Melissa's make it to the finish line journal

[Zoesmama03]

I've had 2 other journals that get purged from inactivity. I'm down 40 lbs. Was down 50 but have put on 10 lbs after stress of moving across country and having no job since August.

I'm getting excited about possible trip to Disneyland for dd's 7th birthday in July. My best friend is thinking she may schedule a trip the same time. It would be so awesome. We did MK(and Sea World) together in June and I had to leave early. \]

So anyway I keep thinking I'd like to finally be out of these 200's by then. That is 50 lbs doable in 7 months(I think) if I work hard. I already feel great being at pre pregnancy weight for first time since dd was born.

I'm just tracking calories on spark people and exercise. I gotta cut the soda back out I think its to blame(on I KNOW) for the 10 lbs coming back. And I've been slacking on water big time. I eat fairly balanced diet(love salads, veggies and fruit) on normal basis but will be watching portions sizes and really putting the portion control on snack choices.

 

[solar]

Glad you're jumping back into journaling. It's a great way to notice patterns and see why we go up and down on the scale.

Congrats on coming this far, and I'd say that's some stress! Going cross country and the work situation...but look at it this way...it's only 10 pounds You've lost that before, and you can again...

Come on 100's..I'm right there with you working on that - hang in there. Spark People is a good place for keeping track of food, etc...so hopefully that helps keep you going until you hit that goal!

Hope you get to take your trip.

Cheers, Deb

 

[Zoesmama03]

What a day today was. I slept in very late and then napped again. I had pop corn for brunch. Got hungry and took Zoe to McDonals it has been a few months since we went. I had a mc Rib meal with a vanilla shake. Overall despite the McD's I think my calories are ok for the day but really only because I didn't eat much of anything else all day.

Ran out of Coke and decided I wasn't going to go buy anymore. I may end up getting some later but I think I'll get Coke zero until I wean away the caffeine. I have a hard time drinking water in the morning it makes me wanna gag. Rest of day once I've had something else and some food I do ok but water first thing makes me sick.

 

[Zoesmama03]

Time to get the party started. I have no scale anymore mine has broke. I'll have to get a new one later so guess should go by measurements instead.

Had chocolate chip pancakes for brunch today. I didn't even finish them tho. I got 2 canker sores on the roof of my mouth and its hurting to eat much of anything right now.

Need to get some exercise going this week too. gonna keep the losing going on in the new year. Try to get it going at 1-2 lbs a week again.

 

[inkkognito]

Have you tried Gator Aid in the morning instead of water? It has calories but it is very hydrating. I got into it this summer when we were doing a lot of theme parking on some really hot days.

 

[Zoesmama03]

Thanks for reading my journal. Yep I get Gatorade sometimes. I even like the mix packets. I will have to get some next time I'm at the store. I drink regular soda because I prefer to limit that than drink diet. Both for taste and for the aspartame. Gatorade is a good option that I do drink from time to time in mornings.

I did get some Coke zero and regular. I dunno why since I end up with a tummy ache, yet I keep drinking it. I felt so exhausted the past couple days. Probably because I was getting out last week and now back to sitting at home mostly. Can't wait to get working again. I know I'll feel soooo much better.

 

[solar]

hope you start feeling more rested soon....and your schedule returns to normal soon. The holidays throw many for a loop

as for drinks, I drink a lot of crystal light, but many prefer to avoid the artificial sweeteners

 

[inkkognito]

My husband is a big fan of the Gator Aid powder. He brings it when we cruise because then he can just keep reusing the same water bottle.

Yep, sitting at home can definitely bring you down. It feels so good to get out!

 

[Zoesmama03]

Eek finding a hard start of the year because our propane ran out so no stove(or water heater ) and limited stuff to cook. Going to make a grocery list up get a few days worth of foods I know I can cook in my electric skill or the large roasting pan. Of course their is the microwave and I have a crock pot all electric but on Thanksgiving I used the crock pot and my green beans cooked for hours and barely got warm. So it may not be working right.

You just don't know what you take for granted until its not there. So for a few days till we can get the tank filled its gonna be fun. Yesterday and today we had microwave stuff I had got for quick lunches. Both not that great burritos and corn dogs.

Yesterday(seeing is 1:40am) I had nothing but frozen burritos and taquitos. For lunch and dinner. I had a salad I prepared 2 nights ago but it got soggy. I suppose I need to learn how to prepare fresh salad without it getting that way in storing.

 

[solar]

ooh, I make a veggie stir fry (you can use your skillet) in a non-stick pan all the time...

broccoli, mushrooms, onions, peppers, garlic -- and add in some protein - chicken is easy, sometimes i use hard boiled eggs -- super quick and easy to make, healthy and good

omelets are another option in an electric skillet...

hang in there...sorry it was a rough start for you

 

[Zoesmama03]

thanks for suggestions. I'll keep these in mind next time propane is out. Of course I'm always trying to conserve it so I try to cook on the electric grill and skillet.

I'm not getting a good start. I was doing good but then I got on this odd sleep pattern. Well actually I wouldn't even call it a sleep pattern as it was all over the place. Last night I was tired before 10pm for once. Still didn't get right to sleep but was a start. I got up and stayed up suppose the little 5-6 hours will mean I should be tired tonight.

Yesterday was easy BLTs and baked beans day. I had nothing thawed but bacon so went with that. The day before I experimented with my enchiladas and learned to make my own green chile sauce(from recipe on Cooks.com) it was amazing and sooooo much better than the canned and thicker which I love. I figure $2.50/lb for tomatillos wass a bit much but it did make quite a bit we had a good cup of it left over and still got some left even after adding some to reheated leftovers. It was a bit too hot for dd she ended up just having quesadilla and some hint of lime chips. I will have to make it more often for sure. When I had everything pureed(before the flavor comes in from simmering to cook) I told my brother how much the things cost and probably too much to make often but now that I tasted it I say its worth it. A jar doesn't taste that good and cost 2-3 and the cans are even $1 or more and total crap.

Today hasn't been the best food wise. I had 1 doughnuts for breakfast. was hungry a hour later, go figure so had a slice of my homemade banana bread. Then for lunch didn't feel like really preparing anything so threw some taquitos and a burrito in microwave. Dinner is boneless pork chops that are thawing probably with stove top and California mixed veggies(cauliflower, broccoli, carrots).

Need to get to the grocery store this evening for some water(icky tap) so should plan out a few meals and get the stuff.

 

[Zoesmama03]

What a disappointment. EEK I stepped on scale at my Dr's appointment today. Up more than I thought. UGH! Now its time to crack down before I gain it all back. Definitely time to get serious and busy with this again.

 

[solar]

take it one day at at time, one pound at a time and it won't feel so overwhelming

 

[Zoesmama03]

Coming back to my journal. I started a course with settingcaptivesfree.com called The Lord's Table. I find it interesting. They want you to follow one of 2 eating plans. One is alternating half days(half portion on 3 meals), normal days(without overeating), and fast days mixed in. OR the one I'm doing which is eating with your growly belly(or GBS growly belly syndrome as they call it) with a fast day each week for 24 hours usually people do dinner to a light dinner the next evening. I have found it has really opened my eyes to how often I did really eat out of other urges or cues than actual hunger. I have slipped up and gave into nasty craving once and several time to eating with a movie even if I had no hunger pains. They remind you that our body is in fat burning mode when we have those pains at regular intervals. If we don't we are often in starvation mode and holding onto it. The basis is you can eat your meal after you get 3 good growls from you belly.

I never liked to imagine I overate by a ton. I understood I ate snack foods*junk* in excess but this has really opened my eyes. For now I'm sticking to feeding my body when it asks and taking new habits to walk away from eating for other cues or urges.

I'm on day 5 which is a fast day for me but I'm easing into it by having OJ or milk today if I feel growls or shaky/dizziness if I get low blood sugar as I sometimes do.

I am also to do 5 days of exercise and I haven't started but need to so trying to get myself motivated to that portion of the habit changing underway.

 

[Zoesmama03]

Ever since I got my scale working a week ago I went from 288.8 to 279.6 this morning. Now to keep making healthier choices and get to stepping on some exercise so I can keep it going. I know not to always expect this high of losses but its nice to see it coming down.

I believe it has to do with following my true hunger cues though I am struggling to keep the course lessons up I am still following the eating mode as well as starting a transition from omni to vegan with a strong focus on whole and raw foods when possible. Also after some research today will try to eliminate gluten from not only my diet. Tough to do but I'm very interested in learning to cook with quinoa and millet. Both of which I don't think I've ever had. So far I'm loving the fresh fruit and veggies.

I'm just very worrisome of my future health if I don't get some things going. My Dr had reported in my chart for a MA to call and tell me I had some mild hypercholestrolemia in other words my HDL were low and my triglycerides were a bit too much towards the high side. EEK My total level is in the "good" acceptable range though. I really hope to avoid any more meds and it would be nice to get permanently off my bp meds. I have one refill before I need to see my PCP to get refills. I hope to be weighing less than I was when she first prescribed them by then. Maybe in 6 months she can order another CBC and check the cholesterol then otherwise I may check into it at the pharmacy testing sites.

 

[Zoesmama03]

Today I had a not great day of eating well the several days before were good days with lots of fresh fruit and raw veggies.

Breakfast was 2 slices of leftover frozen cheese pizza from last night with a can of Mt Dew.

Lunch was leftover spaghetti from Wed night(I had leftovers of it yesterday too for lunch HEHE)and an applesauce cup(no sugar added) and a Mt Dew. See the trend LOL I have no water right now. UGH!! Can't wait to go to the water n ice to get my bottles filled tomorrow. I'm craving water badly right now.

Dinner was potato egg and cheese burritos to get rid of left over tortilla shells. HEHE I did some fridge clearing here before it was bad. And after I had a Pepsi after I had finished off a Mt Dew I had in between "I think". I'm sure it was a new one over my lunch one but it was warm so I dunno. I was having my morning one and dumping half of it the few days before. I gotta learn to drink tap or get some more flavor drink mixes to disguise the taste when I run out of filtered in the water cooler.

I did have controlled portions until dinner I ate 3 smaller burritos and was overdoing it there a bit.


Think I'm going to do a little relaxing yoga before Zoe and I retire to bed for some reading.

 

[Zoesmama03]

Its been a crazy few weeks. I am working on overhauling my eating habits, more so the actual foods. I'm working towards a macrobiotic diet. Yeah vegan but with the majority being clean raw foods. I have found so much energy despite it being lower than when I eat meat. I read that if on a raw diet you only really need about 35 grams of protein as plant protein is more "whole" less broken down in cooking and absorbs very well(maybe due to fiber, I'd guess). Neverless I am working my way off meat. I average about 1 animal product a week.

MOstly I'm trying to limit cholesterol. It was mildly up there but not sure exact on the numbers. They had really only told me on the phone and didn't request a visit or follow up. I will requrest one in a few months and see if my dietary changes makes a difference. I've also cut out a TON of package foods and trying to get healthy fats in avocados, olive oil, and keep meaning to get some flax oil(and seeds/meal when I learn how to use them properly in recipes etc.)

I've taken up drumming as some form of activity. My brother bought Band Hero so we could all play together since my daughter had an interest in playing his guitar hero all the time. It really works me out and I have picked it up instinctively really. I usually drum for at least one hour at an intense pace. I have moved it up to expert level and we will rock out for well over an hour some nights but I only count an hour of it. 60 minutes is said to burn upwards of 500 calories. And the best part is its fun and stress reducing. Nothing takes out frustrations and stress like pounding on stuff.

I did Tae Bo this morning the instructional only. I think with all the drumming I've been doing the last week has raise my stamina quite a bit. I figure if drumming gets me motivated to work out in other ways to I'll stick with it. I find myself wanting to build more stamina so I can get better. I've worked out some of the coordination parts. It takes a lot of mental stamina too to keep up. I usually feel exhausted mentally and physically yet very energized at the same time.

 

[keenercam]

Hey, Melissa! How are you doing these days? Zoe is as beautiful as ever! Are you still taking pictures? I hope all is good with you.

 

[Zoesmama03]

Gotta be accountable and start posting my foods.

Today started out crummy but I turned it around. I slept in because I was up late then read for awhile and it was 4am before I got to sleep. Ended up sleeping till almost 11am but then fell back asleep. When I got up I ate a piece of chocolate cheesecake leftover from Monday night. At least no soda the past 2 days. I am doing a June/July summer challenge and my 2 challenges are soda and have a side personal goal to cut out all meat. Of course the 4 hot wings I had tonight have crushed it but definitely no red meat and I will be back on track now. I just love the hot sauce more so than the chicken itself. I will have to try meat substitutes for "chicken" wings. I did have a nice big salad with tons of veggies(red, green and yellow bell peppers, carrots, cucumbers and radishes, oh and tomatoes) I had some Italian dressing on it and a few shakes of sesame seeds(good calcium but I also love them) and sprinkled on some soy cheese. And we made homemade pizza mine was veggies(yellow peppers, red onions, tomato and some mild peppers with soy cheese). I had 2 normal sized slices and a half slice. I'll get this down. Tomorow I am planning on having fruit for breakfast, a big salad and leftover veggie pizza for lunch dinner I am not sure of yet. I would like to get into a habit of meal planning but I have never really done it but I need to get something going so I can plan leftover days so we aren't wasting so much food. Well with summer vacation for Zoe it should be easier to use leftovers she can have them as part of our lunches. I tend to stick to raw foods in the day as much as I can. I feel so much better when I do, or should say did for the 2 weeks or so that I was eating that way on consistent basis.

Hiya Cam. Thanks for checking in on me. I just happened to come see this today. I'm doing alright. Working on overhauling the foods I eat. Taking it a day, week at a time but life keeps getting in the way. I haven't been taking pictures as much. I miss it but just got in a sort of funk with it. I really need to break out the new gear and get some more posed photos of Zoe. My best friend is due sometime this month with her 4th child and her first girl and I can't wait to photograph a newborn for some practice.

 

[keenercam]

Melissa -- I am glad to see you posting here. Oh, a newborn will be so much fun to photograph! I can't imagine cutting meat out of my diet, but wanted to tell you that the morningstar farms version of hot wings are delicious! Lots of that hot sauce flavor, so it might be very satisfying to you.

Are you still enjoying drumming? Does Zoe join in? What fun!

Oh, and good luck on your no soda challenge! Everyone I know who has given up soda has felt so much better for having eliminated the sugar and it is certainly a cost-savings, too, to drink water instead. I love the Crystal Light or 4C flavor packets for my water bottles. Good luck!