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March 28
Well I am down 12 pounds so I guess I met my goal. I was hoping for more, but it is a great start and I am not complaining! I plan on continuing my new lifestyle and hopefuly the pounds will keep coming off. I definitely have more energy to run after my kids and feel a lot better. Thanks for letting me a part of this story!
Kristy
March 14 Well, I think I'm stuck. I haven't been able to lose any more weight since the last entry. So I am still only down 6 pounds. I am still seeing the benefits though. My clothes are more comfortable and I can actually see a difference in my body as well. I have also been a lot more healthy this winter. I have been lucky so far this year and I have missed all of the nasty bugs going around for the most part.
I am working my way back into a full fledged workout schedule and I have been eating as I should be again. The past few days have been great. I have taken the girls on several walks and to the park. It is so much easier to be active when it is nice outside!!
My husband asked me the other day if I would be disappointed if I don't lose any more weight...I think I would be alright with it as long as I stay feeling this good about myself. I am just proud of the fact that I have taken the steps needed to make myself and my family healthier and that I am now a positive role model for my girls.
Kerri
March 13
Well, I'm done with week 11 of my personal weight loss challenge. I was on the brink of breaking 40 pounds during the governor's 10N10 challenge but I hit a snag in the road. I gained 3.2 pounds during my last week. So for the full 10N10, I lost 35.8 pounds. That's still not bad. Last week, I lost 1.6 pounds, which is half of what I gained so I'm at 37.4. I'm hoping to break 40 this week. We shall see.
There wasn't really one specific problem with the week I gained weight. I was working just about every day, all day, and it was really hard to work out. Also during that time, my eating was way off schedule and I didn't do anything good for myself. But last week I had a few days off (remember, I work part time) so I was able to work out and get back on my eating schedule. I'm working a lot this week but I'm gonna try and get some workout time in. Plus, I'll be bartending during March Madness and it will be exactly that...madness. I'll be running around everywhere serving drinks so I'll get a little exercise out of that. Just gotta find ways to get the exercise in. I've also signed up for the Race for the Cure. I'm doing the walk with my sister and her coworkers. That will be fun and a great workout as well...for a good cause.
Alex
Feb. 27
Holy cow! I guess that interview did a lot for me because I lost 7.2 pounds this week! That puts me at a grand total of 39 pounds in 9 weeks! I honestly thought I lost maybe 3 or even less than that simply because my work schedule with both of my jobs is all over the place and it's hard to stay on track. I'm excited because I know I can lose at least one more pound before my 10th week is up and that means I will have beaten Governor Daniels' challenge four times over! And I definitely learned one thing this past week.
Even after getting my workouts in this week, which I didn't do last week, I have finally accepted that I can treat myself when I want to as long as I don't go overboard. I've known I can do it but this is the true proof. For example, Sunday night I was working at the Dining a la Heart benefit which has LOTS of food available for you to eat. Granted, it was all heart healthy food but when you eat a lot of it, it's still bad for you. I ate a good portion but felt that I didn't eat that much since the meals were sample sized and really small. Afterwards, a few hours later, I decided to go to the restaurant where I work to hang out for a bit. I had a couple 23 ounce beers (regular, not light beers) and I had a few appetizers which, needless to say, weren't the best for me. I didn't go overboard and order my 25 dollar meal that I used to get there. Despite that and the meals I had at the benefit earlier, I still lost 7 pounds. It just goes to show you that if you show control, you can treat yourself occasionally.
Alex
Feb. 21
Earlier today I was interviewed by Anne Marie Tiernon for the newscast. I think the video might still be up there so check it out if you can.
That was actually the first time I've gotten to work out in a while. That's mostly because of the horrendous snow and a hectic work schedule. But I've got a few free days to be able to do it this week and I am going to take advantage of them.
I think this Saturday will be the day I finally hit my 10% goal at Weight Watchers. I only lost one pound last week but I didn't have the best of weeks, mostly because I didn't get a chance to work out. I only need to lost 2.2 more pounds before I hit my first of three goals at Weight Watchers. The first is losing 10% of your starting weight. The second is hitting your Ultimate Goal, which I think I'm gonna set at 230 pounds. The third and final goal is maintaining the Ultimate Goal for six weeks at which time you become a lifetime member.
Technically I'd have to get to 189 pounds before doing that, but the Ultimate Goal is one you set for yourself and you feel comfortable with. I think I can do it, even if it takes me a long time.
Alex
Feb. 19
HI there...this is Maggie. I haven't entered into the blog for a while, but I don't want you to think I've lost my enthusiasm, focus or drive to change my health and fitness!
Here is the latest...I am still at the same weight I was 3 weeks ago, but I have a better understanding of my nutrition needs and exercise needs than ever before. I've changed a few things besides exercising and "dieting".
1) I went and had my metabolism and body fat tested - yes it was humbling, but sooo informative and worthwhile. I learned that I could eat more than I thought and still lose weight! I highly recommend this. Even if you are doing weight watchers or some other program, it is a scientific test that is painless and helps you understand your body.
2) I started journaling what I was eating for every snack and meal. This is challenging and a little time consuming, but very important to understanding what this food is doing for my body. I read the labels a LOT.
3) I don't use the scale as my gage of success. I use other less scientific but real ones. My clothes fit better. I have more energy at the end of the day. I can go faster and lift more when I work out. These are my new gages...at least for today, for now, when these BIG changes are beginning to work.
One of the more rewarding parts of this fitness challenge is that my husband has joined me. We are exercising together, keeping food journals, finding new information about food and exercise together and we are showing our 2 girls how important eating and exercising right is.
I'm going to work out now...pump some iron and climb some stairs.
Keep up the good work everyone!
Maggie
Feb. 17
I have lost 6 pounds now! I am feeling more energized and I can finally make it longer than 20 minutes on the elliptical (which we have moved inside now due to the sub-zero temps). I actually went 33 minutes and 4.5 miles the other day! A lot of my workout has been clearing my sidewalk and driveway lately. I guess if there is a bright spot to being buried in snow it is the workout you get from it.
I am noticing my clothes fit better/loose now. I actually put on a pair of jeans from before I was pregnant the other day. Still too tight, but they went on!! I think some of the weight I would have lost turned into muscle though. I am able to carry the girls around longer now without struggling.
Eating/drinking healthy has been a problem again for me the past week or so. The baby has been sick since Anne Marie came out so I have been spending a lot of time running her to and from the doctor so I have been grabbing what I can more than I should. You know, a pop tart here to eat on the road, bag of chips there, and a coke instead of water. Nothing major, just a set back from where I was. I am also having a minor surgery on Monday morning which is going to set me back on my exercise for about a week or so. That is when I am going to focus on the food portion again.
All in all, I think I am on the right track to the healthy habits needed to keep the weight off.
Kerri
Feb. 11
Hey guys,
It's been a while but I'm back with great news...7 weeks into the challenge and I've lost 30 pounds!! I'm 4 pounds away from meeting my first Weight Watchers goal of 34 pounds (10% of my starting weight).
The last few weeks have been pretty hard. I got a second job (at my favorite restaurant, no less) which has made it hard to stay on my eating schedule and also hard to resist the very good (but bad for me) food that I love from that place. The easy way of getting around it for me has been to eat before I go to work and if I have to eat there, I just get grilled chicken. It's a wing place so there's lots of junk food around.
This new job, along with picking up extra hours at my first job, has limited my working out but I've been able to find replacements for that. My new job is a bartender and there are rarely times where I'm not moving around constantly. I also drink mostly water while I'm working which is good. You just got to find ways to get everything in. Plus, the weekly meetings at my first job are back and myself and some buddies always play basketball after the meeting which is a GREAT workout. I'm just trying to stay on top of things.
P.S. It's a good thing I'm single and not getting any chocolate for Valentine's Day..I think that would kill me :)
Alex
Feb. 9
Today I weighed myself and I am at my lowest weight in at least three years! This was a major confidence booster.
I was only able to work out twice this week and I was not feeling very positive in my health plan for the week. I owe a lot of my calorie burning to the basketball league that I joined. I play on Monday nights for at least an hour. Not only is it a lot of fun, but I do not feel like it is a chore to exercise. Sometimes when I am on the treadmill it is hard to keep up the motivation or to push myself to work harder. However, out on the basketball court I am always playing my hardest, so that I can help win the game.
My one suggestion to those people who are feeling bored with their workouts is to spice it up by joining an intramural league in a sport you like to play.
Next week I plan to increase my time in the gym and decrease my calorie intake more religiously. I will hold off until after Sunday, because it is my birthday!
Stefonie
Feb. 7
What a crazy week! I am still seeing progress on the scales and I think that I have turned my new eating style into a habit, so it's not as hard to eat "healthy" anymore. I have had a few slips of course, ate pizza on my birthday, but I don't let that ruin all of my hard work. I just jump right back into my new lifestyle again and forge ahead.
I have to admit though I have been skipping the gym this week. I have been COLTS crazed like the rest of the city, attending the parade, rally and Superbowl parties. I plan on hitting the gym today and getting back into my 5 times a week routine.
Kristy
Jan. 31
This week I have had some ups and downs. I am doing a great job with workouts, but not so great with what I am eating. One of the reasons I am participating in the challenge is because I signed up for the 5k run as part of the Indy 500 Festival. During my last workout I ran 3.2 miles on the treadmill in 35 minutes without stopping. That was a personal best for me! I always used to tell myself that I could not run 3 miles straight; however I proved to myself that I could. I look forward to the weather getting warm, so I can train outside.
As for my eating habits, I have had a major sweet tooth this week. The food journal that I mentioned last time made it through one day before I forgot to write in it. I need to dust it off and start again. I need to keep it going for at least four days, so I can turn it into a habit. Overall, I am balancing out between good workouts and some bad eating habits over the past week. My plan is not to dwell on it and move forward making the positive changes I need to!
Stefonie
Jan. 26
So I am doing a ton better about eating healthy. It used to be I would crave things like chips, and chocolate, and ice cream. I have kept myself away from those things long enough now that I think I can finally walk down the snack aisle in the store and not go crazy. We have been steaming our veggies with dinner which cuts down on a lot of fat and calories. We have also made a consious effort to buy reduced fat/fat free.
Mark has been a great motivator for me. I sometimes procrastinate doing my workout, but he will stay on me. I have been using the elliptical at least every other day, and still doing the workout video. I am also using light hand weights during the videos to add more resistance and burn more calories. I haven't lost any more weight yet, but I can see a difference already. I can tell I am toning up and that's what I was really after. I also have a lot more energy. It is easier for me to get up in the morning and also I have more energy to play with the girls and still keep my house somewhat kept.
Kerri
Jan. 25
Well, progress is made one step at a time. The scale is not moving as fast as I would like it, but my clothes fit better and I feel more toned after each workout.
I really like my aerobic workout because I sweat and that seems like progress. My weight workouts are more challenging because those results take a day or so to really feel the results. My biggest challenge is the nutrition part.
I have discovered that I need more protein and more iron than my diet has been giving me. When I eat more of both of these I have great energy throughout the day. I have also begun eating 6 small meals rather than 3 big ones. This is a big change for me. I was always told not to snack. Now I have to schedule these small meals so that I don't forget to eat. If I skip, I'm starved by the next meal or I feel sluggish.
January 31 is closing in fast and I'm looking forward to measuring my progress. I hope everyone else taking this challenge is seeing results, too!
:)
Maggie
OK, so I'm cheating a bit this time. I said last time that I would talk about motivation. I got a Weight Watchers newsletter today and it actually gave some tips on keeping up your motivation. A few things are Weight Watchers related but I think everyone could learn from this.
Celebrate the here and now.As long as you're committed to your plan today, you're succeeding because you're taking charge of your life. Focusing on goals that are far in the future can sap motivation. Change your language.
Keller suggests scratching negative phrases from your vocabulary. Instead of saying "No," "I can't" or "I'll try," substitute the positive. Say: "Yes!" "I can" and "I will." Create visual inspiration.
Find a photo of yourself before you started your weight-loss plan. Tack it on the refrigerator, a bedroom or bathroom mirror or inside the food cupboard. As you reach new goals, take new pictures, visually marking your progress. Weigh in.
Weigh in at your weekly meeting, and keep a chart of the results. Look at your overall progress and visualize that chart whenever you're tempted by less-than-healthy choices. Partner up.
Exercising with friends is always more enjoyable. Schedule days to meet with your partner, and if one of you tries to bow out, act as the other's conscience. Find someone to work out with on Weight Watchers Fitness Challenge board. Steer clear of sabotage.
Avoid people who put you down for trying to lose weight, or who encourage you to eat too much. Often these folks feel threatened by your weight loss. Set mini goals.
Start with aiming to lose 10 percent of your body weight. "By setting realistic goals, you're more likely to reach them, feel successful and move on from there," says Keller. Reward yourself.
When you've reached a goal (and remember to keep them small), you deserve a treat. Buy new clothes, a book or CD, or take yourself to a movie or sporting event. Keep reminders in plain sight.
Treadmills, bicycles, weights, even sneakers and exercise outfits should be left where you can see them. Don't store your exercise gear under the bed or in the basement. That will only hide the fact that you need to exercise. Read success stories.
Motivation often comes from reading about the way others have found success. Just think: "One day the story is going to be mine!"
Believe me, after a week like this, this is exactly what I needed to hear. I've had a very bad week, as everyone has, but now I'm just motivated more to keep going. To the gym, I go!
Alex
Jan. 24
Well we are now into week two of the challenge, and I am already down 5 pounds! I have still be doing the elliptical and sit ups, and trying to get weight training in a couple of times a week. I think the biggest difference is what I have been eating. I was one of those eaters that would starve all day and then have a huge dinner. Now I am eating a healthy breakfast, lunch, and dinner without snacking in between. I have to admit the last few days have been hard! Yesterday was my sister's birthday and I was the lucky one who got to slice and serve the cake! I did great though, and didn't even have a bite. The other change I have made to my diet is trying to cut out white flour. The whole wheat and whole grain foods taste great, and also fill me up much longer. Another tip I have learned is to eat a handful of nuts before you begin to prepare dinner. They keep you from snacking on the food while preparing it and you are not as hungry once the food is on the table, which keeps you from overeating.
The big challenge for me this week will be my birthday, January 29th. I will just have to surround myself with healthy choices and not let one day ruin all of my hard work. Keep up the good work everyone!
Kristy
Jan. 22
The first week of the 10 in 10 challenge went well. When I weighed-in on Saturday I had lost a pound, but I fear I may have gained it back with all of the festivities surrounding yesterdays Colts game! One of the biggest challenges I have is diversifying my workout activities.
Now that the weather is bad, I usually do a 45 minute workout on the treadmill and then some lifting. However, I was able to get in an hour of lap swimming last week. I enjoy swimming a lot and I need to increase my time in the pool each week. I also joined an intramural basketball league for state employees that begins today. Playing sports helps me to have fun and "forget" that I am exercising.
Although I increased my exercise, I was less than vigilant about reducing my calorie intake. Working in a cubicle environment creates many snacking opportunities with little movement. I need to be more thoughtful when choosing to snack if I am hungry. Also, I think I may enlist the help of a food journal, so that I can get a real picture of where I need to cut back the calories. Overall, I am pleased with my success thus far.
Stefonie
Jan. 21
OK, it's time for the first blog. Where do I start? GO COLTS! Let's just say my eating habits haven't been the best this weekend, what with visiting friends in Bloomington and then watching the Championship games. But I've always believed that you've got to let yourself go sometimes, you just can't over-do it. So I'm making up for it by working out hardcore this week. I see lots of cardio in my future.
This week's Weight Watchers weigh-in was slightly disappointing. I lost 2.4 pounds which made me just 0.6 pounds shy of 20 pounds in four weeks. Now, most people can't expect to lose that much. I started at 342 pounds so I have a lot of weight to lose. Some people would have a hard time losing two pounds their first week and I lost 8.2 pounds. But all that does is make me more motivated to get over that 20 pound mark and keep going. My first goal is 34 pounds (10% of the weight I started with) and I'm really close to making it. The key is motivation and I think having one bad week is more than enough motivation to have a better week. I think I'll talk more about motivation and temptation in the next blog.
Until next time,
Alex
Jan. 20
My goal is to both lose weight and become more physically fit. This year my husband and I plan to run at least one 5K race together and I plan to run a mini-triatholon this fall. We invested $100 in a weight bench and some simple dumbbell weights that we keep in our basement. Our cardio workout is our basement steps until the weather warms to where we can really get outside.
I picked up a book at the library called "Body for Life" before the holidays and we are following this workout and the nutrition aspect as much as possible :) The book has been around for a while, but there is also a website bodyforlife.com that has lots of current information to offer.
Sunday is considered a cheat/rest day, so I look forward to them.
Today was my upper body workout day and I kicked it up a notch as well as changed some of the exercises. After just 3 weeks I needed some change. My motivation is still high, but so has been temptation! Lots of chocolates linger in my house from the holidays! I hate to throw them away with Sunday cheat days coming so quickly.
Looking forward to Sunday and a Colts win!
Maggie
Jan. 18
I have somehow managed to get to the gym twice this week and am planning to go tonight after the kids go to bed. It has been very hard for me to find the time to do this, but we don't have any workout equipment at home so I have to fit it in. I feel great and have more energy already. I actually look forward to spending time with my new friend the elliptical trainer! I am also reading "You: On a Diet" by Dr. Oz (It was featured on Oprah). I have to say it is one of the most informative books I have ever read.
I have been starting my day off with steel cut oats for breakfast, and have been doing great at not snacking. One of the hardest things I have run into is not snacking on whatever my daughter is having to eat. When she has her fruit snacks after her nap there is no more popping one or two in my mouth, *sigh*, I really miss the taste of those little princess-shaped confections!
My family and friends have been so great and supportive. Saying your weight on television is not an easy thing! My family and neighbors have all joined in on the challenge with me and it is nice to all have a common goal of losing 10 pounds in 10 weeks, and I know we will all be successful!
Go Colts!
Kristy
I actually "cheated" and when I heard about the challenge I decided to go ahead and start. This has been about 2 weeks and I have already lost 3 pounds!!! I have been doing an exercise video every other day, using my elliptical as much as I can, and we have all been eating better. Having the girls does help too, I am constantly running after them. Annelise is walking/running all day long and into EVERYTHING!! I am looking forward to sharing my progress and also watching Kristy's progress. Good luck to everyone taking the challenge!!!
Kerri
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