Day 32 of my challenge

Let me just say, UGH, I dislike day's like this!!!

Had a yucky day yesterday food wise,, well yes I do, I had to go to take the kids to the dentist and we sat there for 4 hours and I missed Breakfast & Lunch, and by the time I got home I was STARVING, and made bad decisions from there till I went to bed I ended my day well over 2,000 calories and way to much fat! UGH..I know better but I did it and I'm owning it!

That's ok, today's a new day and I'm putting that behind me. I've got to stop gorging myself on days when I get off my "routine"

Today's a new day and I'm moving forward and will be successful

Day 31 of my challenge

Today I was very busy and didn't get ot post much on the Dandy Lions, I was working on some "Kreations" that I wanted to get myself before my coupon expired so I did that all day. I'm getting me an Awesome Dandy Lions jacket (hoodie) with my name on the front with my beloved Dandy Lion and on the Back, same lion with the words "NEVER QUIT, NEVER GIVE UP, ALWAYS ROAR on it. I can't wait to get it, it'll be perfect for spring weather and I also got a Tank top & a licence plate for my car!!!!




Food wise, Ehh I could've done better at dinner, but I did ok. I will get better today and be more accountable

Ready for a great Day 32.

Day 30 of my challenge! Successful thus far

Wow, 30 days into the challenge! I feel awesome. It really couldn't have come at a  better time (Thank you Carmen for posting this), I was struggling with my journey, I was just treading water, not going any where, stuck if you will to get over that hump and when day 1 started, it lit a "Spark" in me and I'm so proud that I have ROCKED the first 30 days!!!

These were my 100 days goals that I posted when the challenge first started

Exercise 5 days a week for 90 mins each day ( I actually changed that to at least 3 times a week but doing something daily for at least 45 mins)

Drink 12 glasses of water each day
Stay within my ranges 98% of the time
Loose 10% of my body weight ( 20.1 lbs) (201 lbs  2.21.11)
Limit my sugars/sweets to a bare minimum

I'm proud to say in 30 days I have been 98% successful with my goals! In 30 days I have lost 6 pounds,  several inches, and I've started a running program (5k your way from Sparkpeople), where I am building up my speed, yesterday I was able to run almost all of 3.56 miles. I finished at a personal best with 12:30 mins per mile. When I first started it was taking me anywhere for 19 mins to complete a mile, then down to 15 mins per mile, now 12:30. I can't wait to see where I'm at by the end of 60 days!! WOO HOOO

It's been a great 30 days and I'm looking forward to the next 70  as well!!

It's not to late if you'd like to join our 100 days challenge heres the link


We have a daily check in on the board or you can just blog about how it's going so we can support you.

Also if you're looking for an amazing supportive awesome team, join my team the Dandy Lions  

Day 29 of my challenge

Ugh, what a day yesterday I am so glad it's DONE, first I spent half of the morning arguing with the Dentist that I used to go to about a bill that I paid that they cashed the check but "forgot" to credit my account, finally got that cleared, then had a spat with my husband, sometimes he forgets to think before he speaks and ends up saying things that hurt my feelings, so I had to explain to him all that, so by then it was 11 am and I was just drained. 

Took the 2nd van into the shop because it hadn't been running and I thought we'd be needing 2 vehicles again so I took it over there, walked back and like within an hour of dropping it off, I got an email telling me I didn't get the job that I was really hoping for so needless to say my day became even more icky. I'm at peace with not getting the job because I believe everything is His will, and apparently this job was not right for me. 

I did well though in the food, I only went over my calories by 130, not bad, and I would have been in perfect ranges had I not had some of the frosted mini wheats out of my husbands bowl. LOL. That's ok, 130 over is not the end of the world. As for exercise, I only got that short amount of walking from the repair shop to home in so today will be step it back up and get moving day for me. 

Have a good one everyone, Make it a great day! 

Day 28 of my challenge

Just a short note, was a good day, today I rested and didn't do a lick of exercise! My legs thank me too!! 

Ready for a great new week tomorrow, and excited for weigh in tomorrow 

Night all 

Day 27 of my Challenge

Yesterday was a great day, we planned to go to six flags so I got up early and started preparing the snacks & drinks and such. Made a healthy salad for me to have for lunch (carrots, green peppers ,onions, mushroom, & tomato and fresh ground pepper!! yum!) instead of PB&J that the kids would be having while we're there (I bring my own food because 1, their food is not healthy & 2 it's so expensive and we just go out to the car and eat it and then go back in)

So we went and it was fun, it was really really crowded, Six Flags was good but the lines were so long and it was so busy we hardly got to ride anything.

 I went  over to Goliath to test in the seat they have out front and last year I could only get 1 click on the locking device but  yesterday I got at least 2 but I don't think more. But I'm not sure,   I remember them saying  I'd need 3 clicks so I'm not sure, the lines were like 2hrs plus long so I wasn't going to stand around waiting to have them "really" check. That's ok, I've moved up 1 from the last time I checked  so it wont be long and I'll be click click click and I'll be riding that roller coaster. Just gives me something to keep working!

I did do lots of walking, when everyone was in line for the rides, I just took off and did a bunch of purposeful walking all over the park, from one end to another making big circles, I tracked 7.5 miles of walking yesterday! WOO HOO My legs are sore this morning but not unbearable!

Thinking I'll make day 28 a rest day just to let my legs relax!

Another perfect day in my food /water ranges 15 glasses of water

1487 calories
252 carbs  ( over by 7 so not really counting it as a bad.. )
37  fat
 54 protein
31 fiber
1609 sodium


Have a great Sunday everyone.

Day 25 of my challenge

Yesterday was day 25! I am thrilled that I have stuck to this challenge and not said "forget it". If I may say so myself, I am ROCKING it, I'm very proud of my accomplishments and all that I've done in 25 days.

Ready to rock the next 75 as well.


This weekend 6 FLAGS OPENS!!! I'm so excited! Why you ask? Well when I started my weight loss journey there were 2 rides that I could not fit on due to my size, Superman & Goliath, (I remember the first time I went to ride Goliath, we waited in line for 2 hours, (me and Miranda) finally got to the loading dock and they couldn't buckle me in, I was crying she was crying, it was humiliating and I felt horrible that I couldn't ride with her, I told her to go on ahead and I stood and cried the whole time because reality had slapped me in the face, that's when I started to get serious about my weight for the first time ever)

well in the fall of last year I had lost enough weight that I got to ride Superman and I LOOOOOVED it, I felt so amazing getting in and having it click tight so I could ride. It was a HUGE accomplishment for me, so that left only Goliath that I couldn't get on because of how the seat is shaped, my legs were to big for it to click safely. The last time I tried was right before Halloween and I couldn't fit yet, so I'm going to try this weekend and see if 75lbs is enough!

This year I plan to conquer Goliath and fit in the seat ride that ride!! If I can't ride it this weekend I will for sure by the end of the season. I will not let that ride defeat me. That's my big goal right now is to FINALLY ride it.

Have a great Friday to everyone reading my blog!! Ohh by the way, I got on the scale today and I'm down a little more than a half of a pound, can't wait to see what "OFFICIAL" Monday weigh in is!! WOO HOO

Day 24 of my 100 day Challenge

Today was an amazingly awesome day!! I decided to go to the park to practice my 5k running, so I jogged then walked and so on, when I was getting to the lap that would make 2+ miles, i told myself that I am going to speed things up, I am NOT going to baby jog and I hauled hiney! What usually takes my 4-5 mins around the track I did in 3 mins. According to runkeeper, I was averaging 8:31 mile.. HOLY BUCKETS!! I was flying!! I am so so very proud of myself I finally proved I can RUN and not just jog!! WOO HOO! Now to just keep practicing to build my endurance so I can run the whole 3 miles. Today I ran 2 out of the 3.83 miles


So I did 53 mins of walking/jogging/running and then came home and did 37 mins of elliptical and 10 mins tonight playing with the Cubbies at Awana. for 100 mins today

Tonight I upped my calories to the high end, just to switch things up for my metabolism but all still in my ranges so a PERFECT DAY in food again!! WOO HOO

Calories 1660
Carbs 238
Fat 44
Protein 91
Fiber 31
Sodium 1775

I put my Dandy Lion 75lb charm on my Italian Charm Bracelet so I have met March's goal .. That's all I wanted this month was to be able to add my charm and I DID IT!!! (The Dandy Lions team means so much to me that I had the custom made so I could always be reminded of the team on my journey) the next one I have is my 100 pound charm.. OMGOSH, I am only 25lbs from loosing 100!?!? That's amazing!! I'd like to get that charm by June!

Perfect day!! Looking forward to Day 25

Day 23 of my Challenge

just a short blog tonight, today is a GREAT day, officially hit 75lbs gone on the scale, I had another perfect day 96 mins of exercise (66 mins with Bob Harpers Inside out Method Strength and 30 mins Wii Fit Free Step)
and perfect in my calories & food ranges... WOO HOOO

Calories 1609
Carbs 229
Fat 43
Protein 93
Fiber 41
Sodium 771
14 cups of water!! WOO HOOO

I'm so excited for my success!! Here's to another 75lbs gone and me being at goal weight!!

Ready for day 24

Day 22/100 of my Challenge

It's been a great day, despite my son (4) being sick with the stomach virus.. (yuck) During the time he was resting, I went out to the gazebo and busted out my 5k training. 3.42 miles in 50 mins (14 min miles for the 3 miles then slower to cool down). I'm proud of those 50 minutes because usually I make excuses when the babies are sick, saying "I can't exercise because..."turns out I can and I'm thrilled!

Food ranges were perfect today. I just finished dinner, I'm 100% in my ranges set by Sparkpeople and don't intend to snack tonight so I thought I'd write my blog for today now in case I get wrapped up with TV later! (HOUSE IS ON!!! LOL) Also got lots of water in. I forgot to weigh today, so I'll do that tomorrow

"Here's a PERFECT 5 DAY" for me

CALORIES 1,426
CARBS 189
FAT 52
PROTEIN 66
FIBER 38
SODIUM 932

Feels great to be starting week 4 on the pefect path!!! WOO HOO Looking forward to another awesome day tomorrow!

March Exercise Log

I've got a challenge going on with Tracy (taffin2000 www.sparkpeople.com/mypage.asp?id=TAFFIN2000 ) for 1400 mins of exercise this month so I thought I'd log it here along with my miles as well (goal for that 60 miles of walking jogging running or biking) and edit daily.


If you'd like to join in the challenge please let me know so I can check in with you to see how your doing as well


1. 127 minutes 2.56 miles
2. 49 minutes 3.41 miles
3. 106 minutes 3.01 miles
4. Rest
5. Rest
6. Rest
7. 106 mins 2.71 miles
8.102 mins 0 miles
9. 47 mins 3.08
10 80 mins 3.18 miles


11 36 mins 0 miles
12 94 mins 6.73 miles
13 16 mins
14 50 mins 3.42 miles
15 96 mins 0 miles
16 90 mins 3.83 miles
17 66 mins 0 Miles
18 53 mins 0 miles
19 200 mins 7.5 miles
20 Rest


21. 11 mins 0.69 miles
22. 81 minutes * 3.71 miles 1406 minutes 43.82 miles
Minutes Goal MET!!! WOO HOOO

23. 20 mins 1.33 miles
24 20 mins 0 miles
25 148 mins 14.51 miles
26. 81 mins 2.8 miles 1675 mins 62.46 miles **MILES GOAL MET** WOO HOO
27 66 mins 0 miles 1741 miles 62.46 miles
28
29
30
31

Day 21 of my challenge

Yesterday was a great day, We had church in the morning, then in the afternoon we just hung out, it was my day off of doing hard exercising so I just chilled with the family and watched tv. Later we did play 16 mins of Wii Just Dance and that game makes me sweat so much!! I was more soaked in those 16 mins of Dancing than I am being on the Elliptical! LOL Great workout!

For Calories, I did good, I went over by 5 calories, so I'm not even stressing about that.

Can't believe we're already 3 weeks into this 100 day challenge! It's going quickly!!

Here's to a great day 22!

Day 20 of my challenge

Yesterday was a great day, in the morning, we went for a small walk with the kids on the bike, I was able to jog a little along side Tyler as he rode, but we were on a hilly road and he wasn't feeling very confident riding his bike up and down the hills, so we went back to the house, loaded up his bike in the car so him & daddy could drive, and me, Hannah & Grace, jumped on our bikes and we were going to ride over to the school so he could ride on flat ground, but I got about half way down the road and I had a flat tire. WHAT, this bike has only been rode twice since we bought it 3 weeks ago!! BOOO, so thankfully Greg came by, took that bike back and I proceeded to walk/jog while Hannah & Grace rode. I really enjoyed that!

Got to the school did a bunch more walking and jogging..

Finished the day with 3.96 miles of walking and 2.77 miles of bike riding for the day 94 mins.

In the evening we went to a Japanese Steakhouse for the first time ever. It was fun but I didn't like that I couldn't control what they put on the stuff, since it was served to everyone on our side of the table. I really would have preferred if they gave me the option to say NO SAUCE, plain only.

I opted for white rice instead of the fried rice, and WOW am I glad I did, they put about a cup of olive oil on the grill, then the rice then about 4 tbsp of butter and all this other gunk and every time he added something I was like OMG talk about horrible calories!! ICK ICK ICK.. I ate about 1.2 cup of the white rice and I was content with that! SO GLAD I didn't get the fried rice, after seeing how it's prepared I will NEVER eat that gunk again!!

Based on that I don't see how this could be healthy for me, because all those sauces are loaded with sodium and I prefer plan or maybe with ground pepper or something.. I don't see myself going back there because I need to be in charge of my journey. Not sharing the exact same meal with 8 other people who don't care about calories, fat and sodium. Again a fun experience but not beneficial to my journey.

Later we went to a friends house and I had a very large piece of Carrot cake that I really didn't need ... eesh I love Carrot Cake.

So I'm giving myself a 3 yesterday. I worked hard with the exercise but meal choices & cake were too much and threw me over my calories.

Ready for today.. day 21

Day 19 of my challenge

It was a great day, I was busy "kreating" so I only got 36 mins on just dance in but
I'm ok with that. Food is good but sodium was high,

I changed my goals & weight toady and my calories went down, so now I've got to retrain myself to eat less again! It was weird entering my next goal this time, for so long it's always been in the 200's goal and today my goal is to be 180 by my wedding anniversary on May 16th. Felt weird to type that number it's so small compared to where I was. When I reach that goal I will be at over 90lbs gone!! I can't wait!!!

Ready to keep rocking this journey and this challenge!!!!

Night!

Day 18 of my Challenge

Yesterday was a great day! I was able to get 3.18 miles in most of jogging, I'm getting better but still have a long ways to go before I'll call myself a runner!! I stayed within my food calories and nutrients for an A+ day!!

Also, I've finally had a "break thru" if you will on my self esteem. I have always been so very very hard on myself, we are our own worst critique but I mean my self esteem was rock bottom, 14 months ago I hated myself, my body and everything about me because of my weight, but slowly but surly those are disappearing and I'm loving myself more, I'm starting to feel pretty and it's really changing my whole persona. What a difference from 14 months ago

On Sunday I had on this outfit that I could say I was totally ROCKING, lol I felt great, infact I felt "sexy" and I totally was beaming from head to toe with how good I felt! I got so many compliments that day at church regarding my weight loss and it made me feel soo good!!!!! I think it's the beginning of a whole new me that I really really like!!!!

Day 17 of challenge +measurements & numbers update

Woo hoo I did it! I jogged for 35 mins total today!!!! I jogged for 15 mins straight and at the 15 min mark I walked for 1 minute then jogged again until I finished 35 total mins, then I finished off to get 3.08 miles done!!

Also took my measurements today!! WOW I've lost 47.5 total inches overall!! Amazing!!!!

HIPS
Starting 56 inches around Today 41.5 inches around
____
-14.5 inches from my hips

WAIST
Starting 41 inches around Today 31.5 inches around
______
9.5-inches from waist

THIGH
Starting 32 inches around Today 24.5 inches around
______
-7.5 inches from my thighs

CHEST
Starting 42 inches around Today 35 inches around
____
-7 inches gone from my chest

CALF
Starting 19 inches around Today 15 inches around
____
-4 inches gone from my calf

BICEP
Starting 18 inches around Today 13 inches around
_____
-5 inches gone from my Bicep

Also my BMI is down too!! YAY
Another number I celebrate is my BMI,
STARTING 49.6 BMI
TODAY 36.12 BMI
that's 13.48 off of my BMI!! That is excting to me because I'm taking my life back!!!! No longer Morbidly obese and I'm a mere 34lbs from being out of the Obese catagory all together!!

WOO HOOOOOOO


Food wise I did GREAT!! Low sodium, perfect calories!! WOO HOOO I'm feeling really good about myself and this journey!!

Day 16 of my challenge

Day 16 is AWESOME!! I'm doing great, 100% in my calorie & nutrient ranges, perfect in sodium and I've rocked it with exercises today

I did
30 mins upper body training with Bob & Jillian
43 mins Wii Just Dance 2
20 mins Wii Cardio Workout Golds Gym
3 mins jumping rope
8 mins doing exercises during biggest loser tonight
___________
104 total mins of exercise today!! WOO HOOO

Now I'm off to bed!! Here's to another great day tomorrow~~

Day 15 of my challenge

YAY! Happy to report it was a great day!! I practiced running and was able to go for 27 minutes out of the 35, then I hopped on the elliptical and did 35 mins of that. After that went to the store, did some running around and then came home.

We got a new Wii game called Just Dance 2, and wow let me tell you that is HARD but what a great workout! I was drenched in sweat in 2 songs! LOL I liked it but I'm defiantly gonna have to practice some more! LOL So another 20 mins of exercise with that.

I made low fat stuffed shells, (fat free cottage cheese, low fat ricotta, fat free parmesan and did pretty good eating just a couple. The meat sauce was morning star crumble and hunts regular sauce so my calories were not really what I was able to track because I didn't imput it all into a recipe (cause I don't know how) so I just had to guess on everything for the day.

I was falling asleep by 9pm so I went to bed. LOL Working out makes me sleepy!!!
Ready for another great day!!

Day 14 of my Challenge

Oh boy, not a good day, not sure what got into me but I'm learning from it and moving on.
I started the morning with cinnamon toast, but then after church we went to Stevie B's pizza and I ate way to many slices and desserts, which then made me super sleepy and lazy and I didn't do much of anything after we got home. Supper was ok, had pot roast & baby carrots, but then later snacked on a bowl of frosted mini wheats..

Scale of 1-5 I'd give myself a 1 yesterday. Today my tummy hurts because I know I can't eat all those carbs because it gives me tummy aches but I did it anyway, so live and learn! I'm bound to make mistakes here and there but as long as I learn from it then it's all good.

Here's to a better week!!! Can't believe we're already 2 weeks into the challeng

Day 13 of my challenge

Today I'm back on track and happy to report that I had a great day! I'm 100% in my calorie & nutrition ranges!!

Today I went and had a pedicure done to celebrate my entering Onederland. I got purple toees and then she put diamonds on the big toe! it's so pretty! I then went to Walmart and bought some toe rings to dress up my toes even more!!



No exercise today, my knee is feeling weird, not pain but like it needs to pop but it wont, and I really didn't want to risk injury so I decided to take another day off. I'm ok with not exercising, because I did Sun-Thur so that's still 5 days like my regular goal is.

Giving myself a 5 /5 today because I made great choices and was aware of everything that I did. Ready for day 14

New pics.

Got a couple new shirts.... Just sharing. I'm proud of how far I've come! From 3XL shirts to Mediums!! Woo hoo









And a look back to where I used to be

Day 12 of my challenge

Yesterday was an ok day, I went over my calories and I didn't exercise (took a day of) so it wasn't that amazing but today is a new day and I plan to rock it!!!!

Not much to report, went to the movies with my DH, we saw the Adjustment Bureau it was good! I enjoyed it.

Ready for day 13!!!

Day 11 of my Challenge

What a wonderful day 11 I had.

First I got up took Tyler to school came back and did the Wii Golds Gym Cardio workout for 40 mins then I did 20 mins of Wii Fit free step then went out to the gazebo got on the treadmill and jogged jogged jogged and some walking. I did 46 mins on the treadmill. According to Sparkpeople I burned 900 calories yesterday!! woo hoo

In the afternoon when I went to get Ty, they were having a blood drive, so I wanted to do it, since I've never done it before (you know this is my year of firsts...) so I did the questioner etc and got to donate!! What an awesome feeling when your finished!!!!


I did great in the food department, however I went a tad bit over on my sodium but I drank 16 glasses of water yesterday so I should be fine.

Day 11... Success!!! WOO HOO

Day 10 of my Challenge

Went to bed early last night so I didn't blog.

so excited that I've finished 10/90 days of the challenge, all successful!!

Yesterday was a great day I went walking around the neighborhood which is very hilly and busted out 3.41 miles in 49 mins, averaging 14:30 min miles. I was pleased with that considering how hilly it was, some of the hills are nearly a 45 degree angle whew!! Felt great.

Another *PERFECT* day in my food ranges as well! Woo hoo
Looking forward to weigh in on Monday to see how I'm doing!!!

Here's to another 90 more days of success!

Day 9 of my Challenge

Today was a decent day, I did good until dinner we went out to eat and I ate too many chips & salsa, I always do when we go there!! But no worries, I came home and did tons of exercises during Biggest Loser -- 127 mins of exercise for the day, Wooo hoo

Giving myself a 7 for the day because I should have stopped when I was full but kept going!

Here's to a better day 10

Day 8 of my challenge

Day 8 was great, I'm loving this challenge! It's keeping me accountable and I'm being successful.

Got 60 mins of exercise yesterday I did 30 mins on the Elliptical and 30 mins on the treadmill I was soaked from sweat when I finished!! Felts great!

Another perfect day in the eating. I had to force myself to have a snack after dinner because I was below my calories and it's a proven fact that if you under eat when you're exercising it can harm your journey and not let you loose so I had to eat a bowl of cereal to make sure I had enough calories. Gonna try hard to get all of my calories in during the day so I don't have to force myself to eat in the evenings.

Here's to a great day 9

February Recap - March Goals

Goodbye February! Boy am I sure glad to see you go!!
Well as we come to an end of February I am happy to report that I did meet my goal of getting under 200lbs. I remember telling my friend, I will get below 200 if it kills me! Well praise the Lord it didn't kill me that would have sucked!! LOL (giggle sorry just being silly)
Today 2/28 my official weigh in I'm at 199.2 WOO HOOO. I worked very hard in February, I did nearly 1700 mins of exercise and I walked/jogged/ran & biked over 62 miles for the month! WOO HOOO244

Woo hoo I'm excited, I'm down 15 pounds since the first of January, finally under 200lbs, for a total of 72 pounds gone FOREVER!!!! I'm defiantly looking forward to a great month of March!! I've gotten the Gazebo back in order with my workout stuff so I'll be spending my time out there now. I just love it out there. It's my little haven!!

My goals
Exercise at least 4 days at week for 90 mins each day but aim for 6 days of total exercise
Goal 1500 mins of exercise or more
60 miles either walking, jogging, running or biking
Loose 3lbs to be able to put on my 75lb Dandy Lion Charm for my Italian Bracelet (I'll take more but I'm not going to stress if I don't get it :D )
Continue doing well on the 100 day challenge & blog a daily recap each day!

Here's to a wonderful month, I'm entering March R.O.A.R.ing like a (Dandy) Lion and I'll end March the same way WOO HOOOO

Day 7 of my Challenge

yet another awesome day! Not much to share since I shared the bike riding experience today below..

Got exercise, stayed in my calories & made great choices!!

Ready for another great week!

It's Like Riding a Bike... You Never forget

I kept telling myself that today as I drove to the school so the children could ride their bikes. I knew I wanted to give it a try but I was nervous, I haven't rode a bike since I was 14 years old. But I kept telling myself, it's not a big deal, you can do this...

So I asked Miranda to try her bike and started off a tiny bit wobbly, but took about 3 peddles and I was peddling like I was 14 years old again, it really does just come right back, regardless how long you take off from riding.

I had so much fun riding today I ended up doing 7.72 miles in an about an hour of riding!! Woo hoo I can totally see myself going for more bike rides!!!! So proud and thrilled. I am coming along so amazing on my journey, from complete slacker to walker, jogger, runner, bike rider!! Wow!! GO ME

Heres a couple pics Greg took today of me

Day 6 of my Challenge

6 in a row!! woo hoo
So very proud of myself!!

Took my car to get tires, went shopping, had lunch with my amazing husband, came home, went to the park walked for over an hour today. Attemped to run but my lungs are still not 100% and it took alll I had to jog a whole lap today, insane. I'm ready to be 100%.

Also, Stayed in my calorie ranges & got all my water!!

I'm so glad my firend came up with this idea, I really love having something to keep me accountable and on track!! woo hoo

Day 5 of my challenge

Day 5 was so amazing in the fact that I made a huge change and am so proud of myself!!
Dh & I went to the movie theater and I usually buy a box (large) size of Mike & Ike Tropical candies and eat the whole box while in the movie, tonight I decided to skip the 700+ calories (5 servings in the box at 140 per serving) all the sugar, etc and I bought a bag of sugar free hard candies where 4 candies were 35 calories!! I ate 5 of them throughout the movie. So proud of myself for having 50 calorie snack instead of 700!! WOO HOO. It's the little changes that will add up to the big changes!!

I had another PERFECT day with my calories & food ranges~~~ 5 in a row! go me!!! BOOYA!

Today I took off of exercise instead of tomorrow, to try and heal and I'm feeling about 90% better Praise the Lord! Looking forward to being 100% so I can bust out the exercises.

Day 4 of my challenge

Day 4 was another great day, I stayed within my calorie ranges, and managed to get 66 mins of exercising in even though I felt awful for my sinuses! Even though my goal is 90, I'm happy with 66 because I made a strong effort and did what I could

Also hit a huge milestone yesterday, by getting below 200lbs for the first time in YEARS, I think my 9 year old was a baby the last time I was under 200! WOW!! (see blog below if you're interested).

Looking forward to a great day 5

Goodbye 200's hello ONEderland!!

It seems unreal, almost like a dream, I thought I'd be more excited than I am, maybe it hasn't kicked in yet but wow, I have officially stepped out of 200-ville and into ONE-derland. I almost feel like Alice in Wonderland, amused, but confused, like WOAH, how in the world, taking in my surroundings I guess.. It's hard to explain but I'm just in a daze!!  A year ago getting below 200 seemed nearly impossible and now.. I've done it!! woo hoo

Gimme time to let it sink it, I'm sure once it doesn't I'll be elated and screaming and yelling and going round and round the room but for now I'm like... Ok well cool...

Onward to my next goal of 75lbs gone so I can put on my new charm!! ( 3.3lbs till I achieve that).

Day 3/100 of my challenge

Woo hoo 3 in a row for perfect day!!!!

90 mins of exercise (3 miles walking/jogging & wii cardio workout -golds gym),  I really didn't want to cause I felt so icky but I pushed thru again and got my 90 mins of exercise that I set for myself as a goal.

Proud to report that again 100% in my ranges for food and woo hoo only 720 sodium for the day!
That's awesome!!! I love when I keep my sodium low!!

I'm not feeling to hot so I'm gonna keep this short. My Eyes are running & nose is  pouring, serious sinus & head pressure, It moved out of my chest, praise God!! So I believe I'm on the mend it's just gotta work it's way out now.

See ya'll tomorrow!

Krystie

Day 2/100 of my challenge

Another great day!! This morning I went walking at the park before Miranda had to go to the Orthodontist so I didn't have lots of time but still managed to do 2 miles in 28 mins. That's 14 min miles, which is pretty good considering I'm still feeling icky and when I'm not sick I'm at 13:30 mins for a mile so I was proud of myself. I'll be so glad when the congestion eases so my lungs aren't screaming

Took Miranda to the Orthodontist, dropped her off at school, came home and did 32 mins of Bob Harpers Inside out method for Cardio, omg was that intense!! Then I hopped on the elliptical and did 32 more mins

92 mins done today

Today for my food, I also did excellent & we went out to dinner. Not to often I go out to dinner and don't go over board I actually had to have Greg stop and get me a candy bar because I was short on calories!! So I had a treat, went out to eat and stayed in my calories & all ranges.

Also, today I got on the scale and am 200.4 pounds I don't even remember that last time I was this size! From 271.2 to 200.4 wooo hoooo!!!

Onederland, here I come!!! WOOO HOOOO

10 for the day

Day 1/100 of my challenge

I had a great first day, I'm not feeling well but forced myself to go to the park and walk/jog 3 miles. It was mostly walking because my lungs were on fire and I couldn't breath but I did do a half lap of jogging. Just kept pushing though!! WOO HOO 60 mins done

Came home and did 30 mins weight training and then later did 26 mins on my wii cardio blast workout game

116 mins today for exercise.

My food has been great,

I've gotten 13 glasses of water and met all of my ranges (Calories, Carbs, Fat Protien, Fiber & Sodium).

I'm giving day 1 a perfect 10. Felt great to not be faking it and really working to achieve my goals

Dandy Lions 100 days 14 week challenge

We're having a 100 days, 14 week motivational challenge on the Dandy Lions (Thanks Carmen for posting this) I've joined and wanted to post my goals here for myself to be accountable


100 days till Memorial Day Krystie's Goals.


Exercise 6 days a week for 90 mins each day
Drink 12 glasses of water each day
Stay within my ranges 98% of the time
Loose 10% of my body weight ( 20.1 lbs)
Limit my sugars/sweets to a bare minimum

Want to join our challenge?? Click this link   100 Day Challenge

Drawing a new starting line..

I have come to the conclusion that I need to restart my weight loss journey; not because I am failing but because I've come so far I have lost sight of my goals and am just focusing on where I haven't gotton yet. I read an awesome blog  here on Sparkpeople telling about moving the starting line so I'm doing it!

 So as of tomorrow 2.20.11 I begin part 2 of my journey, resetting my goals to fit where I am now not where I used to be..

first goal 5% of my body weight.

Heres to an even more successful part 2

Stop meowing, Start R.O.A.Ring

I've been meowing far too long it's time to ROAR..... I've been reviewing my journey and I've come to the conclusion I haven't been giving it my all, committed only half of the time, slacking more that ever, so it's time to step up and stop being a little into it and start being ALL into it. Time to bring back the ROAR! 

I will ROAR.. Will you ROAR too??? (Dandy Lion Motto that I came up with) 

R-- Refuse to Quit 

O- Overcome all Obstacles 

A Account for all of my Actions 

R. Reach for my goals! 


I would love it if you Join us on the Dandy Lions Sparkteam
teams.sparkpeople.com/dandylions   

My Weekly "To Do" List

Monday - Wash Day 
Lord, help me to wash away all my selfishness and vanity, 
so I may serve You with perfect humility through the week ahead. 

Tuesday - Ironing Day 
Dear Lord, help me to iron out all the wrinkles of prejudice 
I have collected through the years so that I may see 
the beauty in others. 

Wednesday - Mending Day 
O God, help me to mend my ways 
so I will not set bad example for others. 

Thursday - Cleaning Day 
Lord Jesus, help me to dust out all the many faults 
I have been hiding in the secret corners of my heart. 

Friday - Shopping Day 
O God, give me the grace to shop wisely 
so I may purchase eternal happiness for myself 
and all others in need of love. 

Saturday - Cooking Day 
Help me, my Savior, to brew 
a big kettle of brotherly love and serve it 
with clean, sweet bread of human kindness. 

Sunday - The Lord's Day 
O God, I have prepared my house for You. 
Please come into my heart as my Honored Guest 
so I may spend the day and the rest of my life in Your presence. 

~ Author Unknown ~

Cruise Recap!! We had fun

I had this huge blog written  but cannot find it so I'll just recap . We had a great cruise. I enjoyed it very much!! The children had a blast as well

Night before cruise (30th)

Day Before : rating 5. I made awesome choices, ate healthy, sparked 2 waitresses at Craker Barrel & I exercised for 3
0 mins on treadmill
30 mins on elliptical at the hotel


Day 1 Scale 1-5 I give myself a 4 - very mindful eating minus the black forest cake
Walked 1 mile on the track

Day 2 scale -1-5 I give myself a 2 It was formal night and lobster & shrimp were on the menu I know I consumed way too much fat,
Walked/Jogged 2 miles on Track of boat 30 mins
climbed stairs top to bottom for 30 mins on boat
30 min boot camp with trainers for exercise
_90 _ mins exercise day 2

Day 3  rate 3 had a calzone for lunch that I couldn't really track
Exercise 25 mins elliptical
                 35 mins treadmill (with jogging for 15 mins)

Day 4 ugh I give a 1, Ate way to much, went off the boat didn't log and didn't do any purposeful exercise just walking around Nassau & playing at beach

Day 5 I give a 4, I kept slipping up with the desserts. I would order mindfully until dessert time.
21 mins treadmill
30 mins boot camp again

When i got home I was up a few pounds  but I really think that was bloating from the excess sodium  from the food & the ocean water! (giggle) as of yesterday I was back to where I was before I left so it wasn't a "true" gain, just a temporary one!

Felt great to exercise and make use of the boat's equipment/facility's to ensure my journey was successful even while on vacation

Time for the Cruise!!

We're driving down tonight to Jacksonville FL, spending the night in a hotel and then getting on the boat tomorrow! I'm so excited!!

 I want to prove that it's possible to loose weight on a cruise instead of like everyone has said "be prepared to gain".. Nope I want to prove them wrong and I will!

 I know it can be done, when I went to Disney World in April, I exercised, watched what I ate and lost 3 pounds while on vacation, so I'm determined not to let food control me on this boat, I plan to exercise daily and be very mindful of my eating, take the stairs instead of the elevators!

Hope you all have a great week full of great choices!!!

Don't forget to R.O.A.R

See you Saturday night with lots of pics from the cruise.

Lets talk numbers

Today I decided to do some measurements and see how those have changed as well in a year...

This is VERY exciting to me!!


HIPS
Starting 56 inches around
Today 42.5 inches around
-------
-13.5 inches from my hips

WAIST
Starting 41 inches around
Today 33 inches around
----------
-8 inches from weights

THIGH
Starting 32 inches around
Today 25 inches around
--------
-7 inches from my thighs

CHEST
Starting 42 inches around
Today 35 inches around
---------
-7 inches gone from my chest 

CALF
Starting 19 inches around
Today 15 inches around
---------
-4 inches gone from my calf

BICEP
Starting 18 inches around
Today 13 inches around
----------
-5 inches gone from my Bicep

For a total of -44.5 inches gone overall!!!


Another number I celebrate is my BMI,
STARTING 49.6 BMI
TODAY 37.7 BMI
________
-11.9 off of my BMI!!


Just had to share!!! I'm looking forward to another successful year with Sparkpeople.com!!!

1 year in pictures

(this is long & photo heavy!! )

Wow, what a year its been. Last year at Christmas my husband took a photo of me and that was really the realazation that wow, I've gotta do something
(Despite all of my clothes being very tight and the pain from laying down at night in my back and the not being able to climb the stair in my hous without being out of breath etc that I was experiencing,)
I was obvilous to my weight, I was sad & depressed, so as I'm uploading the photos of Christmas 09 to my computer, I see this pop up


(Christmas 2009)
271.2 pound

At first I was confused, I honestly didn't reconize myself, I though it was my mother on my screen, which couldn't be right because she wasn't here.
Then it hit me, OMG, THATS ME. I was very very upset, I couldn't believe it and vowed that come Jan 1st (it's always been a good day to start?? Why I don't know but I digress ) I wasn't going to
keep letting myself get out of control so I started my journey 1.1.10 at 271.2 pounds and a BMI of 49.6 also starting my journey in size 24/26 bottoms & 2XL tops

Changes in me since starting my journey!

June 09


Oct 09 (before journey pink coat)




February 2010


May 2010
After a little detour on my jouney, I found the right path and began to get myself back on track. I clearly remember making my 6 month anniversary my starting over day! But I kept going and never gave up..


August 2010


October 2010



November 2010




January 11

It's been quite the road, but all the way through 2010 I never QUIT, like I had so many times in the past. I kept going and plugging away at it, one pound at a time, one day at a time determined to get the weight off. Along the way I learned that it's not a race, it's not about how fast the weight can fall off, or who is loosing more at a time than I was, it's about changing my life, one meal at a time to a healthier and happier me. I really believe that I'm doing that.

Tomorrow is my 33rd birthday and I can honestly say that for the first time in my adult life I'm looking forward to the day, because of how far I have come in a year, how my outlook on life has changed & even though I'm not "goal weight" I'm well on my way and 65 pounds away from my highest!!!

I posted a blog below with comparison shots of me in a year, but I will post that here as well so you don't have to scroll down



Excited to see where my journey takes me next!!! One things for sure I know it'll be under 200 and on my way to a healthier happier me!

Today as I write this blog I am 5 pounds from 199, oh what a joy that will be to leave the 200's forever!!!! 66lbs gone I cannot wait!! Bring on 2011, I'm READY to finish this journey once & for all!

HUGS!
Krystie

PS, If your looking for friendship motivation & encouragement on your journey then join my Dandy Lions Sparkteam. It's awesome and I just know you'll love it there with the rest of the awesome team. We're an active group and you'll find what you're looking for with us!

A Letter from Jesus about Christmas

A Letter From Jesus About Christmas

My Dearest Loved Ones,

It has come to my attention that many of you are upset that folks are taking My name out of the season.
How I personally feel about this celebration can probably be most easily understood by those of you

who have been blessed with children of your own.

I don't care what you call the day.

If you want to celebrate My birth, just GET ALONG AND LOVE ONE ANOTHER!

Now, having said that let Me go on ...

If it bothers you that the town in which you live doesn't allow a scene depicting My birth,

then just get rid of a couple of Santas and snowmen and put in a small Nativity scene on your own front lawn.

If all My followers did that, there wouldn't be any need for such a scene on the town square

because there would be many of them all around town.

Stop worrying about the fact that people are calling the tree a holiday tree, instead of a Christmas tree.

It was I who made all trees. You can remember Me anytime you see any tree.

Decorate a grape vine if you wish ...

I actually spoke of that one in a teaching, explaining who I am in relation to you and what each of our tasks were.

If you have forgotten that one, look up John 15: 1 - 8.

If you want to give Me a present in remembrance of My birth here is my wish list.

Choose something from it ...


1. Instead of writing protest letters objecting to the way My birthday is being celebrated,

write letters of love and hope to soldiers away from home.

They are terribly afraid and lonely this time of year.

I know, they tell Me all the time.

2. Visit someone in a nursing home. You don't have to know them personally.

They just need to know that someone cares about them.

3. Instead of writing the President complaining about the wording on the cards his staff sent out this year,

why don't you write and tell him that you'll be praying for him and his family this year.

Then follow up ...

it will be nice hearing from you again.

4. Instead of giving your children a lot of gifts you can't afford and they don't need - spend time with them.

Tell them the story of My birth and why I came to live with you down here.

Hold them in your arms and remind them that I love them.

5. Pick someone that has hurt you in the past and forgive him or her

6. Did you know that someone in your town will attempt to take their own life this season

because they feel so alone and hopeless?

Since you don't know who that person is, try giving everyone you meet a warm smile ...

it could make the difference.

7. Instead of nit picking about what the retailer in your town calls the holiday,

be patient with the people who work there.

Give them a warm smile and a kind word.

Even if they aren't allowed to wish you a "Merry Christmas" that doesn't keep you from wishing them one.

Then stop shopping there on Sunday.

If the store didn't make so much money on that day they'd close

and let their employees spend the day at home with their families.

8. If you really want to make a difference, support a missionary ...

especially one who takes My love and Good News to those who have never heard My name.

9. Here's a good one ...

There are individuals and whole families in your town who not only will have no "Christmas" tree,

but neither will they have any presents to give or receive.

If you don't know them, buy some food and a few gifts and give them to the Salvation Army

or some other charity which believes in Me and they will make the delivery for you.

10. Finally, if you want to make a statement about your belief in and loyalty to Me,

then behave like a Christian.

Don't do things in secret that you wouldn't do in My presence.

Let people know by your actions that you are one of mine.

Don't forget - I am God and can take care of Myself.

Just love Me and do what I have told you to do.

I'll take care of all the rest.

Check out the list above and get to work; time is short.

I'll help you, but the ball is now in your court.


And do have a most blessed Christmas with all those whom you love and remember ...

I Love You,

Jesus


When I forget how much my Jesus loves me,
I remember His walk.
When I wonder if I can be forgiven,
I remember His walk.
And to show Him how much I love Him
I wake up each morning ...
Turn my eyes to Jesus
And I walk.

A Letter From Jesus About Christmas

Living for God: A Letter From Jesus About Christmas

Stop Beating myself up and Start celebrating the successes

I started my weight loss journey on January 1st 2010, so that's 11 months 2 days since I started, when I first started this journey, I made short term, longer and final goals as I began to loose the weight I began to get "cocky" and think "Man, this is a piece of cake," then I started bumping up my goal times, thinking "hey I've already did this so I'll move the goal date" well by doing that I didn't realize it but I was setting myself up for failure in the long run.

First Example, I had lost 35 pounds by the very beginning of April and knew that I'd moved my goal to 45lbs by 5.16 my wedding anniversary, keeping the "piece of cake" mind frame, I got lazy, stopped exercising and whatnot and basically coasted thru April with only loosing 5 pounds. May 16th rolled around and I was about 8lbs from my "GOAL". I was crushed and very disappointed in myself that I didn't make my goal, well that spun me into a 2 month downfall and finally about July I let it go, Decided that at 6 months I'd make it day 1 again and off I went on the journey (still very determined to make another goal by October) Long story short October came and went and I didn't make the 75lbs gone that I had set out to accomplish, heck I barley had 50 and again was upset with myself..... Again frustrations set in...

Then I read an article on Sparkpeople Titled "Remember to reward yourself"
www.sparkpeople.com/resource/motivation_articles.asp?id=86 and started thinking about how I was approaching my journey. I had some how turned my getting healthy lifestyle into a gigantic race. I was racing so hard that I forgot which route I was on and ended up seriously lost. Worst part was I guess I couldn't (or wouldn't) allow myself to see how far I'd come and celebrate it, instead I was mad, angry, frustrated, totally annoyed that I wasn't where I wanted to be and well that just made me care even less about my accomplishments and totally had me focusing on my failures.

Well not anymore! My journey is not a race, it never was, I see that now, I see that every pounds I've shed is one pound closer to my goal and I celebrate every single pound gone (62 now).
From now on, I will not focus on dates, and when I'll be this size or that size, that's not important and I refuse to set myself up to be disappointed if I don't make it by then, so what if someone who started after me has lost more than me, I will not focus on that, because it's not important anymore, because I'm not racing!! What is important is that in 11 months I haven't given up, I haven't stopped, I'm determined and no matter how long it takes I will keep plugging away, no longer pushing to be such and such by this time but to be healthier each and every single day.

It was hard coming to terms with I'M NOT RACING, but I'm glad that after 11 months it's finally clicked inside of me that I'm doing this for myself, no matter how long it takes I wont give up or quit!!! I'm in this for the long haul. and today I celebrate all of my successes that I've accomplished in the 11 months..

Are you celebrating your successes too?? If not, I ask you to take a look at how far you've come on your journey even if its just 5 pounds you've lost. Celebrate them, be proud of what you're doing for you!!

HUGS!
Krystie

Join my Spark team . Dandy Lions
JOIN THE DANDY LIONS

60 Pounds gone (with Pics)

Today I celebrate 60 pounds gone! I am AMAZED at how much I have changed, I don't typically see it day to day but in pictures wow, it's so thrilling to me. I have 11 weeks until my first cruise and I'm confident I'll be stepping on that boat under 200 pounds!

It's been a long journey this far, and yes there has been some stops and speed bumps, even a few detours but I've kept going, never ever quitting and I know that no matter what I will reach my final destination!! So now I celebrate another HUGE milestone on my journey!! 60lbs gone!

Starting my Journey in size 24 bottoms & 2XL tops
Currently Size L top & 12-14 bottoms

Starting 271.2
Current 211.2

Changes in me since starting my journey!



(Christmas 2009) 271.2 pound


February 2010


May 2010


August 2010

November 2010




Excited to see where my journey takes me next!!! One things for sure I know it'll be under 200 and on my way to a healthier happier me!

HUGS!
Krystie

PS, If your looking for friendship motivation & encouragement on your journey then join my Dandy Lions Sparkteam. It's awesome and I just know you'll love it there with the rest of the awesome team. We're an active group and you'll find what you're looking for with us! teams.sparkpeople.com/dandylions

Can it Be?!?!?!? OMGOSH YES IT CAN!!

For those who read my blog regularly you know that I am going on my first cruise in January and a week after I booked the cruise I went out and bought a size 12-14 beautiful dress to work hard to fit into (see motivation part 2 blog).

Today is my 15 year anniversary being with my husband and he bought me a pair of PJ's size 16-18 well I put them on and hmmm they're too big (YAY YAY YAY) so I said hey do you mind if we take them back, so the next size down is 12-14. I bought them, got them home and PERFECT fit wooo hooo!!

So then just out of the blue my husband says, you know honey if those PJ's fit you at size 12-14, maybe you should try on the dress, maybe it'll fit...I was nervous because I'd never even tried it on and now he's saying do it....

Ok so I did and OMG OMG OMG it's a PERFECT fit, it's fabulous, I feel & look pretty in it! I'm wearing it tonight to dinner instead of for the cruise!! This is AMAZING! I haven't worn a size 12-14 ANYTHING in years, I'd say at least 12-14 years! LOL! OMG OMG OMGOSH WOW WOW WOW!!

I went back to the store and bought a size 8-10 dress (same style/color) to make my new motivation for the cruise, (I've been buying all of our outfits around that dress color so I just went and got a smaller size to now work for). How exciting!! Had to share

WOO HOOO

Ya'll I'm thrilled244 I had an amazing night, I felt like a princess, it was a amazing!! We went to Ruth's Chris and were treated like royalty, they called us Mr & Mrs the entire night made us feel awesome and really made the anniversary perfect.

Woo hooo I beat my October Goal

I'm so thrilled & proud of myself!!! For the month of October I did 1803 mins of exercise and
walked/jogged 64.22 miles!

Here's to another great month!!!! Wooo hooo!

My goal this month is 1400 mins and 70 miles.