Just Heather
7
Mamavation Monday: It’s Not the Heat, It’s the Humidity
Aug 01, 2011 | Filed Under: Living Large

Today starts the final week of the George Foreman Knock out the Fat Weight Loss Challenge, and I couldn’t be more excited to share the results of my weigh-in. I am now officially at a normal BMI—by 2.5 pounds! By sticking with my exercise programs, paying attention to my meal plan and curbing the extra snacking, I was able to lose 4 pounds this week.

The trick will be keeping it off, when I head to BlogHer later this week! I know my food will be fine. It’s the sugary drinks I’m a little concerned about. Of course, my philosophy has always been to ease up for special occasions, so I will be totally okay with a little weight gain next week.

I just hope I can keep it to under 2.5 pounds. I don’t ever want to be overweight again!

BlogHer is going to be amazing! Not only do I get to see good friends, party like a rock star with the Clever Girls and enjoy tasty cocktails (hello, 10 drink tickets!) but we’ll be in gorgeous San Diego. I haven’t been to California since I was 4 years old, so this is essentially my first time on the west coast.

Checking the weather reports tells me it will be absolutely perfect. I am so ready to escape this heat. It’s absolutely insane in Indiana right now. Over 100° heat factor every day (oh, the humidity!) and going on something like 20 90+ days in a row. Sunny and 70s looks like absolute bliss!

I have even signed up for the BlogHer 5K and Sweat Pink boot camp—anything for the chance to spend some time outdoors in the beautiful San Diego sun. It’s too hot here to even think about a 5K. Heck, I don’t even want to think about cooking. At least we’re beating the heat with my George Foreman grill.

When I return home to the melt-your-face heat, it will be time for my final George Foreman Knock out the Fat Weight Loss Challenge weigh-in and updated measurements & pictures. It will also be time to reestablish goals. I’m more concerned with how I look & feel than the numbers on the scale, so my focus will be more on specific things I can check off than how much I weigh.

Like, this week, I will finish the 30 Day Shred. I’m going to need a new program to replace it, since I’m finding that sort of accountability is working well for me. I was considering P90X, but I don’t know if I have the time to dedicate to it just yet. I also want to finish the Couch to 5K program, ending with running a full 5K in October.

I’m also considering adding a larger fitness goal to my 40×40 list. I need something to replace #38. You know, since there won’t actually be any more shuttle launches for me to attend. Emily suggests a half marathon—yikes! What do you think?

{scale pic coming when the hubby gets home—stupid, broken card reader}
Starting Weigh-In: 195 pounds
Today’s Weigh-In: 172 pounds
This Week’s Weight Loss: 4 pounds
Total Mamavation Weight Loss: 23 pounds
Total Knockout The Fat Weight Loss: 15.5 pounds
BMI: 24.65 (that’s normal!)

Sistahood Question: What are the next big goals you want to tackle?
This post is sponsored by Flatout Bread, and I’m writing this to be entered into a giveaway hosted by Mamavation.

Disclosure: The George Foreman Knock out the Fat Weight Loss Challenge is a compensated program. As an ambassador for George Foreman, I received a George Foreman grill and will be paid for my time at the end of the 90 day challenge. All opinions are, as always, 100% mine!

Read the comments.
3
Mamavation Monday: Constant Snacking Edition
Jul 25, 2011 | Filed Under: Living Large

I can’t believe we have less than two weeks left in the George Foreman Knock out the Fat Weight Loss Challenge—what a journey it has been! I feel like I’ve hit a plateau lately, with just half a pound lost this week, but I’ve got some ideas to change things up. For starters, I need to be better about my meal plan. I prepare healthy meals all day long and use my George Foreman grill every evening, but my snacking has gotten a little off track.

I’ve snacked on chips a bit this week, and I finished off the candy I bought last week. In my defense, those kind of cravigns only come up once a month. Still, if I plan my snacks out a little more, it will go a little better. Now that we have the whole family on an exchange meal plan, this should get easier.

If I’m already helping the girls plot out healthy snacks, it should be pretty simple to fill in my own. We’re working with Stacia’s doctor to up her calorie intake, in an effort to put some meat on those bones! When she came home with meal charts similar to mine, the little girls wanted one too.

I put some time & research into the right calorie balance for their ages and learned that Stacia’s introductory meal plan was perfect for both Brenia & Lorelai. My hope was a specific plan would curb the nonstop eating & constant “when is dinner?” that we deal with every day.

They were quick to catch on, and I think I’m even learning a thing or two from the three of them. Stacia is focusing on the vegetables she does like (so, uh, salads. And V8 juice.), rather than not eating everything else. Brenia is really excited about swapping things for treats now & then—being able to have lemonade or apple juice, in place of a carb or fruit has been her favorite.

Lorelai mostly likes that she gets to eat all day long—which she’s pretty much know for. The meals were too much for them to get through so we’ve worked in several snacks to get the appropriate foods in throughout the day. The frequent snacking is good for them—and for me—but, I tend to focus just on the meals. This week I’m going to put more emphasis on planning my snacks, too.

It will not only curb the insane hunger my workouts cause, but it should also cut down on the unhealthy snacking. Not that I’ll ever give up my nightly chocolate, but maybe I could give up the morning chocolate. And, the afternoon chips. This 30 Day Shred is just making me so hungry! I’ve kept up on it, finally hitting level 3 (yowzers!) on Friday.

I have about a week left in the series, and I’ll be posting updated measurements when I finish. The Couch to 5K is also going pretty well. I started week 4 the other night and will be running it again tonight, after spending 2 weeks on week 3. This is definitely going to take me longer than 9 weeks, but I’m hoping to run a full 5K on October 1st.

I did sign up for the BlogHer 5K in a couple weeks, but I’ll be WALK-running that one. I don’t know if I can keep up with the Mamavation crew (Leah, Lori and Shelley are also registered!), but I’m going to give it a shot. And, at the very least, it will keep me moving in the middle of a crazy, chaotic conference. But, that is next week!

For this week, my focus is continuing the exercise programs I’ve been doing all month, better snacking and more healthy cooking the indoor grill (check out my George Foreman grill review below). Because who wants to go outside in this weather?

Starting Weigh-In: 195 pounds
Today’s Weigh-In: 176 pounds
This Week’s Weight Loss: .5 pounds
Total Mamavation Weight Loss: 19 pounds
Total Knockout The Fat Weight Loss: 12 pounds
BMI: 25.22

Sistahood Question: What nutrition lessons have you learned from your kids?

This post is sponsored by Organ Wise & Fiber Choice, and I’m writing this to be entered into a giveaway hosted by Mamavation.

Disclosure: The George Foreman Knock out the Fat Weight Loss Challenge is a compensated program. As an ambassador for George Foreman, I received a George Foreman grill and will be paid for my time at the end of the 90 day challenge. All opinions are, as always, 100% mine!

Read the comments.
9
Mamavation Monday: When Gaining Is Good
Jul 18, 2011 | Filed Under: Living Large

The only surprising thing about gaining a pound this week is that it was only one! I have been doing really well with my menu plan and stayed consistent with working out & running. However, I still cave for special occasions—and last week was full of them! With my middle child at Girl Scout camp and the other girls at my parents’ house, we really made the most of our kid free week.

I think I only really ate well a couple days last week. There was a margarita night (complete with nachos!), a girls’ night movie (compete with buttery popcorn), a blogging conference (complete with social hours—and sangria!) and a leisurely trip back home with my roommates (complete with a stop at the candy factory & dairy farm).

So, how did I keep my weight gain to a single pound with all of that?

It was partly due to keeping up with running and 30 Day Shred, and partly due to making good choices in between all the junk! After years and years of not eating breakfast at all, I am giving each day a healthy start with whole grains, fruit & milk. It’s typically waffles or toast with peanut butter & banana, with the occasional homemade smoothie with granola or a bowl of rice cereal.

I also made healthy meal choices, for the most party. You know, when I wasn’t downing a plate of nachos with my margarita! It was all the extras that did me in—drinks with friends, indulgent snacks and, uh, more drinks. Still, a pound isn’t so bad and I totally earned it! So, since I don’t have weight loss to cheer this week, I’m going to focus on the other things I’ve gained through the George Foreman Knock out the Fat Weight Loss Challenge:

  • Energy: Eating right, staying active? Yeah, it actually produces more energy! I am more active, more involved with my kids and enjoying things I never thought I would. While I used to just watch the girls play Just Dance 2, now I pretty much rock it out right along with them.
  • Time: This pretty much goes right along with energy because it’s all about sleeping less! Yes, I’m spending more time working out and planning meals, but I still find myself with additional time on my hands that used to be spent on naps.
  • New Recipes: All the amazing recipes from Inspired RD and George Foreman have really gotten us out of a long standing rut. Plus, a good, healthy menu plan has given me more food choices as well. I know the hubby is extremely grateful! He’s a much more adventurous eater than I.
  • More Shopping Options: Now that I’m down a size (and a half!), there seem to be a lot more choices. I’ve made the shift out of misses, which opens up a world of opportunity. Plus, I no longer have to order my bras online. They sell my size in normal stores!
  • Self-Confidence: It’s hard to feel self-conscious when everyone you see is telling you how awesome you look, but I feel it even without that ego boost! Still, there’s nothing quite like running into people you haven’t seen in a year and hearing their reactions.
  • Hobbies: Who knew I would actually enjoy working out & running?! Not only do I feel good after, but I kinda like some of the exercises (Psst…planks! Not you.) And, while I can’t yet say I like running, I do like the festival atmosphere of a 5K. I already have another one on the books for fall—planning to run this one and so excited about it!
  • Muscles: Oh, yes, I have muscles! Real ones. In places I never realized could have muscles! Abs? Not so much, but I’m rocking the Grunt Style Ab Crusher as often as my body can handle it. One day, I will add Abs to the list of things I’ve gained on this journey.
  • Closer Relationships: Running with friends, cheering one another on through our weight loss and forming an organized 30 Day Shred group has brought me closer to some of local blog friends. It’s just plain lovely. I am also feeling closer to the hubby, as we get on this healthy path together.

When this whole process started, I just thought Id lose some weight and move on. I had no idea my whole life would change. I’m truly a completely different person than I was 4 months ago.

And, I’m never going back.

Starting Weigh-In: 195 pounds
Today’s Weigh-In: 176.5 pounds
This Week’s Weight Loss: 1 pound gain
Total Mamavation Weight Loss: 18.5 pounds
Total Knockout The Fat Weight Loss: 11 pounds
BMI: 25.25

Sistahood Question: What has been your favorite Grunt Style workout? If you aren’t doing his workouts what has been your strength training routine?

This post is sponsored by Grunt Style, and I’m writing this to be entered into a giveaway hosted by Mamavation, sponsored by Grunt Style.

Disclosure: The George Foreman Knock out the Fat Weight Loss Challenge is a compensated program. As an ambassador for George Foreman, I received a George Foreman grill and will be paid for my time at the end of the 90 day challenge. All opinions are, as always, 100% mine!

Read the comments.
6
Mamavation Monday: Hunger Edition
Jul 04, 2011 | Filed Under: 40x40, Living Large

We have just finished Week 8 of the George Foreman Knockout the Fat Weight Loss Challenge, and it has been a pretty busy one! Last week, I kicked off the Jillian Michael’s 30 Day Shred program with a few of my Twitter & real life friends. (They are one and the same here in Indiana! Indy geek girls stick together.)

I’m also restarting the Couch to 5K program—shredder by day, runner by night! I’m excited to be able to physically handle it all, without too much difficulty. I finally got into my doctor, since I’ve been having trouble with cardio. I get short of breath, really quickly. She ordered a prescription, a chest x-ray and some pulmonary function tests.

I don’t have the results of everything yet, but I did take a run that night after a few puffs on my new inhaler. Best. Run. Ever. True story. I think this is really going to make a difference, and finally get me past week 1 in the Couch to 5K. I want to be able to run the entire Wine at the Line 5K I just registered for. Between the 30 Day Shred and the running, I think I’ll be in pretty good shape by then.

George Foreman Turkey BLT

Keeping up with both exercise programs is kicking my metabolism into high gear, though. It’s a lot of work, and I’m obviously burning a lot more calories these days because I. Am. Starving. Alysa and I are going to tweak my meal plan, since I don’t always make the best choices when I just grab a snack to curb the incessant hunger.

I need to build more healthy calories into my meals, maybe add a 3rd snack. Possibly both. When I find myself hungry, between meals or snacks on my plan, I just grab whatever is around. Or, find myself craving not so healthy foods. And, indulging in them. Of course, this is a holiday weekend, and I allow myself to indulge a bit.

I decided months ago that if I’m going to be able to stick with this program, there has to be room for treats & special occasions. I don’t want to be the person turning down birthday cake, for a diet. I don’t want to miss out on holiday favorites because I’m too focused on weight. On the other hand, I don’t want to totally let myself go over an extended holiday, like this one! We’ve been at the lake since Saturday, and I’ve done pretty well.

I focused on healthy meals and brought plenty of fruit to snack on in between. This keeps me out of the chips but doesn’t quite keep me away from the cookies. I’m trying to keep a good balance—somewhere in between no treats and half a batch of cookies! We’ll have my annual 4th of July dessert later today, and that one will be hard to stay away from, since I don’t make it very often. I am making the flag with strawberries & blueberries instead of sugar crystals. That’s progress, at least, but it’s still a tasty, chocolatey dessert.

And, it’s only for the weekend. If I’m eating healthy meals and focusing on good snacks on a daily basis, a few days out of a month are going to be okay. Maybe it will halt my weight loss this week (we’ll get to see the final results next Monday!), but it won’t make a big difference in the grand scheme of things. Because it’s about way more than losing weight for a little while.

It’s about making permanent changes.

Starting Weigh-In: 195 pounds
Today’s Weigh-In: 176.5 pounds
This Week’s Weight Loss: .5 pound gain
Total Mamavation Weight Loss: 18.5 pounds
Total Knockout The Fat Weight Loss: 11 pounds
BMI: 25.25

Sistahood Question: How did well did you manage to eat healthy over the holiday weekend? Any tips for the rest of the summer?

This post is sponsored by Eco-Foil Pans, and I’m writing this to be entered into a giveaway for Eco-Foil prize pack, hosted by Mamavation.

Disclosure: The George Foreman Knock out the Fat Weight Loss Challenge is a compensated program. As an ambassador for George Foreman, I received a George Foreman grill and will be paid for my time at the end of the 90 day challenge. All opinions are, as always, 100% mine!

Read the comments.
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Mamavation Monday: Every Calorie Counts
Jun 20, 2011 | Filed Under: 40x40, Living Large

Brenia playing softball
The sixth week of the George Foreman Knock out the Fat Weight Loss Challenge was a busy one at our house! Between VBS, a county softball tournament and track practices, I’ve barely had time to breath—much less workout & plan proper meals. I am pretty proud of how well I managed dinner, under the circumstances.

We had to leave for Brenia’s softball games by 4:45 every night and didn’t return until 8pm. That usually means eating way off schedule, crappy concession stand food or grabbing fast food along the way. None of those were really an option for our lifestyle or budget. So, I planned a full week of sandwiches.

We had deli meats, grilled chicken, peanut butter and BLTs—that was my favorite since it was my first in many years. I used turkey bacon on gluten free bread, piled high with red lettuce & tomatoes. Each afternoon, I prepared sandwiches and packed fruit, veggies & water for everyone. Brenia ate in the care on the way to the out-of-town field. The rest of us ate on the bleachers while the team warmed up for the game.

Brenia with her softball cupcakeIt aligned perfectly with the exchanges Alysa gave me for my meal plan—I’m pretty proud of my creativity. What I noticed this week, though, is how much I eat without ever counting it. The bits of meat that drop while I’m preparing dinner. The icing I “taste” while baking cupcakes. The peanut butter I lick off the spreader while serving the girls breakfast.

It was just really noticeable this week. And, it’s a tough habit to break! One thing I need to get back to is hanging my meal plan on the fridge. For the first few weeks of the program, I printed the meal plan Alysa sent—and nothing went in my mouth without checking the list first. When I’m on schedule, I do just fine. When my routine gets thrown off, it’s easy to slide.

It’s easy to grab a handful of chips off the refreshment table at church. It’s easy to eat ice cream with the softball team, even when I already had a cupcake. It’s easy to eat more than I should, just because circumstances allow. I had a lot of extra calories last week, but I am proud that I handled dinner well. I’m also proud that I managed to turn down the ice cream at Friday’s end of season party!

In the end, I did better than I thought. I was a little nervous about this morning’s weigh-in, but I managed to lose another pound. If I had kept up my workout routines, I could have done even better. This week, I want to continue the Couch to 5K program that Stacia and I started last week and get in a bit more of Jillian’s torture & Stephanie’s circuits.

My goal for next week is to have activity levels to brag about!

Starting Weigh-In: 195 pounds
Today’s Weigh-In: 178 pounds
This Week’s Weight Loss: 1 pound
Total Mamavation Weight Loss: 17 pounds
Total Knockout The Fat Weight Loss: 10 pounds
BMI: 25.5

Sistahood Question: BRAG. What accomplishment have you done recently that brings a smile to your face?

This post is sponsored by Joggermom, and I’m writing this to be entered into a yoga mat giveaway hosted by Mamavation.

Disclosure: The George Foreman Knock out the Fat Weight Loss Challenge is a compensated program. As an ambassador for George Foreman, I received a George Foreman grill and will be paid for my time at the end of the 90 day challenge. All opinions are, as always, 100% mine!

Read the comments.
6
Mamavation Monday: First 5K Edition
Jun 06, 2011 | Filed Under: 40x40, Living Large

Showing off my Sparkle

I ran my first ever 5K this weekend—and, I’m still a little surprised by that sentence. It isn’t like that was ever a 40×40“>life goal or anything. You’ll notice a lack of fitness goals on my 40×40 list. The only reason it was in my sights is because completing a 5K is part of the Mamavation Mom contract.

I registered for Outrun the Sun the same week I applied—because I wanted to lock myself into something, in case I wasn’t selected. So, even though I wasn’t contractually obligated to participate in a training program, exercise daily or complete a 5K, that’s exactly what I did.

Originally, I just wanted to finish it. I thought I’d walk 5K and call it a day. Then, I decided I should set a goal for myself and wanted to walk it in under an hour. Somewhere along the way, though, I made the choice to start running—okay, jogging—a bit. So, I thought I might try to finish in under 45 minutes.

I never quite got there in my training, not that I knew what I was doing with all that anyway, but I came pretty close & hoped race day adrenaline would give me a little extra boost. And, then I saw the massive pack I had to work through to even start running. Not to mention the hills. Holy crap, the hills!

I honestly thought I’d be lucky to finish in under an hour, even with the running. I run intervals, actually, with a whole lot of walking breaks in between. I did learn to pick up the pace on my walking from pre-walks with my long-legged friend, Michelle. And, I have worked on running more & more of the distance. Plus, Angie & Emily really pushed me to run more than I had planned.

With My Indy Mamavation Support Team: Chris @punkinmama, Angie @katydid6, Emily @designhermomma, Michelle @gotchababy, Julie @fairytalemom

It really helped to have friends long for the journey. When I first mentioned the 5K requirement, Michelle volunteered to walk with me for support. Then, Julie jumped on board for a walk—always the supportive friend, though I think she’s cursing me after those hills.

Finish line pics by Angie's hubby

They walked together while I ran ahead with Chris for a bit, though I wish we would have had more time to enjoy the evening together. Alas, Outrun the Sun became Outrun the Storm, and everyone rushed home. I definitely enjoyed our “training” chats walks. We’ll have to keep those up. Especially since many of us have decided to make this a regular thing.

We’re eying 5Ks throughout the year—Greek Festival, Wine at the Line and the Underground Railroad are the current front runners. I can’t say I’m in love with running, but it’s such a fast, easy way to burn lots of calories—which is how I lost 2.5 pounds this week, even though my nutrition could have been better.

I definitely made better choices than last week. Weekdays go pretty well, but there were a few moments of weakness over the weekend. Yesterday’s turtle pecan cluster blizzard definitely ranks at the top of that list. You know, because I totally earned it after finishing my first 5K in 44:11!

I’m living off salads & veggie filled sandwiches for lunch and George Foreman grilled dinners at night. Although, I did cave and make myself a grilled cheese sandwich for lunch once. They’ve been so hard to make since going gluten free—the bread is crumbly & difficult to flip. So, I’ve resorted to cooking them in my toaster oven. It is just not the same.

George Foreman Grilled Cheese

Since the George Foreman grill cooks both sides at once, I can easily make yummy, gluten free grilled cheese sandwiches—hooray! I’m going to really miss my GF this week. I’ve used it daily since it arrived 4 weeks ago, and the other day it just went out. They’re sending a new one, I believe, but I really hope this was a fluke.

Because cooking my dinner in half the usual time and watching the fat drain right off has really kinda grown on me.

I’m all set with what to cook—Alysa has armed me us with the right tools & knowledge to plan healthy, balanced meals. It’s the random treats along the way that really throw me off.

I’m totally not willing to give them up altogether. It’s simply not realistic. I just need to get better about exchanging and planning around the extras. ‘m going to watch my exchanges a little better this week, so when I hit the sweets it will be within my meal plan.

I’m also going to start the Couch to 5K program. Yes, I know, I just finished a 5K, but I want to build up to running one. I think. Either way, the training should help knock off the rest of my 40 pounds.

I’ve lost 15 so far, and I’d love to pickup the pace on the other 25.

Starting Weigh-In: 195 pounds
Today’s Weigh-In: 180 pounds
This Week’s Weight Loss: 2.5 pounds
Total Mamavation Weight Loss: 15 pounds
Total Knockout The Fat Weight Loss: 8 pounds
BMI: 25.8

Mamavation Topic: What gaps in your nutrition knowledge do you want to fill?

This post is sponsored by Omron Healthcare, and I’m writing this to be entered into a Omron Go Smart Pedometer giveaway hosted by Mamavation.

Disclosure: The George Foreman Knock out the Fat Weight Loss Challenge is a compensated program. As an ambassador for George Foreman, I received a George Foreman grill and will be paid for my time at the end of the 90 day challenge. All opinions are, as always, 100% mine!

Read the comments.
7
Mamavation Monday: Bad Nutrition Edition
May 30, 2011 | Filed Under: 40x40, Living Large

We have just finished Week 3 of the George Foreman Knock out the Fat Weight Loss Challenge, and I’m gaining weight. I have the tools, I have the knowledge—I just need to stick to the plan! I kept up with my workouts, walked a few times with friends and ran a couple times on my own. But, I had a pretty lousy food week, proving you just can’t outrun bad nutrition.

I went out a few times and indulged in cravings a bit more than I should. By the weekend, I was making better choices and being more careful about balancing my indulgences. I just should have been paying more attention to what I was doing all week. At least, I stuck with water every time!

This week will be better because I do not want to see those numbers on the scale going up again. I have full confidence that I can do this—I know I’ll have the full 40 pounds off by the end of the year. And, confidence isn’t usually my strong suit. This time, though, it comes from the success I’ve had so far (2nd place in the MiLi challenge!) and the support I need to continue.

When I need an extra shot of confidence, I just don my favorite purple high heels. They make me feel powerful and sexy. Of course, running into people you haven’t seen in months who tell you how awesome you look doesn’t hurt either. I like when people notice and ask about my weight loss.

Because 12 pounds doesn’t sound like a lot to me, but if people can see it, I know I’m doing something right. The key is to keep doing it! I slacked a bit this last week. I had a meal plan, but I didn’t always stick to it. I had an exercise plan, but I didn’t finish all of it. This week I’m determined to follow through—especially since it’s race week!

The 5K I signed up for right after applying for Mamavation is coming up on Saturday. Originally, I just wanted to finish it. Then, I decided I’d like to finish in under an hour. And, somewhere along the way, I decided to try running some of it. I’ve been building up to it, and I’m ready for this.

I’ve even got my purple sparkle skirt to give me a little extra confidence—you know, since I can’t run in heels.

If you want to offer a little extra support for my race, I’d love if you could donate to the cause! I’m running a night race for melanoma. Outrun the Sun raises funds for skin cancer research & education, and any support you have to offer can make a difference!

Starting Weigh-In: 195 pounds
Today’s Weigh-In: 182.5 pounds
This Week’s Weight Loss: -1.5 pounds
Total Mamavation Weight Loss: 12.5 pounds
Total Knockout The Fat Weight Loss: 5.5 pounds
BMI: 26.1

Mamavation Topic: What are your go-to tricks for when you need a confidence boost?

This post is sponsored by Your Best Face and I’m writing this to be entered into a giveaway hosted by Mamavation and sponsored by Your Best Face.

Disclosure: The George Foreman Knock out the Fat Weight Loss Challenge is a compensated program. As an ambassador for George Foreman, I received a George Foreman grill and will be paid for my time at the end of the 90 day challenge. All opinions are, as always, 100% mine!

Read the comments.
7
Mamavation Monday: MiLi Final Weigh-In Edition
May 23, 2011 | Filed Under: Living Large

Today is the end of the Move It, Lose It challenge—it’s been an interesting few months. I’ve built some good fitness habits, planned healthier menus and even started running regularly. I’ve lost 14 pounds so far, 12 total inches and worn things in public that haven’t seen the light of day in years.

But, I’m not finished yet! I am well on my way to the ultimate goal and looking forward to the next few months. Especially because today also begins Week 3 of the George Foreman Knock out the Fat Weight Loss Challenge. After two weeks of amazing meal plans from Inspired RD, we’ve been unleashed. I created this weeks meal plan on my own, based on the exchanges Alysa laid out for me.

As we move forward on this challenge, I will be continue creating my own meal plans, circuit training and running—and working to increase that. I currently run only part of the mile or two I set out on each day. Sometimes, I head out at night alone. Sometimes, the hubby and I will take a walk together. And, lately, I’ve been walking to a playground with Lorelai to run laps while she plays.

Kabobs & Corn = Dinner on a Stick for the ball diamond

It increases my distance, gives her something fun to do and motivates me to get out there when I would otherwise have the excuse of caring for kids to keep me home. With our last week of school ahead of us, I’m planning our summer activities. This will be a large part of weekly schedule.

I am, however, cutting back on the daily exercises just a bit. After twelve weeks of twice daily exercise, something just has to give. I’m behind at work, and the house is falling apart. I am stepping back to one set of circuits each day, since I’m planning to increase my walks & runs.

As long as I continue on the healthy meal plan Alysa has created, I think I’ll be satisfied with my continued weight loss, even when it slows a bit. This week will be a bit of a challenge for that—we have several on-the-go days ahead of us. The key is to plan ahead and pack healthy meals & snacks to get us through.

Loving my George Foreman Healthy Cooking Grill!

Clementines are a current favorite—they come in their own packaging and are small & easy to handle on the go. Nuts are another favorite snack—the girls especially like to make their own, healthy versions of trail mix.

If I run out of time to pack healthy treats or don’t think ahead to what’s going on, we’ll find ourselves in trouble. I get in my own way a lot, too—sometimes the only thing stopping me from snacking healthy is that I really, really want chips.

Or candy. Or, ice cream—twice last week. Once was in taking our daughter out for a Frosty to celebrate her elementary graduation. The other was on a rare afternoon with my mom—no where to be, no family dinner to get to—just my mom, the girls and I out for shopping & milkshakes.

Grilled Chicken & Veggies

I tweeted that sometimes an experience is worth going off plan, and Alysa chimed in with whole-hearted agreement. She is adamant that this is not a diet. It’s a plan for healthy living, and occasional treats do have their place in it. The second I start feeling deprived or disappointed at missing out, I realize I’m treating it as a diet. Which will inevitably fail.

A healthy meal plan that works into our lifestyle, with allowances for special occasions or the occasional treat, is long term. This is something I will stick with, even once I hit my 40 pounds. Especially since the food is so yummy anyway! And, finding a plan I want to stick with means I’ll get to keep the weight off!

So, I can officially cross it off the 40×40 list.

And, now, since we are at the end of my Mamavation Move It, Lose It journey, it’s time for another swimsuit edition! I honestly didn’t expect to see this many noticeable changes in the 8 weeks between pictures. I feel different, but I am blown away that my body has changed shape so rapidly. I’ve lost 14 pounds in 12 weeks and am down 12 inches so far, including 5 inches in my waist.

I’ll definitely be taking pics at the end of the George Foreman Knock out the Fat Weight Loss Challenge, too!

And, in case you’ve forgotten what I looked like a few months ago:

MiLi Final Measurements

Bust: 36″ (-.5″)
Waist: 32″ (-5″)
Hips: 40″ (-2″)
Thigh: 22″ (-1.5″ each)
Arm: 12″ (-.5″ each)

Total Inches Lost: 12″

Starting Weigh-In: 195 pounds
Today’s Weigh-In: 181 pounds
This Week’s Weight Loss: 2.5 pounds
Total Mamavation Weight Loss: 14 pounds
BMI: 25.9

Mamavation Topic: What keeps you from having healthy snacks on
hand when you are out of the house?

This post is sponsored by Grunt Style and I’m writing this to be entered into a giveaway hosted by Mamavation and sponsored by Grunt Style.

Disclosure: The George Foreman Knock out the Fat Weight Loss Challenge is a compensated program. As an ambassador for George Foreman, I received a George Foreman grill and will be paid for my time at the end of the 90 day challenge. All opinions are, as always, 100% mine!

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