Reader Questions!

Sorry for the backup on these, I've had computer issues and was out of town, but here are some answers to a few questions I've had recently...

Anonymous asked: I just got the diet journal book that you started off with & it took me FOREVER to fill out my daily nutritional intake/exercise & fitness page. Does this get easier after a while or will I always need to set aside an hour for looking up nutritional values? Did you keep up with just calories or the fat/protein/carbs/fiber stuff too? Did you include your BMR and everyday stuff like walking (I use a pedometer throughout my daily activities) when calculating your exercise & fitness tally or just working out? Thanks in advance!!! =D

I'm so glad you are journaling! It really does make a huge difference! During the first few weeks, I was really meticulous about filling it out and putting in the exact information. For me, it wasn't too hard because I have the same breakfast and lunch every day, so those calories never changed. The only thing I had to look up was dinner calories... but if you're making your dinner, you can simply look on the packaging and find out serving size and calories. The only things I had to look up were produce. I didn't put down my BMR because I don't have a HRM or anything, but I would weigh myself daily, write my weight, write my day's food with calories, and my exercise. I didn't worry about protein, fat, carbs, etc., because I know I eat a balanced diet, but if you're unsure, it might be important for you to do that.

Once you've been journaling for a while and you get very familiar with the nutritional info in the food items you eat often, it will take you much less time. But again, for me it wasn't bad because I just calculated calories in and calories out.

Grown-Up Teenager asked: I have a question for reader questions. Like I said, I want to slim down as well, and I've got some small stretchmarks on my belly. Did you have any before you started, and have they changed at all if you did? Do you think you'd be comfortable in a bathing suit (dare I say bikini?) after doing the Shred for a while?

Ugh, stretch marks. I think everyone has them, right? So I try not to let them bother me. I have them around the spare tire region and arm pit area. They actually got worse when I first started losing weight, but now they're all faded and not too obvious. Will I ever wear a bikini? Who knows! I'd need to get more toned in the core area before I do that. Perhaps one day I'll take belly photos... As for the bathing suit - I'm fine with that because I was on the swim team in HS, so you kind of get over it fast. I also took diving and aquatic games classes in HS, so I was around my peers all of the time. It was embarassing at first (especially when the teacher would tape our dives and we'd have to watch them and rate ourselves) but I also wasn't nearly as fat in HS as I was in college.
And right now, the shred has taken me far, but not far enough for me to be really cut. I'm moving on to running more and doing more intense strength training (like no more trouble zones) to really get rid of the last 20 lbs.



I stumbled across your blog through the nest health and fitness board and love reading about your journey. I'm wanting to start a weightloss journey myself and was wondering if you have ever posted a menu of what you eat on a daily basis. I've gone back through some of the archives but I may have missed it. If not, I am definately curious to know what you eat every day.

This post pretty much answers your question: http://ashisfit.blogspot.com/2008/07/first-50-menus.html
If you look at my cooking blog, http://www.ashleescooking.blogspot.com/, you can see exactly what I eat for dinner every night. I still continue to eat the same breakfast and lunch as in that post, but I have upped my calories to 1600. I also space out my food during the day so I'm never hungry. I eat about every 2-3 hours.



Molly asked: Hi Ash. I was wondering, when did you first start running? I want to start running this spring/summer but I am a little self-concious because of my weight. How did you start out? Also, could you please recommend some basic running attire? Thanks so much! :)

I started the C25K program last April. I was at about -55 lbs. at that time, so I was still 50 lbs. overweight. I was self-conscious at first, but when you run, it's really all about you and no one else. Don't worry about it! I have more respect for someone who can run a mile than can elliptical for hours, because to me, running is the hardest possible physical activity! It's so incredibly empowering when you finish a good, long run. Completeing the C25K was a HUGE achievement, followed by running my first 5k, then my first 10k! I think running has given me so much confidence! It's hard, don't get me wrong, biggest challenge EVER, but the bigger the challenge, the bigger the reward, you know?
As for workout attire, I run in old navy yoga capris or nike capris and bra tank tops. At first, I wore a sports bra and a cotton old navy $5 tank, but I love the nike dri fit workout tanks, they keep me really cool, and keep the boobs compressed. Having good support in that area is important for me, I was full D's, now I'm a full C, so having support there is really important for me.



Alright, I think that covers it all. If you'd like for me to elaborate or have any more questions, let me know! And if it's a more personal thing, I don't have to publish it, I answer many off the record emails :)


Oh, and I'd like to say HI DAD!!! He's shocked that people turn to me for health and fitness questions! Maybe I'll start forwarding my emails to him and see how his answers are!

Reader Questions Answered and Reader Suggestion

Reader Question - To paraphrase, a reader wrote that she's recently started working out, and would like to do treadmill work, but has foot problems and cannot run.
She said she read that I lost the first 50 lbs. by using the elliptical and walking Pumpkin, and wonders how I was able to lose the weight with just this activity because she doesn't think it's possible to lose it all by just ellipticalling. She wants to know what my thoughs are on the elliptical versus the treadmill, and strength training in general...
It's important to understand when you're trying to lose weight, it all boils down to calories consumed versus calories burned. It really doesn't matter how you burn the calories, just that you burn them... so whether it be running, walking, biking, ellipticalling, it makes no difference.
Granted, I do burn twice as many calories running as ellipticalling in a 30 minute workout, so it is more efficient, but when I was as heavy as I was, running was not really an option (or something I cared to do). I did however, really enjoy getting on my elliptical!


You should look at a BMR calculator to find out how many calories you're burning on a day to day basis, and then add in the calories you burn when you do any activity... which if you're using a stationary machine, it should tell you a rough estimate of calories burned. For instance, my BMR right now is 1610, so I burn that many calories per day, plus any exercise. When I weighed more, my BMR was as high as 1900. I would burn around 500 calories doing a 45 minute elliptical workout each night, then a 1 mile walk might be another 100 or so, so I was burning around 2500 calories per day, and trying to stick to 1200-1600 calories each day. As I lost weight, however, the amount of calories burned decreased.


So to get to the point... I loved ellipticalling, it was easy on the joints, it was enjoyable to watch TV, and I just had to keep a mental note of watching me speed to make sure I didn't start to slow down too much, and it was a very effective workout. As long as you grasp the concept of calories in vs. calories out, it doesn't matter what type of exercise you do, as long as you enjoy it, you push yourself, and you stick with it!




One of my awesome readers, Hope, informed me of this -
Jillian (Michaels) has a podcast that you can load to your iPod, and it's great!
It's basically about fitness, health, and she also has a time where she answers caller's questions,you know, Jillian-type things.
The website is:
http://www.kfi640.com/pages/podcasting/


So far I've listened to the past 3 weeks, and it is a great resource! I love Jillian, though sometimes she makes me feel guilty... like the superbowl show, she said DONT EAT CRAP! Simple!!! Well, I ate a little crap.... so I tell you all it's ok to eat what you want in moderation, keep your calories in tact, workout hard, etc., but then she says just don't do it... so it's a little conflicting. But then again, she's a hardcore trainer, and probably doesn't love food as much as I do :)
I hope you still like me, Jillian, even though I sometimes give in and eat badly!
...and no, she doesn't read my blog, but I still talk to her like she does...

Reader Questions Answered

Amanda: I have to eat two packets of instant oatmeal to be full. Is that still a healthy breakfast? I would look at the calories in the two packets. If that fits into your daily allotment of calories, I don't think it's a problem (it might be around 300). You might also want to try getting a big container of the oats. A serving size is 1/2 c., maybe try eating 3/4 c. and see if that fills you up more. I've noticed that when my husband makes his cinnamon instant oats packet, he gets less in a packet than I do when I measure 1/2 c., and the calories on his are 10 more because of the added sugar in the packet.


Is regular slow cook better then instant oatmeal (in other words, is the instant stuff just as bad as sugary kids cereal)?
You can buy plain instant oatmeal that has nothing added to it. Look for "Quick Cooking Oats" in a big container, or the plain kind. It will have no added sugar, and is MUCH healthier than sugary cereals. You really have to read the labels though, to see exactly what is added to the packets. That's why I like to add my own mix-ins, so I can control the sugar and calories.


Most of the times that can keep me satisfied from 8-12, sometimes I have to have a small snack around 10 or 10:30.
That's how it works for me, too. I eat my oatmeal around 7am, then I have a banana around 10, which keeps me from getting too hungry at lunch time!
As long as you keep your calories under control, and spread out a bit, I think you're doing just fine!




Melissa: Right now I am struggling with my own weight loss. I went hard-core from July through November of last year and lost 30 pounds. Then I took December off and gained back 10 of those thirty. Well now, in January, I have been back on track again but have barely lost any weight. I am doing the same things I was before when I was steadily losing weight. What am I doing wrong? Do you have any ideas for me? It sucks to be trying so hard but not see any results and I'm really starting to get discouraged.
First off, Don't get discouraged!!! Sometimes your body doesn't respond the way it did in the past, the way you think it should, or want it to! That's ok!
Perhaps your body has adjusted to what you were doing in the past, and you need to try some new things. After I ellipticalled for so long, the results weren't as good, so I switched to c25k, and jump started my weight loss. Are you doing strength training? Maybe that is something you can incorporate. Plyometrics are great at getting the metabolism going.
You might also want to look at your diet, has it changed much? Are you not as active as you were? You can be exercising the same, but the rest of your day might be more sedentary. I know in the winter, I am less likely to add the long walks with Pumpkin, which do add up! I also don't run 4-5 miles on the weekends, I stick to 30 minutes on the treadmill, that time adds up.
I would try some new workouts, pay close attention to your calorie intake, drink lots of water, and make sure you're eating all your friends and veggies!
If things don't change after that, you might want to talk to your doctor.




Ashley: In regards to the Shred did you start by doing Level 1 with 5lb weights or what? how long did you do level 1 before moving on to level 2?
When I started shredding, I used my 5lb. weights. I did 10 days at each level for the month of June. Now I alternate between levels 2 and 3 each day.
There have been questions about the shred, whether it should be done daily, etc. My point of view is this, though you should take days off when lifting weights, I don't look at the shred as lifting, it's just toning muscle, it's not as strenuous as a weight lifting session would be where you're really working to build muscle fast. So I don't have a problem shredding daily. Also, since I alternate between levels, I am using different muscles each day so it's not overly repetetive. Every few weeks, I'll take a day off from the shred, but I love doing it daily!

Reader Questions and Weigh Day

Amber asked: What was the breaking point for you? You know the point that you said I've got to change my life now and begin living healthier? I think motivation is an amazing thing. I am personally struggling with it right now. So, what motivates you?

I've been pretty open about the fact that the one single thing that really made me start losing weight was my wedding (click on this link to see that post).
What made me begin though, or my "rock bottom, turning point, climax of my life story" sort of events, was my engagement party. My in-laws, and pretty much all of JJ's family live in Florida. Since the wedding was at my Dad's church in Cincinnati, OH, we figured many Floridians wouldn't be able to come, so they threw us a party down there. It was such a great event, I got to meet so many of JJ's extended family and friends... however at the time, I was at my highest weight to date - 252 lbs., wearing a size 22 pants, and felt AWFUL.
The party was a blast, but the whole time I was so self conscious. It was my first time meeting many of these people, and I was my heaviest and self-proclaimed, ugliest.

Here is one of the only photos I kept from the party because I couldn't stand the way I looked in all of the others. It's not awful, but you can see all the pudge.

So that's what it took. Looking my worst, and feeling my worst, at such an important and once in a lifetime event. I had planned all along to lose wieght for the wedding, but here I was 9 months away from the wedding, and I hadn't lost a pound (and we had been engaged for 8 months already!) So as soon as we got back from Florida, I decided to get on track, and that's where the other post picks up!

To answer the other part of the question - what motivates me... There are so many things that motivate me...

-Being able to share clothes with sisters and friends.

- The magical number - 100 lbs! I'm getting so close!

- Knowing I can get up and run 6 miles, and the freedom I feel when I do.

- Having my blog out for the world to see, knowing people hold me accountable.

- The health problems I will not face because of obesity or being overweight that my Grandparents face(d)

Elizabeth asked: Just wondering how you keep from snacking during the day......I think that's my biggest problem

This isn't as hard for me during the week because I am at work and I don't keep snacks around, but I do try to eat every 2-3 hours so I don't get so hungry that I overeat or go for junk. My schedule is pretty much the same during the week, around 1500-1600 calories.
7 am - breakfast - oatmeal and coffee (200 cal)
10 am - banana (100 cal)
noon - another piece of fruit (apple, nectarine, pear, clementines) (100 cal)
3pm - yoplait light yogurt and some carrot sticks or peas (200 cal)
6pm - dinner (700 cal)
8pm - fat free pudding with fruit, frozen yogurt with fruit, or any other 200ish calorie dessert

I like to eat one big dinner though (mostly because I love to cook, but also I just love to have one big meal). I also drink a lot of water during the day.

The weekends are antoher story though, I struggle during the weekend to keep myself from grazing... however I don't keep snacks (besides fruit and veggies) in the house, so it's not as hard. Sometimes though, if I feel like I could eat a horse, I'll go for a bowl of cereal, or an additional bowl of oatmeal (around 200 calories).

And of course, sometimes we're out running errands and I'll get a real lunch - like a sub or when we go to Sams, a plain soft pretzel. I also HIGHLY recommend a bag of Newman's fat free kettle corn pop corn. I'm all about bulk and volume when I eat, so I love a giant bag of popcorn.

And Friday's results - I lost .5 lbs. I'm actually pretty happy about that because since I had 3 big weeks in a row, I was expecting to have a week or two where I didn't lose any, or just a little. This week I've had a lot of events, which meant food... so I definitely was higher on my calories than normal. Since my goal was to lose the Christmas weight before Valentine's Day, I'm still on track with 2.5 to go!

Reader Questions, the not pretty/fun stuff

Today's reader questions get into the not pretty, and not fun to talk about stuff. I hope I don't gross anyone out, or hurt your feelings! At one time, I was full of excuses too... so here it goes!


D'Rae asked: I know that this is going to sound kinda silly, but how do you find the time to exercise? That is what I am having a problem with.
Ok, time to be blunt and just put it out there.... it's not about finding time, it's about making time.
Think about all of the things you do that are optional, like waching TV or shopping.
If you have ONLY 20 minutes, do The Shred! That's all you need, and it's a great, comprehensive workout.
Make it part of your daily routine, and you'll never even think about 'having no time.'
Maybe you need to wake up a little earlier, do it then. How about a lunch break? Exercise should be a #1 priority with eating and sleeping. It's that important!


Nicole asked: I do have one questions, actually something that I have been personally concerned about. How has your skin been? Any lose skin, sagginess? Any tips in that department? My weight is in my belly and I am just worried about having rolls of skin.
As of now, I don't have any problems with skin. I am 23, so being young, my skin is still really eslastic. I also have lost the weight over 21 months now, so my body has had ample time to recover from every pound.
That's not to say when I do finally hit my goal I won't have any, but as of now it all looks normal... lol


And finally, my own little note to add...
Before I started losing weight, I was a FULL double D... and now I'm a small D. I am thrilled! I always wanted to be a little smaller :)

Reader Questions and some random musings...

This week, Amber asked: Were you always bigger growing up? I know I was always the chunkier kid. I was just curious if you had been smaller at some point in time, gained weight again, and lost it again.
I would say from birth to age 5 or so, I was normal weight. Then I started to gain weight once I was in kindergarden. I'm not exactly sure why it occured then, but I do remember that's when I really started to have an appetite! I was probably 7 or 8 when I started ordering off the regular menu rather than the childrens. And I could put away food for a little kid!
Many people blame the parents, but I can't blame mine. I was constantly sneaking food because I was just always hungry! I think when I graduated High School, I was about 50 lbs. overweight, and then when I hit college, it was all downhill. I was all about the freshman 15. The cafeteria had no healthy food, and I was all about the 2am Taco Bell runs.
I then started working at Starbucks, and when you first start working there, you can't help but eat and drink everything. It probably took me 6 months before I could go to work and not have any drinks or pastry samles.
I also was an RA in college for freshman girls, so when they did their 2am Taco Bell runs, they'd stop in and see if I wanted anything. Nice, but not really...
So to answer, I wasn't horribly chubby, just overweight growing up. I still played sports (softball, basketball, swimming) but I also loved to eat and be lazy during the summer. My 4 years in college was when I gained about 40 lbs.




Another question, how long was it before you saw results on 30 Day shred?
When I began the shred, I had just finished C25K, so I was in pretty good cardio shape. I didn't have much trouble completing it, I was just so sore.
I think after the first week, and the soreness was gone, I started to feel my muscles growing and the inches disappearing. After about 2 months of doing the shred daily, I really started to see muscle definition, I could feel my abs working more, and my upper body feels so much stronger.
I lost about 7 lbs. the first month I did the shred (combined with a bit of running). I still shred daily, and I continue to see and feel results (like I'm starting to get the V muscles in my lower abs, my back is getting definition, and my arms are getting much stronger).




And on to the random musings:
My next race is on April 18, It is the spring run at the YMCA. My dad is coming out to Bloomington to run it with me. There is a 5k and a 10k, so I'm not 100% sure which one I'll run. I'd like to do the 10k, but since the weather has been awful, I haven't been running much... which brings me to....
I've been running on the treadmill MWF after work, and it's torture! I have my ipod, I can watch the TV (which is on CNN always) but I still am bored out of my mind. I can do 30 minutes, then I feel like I'm going to scream from the boredom. I feel like I can keep going, I just don't want to.
Unfortunatly, the weather doesn't look like it's going to warm up any time soon.... so I'll have to suck it up and contine to at least run 3x per week.
In the off days, I've been ellipticalling, and shredding daily.


And also... since I've been really trying to kick my butt back in gear and hit -100, I've really cut calories, which combined with winter, is making me SO tired. I just have no energy anymore. Work has been really stressful and busy, I've been eating less, working out harder, and my body just doesn't have any calories to burn on staying awake, apparently! I've been putting in about 9.5 hours of sleep each night for the past 2 weeks. It's nice, but when I go up to bed to read, I fall asleep every night... I hope it's just the lack of calories and the cold of winter... who knows!
I am eating well though, a nice combo of fruits, veggies, starches and proteins, however I'm considering adding a vitamin into my diet. We'll see how things go.


What else... I'm hoping for another -2 on Friday's weigh in.
My mom has decided she wants to throw a 100 lb. party for me when I finally do lose. I'm thinking about writing Jillian Michaels and inviting her... lol
Also, I'm really enjoying this season of the Biggest Loser. Anyone else watching? Liking it as well? I feel like many of the contestants this season are likable, much different from last!
Well.... I'll be posting the results on Friday of my next weigh in....

Reader Question/Updates/Plans!

Today's Reader Question comes from: sunflowerramos!

I would love to know your eating/exercise habits.
My exercise habits have changed throughout my weight-loss journey. At first, I was soley using the elliptical and walking my dog. That took me through the first 50 lbs. After that, I started running with the C25K. Then I started using The Shred. I like to change it up depending on the season, and how my body feels.
In the very beginning, I was more focused on cardio and building up resistence and working out longer. Also, I bought an elliptical, so I mostly did that.
After I got bored with the elliptical, and the weather was nice, I started C25K.
Then I wanted to start doing weight training for some muscle definition, so I started The shred.
Now, I use a mixture of everything, some days I run and shred, some I just shred, some I just run, some I swim at the Y. I try to do something every day, no matter how short (20 min. shred) or long (2 hour walk with Pumpkin).


My eating habits have been pretty much the same throughout, I've just recently upped my calories.
Here is a snipet from another post where I talked about food and my food blog:
"I try to keep my dinner to 700 calories each night. I also try to make sure I have one starch, one lean protein, and 2-3 vegetables. From the healthy living standpoint, I use almost no pre-packaged products (with the exception of coindiments) and I use minimal canned vegetables or pre-made sides. If there is a specific recipe you want a caloric breakdown for, please ask! Also, most of my meals are made for 2-3 servings (so my husband has some extra). "




Do you use a journal?
For ther first 50 lbs, I used a journal. It really helped me track my food and exercise. It also had a glossary in the back that had calorie counts for common fruits, veggies, meats and starches.
Here is a snipet from a previous post that I wrote about the journal:
"The journal I used, I Will Lose Weight This Time, is set up like a reference book with helpful tips, as well as a guide to calories and fat in certain foods, it also has interactive sections where you can record your weight loss goals, it encourages many small goals. It also has a place for you to put your measurements and a picture.I used the food diary section for the first 3 months of my weight loss process, just so I could get used to counting calories and remembering how many were in each food I ate. It also has little stickers for you to put on the day when you did a good job!The daily journal has a place for your weight, foods you've eaten, and exercise, so you can keep track of it all."




Updates:
Back in the day when I was starting my weight loss, I would weigh myself on Friday and Monday, hoping to see a -1 each time. Then I started to slow down, and only weighed on Friday, hoping to see -1. Now that I've got momentum working and I've been doing well, I'm going to try to get off the last 19 (yes, I'm down one more!) in the same fashion. It is an unfortunate time (CHRISTMAS!!!) to try to lose the weight, but since my body seems to be working the way I want it to right now, I'm not going to try to hold off and maintain until after Christmas.
It's so interesting how the body works, some months it's torture to lose 1 lb., sometimes I'll take off 2-3 in a week when it seems like I'm just sort of trying.


and now, Plans!
My plan for the last 10 is to have a big old countdown going on, and put in lots of photos of me along the way. Since I'll be at my parents for Christmas, I'll try to gather some photos that mark the lbs. along the way. Now I still have 9 to lose before this starts, but I'm getting really excited. I'm going to need everyone's support, especially now and during the next 2-3 months!


So this might be my last post until after the holidays. I want to wish each and every one of you a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Happy New Year! Be safe, indulge a bit, have a great time with family and friends, and workout hard!


As an aside,
I am so floored by the support and amazing comments you all left on my 'reward outfit' post! Seriously, it meant so so so much to me. I can't thank you all enough. It's been a long journey, and I'm excited that we're so close to hitting that -100!!! I really do feel so great, and I really appreciate the motivation you all provide.

So I'll leave you with a few photos from our Christmas card session back in November!

Organic Eating

I've had readers ask me about eating organic, how to choose what you should buy organic, and what the benefits are.

Of course I'd say buy all organic when possible because who wants extra chemicals in their body, but I know with cost and availability, it's not always an option.

I have spent a lot of time reading up on organics, as well as listening to the advice of my sister. My whole family is very passionate about eating organic, supporting local farmers and eating local produce, and fair trade. My sister has a blog called It's Easy Being Green, where she occasionally blogs about living green! I encourage you to check it out.

She published a top 10 organics you should purchase list, and here it is.

Top 10 Organics you should purchase:

1. Tomatoes
2. Potatoes
3. Grapes
4. Lettuce

5. Strawberries

6. Celery

7. Peppers

8. Apples

9. Peaches

10. Pears

For the most part, it's my understanding that if you eat the skin of something, it's best to go organic. I always buy organic canned tomatoes and beans, and not on the list, carrots.

The top 10 safest non-organics are as follows:

1. Asparagus

2. Avocados (pesticide can't be absorbed through thick skin)

3. Bananas (pesticide remains on the peel)

4. Broccoli (crop faces fewer threats, farmers use less chemicals)

5. Cabbage

6. Kiwi fruit (thick peel, again)

7. Mango

8. Onions (few threats)

9. Papaya

10. Pineapple

Reader Questions Answered:

Today I'll answer questions from "K" and Melissa...


Ashlee- I love your blog and always love to read your opinions! What is your opinion on organic eating and eating clean in general? Also do you keep a food journal and an exercise journal?
I'm glad someone likes my opinions :) On eating organic - I try to eat as much organic foods as possible, but also stay within my budget (my husband is in grad school, after all!) My sister is much more educated than I am on organics, but she often gives me lists of the best foods to eat organic, and those are usually items where you eat the skin. I always buy organic milk and I'm trying out different yogurts to see which I like best (right now the price tag on yogurt is a killer!) I always buy organic canned tomatoes, apples, peaches, grapes, carrots, celery, stock, and beans. I also try to always buy organic meat (beef and chicken) but again, the price sometimes is just too much.
I pretty much eat a clean diet, which means I consume no processed foods or prepackaged things. A few easy ways to do this are stay on the perimiter of the grocery store when you food shop! It's where all of the fresh ingredients are. I make all of my sauces from scratch, and even make things like hummus and salsa at home. I think eating clean is the way to go! You're constantly pumping your body with good for you anti-oxidants and natural forms of vitamins and minerals.



And Melissa asked
I would love to hear more about your day to day life, how your new job is going, how you met JJ, etc. On the weight loss front, what have been your biggest challenges that you have faced along the way, and how have you overcome them?
First off, my new job is fantastic. I absolutely love it, I'm doing a lot of the same kind of work, but it's in the best work environment. The people here are what really make it a great place to be! I also love the benefits of a Y membership!
How I met JJ, well JJ and I met the second night of school our freshman year of college in the lobby of our dorm. The cable wasn't working in both of our rooms, so we went down to the lobby to watch the Bristol NASCAR race on the big screen. We started talking and hit it off... and the rest is history :) We're coming up on our 1 year anniversary December 1, and just celebrated our 5 year dating anniversary on Sept. 3!
At first, my biggest challenges were portion control and exercising daily. Now that I am doing well with those things, I've found my newest challenge to be making healthy eating choices in social situations and at holidays. Last Christmas, like most people, I put on 10 lbs. and then I had to spend all of January working out to get rid of 10 lbs. I had already lost! Since my goal is to reach -100 by February, I know this holiday season is going to be rough. I will allow myself to indulge, but at the same time, I won't allow myself to indulge every night and eat every Christmas cookie I lay eyes on!

Update!

Since a few of you have asked for a quick update, here it is. Before the bakesale and funeral, I was at -77.5. Then I gained about 4-5 lbs. After being home a week and working out, I lost 2 lbs. (last Friday) taking me back to -75.
I weigh myself once a week (Friday) and I'm hoping to pull another 2 lbs., but if it's only 1, I'll still be happy!
Right now I'm hoping to lose 1-1.5 lbs per week for 4 months, taking me to my goal of -100 by Feb. or so.
I'm not going to try to drop it all too fast b/c then it's more likely to come back on just as fast, but who knows.... with weight loss, sometimes the math just doesn't add up and the body does strange things :)
I'll be sure to post Friday after I find out my new number!

In the mean time, here's a picture from last weekend of Kris (aka my role model and big sister) and me...

Reader Questions Answered

Yesterday, Kelly asked: I see that you work out 7x a week -- aren't you concerned about having enough "downtime" in your schedule?

I do work out 7 days a week, and here is my reasoning - I have an office job, though I'm up and down doing things, for the most part I'm planted at my computer all day. I like to get out and exercise after work just because I'm so anxious after sitting all day. On the weekends when I'm home, I don't have a lot going on so I workout all throughout the day and it doesn't seem like I'm working out as much. I really look at my weekends as the time to work really hard.
During the week, my workouts are about an hour, which isn't terribly long.

As you can see, every day I have 3 or more workouts. Now and then, I'll only do 1 or 2 of the 3-4 things listed if I'm crunched for time or just feel tired. If I'm on vacation and can't get to a DVD player, I'll skip the shred, or if it's raining out, I'll skip a run or bike ride. But I do try to get at least one physical activity each day.

Also, and it's a mental thing for me, when I miss one day, I don't feel so bad about missing 2, then 3, then I quit. In order to keep my spirits up and keep myself motivated, I make myself do something every day.

Many days, my body is tired, but not exhausted. I still like to push myself though, and I don't feel like I "need" a day of rest ever. It's a completely personal choice and it depends on each individual's body. I know rest days are important, but I try to avoid them! Again, works for me, might not work for you!

Reader Questions Answered

Today's Reader's Question comes from Melissa!
I've been doing pretty good with my healthy eating and calorie counting (around 1200 a day) but there are a few days where I just can't control my cravings and I end up screwing up. Do you ever have this problem and if so, how do you deal with it?

I definitely have cravings often! I have found that at night, all I want is anything chocolate and sweets. While I would love to be able not indulge, sometimes I do! I try to find better alternatives, however, to satisfy the cravings.

When I want chocolate, I like to get fat free pudding pops (preferably no sugar added, watch the calories!) or eat some chocolate pudding. Every now and then, I'll even make some lower in fat cookies. No, they're not chewy and buttery, but they still have chocolate! You can see them here, on my cooking blog. If you're not a great baker from home, try no pudge brownies.


Because this is a lifestyle change, I look at it this way, I cannot stop eating chocolate all together, or sweets, cookies, etc. However, I can find a healthier alternative, and I can eat that instead!


It is also VERY important to remember (and I'm telling myself this, everyone else can just overhear me): Take it one day at a time. This isn't a diet, you don't have to hit goals by exact dates, this is a lifestyle change. Just because you have one bad night, doesn't mean you should say screw it, back to my old ways... There's always tomorrow to turn it around! So you had a high calorie lunch, eat a lighter dinner. Don't skip the workout at night because you went way over on your calories for the day.
Too many times I would go really strong for a month or two, have one bad day, then throw it all away. It's not about how fast you lose the weight (because now, I'm not trying to get it off as fast) it's about your quality of life, moderation, and realizing that it's not ruined by one bad meal or one skipped workout.
::Steps off soapbox::


Seriously, all directed toward myself :)

Reader Questions Answered

Today's Question comes from Annie on the nest.com:
I'd like to hear about motivation. How do you do it on days/weeks when you just don't feel like it.

Ahhh, days I don't feel like doing it... Most often it's the weekdays, because on the weekends I work out as soon as I wake up. But coming home after a long day at work and then having to go run/shred/elliptical can be a challenge. There are a few motivators for a few different reasons.

1. I want new clothes so badly, but I won't let myself buy anything until I hit certain sizes. The faster and harder I push to lose the weight, the sooner I get new clothes!

2. It's become a routine, I get home, I work out, so I never plan things for right after work, and if I do, I make sure as soon as I get back from that I work out. I'm a very 'stick to the routine' kind of person, so this really works.

3. My husband gets home before me, gets my water bottle full and sitting out for me and has my shred DVD ready for me at the level I want. We call it getting me 'shready,' yeah, we're cutesy like that. If I don't work out, I tell him to judge me and tell me I'm fat (which he won't, but he does give me motivation)

4. I have many people who know about my situation, and ask me if I did what I said I would do - like the c25k.

5. If you have a workout buddy, you're more likely to stick with the plans, JJ did the first few weeks of C25K with me, he'd be ready to go when I got home, and would make sure I got going.


Overall, when I feel like I just don't want to, I put life into perspective. I don't want to pay taxes, I don't want to go to work, I don't want to pick up Pumpkin's poop in the yard (well, JJ does that one) but I do because I have to. I am taking responsibility and doing what I have to do. In the end, I'm really proud of myself for doing it, and that's a much better feeling than guilt for not doing what I know I should.
If you need a motivator, you just call me, or my husband, he does a good job :)

Reader Questions Answered:

Today's questions come from Carrie...


How long did the 75 lb weight loss take you? I began in April 2007, and hit -75 on July 1, so it's taken me 16 months.

I can't remember from your blog - did you follow a weight loss program? or just watched what you ate and exercised? Basically, I have had a lifestyle change completely. I wouldn't consider myself on a diet because what I've done is simply change the way and amounts I eat, but still eat most of the same food that I love. I'm using portion control as well as subbing in lower in calorie foods.
I also have been very dedicated to being active, try to workout in some way every single day.
It may seem like a long time to lose the 75 lbs., but I wanted it to be slow and steady, I didn't want to 'diet,' I wanted a complete lifestyle change.

Can you give me some more info on the journal? The journal I used, I Will Lose Weight This Time, is set up like a reference book with helpful tips, as well as a guide to calories and fat in certain foods, it also has interactive sections where you can record your weight loss goals, it encourages many small goals. It also has a place for you to put your measurements and a picture.
I used the food diary section for the first 3 months of my weight loss process, just so I could get used to counting calories and remembering how many were in each food I ate. It also has little stickers for you to put on the day when you did a good job!
The daily journal has a place for your weight, foods you've eaten, and exercise, so you can keep track of it all.