Weigh-In #19

Today on the scale I was 1.2 pounds down. It's not much, but any negative numbers are better than positive numbers in this case! My grand total is now at 25.2 pounds.

In the meeting this morning I received my 25 pound charm. I'm hoping next week I will finally hit my 10% mark! It's been weeks coming, but I really hope I will get it.

Starting in a few weeks I will be taking an exercise class. I have heard that everyone in the class has to run 1.5 miles at the beginning of each class. There is NO CHANCE I can run that! So I will be getting out starting this week and running to hopefully build myself up to that. The problem is that I pretty much hate running. I would much rather do other types of exercise, and I am not motivated at all to run. But I guess knowing that I will have to run for this class is good enough motivation!

Weigh-In #18

Finally... I lost weight this week! I was starting to get really frustrated after gaining 2 weeks in a row. This week I took it easy. I still exercised occasionally, but not like I was doing last week. So today on the scale I lost 2.6 pounds! Now in total I have lost 24.0 pounds.

I'm getting pretty nervous about this summer. I will be spending the whole summer with my family and won't be so much in control of what I eat as I am now. I also just signed up for a boot camp exercise class. I have a feeling it will be pretty intense, so I hope it doesn't throw me off like last week and make me gain weight. Well, I guess even if that does happen it will even out after a while and be for my benefit.

Anyway, I am getting close to several milestones. Hopefully next week I will meet my 25 pound mark. Also, 27 pounds will be my 10% goal, so I'm hoping to meet that really soon also!

I love it when I lose weight each week because it recharges me and really motivates me to keep going for the next week!

A Compliment

One of my coworkers today noticed I was losing weight! When she and I talk we are usually sitting down and today she saw me standing, so I'm sure things looked a little different. She asked what I had been doing and I just said I was eating better and exercising more... which is true. I don't know why I didn't say I was doing Weight Watchers, probably just because I don't know her really well and didn't want to get into it. But anyway, it made me feel good that she noticed!

Weigh-In #17

Ugh... once again I had a plus number this week. Why?? I was fully expecting to lose weight this week. I exercised with more intensity than I have before, hoping to make up for my .8 gain last Saturday.

Today is Thursday, but I weighed in today because I have other plans on Saturday morning. So I had a few things going against me: I was wearing different clothes, it was the end of the day instead of the beginning, and it had only been 5 days since my last weigh-in. But I was still disappointed. This week I gained 0.4 pounds, bringing my total to 21.4 pounds lost.

I brought up my frustrations in the meeting, and one of the other members told me that I probably have been working out too hard and my muscles are retaining water. I need to slow down and let my body recover. So I'll give that a try for this next week!

Today was my 16th meeting so I got my 16-week charm! Also on Wednesday this week I put on my belt and it was too big! I had to use a kitchen knife to make a new hole just so I could cinch it a little tighter! So that made me feel great. Even though I may not be losing pounds I know I am losing inches.

Weigh-In #16

I had such high hopes for today... I can honestly say I was excited to weigh in! After losing 4 pounds last week, I realized I only had to lose 4.2 more to reach my 10% goal, and I knew it was possible to lose that in one week.

With that in mind, I exercised six days this week and tracked everything I ate. I did use my 35 extra points this week, which I don't usually do, but I stayed within my points the rest of the week. I even got up this morning and exercised before I went to my meeting, which I have never done before!

Well this morning I stepped on the scale and gained 0.8 pounds. WHAT?!?!? I was shocked! I overheard some ladies at my meeting saying that if you exercise before weighing in, the scale will usually show a gain in pounds. I wish I knew that! I was proud of myself that I got up to exercise this morning and then it ended up hurting my number on the scale!

So I'm bummed that I didn't reach my 10% today, but I'm fully expecting a big number in a week. Next week I will hopefully get two awards: one for my 10% and one for attending 16 meetings. So far, I have lost 21.8 pounds in 16 weeks.

Here's to a good week!

**Oh, and one small victory this week: I wore a dress this week that I haven't worn for a while. Last time I wore it I was so uncomfortable because the sleeves were way too tight. This time I didn't even feel like I had to pull at the sleeves the whole day because they fit comfortably!

Weigh-In #15

It's a good day!! Today at my weigh-in I lost an even 4.0 pounds! This was a welcomed loss... it's more than I lost at each of my last six meetings. Finally a good number! I do have to say that I worked for this number, however. I really made an effort to track all of my foods and I worked out five days this week. This week I tried the "Biggest Loser: Power Sculpt" DVD and actually really love it. It's more strength training exercises instead of cardio which is what I would prefer, so it's fun for me! This week brought my total weight loss to 22.6 pounds in 15 weeks! Woohoo!

Weigh-In #14

Okay... it was not so good this week! I lost 0.6 pounds, bringing my total to 18.6 pounds lost in 14 weeks. This last week I had a really hard time getting motivated, so I'm actually not very surprised that the scale didn't show a very good number. I'll be better next week!

Weigh-In #13

Today was my first time back to a WW meeting after missing the last two weeks. I really enjoyed being back... I always leave the meetings feeling very motivated and ready to do better the next week.

The scale this week shows that I lost 1.4 pounds, bringing my total loss to an even 18.0 pounds in 13 weeks. I really need to try to be losing 2+ pounds per week. That means that I should be at 26 pounds lost... these last few weeks haven't helped my cause! But I'm the only one that can change what's happening, so that will be my new goal from now on: 2+ pounds lost per week!

I'm Back! Weigh-Ins #11 and #12 and Measurements...

I had Spring Break for two weeks so that's why I haven't written anything for a while. I was planning on trying to find a WW meeting to weigh in while I was on break... but that didn't happen! So weigh-ins #11 and #12 are non-existent... but I have a feeling that the scale may not have shown the best numbers anyway. I learned it's really hard to stay on plan when I can't control what meals I am making and exactly what food I am putting into my body.

I have been back now for 6 days and I have really been trying hard to eat well and exercise more. I bought a ton of produce and have been eating lots of fruit and veggies. I also bought the Biggest Loser 30-Day Jumpstart DVD and today was my second day using it. I really like it! It's meant for beginner exercisers, which is perfect for me.

Today I took my measurements. I really wish I did this when I recorded all my stats at the beginning of the year, but for some reason I didn't. So I don't know if I have made any progress since then, but at least I have these measurements now to see if I will lose inches:

Upper Arm: 15.75"
Forearm: 12.50"
Calves: 19.50"
Bust: 47.25"
Chest: 43.25"
Waist: 48.00"
Hips: 51.50"
Thighs: 30.00"

Well that's a sad sight. I really hope those numbers go down... and fast! I bought a dress to wear to my brothers wedding. As of right now, it doesn't look all that great on me. But I bought it with the plan to fit into it by August. So I really need to work hard and see lots of improvement!

Weigh-In #10

So I weighed in tonight because I am heading out of town and won't be able to make it to my regular meeting on Saturday morning. I don't like weighing in at a different time because I feel like it's not as accurate. I had a feeling the numbers would go up because of this. I was right! This week I gained 1.2 pounds which drops my total weight loss to 16.6 pounds in 10 weeks.

I was kind of bummed because I've even been trying to exercise more this week. Oh well. Hopefully this just means that next week I will have a really good number!

Weigh-In #9

At today's weigh-in I lost 0.8 pounds... so in 9 weeks I've lost 17.8 pounds. My weight loss this week wasn't all that great, but I'll admit I didn't try all that hard either. I stayed within my points each day, but I don't think I exercised one day this whole week.

This week I started a new challenge: there was a jogging schedule in the W.W. magazine that will supposedly have me jogging 20 minutes straight within 8 weeks if I stick to it. So tonight I started day one of this exercise regimen and I really want to stick with it!

I have 2 main motivations for this (besides losing weight and getting healthier). Number one: my sister wants me to run a 5k with her this summer. This is something I've never done and that I definitely need to prepare for. Number two: my brother told me today that he will be proposing to his girlfriend tonight and they will be getting married probably in August sometime. That gives me about 5 months to lose a lot more weight so I can look good at the wedding!

Weigh-In #8

Going in to today's weigh-in, I honestly thought it wasn't going to be very good. I didn't do as well on exercising this week, but I really tried to stay within my points and made sure to write down everything that I ate. Well, I was pleasantly surprised! This week I lost 3.4 pounds, which is good for me. And that means I have lost a total of 17 pounds in 8 weeks! Woohoo!

Hottie of the Week!

**Last week I received the "Hottie of the Week" award and I had to write something in the journal for this coming week before passing it on to a different member. This is what I wrote in the Hottie journal!**

WOW! I'm honored to be this week's Hottie! Even though I'm only the 2nd entry in this notebook, I loved reading through the previous entry. I can definitely see how this will be a great motivation too. I have NEVER been one to talk about my weight, but since coming to Weight Watchers I have learned that it's good to do and I love hearing from other people, so here's my story... sorry if you already heard this in a meeting!

I have been overweight since I was probably in elementary school. My parents are both very healthy; my mom was always on my case growing up and I was always humiliated every time she brought it up. When I was in college, she sent me a birthday card with money to join Weight Watchers. I knew she had good intentions, but I was still kind of offended by it. I did end up signing up for W.W. though and went to meetings for several weeks. It was hard for me to keep with the program because I wasn't doing it for myself.

Well, a few years passed and I graduated from school and found myself here in southern California! I knew at the end of 2009 I really had to do something for myself. I signed up for W.W. again and it has been going really well so far! Things are so different this time around. I am doing it because I want to and I actually look forward to the meeting and weigh-in each week. Now that I am living on my own, I can better control what groceries I buy and what food I eat. I was frustrated at first because I wasn't losing very big numbers each week. I'm pretty sure that comes from watching the Biggest Loser! I now realize that although it's very entertaining and motivating, that show is not very realistic. It's okay if I only lose 1 or 2 pounds in a week. And even though it's going slow, it's going! Last week I reached my 5% goal, which is much farther than I got last time I tried Weight Watchers!

Like I said before, I have never liked talking about my weight. But one thing I have loved doing for years is blogging. At the beginning of the year I decided to start a weight loss blog. I doubt anyone really reads it, but it's a way for me to chart my progress and read back on struggles and successes I've had. Feel free to check it out so we can support each other in this journey... www.weighmywords.blogspot.com. Another little thing that is motivating for me is paper clips, believe it or not! I learned this little trick from my first W.W. leader. For every pound I lose I add a clip to form a chain... it's an easy visual way to see how I'm doing and you should try it too!

Believe me... if I can lose weight, so can you!! GOOD LUCK!!

Weigh-In #7 (Finally... A Good Week!)

After having several bad weeks in a row, I am finally happy with this week! At today's weigh-in I lost 4.2 pounds, bringing my total to 13.6 pounds lost in 7 weeks. This is the most I've ever lost in one week... and even though it doesn't seem like very much, I have come to accept that for me it is a good number!

Two other exciting things from today's weigh-in:
-I REACHED MY 5% TARGET! I have been so close for about 3 weeks, but I finally got it!
-I was awarded "Hottie of the Week!" This is something my WW group just started, and each week it is passed to a different member. So this week I got the journal and can write whatever I want in it before passing it on to someone next week.

This week I had a lot more motivation than normal, probably because I experienced what it felt like to start eating badly and not keep track of things... and let me tell you it was not fun! I exercised more, from walking outside to riding the stationary bike to playing Wii Active and Just Dance. It's good to have variety!

I've Fallen Off the Wagon (Weigh-In #6)

Last week was pretty much horrible. I had some family come to visit me for the weekend (which was wonderful), but it threw me off. I have this mindset that once I mess up with watching what I eat, I better just go all out... and that's what happened. For pretty much the whole last week I didn't even pay attention to what I ate and as a result I felt disgusting. I was actually surprised how much of a difference I could actually feel because I ate badly. And on top of all that, I came down with a cold. I'm a lousy sick person, so I just didn't even try to watch what I ate!

So at today's weigh-in I didn't weigh in. I stayed for the meeting though, and I am newly motivated. This morning I even got up early (on a Saturday!) and went walking before going to my meeting.

So I'm frustrated because I'm sure that I gained weight but it was completely my fault. Next week will be better. I promise!

Weigh-In #4

I had high hopes for today's weigh-in. I had a goal to lose 4 pounds, but wasn't even close! This week I lost 1.4 pounds, bringing my total weight loss to 9.6 pounds in four weeks. I am so close to reaching my 10 pound mark... I really thought I would get it this week! Hopefully next week I can get that 10 pounds and also my 5% which would be 13 pounds.

Why Is Working Out So Hard??

Exercising on a regular basis has always been hard for me to do. Usually at the beginning of the week I am motivated and ready to work out for the next 5 days... and then after about 2 days that motivation kind of sizzles out.

Last week I vowed to exercise 5 days, and guess what happened? That promise only lasted for 2 days.

So today I am ready to go again with that motivation. I already did an exercise tonight on my Wii Active game, followed by some boxing and batting practice. All on the Wii of course, but that boxing really does give my arms a good workout.

I don't know why I have such a hard time with this. I always feel better after I exercise, but I guess I just have my excuses:
-I want to relax after work
-I'm DEFINITELY not a morning person, so I can't do it at that time
-I'm hungry when I get home so I want to eat
-My favorite TV show is on
-I don't want to shower afterwards
-I'm plain LAZY
-I have other things on my To Do list
-etc, etc, etc

I figured out today that it's about 0.6 miles to the main intersection by where I live. I should just walk there after work, pick up Subway for dinner, and walk home. I'd get my exercise in, plus I can have my favorite sandwich: 6 inch turkey on wheat - no cheese, no sauces- lettuce, tomatoes, olives, pickles, cucumbers, red onions - 6 points. I'm doing it.

Weigh-In #3

Well it is that time once again. It seems that lately I don't post anything except for on Saturdays after I weigh in. But I guess that's something important to write about, so I can justify it.

This week I lost 3.0 pounds again... exact same as last week. That brings my total to 8.2 pounds lost in three weeks. I still have never lost more than 3 pounds in one week... maybe next week my goal should be to lost 4 pounds! I did Weight Watchers once before (about 2 years ago) and I remember my first week I lost over 5 pounds! Why can't it be like that again?? I have been staying within my points limit everyday but I admit this week I only exercised 3 days. I know I probably will lose more if I exercise more, but it still seems like I could lose a little bit more just by watching what I eat. I will work on that this week.

Weigh-In #2

It is Saturday once again, which means I had my weigh-in this morning. I was feeling pretty good going into it, but it again it wasn't quite as much as I was hoping for. This week I lost 3.0 pounds, which brings my total weight loss to 5.2 pounds in two weeks!

Oh, and just an update from yesterday's post... today my legs are BURNING! I am so sore after doing two workouts on the Wii Active game. But I kind of like being sore because it means that I have done something to earn that feeling! I have 28 days left in my 30-day challenge... I hope to see good results at the end of it!

Wii - EA Active

A few days I bought a Wii for the sole purpose of getting those workout games I had heard about. I'll admit... the Wii Sports game that comes with the Wii does work out my arms a little if I play it long enough. Playing baseball, tennis, and boxing is fun too!

Today I bought the Wii EA Active game. I read a review online that it was the top pick out of the fitness games, for both fun and fitness. I set up my profile today and already completed day one of my 30-day challenge. I began on a medium level workout, but had to change to a low workout a few minutes into it. This workout definitely had me sweating but it was still fun to do. There were a lot of squats... I'm sure I will be feeling it in my legs tomorrow. But supposedly each day has a different combination of workouts so it doesn't get boring. I am already glad I made this purchase and hopefully it will motivate me to exercise every day!

Weigh-In #1

Okay, so today I went to my second Weight Watchers meeting, and..........drum roll..........I lost 2.2 pounds this week! I was really hoping for 5 pounds, but 2.2 is better than nothing, right? I think watching Biggest Loser has disillusioned me because contestants will lose 10+ pounds in a week. But I realize that is not realistic so I'm happy with my 2.2 pounds.

This upcoming week I have a goal to exercise 5 times and to track what I eat everyday. My sister asked me to run a 5k with her this summer, so that will be good motivation to get in shape for that (because I'm definitely not right now)!

Biggest Loser

I love the Biggest Loser! I am always amazed at how much weight the contestants lose, and it is very inspiring and motivating to watch them. The sad thing is that I am the size of some of the girls on the show... I instantly related to Sunshine on the yellow team. She and I have identical stats, except she is 3 inches shorter than me. Unfortunately she and her dad were kicked off the first week... but they will be back after 30 days! So now I am cheering for the pink, gray, orange, and white teams. There are too many to like!

This week I don't feel guilty sitting on the couch while I watch the show. I literally got back from the gym just in time to watch the show. I was on the elliptical trainer for 30 minutes... it has always been my favorite exercise machine. And a few days after starting Weight Watchers I'm still doing good. Sunday was kind of rough because I still had junk in the kitchen. And instead of throwing it out, I of course had to eat it to get rid of it. Ugh. But since Sunday I have been on track. I'm excited for Saturday to come around so I can weigh in and see my results!

Weight Watchers

Okay, now that it's been 8 days since my last post, I guess I should update again! I am home from Christmas vacation now, and I am ready to start this weight loss deal. Let's be honest... I said I would watch what I ate this last week, but that didn't really happen. But now that I am back in my own home and can control what groceries I buy and what food I eat, I'm excited to get started!

Today was a big first step in this process. I signed up and went to a Weight Watchers meeting. I went to WW about 2 years ago, but at the time I was living with roommates and it was hard to keep track of everything... but I know this time around will be different!

So. My daily points value is 34 and I am starting that tomorrow.

And while I'm thinking about it, is anyone out there reading this? I want to hear from you if you are!

New Year, New Me.

Well, here goes nothing! Part of me can't really believe I'm doing this. But I am so sick of being overweight and unhealthy and every year I say I am going to do something about it. Well, it's never happened.

This year is different... honestly. I really am ready to change, so I decided to start up this blog to document this change. I don't even know if anyone will follow this blog, but I'm hoping this will keep my motivation up. There's something about writing things down that helps me. And, if I happen to make some friends along the way who are in the same boat as me, well, that can't be too bad for me either. That reminds me... if there is anyone reading this, PLEASE leave a comment or email me! Maybe we can help each other along this journey... a support system is never a bad thing!

I have never been one to talk about my weight issues. Ever. In fact, I have always kept everything to myself and have been extremely embarrassed about it all. But I am taking a new approach this time around. I am going to let it all hang out. This way I don't have anything to hide and I'm hoping this will be a motivation of sorts to change things for the better.

These are the facts... a baseline of sorts:
-I am 24 years old
-My RealAge is 29.4 years
-I am 5'9" tall
-My BMI is 40.5 (30 or greater is obese)
-I wear a size 22
-I weigh 274 lbs. My goal weight (way down the road) is 155 lbs

This is the plan:
-Exercise 5x week for at least 30 minutes
-Join Weight Watchers

Here's the catch, I guess you could call it. I know this is technically a New Year's Resolution and I should be starting January 1. But here's the thing. I am on Christmas vacation right now, so I won't even be home until January 8. So until then, I will be watching what I eat, but I am going to really be gung-ho starting January 9. I have already signed up for a Weight Watchers meeting for that morning and I will be ready to go... wish me luck!