155 Weight Reward: Ice Castles

      Ever since I found out about the Ice Castles a month ago, I've really wanted to go and check it out.  Making it a reward for losing weight was definitely good motivation to work hard.  It's about an hour drive away in Midway.  Once we started getting into city limits you could tell that was German/Swiss inspired.  Even the church buildings were followed that design.

      How cool is that?! I looked up Midway later and it is in fact all about the Swiss culture. I will definitely come back for some of the events they have going on in the year. It reminded me of Leavenworth and made me feel like I had a little piece of home. 

      There were two lines for the Ice Castles. One for people who needed to purchase tickets and one for those who bought online. Really glad we bought online before because that line was much shorter. The downside was that we went on a Saturday and so it was still really busy, so we were still waiting to get in for about 20 minutes or so. It was FREEZING! 

      When we finally got in, it was amazing to see what these people had created. You got an idea for it from the outside, but being inside really made the experience whole. Anna was just excited to be outside and running around and she kinda made her claim on an in between area where the snow was softer and she kept falling and getting snow all over her sweatpants. It was cute and I would have let her just go for it, but there were too many people and she was getting in people's way. Once it started getting darker, you could start to see the lights under the ice. So cool! Definitely the best part. 

      There was a lot more to see, but we were cold, hungry, and it was too crowded to enjoy any more than we did. We came home and ate quick meals. We decided that next year we will come on a weekday and then go out for dinner afterward. In all, though, we marked this visit as a success. We got out of the house and did something we've never done before. In the winter, that's definitely a success. 

Weekly Weigh-In

Weighing In Today:  152.6 lbs.

Weight Loss for the Week:  2.8 lbs.

Total Weight Loss:  8.7 lbs.

Weight Left to Make Goal:  37.6 lbs.

      Guys! OMG!!! I'm so ecstatic!  I was NOT expecting this much of a weight loss at all.  Honestly, I was still feeling pretty bloated and it turned out that it wasn't just the red monster causing it.  I found out that I have hemorrhoids, through not so fun or comfortable experiences.  I have been feeling better now that I know how to take care of that, but was concerned that my body just isn't looking like I've done as much work as I really have.  Well, I'll be quiet now!  Haha.  I think I need to give my post-pregnancy-mommy-belly-body a break.  It's been through a lot.  Looking back at my last weight loss experience, I only lost about 7 pounds after starting the 30 day diet.  This time around, I've been really hoping to lose 10, but I would have settled for at least 8.  Nailed it! This is the last week of the diet (Woot!) and at the rate I'm going, I'm sure I'll be able to get to 10.  Who knows? Maybe I'll even get passed 10 pounds.  Right now, I feel like that's totally possible.  

      Working out has been going really well.  The Bikini Body Mommy workouts challenge me in great ways and I feel stronger for doing them.  Luckily, they are still short enough that I don't feel like I'm spending all my time working out when I have other things I need to get done.  My cardio workouts on the treadmill are going much better since I downloaded music to run to.  It's incredibly motivating to do a quick walk or run to "Sexy Chick" by David Guetta.  I pretend I'm walking through a crowd and I'm totally getting checked out.  Yeah, that feels good.  That's what I want.  For my body to be "checked out worthy".  (Not that I need a bunch of creepies watching me walk around, but you know what I mean.) Since music was one of my rewards, specifically for reaching 140 lbs., I needed to figure out a different reward for that achievement.  As we were driving home from the Ice Castles, which I'll post about tomorrow, we past a billboard for the Aquarium that's moving closer to us soon.  It's on my list of places to go this year and I thought that it would make a great goal.  I'm really excited!! I'm hoping that it will be open by the time I reach that goal.  For now, I'm excited about the possibility of getting my newest reward next week.  Gel Manicure.  Here's hoping!

Weekly Weigh-In

Weighing In Today:  155.4 lbs.

Weight Loss for the Week:  2.5 lbs.

Total Weight Loss:  5.9 lbs.

Weight Left to Make Goal:  40.4 lbs.

       I've been anxious about this weigh in most of the week.  I was debating what to do in situations like this before I started everything.  Where I would hit a weight that started with goal, but still above in the decimal amount.  Should I be strict and not give myself the reward unless my weight is at the goal ".0" or under?  Or count it as long as my weight number starts with the goal?  The last time I did my big weight loss I was using a .5lbs. scale.  Now that I'm using a .1lbs. scale I had to choose to be specific.  So I decided that I would have to weight for the scale to show the goal with a .0 behind it or under the goal in order to get the reward.  This week lady time came a little earlier than expected and that made me anxious that I would be to bloated to show my work.  When I weighed myself this morning and saw that yes I had lost a good amount of weight, but was still shy of my goal by .4lbs. I was kind of bummed.  My goal for getting to 155 is for our family to visit the Ice Castles in Midway.  Since I heard about them I've really wanted to go.  They are only open until mid February so I felt like losing the weight would be a good incentive to get moving so I could go.  

      After I weighed myself, I told Ty my predicament and he said to take the reward and chalk up not hitting the goal to being bloated.  Don't have to twist my arm!  Truthfully, I was hoping that he'd say that.  And really, I need to give myself some slack because I did just lose almost 6 lbs.! When I started, my initial weight was 161.3.  If I had started at 160 then I would have surpassed my goal.  Also, next week, I will for sure be under 155, so basically, I'm just taking the reward a little early.  I think I will take this one and then the rest will be as I planned.  I'm really excited.  I may have to figure out a different goal for the one where I get new music, because when I do my running cardio, I've been listening to my Dance Cardio station on Pandora.  Well, I don't have the data for that and it really is the best way for me to stay motivated during a run.  I have a free CD that I downloaded the last time I lost weight, but it wasn't doing much for me.  I'm going to listen to my Pandora today and make a list of all the songs I want to get and buy them before tomorrow's run. 

      One last little tidbit for you.  Ummmmm, 155!!!! I haven't been 155 since before I was pregnant with Anna when I was doing my big weight loss the last time.  In fact, according to the weight loss chart from that go around I was at 154.5 on March 7, 2011.  Since I know that that scale is off by around 2 lbs., then I was probably at the same weight I am now, THREE YEARS AGO.  Since having Anna, the lowest I've been was around 157 when I was losing weight, just before the miscarriage.  Getting past that number means so much more than just looking better.  The miscarriage was hard on my body and emotionally, I've had moments of depression that I've struggled with.  Getting past that 157 marker, for me symbolizes moving past the miscarriage and to the body that I was striving for before it happened.  I still want to have more children and hope to get pregnant soon (even if that cuts this weight loss journey short), but I'm ready for my body to heal and be where it needs to so that I can carry another little one healthily. 

I Hate Grocery Shopping

      When you are restricting yourself of certain foods, particularly anything processed, the grocery store then become your nemesis. Anytime I've done this diet, this time included, I will walk into a store (usually Walmart) and right there, BAM! They shove something that comes in either a bag or a box that is either full of sugar or salt with enticing advertising on said bag or box right into your face.  I seriously want to punch the people who decide to put that stuff there in the face.  As I walk through the aisles, it's really not any different.  Temptations are EVERYWHERE.  I haven't found a health food store close enough or I'd be on that in a minute.  Though I think a Whole Foods is opening up close to here in the Summer.  Huzzah! Except for it being quite expensive.  That parts a downer.  Honestly, who makes up these cruddy rules?! It really should be easier to afford to eat healthy.  Though, I have to admit that because we are so picky and limiting what we can (and will) eat, our grocery bill isn't as large.  All things considered, this diet isn't so bad, but I'm really excited to be done with it.  I would be lying if I said that I didn't think about having something chocolate every single day.  Getting my body in shape has really been motivating.  So every time I think of having that piece of chocolate I think of what my body will look like when I've rocked this transformation out.  Yeah, that might make me a little more excited.  I still hate the grocery store right now though.

Weekly Weigh-In

Weighing In Today:  157.9 lbs.

Weight Loss for the Week:  3.4 lbs.

Total Weight Loss:  3.4 lbs.

Weight Left to Make Goal:  42.9 lbs.

      Huzzah!  I've been looking forward to this day all week.  I was really hoping that my newest weight would start with 157.  It wasn't mentioned in either of my previous posts, but I'm actually using my scale that uses a .1 lb. difference, rather than my old one that goes by .5 lb.  I like it better because I feel like it keeps me better accountable and is more accurate.  For kicks, I did weigh myself on the old scale and it said that I'm at 156 lbs.  A 2 lb. difference doesn't seem like much, but like I said, I want to keep myself accountable and because it only goes by .5 lb. it's possible that the difference is more.  Anyway, I'm very excited about this progress.  I'm hoping for just as amazing results next week, but not expecting it.  I don't want to be disappointed with any possible "Biggest Loser second week" kind of weigh-ins.  

      When starting this, I had to make a commitment to myself.  A commitment to only weigh myself once.  So, I took my scale out of the bathroom, where I normally keep it.  Before this, I would seriously weigh myself more than once a day hoping the numbers would go down even just a little.  This is NOT healthy! Even though all week I would wonder (maybe a little obsessively) what my weight was, I'm so glad I kept my word to myself and didn't try to sneak a check.  I think this will be a great way to build trust with myself.  That sounds weird, but I really don't trust myself to make good and healthy decisions subconsciously.  After this is all over, I want to trust that I can lose the weight and do a better job of keeping it off than I did last time. 

      I said before that I'm following the Bikini Body Mommy workout routine.  She has been doing videos of her workouts and that has been really helpful.  She, also, does a "Sunday Skinny" every week and this week she talked about body image.  One thing she said was that she hoped that we didn't start following her for the weight loss, but rather for gaining strength because the weight loss will come with that.  I understood why she was saying that.  She has kids and wants to set a good example and not have them worry about body image.  That this was about becoming healthy, not just changing what we look like.  I get it, I do.  But I'm going to be superficial here and say, I started this for the weight loss first and foremost.  I'm not worried about becoming strong, I feel like I already knew that as I work out and transform my body, I'll gain the strength and endurance I want to do the things with my family that I really want to do.  However, I also want to look good doing it.  I love spending time with my husband's family, but I'm gonna put it plan for ya.  I'm the chubby bunny of the bunch.  I HATE it.  We take family pictures every year and every year I want to cry because once again there will be evidence that I'm the odd one out.  The youngest brother is getting married this year and his wife-to-be is gorgeous and also athletic and skinny.  I know that I'm a beautiful woman, but it's hard to see through the layers of chub.  So yes.  I'm in it to lose weight and look awesome (and strong!) because I don't want to hide away from the camera.  I want to have evidence that I lived and looked good doing it.

Week 1 Weigh In and Before Pictures

      Today was the official DAY 1 of my diet and body transformation.  Anyone else start a diet today? I'm actually really happy with how today went.  There was really only a small window of time where I was really wanting chocolate, but that was because it was definitely time for a snack.  Dinner was a bit of a hassle because I forgot to pre make the brown rice like I had planned.  It turned out alright though and we managed a doable dinner.  I weighed myself, took my measurements, and my before pictures today.  Guys, putting this stuff on here, I making myself incredibly vulnerable here.  I know that you are all my friends, but it doesn't change the fact that I don't like even my friends to see me this way.  I like people to see me as my best self.  Obviously, I'm not there physically, otherwise I wouldn't be doing this.  So here we go.  Let the accountability begin.

Starting Stats

Weight: 161.3 lbs.

BMI:  29.5

Chest:  30.5"

Bust:  37.25"

Upper Left Arm:  13.5"

Upper Right Arm:  13"

Lower Left Arm:  10.25"

Lower Right Arm:  10.5'

Waist:  32"

Mid Waist:  40"

Hips:  41"

Left Thigh:  25.5"

Right Thigh:  25.5"

Left Knee:  16.5"

Right Knee:  16.75"

Before Pictures

      As I mentioned in my post yesterday, I'm doing the Bikini Body Mommy Challenge workouts.  I'm not ready to share myself in a bikini (and probably won't ever be that comfortable), but my swimsuit definitely reveals my figure enough to let me know I need a change.  Especially since people will see me in a swimsuit this summer.  By the time I'm finished with this transformation, hopefully, my figure and my swimsuit will be better.

Weight Loss Challenge Redux

      Here we are again!  Remember that time I lost 40 pounds?  It was awesome.  I think I'll do it again.  :)  Because after that time I lost 40 pounds, there was that time I became pregnant and gained weight and couldn't lose it because the stress of being a new mommy got to me.  I started back losing weight again last Summer.  Then I hit a road block.  Happily, I found out I was pregnant.  Then, sadly I found out that it was an ectopic pregnancy that ruptured and I had to have emergency surgery, which ended up being a removal of my left fallopian tube (ovary is fine and intact) and a liter of blood.  A surgery that ended up saving my life, but changed it forever.  Afterwards, working out and healthy eating went on the back burner.  I gained a bit of weight back and now I'm really ready to get rid of it and the rest of the weight I've been carrying around for too long.

     I've already put together a plan and rewards for each 5 pound weight goal.  Starting tomorrow, I'm going to do the 30 day diet again.  The meal plan is made.  Actually, I made a plan for January and February.  I want to go back to my typical menu plan, which is basically healthy meals Monday through Thursday and Friday through Sunday are more fun dinners.  I'll, also, be counting counting calories with My Fitness Pal.  I really need the extra help with knowing where my food is going.  Workouts, I'm going to be following the Bikini Body Mommy workout plan, which starts tomorrow.  I have backup workouts that I can do if anything feels too much for me, but I will plan on giving everything a try before I decide anything. 

      This time around I'll be starting about 10 pounds lighter, but my goal weight is 10 pounds less as well.  I'm excited.  I really want to make it and make it work.  I'm not going to be posting everything I'm eating or every workout I do like I did before.  I feel like My Fitness Pal is pretty good about that since there is a social aspect to it.  I'm looking forward to getting motivation and encouragement  there as well.  What I will be posting on this blog, is weigh-ins, recipe tutorials, reward achievements, and filling you in on how I'm doing along the way.  I also will be showing my progress pictures.  Confession, I've had a migraine today so I haven't taken my before pictures or done my measurements yet.  I plan on doing that tomorrow and will hopefully get that up in the next few days.

      Wish me luck all!  I'm excited about doing this journey again.  It's gonna be amazing!