lost another .5, making a grand total of 1 pound lost. I am pleased, but I have lost this pound and gained it back many, many times. This time I am determined it will not return! I met all my fitness goals. Did 25 minutes of a Pilate's DVD, and logged 9471 on the pedometer. Kinda met my goal of smaller portions. We went to a Mexican restaurant, (again!) but I only ate a few chips, and half of my burrito. I was so busy at work, I only had time for an apple. Not good, but I think that allowed for the extra calories at dinner!

Breakfast: Toast topped w/ egg, cheese, and salsa, coffee w/ milk and sweetener
Lunch: Well....had an apple around 3:00PM
Dinner: 5-6 chips w/ salsa, half (okay, MAYBE 3/4 ) of a fajita burrito. It was oh so good.

Goals for tomorrow:
26 minutes of exercise
Walk more
Make time for lunch and sensible snacks so I am not starving for dinner!

Day 13, 1-7-09

Man, I was tired this morning. Last night I had some bug bites that were keeping me up, so I took some Benadryl. That stuff knocks me out! But I still was able to wake up early and work out in the morning. I did 25 minutes of a Tae Bo DVD. I forgot how tough that is!! And I am already at 9311 on my pedometer. Almost to 10,000! My food intake was pretty decent, too.

Breakfast: Toast w/ banana, coffee w/ milk and sweetener
Lunch: Didn't have time to make lunch. Was planning on getting a salad in the cafeteria, but they didn't have any today! But my coworker shared her stirfry veggies and rice. Then I had a tangerine.
Snack: Apple
Dinner: Green salad and chicken soft tacos (2)

Goals for tomorrow:
26 minutes of exercise
Add to my steps
Watch my portions

Day 12. 1-6-09

I woke up early this morning at worked out before work! I am very proud of myself. That took a lot to get out of bed! I did 24 minutes of a DVD called Carb Burner. I also have logged 8171 steps today.
Breakfast: Toast w/ cheese , egg, and salsa, yogurt and coffee w/ 2% milk and sweetener
Lunch: My coworker fed me some of her Mexican Shepherd's pie thing.
Snack: Tangerine
Dinner:Shrimp Alfredo, peas, green salad, one piece of garlic bread. Only one piece of bread! That is huge progress. I can really eat the whole loaf!

Goals for tomorrow:
25 minutes
More steps
Smaller portions

Day 11, 1-5-09

First day back to work. It is always so crazy the day before a new semester starts. I'm a school counselor, if I didn't mention that before. I didn't get to leave until 5:30. I was so tired that I stopped by Wendy's on the way home. Too tired to cook. And I wanted to work out in the morning before I left, but I overslept because the alarm clock came unplugged! But I was proud of myself for making sure I fit it in after dinner. I am still working on my steps for the day. I was chained to the desk for most of the day. Hubby ate all the drumsticks, but I gave the kiddies some sherbet, and did not have any myself! Yay for me!

Breakfast:Oatmeal, yogurt and coffee w/ creamer
Lunch: Take-out from a Japanese place. Chicken teriakyi (sp?) (very dry so I didn't finish it), some rice, clear soup, and and egg roll
Dinner: Wendy's chili and a Chicken go wrap, green salad

Goals for tomorrow:
24 minutes of exercise
8000 steps ( I have been lingering too long in the 7000's)
Try not to mindless snack at work. There is still some leftover chocolate in my office. DANGEROUS!

Day 10, 1-4-09

I didn't get a chance to post yesterday. I was too busy trying to get ready to go back to work! Let's see how I can fit working out when I am back to school. I did meet all goals. BUT, hubby went to the Walmart for me this week. Of course. he had to buy those yummy drumstick ice cream things AND sherbert! He said, "well, you don't have to eat it". Of COURSE I do!!! I have no willpower whatsoever.
Goals for tomorrow:
23 minutes of working out
step more
STAY AWAY FROM the ICE CREAM!

Day 9, 1-3-09

Even though I only have the "official" weigh-in day on Thursdays, I weigh myself everyday. There is always some variation, up or down 2-3 pounds. And that's even when I am not "dieting" or whatever. But today, I was up SIX pounds!!!! That makes no sense to me, and kinda bummed me out. But I am trying to tell myself it was some bloating and to refocus. I did meet my exercise goals. I did 21 minutes of a DVD called Progressive Pilates for Weight Loss. Also logged 7648 steps today. Although I still had trouble getting to sleep, I think I managed to get about 7 hours. I wasn't as hungry today.

Breakfast: Oatmeal, yogurt, and coffee w/ creamer
Lunch: Spinach salad, turkey sandwich
Dinner: Spinach salad, tater tot casserole (made a bit more "light" w/ low fat cheese, soup, and lean meat)
Late night snack: Hot cocoa

Goals for tomorrow:
22 minutes of exercise
More steps on the pedometer
Buy lots of healthy food at the grocery store. I'm back to work on Monday, and I need lots of healthy snacks and lunches to bring w/ me.

Day 8, 1-2-08

I was very hungry today. Managed to not snack or eat too much, but MAN I was hungry. I think it's because I am off my schedule and overtired. I always seem to be hungrier when I don't sleep enough. Must add Get Enough Sleep to goals! I did make the exercise goals. I did a Gilad workout for 20 mintues. I walked 7313 steps today. Getting very close to the 10,000 goal mark.
Diet was okay today:
Breakfast: Oatmeal, yogurt and coffee with creamer
Lunch: Had a picnic with the kiddies. PB&J on whole wheat, an orange, and carrot sticks. Then my mom brought over leftover gyro, and I had a couple bites of that. Yum.
Dinner: Beef stir fry-made with carrots, baby corn, and endamame and served over whole wheat pasta. It was pretty good. I probably had a little too much. I was so hungry today! At least it was all healthy stuff.

Goals for tomorrow:
21 minutes of exercise
More steps
Get enough sleep so I'm not so hungry!

Happy New Year! 1-1-09- Day 7

I thought this was my weigh-in day, because I thought I started last Thursday. Oh well, I am down half a pound. It's a good start to the new year. I was very sleepy from staying up too late last night. I was very lazy. I did manage the 19 minutes of exercise, another The Firm workout DVD. That makes 110 minutes of exercise for this week. My long-term goal will be at least 150 minutes each week. I am getting there. I logged 7070 steps. It is becoming so easy to get the steps, but Baby Girl still likes me to chase her around the table.

Diet:
Breakfast: Oatmeal, yogurt, coffee and creamer (the kids ate half the oatmeal with me!)
Lunch: Hubby wanted Mexican again. What a bad influence he is! Fewer chips this time, but I did eat half a fajita burrito. Soooo good.
Dinner: Salad and a sandwich. Apple for dessert.

Goals for tomorrow:
20 minutes of exercise
More steps
More good food (less crap!)

Day 6, 12-31-08

Well, I am posting this the next day actually. I was too tired after ringing in the New Year. We took the kids to my brother's house and we all had a great time. I met all my exercise goals. I did 18 minutes of exercise with a DVD called Pick Your Level. The instructor in Michelle Dozois, and I love her workouts. I managed 10 push-ups, and walked 6633 steps.
I tried on a pair of size 16 jeans that I have in the closet. They were on, but I just couldn't wear them in public. Too scary for right now. I will keep trying those to chart my progress. I noticed when I cleaned out my closet the other day I have jeans in just about every size you can think of.

Diet: Oatmeal, yogurt, and coffee w/ creamer
Lunch: Spinach salad and some leftover chicken tenders from last night
Snack: Big spinach salad I shared w/ the kiddies
Dinner: Well.......hmmm....where do I start....a (incredibly delicious) hamburger, spinach dip, artichoke dip, salsa/queso dip, french onion dip (see a pattern here?), lots of crackers for the dips....and a lovely concoction called Summer Beer my sister-in-law made (beer, lemonade, and vodka) just filled with empty calories!

Goals for tomorrow:
More steps
Exercise for 19 minutes
More fruits and veggies