Yoga is Working

Yesterday was a great day for me in the fact that I got a pretty good workout without working out! I had to help clean out the PTA shed...something that hadn't been done in years...yes years, (pretty sad that they had graduation stuff from 1990...I was just starting HighSchool in 1990!). Plus, I went to the Napa Farmer's Market...so I burned 9 points yesterday! Good thing because I ended up having french fries...one of my food vices. But, I was really proud of myself..I said NO to beer at the Farmer's Market...even though I really, really, really, really wanted one. Unfortutnately, I know I will make up for it on Saturday. My son is having his birthday party on Saturday and Ken's brother is coming down. Guaranteed, I will be pounding a few Heff's on Saturday evening, (plus there's cake...who can say no to birthday cake?!?)!

One of my issues with working out, (or causes to not work out), is my back. I have scoliosis in my lower spine, which means my back is very crooked. It's something that i have dealt with since I was 4. Since having children, my back is always sore. ABout the only thing that really helped was going to a chiropractor to get adjusted now and then. I've been due for an adjustment for about 2 months now, but haven't had time to go, (I hate taking my kids to the doctor with me). So, I have gotten a few massages and that has helped. plus, I can sometimes adjust myself on my own with a series of stretches or back pops. Last few weeks have been really bad...my pain is now in my hips so if I run or jump the wrong way, a shooting pain flares in my pelvic region...seriously stops me in my tracks! Well, this whole week, I have really dedicated myself to the Wii Fit...especially the yoga excercises. And, I'll be damn if the yoga isn't helping my back! I woke up really stiff this morning, could barely bend over. After 30 minutes of yoga, my back feels way better! This is definitely going to help me stick to the Wii Fit because it diminishes my pain! So, triple kudos to nintendo for helping my back!!!

Oh..and super great news...I am at 170.2...yes almost below 170!!! My two weeks of food focus is paying off! Wish me luck next week as I will be in potato country, (aaahhh!!!) =)

Good Choices

I was so proud of myself last night! First off, I ate a lot of healthy things yesterday...keeping my point level down. The point level is so hard...especially when I think I am eating healthy and find that it wasn't so healthy of a choice! However, I stuck to my guns yesterday and only had 2.5 points left after dinner!

My second milestone was that I made a choice to walk rather than ride. I had a PTA meeting last night. I live fairly close to the school, so I planned on walking. My neighbor was also going to the same meeting, so she offered to drive. I declined, apologizing for declining, but explaining to her that I really needed to walk. She thought about it, and decided she really needed to walk too. So we walked together! Anyway, I felt pretty good about the whole deal!

I did end up rewarding myself last night. After the meeting, and going all day on mainly fruits and vegetables, I rewarded myself with a Schwan's Dessert For One Strawberry Shortcake! It was soo good...dessert tastes so much better when you have earned it. Of course, I then went over on my points, but that's okay. The important thing is to conciously change my habits! Cross your fingers that I stick with it.

This morning was my Wii Fit morning and my habits paid off! Lost 3 pounds! HOO-RAH!

Winning Outcome

I have started to explore the Weight Watchers website and feel that in order to succeed in this program, (and, most importantly, to get my money's worth), I need to utilize the tools that Weight Watchers has provided me. So, the first step is to come up with a Winning Outcome. Essentially, I need to concentrate and think about my weight loss goals and change in lifestyle and write down what it is that I want to accomplish.

What do I really want? I really want to be able to fit comfortably in my clothes. I really want to be at a healthy weight. I do not want to be considered overweight. I want to look at my body and smile. I secretly want to be a MILF, (I know..how embarrassing...but hey..I'm young, I can think that). But, overall, I want to break the 170 mark, I want to feel good when I move, I want my back to feel better, I want my legs to be toned, and I want to give myself a healthy start before I hit 40!

Now, I need to be a bit more specific. I know I want to lose weight and I know why I want to lose weight..but how am I going to do this? What goals am I going to set for myself? Can I make this a positive change or a negative change? Can I avoid temptation?

Okay, so, ideally I would like to weigh 155. It is a healthy weight that I am comfortable with and I know it is attainable. I haven't weight 155 since I was 23! That's 10 years ago!!! Kind of shocking to think about. My problem has been that I have adapted to my weight fluctuation. Of course, I was pregnant 3 times since the age of 23, but that is no longer an excuse. One of the reasons I wanted to stop having babies is that I want my body back! Now that I have it back, I haven't taken care of it. I remember when i was studying Mormonism that I learned that my body is my temple. Regardless of religious prefrences, it is a very true statement. Watching elderly people, I realize that the choices I make now will greatly impact my life in the future.

With this in mind, I need to focus on my weight goals instead of going into it half ass, (I am notorious for half assness!).

For the next 3 months, (that's how long my membership is for right now), I plan on utilizing the tools weight watchers have given to me, focus on my food intake, and work on doing some kind of activity once a day. By implenting these three things, I feel that I can reach my first major goal...break the 170 barrier! I also know that by concentrating on these three things, I will also help my family eat healthier and become more active as well!

How will I fit this change into my lifestyle?
Eating healthier - I will eat my required ration of fruits and vegetables every day! I will munch on carrots, grapes, and berries when i crave sweet and crunchy things. I will substitute fruits in my snacking regimine. Every other night, dessert will be some kind of fruit!
Activity Level - if I am unable to excercise for a day, I will at least walk the dog for 20 to 30 minutes. One of my problems is that I am not as active as I was 2 years ago. If I can't walk the dog, I will do the Wii Fit or basic excercises that I learned from the Abs Diet book. Everyday must be at least sit-ups! No excuses!!!
Weight Watcher Tools - Every day must be tracking food. Even when I'm on vacation, I must find a way to catalog and journal my food intake. Camping is no longer an excuse! Try to read and do something weight watcher like every week.

A New Approach

I fully admit...I haven't been on here in awhile. I was doing so well with my eating healthy plan...then I went camping...took two weeks to go back on track..then I went camping again and gave up for awhile.

As the summer months zoom by, I feel like I'm getting heavier rather than lighter. I try to eat well, but just keep giving in to temptation. My last straw was looking at pictures of myself from a few years ago and realizing that I looked slimmer then...slimmer two years after having Jake...than I do now! So, I began to think back and try to figure out what I was doing differently. The two things that had seemed to help keep the weight off was walking, (I walked almost every morning back then), and weight watchers online.

So, last week, I signed up again for weight watchers. I have made a vow....if I am at status quo by September, then I will go to a weight watchers meeting. If I have lost some weight by then...and kept the weight off, then I will continue what I am doing and make more time to excercise.

And, I will not be embarrassed to post my weaknesses as well as my triumphs on this blog. I need to write down what I do...even when I am not perfect! Today was my second weigh-in. I have lost 1 pound and will strive to reach my goals. Major goal is to weigh a healthy weight of 155 pounds. But, my first small goal is to break the 170 barrier. I would love to be in the high 160s by Halloween...and I feel that goal is attainable. I just need to avoid temptations, avoid alcoholic beverages during the week, curb my diet coke habit, and I do not always have to have a dessert every night! I can do this!!!

Excellent Food Choices = Rewards!

Yesterday was a great eating day. Hmmm....didn't cheat, (except the morning pop tart). What I really was happy about was the fact I went out to eat and didn't eat any french fries, (huge accomplishment for me). I went to the mall with my friend and all of our boys. We went to Chick-Fill-A to eat dinner. I've never eaten there but really enjoyed the food. Even my picky Alex was commenting on how much he enjoyed the chicken strips. Anyway, I didn't eat anyone's fries and paid an extra $0.75 for a side salad. Why does eating healthy cost more? Anyway, because of my food choices, and the fact I did cardio yesterday, and the fact I walked to the park...I lost 1.8 pounds! I know, not much, but hey, every little bit adds up. I see pounds like change, the more you save...the more you get! Anyway, food intake for yesterday:

• 2 cups of coffee
• pop tart
• ice tea
• raspberry lemonade
• 3 diet cokes, (I know, a little overboard on these)
• special turkey sandwich & cottage cheese, (sandwich was special as I used leftover salad as a filler with the turkey..yummy, yummy)
• chicken wrap & side salad with ranch dressing
• Fruit to go cup

So, guess what...remember my goal...must go until Friday without dessert. Well, its Friday, and regardless of the heat, I think I will do a little baking today! Dessert is even better when you make it! So, I will go to the pantry, pick something out, engage the boys in helping, and who knows what surprises I 'cook' up!

Thursday - Almost Weekend!

I did it. Two days without dessert! I am going to do some baking on Friday, (remember I said until Friday dammit!). I think I also did well eating wise except..well..I had to take the kids to McDonalds. Its so damn hot, and little Jake really wanted to do something, (its frustrating watching older brother play outside when you can't), so, as I had to run errands, I promised the little guys I would take them to Mcdonald's to play. Alex moaned and groaned as he does not like McDonald's food, (which I completely understand). However, McDonald's has me by the...(I won't say, but you know), as they are the only place with an indoor playground thats free. Anyway, we went. Alex wanted the Chicken Select, not a Happy Meal. But, I knew he wanted a toy and rather than spend extra money on a Happy Meal toy, I got the Happy Meal. Both boys had apples, I had crappy fries. Normally I like McDonald fries...when they cook them right! Anyway, that was my only eating problem...other than I also ate an extra slice of French Bread at dinner. Again, today I will not eat dessert. I will eat smaller portions at dinner time. And I will eat more fruit. Yesterday's food:

• 2 cups of coffee
• Breakfast Protein Smoothie
• chicken nuggets, fries, diet coke
• peach
• ice tea
• sour cream/onion potato chips (okay, not the best choice..munchy monster)
• spaghetti
• salad w/ homemade ranch dressing
• 2 1/2 slices of french bread

Hmmm..potato chips were not the best choice. Need to invest in pretzels or something. Today, I think I will try to have more dairy, too.

Wednesday - Hump Day

Great News! Dropped 0.9 pounds. I checked in with Wii fit today..no excercises just did my body test. I like how I can just briefly check in or actually excercise.

I am proud of myself. I avoided dessert last night, (although I really wanted to eat dessert). I did better on my eating choices. However, we did go to the movies and I ended up munching on popcorn, (did not do the butter thing, I think movie butter is gross anyway). My food for yesterday:

• 2 cups of coffee
• ice tea
• diet coke
• peanut butter & jelly sandwich
• protein milk
• cottage cheese
• fruit to go cup
• pork chops
• garlic & olive oil pasta a roni
• broccoli w/ ranch
• popcorn

Today, no excercise. But, I am doing yard work and shopping, (and, yes, shopping does expend energy..grocery shopping with 2 boys does anyway). My back is really sore today and I am thinking of getting a massage before the week is over. Goal today: No dessert and drink more water.

Tired Day

So, day 3 on the Wii Fit...and gained 3 pounds! I was feeling bloated when I woke up! It made me laugh those were the 3 pounds I lost yesterday, (I knew it was a fluke). Anyway, I knew I would be up and down a few pounds each day and not too stressed. However, I found when i was doing the excercises that I was more tired. I think I will give my muscles a break tomorrow. Next week, I plan to switch...strength training one day and cardio the next. That should alleviate the tired feeling, (I hope) and give some of my muscles a break, (which, I heard, is important). I do plan to do the Yoga everyday as it feels good. I did my first check-in today on the Challenge Blog. Goal for the Week: BETTER EATING CHOICES. No beer until Saturday, (Ken has a Poker Party) and no dessert until Friday.

Food Is Getting Better

I did great today food wise! I am trying to really focus on what I am eating and make the right choices. Its not always easy. For instance, I made a can of spaghettios for my 3 year old. He couldn't eat the whole can and my 8 year old didn't want the left overs, so I ate it rather than waste it. I made that my lunch, (alongs with bread and butter and apples)...but normally, I would have picked something else. I find myself doing that a lot, they don't eat something and I feel the need to eat the left over food rather than dispose of it. Why is that? Anyway, today my food intake was:

• 2 cups of coffee, (again, lowfat creamer)
• bowl of Honey Nut Cheerios and blackberries, (very tasty)
• ice tea
• 1/2 can of spaghettios
• bread and butter
• 3 apple slices
• California Shrimp Salad at Applebees
• Beer

Looking back, I really didn't eat as much as I thought. Maybe I just thought more about what I wanted to eat and forgot to actually eat it. I gave the boys snacks and meant to get myself snacks but it never happened. Anyway, will shoot for more veggies/fruit tomorrow and maybe more milk. No beer tomorrow..I promise!

Starting The Week Right

So, either my starting weight was off or I lost weight since our Vegas trip! I came back from the trip weighing 180...my heighest in 6 months and went on the Wii Fit this morning and it said I weighed 172! However, I think most of the weight loss was water retention...period weight...and bloating. Either way, anything below 175 is great. Now, if only I can get in the 160s. That is my little goal, (major goal is 155).

I am really thinking this Wii Fit will help me reach my goals. It was great this morning...Yoga, Strength Training, then Cardio. There is a little 'piggy bank' that keeps track of how long you are using it. My goal is to do 30 minutes a day. I am loving this thing and think it is worth every penny Ken has paid for it!

My only true vice is my eating habits! I plan to eat more fruit this week...maybe substitute smoothies for meals and we'll see how my weight progresses. By the way, my Wii Fit age is 41! I'm 33...what happened!?! That's another goal of mine...decrease my age to my actual age!

A New Level Of Fitness

We got the Wii Fit today! It is so cool! Even Ken used it to work out! I really like this tool and plan on using it everyday. It automatically keeps track of what I do...rewards me when I excercise, (it unlocks new games)...and helps me attain my goals! So, today, I hula hooped, jogged, did yoga, did strength training, skiied, and walked a tight rope. Anyway, I am really excited about this and will hope that it really does help me reach my weight goals.

I did semi-better at eating today...

• 2 cups of coffee & donut
• 1/2 peanut butter & jelly sandwich
• 6 buffalo wings
• iced tea
• beer
• ice cream bar
• chili and tostito chips
• some tuna fish

Can't wait to work out tomorrow!

Let's Start Day 3

Okay, so I didn't do what I was supposed to do yesterday. I had a very lazy morning, an active afternoon, and a late night. Here is what I ate:

• 2 cups coffee w/ lowfat creamer
• glazed donut
• 1/2 c. banana smoothie
• peanut butter & jelly sandwich
• diet coke
• 4 buffalo wings
• green salad
• pasta salad
• potato salad
• chocolate chip cookie
• chocolate ice cream brownie cup
• 3 beers

So, I may not of ate much yesterday..but its what I did eat that's not good. I didn't do sit-ups as planned. Goals for day 3 - better eating choices, no dessert, sit-ups

End Of Day 1

Okay, so I ended today on a horrible note. Way to go, Shannon! Anyway, I started the day out okay...fruit, leftover scrambled eggs, juice. Lunch didn't go as well...microwaved corn dogs and chocolate milk. But, snacked on fruit later on =). Then, dinner! Planned on making pork chops and asparagus. Had to take Alex to baseball practice...had a long day as it was with the kids...and Ken suggested Applebees. Normally, i would get the spinach salad...but like I said, LONG day with my kids and other kids! So, took the offered beer, (who can say no to beer), thought the oriental wraps sounded good, and said yes to the french fries, (well, the waiter asked and I must support potato farmers). The worst part was, I had a frozen ice cream cone later, for dessert!

Sigh...goal tomorrow...eat BETTER food...make BETTER choices...and do sit-ups.Can't get all down about this now...its only day one and all I can do from here is improve! You know..these gals got something here. Writing about this does help =).

Time To Get Crackin'

So, I found out about this Healthy Weight Loss Challenge with cool buttons that you can put on your blog, (its all about the buttons), so I have decided to join. I have to do something. I keep trying different things and never sticking to them. Its getting frustrating. I will start a diet, start feeling good, end up going somewhere or getting really busy with other things, slack off, and then I'm back to same old Shannon...wishing I could get rid of this pouch that hangs in front of me! So, I am going to do this challenge and use this blog to write about my accomplishments, (and failures). I figure today, I will write about what I want to accomplish and why I haven't accomplished it before.

Why Do I Want To Lose Weight?

• I To Start My Mid-30s At A Healthy Weight
• I Want Clothes To Fit Better
• I Want To Look At Myself And Smile
• I Want My Stomach Flatter...Not Wrinkly And Pouchy, (thank you children)
• I Want My Face To Look Thinner
• I Want To Not Have To Concentrate To Suck My Tummy In
• I Do Not Want To Be Embarrassed In A Swimming Suit
• I Want A Smaller Butt and More Defined Legs
• I Want To Shake My Arms And Not Feel Tricep Swing
• I Want To Put Pants On Without The 'Muffin' Top

Why Do I Quit Diets

• I go on vacation or camping and eat everything in sight
• I get busy with other projects, avoid making time for excercise, and get out of my routine
• I get depressed and just think, 'come on, that food item will make you feel better, you deserve it'
• My monthly cycle revs up my cravings, (also, see above item).
• I stop caring about what I eat
• I drink too much alcohol and, see above
• No one likes it when I go on a diet because they eat different things...they complain

So, today, I am going to think about ways to keep me from quitting my diets and when I can excercise. Tonight, I will write more and work on my issues. I am also going to begin keeping track of what I do eat. I like Stacy's idea of writing out what I have eaten during the day. This is a great way to keep track.