Losing a Part of Me

Day 20

2011-10-31T20:13:00.000-07:00

Week 3: Day 6. Aka Day 20.

Todays diet went well! I went for a jog. A first in too long a while. But it was pretty successful! I jogged on the "river" bank of the Rio Grande. There wasn't any water in it. In fact, that air was so dry that my throat instantly hurt and my nose and sinuses ached. I felt like I was going to get a bloody nose. Thankfully I am not a bleeder.

Apart from the uncomfortable dryness of the desert, the walk/jog went well. I can definitely up the stakes tomorrow and hopefully within about a week and a half be back to jogging a full 5-k without walking.

I also went crazy and did Jillian Michael's Yoga Meltdown... Level 2!!! I was curious. I actually like it much better than level one. It is more balance moves and moves similar to those found in Pilates but with a Yoga twist. I am GOOD at it! Screw you Level 1 with all your horrible arm poses.

In all honesty, though, I will probably continue doing Level 1 because I do find it harder. My arms are not as strong as my legs (relatively speaking). It is more beneficial for me to do Level 1 to work on my weaknesses (arms). I will definitely do Level 2 when I am in the mood for a good workout, but not a stressful one.

Cheers!

coffee 4 : water 0... Oh, and I'm awesome.

2011-10-27T18:24:00.000-07:00

Week 3: Day 2
(Day 16)

Well, I messed up today a little bit. I didn't eat breakfast until noon because I wasn't hungry in the morning. It has been a struggle to eat in the mornings anyways, and today I just couldn't make myself. Then I was out-and-about until noon-thirty. Oops.

Also, It is 7:20pm and I just now realized that I have had four cups of coffee today and NO water. Well crap!

I still haven't exercised, but I will in about an hour or two after I digest dinner. And then I will down 3/4 of the water I still need after that. I know that downing all that water at once defeats the purpose of drinking that much water. The point is to drink it throughout the day. But just so I don't feel too bad, I will drink it before I go to bed.

I will just pee a lot tonight. Haha!

Bad joke and bad planning. Shame on me. But at least I'm still okay. Just not great.

Why am I not great?!

* * * * *

UPDATE: I worked out! Actually, I did more than JUST work out. I did all 35 minutes of Jillian Michael's Yoga Meltdown. Last time I died after 5 minutes. Of course, last time isn't a good representation of my progress. I felt like I was going to vomit so I stopped. But the times before I had worked myself up to 20 minutes of the program. I was planning on working up by 5 minute intervals but I just skipped to doing the WHOLE THING!!! About 25 minutes in I popped something in my hand and still pushed through to the end. I now have NO excuses because I know I rock.

Yay me!!!

Day 15 - Week 2 Results

2011-10-26T10:35:00.000-07:00

Week 2's results are in.

I must note that I am a little disappointed by them. I am still making good progress, but I want to magically not be fat anymore. Is that unrealistic? Just kidding. I think the only problem I am having is that I am pretty stationary most of the day right now. I am exercising well, but not normal, everyday moving through my life type exercise. Still, I have results.

Total weight loss: 3 lbs.

Total inches:

Waist: -1.5
Hips: +1 (It is hard to know exactly where I measured before. That or Jillian Michael's Yoga Meltdown has made my ass bigger... and firmer)
Thighs: -1.5 (This is consistent with Week 1's results)
Chest: 0
Arms: -0.25 (Sweet! I have been working out my arms so I actually expected to see a gain.)

Apart from my hips, which aren't co-operating very well, I did see results. I can't complain. For one week this isn't bad!

* * * * *

Totals for the diet at end of Week 2.

Total weight: 10.5 lbs.

Total inches:

Arms: -0.25
Chest: -2.5
Waist: -4.5
Hips: -2
Thighs: -3

Cheers!

* * * * *

My goals for Week 3.

1. Stick to diet. Watch proportions closely! Mix up types of veggies I'm eating. I eat too much lettuce and broccoli. I need to expand my veggie-types.
2. Exercise 20 minutes, 4 days this week. This is the basic plan through Nutrisystem. I am going to focus on upping my Pilates reps and improve my Yoga. I will try and exercise for 25-30 minutes some days, but this isn't my goal.

Day 10 - My "10" Brackets

2011-10-21T12:47:00.000-07:00

This week has started off well! I've continuously reached my simple exercise goals, although my muscles are still adapting. However, I'm afraid of weighing myself at the end of the week. I am just building up muscles that were in shape a few months ago, but muscles weigh more than fat.

I can apply all the logic to the situation that I want, but if the scale doesn't show the results I want, I WILL be discouraged. Hopefully my measurements will make up for it. If I can keep losing inches then the scale won't matter so much. But it still matters.

I can't help it.

I want to look better and feel better. Those are my primary goals. But there is a psychological calm that comes from reaching a physical and visible number on a scale.

While 3-5 pounds this week would be ideal. With the work-outs and the muscle building I will be happy with 1.5 pounds. That is what I need to be in the next "10" bracket.

Speaking of "10", this is how I speak about my weight to girl-friends.

I don't want them to know my weight because it is embarrassing. Even though they always think I weigh a good 20 pounds less than I usually do.

So I speak in "10"s. These represent denominations of 10 (obviously). 10, 20, 30, etc. I just don't tell people the first number of the sequence. I say things like, "I am so close to being in the next '10' bracket" or "I'm am at the top of the '10' bracket so I have a little ways to go before entering the next one."

I will use this vague form of measurement here.

I am 0.5-1 pound in this "10" bracket. If I can loose 1.5 pounds then I will see a different beginning number on the scale and I will feel like I've accomplished something!

Luck!

Day 8

2011-10-19T15:47:00.000-07:00

Week One's results are in!

Total weight lost: I don't really know actually. My starting weight is a little confused. But I did loose some!

Total inches:

Waist: -3 inch.
Hips: -3 inch.
Thighs: -1.5 inch.
Breasts: -2.5 inch. (but I swear it isn't in my breasts, J.)

All in all, that is awesome! I am so excited!!!

On a different note: Day 7 is missing from this blog because my computer broke. But there wasn't much to tell. It went well just like Day 6.

*My goals for Week 2:
1. Stick to diet.
2. Exercise 20 minutes everyday.

Wish me luck!

Day 6

2011-10-17T20:20:00.001-07:00

There isn't much to tell. It's going.

A whole new problem (Day 5, Part A)

2011-10-16T10:39:00.000-07:00

It is Day 5 and I am struggling in a whole new way. The first to days I felt hungry because of the smaller portion sizes (more often) and the limited calories. But today (and a little of yesterday) I am having trouble feeling hungry at all!

My body has finally adapted to the new diet regimen and my stomach has maybe shrunk a little because I'm not filling it too full. When before I couldn't wait three hours until I could eat again, now I look at the clock and think, "Crap!" I was supposed to eat half-an-hour ago and I'm not hungry.

I am forcing down lunch as I type this.

It is nice not feeling hungry, but the point of eating every three hours is to keep your metabolism revved up. I think I need some words of support here.

Cheers!

Day 4

2011-10-14T23:00:00.000-07:00

Day for went okay. I neglected my exercise again and I didn't follow the plan completely. My best-friend's man took us out to dinner. But I did good eating things that I probably would have been eating anyways.

I had them specially make me a burrito with grilled chicken, a little rice, lettuce, tomatoes, grilled onions, and some avocado for my fat portion for the day. I didn't eat the whole thing (because it was too big) and had only water to drink.

I still feel pretty good about this week. Yesterday was about 1300 calories as was Day 3. I hope I see results at the end of the week. If not, I'm going to have to be even more hard-core about following the diet. Maybe even remove the creamer from my coffee.

I am still planning on making next week more about focussing on exercise.

I also have to find a job, so I may be more stressed. The exercise next week should help me get some of that stress out so that I don't blow my diet.

Cheers!

Day 3

2011-10-14T21:20:00.000-07:00

Day 3 went well. I added calories from a glass of red wine, but I figure that is fine every once in a while. I also drank an extra five glasses of water. Not on purpose, but because I wasn't paying attention. I have to pee as I'm writing this even though I just went right before I started.

I did not exercise today. The added wine would be fine if I had done some Pilates, but I didn't. Now I am just too tired. I am also a little sore still from yesterday, but not enough to disrupt any form of activity. Just enough that I'm aware of my upper arms.

I will exercise tomorrow. My problem is that I didn't make an exercise goal this week. My week one goal was to follow the diet plan. Apart from the glass of wine, I have kicked ass! I did make sure it was red wine so that I'm still only putting healthy or useful things into my body. No regrets there. But I didn't make an exercise goal because I wanted to make sure I accomplished my food goal.

My exercise goal was to exercise a few times this week if I felt like it. Week two I have a goal to exercise at least 30 minutes a day, every day. So I didn't really break my goal for week one because I didn't really make one. Then why do I feel guilty?

Probably it is the extra 100 calories from the wine and the lack of 150 calorie burn through exercise. All in all, I'm a good 300 calories more than I was yesterday.

That is ridiculous, I know. I am still only at 1350 calories for the day.

Tomorrow I will do better. And the day after, even better. It will be a spiral of goodness.

Day 2

2011-10-13T18:43:00.000-07:00

Day two went better than day one. I didn't feel as hungry and I felt more in control. I haven't exercised (yet). But I will do Pilates before I go to bed.

My wonderful cousin has offered to put together a Yoga routine for me to help. I love her. She kicks ass!

I made it to about 1225 calories today. 100 of those are from the creamer I added to my four cups of coffee throughout the day and are NOT a part of the diet. I'm still hoping that I'm eating enough. But I said I would stick it out for the week and I am going to.

I can't wait to see the results! Even if it is one pound at the end of the week, a pound is a pound. And it is one pound less to loose.

The one problem I had today was eating on time. The program requires me to eat every two to three hours to keep my metabolism going. I believe this works and I'm convinced this is why the program worked so well for me last time I did it. That and the vegetables, which I tend to neglect otherwise. Today, however, I had two four hour splits between breakfast, lunch, and snack. I just forgot to eat.

I will do better tomorrow.

Day two done! And I'm kicking ass.

Also, I have to pee a lot. Stupid water.

Day 1

2011-10-12T19:26:00.000-07:00

Day one of Nutrisystem went well, if you don't count the constant hunger I felt in the late afternoon until, well, still. I even did Pilates today!

My issues: hunger. I realized that, after logging in my food intake, I only ate a little over 1200 calories. That doesn't seem right. I added some blueberries to my desert and ended up closer to 1260 calories, but still, does that seem low to anybody?

I realize that I'm trying to lose weight. Only, last time I did this diet I thought it was closer to 13-1500 calories a day, not 1200. There is weight loss and then there is eating too little. I will try it this week, but if I continue to be hungry and tired then I might add another protein, dairy, or fruit portion to the meal to get it closer to 1350. After all, I am pretty heavy. I don't want to be unhealthy whilst trying to become more healthy. Yes, I know that sounds stupid.

Day one down!

Free Veggies

2011-10-11T13:12:00.000-07:00

I went shopping to start my Nutrisystem diet tomorrow. Shopping for it is easy because most of the food is already provided. You just add fruits, veggies, fat (like 8 almonds), and some dairy. It all totals about 1500 calories a day. But the veggies are a bitch!

More awesomeness ->

It is a vicious cycle... but here I go again.

2011-10-04T05:13:00.000-07:00

After a month in Oregon sitting on a tractor (and not able to exercise) and then two amazing weeks split between Morocco and Great Britain, my body is messed up. I have a cold, I'm jet-lagged, and it is six in the morning... I've been up three hours and used the bathroom about ten times. Yep. Messed up!

More awesomeness ->

A picture is worth some words, I guess.

2011-07-23T13:14:00.000-07:00

Mande and I have been very bad. Between being sick and being stressed and being overheated and being, well, 'not in the mood', we have neglected Jillian for a week now. And neglected Pilates/Yoga. And neglected healthy eating!

More awesomeness ->

And week one's results are in...

2011-07-14T10:12:00.000-07:00

And week one's results are in. Little drumroll please...

Amanda and I have a sheet of paper on a clip-board with our measurements on it. Once a week we measure and weigh (after a good morning crap, of course, haha!). This is the second Thursday morning weigh-in. The first was our starting point, because we want to be able to have actual documented results. Just because we are curious nerds like that!
More awesomeness ->

"Just count them! I know you won't!"

2011-07-13T21:43:00.000-07:00

"Just count them! I know you won't!" -Eddie Izzard

This is going to be a long one so bare/bear with me. (I didn't know which one of those is the appropriate one for the phrase. I figure that both work. You are either taking on a bear together, which is hella-scary, or taking off your clothes together, which is also scary if I am one of the bared people.)
More awesomeness ->

My views on why scales are evil.

2011-07-12T13:56:00.000-07:00

I'll gladly admit when I have a problem. Or problems (it does always seem to be plural, doesn't it). In dieting I have a few strengths and a few good weaknesses. Some strengths: (1) I love exercise, (2) even though I'm chubby, I still like myself when I look in the mirror, and (3) I'm a bad-ass. I realize this last one is a bit vague, but I still think it can be relevant. As for my weaknesses:...

More awesomeness ->

Jillian Michael's Kicks My Ass!!!

2011-07-11T18:37:00.000-07:00

I have been doing Pilates for years. Occasionally I get in a funk and don't do them for a month or two, but it is HONESTLY when I am really busy doing other physically activities... like archaeological digs in the New Mexican desert. But my roommate and I started Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred and it is painfully awesome!
More awesomeness ->

Off the blogging path.

2011-07-08T07:39:00.000-07:00

Right, so I may have stopped posting all together. How wonderfully typical. I'm just practicing my middle-aged woman diet patterns: make a plan, realize it is hard, get discouraged and/or life gets in the way, get off plan two days later. In my case, life really did just get in the way.
More awesomeness ->

My New "New Plan"

2011-03-15T11:49:00.000-07:00

Right, I published this post and then went to edit it. Somehow I deleted the whole thing and now I have to retype it. To see the old "new plan" click HERE.

After one day I have come up with a new "new plan". This is all trial and error. Judging by when and how I crave things, I have adjusted my plan for a few reasons...

More awesomeness ->

My New Plan

2011-03-14T11:27:00.000-07:00

Go with me on this, because it is going to get technical. This is a diet blog so you shouldn't be surprised! I have a new plan and it is going to kick my ass.

More awesomeness ->

Between Two Lungs

2011-03-05T16:16:00.000-08:00

"And my running feet could fly. Each breath screaming, 'We are all to young to die!'"

More awesomeness ->

4195.2

2011-02-26T19:26:00.000-08:00

According to an online calorie calculator, painting a house for 8 hours (480 minutes) burns 4195.2 calories. I am not sure if I believe this. But all I can say is that two days of this work and I am tired. Now Grandpa... STOP baking cookies!!!

In Need of Permanence.

2011-02-22T18:32:00.001-08:00

I am in desperate need of some stability in my life. I have insane desire to ACTUALLY get healthy eating habits and to return to my exercise routine, but my life isn't stable enough. So I am putting all of my energy into finding a job in archaeology. Then, once in a location I know I'm going to be for a while, I will put my all into my health. Don't go away...

To be continued...

In the forest, I quite frankly feel like dancing.

2011-01-23T22:56:00.000-08:00

It is no secret that I've been struggling with eating and exercising since entering the fairly sunny land of California. That is what happens when I don't have control over my own home life. Apart from brief sojourns into chez mes parents, chez mes grandparents, and chez Steve (my hetero-life-partner's father), I have been living out in the world since I left for university at 18 years old. This is pushing 9 years of independence!

More awesomeness ->

Limbo

2011-01-18T16:47:00.000-08:00

The sun was shining in Cali today! The persistent fog has added gloom to my already melancholy existence as of late. But today's sunshine has made me ridiculously happy.

I am in limbo in my life.

More awesomeness ->

It's like riding a bike...

2011-01-05T14:24:00.000-08:00

As my previous post indicated, I have been ill so I haven't been able to work out. And I miss it!!! I actually dream about jogging and have desires and cravings to go to the gym. But I can't breath because of this irksome sinus stuff in my head.

But one of the things I have noticed during my week of inactivity is that I have moved beyond the point of "trying".

More awesomeness ->

It sucks being sick / neutral news

2011-01-01T15:11:00.000-08:00

I'm a little sick.

Not really sick. Just a little sick. But getting sicker. Only hoping to be getting less sick.

And I really want to go work out. I love working out! My whole 10 day plan is completely out the window. Stupid sinus crap in my head!

In fact, while I was napping this afternoon in response to the last few days I actually dreamed about jogging. And it was a delicious dream.
More awesomeness ->

My Dog Does Pilates...what can your's do?

2010-12-28T21:10:00.000-08:00

My dog isn't the sharpest tool in the shed. But despite his lack of IQ points, he is really sweat and loves people. He likes to keep me involved in his happenings. If I give him a toy or a bone, he sits on my lap and whines until I hold one end of it. Whereas other dogs are wary of you taking their little bits of happiness from them. If he has a ball, he practically attacks you with it. He jumps and tackles and trips you until you join in the fun. It is my experience that other dogs do that to get the ball from the dog that has it, and that the dog that has the ball tries to keep it away. But not my Jake. He likes to live life a little differently.

More awesomeness ->

I Quit!!!

2010-12-28T09:59:00.000-08:00

...calorie counting. Two days and I've had enough. I have verified that I am not generally over-eating or under-eating. So screw this!

Instead, I'm just going to eat a little bit less of stuff. A little less cerial, a little less coffee, etc. That should do it. Because I'm getting angry and depressed and short with people. It started the moment this turned into a diet. So I am not going to "diet".

On a positive note, I am really kicking ass at exercising and I feel good about myself! Happiness!!!

Calorie counting should burn calories & my theory on chocolate

2010-12-27T09:55:00.000-08:00

Calorie counting should burn calories because it is exhausting!!!

The food part of dieting IS hard. Not physically hard. Mentally hard. You need will-power to stick with it because at best it is tedious and tiring. Making sure you eat in good time and good food and the right calories takes energy. At worst, calorie counting is depressing. Especially when you don't do as well as you would like. You get upset, nervous, and REALLY discouraged. I can already tell that I am going to have a hard time not spiraling into shame and going up and down with victories and defeats. I take defeat hard because, after all, I am only being defeated by myself.
More awesomeness ->

Am I Eating Enough?

2010-12-26T01:12:00.000-08:00

It is 12:47am (technically) the day after Christmas, but I'm still counting it as Christmas because I can't sleep. After giving in to my wide awake body and brain I came up with a diet plan. Okay, no. That isn't what I mean. What I mean is that I came up with a plan to start coming up with a diet plan.
More awesomeness ->

Devil Fudge, Jogging, and Pilates for Xmas-Eve.

2010-12-24T20:44:00.000-08:00

It is Christmas Eve and my younger sister made fudge. I really don't like fudge or brownies or many other chocolate things. But my sis' is a fabulous cook and I have eaten two or three little pieces today. And as I chew them I can feel my teeth rotting away. There are blessings and curses in watching one's weight. I count sugar as one of my blessings.
More awesomeness ->

Not quite an epic fail.

2010-12-23T19:37:00.000-08:00

A not quite epic fail on my last chance to pre-work-off those Christmas Dinner Deserts coming my way. This delicious fatty hell called Grandma's homemade cheesecake.

Stretching is good for you. I know this. But have I ever really done it before working out. And no, pilates don't count in this case! I went to the gym today. It is a habit that I have created since returning from SE Asia. I go three or four days in a row, then take two days off. It ends up being 5 times a week. I stay for AT LEAST one hour. I have been slowly building my work-outs up.

Here is my general work-out for the last two weeks:
More awesomeness ->

About Me.

2010-12-22T19:01:00.000-08:00

This is the middle of my journey. To clarify: it is not the beginning, it is not the end, it is in between. Just in case you are an idiot. I am needing some motivation, so I decided to start a blog that I am not sure anybody will actually read. But I hope people read it. And I hope people comment on it. I could use the encouragement and the outside validation. Just being honest.

During this post, I am 27 years old. I have had an incredibly interesting life. Lived on three continents (North America, Africa, Asia), hiked up mountains, climbed over ancient ruins, sat at cafés in Italy, etc. etc. etc., and very recently ran 5K...twice!!!

I am not bragging (too much).

More awesomeness ->