Weekly Weigh-in & Week 22 Pictures

Weighing In Today:  119.1 lbs.

Weight Loss for the Week:  2.2 lbs.

Total Weight Loss:  42.2 lbs.

Weight Left to Make Goal:  -0.9 lbs.

      It's come at last!!!  I can't even begin to tell you how excited I am.  This process has begun to wear thin on me.  (Haha.  Pun only slightly intended.)  I'm exhausted and worn out.  Both mentally and physically.  I'm more than ready to lighten up a bit on myself.  Strength training days in particular are going to be revamped.  I have been spent so much time working out on those days, it really wasn't fair to Anna.  The way I look at it, these last 5 1/2 months have been about me and getting to be a little more selfish with my time than I normally would allow.  However, I'm also a mom and I try to be a good one.  My "ME" time is going to have to come back to a normal level and I can take more time to focus on taking Anna outside and we both can get a lot more fresh air and relaxing time.  This doesn't mean to imply that I'm not going to be working out at all anymore.  Cardio days are still the same, but they don't nearly the amount of time strength days do.  Since my stay-at-home-mom-with-no-car situation hasn't changed, I still need workouts I can do from the comfort of my living room.  I'm considering P90X or Insanity, but for now I'm going to be doing a Jillian Michaels workout I found on Youtube and maybe a few more calisthenics thrown in for good measure.  I'm all for any good suggestions you guys have. 

 

Week 1

 Week 4

 

 Week 8

 Week 12

 Week 16

 Week 22

Before & After

      You can't tell as well from these pictures, but this swimsuit really doesn't fit me anymore.  Haha.  There's a lot of extra fabric it's ridiculous.  I'm kinda hunched a little in the last picture I'm looking to the side (toward the picture frames) because we took them this morning before Anna woke up.  She heard the sound of the camera from her room and kept saying, "Oh wow! Take a picture!".  Haha!  I love that little girl.  Ty and I couldn't stop laughing. 

      I'm so happy with how far I've come and how well I've done.  I've worked so hard and the results are definitely easy to see.  During this process and along the way, people have asked me what my secret is or how I did it.  The truth is there is no magic or secret weapons I've used to lose all this weight.  I'm just like so many other SAHMs (Stay At Home Moms) who want/need to get their workout in.  I don't have a car and we are on a limited budget, so a gym is out of the question.  We are lucky that our complex has a gym with treadmills because we couldn't fit ours in our condo.  If I didn't have that, I would still probably try running outside.  Easy and free.  My strength training days have consisted of youtube workout videos (BikiniBodyMommy, Jillian Michaels videos) and workouts from an app.  Awhile ago, a friend of mine posted a KSL article on key strategies to losing weight and they are all exactly right one.  Go here to read the article.  I think the key from here on out to keeping the weight off is sticking with my monthly meal plan.  I'll be checking in here and there to let you know how I'm doing and to keep myself accountable.  I hope everyone has the same great success I've had! 'Til next time!!

Monthly Menu Plan

      I've had a few questions about my menu plan from several people, so I decided that I would finally write a separate post about it.

      It's really important for me to make a monthly menu for several reasons.  Having a plan that you can divert from if necessary is easier than having no idea what to do and making a last minute bad decision.  I, also, do my grocery shopping every two weeks, though I usually get produce weekly.  You'd be surprised at how much money you can save for both of these reasons.  We don't eat out very often while I am trying to lose weight and we don't go out of town, except once or twice a year so that definitely helps save money and calories. 

Here's what this month looks like:

      I actually copied the template from a Pinterest idea.  A blogger mom makes a plan that looks similar to this for her family and I really liked how it maps out the day so I adapted it for my use.  My breakfasts and lunch are pretty much the same everyday, except of course for Fast Sundays.  Dinners, Monday through Thursday, are rotated every two weeks.  Fridays alternate between homemade Pizza and breakfast.  Saturday and Sundays are typical go to meals, recipes from my cookbooks, or Pinterest finds.  Other than dinners Monday through Thursday, everything in the menu is subject to change based on calories I'm going for, my mood, or holidays (this actually does include any holiday that lands on a day during the week, I just move the healthy meal to a weekend night).  Eating healthier meals during the week and not so healthy meals helps me maintain balance and not feel deprived.  I think it makes it easier on the rest of the family as well.  Ty definitely appreciates the Pizza nights!

      I'm sure you are curious about the healthy meals that I put on my menu so I decided to add the recipes on this post as well.  Something to keep in mind, Ty and I are both VERY picky eaters, so if we can keep eating it biweekly then you know it's got potential.  That being said, there are two meals he doesn't care for as much and he has decided those nights he's on his own. Other than that, he eats what I eat.  When I make dinners during the week, I always pair the chicken with brown rice and veggies.  Ty will have either white rice or potatoes and veggies, but it's not too hard to make either of those things in their instant forms.  I make my brown rice in bulk and reheat for meals, so it's easy enough to do that with white rice as well. Just add a little bit of water and nuke in the microwave for about 30 seconds to 1 minute. 

      Okay, without further ado, here are the recipes I use Mondays through Thursdays.  I usually cut these in half because there's just the two of us adults and a toddler so we don't need as much, obviously.

Almond Chicken Kabobs 
*I actually don't do the almonds, so it ends up being more of a Honey Mustard Chicken, but still so good.
-1 Tbsp. Dijon Mustard
-1 Tbsp. Honey
-1 Tbsp. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
-1 Tbsp. Lemon Juice
-4 skinless, Boneless Chicken Breast Halves, cut into 1 inch halves
-1/4 cup chopped toasted almonds

Directions:
1.  In a medium bowl blend Dijon mustard, honey, oil, & lemon juice. Place chicken in the mixture, stir to coat. Cover & marinate for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour.
2.  Thread chicken on skewers. Grill for 7 to 10 (Broil: 6 minutes on top and bottom), until no longer pink inside & juices run clear.
3.  Remove skewers from heat & quickly roll in almonds to lightly coat.

Honey Chicken Kabobs
-1/4 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
-1/3 cup Honey
-1/3 cup Soy Sauce
-1/4 tsp. Ground Black Pepper
-8 Skinless, Boneless Chicken Breast Halves, cut into 1 inch cubes
-2 Cloves garlic (I use minced)
-5 Small Onions, cut into 2 inch pieces
-2 Red Bell Peppers, cut into 1-2 inch pieces

Directions:
1.  In a large bowl, whisk together oil, honey, soy sauce, & pepper (& garlic if you do minced).  Place chicken, garlic (if not minced), onions, & peppers in the bowl & marinate for at least 30 minutes to 2 hours.
2.  Thread chicken & veggies alternately onto skewers.
3.  Grill for 12-15 minutes, until juices run clear.  Or broil 6 minutes on top and bottom.

Key West Grilled Chicken Kabobs
This was a Pinterest find that we added to our cycle.  The link has the full recipe.

Mozzarella Chicken
-1/2 Tbsp. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
-4 Skinless, Boneless Chicken Breast Halves
-1/2 tsp. Ground Black Pepper
-1/2 tsp. Minced Garlic
-1/4 cup Minced Onion (*Can we just say this is really small diced? Cuz that's what it is. Haha.)
-1/2 cup Chicken Broth
-4 cups Spaghetti Sauce (Look for any kind that doesn't have sugar. I use the Classico brand.)
-1 cup Shredded Mozzarella

Directions:
1.  Heat oil in large skillet over medium high heat.  Saute chicken for 4-5 minutes, on each side or until white.
2.  Add pepper, garlic, onion & broth.  Cover & simmer about 7-10 minutes, or until broth cooks off.
3.  Stir in spaghetti sauce, cover & simmer 10 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through & no longer pink inside.
4.  Sprinkle cheese on top, cover, & cook 2-3 minutes, or until cheese is melted.  Serve hot.

Garlic Lemon Chicken Kabobs *This is Ty's favorite of all the healthy recipes I make. 
-3 Tbsp. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
-Zest pf 1 Lemon
-3 Cloves Garlic, Minced or Pressed
-1 Tbsp. Minced Fresh Parsley, or 1 tsp. dried
-1 tsp. Kosher Salt
-1/2 tsp. Ground Black Pepper
-1 lb. (or 4 Halves) Skinless, Boneless Chicken Breasts, cut into 3/4 to 1 inch pieces

Directions:
1.  In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon zest, garlic, parsley, salt & pepper.  Add the chicken pieces to the bowl & mix to coat with the marinate.  Cover & refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to 2 hours, up to 8 hours.
2. Thread the chicken onto skewers.  Grill about 8-12 minutes, or broil for 6 minutes on top and bottom.

Chicken 21 *From an HCG meal plan cookbook.
-Chicken Breasts
-Kirkland Organic No-Salt
-Brown Rice Vinegar
-Kosher Salt

Directions:
      In a bowl, sprinkle the no-salt seasoning liberally over the chicken, making sure to coat both sides.  Add in a pinch of kosher salt per chicken breast, then drizzle brown rice vinegar down over the chicken, until the liquid begins to pool just a little bit.  You don't want the chicken submerged, but don't skimp.

      Cover the bowl and forget about it for a day or two.  (I only let it marinate for at least 30 minutes or a little more.)  Then grill, pan sear, or bake the chicken.

Mexican Chicken Kabobs
-2 Tbsp. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
-1 tsp. Ground Cumin
-2 Tbsp. Chopped Fresh Cilantro (or 1/2 Tbsp. dried)
-1 Lime, juiced
-Salt & Pepper, to taste
-2 Skinless, Boneless Chicken Breast Halves, cut into 1 inch cubes
-1 Onion, cut into wedges & separated
-1 Red Bell Pepper, cut into 1-2 inch pieces
-10 Cherry Tomatoes (optional, I never use)
-1 Small zucchini, cut into 1/2 inch slices (optional, I never use)

Directions:

1.  In a shallow dish, mix together olive oil, cumin, cilantro, and lime juice.  Season with salt and pepper.  Add chicken, and mix well.  Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour.
2.  Thread chicken & vegetables while oven or grill is preheating.
3.  Cook for approximately 10 minutes, or broil for 6 minutes on top and bottom. 

Chicken Provencal  *From an HCG meal plan cookbook.
-2 Chicken Breasts
-2 Cloves Garlic, minced
-2-3 Tbsp. Herbs de Provence

      Place the chicken breasts in a small glass baking dish, spread the garlic and sprinkle the Herbs de Provence over both sides of the chicken, then cover with foil.

      Bake in a 350°F oven for 45 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.

Chicken Tortilla Soup
*This is one I actually do for Sundays, but it makes a lot for us and I'll freeze it and use it later for either another Sunday or during the week when needed.  It's also a great crockpot meal that I love. 
-4 Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs (About 1 pound) *I use Chicken breasts
-2 Cans (15 oz. each) Diced Tomatoes, undrained
-1 Can (4 oz.) Chopped Mild Green Chilies, drained
-1 Yellow Onion, diced
-2 Cloved Garlic, minced
-1/2 to 1 cup Chicken Broth
-1 tsp. Cumin
-Salt & Black Pepper, to taste
-4 Corn Tortillas, sliced into 1/4-inch strips *I omit this and just use the Multigrain chips from Costco.
-2 Tbsp. Chopped Fresh Cilantro *or 1 Tbsp. dried
-1/2 cup Shredded Monterey Jack cheese *I use Mozzarella and only use 1/8 cup for each serving of mine.
-1 Avocado, seeded, peeled, diced and diced with lime juice to prevent browning *I omit this.
-Lime wedges

Directions:
1.  Place chicken in Crock-Pot.  Combine tomatoes with juice, chilies, onion, garlic, 1/2 cup chicken broth, and cumin in a small bowl.  Pour mixture over chicken.  Cover; cook on HIGH 3 hours, or until chicken is tender.
2.  Remove chicken from Crock-Pot.  Shred with 2 forks. Return to cooking liquid.  Adjust seasonings, adding more broth if necessary.
3.  Just before serving, add tortillas and cilantro to Crock-Pot.  Stir to blend.  Serve in soup bowls, topping each service with cheese, avocado, and a squeeze of lime juice.


*NOTE:  I use a George Foreman because we don't have a grill and the oven makes it the house so hot, though that comes in handy during the cold months.  When using the Foreman grill, I don't use skewers and just throw everything on it and it all works out great.  It also doesn't take as long to cook.  For the kabobs, I will grill them for about 5 minutes, flipping halfway.  The Chicken 21 and Provencal take 4 minutes, also flipping halfway.  Another side note, I will usually only marinate 30 minutes because I'm short on time and I just don't want to take the time.  It seems like it works out just fine, but you can decide how strong you want the flavor.

      These recipes are gluten free or can be made gluten free very easily.  I eat that way, though not exclusively, when my diet is where it should be.  It's hard, but doable if you have good recipes.   If you have any recipes to share with me, PLEASE DO.  It's always good to add good recipes to my repertoire.

Small Victories

      I forgot to mention in my weigh-in post that over the weekend, on our anniversary, we decided to do a little shopping at ROSS since we were sans Anna and that basically never happens.  I had just bought a bunch of shirts at Savers for dirt cheap so I didn't need much.  However, I did need another pair of pants since I was wearing the only ones that fit me.  I had two other pairs of size 12's, but they were fitting baggy on me.  The pair I've been wearing are from Maurices and are sized like men's pants so I'm not sure what they would be in women's.  Well, at least I didn't.  Thinking I was still in size 12 (I'm at the weight I was in high school and that's what I wore then) I tried on a pair of jeans in that size.  Most anything I try on is long on me, but these were also really baggy.  Weird.  I decided to go for it since we had the time and tried on a size 10 pair.  Yes, they were long and needed to be rolled up (curse of being short), but they fit perfectly in every other aspect.  Huzzah!!!  The last time I was able to wear size 10 was when I was pregnant and they were maternity pants. 

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.

End Scene

     So in case you haven't notice, I haven't really been blogging anything about meals or exercise in quite some time.  I hate to say that I gave up, but essentially that's what I did.  At least during pregnancy.  I just put so much pressure on myself and really, I'm doing okay.  I wish I had more energy right now because the idea of making meals most days is just tiring.  Other than that, I feel mentally good.  At some point, this blog will come back into play.  I still want to reach the best weight possible for myself and I think, after the baby is born and some time has passed, I'll get back into the swing of things.  I still have goals for my health and weight.  With pregnancy and soon-to-be new baby those goals will have to move to a lower spot on my priority list.  However, the won't be lost and gone forever.  They'll return, but only when I feel the most ready.

Final Weigh In

Weighing in today @:  128.5 lbs.

Weight Loss for the Week:  3 lbs.

Total Weight Loss:  41.5 lbs.

    I believe the appropriate response to this is BOO-YA!!!!!  I made it!  What's really funny is the Dora "We did it" song has been playing on repeat in my head.  :)  Not sure why since I've only seen bits and pieces of that show, but regardless, it's totally appropriate.  Can you believe it?!  I finally reached my goal.  Excuse me, not just reached it, I surpassed it!  What an amazing feeling?  

    In honor of the momentous occasion, I wanted take a little trip down memory lane  and show you how I saw my continual progress on the chart I colored in every week.

And now for the final entry mark:

    I actually had to sort of draw above the chart because I hadn't planned for this.  Incredible!  Now I bet you'd like to see what I look like don't you?

    I'm not sure you can see a HUGE difference between the second and third picture, but the first and last are astounding.  I can't believe how chubby I was!  Okay, I can believe it, but it's still amazing that I let myself get to a place where I looked like that.  I will tell you I'm thrilled to go clothes shopping.  Except for a few shirts I kept around (because I was in denial that they wouldn't fit me or because I planned on loosing the weight "really soon") from before the weight gain, nothing fits me.  In fact the skirt in that last picture is practically falling off.  There are some jeans that fit when I first weighed in (again) at 135 and they are a bit baggy.  Even the leggings I have are sagging.  Basically, I NEED new clothes.  However, so as not to bust the bank, I plan on getting thrifty and hitting places like Value Village first to see if I can find some steal items.  Mostly right now, I'd just like to find some shorts and pants.  The shorts I have from last year look ridiculous on me.  I could wear a belt, but when I do it bunches where the button and zipper are and that's just not attractive or appealing.  Another item on my list is a dress.  The one I wore at Easter:

now sags horribly on me.

    I feel so good and I'm so proud of myself for all the really hard work I've put in.  If I could give any kind of advice, it would be do this only when you are ready.  And by ready, I mean mentally ready.  Once you have mentally geared yourself up for this, then prepare yourself by getting the tools you'll need.  Stock up on food, come up with a workout routine(s), surround yourself with positive people, and keep yourself accountable.  One of the best things I did was calling myself out by opening up on this blog.  It's been sort of intimidating letting you all in and sharing my diet and workouts, but it's helped me immensely.  

    Now that I've said that, you probably won't see me on here for awhile as I plan on taking a bit of a sabbatical.  My goal is to maintain through July and then go from there.  July is reunion season for us and I don't want to be sooo focused on what I'm eating that I'm not taking the time to enjoy spending time with family.  Also, I kind of need a break from this crazy thing I've been doing for the last 5 1/2 months.  I'm tired and worn out and would like to recharge my batteries with a little Summer fun.  That's not to say I still don't plan on being smart.  I'll still be eating the same kind of meals, well maybe a few more fun ones, but for the most part it will be the same.  In fact, Ty has requested that it be so.  :)  Apparently, he likes it when his wife routinely cooks meals and when there is a plan for dinner so he doesn't have to ask (or if he does I can actually tell him).  So dear friends and family, I love you all and thank you for the amazing support and encouragement you've all given me.  Y'all are da best!

Weekly Weigh-In

Weighing in today @:  138.5 lbs.

Weight Loss for the Week:  3.5 lbs.

Total Weight Loss:  31.5 lbs.

    Small confession before I celebrate my victory.  After last Monday's pretty upsetting weigh-in, I weighed myself the next day and I was 140, which only further convinces me that I was bloated from lady time.  So, to me, I really lost 1.5 pounds.  A victory still, but I just wanted to clarify.  :)

    Now, on to my glorious moment of achievement!  People, I'm in the 130's!  So close to my goal I can taste it.  I mean seriously, I've lost 31.5 pounds in just a little over four months.  That alone is worth celebrating.  Also, I earned the reward of a Mani/Pedi and I'm throwing in a massage too, because I sorely need it.  I haven't been in the 130's since Ty and I were dating.  At least 3 1/2 years ago.  Doesn't seem like much, but it's felt like an eternity to me.  This week was the first week I really noticed how much thinner my face has become.  According to my BMI stats, I'm only slightly overweight and that will change soon.  I feel so good and love the way my body is reforming into it's old shape.  There are many things that are not fitting me anymore.  Belts are a necessity for my pants until I reach my goal.  Ty just informed me that I now fit within the range of his arms if he puts them straight out, no need to widen.  That made me very happy.  I'm so blessed to have such a wonderful and supportive husband who has always (not matter the size) thought I'm "HOT and sexy and stuff".  :)  I loves him.  

    There are only 8.5 pounds left before I reach my goal.  Which means I have less to loose than I already have.  I'm 3/4 done before I make my goal.  How crazy is that?!  Stay tuned folks, cuz this party ain't over yet.

Changing our lives

    Yesterday I found an article that got me really excited about what I'm doing with this blog.  Go HERE to read it.  I loved reading through the success stories of the bloggers who posted what they ate and and seeing their transformations.  AMAZING!  All because they let go of their fears and shared everything about their journey with the world.

    Their "Top Tips" were really great and inspiring as well.  My favorite was from Ben, who started his blog as part of a promise to his Grandma to change his life. 

"No matter what life change you need to make, do it publicly. Obviously you don’t have to start a blog for the world to see, but make sure you’re sharing your struggles with people who care about you. The natural thing for us to do is hide our vices and try to fix them in secret because we’re ashamed. But I’ve found that, more often than not, people are excited for you, and will be there to support you and help you in any way they can."

    I think that's a big reason why this kind of blogging/weight "program" works so well.  We bloggers who are sharing what we eat, how we exercise, and what we weigh are putting all our cards on the table.  Thanks to everyone who has commented and/or shared their support.  I love all y'all!