Back in the Saddle Again!

September brings back new routines and predictability. I have really been focusing on my family this summer, and now it's time to refocus on ME!!!! There are a number of things that I need to do for me to be successful, but they are simple, simple things! PLANNING, EXERCISE, JOURNALING, etc....simple!

I challenged Britta to do 30 workouts in 30 days. I have been slacking for over a month and a half and it's time to kick it in gear again! I know that we can both do it, but a challenge makes it that much more fun! We are both up for a friendly "competition", so it's a win/win situation!

I need to be accountable to myself (and others)! I will update my blog 3 times per week and journal EVERY day. It helps to see my progress for the long haul. This isn't a short journey by all means!

I will create a menu. A menu for me AND the daycare/family. It seems like so much stress comes from improper planning.

Reality Check

A little over a week ago, I went away for the weekend with some friends. I had an awesome time to say the least. We took lots of pictures! Something that I never thought of was other people were taking pictures of me too. I rarely have pictures taken of me because I am usually the one taking them. Wow..the pictures were awful. I thought I was looking pretty good...considering. I wasn't. I cried when I saw the pictures. It was terrible. I knew I have HUGE tummy rolls, but this was beyond my imagination...how did I let this happen?!? So, my self esteem is at a low right now.

Where have the weeks/I gone?

Wow, I guess I wan't as dedicated as I thought I could be. I HAD lost another 1.5, but have since gained it all back and am one pound over where I started on my sponsor journey....not good. Honestly, I gave up. I let life get into the way. Tim was laid off and then took a call, but is on the road 6 out of 7 days. I am trying to balance life as a pretty much single mom. I know people do this all the time, but as a daycare provider/mom, I REALLY don't get any breaks!

So, I need to come up with a plan on when/how I am going to fit exercising in AND firm up my meal plan (which I have been severly slacking on!) I'll let you know what I come up with!

Week 2...no change

No change for the current week. A little disappointed, but it's not a gain!

What I did right....I ate within my points and barely touched flex. I proved to myself that I can spend an entire day out and eating at restaraunts and still stay within my points range. I didn't pig out during the weekend and then have to make up for it during the week.

What I need to work on....water...still!!! I slacked in the naptime wiifit routine...will add that back in at least 3 days next week! (However, I had more activity points this week than last!)

Meal Planning

Well, I've finally had a minute to sit down and plan the week's meals. Man, we're going to be bbbbuuusssyyyy!! I've been debating when I should run and get groceries, but don't really want to. We have enough food, I'm going to make do!!!

Monday- Ranch Chicken salad on All Bran crackers
Turkey Bacon, Lettuce and Tomato sandwich

Tuesday - Baked Potato Skins with Creamy Spinach and Turkey Bacon
Taco Tuesday!!!!

Wednesday - not sure...DS has a Dr. Appt in Rochester...will probably eat out for both meals, but I am armed with the knowledge about how to make healthy choices!!!

Thursday - Lean Pocket
Chicken Pot Pie

Friday - still thinking!!!!

I am really hungry for the Britta's shrimp and vegetable rice, so I might need to make that one day during rest to reheat for supper. I need to pick up a few ingredients, but otherwise have everything on hand. I am hoping to go camping on the weekend.

I bought 3 different cookbooks today. I am anxious to look them over and find new, exciting recipes. I have plenty of ideas already on hand. My menu this week has a few more holes in it than last week. I hope that I'm not allowing myself too much freedom!!!

Week One....down 2.5 pounds

A great weight loss this week!!! What did I do right....long walks with my current sponsor an planning my meals!!! It helped so much to have an excercise buddy and time just flew by! I loved trying new recipes! I am usually a little reluctant to try new recipes, excepially when I am being conscious of my eating because I don't want to "waste" my calories. I liked everything I tried and will make everthing again...some more regularily than others, but all were good!!!

What do I need to continue to work on...water! I know how important it is and need to be drinking more. I know it will help my body lose and flush out toxins....now I just need to apply that knowledge!!!

So, that brings my total weight loss to date of 22.5 pounds!!!

Feeling Awesome!!!

I really have had the best week! I have planned for success and it worked!! I really think that meal planning has helped me stay focused! The weather has also been perfect...not too hot or too cold and a gentle breeze without the humidity. I have enjoyed having a walking buddy. It makes the time go by so much faster. Did I mention I'm feeling good!?!

On a sad note....I have been borrowing my friends' treadmill for almost a few years and have been using it pretty religiously since November. Well, she said she was ready to have it returned. :( I told Tim that he had to buy me a new treadmill and he thought an elliptical would be better. I would like to try one out first, but hope I will love it. I really do!! I'm going to try Britta's first as I don't need a piece of equipment sitting around that I won't use! Guess I'll have to start shopping around!