Good morning everyone! I just realized something. I have only 8lbs to go and I will have lost 100lbs. WOW!!! That is AMAZING! It's overwhelming to believe that I've actually come this far without ever stepping into a gym. Don't get me wrong, I would love to have gone to a gym, but it wasn't in the budget so I did what I had to do (still doing it).
I don't really have much else to say. Just realizing that fact has me kind of giddy! Thank you to everyone who has encouraged me along the way. Those of you who leave comments, those who give advice, just everyone. Keep it coming. Together we can do this. Our goals are attainable.
I'm encouraged to keep going on this journey and to keep moving forward.
Love to all xoxoxoxoxo
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Denial hinders progress.
You always hear that the first step to getting help for an addiction (problem) is to admit that you have a problem. Well this holds true for weight loss, healthy living, etc. Let's not live in denial. As long as we deny that we have a problem with overeating and as a result are overweight, we can't progress. "Hi, my name is Shontill and I am overweight." Collectively now..."Hi, Shontill."
Seriously. We overeat for various reasons: stress, grief, joy, the love of food, etc. But when we make excuses for our lack of self-control and our lack of exercise we are not helping ourselves. Figure out why the unhealthy habit is there and then work to change it. Sometimes we blame others, sometimes we say "well if I had a gym membership", or if I had more time....blah, blah, blah.
I don't have a gym membership. I work full-time and have a family (a husband and four kids). Time is precious, but my health is important to me. Yours should be too. Some of the time we spend on social networks (i.e. Facebook, Twitter) can be spent exercising and/or preparing healthy meals. Too preachy? Maybe, but there has to come a point in our lives where we stop making excuses and just do it. Nike had the right idea. Don't think about it, "JUST DO IT!"
You can change your eating habits, you can exercise, you can adapt a healthier lifestyle overall. If you want to. You can't do it for anyone else but yourself. Your motivation has to come from within, not without. If you "love" to eat and are too lazy to exercise, chances are it is reflected in your health. Admit that and change that.
Yes, I want to be "skinny". I admit it. But more than anything, I want to be healthy. I have a family and friends that I want to be around for. I don't want to have health issues related to my weight. Diabetes and high blood pressure run in my family. There is no need for me to add fuel to the flame by being unhealthy and overweight.
Do I have it all figured out? Not at all. I'm still learning everyday, making mistakes and I welcome advice all the time. But, I've spent the better part of my life making excuses, ignoring my problems and just letting life pass me by. No more of that.
I apolgoize if this is not what you wanted to read, but I believe that sometimes we need a little nudge (kick in the butt) to get going. Consider this my nudge to you. You can do it! I know you can. Let's get it!
Love to all xoxoxoxoxo
Seriously. We overeat for various reasons: stress, grief, joy, the love of food, etc. But when we make excuses for our lack of self-control and our lack of exercise we are not helping ourselves. Figure out why the unhealthy habit is there and then work to change it. Sometimes we blame others, sometimes we say "well if I had a gym membership", or if I had more time....blah, blah, blah.
I don't have a gym membership. I work full-time and have a family (a husband and four kids). Time is precious, but my health is important to me. Yours should be too. Some of the time we spend on social networks (i.e. Facebook, Twitter) can be spent exercising and/or preparing healthy meals. Too preachy? Maybe, but there has to come a point in our lives where we stop making excuses and just do it. Nike had the right idea. Don't think about it, "JUST DO IT!"
You can change your eating habits, you can exercise, you can adapt a healthier lifestyle overall. If you want to. You can't do it for anyone else but yourself. Your motivation has to come from within, not without. If you "love" to eat and are too lazy to exercise, chances are it is reflected in your health. Admit that and change that.
Yes, I want to be "skinny". I admit it. But more than anything, I want to be healthy. I have a family and friends that I want to be around for. I don't want to have health issues related to my weight. Diabetes and high blood pressure run in my family. There is no need for me to add fuel to the flame by being unhealthy and overweight.
Do I have it all figured out? Not at all. I'm still learning everyday, making mistakes and I welcome advice all the time. But, I've spent the better part of my life making excuses, ignoring my problems and just letting life pass me by. No more of that.
I apolgoize if this is not what you wanted to read, but I believe that sometimes we need a little nudge (kick in the butt) to get going. Consider this my nudge to you. You can do it! I know you can. Let's get it!
Love to all xoxoxoxoxo
New Workouts and I'm loving it!!!
Exercise TV is my new best friend. I discovered so many new and exciting workouts yesterday that I had to stop myself before overdoing it. LOL! Belly dancing, kickboxing, hip hop aerobics, and so on, and so on....
I really appreciate the comment from Nicole (Health Nut in Training) regarding weight training. We will be picking up weights this weekend and her suggestions are very helpful. If you aren't following her blog, I suggest you do. She has and continues to inspire me daily and I think you will be inspired as well.
I totally skipped dinner yesterday. #FAIL Didn't reach my calorie goal, but I still felt full after my lunch. Speaking of lunch....I had the most delicious meal with my sister yesterday. We ate at Karyn's Cooked in Chicago. A wonderful vegan restaurant. This has renewed my desire to pursue the vegan lifestyle more vigorously. The food was so delicious and of course I'm now inspired to try to recreate what I ate at home. :-)
If you have any vegan recipes that you would like to share, they are most welcome. I love cooking and don't do it very often anymore (though my wonderful husband does a great job at it). I miss cooking and try to cook as much as possible on the weekends. So send those recipes my way.
Well, since I seem to be "chatty Cathy" today, I am going to wrap it up. Stay motivated, keep moving. You can do it! I believe in you. You should believe in you too! :-)
Love to all xoxoxoxoxo
Today's weight: 142 1/2 (yea, I know....)
I really appreciate the comment from Nicole (Health Nut in Training) regarding weight training. We will be picking up weights this weekend and her suggestions are very helpful. If you aren't following her blog, I suggest you do. She has and continues to inspire me daily and I think you will be inspired as well.
I totally skipped dinner yesterday. #FAIL Didn't reach my calorie goal, but I still felt full after my lunch. Speaking of lunch....I had the most delicious meal with my sister yesterday. We ate at Karyn's Cooked in Chicago. A wonderful vegan restaurant. This has renewed my desire to pursue the vegan lifestyle more vigorously. The food was so delicious and of course I'm now inspired to try to recreate what I ate at home. :-)
If you have any vegan recipes that you would like to share, they are most welcome. I love cooking and don't do it very often anymore (though my wonderful husband does a great job at it). I miss cooking and try to cook as much as possible on the weekends. So send those recipes my way.
Well, since I seem to be "chatty Cathy" today, I am going to wrap it up. Stay motivated, keep moving. You can do it! I believe in you. You should believe in you too! :-)
Love to all xoxoxoxoxo
Today's weight: 142 1/2 (yea, I know....)
Monday, July 25, 2011
Weight Training.....
The number on the scale was 143. I'm happy with that. Slow and steady. That's my motto. I'd really like some advice on weights. I want to start lifting. Not to bulk up, but to tone up. Does anyone have a favorite brand of weights? A good weight workout (is that what it's called lol). What size weights should I start of with. I have some 2-3 pound weights, but they are not doing anything. ;-) I know I need heavier weights to accomplish my goal.
Also, kettlebells...anyone have any experience with them? I'd like to give them a try, but would love to hear your experiences. Not much going on with me. Just trying to stay on the right track, eating right (and eating enough), exercising (cardio and strength training) and getting enough rest (easier said than done).
I've been under the weather the last couple of days and my eating, exercising and sleeping has suffered in the process. Not feeling 100% today, but I will press. I actually slept a lot yesterday because I just didn't feel right. Didn't work out this morning because I was sleeping (and enjoying it). I'm hoping I feel better so that I can get a good workout in this evening. Zumba is on the menu for today. :-)
Hope everyone is well and that you are continuing on your journey to a healthier you. I look forward to your comments, advice and encouragement. Keep up the good work. We are in this for the long haul. :-)
Love to all xoxoxoxoxo
Also, kettlebells...anyone have any experience with them? I'd like to give them a try, but would love to hear your experiences. Not much going on with me. Just trying to stay on the right track, eating right (and eating enough), exercising (cardio and strength training) and getting enough rest (easier said than done).
I've been under the weather the last couple of days and my eating, exercising and sleeping has suffered in the process. Not feeling 100% today, but I will press. I actually slept a lot yesterday because I just didn't feel right. Didn't work out this morning because I was sleeping (and enjoying it). I'm hoping I feel better so that I can get a good workout in this evening. Zumba is on the menu for today. :-)
Hope everyone is well and that you are continuing on your journey to a healthier you. I look forward to your comments, advice and encouragement. Keep up the good work. We are in this for the long haul. :-)
Love to all xoxoxoxoxo
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Still here....
I know I haven't blogged in a while. Sorry for that. Rest assured, I'm still here and still on my journey to a new and healthy me. This morning's weight was 145! Very excited about that. I haven't been 145 for some years now. OAN: I bought a size 11 pair of pants yesterday!!!! Woo-hoo!!!! Haven't seen size 11 in some years as well.
I need to invest in a treadmill. I have this overwhelming desire to run on it! LOL! I'm going to start pricing them so that I can get my "run" on. Overall, working out has been going well. I'm starting to crave more though. Really trying to figure out how to get to the next level. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I have been eating quite well, thankfully. Actually getting really close to my calorie goal the last couple of days (which is a big deal for me).
Jillian Michaels is still kicking my butt and I love it! Can't wait to see the 30 day results. One thing I want to say to anyone who is reading this who is on this journey or thinking about starting: make up in your mind that this is what you want and need to do for yourself. Don't try to do this for anyone but you. There is no magic formula. You get out of it what you put in. Fad diets DON'T work. Believe me when I tell you this. I've tried every diet under the sun and always ended up right back in the same boat.
This is about changing your life for the better. Find what works for you and stick with it. It's hard work, but I know that if I can do it, anyone can. It's worth it. Trust me. I believe in you. You should believe in you as well.
Love to all xoxoxoxoxoxo
I need to invest in a treadmill. I have this overwhelming desire to run on it! LOL! I'm going to start pricing them so that I can get my "run" on. Overall, working out has been going well. I'm starting to crave more though. Really trying to figure out how to get to the next level. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I have been eating quite well, thankfully. Actually getting really close to my calorie goal the last couple of days (which is a big deal for me).
Jillian Michaels is still kicking my butt and I love it! Can't wait to see the 30 day results. One thing I want to say to anyone who is reading this who is on this journey or thinking about starting: make up in your mind that this is what you want and need to do for yourself. Don't try to do this for anyone but you. There is no magic formula. You get out of it what you put in. Fad diets DON'T work. Believe me when I tell you this. I've tried every diet under the sun and always ended up right back in the same boat.
This is about changing your life for the better. Find what works for you and stick with it. It's hard work, but I know that if I can do it, anyone can. It's worth it. Trust me. I believe in you. You should believe in you as well.
Love to all xoxoxoxoxoxo
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Steady she goes....
The last couple of days have been uneventful weight-wise. I'm still holding steady at 150lbs. I'm not complaining because the number didn't go up, but I'm looking forward to it going down.
I started Jillian Michaels' 30 Day Shred on Monday and I absolutely love it! I can't wait for the 30 days to be up so that I can be shredded! ;-) I'm still tossing around the idea of joining the gym at my job. I guess I've gotten so used to working out in the comfort and security of my own home that the thought of actually going into a gym with other people seems a little daunting. I hope to make a concrete decision this weekend though.
In other news, I have a family reunion coming up this weekend (my husband's side) and I have no idea what I'm going to eat. Hope they have salad. LOL! Seriously, it will be nice to see everyone I haven't seen in a while and meet those I've never met. Food will be secondary.
I need to set another goal, but I'm not sure what yet. Check back later or give me some ideas. Thank you for reading, commenting, encouraging and advising.
Love to all xoxoxoxoxoxo
I started Jillian Michaels' 30 Day Shred on Monday and I absolutely love it! I can't wait for the 30 days to be up so that I can be shredded! ;-) I'm still tossing around the idea of joining the gym at my job. I guess I've gotten so used to working out in the comfort and security of my own home that the thought of actually going into a gym with other people seems a little daunting. I hope to make a concrete decision this weekend though.
In other news, I have a family reunion coming up this weekend (my husband's side) and I have no idea what I'm going to eat. Hope they have salad. LOL! Seriously, it will be nice to see everyone I haven't seen in a while and meet those I've never met. Food will be secondary.
I need to set another goal, but I'm not sure what yet. Check back later or give me some ideas. Thank you for reading, commenting, encouraging and advising.
Love to all xoxoxoxoxoxo
Monday, July 11, 2011
Happy Birthday to Me!!!
Good morning all! My birthday was Saturday and it was wonderful! I spent Friday night and most of Saturday morning and early afternoon cooking and cleaning for my birthday bbq. I am happy to say that it was a success. Many of my family and friends came to help me celebrate. We had a great time. The food was good (or so I am told), the people were awesome and I got some great gifts. Best of all I got to spend time with the people I love on my special day.
Needless to say, my workout schedule was totally thrown off due to partying, but I did manage to get some cardio in (with all of the cleaning, moving boxes, tables, etc), but of course that's not good enough for me. So I've vowed to step it up this week to make up for the weekend. My eating was HORRIBLE!!!! I barely ate at all the whole weekend, and that my friends is a major #FAIL!
On to some other news.....drumroll please.......yesterday's weight was......150 lbs!!!!! Yes! I didn't have time to weigh myself on my birthday, but I'm counting this as a goal reached! Time for me to step up my game. Work harder, eat right and not give in to temptation. It was hard getting up this morning, but I'm so glad I got up and got my workout in. 50 minutes of kickboxing and it felt GREAT!!!
My bff got me Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred for my birthday. Hubby and I will be starting our 30 days today. Can't wait to get started.
Welp, that's all for now. I hope everyone had a great weekend and has a great week!
Love to all xoxoxoxoxoxo
Needless to say, my workout schedule was totally thrown off due to partying, but I did manage to get some cardio in (with all of the cleaning, moving boxes, tables, etc), but of course that's not good enough for me. So I've vowed to step it up this week to make up for the weekend. My eating was HORRIBLE!!!! I barely ate at all the whole weekend, and that my friends is a major #FAIL!
On to some other news.....drumroll please.......yesterday's weight was......150 lbs!!!!! Yes! I didn't have time to weigh myself on my birthday, but I'm counting this as a goal reached! Time for me to step up my game. Work harder, eat right and not give in to temptation. It was hard getting up this morning, but I'm so glad I got up and got my workout in. 50 minutes of kickboxing and it felt GREAT!!!
My bff got me Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred for my birthday. Hubby and I will be starting our 30 days today. Can't wait to get started.
Welp, that's all for now. I hope everyone had a great weekend and has a great week!
Love to all xoxoxoxoxoxo
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Getting there....
Just checking in to say that the scale said 153 this morning! Yay!!!!! 2 more days until my birthday and 3 lbs to go to reach my short-term goal of 150 lbs. Awesome! I'm not too excited about my party though. It's 2 days away and there is minimal excitement. Maybe once I start shopping and cooking I will get excited. I hope so. ;-)
OAN: I've been reading up on this whole excess skin problem and it's kind of depressing. I mean to work so hard only to have extra weight and to not have that "smoking hot body" you've worked for because of loose skin. Ugh!!! Now, don't get me wrong, I am not giving up by any means. I will do what I have to do to get to my healthy, ideal weight and deal with the loose skin issue when I have to.
I think maybe I need to start a "loose skin" fund. That way, by the time I am ready for the surgery, I will have the money saved up to get it done. Good idea, right? We shall see. Ta ta for now. :-)
Love to all xoxoxoxoxo
OAN: I've been reading up on this whole excess skin problem and it's kind of depressing. I mean to work so hard only to have extra weight and to not have that "smoking hot body" you've worked for because of loose skin. Ugh!!! Now, don't get me wrong, I am not giving up by any means. I will do what I have to do to get to my healthy, ideal weight and deal with the loose skin issue when I have to.
I think maybe I need to start a "loose skin" fund. That way, by the time I am ready for the surgery, I will have the money saved up to get it done. Good idea, right? We shall see. Ta ta for now. :-)
Love to all xoxoxoxoxo
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
3 more days....
Hello all. Well my birthday is 3 days away. I set a goal for myself to be 150 lbs by then. This morning the scale was holding steady at 155. Oh well, I will keep working. It ain't over until it's over, right?
In other news, had a great workout this morning. Zumba in the morning is a perfect way to get your heart pumping and energize you for the day ahead. Do I sound like a commercial? I love ZUMBA!
The more weight I lose, the more I seem to notice this ugly loose skin. Ugh! This has to go! I don't see myself being able to afford skin removal surgery any time soon, so I am going to work my butt off (literally) to tighten up this skin.
I really need to do better with eating. I'm eating good, healthy food, just not enough of it. I don't want my weight loss to stall so I have to get my calories in everyday. Encouragement and advice would be helpful.
I found a recipe for eggless mayonnaise last night and I'm so eager to try it. I will be making some this Friday. It says it should keep for 2 weeks. I hope it turns out alright. It will be a whole lot cheaper than buying it from the local health food store.
Well, I'm kinda chatty this morning, but I need to get some work done. I'll be back.....
Love to all xoxoxoxoxo
In other news, had a great workout this morning. Zumba in the morning is a perfect way to get your heart pumping and energize you for the day ahead. Do I sound like a commercial? I love ZUMBA!
The more weight I lose, the more I seem to notice this ugly loose skin. Ugh! This has to go! I don't see myself being able to afford skin removal surgery any time soon, so I am going to work my butt off (literally) to tighten up this skin.
I really need to do better with eating. I'm eating good, healthy food, just not enough of it. I don't want my weight loss to stall so I have to get my calories in everyday. Encouragement and advice would be helpful.
I found a recipe for eggless mayonnaise last night and I'm so eager to try it. I will be making some this Friday. It says it should keep for 2 weeks. I hope it turns out alright. It will be a whole lot cheaper than buying it from the local health food store.
Well, I'm kinda chatty this morning, but I need to get some work done. I'll be back.....
Love to all xoxoxoxoxo
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Fell of the map....sort of.
Good morning. I haven't blogged in a few days, but rest assured all is well. Just been kind of busy with my son's birthday and the holiday weekend. I'm happy to report that I did not overindulge this weekend. Yay!!! I didn't get to workout like I usually do, but I'm back on the grind today.
Weighed in at 155 this morning and feeling ok about it. Realizing that I really need more weight training. So my goal is to get some free weights and start at it. I also noticed that after this is all over, I'm going to need a tummy tuck. For all of you who are against cosmetic surgery, sorry, but......I'm hoping I can tone up my arms and other areas, but the tummy is another story. I am going to need professional help in that area.
OAN: Saturday is my 38th birthday. Yes I am telling my age. I mean I put my weight on here, right? If I can share that, sharing my age is nothing. :-) I am having a bbq for my birthday. Now while I don't eat meat, I have plenty of family and friends who do and I enjoy cooking for them. With that being said, my hubby will be handling the grill for the big items (ribs, chicken, etc). I will handle hot dogs, burgers and veggies. I'm really looking forward to seeing and hanging out with everyone.
Well, I'm rambling now so I will get going. Just wanted to check in. Hope everyone is doing well.
Love to all xoxoxoxoxo
Weighed in at 155 this morning and feeling ok about it. Realizing that I really need more weight training. So my goal is to get some free weights and start at it. I also noticed that after this is all over, I'm going to need a tummy tuck. For all of you who are against cosmetic surgery, sorry, but......I'm hoping I can tone up my arms and other areas, but the tummy is another story. I am going to need professional help in that area.
OAN: Saturday is my 38th birthday. Yes I am telling my age. I mean I put my weight on here, right? If I can share that, sharing my age is nothing. :-) I am having a bbq for my birthday. Now while I don't eat meat, I have plenty of family and friends who do and I enjoy cooking for them. With that being said, my hubby will be handling the grill for the big items (ribs, chicken, etc). I will handle hot dogs, burgers and veggies. I'm really looking forward to seeing and hanging out with everyone.
Well, I'm rambling now so I will get going. Just wanted to check in. Hope everyone is doing well.
Love to all xoxoxoxoxo
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