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!

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.

Monday the 12th

Breakfast - Organic Flax Cereal w/ Milk



Lunch - Open faces PB&J, Multigrain Tortilla Chips, & a Tangelo



Dinner - Brown Sugar Muffins w/ Syrup. I got really distracted w/ phone calls and when I was finished it was so late. When I sat on the couch, I realized how tired I was and almost fell asleep. Luckily, Ty is an amazing husband and made these for dinner. Though, they may not be healthy they were certainly MUCH appreciated.



- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:Carrier Rd,Richland,United States

Sunday the 11th

Breakfast - Scrambled Eggs w/ Cheese, Gala Apple & Extra Crunchy Peanut Butter



Lunch - Turkey Sandwich (Orowheat Whole Grain & Flax Bread, Mayo, Mustard, & Turkey) put in a sandwich maker to heat the turkey, Almonds, & Fiber One Brownie






Dinner - Spaghetti & Buttered Bread



Snack - Granola Bar



Water - 2 (and a little bit) Liters

Another Round

     Since loosing the rest of my weight and getting pregnant, I've been absent from this blog a long time.  I must confess I've missed it a little.  Something I had thought about for awhile before I met my goal, was to continue taking pictures of food and keep up the accountability so I could stay on track.  Before getting pregnant, I thought I would take a few months to maintain my goal weight and then readjust to my goals so that I could lose another 15 pounds and for once in my life be at my ideal weight for my height.  Well, of course, plans certainly changed rather quickly considering loosing weight wasn't an option.  During, my first trimester I experienced morning sickness and that helped keep the weight gain at bay.  Once it was over, though, the weight has slowly crept back on.  Don't think I'm trying to stop it.  I fully understand that I need to gain weight to keep myself and my baby happy and healthy.  My biggest concern is with what I'm eating and eating too much and gaining weight too quickly so that it's above and beyond the healthy amount. I think that when pregnant women are told they shouldn't diet, they should instead be told, "Don't diet to lose weight, diet to stay healthy."  Some might need further clarification, but I think that takes the voodoo out of the word "dieting".  I want to pregnancy diet, not trim-the-fat diet.

     So here's my plan:

-  Take a picture of everything I consume.

-  Post pictures on the Diet Blog for every day.*

-  On Monday thru Friday do Yoga routine from Yoga DVD.  Saturday and Sunday go for walks.  Two miles the second trimester and one to one and a half miles the third.  Might do more weight lifting and calisthenics as desired and needed.

-  Keep track of calories on My Daily Plate.  I've already adjusted the calories to 300 more than I would need to maintain my goal weight and in my third trimester I'll readjust it to 500 more.**

     I don't plan on doing any particular diet, but I would LOVE and appreciate any recipes you might want to share that are especially good and healthy during pregnancy.  After listening to a podcast on Pregtastic, which I highly recommend by the way, with the author of "I'm Pregnant, Now What Do I Eat", I'm considering going to Barnes and Noble and picking up a copy.  It starts with great information about having a good diet during pregnancy and then also gives recipes.  The author, is an OBGYN, teamed up with her chef hubby and put together recipes that are packed with pregnancy super foods.

     I already started taking pictures today, and it feels very natural and I'm excited to give myself that accountability again, since I haven't been doing to well as of late.  Encouragement and words of wisdom are welcome.  Remember, I'm new to this and will probably make mistakes, but that's how we learn.

* Before, I was doing posts by meal.  This time I'll be posting by day.  Also, I won't be posting the calories and I'm still not sure I want to post my weigh-ins, but I'm considering it.

** As far as I have been able to gather, this is the most appropriate way to add calories to your diet.  If you have facts that suggest otherwise, please share.  :)

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!