Pity party for one

I couldn't sleep last night. My mind kept going over and over my failings of the year, the moments of the weekend when I felt the most fat, and how hard it is going to be to get the body I want. I'm feeling pretty emotionally drained, not to mention a little sleepy. 

These aren't the feelings I want as 2014 is nearing its end. I've had victories this year. I want to celebrate them. And I want to be positive about 2015. 

Deep breaths. I also want to share this blog with family and friends and acquaintances of Facebook to increase accountability but that is absolutely terrifying. My dear husband tells me my weight is just a number. It doesn't feel like it. It feels like one of the most vulnerable aspects of myself. Deep breaths.

Another 8-week challenge almost finished

The consensus among my brother, mom, and I is that we will veer away from the spreadsheet and points and try out a stint of MyFitnessPal only. I'm excited to move back to one weigh in a week which will move to Thursdays on January 1. That will be very good for my mood. So here's to four 8-week challenges and almost 10 pounds. 

The verdict is in...

Thanksgiving, also known as the holiday food kick off, wasn't a complete bust. I'll take a drop over a gain any day.

I've been fighting stress and anxiety as the holidays commence so my willpower has dropped signicantly even from the low level it was at. I need to figure out another outlet other than eating. I also need to find an at home workout I enjoy. I don't want to exercise so I don't. (Who wants to exercise? Really? But I need to find something new to try. The old standbys aren't making me stand up and work it anymore.) 

I am also working out next year's resolutions... Pretty excited. 

What are you choosing?

"The Lord knows your circumstances perfectly, but He also knows perfectly well whether you simply choose not to fully live the gospel."

By Elder Jörg Klebingat

Approaching the Throne of God with Confidence

How badly do you want it?

As I sat through Sunday School and Relief Society today, this phrase kept running through my mind.

How badly do you want it?

From Isaiah, we learn besides Christ there is no other Saviour. He is it. Without Him, we are nothing. So if I want something badly, I better ask Him to be an integral part in the journey. I need to consult Him. Turn to Him in moments of weakness. Make Him my personal trainer. I ask again, 

How badly do you want it? 

Intentions v. Actions

After dinner, I was sitting with a few calories to spare, pleased with my day. Nine o'clock hit and my tummy began growling. Ten o'clock hit and I gave in. Eight hundred calories later, I feel awful, mad, and completely embarrassed and disappointed with myself. 

So the point of this post, 

be intentional.

Do things because you mean to.

You may have the best intentions, 

but they don't mean a thing.

Act purposefully.

Eat purposefully.

Our body is our book of life

"In a real though figurative sense, the book of life is the record of the acts of men as such record is written in their own bodies. … 

That is, EVERY thought, word, and deed has an [effect] on the human body; 

all these leave their marks, marks which can be read by Him who is Eternal as easily as the words in a book can be read” 

(Mormon Doctrine, 2nd ed. [1966], 97).

Another blog

Check out this Blog Post...

Are you a sloth?

Excuse a scripture taken out of context but I think it still applies. 

And now behold, I say unto you, I fear exceedingly that the judgments of God will come upon this people, because of their exceeding slothfulness,...

Alma 60:14

Restraint

And now I would that ye should be humble, and be submissive and gentle; easy to be entreated; full of patience and long-suffering; being temperate in all things; being diligent in keeping the commandments of God at all times; asking for whatsoever things ye stand in need, both spiritual and temporal; always returning thanks unto God for whatsoever things ye do receive.

Alma 7:23

I recently realized the necessity to practice self-restraint, or temperance, in multiple aspects of my life. October will be a bit of an experiment to see just how temperate we can be and focus on the basic needs. I'm excited and nervous. I'm also hoping this experiment will help me on my weight loss journey as I focus on the needful things. 

Organize yourselves; prepare every needful thing; and establish a house, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God;

Doctrine and Covenants 88:119

To motivate change

This week has had some days with high calorie counts and not enough exercise. It has been extremely taxing on my psyche. I've had to fight the constant guilty feelings. But today is a new day. Tomorrow starts a new week. Hopefully my stress levels will decrease a bit and I can just enjoy being healthy.

Here's hoping.

In the mean time, I need to finish reading my book for book club today.

Stop Whining, Start Living by Dr. Laura.

Having kind of a love/hate relationship with this book.

Great advice at times.

I really do need to stop whining so much.

Does my initial paragraph count as whining? Maybe... 

Be an influence for good

Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

1 Timothy 4:12

Turn your life over

Word.

Stretch

“Jesus gave people truths and tasks that were matched to their capacity. He did not overwhelm them with more than they could manage, but gave them enough to stretch their souls.”

Spencer W. Kimball

Finding true motivation

To think about

Today's workout

"If it doesn't inspire you,

let it go."

Thank you, workout Justin. During today's Daily Burn this phrase stood out to me. So many things discourage me these days. I think this needs to become my new mantra. Life is too short to hold onto the things that lead me to choose negative feelings over positive ones. 

The wrong direction

Also known as, I need to stop vacationing and stop eating my feelings. Big fail today on the scale. 

The Scale

The Word of Wisdom

I recently came across a blogger offering a weight loss lifestyle based on the Word of Wisdom for $37. I decided to give Doctrine and Covenants Section 89 a read and see what stood out. 

1 A Word of Wisdom, for the benefit of the council of high priests, assembled in Kirtland, and the church, and also the saints in Zion--

2 To be sent greeting; not by commandment or constraint, but by revelation and the word of wisdom, showing forth the order and will of God in the temporal salvation of all saints in the last days--

3 Given for a principle with promise, adapted to the capacity of the weak and the weakest of all saints, who are or can be called saints.

4 Behold, verily, thus saith the Lord unto you: In consequence of evils and designs which do and will exist in the hearts of conspiring men in the last days, I have warned you, and forewarn you, by giving unto you this word of wisdom by revelation--

5 That inasmuch as any man drinketh wine or strong drink among you, behold it is not good, neither meet in the sight of your Father, only in assembling yourselves together to offer up your sacraments before him.

6 And, behold, this should be wine, yea, pure wine of the grape of the vine, of your own make.

(No wine, check. Except when they used it for the sacrament, which we don't do anymore, check.)

7 And, again, strong drinks are not for the belly, but for the washing of your bodies.

8 And again, tobacco is not for the body, neither for the belly, and is not good for man, but is an herb for bruises and all sick cattle, to be used with judgment and skill.

(No tobacco, check.)

9 And again, hot drinks are not for the body or belly.

(Scalds your tongue, not good.)

10 And again, verily I say unto you, all wholesome herbs God hath ordained for the constitution, nature, and use of man--

11 Every herb in the season thereof, and every fruit in the season thereof; all these to be used with prudence and thanksgiving.

(Use those beautiful plants God gave us. Eat fruit with much rejoicing. Those are good sugars.)

12 Yea, flesh also of beasts and of the fowls of the air, I, the Lord, have ordained for the use of man with thanksgiving; nevertheless they are to be used sparingly;

13 And it is pleasing unto me that they should not be used, only in times of winter, or of cold, or famine.

(Meat. While it tends to be the star of a meal because it takes more effort to cook, it should not be the focus of our plate.)

14 All grain is ordained for the use of man and of beasts, to be the staff of life, not only for man but for the beasts of the field, and the fowls of heaven, and all wild animals that run or creep on the earth;

15 And these hath God made for the use of man only in times of famine and excess of hunger.

16 All grain is good for the food of man; as also the fruit of the vine; that which yieldeth fruit, whether in the ground or above the ground--

17 Nevertheless, wheat for man, and corn for the ox, and oats for the horse, and rye for the fowls and for swine, and for all beasts of the field, and barley for all useful animals, and for mild drinks, as also other grain.

(Love veggies. Use grains. Make them a regular part of your life and they will keep you regular... Bad joke?)

18 And all saints who remember to keep and do these sayings, walking in obedience to the commandments, shall receive health in their navel and marrow to their bones;

19 And shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures;

20 And shall run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint.

21 And I, the Lord, give unto them a promise, that the destroying angel shall pass by them, as the children of Israel, and not slay them. Amen.

Weight history

Struggling?

Becoming Positive

Daily Burn

If it doesn't challenge you,

it doesn't change you.

(Thank you, workout guy Justin)

Today, I did workout one of my Daily Burn 30-day free trial. (After doing 15 minutes of a YouTube Zumba class that was a party.) I am feeling good. Last week, I did fairly well at sticking to the calorie allotment for losing one pound a week. Failed a few days. But still decided to try out the calorie allotment for a pound and a half this week, starting today. So we'll see. I feel like my body is changing. It isn't noticeable to the outside world but what I see in the mirror is a slight improvement. I'll take it. 

Cheers to the start of a new week.

Find a challenge and tackle it! 

Be kind to yourself

Right?

Am I the only one that feels this way almost always? 

Being kind to myself is something I struggle with. I live with all my imperfections and see them most readily. However, I recognize how unhealthy that is. (Especially when it prevents me from seeing the good and makes me wonder why my husband stays or why anyone would choose to be my friend.)  So today is about being kind to myself. Today's weigh in was great. Would have liked to see better but I got all the vacation weight off and that took work and dedication. I've been doing great with my calories. I've been exercising. I am making progress, even if it is slow and not always steady. I am a good person with something to offer. 

What kind things aren't you telling yourself?

What kind things should you be telling yourself? 

Never suppress a generous thought.

-Camilla Kimball

(Try to include yourself.)

In case you are looking for a push today

Follow through

One pound more...

Wahoo!

Let's hear it for another 16 ounces gone! 

Feels so good to finally have a goal happen. 

Let's say goodbye to another pound next week.

Gratitude

“A Feeling That Nurtures the Soul”

Happiness and gratitude are linked together inseparably. Those who are grateful tend to be happier, and those who are happy tend to be more grateful. Happiness and gratitude simply go together. Scholars and scientists, poets and philosophers have connected them for generations.

We tend to think of gratitude primarily as a byproduct of happiness—when life is good and things are going our way, we feel thankful. But this is only half of the truth.  Those who choose to be grateful even during hard times discover that gratitude creates happiness. Gratitude to God for everything around us awakens wonder and awe; it stimulates kindness and affection; it deepens humility and creates space in the heart for love and warmth. Gratitude is not just a reaction to our quality of life—it is how we determine our quality of life. Indeed, happiness inspires gratitude, but gratitude also inspires happiness.

The words of British writer G. K. Chesterton remind us how we can practice gratitude all the time:

You say grace before meals.

All right.

But I say grace before the play and the opera,

And grace before the concert and pantomime,

And grace before I open a book,

And grace before sketching, painting,

Swimming, fencing, boxing, walking, playing, dancing;

And grace before I dip the pen in the ink.¹

 

True gratitude is a way of life, a perception and perspective that can change our lives for the better. And like any habit or skill, an attitude of gratitude just needs to be deliberately developed so that happiness can take root and flourish.

Rabbi Harold Kushner, another noted writer, suggested that gratitude requires focus and concentration. He said, “Can you see the holiness in those things you take for granted—a paved road or a washing machine? If you concentrate on finding what is good in every situation, you will discover that your life will suddenly be filled with gratitude, a feeling that nurtures the soul.”²

 

1. “A Grace,” G. K. Chesterton: Collected Works, 36 vols. (1986–2011), 10:43.

2. “God’s Fingerprints on the Soul,” in Richard Carlson and Benjamin Shield, eds., Handbook for the Soul, (1995), np.

From Sunday, July 5, 2014 Music and the Spoken Word. 

Stressed?

Create a dream board

I have many dreams. My biggest dream is to be healthy and slender. So I decided instead of creating a board with pictures of other slender people, or pictures when I was three, I would make a board of what it will take to get there, including my personal mantra. 

Celebrate every pound lost

Today, I'm celebrating every pound lost. From last Wednesday to today, I have lost one pound exactly. Three cheers for those forever lost sixteen ounces! 

To celebrate,

I exercised, 

showered (including washing my hair), 

ate a yummy breakfast of whole wheat toast and a peach, 

and read my scriptures.

What a great way to start the day!

Here's hoping your day is a happy one!

And let's celebrate next Wednesday another pound lost.

How to stay motivated

 How to Stay Motivated

• Take it one day at a time
• Surround yourself with positivity
• Create a dream board
• Ask yourself what you want and make realistic goals accordingly
• Reward yourself
• Believe in yourself
• Acknowledge your attributes
• Recognize your progress
• Visualize accomplishing your goals
• Celebrate every pound lost
• Be kind to yourself
• Focus on how you feel, not the scale
• Don't compare yourself to others

I came across this list on some social media from the other day and I liked it so I'm sharing it.

My diet plan

Alma 24

Alma 24

Do you have weapons of war that need to be buried in order to experience peace? Do you say hurtful things to those you love most, including yourself? Do you think negatively about yourself constantly? Do you push away those that would help you? 

Words are a powerful weapon and all too frequently my words are that of war. They are meant to cut and cause pain. The person most attacked is myself, followed by my amazing husband. I don't want to be awful and rude. It just seems to come naturally when I'm feeling awful about myself. I tend to declare war on my whole world. 

It's time to bust out the shovels and get these weapons buried deep. Now I'm not suggesting burying feelings that need real addressing, I'm saying the things we inevitably regret the moment it is said or done. The things that do zero good in our lives. 

We all have weapons we can bury. And the beauty is, if we bury them we just might give our lives to God. Producing the absolute best version of yourself in the process. 

Wouldn't it be nice to actually like yourself?

Bad weigh in

Sad. Hopeless. Down. Wishing extra money would find its way into our lives so I could do something more drastic as a jump start. 

A nice visual

This was drawn by a girl in a fitness group I belong to on Facebook.

I really liked the visual. 

Some words to live by?

Some motivation?

So true, this year in particular.

I do believe last night's workout was my favorite so far and I sure was sweating. We turned on our Dance 4 U (Radio Disney Edited) station on Pandora and had a dance party. Soul Sister, Dynamite, and other songs by Usher, Ke$ha, Owl City, etc. Wow, I love my family.

And cheers to my 100th post!

Someday this blog will be an amazing success story. 

Thanks for hanging in there with me.

A new wave

Had a friend share on Facebook her success of losing 22 pounds in 5 months. That made me think. I should be happy with losing a pound a week. That's success. That's do-able. That's easier than failing to lose two pounds every week, getting depressed, and gaining five. 

Consequently there will be a goal revamp soon.

There are:

27 weeks left in 2014

52 weeks in 2015 

52 weeks in 2016

10 weeks in 2017 

I will not be weighing 100 pounds on my 30th birthday. That's just unhealthy. So I'm feeling less despair. 

MO

Back in 2008, I was having some health issues. (I was diagnosed with insulin resistance and depression.) I happened to work at the health center and thus had a really awesome relationship with the nurse practitioner I saw as well as the nurses. We were family. I remember having a question about something Mary had said to me during my appointment so I decided to pull my chart and look at the dictation. There is a reason doctors very rarely hand over their dictation to patients. Printed neatly in my chart was the phrase "morbidly obese." Tears welled in my eyes as I thought back on the appointment. Mary had never told me I was fat. She encouraged me to lose weight and told me it would solve my problems but she was so nice about it. This was cold and painful to read. I was pretty broken up about it but had to stay cool because was I really supposed to be reading my own chart?

Fast forward to today. Driving down the road, I see so many people struggling with MO. It is such an epidemic. And before you say, "hey who are you to judge?" I know... I know. I'm so tired of my skinny person being buried so deep. For the last five months, I have made goals and commitments every week or every month. And I have managed to fail each one. My current 8-week challenge is going fairly well but the weight isn't coming off. I have a plan for June but I'm not going to share it. It is just too discouraging to come on here and say, "oh well, maybe next time." So for now, I foresee a pause in the blogging realm for me. Here's hoping June is a big month for me. A turning point. It is time to bid MO farewell and even though I know he will be around for a while (I don't have the funds to lipo him out instantly, nor am I willing to chop off a leg.) I pray he will be gone for good before I'm 30.

Weigh in Wednesday

Nothing like a little shame to start your day. Ugh. My emotional eating took off in the last week. And it shows. Feeling fat and frumpy. 

Here's to making better choices so I don't continue with this sad streak. 

New goal: Report a lower number for next week's weigh in.

Something to think about

FAIL

Well, 4% in 4 weeks was a fail. I guess I shouldn't be surprised or disappointed as I really didn't do what was necessary. Perhaps I'll try again in June. Maybe it will help me win my 8 week challenge that I'm also blowing.

No Snacks and Seconds Thursday

Woke up to text inviting me to refrain from snacks and seconds today. I'm in. 

Also, saw this on Facebook and thought it was pretty perfect. I'm thinking of making shirts. Let me know if you want one. 

Bad Day

Today was a major fail. Feeling awful. Worst day for calories. Tomorrow is a new day but today is still unfortunate. Poop.

Accountability

Do ye exercise faith in the redemption of him who created you? Do you look forward with an eye of faith, and view this mortal body raised in immortality, and this corruption raised in incorruption, to stand before God to be judged according to the deeds which have been done in the mortal body? (Alma 5:15)

We have been given a body. Do we exercise however we are able? Do we look forward and see ourselves as we WILL become? Have we done all that we can to make that final result a reality? Will God agree that we have been good stewards of our own bodies? (He knows about the secret stash of peeps. He knows that I never ate a vegetable regularly before last week. He knows.)

It's easy to become discouraged. I'm the queen of being disappointed with the scale. However, I know the current goals are making a difference. It is reminding me that the every day choices do make a difference and that is how I'll be judged. The desired results will come if I am true and faithful. (Like Joseph Fielding Smith encouraged.) 

Day 3 of the 8 week challenge

Thought it was time to check in again. Sunday marked the beginning of my 8-week challenge. I was so delighted last week when my brother approached me and said he was up for a competition so with mom and my husband on board, four of us are participating. It feels so good to have that kind of support. Last fall, I couldn't participate when my family did a biggest loser competition and then all desire to do another competition in January when I could petered out. So I'm pretty delighted.

As a side, I was going to discontinue the 4% in 4 weeks challenge but yesterday when I weighed in I had lost over 3 pounds in the week (that kind of number could easily be fluctuation, I know) so I'm going to stick with that too. Which only means I'm going to try to keep my calorie content low low low, but not unhealthy. So we'll see.

In the exercise department, I am very excited for a package that will be arriving on Monday. A DOUBLE STROLLER! We weren't going to purchase one but rather buy a wagon. But after much discussion, I want to be able to get out and about with the baby and tot now. A wagon wouldn't be safe for the baby yet, I didn't want to strap him to me and subject us both to the awful sweatiness that would occur, and my little lady isn't always the picture of cooperation if I tried to have her walk. I'm super excited to have the freedom to go out during the day. Can't wait! 

And for a little motivation:

Are you in love?

Great article

Check out this article. It has a lot of great points. My eyes are opened...

I want a bike

Happy

4x4

Note: (4/27/2014) this week has been a complete fail so I'm starting over. I hate to say it for fear that I'll just fail again but no more trying... Do! (Cheers to Yoda.)

Below is the post I wrote a week ago about it:

Last week, I shared the website where you put money in a pot and participate in a weight loss group. Over the last few days, I've decided to give it a try without actually giving money to the website. I tried to convince my husband yesterday that I should get an iPad if I lose 4% in 4 weeks but I'm not sure I was convincing enough. Though that would be amazing motivation and he could probably find comfort in my track record so far. 

I need a kick in the pants and I think this is it. This will be difficult and I'll probably be super grumpy but I want to prove to myself I can do this. Consequently, I'm modifying my April 30-day shred plan. This hasn't really been working anyway. So the new plan is to just exercise with no specific requirement other than for 30 minutes or so, probably walking away the pounds since that is a workout I don't dread and it still makes me ugly and sweaty. We also plan on pulling out a dance workout video we bought early in our marriage. 

The goal: Lose 4% in 4 weeks 

9.6 pounds or 2.4 pounds weekly.

The plan:

• Eat less than 1300 calories daily with a focus on snacking on fruits and veggies.
• Exercise at least 5 days a week. 
• See myself 10 pounds lighter.
• Continue with NFAD, 64+ ounces of water, no soda, and no treats. 

Again, I'm a little anxious. This is going to be tricky. But I want to change. (Do you feel like you've heard that before?)

Keep going

Print this!

This is perfect! 

Post it on the fridge! 

To start again tomorrow

Now, you may be thinking to yourself, “I already blew it. My four minutes are already a disaster. I may as well give up.” If so, stop thinking that, and never think it again. The miracle of the Atonement can make up for imperfections in our performance. As Elder Jeffrey R. Holland has taught:

“To those of you … who may still be hanging back, … I testify of the renewing power of God’s love and the miracle of His grace. …

“… It is never too late so long as the Master … says there is time. … Don’t delay.”

 (Your Four Minutes by Bishop Gary E. Stevenson)

Especially this weekend...

Definitely not the right perspective but how I ALWAYS feel...

Diet Bet

A link to this website showed up on my Facebook newsfeed. I'm kind of really loving the idea. So who's with me? 

http://www.dietbetter.com/dietbet-4/how-it-works

Daily Motivation

Come let us anew...

Well, here we are again. Are we surprised?  I'm writing yet another recommitment post. As I went through my bedtime routine tonight, I tried to think of reasons why I just can't seem to keep to my plan for weight loss. It all boils down to self sabotage. I am really good at talking myself into staying fat. Heck, I've always been this way. It's a risky path to go down that's for sure. 

So on the close of yet another awful day, and a bag of mini Cadbury eggs later, I'm recommitting. I don't want to always be this way. Maybe it's because I think being skinny will make me prettier or get me more friends or make me happier, but in the end being healthier will make my life more complete. 

So here's my plan for the week:

1. No Soda (12 days strong so far)
2. More water! (64-100 ounces)
3. No candy until Saturday
4. Shred Monday - Saturday
5. Snack on vegetables and fruit
6. No food after dinner
7. Tell myself a new story
8. LOVE MYSELF TODAY

Ugh

Please bless I start to see the fruits of my labor soon... Today's weigh in is a bummer. Highest I've publicly recorded. 

A Fifth

Go team! Six days down. 

A Sixth

Was about to crawl into bed thirty minutes ago. Was ready to throw away four days of exercise for a day of rest. 

Nope. Couldn't do it. Couldn't do it to myself. Or to you. I made a commitment. 

We'll see if that gumption always is there.

But I'm glad I hung out with Jillian for a bit.

And now, GOOD NIGHT!

Down

Here's a little positivity for a weigh in day that has me feeling kind of blue.

Before and After

We took some "before" pictures tonight before we did the Shred. Holy Toledo! I hope those "after" shots are something impressive. 

It's hard seeing myself like this.

Can't wait to see results and share them.

I'm feeling pumped for change,

though TOTALLY beat up from the workout.

Shout out to my exercise buddy!

Love you, honey bun.

Are you ready?!

Tomorrow is just the beginning. You know when you decide to be good and healthier and then you hit a wall of treats, soda, and junk? This happened to me about a week and a half ago. Jillian is going to have me struggling tomorrow. And the next day. And the next day. And the...I'm not very excited. HOWEVER, if change is going to happen is has to happen sometime. 

Checking In

After being MIA for an entire week, I'm back walking with Leslie. I can feel that it's been a week. 

Weighing in after I'm done with my mile. Eek! 

It won't be pretty I fear.

100 Happy Days

Check out this website!

I've registered and am rather excited to chronicle a happy moment each day with a photo on Facebook with the hashtag MePlusHappy. I'll try and share my moments on here too! (For those of you without Facebook.)

Day 1 (today is the International Day of Happiness after all.) 

A clean bathroom.

The Power of Positive Thinking

Recently, my mother shared this message with me and I was touched. We could all use the support of others and that's a lot easier when others actually like us. Give it a read.

"this message" is a link above. Click it.

I have a lot of changes I need to make.

Being a positive thinker is top of the list.

"I can do this. I need to do this."

Came across an awesome success story. Change is possible! 

Read the story here.

(Been feeling discouraged this week as I can't shake this cold. Makes me just want to sleep and not exercise or eat smart. Really hope I can get rid of it soon.)

Weekly Goals

Here's how I did last week:

• NFAD --> 4 days
• 64 oz --> 5.5 days
• Walks --> 5 days!
• <1800 cal --> 3 days ish

This week I will:

• Continue NFAD
• Continue drinking 64 ounces daily
• Walk 5 days
• Eat less than 1800 calories daily
• And somehow clean my entire house before Saturday. 

Five Days Strong

Now I can enjoy some pie guilt free. 

Happy Pi Day!!

Today's Playlist

• Girl on Fire by Alicia Keys
• Love is an Open Door from Frozen
• Bubbly by Colbie Caillet
• Cups by Anna Kendrick
• Human by The Killers
• That Better Day by Bryan Stephenson

Love putting the work out video on mute and listening to music. Cheers to a workout that makes me sweat in six songs.

And cheers to Frozen coming to Redbox in five days. Can't wait to see it! 

Love is An Open Door was added to the playlist this morning and I'm delighted. I have a feeling I'll be buying the rest of the album soon.

What songs get you through the day?

I'm always looking for good songs to add to the playlist.

Girl On Fire

This workout and weigh in are brought to you by Alicia Keys. Love starting my warmup with this song. So motivating. Can't you just see Katniss kicking some bum? 

(How nerdy is that?) 

I am SO delighted to report that for the first time since January 15, I saw a decrease on the scale this morning. So thrilled. Those little walks really do make a difference. So if you haven't started adding that mile to your life, do it now. You just may see a change on the scale. 

This girl is on fire...

No excuses

...They were slothful, and forgot to exercise... and they did not progress in their journey; (Alma 37:41)

Despite coming down with a cold, my walk with Leslie felt good. Now I can spend the rest of the day feeling like a sicky. 

Don't you have 20 minutes today to progress? 

A morning walk

Took a walk with Leslie and friends with Anna Kendrick and Brandon Flowers serenading me. Ended with 50 crunches. Great addition to my day. 

You should exercise today! 

Weekly Goals

Last week:

• NFAD --> a measly 3 days
• 64 ounces of H₂O --> 7 days! (First time since setting this goal, I did it all week!)
• One mile walk --> 5 days! 
• No treats --> 1 day (This goal shouldn't have been made. I think I've said it in the past, but if I say "no treats," I obsess. Well, now the good treats are gone and I passed up buying donuts yesterday so that's progress. However, I don't think I'll be making this goal again this week.)

This week:

• Continue No Food After Dinner
• Continue 64 ounces of H₂O daily
• Continue five days of 1 mile walks
• Eat less than 1800 calories daily. (I should be eating less than 1500 but baby steps...)

Here's to a happy week! Cheers! 

2 Pounds

You know you ate way too many peanut butter m&ms yesterday when it equates to a two pound increase on the scale today. 

Recommitting myself to no treats today. Even prayed about it. (Divine help is a must in a situation like this.) 

Should be more doable now that the peanut butter m&ms are gone too.

Update: Leslie helped me get rid of maybe a twelfth of the m&ms I ate. Wahoo!

No Treats? What was I thinking?

Tomorrow was a new day that resulted in a fail today... Oh well. These peanut butter m&ms will be gone soon enough.

Am I foolish to say I'll try again tomorrow?

Early bird...

Blogging live from my walk with Leslie. This is far too early... 

But I know I'll feel good afterwards.

Why do you exercise?

Tomorrow is a new day

No treats today was a fail. Rough day equaled peanut butter m&ms. Oops.

Starting over tomorrow. 

One mile down, 19 to go

Just finished a one mile walk with Leslie and friends muted and a little Imagine Dragons. 

Good way to kick off a day that was feeling a little rocky initially. Now to read some scriptures and get the Little Lady for breakfast time. Go Slim Fast! 

If you want to enjoy this exercise video today, 

check out the Mad Miles March tab. 

There's a link to a YouTube video.

Checking In

For last week:

N.F.A.D. --- 5 days

64 oz. --- 6 days

<1500 cal. --- 0 days

This week: 

• Continue with No Food After Dinner
• Continue with 64 ounces of water
• Walk an extra mile daily (5x)
• No treats

Mad Miles March

So I had plans to do some sweet leg workout for the month of March or the popular Mad Abs March. However, I realized this month that I need to do some cardio to actually get to those muscles so I can see change. (I did feel change with the half of Fab Ab February that I did.)

Here's my proposal:

At least 5 days a week,

Add

at least

one extra purposeful mile

to your life.

Walk, bike, swim,...

Some clarification.

If you already walk a lot, good for you.

Add another mile and walk it with purpose.

That's about 2000 extra steps times five.

Or 20 minutes five days a week if you walk with Leslie.

Doable. Very doable.

And good prep for our 30-day shred that will kick our bottoms in April.

Who's with me?

There is a page just for March up on the tabs bar.

Believe in the turtle.

I'm sensing an upward trend. Unfortunately.

Slow and steady wins the race,

right? 

Hopefully, not slowly and steadily fatter.

Turn this around!

Take control!

WG Report

Well so far...

No Food After Dinner ... 2

64 ounces of water ... 1

<1500 calories ... 0

HOWEVER, my productivity level is through the roof. Washing, cleaning, taking down a crib, hopefully putting up a crib, crocheting, cooking, etc. 

So win-lose-lose-WIN?

I need to find time for water today. 

Problem is I just want to crochet...

(Love me a good rhyme.)

Weekly Goals Report

No Food After Dinner ... 6 days

64 ounces of  Water ... 5.5 days

Fab Ab February ... Caught up and quit :)

Not bad.

This week's goals:

• No food after dinner
• 64 ounces of water daily
• Eat less than 1500 calories daily

Fab Ab February Fail

So it turns out crunches and leg raises produce incredible pain in my neck and back. 

Perhaps I'm doing them wrong? 

Anyway, I'm throwing in the towel. It was fun while it lasted. 

Weekly Weigh-in

Looks like a gain of almost half a pound. But when I was weighing in at *** and higher all weekend, I'll take it. Next week I hope to be back in the ***s, never to go above again. We'll see.

My weekly goals are going very well. I'm running to the bathroom a lot but feel good drinking all this water. Last night I really wanted to eat some nutter butters after dinner, BUT I DIDN'T! Victory! Keeping my eye on the prize. 

Any suggestions for a good shoe brand?

Feeling good,

Ready to face another week of weight loss.

Are you?!

A recommitment

In 1124 days, I will turn 30. As I say goodbye to my twenties, I want to say goodbye to ever being fat again. At the rate I'm going, that won't happen. 

A new week means a new opportunity to try afresh. What are your weekly goals this week?

Here are my goals for this week. If I'm successful, I get to... Buy new sneakers? (My husband will have to sign off on that. That has already been my birthday request but maybe I get them early?)

• No eating after dinner. 
• Drink 64 ounces of water a day.
• Catch up on Fab Ab February and keep it up. 

That Better Day

After a full day of feeling awful about myself, I sat down to listen to some music. This song has touched me in the past many times, but nothing quite like tonight. It's poignant and true for whatever trial you are facing, whatever sin you are overcoming, whatever life moment you are living. With the permission of my friend who wrote it, here are the lyrics. 

However, you should all check the song out on iTunes.

Buy it. 

It will become a fast favorite.

That Better Day

Bryan Stephenson

Father, I know I'm your son. 

I feel alone, rejected, and done. 

There was a time when I could feel your grace.

It kept me safe and whole while in this place. 

Something has changed. 

I've-I've lost my way. I've messed up. 

What more can I say. 

I want to change, stand up and fight.

 I want to make these things turn out alright.

So on this night, please send your light. 

Shine on me down from above.

Send me the gift of your love.

Show me the way, guiding me just like a dove 

bringing the peace I dream of, 

back to that better day

Father, I'm far from the road. 

Please send some help to carry this load. 

I've tried on my own. I just seem to fail. 

I need your help or I will not prevail. 

Please rescue me.

I wish to go back, 

to never fall, never be off the track. 

I want to change, stand up and fight. 

I want to make these things turn out alright.

So on this night, please send your light. 

Shine on me down from above. 

Send me the gift of your love.

Show me the way, guiding me just like a dove 

bringing the peace I dream of, 

back to that better day

I know you sent your son. 

Brother, please let me in. 

I feel you here. 

It's crystal clear.

Savior, you showed me the way, 

how to live each day after day. 

You served the poor, gave sight unto the blind, 

how could I think that you'd leave me behind. 

You are my Lord. 

You came. 

You suffered for me,

so I could grow, learn what to be. 

You went through pain and death. 

You did not shrink. 

You are my great eternal saving link.

You're at my side.

I feel your light shining on me from above. 

I feel the warmth of your love.

You've shown the way, teaching that you will provide. 

You'll never leave my side. 

This is that better day

This is that better day.

Oh, the horror

Feeling fat. Scale says I am. Life goal failed again. How unfortunate. 

But at least I'm moving more. 

Checking in

30 minutes walking made all the more fun by the little lady joining me. She set up jumping stations for us to do along the way. I drew the line when she wanted to add crawling to the workout.

50 crunches

50 leg raises?!? Who decided jumping from 30 to 50 was a good idea? Hurt so bad but I did it! 

And a 38 second plank in which the little lady insisted I wear a green beanie. 

She wants to continue to jump. I told her no. She still gave me a gold star. 

I like to move it, move it.

Walk for 30 minutes ... Check

30 crunches ... Check

30 leg raises ... Check 

35s plank ... Check

Now sitting and enjoying some cold water. On my way to 64 ounces.

Not a bad way to start the week. 

Ack!

Disappointed. 

I weigh the most I've weighed since having the baby. 

Sad.

Discouraged.

Probably shouldn't have eaten two bags of Peanut Butter M&Ms since Thursday.

My bad.

Lesson learned.

My Newest Motto

Recently, I created a backdrop for my phone with the phrase, "Think Skinny." I see it all the time, maybe I'm on my phone too much. Anyway, my point is, it has made a difference in my eating habits and my commitment to exercise and being healthier. 

As a side, I think the word skinny has a bad rap. 

For me it is equivalent to healthy.

Because well, healthy is far more slender then I am now.

I'm not going to ever be skeletonal thin, 

nor would I want to be.

I hope you better understand my use of the word.

All that said, 

I have not lived my motto today.

Oops.

But boy, were those treats delicious.

Self-mastery

"Self-mastery is the strength to place reason over appetite."

Elder Russell M Nelson

Weekly Weigh-in

While this week looks like a gain... I'm okay with it. Last Friday I weighed in at *** so I am more than happy to be at *** today.

I didn't report it because I was so ashamed. In a day, I had blown my life goal to never weigh *** or more. But we are back on track and feeling good. 

Also, the 15 second plank nearly killed me today. Wow, no ab muscles whatsoever. Excited to change that! Go Fab Ab February!!

Fab Ab February - who's with me?!

We are starting a little late, get caught up by doing the first five days spread out today and tomorrow. Grateful I found this schedule, saw others but didn't like them as much as this one.

I've created a page with the schedule so you won't have to keep track of this post. 

Join me for 

Fabulous Ab February! 

1. 5 crunches - 5 leg raises - 10s plank
2. Rest for the Sabbath
3. 8 crunches - 8 leg raises - 12s plank
4. 10 crunches - 10 leg raises - 15s plank
5. Rest
6. 12 crunches - 12 leg raises- 20s plank
7. 15 crunches - 15 leg raises - 25s plank
8. 20 crunches - 20 leg raises - 30s plank
9. Rest for the Sabbath
10. 30 crunches - 30 leg raises - 35s plank
11. 50 crunches - 50 leg raises - 38s plank
12. 65 crunches - 33 leg raises - 42s plank
13. Rest
14. 75 crunches - 40 leg raises - 50s plank
15. 85 crunches - 42 leg raises - 55s plank
16. Rest for the Sabbath
17. 90 crunches - 42 leg raises - 60s plank
18. Rest
19. 100 crunches - 45 leg raises - 65s plank
20. 110 crunches - 48 leg raises - 70s plank
21. 120 crunches - 50 leg raises - 75s plank
22. Rest
23. Rest for the Sabbath
24. 130 crunches - 52 leg raises - 80s plank
25. 140 crunches - 55 leg raises- 85s plank
26. 150 crunches - 58 leg raises - 90s plank
27. Rest
28. Rest up for Mad Abs March or maybe a fun leg workout I found.

Opposition

Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy.

2 Nephi 2:25

This same chapter in The Book of Mormon, discusses opposition and how there must be opposition in all things. I feel like my last 24 hours has been riddled with opposites, not to mention my life. And I really can't wait to experience what I currently see as the ideal opposite, slender and healthy. 

We are here to be joyful. Somedays that feels like a hard task, especially if you are like me and so good at beating yourself down. No matter what opposite you are experiencing, you need to find the joy in that moment. 

Here's to Adam. We owe him so much. 

Cheers!

Success!

I excercised. Have you? 

Weekly Goal Update

I made it 4 out of the last 8 evenings not eating after dinner. This week I hope to make it 5 or more.

In addition, I will be limiting my social media activity. Still need to decide the specifics. I wanted to give up Facebook all together for the month of February, but that won't be happening. Not now anyway. (Potential babysitting gets proposed via Facebook and I don't want to miss a chance for some me time.) 

Where are you willing to go?

"God doesn't care nearly as much about where you have been as He does about where you are and, with His help, where you are willing to go."

Jeffrey R. Holland

Revamping My Goals

After feeling very overwhelmed by so many things this morning, I've decided I need to be more realistic with my goals. 

Was 45 pounds in seven months do-able? Absolutely. 

Does that feel do-able while trying to maintain a family and my mental well being? Not so much. 

So I have given myself until December 31st to lose the weight needed to get retested for insulin resistance. Then I'm giving myself another year to get to the weight in my "normal" range. This means by my 30th birthday, I'll be at my peak health and weight. And while I hate the idea of taking so long to get the results I want, I know I might actually stick to it if I do it this way. And if the results happen sooner, awesome. 

I don't know. Maybe I'm giving myself an excuse to be lazy and not on top of things. Maybe. But as of this moment, nothing is feeling do-able, including a clean house, folded clothes, a balanced budget, happy family members, and my sanity. 

The Wrong Direction

Today's weigh-in was depressing. I'm doing it again, packing the pounds back on. 

Sad. 

Update

So far I'm 2 for 2. I have wanted to eat after dinner both nights but have stayed strong. Pretty pleased. Tonight will make it 3 for 3!

Cheers to mini successes! 

Weekly Goal

So I pretty much failed at the goal to drink only water and milk... 0-4. So I decided to give up that one, for now. 

But it is Sunday. A fresh start. A new beginning. Throwing this out there and seeing how it goes. 

No eating after dinner, until breakfast the next morning comes around. 

Lately, we've made a habit of bowls of ice cream, pretzels, treats, leftovers, whatever we can get our hands on becoming second dinner around ten or so every night. This is horrible for my weight loss journey, which is slowly becoming a weight gain journey. 

Forever Fat

I've hit that wall. You know the one. The wall where you feel like giving up. Wouldn't being fat just be so much easier? Eating whatever you want whenever you want. Not standing on a scale ever. Now the tricky part would be clothes... I'd have to live in a mu'umu'u. That wouldn't be too bad. They look roomy and comfy.

The sad thing is I really haven't done anything special to try and lose weight. I just want to keep eating treats and drinking soda. Oh did I mention I've failed my weekly goal so far? 

Deep breaths. Losing weight is a good thing. I feel better when I'm being good about following my goals. Truth is, I don't feel great after eating treats or junk. Just while eating them. I know I'm addicted. It's easy to convince yourself you deserve a treat when you've had a rough day. When did food become a reward? 

Clearly I need to work on my mental game. I texted my husband yesterday and told him I am choosing to be fat. I don't think he got real excited about that. 

Quite self-talking like a fat person. Be skinny, mentally at least for now. 

Weekly Weigh-in

Truth is, I've been dreading this weigh in all week. I knew it would be a gain. And now I have that hopeless feeling like I'm headed down the rabbit hole where I'm perpetually fat. Ugh. 

But I have to do something. Change something. Because, well, I shouldn't be surprised. I really have done nothing to try and lose weight and the reality is, you can't get something for nothing. I need to start actually following my plan for weight loss. Been a bit of a hypocrite, riding the wave of giving birth and nursing, letting them do all the work. Well they are gone now. Time to buck up! 

Weekly goal: drink water! Lots of it. Some milk. Nothing else. Nada. Zip. No soda. No juice. 

If I'm down next week, that may just be enough motivation to make this weekly goal a monthly goal, then maybe longer. 

Hope your week of weight loss was better than mine. Here's to improvement in the next seven days.

Cheers! 

RS

Secrets to Creating Change

Read this article today and found it helpful. Maybe you will too 

5 secrets to jumpstart change

by Connie Sokol, KSL.com contributor • Jan 17 

SALT LAKE CITY — In my previous article I shared a few reasons why we hesitate to change. In this post enjoy these fives ways to make it happen.

Find the why

Until you know why, from your core, that you’re achieving a particular goal, it won't have staying power. If you simply write “Lose 20 pounds” you will likely find yourself at the freezer with a pint of Ben and Jerry’s within a week.

Instead, give it meaning. Write “Lose 20 pounds to lower my diabetic risk” or “Lose 20 pounds by our anniversary cruise” for clear motivation and visualization.

Author Joseph Assaraf says that visualization is vital because your subconscious mind doesn’t know it is only in your imagination. When you act upon the visualization it can change the course of your life.

Tether it to your life vision

Take time to create a personal life vision or purpose because this connects goals to your big picture. Brainstorm what matters most to you, your ideal life, the kind of person you want to become, etc. As you write these specific thoughts, you'll often discover your goals already within them.

Set juicy goals Set goals that aren't boring, rote, or sawdusty, rather write goals that matter and in a language that's fun and fabulous, such as, “I can't wait to carve out one hour a day to write a book.” This is the same timeframe Joseph Heller used to write his best-selling book "Catch-22."

Create accountability

It doesn't matter how one creates accountability — online, in-person, with a friend, or even by text. Knowing someone is following his or her choices keeps someone making the right ones. Last summer I did a fitness challenge. It was in June and July (possibly the worst time to do such, excepting maybe December).

Although hesitant to blog the experience, I decided to utilize the accountability factor. Thank goodness I did. Due to sleep-deprivation from being up with my baby I was ready to quit by Week 3. However, knowing that women were responding to it kept me focused and creative in achieving my goals.

Enjoy a personal reward

We are not just achieving a goal, but also recreating neural pathways, which can take up to two years to change. It's vital to create a positive neuro-association with regard to goal-setting.

To make it simple, use small, medium, or large rewards not just for completed goals but even for your solid efforts. For example: small (take a bath, read a book); medium (take a class, buy an outfit); or big (take a trip, join a hobby group). As you reward the good, goals will become a happy thought and not a boring must-do.

Try one or all of these secrets to create a personal change.

Connie Sokol is an author, presenter, TV contributor and mother of seven. Contact her at www.conniesokol.com. 

Weekly Weigh-in

Last week, I said I would take any sort of loss. And well, I got my wish. The smallest increment measurable on my scale. I'll take it!

New goal: Next week, show a loss greater than that smallest increment. Heck, be in the *** range. 

I also hope to finish off my Christmas candy in the next day or two, that will help. Though the ice cream in the freezer and the fact that I'm finishing up nursing my baby may not help... We will see. 

Go team! 

Weekly weigh-in

I was very pleased I didn't see a gain this week. I haven't been watching what I eat and those Christmas treats have been irresistible. (Oh Cow Tails, how I love thee.) So hallelujah for staying the same. I'd take that any day over an increase. 

Goal for next week: Lose a little, or a lot. Any amount would be an improvement. 

You are what you eat

Turns out weight loss is simple math. If calories in are less than calories out, you lose weight. Easy peasy, right?

This science teacher from Iowa proved the idea using McDonalds. And while I wouldn't want to take on this experiment myself, I was impressed. What a cool teacher. And what great proof that anyone can lose weight without crazy diets or insane exercise routines. 

http://screen.yahoo.com/popular/science-teacher-gets-surprising-results-122737570.html

Goal-making

'Tis the Season

Happy New Year! Happy Skinny Year! Happy Year of Change! Happy Clean Slate! Happy 2014!

Couldn't be more excited to start this weight loss journey. Baby came a little early so I think my weight is finally settled and ready to be shed. I'm more ready than I've ever been to love my body. Who's with me?

"Number one, like yourself. Number two, you have to eat healthy. And number three, you've got to squeeze you're buns. That's my formula."

Richard Simmons