Pressure Wins!

I am always encouraging BFFH to post more pictures on her blog, especially since I need to show you how awesome she is. I blogged about her triathlon a while ago, but I didn't have any pictures to post to show how amazing she is. But low and behold my nagging worked, so now I get to show them to you!

BFFH is the tall one! My cute little tomboy best friend.

I can see her in this picture, but maybe nobody else can, just know she is there.

Anyway I just wanted to give her some props because she is awesome and deserves to hear it a lot.

Happy Monday?

Okay not so much, Mondays are my least favorite day. I feel bad because I am sure Monday is just a scapegoat to our not getting enough sleep the night before (Poor Monday). Which is usually my case. In fact last night I was up super late watching Veronica Mars. So I refused to get up early and go to the gym. I let myself off the hook because I did after all walk the 5k two days ago. Okay not a good excuse, but I am using it anyway.
 The 5k was so fun, I even worked up a bit of a sweat. I am on my way to running next time. Baby steps.

 So even though I am watching what I eat, I cannot live without my treats. So I have trying to find healthier options to my sweet cravings. Soyjoy bars, good healthy snack, about 140 calories, all natural.... however they don't taste that awesome. I found out the the strawberry is not good. Repeat, not good. So I was ready to give this snack the heave ho, but the blueberry and mango coconut ended up being pretty delicious. So I just wont be buying strawberry again.  The giant cookie is vegan. It was surprisingly not bad. However it was like $1.50. Nobody needs to eat a single cookie for a buck 50. So silly, but I wanted to try, so I did.  The last treat was Newman's own peanut butter cups. AMAZING!! Probably the best peanut butter treat I have ever had. It is made from all natural ingredients, and tasted so good. However it was about $1.65 for that treat, so that is the bummer part.  But I figure a treat should be just that a treat, so even though I wont be buying any Newman's peanut butter cups in bulk, once in a while probably wont break the bank.

 Also I wanted to share this delicious creation BFFE and I came up with when she was here. It was actually her brother's idea, we just stole it and put our own twist on it. Our version of flatbread pizza. We just got some panini bread coated it with butter and garlic put cheese and veggies and baked it in the oven for a while. Sure it wasn't the most healthy meal, but it could be if you wanted to. It was the weekend, we were splurging on our calories, so we didn't even try to make these super healthy. Next time I might cut out the garlic butter and try some pesto or something like that. Anyway super yum, cheap and fun!

Weigh in Wednesdays

So I stepped on the scale today and I am pleased to say I lost that pound that I gained last week. But I am also bummed because I was watching the biggest loser today and saw people losing 25+ pounds in one week. Okay I realize that I dont have cute Bob Harper kicking my ass, but still one pound loss is not making me happy. Maybe its because I went home and ate coco Krispies for dinner the last two night? So there you have it. I have been kicking my tush at the gym this week, today was an especially hard kick. I know I just need to go slow and steady to win the race and realize that Bob is not going to be walking in that door, so its up to me.
On a heavy note, my sister is very ill. Please keep her in your prayers. We find out more from the Doctors tomorrow. Its so hard being away from home in times like this. But it also reinforces this health journey that I am on.
Have an awesome day, and good health to everybody!

Stupid things Katie says

Here is a topic for discussion. About 3 or 4 or so years ago I remember this distinctly because it has to be one of the most idiotic things I have ever said....and I say a lot of stupid stuff.
So I was working and my supervisor at the time who is really like a good buddy and a co-worker and I were talking about how we all need to lose weight, or how the holidays were coming up and that meant lbs or something to that effect. Anyway I said " Well I know I will probably get cancer or diabetes because I am big girl " They just looked at me like I was the most stupid person in the whole wide world and then my supervisor says "Really? because you can change that you know"
I knew immediately after I said it, how ridiculous that sounded. But to see those two people look at me with those eyes that said " unbelievable, did she really say that?" it was the starting of my awakening into what I hope now is a change for the rest of my life. Sure I have had a few false starts and mess ups, I am human. But I have also had some success. Since regaining my mind that I lost temporarily, I did lose about 40lbs. I am trying very hard to go full veg. I did have a whole year and a half of that before I fell of the wagon. I love working out. I am walking my 2nd 5k, maybe we will get up to a run on Saturday and I am training for a relay in May with the goal of losing 60lbs by my next birthday in April. You guys know that even though I set an 60lb weight loss goal, its never been about the numbers.
I am a full believer that you can have and do anything you want if you put your mind to it, you just have to tell you mind to take walk away from crazy town now and again when you feel the doubt closing in.

Cheers

So I am totally obsessed with Vita Coco coconut water. I know its really good for you, but in the past I have not really loved it. When it comes to beverages I tend to be a purest. I like my water tasting like water and nothing else. No lemon, no special packets in my water, just plain water. So when coconut water came out I tried it and denied it. Okay I realize that water and coconut water are two very different things, one comes out of a coconut and one comes out of the tap, or bottle or ground what have you.
Anyway it has amazing things for your body, and it replenishes your electrolytes naturally. It has a lot of potassium which is good for me, I tend to forget about that one because I am not a huge fan of the banana, so often I get leg cramps from working out and drinking a lot of water. TaaaDaaa, my answer in a cute container. So give it a try. I know you wont be disappointed.

Weigh in Wednesdays

I have been slacking for the last couple of weeks. I have only been the the gym 5 times in two weeks. THATS NOT GOOD ENOUGH! So today the scale showed me a 1lb gain. I guess I should be grateful because that two weeks included a trip home and a girls night out.
I need to just get my tush to bed earlier, so that I can resist the temptation to sleep in. I am (un)lucky, I get to go to work at 10:30 or 11 most days, so I guess in my head that means, oh stay up late and sleep during prime gym hours. I think I need a swift kick in the ass, and since most of you who read this blog are on the other side of the state, its up to me to kick it!
Anyway Good health to everybody, and thanks to the one or two people that actually comment on my blog. It really does help.
So thanks!

My Athletic Rockstar Friends

Hey so I know you all think that I am in love with BFFE because I can't stop talking about how awesome she is, and I am, so here goes another shout out for her. I told you about her relay, well they finished it, had an amazing time, and cant wait to do it again next year, where I will be joining them. (I hope) I am going to take some of her pictures from facebook to show you how awesome she is.
And then another shout out I want to get to is BFFH! She did a half?(mini?) triathlon a couple weeks ago. Seriously my friends are so amazing. I don't even know why they like me. Maybe its because I make them look good. I tried to find pictures to post of her, but she doesn't keep her blog updated that well (yep that was a dig)but what matters the most is these amazing ladies taking their health and life seriously, and having fun along the way. They are such good examples for me. You would think they wouldn't have time, with babies, school, work and just life! Makes me feel real lazy all of sudden. So I just thought you would all need to know about my seriously cool friends, and be jealous of me that I get to have them in my life.

Uggggg!!!

I am starting to get a little overwhelmed with school and work. I don't understand why life just can be easy. RUDE! I need this weekend to hurry up and get here, I understand that it is Thursday but cripes these next two days I have a feeling are going to be super slow. Also I am super tired and have not been able to get my tush out of bed for my morning workouts. I think in the end that is what it all boils down to, I have to have a routine or my life goes crazy. And I am overwhelmed and tired and cranky. And if any of you know me.... that is not a good place to be at all.
So I just need to GET IT TOGETHER!
Anyway on to a different topic, have any of you watch Heavy on A&E? Link here. I started watching it online the other day, and I really like it. It is about extremely overweight people, and how they enter a facility to help them lose weight. I don't ever ever ever want to get to the point where I have to be sent to a facility, but I think it is an interesting show about just how hard it is to lose weight. I never thought this journey was going to be easy. Other wise I would be where I wanted to be years ago, but I know that by watching this show, at the end of it all, It will be worth it.

Weigh In Wednesday

I am proud to say that I have lost 2lbs this week. I am kinda finding it hard to believe because I went home and ate nothing but junk at my moms house this weekend. However I am not going to argue with that scale. It was a 2lb victory so I will take it.
However... I have a confession to make. I did not go to the gym today. I know. I was tired and wanted to sleep in. So I did. What that means is that I have to kick my own ass tomorrow.
I feel good, and I am back on track. I cant wait to see next summer's swimsuit season. Maybe I will go on a nice rewarding trip to the beach. Anybody want to come?

5k baby

So Its official, I have signed up for the St. Luke's 5k again this year. I am really excited about it. It is going to be an amazing weekend. BFFE is coming over to do it with me if all goes according to plan and my new roommate Sarah will be there too. While I am on the subject of BFFE I wanted to get her some props for this weekend. She finished her first ever half marathon. She is a total Rockstar and I am so proud of her. So this 5k will be like a literal walk in the park for her, but it will be good for getting my walking legs under me so that maybe one of these days I can join her in actually running.

Also follow this link and sign up using my first name as a referral. Maybe use my ISU email too where it says who referred you, and just my first name that is how I signed up. (I should have put my last name on there in retrospect.) I want to win that $300 prize. Anyway it doesn't cost anything, and these girls are really cute and help keep you motivated.
So my first official weigh in is tomorrow, I think I have been doing ok, but I can do better, we all can do better I guess. Happy Health!

Weigh-in Wednesdays

So I have been obsessed with the scale as of late. I tell you what, nothing can change my mood more quickly than that metal object. So I decided that I am not going to freak out every little fluctuation, but I will allow myself to weigh in on Wednesdays ONLY. I will only be postings losses or gains.... hopefully losses only. So maybe after I lose a lot of weight I will put that original number up, but until then, it will be my little secret. And to be honest its less about the numbers for me and more about how awesome I feel and how cute my new clothes are that I get to buy.

So there is this 5k walk/run event here in Boise. I did it last year with BFFH, and I am excited that I will be doing it again this year at the end of September. I am starting to slowly but surely get in shape, but I hope by next September I can actually run the whole thing. BFFE has been entering and running races, and I would love to be able to be her training partner, even from across the state. She inspires me, and I hope one day I can inspire her as well.
Anyway happy health to you all!

Day 2, The Case of the Munchies...

I know I said videos and I still plan to, I was going to vlog after the gym today but I ran out of time before trying to get to work. I am busy lady, but that is how I like it. Okay so because I am starting over...again. I might have some repeat topics on this blog, but because so many people read this, I think its okay.
So the topic for tonight is, how to curve late night cravings. Seriously I ate so good yesterday and then I got home at around 8pm and totally pigged out on Nachos. I know. You are thinking Really Katie? Yep that is what I did. So I need to figure out how to not eat myself out of house and home when I am home. I guess I could start sleeping at work, but I feel like I am here too much as it is. Any ideas?
I thought of some ideas that might help:
Painting my nails
drinking two glasses of water before I even think about eating again
Anyway please send your ideas my way, and have an awesome night. Good health to everybody!

Here we go

Well I think I have got my new routine down at work and school, so now its time to focus on this body of mine. I went to the gym today, the first time in months. It was pretty lame, but I pushed through it. I really want to give this a go. I had a couple of ego bruising moments this past week. I know I am a lot older than some of the students on campus. Thats what I get for not graduating when I should have, anyway all week last week all the girls on campus were walking around in these little shorty shorts. Now keep in mind that even if I did have that body, I would not be wearing shorty shorts, but I also just felt like a frumpy old professor. I want to look like I am young enough to be a student, most people guess my age about 5 years younger than I am already which is awesome but, I want to feel like I am not the old lady that went back to school in her frumpy clothes and sweating up a storm . So that is my mission.
I think I am also going to be putting up some videos to track my progress and keep me honest. So keep an eye out for those. I know it will probably take a while for people to start looking at this blog again because I haven't been updating it very much, but please leave a comment. It totally helps make my day!

Summer, where did you go?

So I have been neglecting this blog, but mostly I have been neglecting me. I stepped on the scale yesterday and lets just say it all went down hill from there. Bad days aside, I am finally settled and ready to get back to real life and working on me. I have some new goals and I really want to make a go at this. A real honest go. I am not getting any younger. I mean some of my friends have grey hair... I might be next. Oh heck, I hope I am just one of those people blessed with a youthful appearance. But more importantly I don't want to waste another summer feeling worried to throw on a swimsuit. I mean it never stops me, I just don't ever feel that comfortable.
So first thing is first. Vegetarian diet. I lost the most weight on that diet, my body felt good my mind felt good, and it forced me to think about what I was putting in my mouth, especially when I would go out to eat. I would end up making better choices because how easy is it to order a hamburger and fries and not even think about the amount of bad stuff you are putting in your body.
Second is to get my ass to the gym. I just moved away from my women's only gym and I have the option to drive out there or to use another gym in that franchise but it will have men and woman. Which I dont like. I might just head to my original place until I feel a little more comfortable to be with the dudes.
Anyway, here I Go. Take 2!

For Real?

Wow, two months have went by since I posted here, and to be perfectly honest, two months have went by since I worked out. Oh and the scale knows it. Oh and my clothes know it. But before I get onto all of that, I have an announcement to make. I am moving to Boise! So once again I will be changing the name of this Blog. Silly me. Life takes some unexpected turns doesn't it. I am going to be making some changes on this blog as well as in my life. So stay tuned to that.
I heard some bad news the other day. My favorite chubby girl's store is leaving Boise. It really bummed me out. But I am deturmined to turn lemons into lemonade. I really want to use this as motivation so I really don't have to worry where I am going to buy my next shirt, or pair of jeans that doesn't make me look like an old lady.
BFFE is also decided to help be my coach, well we are going to be more like cheerleaders for each other. So I just need all of you guys to be a big support too. So please leave comments on this blog. Its like a life force that feed me. It helps show me that people really do care and are paying attention.

Skechers Booty

Um, holy crap! My new skechers tone-ups that I blogged about are crazy! CRAZY! You guys they freaking work, because for the last 4 days I have been in hella pain. But the good kind. Ok first off, I have a confession. I have not been a regular patron at the gym. Mostly miss of the hit and miss equation. But BFFE is coming over in June to do a 5k with me....more on that later. So I needed to get ready for what I am sure will be pretty humiliating. But hey, you gotta start somewhere. Anyway I have been walking on the treadmill at the gym and trying to work up to a light run (you know how I hate the word jog) . On Monday after my workout the next day my tush and legs were on fire. I haven't felt that kind of burn since I had to do stairs for basketball, and that was a long LONG time ago.
The crazy thing is that I have worked out before and I thought harder, but have never felt like that. So I am attributing the new burn to the new shoes, as this was the first time I have really worn them to work out. 4 days later, I am still feeling it. I think eventually my body will adjust, but in the mean time, pain is my new high.

Aloe My Love

He he he, sorry I couldn't resist that silly joke. So, well let me just say that I have been going to the gym, and working out and have a lot to report, so look for new post every day for the rest of this week. I have been lazy about posting, even though I really have been working on this huge goal. Anyway back to talking about Aloe. I love it! I seriously think its the miracle cure-all. So let me give you a little back story. I have some tummy troubles, going veg helped a lot. However a few months ago I was in serious pain, like cant go to work pain. I moved and my Dr. on the other side of the state was trying to help, but not a lot he can do from 4 hours away. My mom who by the way is so removed from natural healing (she thinks its loony-oh mom) suggested that I try drinking aloe. I know right. Well her BFF has some tummy problems too and read about aloe and how it does wonders for your body. Which makes sense right? If its so good on the outside of your body, surely it would be good for the inside. So I went to the health store and got this liquid aloe and I gotta tell you, I think its the bees knees. Its my Windex. If you don't get that reference, then seriously watch more movies.
I have been drinking it for about 2 months now and I already feel so much better. About 3 weeks in I was feeling pretty good.
My skin is looking good, and feeling hydrated, my insides are feeling good, and I gotta say, it tastes pretty good..... well ok because I eat so much of the veg diet, the taste didn't bug me at all, but maybe if you are not used to all those veggies, then you might want to do what I do most mornings I make a smoothie and put in about 2-3 table spoons. I dont really measure, just poor and just sit back and reap the benefits. I was doing it two times a day, but most times I just get it in the A.M.
I know most of you wont take the time to click on this link, but if you have a minute I strongly suggest it. Its like wearing moisturizer and sun screen every day, its a given. Right girls? Its a given.

Dear Vegetarian Katie

Where are you? I miss you so much. For a year and a half you were so good, you felt so good, you lost weight, you didn't hurt baby chickens... and now? Well now I have no excuse. I am lame, I give into my baser instincts just for a taste of what? Saturated fat and heart clogging red meat? Yuck. So now is the time to commit fully to that lifestyle. My soul felt better and so did my belly. As a last goodbye to my meat eating days, I went out with my cousin and had son coconut shrimp. As I was eating the greasy fat laden morsels, I couldn't help but think..... what the hell are you doing? Does this taste that good. No, and not only that but my waist line does not need anymore crap added to it. So once again, I am jumping on that bandwagon and living a healthier more compassionate life.
I really believe in this lifestyle, I just lost site of that. So I guess the prodigal daughter returns.

April fools Randomness

Does anybody hate April 1st more than me? I seriously think that practical jokes are lame. They make me angry. But I really don't have to be on my toes as far as work goes anymore, because before I was working with a bunch of 13 year old men and now I am working with 80 year old men. I can't believe that there is no middle ground in manhood. Thank the good lord I am a woman.
Anyway Spring (I think) has officially sprung in Meridian! I got a light dose of vitamin D yesterday, and today it is suppose to be even warmer. Woohoo! I am having some guest this weekend and I am glad the weather will be a little nice so we can get outside maybe. Also there are a bunch of little baby goats by my house and it makes me happy. I really hate winter, and seeing baby animals just makes me think SPRING IS HERE!
But also that means summer is right around the corner, and that means YIKES swimsuit season. So I really need to step up my game because in Meridian they have this awesome water park called Roaring Springs, and I plan to partake at every chance I get.
One of my friends who has lived here her whole life has never been. She is a chub like me, but unlike me, I never let my chub hold me back. I want to start the summer with less chub, but still life is for the living....unless you are a zombie, and even then I think zombies have a lot of fun.

The Challenge

So, I posted here a couple months?ago about birthday weekend with BFFE. Well we thought about it and decided to not only postpone birthday weekend for a few months, but to change the location as well. Vegas is great (I assume) but for two people kinda lame, unless you are going on a honeymoon, and despite all the rumors BFFE and I are strictly Dickly. So we decided to go on a cruise in August before school starts again for both of us. Fun! Me and BFFH went on a cruise gosh maybe 5 years ago? And it was awesome, but alas she got married on me, so now I got a new cruise buddy. I do love all my married friends, but sometimes marriage=lame. Just kidding, just different obligations.
So in order for us to find some motivation to get ready for the cruise we are doing a challenge. Here are the details:
First of all we have to work out everyday and whoever has the most workouts by then end of the challenge wins...... we don't know the prize yet
Then we have a food challenge:
Every time you eat something naughty you have to put a quarter in a jar, and at the end of the challenge, we switch jars. So BFFE thinks she is going to make me rich, but I gotta tell you, I love my candy.
Of course, allowances will be made, you know, birthdays, and things like that. But it will be fun to see if we can avoid the treats. Of course we will have treats, but they have to be healthy, so no super-size fries.
We start on Monday and I am not sure how long we are going to do it, maybe until August. Wish us luck!

Oh, I remember you

So I know its been awhile. I am still dealing with some health issues, but I am doing better and I am determined to get my health back. So I was reading my women's health mag and there was this article about grit. It basically something that everybody has, but have to tap into it. Its pretty much the kick ass guts that you have inside you, but you have to pull it out. They talked about fitness grit, how if you want to lose weight, its not going to be easy, you have to dig down. Get out of the damn bed, and fight for it.
So I am sick of being this chubby unmotivated girl. I gotta find my grit.

Oh Today

So I got up and went to the gym today with a little bit of a disaster. I could not find my freaking keys! So I only did 30 minutes today because I spent a good 15 minutes looking for those keys. But I bet I did better than some of you. Its going to be spring over in Meridian a lot sooner than over on my old side of the state. It makes me smile a bit. So that means I can get outside and do some walking as the days start to get longer. I have been neglecting my pedometer. So that will be fun. I am planning on doing the St. Luke's 5k again with more people this time. It was so much fun, maybe this year I will even be able to run some of it. So that means after the baby comes BFFH better be ready.
Also I am taking a couple classes this summer, so I am going to be busy busy busy. But I still plan on having fun. So come on over to this side of the state, if you want to see some sun.

Bad machines

So I didn't have class this morning, so I gave myself a guilt free sleep in pass. That means I didn't even go to the gym. Not to worry though, I will be going tonight. I am getting of work a little early so I will have no excuse. I decided to set some goals for myself every day. Yesterday my goal was to get my water intake up. I did it! Speaking of which. I need to go re-fill my water bottle now. ok back. But today's goal is not buy anything from the vending machine. I know! how naughty. I have been needing a little pick me up after lunch. And its not a healthy pick me up either. So today in conjunction with the water, no buying crap out of the machines.

Back in the Saddle

I have been dealing with an illness lately and today was my first day back at the gym in two weeks. Gross. Also I didn't win the competition at my gym. Boo! However I am going to cut myself some slack because I have been in so much pain, being able to function was my only priority. Anyway my first day back was fun because I got to use my new ipod shuffle, and my new sketchers. I know it totally sounds stupid, but my feet felt amazing. I guess I needed to replace my workout shoes a while ago. Oops. So I think I am back on track. I am hoping Meridian will see spring soon, so I can brag to the people on the other side of the state who are stuck in snow. But so far just cold. Although it is getting lighter earlier. So to me that just means summer is just a hop, skip and a jump away.

I am back

I have been not feeling great for the past 3 days, so yes my ticker is off. I have been working out 2 weeks even. Not two weeks and 3 days. I guess I have to go in a change that stupid thing. Anyway because of the sickness I am down another 3 pounds. I am not sure that counts so I am not going to change that ticker. I haven't had much of an appetite and I am sure that weight will change when my tummy can handle things again. BFFE is coming to see me this weekend and I am so excited, but I have a test the next week, so hopefully I can get some homework in too. I forgot how going back to school kinda hinders on your fun.
Anyway I plan on going to the gym tonight after work. Even if I just walk on the treadmill for a while.
2/7/11 steps 5153
miles 2.442

Zombieish

Today I am feeling a little like the walking dead. I did not sleep all that well last night, so I am heading to the gym after work today. I already packed my stuff. This weekend was weird. Yep thats all I am going to say because I don't really know why it was weird. I am down 4 pounds this week, I didnt quite make it to 5 but I will take it anyway. Also something awesome that I got this weekend were some new sketchers tone-ups! I wore them all day yesterday. I am not sure if they really do what they claim, but I am hopeful. These are the 3rd generation so they are not ugly like the first ones that came out. I want to wear them to work, but I would look silly with my dress pants. Also because my feet are so giant, I could only get them in green which I so do not love. But I figure they are for working out. They really don't have to be that cute.

Saturday Stuff

I went to zumba today! It was so fun. I have only been 3 times and there is this lady there that I see every time. She has a lot of junk in her trunk. I am a little jealous. How is it possible to be chocolate and not have a bum? Anyway it was frustrating today because her tush kept getting in the way of the instructor. But what are you going to do. Nothing. But I do have a couple of awesome things to talk about today. First I got my new shuffle! I chose the pink one. I love purple, but pretty much everything I have is purple. In fact on of the professors commented on my purple obsession at work the other day. I don't know if I should be embarrassed? I love pink too, can you have to much pink and purple in your life? I dont think so.
Anyway I love it.
Also I found this awesome recipe for vegan ice cream. All you do is freeze those bananas that start to get a little brown before you can get to them. And then in a few days unpeel add a little of rice milk, throw it into your food processor and TaaDaa! 30 second ice cream. It made me so happy. And its healthy, no sugar added and it was so creamy. I already told my sister and BFFH about it. So give it a try and tell me how you like it.









2-4-11 steps 3648
mile 1.729

I Made It!

Its Friday! and its also payday which is besides the point, but makes my Friday even more awesome right? I have worked out every single day this week. I plan on zumba tomorrow because its awesome and I need a reason to make fun of myself. So there you have it. Week two almost complete. Today at the gym I heard a lady talking about how she comes to the gym 2 times a day. What the hell! Its so on, if she thinks she is winning my 600 bucks to Albertsons. I have to keep a steady stream of that in my head as I walk by the vending machines on the way to the bathroom every day. Damn those Cheetos!
Anyway I hope everybody has a great weekend. Go Jets! I know they are not playing but I picked them as my team, so I am going to cheer for them.

2-3 Steps 2016
.955 miles

The Longest Day

Thursdays seriously kick my tush. I start at 6:am and don't finish until 8pm. I don't like that. But I made a commitment to myself to work out and get my degree. So luckily my job is not that thought provoking. I spend a lot of time on the beach in my head. Anyway I am so looking forward to the weekend. I hate football so Superbowl is not really my cup of tea. However me and a friend are going to go hang out at a sports bar and hit on drunk football fans. Wish me luck!
Also I remembered to wear my pedometer. So at the end of these everyday posts you will see the steps and distance from the day before. Today though, I am so tired that I am not sure how much walking I am going to force myself to do. It might just be to the bathroom and back. Lame. I wish my mom was here to rock me like a baby. See how tired I am, I am even throwing in lame jokes.
Anyway early to bed for me tonight.

2-2-11 Steps 2507
Distance 1.188 miles

Music

So I still have not gotten my new shuffle. I am waiting until taxes come back. But in the mean time I have my nano, that I shove into my bra. Thats right, you heard me. Sometimes it gets sweaty. Oh well. Anyway I have been trying to find an awesome playlist for the gym. All of my music got lost on my other computer when it died and although I still have the cds, I have been too lazy to put them on. So on Sunday I went to work making a playlist for working out. I still want to add a few songs, but for the most part. I am happy and the list keeps my pumped. Now I am totally dating myself with some of this music. But what ever keeps you motivated right?
Show Me How you Burlesque
Lady Marmalade
Stronger
Get The Party Started
Slow Down
Ghetto Supastar
She Takes Me High
Crazy
Potential Breakup Song
Dangerous Type
Oops, I did it again
Check Yes Juliet
Girlfriend
Friday Night
The Beautiful People
1,2 Step
Bye Bye Bye
Supermassive Black Hole
Party in the U.S.A.
World of Chances
Never Ever
Bonus points if you know who sings all those.

What to talk about ......what to talk about?

I am on Day 7 of working out. I didn't work out on Sunday, but I don't know how to change my little ticker. Any ideas? I guess I just go make a new one every week. That seems lame. But I think that you need a rest day. I don't think your body is made to go without rest. I was reading this story of a lady who wanted to lose weight and she would work out every single day and was not seeing results. She decided to hire a trainer and he told her the body needs rest. So sure enough when she put in that day of rest, she started seeing results again. Also I wake up early every single day to go to the gym. Its nice to just sleep until my body wakes up. I might go for a walk or something like that, but nothing hardcore.
Today a lady at my gym told me I was looking good. I don't know what that meant because I was covered in sweat and breathing hard. But I thanked her just the same. It made my day. Its the little things.
That is why I am including positive thinking into my February goal. I think having a positive attutute will help me not only in life, but in this goal. Especially on days when my bed has a tight grip on my body and doesn't want to let me go.
Also yesterday on my lunch break I went to Target and bought myself a pedometer. I have had some in the past, but I think they disappeared in the move. So everyday I am going to write my steps down on my calendar and try to beat it everyday. Its not that hard at work to get up and walk around. Most of the time I am sitting on my tush, so this will push me. Although I forgot it today. Boooo! So tomorrow I will start.

Challenge update+ some other stuff

So I am proud to announce that I have lost 2lbs this week. Trust me. I am very very happy with a 2lb loss. My mom came to visit and we might have gone to Cheesecake Factory and Goodwood and had dessert at both places. So woohoo for 2lbs! This week I am going to really kick it up and try for 5lbs. Which is a lot, but I think I can do it. I know had this weekend not been all about the food, I would have put up a higher number. I worked out like crazy. I even went to zumba on Saturday and had so much fun. So wish me luck on that 5lb goal.
On to other topics.
I decided to have a goal for each month. You know kinda spice things up a bit. So for the month of February I am going to be cutting out gluten of my diet. It turns out a lot of people are gluten intolerant. The only way to know is to cut it out and see how you feel. That is not an easy task. A lot of food has gluten in it. Here are just a few examples:

• Bagels
• Biscuits
• Bread
• Bread crumbs
• Breaded fish
• Breaded meats or poultry
• Bread pudding
• Cake
• Cereal
• Chicken nuggets
• Croissants
• Cookies
• Crackers
• Croutons
• Doughnuts
• Dumplings
• Flour
• Flour tortillas
• Fried vegetables
• Graham crackers
• Hamburger buns
• Hotdog buns
• Ice cream cones
• Macaroni
• Melba toast
• Muffins
• Noodles
• Pancakes
• Pasta
• Pastries
• Pie crusts
• Pizza crust
• Pretzels
• Rolls
• Spaghetti
• Stuffing
• Tabbouleh
• Waffles

Foods You Wouldn't Expect to Have Gluten

You probably weren't surprised to learn that cakes, cookies, and all the other floury snacks contain gluten. After all, they're made primarily of wheat flour. The following list, on the other hand, may surprise you. These are foods that usually or often contain gluten. In some cases, wheat is added as a thickener; barley malt is often added as a form of natural flavor. You must read the labels of these items carefully to look for gluten-containing ingredients. Even better, look for products specifically labeled "gluten-free."

• Beer
• Beverage mixes
• Bologna
• Candy (many candies are gluten-free, so read labels)
• Canned baked beans
• Cold cuts
• Packaged cereals, even corn cereals
• Commercially prepared broth
• Commercially prepared chocolate milk
• Commercially prepared soup
• Custard
• Fruit fillings
• Gravy
• Gum
• Hot dogs
• Ice cream
• Non-dairy creamer
• Potato chips
• Pudding
• Root beer
• Syrups
• Salad dressing
• Soy sauce

I am not sure how I am going to live without my gum, but I will have to do some research. Maybe my gum is ok. I hope :(
My goal in 2011 is to find a lifestyle I can live with and be happy and healthy at the same time. If that means I feel better without gluten, then so be it.

Gym Tangents

Today what I really wanted to talk about is rude people at my gym. So, if the gym provides things for you to wipe your sweat off the machines with FREAKING DO IT! There are signs posted around my gym asking people to do this, and yet there are only a few of us that I see doing it. WHAT! It makes me mad. Which leads to my other rant. There are two girls that come in before me and they just do......well pretty much nothing. You know the types. A little bit of this, a little bit of that. In the mean time the rest of us that are there to workout and not socialize have to wait.
I was doing legs today and they were just sitting on the equipment, not even doing it. Just talking. So I asked if I could use it. I was kinda rude. But come on! She was like "oh we are switching we should be done soon" What I wanted to say was: you and your chubby friend (I can say that, being a chubby myself right?) are not even breaking a sweat, so if you came to be her moral support you fail. Get that fat girl moving, or get off the machine so the rest of us can use it.
Listen I am tired. Its been a long week. But be proud of me, because the only thing I did do was roll my eyes and stand by the machine until they were done. I know, but it always unnerves people and makes them hurry right? OH! OH! and they didnt wipe their "sweat" of any of the equipment! I mean I guess they really weren't sweating, but its the principle for hell sake.

Progress!

So I have been to the gym 3 times this week, and its Wednesday! So look at me go. Since you guys are obviously failing on being my cheer squad, I guess turns out I am pretty self motivated. So Goooo! ME!
Also a Goooo ME moment I didn't give into my fry whim yesterday. I was just looking at the Arby's and I was just thinking about those darn curly fries. I even turned to go into the drive-thu and at the last second I turned again and spent my lunch hour looking at cute things in Pier One instead of spending it in glutinous gilt.
So I have been pretty motivated as I have said and 600 dollars to spend on groceries has got me dreaming. I think I would spend a big chunk of the money on ingredients. I was thinking a fun goal would be to learn how to make awesome vegan meals. So my plan would be to go buy a cookbook with everything, down to deserts and spend my weekends ( not all of the day) in the kitchen trying to master new recipes. The cookbook that I have in mind is Veganomicon. Link
It is unreal the stuff they come up with. I think even you carnivorous people would dig some of the food.
So while I am huffing and puffing at the gym or resisting that fry, in the back of my mind I am thinking about that 600 dollars and how I am going to be a wonderful chef with all that dough. he he

Going Public

I think it might be time.
I think I might make this blog public. My following on this blog has fallen to a trickle now and then. I have about 20 people permitted to see it, but still I am only getting one or none comments per post. I live for the comments people. Its silly, but maybe start your own blog and you will understand. BFFN totally agrees.

Help Help Help

Okay so I am kinda excited about this, but I need everybody who reads this blogs help. To my amazement and I actually got up and went to the gym today! I was huffing and puffing along when one of the trainers came up to me and asked if I wanted to join this weight loss competition they are having for 4 weeks. And since the thing with my sister fizzled out (not that surprised) I needed a competition! Well I got one. So they weighed me. I tried not to pass out, and then off we go.
The coolest part of the whole thing is, that there are awesome prizes. Like first prize is 600 bones to Albertsons! How freaking awesome is that. Then there are free personal training, and spa passes and I kinda stopped listening after the $600 dollars. That would be awesome.
So I need some help. I need everybody to give me a call or a text to help push me along. I hope that in 4 weeks, I will be the proud owner of a lot of groceries.
Anyway wish me luck, I will need it.

Choices

So I know I mentioned that I have been having a struggle choosing better food options when I eat out. Well I am happy to say that today I made a good choice. I just need some accolades. So I am giving them to myself. Whatever, I do what I want.
So I maybe should not tell everybody that today's lunch hour turned into almost two but whatever. I got this book. I am really excited about it. Its a vegan diet (I hesitate to use the word diet) book..... at least I think. I follow the author's blog here. She is amazing! I don't want to get into it, but check out her blog if you have a second. Maybe I will blog about her after I am done with the book. Anyway and thanks to boarders 33% off coupon I got in my e-mail today and I went and got it. So maybe the mall is in another city? and maybe I didn't really care? So Anyway back to my topic. I have been struggling to cut the fried crap out of my diet. Because It is freaking amazing.... can I get an amen? So today as I was already 20 minutes getting back to work, I realized that I was starving. Weird on my lunch break to be hungry. So I surveyed my options and was pretty set on Taco Bell. I know. But then I saw it! Baja Fresh! It has fresh in the title even so...... anyway I ended up getting a vegetarian burrito that was to die for. Here is a picture. I will be going back. So I am so proud of myself for making a good choice. I don't know why I don't give myself more credit. I often make good choices. I am not an unwed teenage mother after all. So see?

Signs are everywhere

So everyday on my way to work I pass this sign for a kickboxing class. The lady is super ripped and I am supper jealous, and on days like this that I didn't go to the gym.... super guilty. Its like she mocks me with he six pack abs and sculpted arms. As if the extra helping of fries didn't do that enough already.
Also have you seen the Golds Gym billboards. They say something like "if it jiggles, its fat" THANK YOU GOLDS GYM! Pretty much want to burn those fancy gyms to the ground anyway. They are kidding themselves if they think they are anything more than a meat market.
Anyway signs that make you feel bad aside, it also kinda motivates me. Weird?
Already I have taken off 4 of the 11 pounds I put on during Christmas. I know. It seems fast, but my weight fluctuates 3-5 pounds anyway, so I wasn't too concerned. Well maybe a little.
I have been packing a lunch again, and now that I am partaking of bountiful baskets, I am sure I will be back to full fat busting capacity soon. Because.... I plan on making the most out of my summer this year.

Breaking up is hard to do

I am having a hard time breaking up with breaded and fried food. Even when grilled is offered. Case in point. Last night I went out to dinner with an old friend and some new friends. I know I said 100 vegetarian. But I slipped up and ate chicken twice this weekend. Not because I wanted it so bad, but because I really didn't want to explain to people that I don't eat meat. So silly. Anyway getting back to the point. The waiter asked if I wanted my chicken in my wrap grilled or fried, and I said fried. I knew better, but I did it anyway. Then he asked me skinless or breaded, and again I went with the fat. And then I ordered fries. I don't even...
Anyway on a (happy) side note. At least I recognized what I was doing, even if I still did it right? I mean before I would not have even thought twice about it.
So here I sit. Thinking about how I can make myself go for the less fat item, when everything in me wants the fat. Why the crap does fat have to taste sooo good? Damn you American cuisine! And Damn me for not resisting.
The other chicken I ate was actually grilled and very tasty. I was invited over to my cousins house for dinner, and since I didn't mention before that I am a veg, I thought it would be extremely rude to not partake of their kindness. I will work it in eventually.
Anyway I am still working on the breaking up part of the fat in food, and hopefully someday I can work on the heeling. One step at a time.

I did it!

So I was just going to try again to start my gym regiment next week. I know. Lame. But then I got a call from a friend who recently moved here with her family. I am pretty excited that she is here, she is a old friend that I have know since I was little, and a big sister to BFFS. So anyway she called me and we tried to get together to just hang out. But she has 4 little ones and I work until late so it looked like we were just going to have to play it by ear.
Then she had the idea to go to the gym with me. So there you have it! A workout buddy. We arranged to meet at 6:30am which I am pretty sure is or should be illegal, but since she has kids to get ready for school I agreed.
So I am in the gym parking lot at 6:24 and I hear the tell tell beep of the I am not coming text. I seriously thought for a second to just go right back home and go back to sleep. BUT I DIDN'T! How lame would that have been! I was already there. So I worked out by myself which was totally fine. I was just grateful that I had thought to bring my ipod. I was just thinking we would just be chatting while we worked up so LUCKY FOR ME! The gym music is atrocious.
Anyway I am only 12 days late on this goal. Better late than never right?