OVER THE SPEED BUMP AND THROUGH TO SUCCESS!

Well, I've made it through Thanksgiving.  I weighed in the day after and had gained 1.4 pounds.  That was a truly a "downer" moment.  I had tried really hard that day and felt good about my food choices.  I had worked an entire month to take that darn 1.4 pounds off.  My plateau had been dragging on for months, and I was losing confidence at the scale. 

I skimmed over all my weekly success "food" journals and exercise regimes.  What was I missing?  The only thing I hadn't tried was skipping the fruit unless I counted it in my daily WW points. (Years ago, fruit was not "0" points as it is today).  I noticed I was also eating a lot more carbs than proteins and not strength training as I had been in the beginning of my weight loss journey. 

It was time for a more intense change.  I cut out my fruit that first week, did not eat wheat and strength trained 4 of the 7 days.  I stepped on the scale at the end of that week and .......POW.....I dropped 3 pounds.  I hadn't seen that kind of success since April.  I could hear the chorus of angels singing!  I DID IT!!

Then last week, I added my fruits back in but counted the carbs and points.  I ate wheat but in very small portions, ate mostly potatoes and rice, and kept my grams of carbs below 100 each day.  I did some form of weight training each day along with my 5 miles of cardio.  SHA....BANG!  I dropped another 2.2 pounds.

I am now down 54.4 pounds and feeling empowered and confident once again.  Weight Watchers gave me a well-defined goal, clear objectives, a solid foundation and what action I needed to take to reach my weight loss goal.  It is my choice whether to succeed or quit.  I choose "succeed" no matter the difficulty! 

Here's to a life of fitness, health and happiness with the ones I love! 

 

 

 

THE ANNUAL MEXICAN FIESTA

At the end of each year, my family gets together for our family Mexican Fiesta.  Mom, Dad, brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, children, grandchildren each bringing their favorite Mexican dish.  It makes for an incredibly LARGE "eating" FEST!! 

 

 

This was a party I needed to prepare heavily for!  Cheese and more cheese!  Deep fried chips, tortillas and BEEF!  This meal could pack a real punch to my weight loss goals. I started by preparing MY own Mexican Fiesta to take.  I reduced the calories and fat by purchasing and preparing the following:

 

 

• Ole Mexican Xtreme Wellness High Fiber Low Carb Tortilla Wraps (1 pt each)
• Chicken strips w/ sautéed green peppers, red pepper, onion, crushed red pepper
• Baked Tostitos Scoops
• Fat Free Salsa
• Jicama w/ lime and chili pepper
• Fat Free grated Cheddar
• Naturally Yours Fat Free Sour Cream
• Chocolate Chip Cookies (3)

I piled the chicken and sautéed vegetables into my tortillas, added the FF cheese and sour cream.  Munched on my Jicama and only 2 serving sizes (noted on package) of Baked Tostitos Scoops with my FF Salsa.  While everyone was diving into the desserts, I quietly indulged in my 3 Chocolate Chip Cookies.  I knew exactly how many points those cookies were going to set me back.  It was far safer than a sliver of this and a sliver of that.

 

Surprisingly, I didn't feel deprived AT ALL.  I found my chicken tacos so yummy and filling.  In my opinion, they were more delicious than a regular taco.  I feared the FF Cheddar but to my SHOCK, it tasted just like any other mild cheddar.  The sour cream has always been a favorite of mine so I didn't mind.  The Jicama turned out to be new found favorite vegetable snack.

 

Making incredible memories with the ones I love is all that matters, and my grandkids deserve a fun and active grandma!  : )  This Mexican Fiesta was not going to slow me down. 

 

I conquered the LEAVITT MEXICAN FIESTA!!  SHA...BANG!!!

 

 

HAPPY HALLOWEEN.....COOKIES, CANDY AND CHIPS...OH MY!!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!

The holiday has started out with a table full of yummy (MY ALL TIME FAVORITES) sugar cookies and Reese's Peanut Butter Cups in the business office across the hall. 

This is my first real holiday during my weight loss challenge.  I made a commitment last night to see it through successfully.  I CAN DO THIS but I must be prepared!!

I purchased 13 chocolate chip cookies worth 36 points of my 49 Weekly Allowance.  No guess work, I know exactly how many points are going into my mouth today.  I have my treats, and they have already been accounted for. 

I then found a "Before" picture to remind me how far I've come and where I NEVER want to return. 

 

 

 

 

 



I have my anchor, water, Cherub tomatoes, carrots, pineapple, grapes and apple (all mentioned in previous posts).  I AM PREPARED TO CONQUER THE VERY AND HIGHLY LIKELY HOLIDAY SABOTAGE!!

 

 

 

 

I'm going to scare the FAT right off of me this Halloween!! 

 

BOO!!

 

 



SUCCESS IN INCHES

Almost a month later and I'm still at a plateau.  I've been very discouraged when stepping on that darn scale each Friday.  No matter how hard I try, the scale reads less than a  pound loss each week totaling only 8 pounds lost since June. 

While feeling discouraged, I read through my entire blog to remind myself of how far I've come and to take in some of my OWN positive thoughts.  I found one post particularly helpful, "Halfway There". 

In June, I was in a size 12 and very proud.  Just a few weeks ago, I purchased my first size 7/8.  I couldn't believe it.  The scale showed only 8 pounds but the inches indicated a loss of 2 pants sizes.   

Pounds v. Inches (Losing Body Fat)

By LaRue E. Cook

http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/Pounds_v_Inches_Losing_Body_Fat.html

Since a pound of muscle weighs the same as a pound of fat – but takes up less space, your increased muscle, reduced body fat and healthier body composition could mean little change in the number of the scale, but a great difference in how your clothes fit!

Remember, losing inches by reducing body fat and building muscle does not necessarily translate into lost pounds. It does however achieve the goal of fitting better into your current clothes, and improving your overall body composition. So in the battle of the bulge: Pay more attention to your inches instead of focusing on those pounds!

In my attempt to break through the plateau, I increased my exercising to at least 45 minutes EVERY DAY!  I purchased more challenging Leslie Sansone DVD's such as 4 Mile Power Walk, 3 Mile Mega Walk, 5 Mile Mega Walk, Mix + Match Walk Blasters and Belly Blasting Walk.  Each of these DVD's include cardio and toning.

Boosting the exercise and building muscle must have done the trick.  The loss was not in pounds this summer but inches.  I feel more successful now.  There is still a change.  The benefits are quite awesome, too.  Feeling thinner, more tone and strong.  All I have done was not in vain.  It's made a difference!  : )

LET THERE BE NO EXCUSES!

My hubby, Wendell, is a truck driver.  He mainly drives local but every once in awhile he gets to travel the countryside.  This last weekend, he invited me to go with him to Albuquerque, New Mexico. 

I jumped at the opportunity but immediately worried about getting my 10,000 steps in and making good food choices.  I had to make a plan and stay motivated.



Thunder cloud overhead....Wendell was glad to be back in the truck.  : )

My plan consisted of:

• Stocking his refrigerator with apples, carrots, grape tomatoes, grapes and light yogurts for snacks.
• Walking each and EVERY time we stopped whether that included walking around the truck and trailer or simply walking into the truck stops.

The first day, I was short on my steps by thousands so Wendell stopped at a WalMart that evening when he was on a break.  It was a HUGE WalMart!  Lucky for me!  I went walking up and down, through and around the isles.  Within 45 minutes, I was able to gain 5500 steps. 

When we reached our destination the next day, General Mills had this AWESOME trail for their employees.  We had to wait 4 hours to unload so I went a walk'in!  The temperature was cool due to a few clouds and it being morning so it was absolutely perfect. 

 

 

I walked 6 miles/over 11,000 steps with cute mile markers, lizards, Roadrunners, HUGE red ants and the cutest Jack Rabbit.  Albuquerque is a beautiful city, and General Mills sure knows how to construct a trail. YOU GO GENERAL MILLS!!!!

 

In summary.....

ALWAYS BE PREPARED.....YOU'RE WORTH IT!!!

THE DREADED PLATEAU!!!

“In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life. It goes on.” ~Robert Frost

 

Me....bottom row left...funky glasses, hair in pig tails with flowered flip flops

I've been the same weight for 3 weeks now and life still goes on.  The dreaded plateau has I come to pass.  I have JUST 3 choices.  No long list of decisions to make. Should be simple.

1. Give up and gain it all back
2. Quit, be content with my weight and maintain
3. Work harder and survive the slight hiccup in my life.

“Obstacles don’t have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don’t turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it.” ~Michael Jordan

 

UMMM.....I'll choose number "3" please for 36 more pounds!!

 

 

I decide to go through it!!  I can't go around it or climb over this obstacle.  This is something I have to go through.  I CAN and WILL succeed! Looking forward and visualizing my future will help me make my way through this stubborn plateau.  I can see a slimmer, healthier me on the other side of the wall. 

 

 

My strategy will consist of these goals.

• When preparing meals, begin with vegetables then add small portions of carbs and proteins.
• Walk 10,000 or more steps a day
• Drink ALL of my "74.4 oz H2O on the Go" bottle.
• Increase my exercise
• THINK POSITIVE and KEEP MOVING

 



Progress

It's been 7 months and 45 lbs.  The weight is coming off slower but steady.  My cravings are and have been extreme and there are days I want to sit and do absolutely no exercising but I stay strong knowing I never want to go back to the "December 2013" me.

 

 

 

Tomorrow, I want to be:

 

• Walking the stairs at work without gasping for air
• Hiking mountain ranges
• Running 5Ks
• Taking care of my hobby farm without injury or exhaustion
• Having energy to chase down the naughty goats and horses that have escaped the pasture.
• Hauling hay with the guys
• Playing with my grandchildren
• LIVING my life to the fullest without it "KILLING ME"

No matter how much I want that half gallon of ice cream or junk food, I continue making good food choices.

 

No matter how much I want to sit on the couch and watch TV or read a book, I continue doing my scheduled exercises each night.

 

I know where I want to be and feel tomorrow so I MAKE SURE I do what is necessary TODAY to ENJOY tomorrow.

 



 

I DID IT!

The Wellsville Mountain Wilderness extends along the high steep north-south ridge and both sides of the Wellsville Mountains for about 14 miles. It is located in Northern Utah southwest of Logan, Utah and encompasses extremely rugged and picturesque terrain. The mountains are one of the narrowest and steepest ranges in the Rockies, averaging only about five miles wide at its base and rising to its tallest summits, the Wellsville Cone at 9,356 feet and Box Elder Peak at 9,372 feet.  http://www.wilderness.net/

This mountain range shadows my home.  In the very beginning of my weight loss journey, I was determined to lose weight and get in shape so I could climb to the top of this majestic mountain range.  First and foremost, please read the caption below the picture to understand fully my biggest accomplishment since graduating from college. 

The incredible trek with my two brothers and nephew..... 

We started from the north side of the range, climbing to the saddle just before Mendon Peak.

 

 

Due to wildfires in the North, our view of the valleys were not as we hoped for but it was still a very breathtaking view for me.

We followed the ridgeline climbing and descending as we worked our way south on the mountain ridge.

Just before climbing Wellsville Cone

 

A view of how far we'd come.  We started at the furthest peak in this photo.

 Our next peak stood towering before us......Wellsville Cone

We are standing on top of the Wellsville Cone 

 

Final Peak.....Box Elder.....the trail is visible.

 

 

 

 It took us 12 hours to finish the entire trek.  From the Box Elder Peak, we had another 4 miles before reaching the trailhead in Sardine Canyon.  It was a total of 11.9 miles and a few blisters but AN INCREDIBLE EXPERIENCE.

 

I conquered the Wellsville Mountain Range with determination and hard work.  It has been a remarkable six months of Weight Watchers, Leslie Sansone and willpower . 

 

A special thanks goes out to my brothers, Wade and Aaron and nephew, Max.  I could not have made this incredible hike without them.  They kept me focused and driven.

 

I DID IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



 

 

Halfway There

I am nearing exactly 6 months since I made the commitment to lose weight and get fit.  I’ve been doing a lot of reflecting.  This new lifestyle change has been extremely tough but rewarding.

I remember the first week.  We had gone to visit my oldest son and were in the city all day long.  Going out to eat was inevitable.  I was stressed about the restaurant decision, the potential for overeating and just the “I can’t believe I decided to do this dang diet” attitude.  My negativity grew more and more until I went into the restroom…took one look at myself in the mirror and knew what I HAD to do.  FOCUS! 

 

 

FOCUS was my first strive in keeping with my commitment.  Until I could actually feel or see any results, I found myself easily frustrated.  I had to constantly motive myself by visualizing a stronger, thinner, healthier “me” in the very near future.

I have now lost a total of 38.4 lbs. The future is upon me.  Instead of focusing on the “Dang, I’m only halfway there”, I revel in all that I have accomplished and the BIG bonuses I am now benefitting from, results I am NOW seeing and feeling.

ü  Heartburn extinguished

ü  Sleep Apnea no more

ü  Super energized

ü  Tight size 18 to loose size 12

ü  Disappearing double chin J

ü  Confident

ü  Stronger (8lb weights during toning from 5lb)

ü  Running 5K’s

ü  Climbing mountains

ü  SMILING ALL THE TIME CUZ I’M DOING IT

 

 

 

My Anchor

In last week's Weight Watchers meeting, we discussed our "anchors".  Our anchor can be a physical item such as an outfit we are working towards fitting into, a feeling that spurs commitment or an inspirational saying. These anchors are chosen to help us through the weak moments on our weight loss journey.  They anchor us to our goal.

 

 

My anchor is the stairs I use everyday at work.  In the beginning, I could barely make it up one flight of stairs without stopping at the top to catch my breath, hoping no one noticed me gasping for air. 

 

I work on the second floor so no matter which direction, its either up or down these stairs.  Of course, there is an elevator but no one uses it.  Stepping into that elevator would be far more embarrassing than gasping for air at the top of the stairs. 

 

Within the first couple of weeks of my Leslie Sansone workouts and the Weight Watcher's plan, I could feel the transformation.  In just 30 minutes, 4 days a week, my thighs no longer burned when I reached the 2nd floor.  My breathing slowed. 

 

I realized I didn't have to wait until I've lost the full 82 pounds, or ran a marathon to start feeling like a new person.  In a short time, I was feeling it.  These stairs have kept me anchored to my goal.  Each time I climb them, I am committed to feeling energized for the rest of my life! 

 

I LOVE how I feel when I start at the bottom and climb all the way to the 3rd floor.  Might I add, I no longer walk up the stairs but run.  When I reach the top, I have that "Rocky" moment!!  : ) : )

 

 

 

I say "Bring It On!"

 



Rough and Tough Week

It’s been a really rough and tough week for me.  I craved everything sweet and salty.  I wanted a huge bag of chips, a whole pan of brownies or that ½ gallon of Moose Tracks ice cream. 

My husband assured me that a small taste would not hurt.  I found myself rationalizing the small tastes at first.  I wanted a sliver of that Snickernoodle or White Macadamia Nut cookie.  “I can work it off.  I will just exercise a few more minutes a day.”

My husband almost had me convinced…… OR……DID I almost have MYSELF convinced that the sliver of cookie would not matter or hurt my progress.  STOP!  Wait just one minute….my cravings were so fierce that I just knew I could not guarantee a sliver.  No amount of exercise could work off the potential sabotage waiting to happen.

Weight loss is PERSONAL!  We cannot hold anyone else accountable for our failures or achievements.  We are the only ones standing in our way!

It’s important to plan ahead, recognize our strengths and weaknesses.  Reward even your small triumphs and recommit when you slip.  Most importantly remind yourself often of how far you’ve come!

 

Lost: 33 pounds

I'm Back in the Mountains

The weather has been so incredibly awesome these last few days.  I decided Leslie Sansone needed a break, and I needed some SUNSHINE!  I have lived in this valley for 22 years and haven't hiked one of its trails.

Many years ago, my husband and I took our little family hiking on every camp trip.  Our camp trips were MANY!!  My husband and I strapped baby carriers on our backs and hauled our two youngest ones up the trails.  Our two older boys led the way with their hiking sticks.  We loved the outdoors and hiking was our favorite!!

We were thin and very active!  The years came and went.  The pounds came and STAYED!  That was one of my motivating factors to losing weight.  I wanted to climb the mountains again! 

I have planned a very challenging and strenuous hike in July and have been working out diligently to conquer the mountain peak that shadows my hometown.  I am determined to stand atop the ridge, look down and feel empowered!

I knew working out to Leslie Sansone and walking/running a few miles was not going to prepare me for the uphill climb.  I had to start hiking NOW!

I did my first hike this evening with my brother.  I am now down 32 lbs and having accomplished a difficult 3.6 mile round trip hike tonight makes me want more......MORE CHALLENGE!!  I CAN DO IT!

It was tough, and I had to break twice to catch my breath but I was in the mountains, and I was DOING IT!!

 

Conquering the binge at the Family Reunion!

This last weekend, we had our annual family reunion with lots and lots of food.  I have to admit....I was a bit worried.  I had a good loss last Friday (2.2 lbs) so I didn't want to blow it.  I worked very hard for that accomplishment!! 

My strategy started with PLANNING!  I packed my grapes, carrots and grape tomatoes.  I filled my large water bottle (8 daily) and packed my 3 chocolate chip cookies I mentioned in my post  "When you feel discouraged". 

We always have a bake sale to generate revenue for the next reunion so I knew there would be a lot of snacking before and after the meal.  My grapes would help satisfy my urge to eat the cookies and cupcakes. 

I learned in Weight Watchers that if you are craving sugar, snacking on a fruit will usually curb the craving.  Highly doubt it? Try it!  It works!!  I love red grapes or fresh pineapple for sugar cravings because they are very sweet. 

Next, I brought my carrots and grape tomatoes to fill my tummy up a bit just before the meal.  I did not bring them to eat instead of the meal.  NO WAY!  I never withhold the foods I like because then my weight loss battle will not be successful.  I eat what I crave but in much smaller portions.  The carrots and grape tomatoes were brought to help with the smaller portions.  I would be less likely to binge on all the good food if I didn't go into it feeling ravished and starving.

Onto the dessert......BROWNIES!  Anyone who knows my mother and her brownies knows how irresistible they are.  She makes the BEST brownies EVER!!!  There in front of me were pan upon pan of my mom's famous brownies, chocolate frosted w/ MM's, plain, and a new specialty.....Oreo brownie!  

While everyone devoured the delicious brownies, I sat very content with my 3 chocolate chip cookies.  I ate them very slowly, paying close attention to the texture and taste.  I THOROUGHLY enjoyed them.....then went for a walk to avoid diving into the left over brownies.  When I came back, I was in check and knew I could safely skim a very small piece of my mom's famous brownies without losing control. 

My secret to conquering the binge at the family reunions is to PLAN AHEAD!!  Be PREPARED!  Have no surprises and most of all.....ENJOY!!!

When you feel discouraged....

Last week, I stuck to the meal plan and even added an extra day of exercise in.  I lost "0" lbs (exactly the same weight as the week before) on the scale when I attended my Weight Watcher meeting.  I felt good about my week, and how I was feeling.  Not true, I thought!  The scale was wrong. 

I decided to make the most of my "lack of progress" that week.  I reflected on my week, my meals, my exercise and determined I needed to step it up.  Work harder!  Eat healthier this week!

In my Weight Watcher meeting, I was advised to exercise longer, really watch my portions and to make sure what I was eating was healthy.  I may have stayed in my points range but possibly ate more sugar instead of more vegetables and fruits.

Well.....she was right.  I had Strawberry Shortcake several times that week.  I was doing the very same exercise programs but not challenging myself to go longer or harder either.  What may have seemed like a good week wasn't so good after all.  I needed to improve, step it up!

First and foremost, I decided no Strawberry Shortcake.  Each week, the Weight Watcher program gives you 49 extra points each week to use however you like.  On Fridays, after weigh-in, I will purchase a box of 12 large Chocolate Chunk cookies.  They add up to 48 points.  I will eat them throughout the weekend.  It satisfies my chocolate and sweet cravings and allows me to feel less deprived. Spending 5 points out of my 26 daily on Strawberry Shortcake was just adding to my sugar intake for the week.

For exercise, I decided to run most of my upcoming 5K instead of walking it.  I started training in March for my 5K but kept injuring my shins and calves so I went back to Leslie Sansone workouts.  A few days before the 5K, I went for a run to see how I could do on Saturday. FYI....I haven't ran since I was in high school.  This has been a major challenge for me!! 

I pulled out my phone and C25K app.  I ran 90 seconds and walked 2 minutes. I expected to tire and hurt my calves and shins again but I didn't!!!  I was so excited!  So....I started my Weight Watcher week out with an awesome 5K run on Saturday for Four Paws Rescue!!  It was my first 5K run EVER!!  The most I had ever run IN MY LIFE was a mile.   

Tinkerbell (Four Paws Rescue dog I adopted) and I did the 5K together.  I felt so empowered!  I did walk a few of the hills but I kept moving and felt fantastic.

I may not have had the weight loss I desired but I did conquer my 5K.  You can turn disappointment into an "empowering" experience by staying positive and stepping it up!  Will I have a loss this upcoming Friday?  I don't know but I do know I will have tried my hardest and already feel AMAZING!!

Vegetables, Water and Exercise

There are three things I work hard at doing EVERYDAY!  I eat my vegetables, drink my water and do some form of physical activity.

When I prepare lunch and dinner, I always plan my vegetable first.  Then I add my protein and last my pasta, bread or rice.  I find I feel more satisfied with my plate.  It's heaping!  Vegetables are a "0" points value so I can eat all I want. 

We've always been taught that its important to get our water in each day!  I used to hate plain water.  I'd drink diet soda, flavored water or juice.  While all of these are considered a fluid, water is the best for you. 

I participated in a Wellness Program at work that required I drink at least 64 ounces of water and only "water" a day.  I found this awesome water bottle at Walmart.  Warning:  People may stare at you though!  It is quite a huge water bottle.  The best and most shocked looks are when I'm driving down the road and drinking out of it!  It makes me laugh!

 

No more counting the glasses of water.  I just know this needs to be gone by the end of the day!!  I don't mind plain water anymore.  I've found I like plain, room temperature water these days.  It quenches my thirst better than a Diet Coke. 

 

Since I sit at a desk for most of the day, I try to find at least 5 minutes each hour to get up and run errands up and down the stairs.  This is one of the tips Weight Watchers recommends. 

 

When I get home from work, I always fit at least 30 minutes into my busy schedule.  I will either do my Leslie Sansone or take a walk.  If the weather is bad outside, I've even been known to go to Lowe's or Home Depot and walk the isles on my lunch break before I get off work to make sure I get my steps in.

 

I know for a fact that these 3 things combined have made my weight loss on Friday very successful.  I feel fantastic, too!