Post Christmas Weigh In (All)

A week from Christmas, and the weight we all rang in the New Year with!

Amanda:

Well, since the fourth of July this is the first week that I've gained. Last week I was 190.6, this week 191.6. Considering we are around the holidays, and it is 1 pound I think I can get over that fact and move on. I've indulged enough to last me through this New Year, no more holiday excuses now. I am also excited to report that my mother got our family a full pass membership for the year to our local rec center for Christmas. Which is a short walk away from our house and a great way to stay motivated when it's 20, windy and snowing outside like today.

Excited to keep on keepin' on with the lovely ladies of this blog!

My challenge: Getting back on the exercise train, I've seriously sat on my butt for weeks now.

Melissa:
The scale showed a new decade today.... 229.5! So glad to be back in the 220's, but looking forward to seeing it and then leaving it in a few weeks! I'm excited to see the hard work is paying off. I am also pumped that I lost 1.5lbs the week of Christmas!! I managed to get the gym on Tue and Wed, and really watched what I ate every day since Monday. I tracked every piece of candy and junk I ate. I did eat a yogurt for dinner a couple times cause well that's all the calories I had left. I'm looking forward to continuing my weight loss in 2012!!

Teri:

I am only down .2 so I maintained. I guess I can't complain since it was during one of the most difficult weeks of the year. However, I am a little bummed since I really bumped up the exercise this week, in fact I went 4 days this week!! I joined Planet Fitness this week, and am really enjoying it. Its 2 seconds from my house, always has a ton of machines, etc available, I can watch tv and listen to music, and they have free personal training, which I am going to start this week, and its only $10/month. I can't not do it! I am going to stay positive and focused, and hope for a loss this week. I will continue my tracking (I have been religious about this!), work out at least 3x this week, and really amp up my water intake (my slacking with this could have hindered my weight loss this week too!) So excited to continue this journey in 2012!

Sarah:
I weighed in at 292 today. I am looking forward to restarting weight watchers and exercising and getting myself back on track!

Megan:

Cheryl: I am going to be honest. I have been off the wagon for a while now. The scale was high as 251 during this past week. I am in operation weight loss now! We have an appointment with the fertility doctor next week and I do not want to hear anything about my weight. Here is to a healthier 2012 for all of us!

HAPPY NEW YEAR, CUT THE CRAP!

Rough couple of days (Melissa)

So it was a rough couple of days. Saturday, lots of snacking and eating. Although I did skip dessert, but then indulged in some extra cookies that we didn't leave out for Santa! Then Sunday, lots of snacking and eating again. The worst thing I did was not drinking enough water. I am feeling very bloated and swollen!! Then yesterday we went out to lunch. I was planning on getting this shrimp and spinach salad, but it was no longer on the menu. So I got a panini sandwich... then ate some cookies later. Well, it's okay. Today is a new day and I'm back to tracking everything I eat and going to go to the gym later. I'm on vacation this week so lots of cleaning and organizing is in my future!!

Weigh In (All)

Another week with holiday temptations surrounding us and how we did...




Amanda:






Melissa: Well I weighed in at 231. I have to admit, I'm bummed. I went to the gym 4x and worked out 60 minutes every time burning about 600 calories each session! I also stayed within my calorie allowance each day. I know I feel better and can run longer at the gym, but I just wish the scale would cooperate. But, at least its going down!!! Just makes me more determined to keep working hard!







Teri:

I am down 1.3 this week! I was seriously shocked considering I had 3 different holiday celebrations at restaurants, a cookie exchange and many goodies around this week. However, I was conscious of what I ordered out, often opting for a healthier meal or only eating half of a calorie filled sandwich. I didn't eat every single cookie in front of me either. I would eat half of one here and there, or have a few at a time. I did track every meal and took a nice walk earlier in the week. This week, I continue tracking, consider my portion size, and introduce exercise!!





Sarah:






Megan:

Excuses were in full force tonight (Melissa)

So I felt my old self peeking through tonight. It's the first night of Hanukkah, I wanted to light the menorah with Abby and have her open a couple gifts. Plus I had to take her to the doctor and didn't get home till 5:30pm, then I had to clean up, I would leave for the gym later than usual, then I still had to come home and make all the lunches, yadda yadda yadda. I was like ah, I rather sit home and relax, and order some take out once DH gets home. But as soon as I got home, I made myself change into my gym clothes. I wavered back and forth for a bit, but once she opened the gifts and the twins were in bed it was 6:30pm. So I left DH with the mess and asked if he'd clean up and he agreed, so off I went.

I was a little sluggish at the gym, and of course the magazine I used to cover the display while I am running fell off and knocked the emergency stop key. So 15ish minutes in and I lost all the information as to how much I had worked out. Anyway, I just plugged in another 35 minutes to do my 50. I still managed to burn 550 calories.

I'm just proud of myself for taking charge and cutting the crap and putting the excuses aside!! Hopefully this is a trend I will continue into the new year!

Weigh In (All)

With the Christmas and Hanukkah right around the corner and holiday parties galore, see how we faired this week...



Amanda:

I weighed in this week at 191.2, for a 2.2 pound loss this week, and 37 pounds total! I will take it! I've been indulging more often, with all these holiday goodies around, but the thing is I have learned how to cut myself off before things get too crazy. I also continue to do ZUMBA 3 times a week to keep myself in check. I'm crossing all my crossables for gift cards to clothing stores this year, as I have such money guilt over buying things for myself ... and well, girlfriend needs some new pants.



Melissa:

Weighed in at 231.5, so a loss of 1.5lbs this week! I am pleased! Last week I ate out and definitely indugled on Thursday, Friday and Saturday...yikes! Then I made a turkey that I brined and holy salt!!! I peeked at the scale on Monday and whoa it was up, so I worked hard the rest of the week. I went to the gym Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. I did at least 45 minutes of cardio each time. I am loving the gym and even more loving how I have more energy and can feel myself getting stronger (running longer stretches). I am also loving the fact that I am losing weight during this indulgent time of year! I am glad I did not wait until the New Year to get back on the train!! So my goal this week: continue doing what I am doing, going to the gym at least 4x a week, eating the correct number of calories, and just making myself a priority!!!



Teri:

Yay, I am so happy to report that I had a nice loss this week. Just the momentum I needed to keep at it! I am down 2.4 lbs this week, with a a total loss of 5.4 lbs since I really started about 3 weeks ago.



I have been consistent in tracking my meals, and have really tried hard to stay within the 1200 calories/day. With the holiday season, it has been challenging and I have indulged some (especially this weekend) but I have tried to put healthier options on my plate and cut the more indulgent food in half. I had a couple glasses of wine this weekend, my first drink since I really started to focus. I enjoyed it, but that satified me for a while. The empty calories on a regular basis are just not worth it!



Exercise has been low still due to the knee, but this week I have some early days off from work, so I am going to take some nice walks around the neighborhood, while its light out. I am thinking of joining a gym near my house in the next few weeks though!



Sarah:
I am at 292 this week...at least I am holding steady and not gaining. I will be content with not gaining anything more through the new year at this point!



Megan:Cheryl:

So true... (Melissa)

I've been going to gym at least 4 days a week and mostly run/walk on the treadmill. This picture explains my constant thoughts while running on the treadmill!

Food porn at the gym (Melissa)

Food network on the tvs at the gym??? Really?? Who ever thought that was a good idea. I certainly do not.... yet I will admit I try to find a treadmill or elliptical right in front of the tv with it on. Nothing better than salivating while you are working out, right?

Weigh in (All)

Here's how we faired this week...

Amanda:

 

I splurged Saturday night, so I'd be surprised if my weight hasn't gone back up since taking this picture Friday morning.. It was my work Christmas party, and you all know that I am a believer in not denying yourself. So, a special occassion glass (or two) of wine and dessert is allowed. We just know the rule - gotta work a little extra hard this week to keep the scale steady.

Melissa:

 

This week I weighed in at 233! Whoohoo, a loss of 2lbs! I did weigh myself on Thursday because I had my work holiday party Thursday night, so I knew Friday wouldn't be good. At first I was disappointed with the weigh in, as I was hoping to lose more, but a loss is a loss. I went to the gym 3 times. I ran/walked 2 times and did the elliptical once. I also made sure to use some of the weight machines. I also made sure to eat well this week. Here's to another week of going to the gym and watching what I eat.

 

Well, I lost another whopping .5 lbs for a new weight of 189. I know, a loss is a loss however its going to be a VERY long road if its this slow. I hope that its just my body adjusting. I tracked my food every day, with very little exercise. Perhaps the exercise is the boost I need, but with my knee injury I am limited. I can only do 5 minutes at a time on an elliptical or bike, without reaggravating. My physical therapist yelled at me when I told him I pushed it to 15 minutes last week, he could tell since my knee was swollen again. Its very frustrating. I hope it doesn't sound like an excuse because I want to be exercising more than I am. Anyhow, I have been on travel (sorry for the late post!) and I sure hope that it doesn't reflect on the scale this week. I did really watch what I ate this week and walked quite a bit, however I had an incredibly yummy yet indulgent meal last evening so hopefully eating within my calorie count the rest of the week will show a loss. Let's hope for more than .5 lbs!

Megan:

Cheryl:

Sarah:

Teri:

One Pound At A Time...(Sarah)

I just saw this on pinterest, and it just about sums me up. If I could do better about keeping this in mind, I think I would do better overall. I know, logically, it took X amount of time to gain the weight so, logically, it will take X amount of time to lose it all. I also know, logically, that slower weight loss means it is more likely to stay off and you are doing something right. However, I also know, emotionally, that if I mess up for the day or gain a pound or whatever- I feel like the day, week, whatever it is, is already shot. Well I already messed up today by having a cupcake, so I might as well have another Dr. Pepper. Or whatever the item of the moment is. This is what I need to work on. Well, one of the things anyway.

Where Have I Been (Megan)

I think this about sums it up....

Afraid to face what you ate...

One of the reasons I fail to track what I eat is that I am afraid to face the actual amount of calories, points, etc of what I ate. What is the point in not tracking it? Does it mean I didn't eat it? No, I did eat it and need to see in numbers what I really ate. I often don't track on the weekends because I consume way more than I do during the week. But I still need to track it and I will.

So after taking Abby to gymnastics we stopped at Dunkin Donuts for a coffee and ended up getting a box of 25 munchkins. I ate 4 on the way home, and then consumed about 6 more at home. Yup, tracked that and it was about 600 calories worth of munchkins.. so half of my days total...ooops.

Then after going to a local farm and picking out our tree we stopped at Fuddruckers for lunch. Love that place!!! Before discussing my lunch I should also point out that the farm we visited has the BEST apple cider donuts and I resisted the urge to have one (or it could have been I was just feeling guilty about all the munchkins I ate earlier). Anyway, back to Fuddruckers. I usually get a bacon cheeseburger, but went with just a cheeseburger because I realized that I put so many pickles on my burger I never even taste the bacon, so why waste the extra calories. Next time, no cheese. But I also love their potato wedges and put jalapenos and cheese sauce on them. I did all that but then drank water.

I was actually full for most of the night and for dinner just had two whole grain waffles with some butter. I have been using real butter recently because all the ingredients in margarine have been weirding me out. So I just tracked it all.... I ended up consuming a little less than 2,400 calories for the day. My goal is 1,200 a day for a loss of 2lbs a week. I was actually surprised as I thought I ate way more. Majority of people eat 2,000 - 2,200 calories a day to maintain their weight, so looking at it that way, it wasn't too bad.

As much as I did not want to face and admit all I ate yesterday, it wasn't that bad and now I can move on. Now to the gym.... so I can burn off some of those calories I consumed yesterday!!!

Where I stand right now...

So I am still here... still weighing less than when this journey began. So I guess that is something to be proud of, right? Bear with me as I am going to just ramble on about all the random things I've been thinking about...

Well my exercise has fallen to the wayside. The cold weather and getting dark earlier has ended my attempt at running outside. We had to cancel our YMCA membership because $50 a month just isn't in our budget. We did finally get a treadmill, but the yard sale find was sort of a bust since it shuts off after about 12 minutes of use. So I am at a loss....

I think about my journey and desire to lose weight every day. I think about how badly I want it, how badly I deserve this, and how I NEED to do this. I can talk the talk and know what I need to do, but the motivation has to be internal. You can have fabulous cheerleaders chanting for you on the side, but the choices and decisions rest on you.

I want to exercise. I want to get back into running, I need to get back into running... I have to stop being lazy and get my ass in gear. My co-worker approached me about joining her gym... $10/month. Plus she reminded me that our insurance will give us $150 a year towards the cost of a gym.. so basically my insurance will cover the cost, so it'll be free for me! The only downside is that its farther away (about a 12 minute drive) than the Y which was 2 miles down the road. Which takes more time away from my spending time with my hubby and Abby. But, then I think about it and realize the hours I spend at the gym now will hopefully give me more years with them later in my life.

So what's my plan you may ask? I make grand plans every week, but do I follow through? No. So I need to be realistic. I will weigh in tomorrow morning (Amanda, I'll be texting you my scale pic!). I will also track my food intake. I am doing WW online and also tracking on Myfitnesspal.com. I like doing both so I can see how many calories and points I am eating. I will also go and join the gym by this weekend.

I want to continue this journey and become a role model and success story just like Amanda (you go girl!). I am trying to take it one day at a time. Today I did indulge in 2 pieces of fun size candy, and then stared at a whole tray of brownies and walked away without eating any, went through a McDonald's drive thru purchasing only a Happy Meal for Abby, and created my own low fat, low calorie chicken parm (and boy it was delish!). So I guess thats some steps in the right direction???

All aboard! (Teri)

I have decided to jump aboard the weight loss bandwagon along with the other Cut the Crappers! I have followed this blog from the beginning, and decided to reach out to Amanda about two weeks ago. Amanda has been a true inspiration to me, and I am so glad that she is willing to help me along this journey.

My name is Teri. I am a 30 year old wife to Jared and working mama to my sweet and crazy 20 month old son, Liam and 2.5 year old pup, Tucker. These people? They are my everything and for that reason, I desperately want to get myself in shape, live a happy and healthy life and set a positive example for my little boy (and other future little ones!)

I know this journey won't be easy. I know that I am not perfect and am an emotional person, who happens to make poor eating choices when I am in this state. I know that I can be lazy and would prefer to sit my ass on the couch, catching up on DVR. I know that all of the above are excuses.

Honestly, its so easy to make up an excuse for eating that extra brownie (or panful) an evening after a stressful work day or not take that evening walk with Liam or some other activity because I just don't feel like it.

But I am tired of it all - the excuses I make, the way I feel, the way I look. I want to be happy with myself. And I want to be happy for my family. They deserve that, just as much as I do. Therefore, I am vowing to choose ME!

I have already begun taking strides to make positive changes. I have started to track my food each day, it gives me a sense of accountability and has truly helped me to make smarter choices. While I am not depriving myself of something I truly want, I am making a conscious effort to control my portions and supplement elsewhere throughout the day. I showed restraint at the grocery store last evening, and filled up the basket with more fruits, veggies, and healthy snacks than normal. I have increased my water intake.

Since I injured my knee in September (torn meniscus, bone marrow edema syndrome and damaged my knee cap) and have been undergoing physical therapy, I have not done much in regards to physical activity but I do have plans to break out the trusty elliptical this week, and start slow.

I hope you will follow along with me, and keep me accountable. I plan to weigh in with Amanda this coming Friday (eeks!!!!) with my weight loss goals. I am beyond nervous to put my weight on the web for all to see but I think this might be the accountability I need to make certain the scale goes down each week:)

WTF...(Melissa)

WTF is wrong with me.... I am so frustrated with myself. We finally got the treadmill upstairs and when I use it, it works for like 10 min and then shuts down...WTF! Then of course DH gets on and it doesn't shut down for him, so apparently it doesn't care for my big butt! How the hell am I supposed to lose weight! So now we are examining joining the gym again.

Back to being frustrated with myself.... I eat so well during the day and then at night it goes downhill. My plan for the week is to take stuff out to defrost for dinner so I am forced to make healthy meals. So that is my goal for the week.... on a side note.... it's so damn expensive to eat healthy!!!!!

Weigh In (Cheryl)

Cheryl (5'7''): I had a rough week or so last week. The state fair was in town and we had company. This week I kicked it into high gear and lost the pounds I gained last week and lost an additional 1.2 lbs! Total weight loss 17.8 lbs! Next goal is to be out of the 240 decade into the 230 decade!

Words of wisdom... (Melissa)

So last night I made 2 dozen cupcakes. My hubby is away and I was bored so I decided to try my cake decorating skills again. I did not eat a single cupcake!! I did taste the frosting (it was homemade so I had to make sure it was good). I was like wow, I did great tonight... yeah, then I remembered the Chinese food I had for dinner. Chicken wings, egg drop soup, and steamed dumplings... ooops. Totally regretting my decision today as my fingers are puffy from all the sodium. But anyway, I found this on pinterest and will be printing it out and putting it on my fridge and making a copy for my classroom.

A great confidence booster! (Cheryl)

This past week I have been really struggling with exercising and using self control for various food situations. Like saying no to the pizza offered at the staff meeting at work and eating the candy out of my trick or treat packages for my neices and nephews.

Well, during my trainer appointment this morning she did measurements on me. In one month and 5 days I have lost 15 1/4 inches throughout my body! I was floored!! I was so excited! Seeing progress like that makes everything so worth it!

Cupcakes... (Melissa)

So my twins are almost a year old. In preparation for their party I have started making cupcakes and practicing my cake decorating skills! Yeah, well I am apparently also practicing my cake eating skills because I have had a cupcake every night. Then Tuesday night, I actually had 2 cupcakes. This was not a good week to make them because we also went to a fair this weekend and I ate like crap!! I have tracked EVERYTHING though. So far, I am over my Weekly Points Allowance by 10 points, which isn't too bad considering all the junk I have eaten. I have left extra points in anticipation of eating the cupcake, so I guess it's not too bad, right??? Guess we'll see what the scale shows on Saturday!

Walking Challange anyone? (Cheryl)

I just wanted to see if anyone was interested in a walking challange? I am not sure exactly how to go about this but here are a few ideas..

• Each make a weekly goal for distance?
• Keep a tally on how many miles we have walked cumulatively?
• Pick a place like California or something and see how long it takes us to walk there cumulatively?
• Any other ideas? Please share!
  

Back on the WW train (Melissa)

I'm here... been a slacker. But, I decided to join WW again. I was trying to track my calories on one of those free sites, but found myself not as committed. I love WW and really like the weekly allowance points I get. I missed those extra points during the week. So on Sunday, I signed back up for WW, but this time I am just doing online since money is tight and I cannot afford the $40 a month for meetings! So far two days in, and I have tracked everything. Last time I was dedicated to WW, I lost 50lbs, so I am hoping for the same this time.

Hoping?? What am I saying. I can't just hope it happens, I need to make it happen. I need to track and really focus what goes in my mouth since exercise has been lacking. My MIL did purchase a used treadmill for me, but um, has she picked it up yet???? NO.... come on lady I need to get my butt moving!!

Newest member of weight watchers online (Cheryl)

I am officially the newest member of weight watchers online. :)

I need some rigid eating guidelines so I took the plunge!

File Under: WTF (Megan)

Did you ever wonder why hoisery companies offer their larger sizes WITHOUT control top or offer their super-suck-it-in line in only small sizes.  WTF, companies.  You think a size 2 needs that spandex and my fat ass doesn't.  You are wrong, Sir.  Very wrong.  Yes, I know you are a Sir.  Moving on...


You know what else sucks?  Trying to find workout clothes as a fat person.  Everyone is like 'get up and move' and then they're like 'oh, did you want a supportive sports bra and cute workout clothes to do that.  TOO BAD, FATTY'.  


I tried to put on my yoga pants (which fit and I love) with a t-shirt the other day to walk into town with Jane.  I literally didn't have a single shirt that fit the bill.  All my shirts are a 3x which, these days, fits.  Like fits, fits.  I needed a shirt that had a little wiggle room (sweat room, whatever) and was long enough to cover what needed to be covered and, well, I was out of luck.

I decided tonight to go online and find some clothes that FIT.  I wear a....lets just say exceptional gigantic bra size and the only sports bras I have are very stretched out XLs.  and, no.  It's cruel and unusual punishment.  


I will take pics of my stuff and share when it arrives.

Thank you Cheryl (Melissa)

Your post yesterday saying that you ran motivated me to get back out there and run today! I decided to try a new route. Well actually it was part of an old route DH and I used to do when we were going on 6-7 mile runs (crazy I used to run that much, right?). Well I found a 3.3 mile loop and decided to do that. I decided to start myself off slow and I ran 1 mile, then walked a mile, and then ran the rest of the way home. I have to say that the last leg was actually the best, I felt really comfortable with my pace. It felt great to get back out there! Hopefully I can keep this motivation to exercise!!

I jogged 0.79 miles this morning! (Cheryl)

I am so damn proud of myself!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Just wanted to share!

Do you really want that cookie? (Cheryl)

Thought we could use a little motivation.... :)