Reporting on Weeks 12-13. The End of my Project.

Wow!   This project has been an incredible learning tool!  
The two biggest lessons have been 

1.  I have more success when I lean on my Father in Heaven.  

2.  Weight loss goals are not reached by seeing how much you can lose in a certain period of time... rather it is in every day small simple choices.  

This project has been awesome to jump start my motivation to get moving again.   It has been a huge blessing in my life.  And while the project ends here my journey to my goal continues.   Each day I am striving to make good choices and when I do I see positive results.  The success isn't always shown on the scale but I can always feel the success.   My weight will be something I will have to be aware of my whole life.   I will need to continue to make good choices even after I reach my goal weight.

On week 10 I stepped on the scale and saw a 5 pound weight gain.   I wanted to just go to bed and not wake up for a while.  I had been so stressed with issues dealing with my son and my daughter dealing with health issues.   It was a hard few weeks and I realize that even though I was eating and exercising pretty well during this time my body was dealing with my stress in the only way a body knows how.   Those hormones (namely Cortisol) which release during stressful periods are great at helping you deal with your situation but they are also great with helping to pack on the pounds.   In an article on the Mayo Clinic website "Chronic Stress puts your health at risk."  It talks about how stress can cause weight gain as well as a whole bunch of other issues.   Once I realized what was going on and once I was able to get the issues with my kiddos resolved I went and talked to my doctor.   She is helping me do what I need to move forward.   By week 11 and then week 12 I had dropped a couple pounds and today I have almost lost that 5 pounds I gained in week 10.    I am down to 226.6.    My total weight loss in 13 weeks is 14.6 pounds.   I was hoping for a 20 pounds loss in these 13 weeks but I am happy with my results.  I have lost a little over 1 pound a week when I average it out.   That is pretty good.

My goal from this point on is to continue to use Weight Watcher tools and continue to walk, run, bike and do all of the fun active things I have been doing.
I am also heading to the Orthopedic doctor this week to get help for my numb toes.  it doesn't hurt but it is annoying.   I have a feeling he is going to tell me to lay off the running for a while.  I am guessing I have a pinched nerve someplace.   But when there is a will there is a way and I will do what I need to do to get my feet well and to keep on my journey.
Thank you so much for supporting me in my project!
While it isn't a load of money the total amount raised for the cuties in Liberia is $312.80.
I wish I could have lost more so there would be more heading to the orphanage but I am excited to be able to have even this much!!!
Thank you so much!!
 It is your turn now....please go to this page: http://hopeforfallenleaves.org/event/i-count-for-them/  and click on the button on the top right corner that says "Donate Here"  to pay your pledge.

I am so thankful you joined with me in helping some beautiful children have a little more of what they need.

Reporting on Week 10 & 11.

"When you're under stress, you may find it harder to eat healthy. Also, during times of particularly high stress, you may eat in an attempt to fulfill emotional needs — sometimes called stress eating or emotional eating. And you may be especially likely to eat high-calorie foods during times of stress, even when you're not hungry."  Mayo Clinic Article Stress and Weight management.

This has been my life the past 2 weeks!  The stress has been so high and I have struggled!  Struggled with the lack of desire to exercise, to eat healthy, to do anything I am suppose to do to create balance in my life and home.   Issues with Camden at school and with his ADHD and anxiety I have spent alot of time venting, crying and just feeling lost.   Then I went to work researching what is best for him.   The decision has finally been made and arrangements are in the works to make Camden's 2014-15 school year successful.   And we finally know for sure Brenley will have surgery and her awesome teachers and advisers at school made it possible for Brenley to have rest until her surgery.  She is done with school for the year.    Having these two issues resolved (or at least the answer is known) I am hoping I can start to feel myself again.  I thought I would feel and instant relief but I still feel keyed up and have had headaches for 3 days now.   

I am sharing all of this not to bore you but hoping you won't think I am totally loser when I share with you that the past two weeks my weight has been fluctuating all over the place.  Up and down and I have no idea how much I really weigh right now.   I am still making progress in my journey as I am learning how to overcome challenges.  I just have to remember this is a life long journey and not something I can accomplish in 3 or 4 months.   Thank you for sticking with me.  I am trying to stay positive but it has been hard.   But I am here and I am working.. every day I am working whether it shows or not.

Reporting Week #9: Counting Points gets a Thumbs up!

So I started counting Weight Watcher points (using their old system).  It is small but I am seeing results this week.   I lost 1.6 pounds bringing me to 225.0.   And I did it without feeling like I had to say NO to everything.   It as a nice change.   I think this is how the weight loss will be from this point on...slow but hopefully steady.

I am still seeing changes in my body.   I went shopping for some shirts and I was able to buy  in the large size rather than XL or XXL. It seems to depend upon the style so I am unsure what shirt size I really am but I know I am smaller than before.    I try to remember this when I see pictures of myself.   I can see changes in my face but I struggle looking at a full body shot.  I feel ugly.   I am  battling negative self talk....I feel good and see improvements but then I look at myself in a recent picture and I wonder how long it is going to take until the real Brenda is found among the fat.   I don't like to think this way and I like who I am inside...I just have to continue to carry on by having faith and moving my feet.  Having Faith and Moving Forward seems to be a common theme throughout my life.   

I am thankful to feel the progress in my body even if the pictures aren't showing it.   I can run faster.   I trimmed 4 minutes off of my mile which is HUGE for me!   I am still a slow runner but Rome wasn't build in a day and I didn't put all of this weight on in a day.   I have to remind myself to be patient with my body.    I look forward to being able to hike this summer and bike and be active with my children.  This is something I used to be, active, but then one day I wasn't.  At least that is how it felt.   I have goals and a secret desire of my heart that I hope will come sometime in the next couple of years and I want to be physically ready for the call if it comes.   Even it that call doesn't come the Lord will have other plans and I want to be able to meet he challenges with energy and vigor!   Good health is an incredible blessing and everyday is a gift!   

Another milestone this past week is wearing a belt.   My pants are getting too baggy so I tried an old belt on. I could only do it up on the first hole but at least I could do it up!!!!!   That was kind of fun!!!   

My favorite grocery item is Greek Yogurt (non-fat).   

Baked Nacho Casserole by Ro*Tel.

I made this recipe and replaced the mayo with the Greek yogurt.  Saves LOTS of calories and fat.  I think the mayo probably adds some flavor so I added some taco seasoning and garlic powder to give it a little more spice.  I also replaced the burger with turkey burger.  It turned out yummy.    Next time I will use rice on the bottom and less tortilla chips on top.   This would bring it to a lower point value.  

So this was my week in a nutshell.
Onward and Upward!

Reporting Week #8 - Better late than never.

Ok so I am a few days behind in reporting.

Week #8 ended with me stepping on the scale and wanting to scream as it showed me about 4 pounds heavier.   Made me so stinking mad!   But then I stepped on the the scale the next day and breathed a huge sigh of relief when I realized it was all water weight.   I guess it was just a weird day.  But I did stay the same...no loss.   So I started using Weight Watchers plan. I am so happy I did.   So far this is so much easier to deal with and I can make a meal for my whole family and still be able to eat it myself.

I decided to take my measurements again to see if there is any progress there....and to my surprise I have dropped about 2 inches from my chest and abdomen.   I am happy with that!!!!  Hope it continues to come off!  

I have been working hard, working out and being true to my goals!  I hope when I weight in this week all the hard work shows!!!

Report Week #7 - The Same Old Song.

I made some awesome strides this week.   Been back to running and pushing myself.  I had to kind of step back and walk for a while but this week I was running almost 2 miles without stopping.   Has felt AWESOME!!!!    I am getting stronger.   The frustrating part is my body isn't showing it on the scale once again.   I am fluctuating between 226.4 and 227 ish.   So again no loss to report.  *UGH!*

This Easter weekend I decided to just eat whatever and not exercise.  Maybe it will wake up my body or something.  Who knows.   If I go another week without loss I am heading to weight watchers because it means what I am doing isn't working.  But I won't stop trying.  There have been alot of "mommy" type worries the past few weeks with my oldest son being diagnoses with ADHD w/Anxiety and one of my daughters not feeling well and having some things we need to help her change.  She is under a doctors care and she is trying to take good care of herself but it is hard when you are young.  These sweet kids should be able to just be kids and not have adult type worries.   But I believe they have been blessed with just the right gifts from a loving Heavenly Father to help them through these hard places.   And if I believe that then I need to remember it for myself as well.   I have not been left alone to face my own hard places...I know that.  I have witnessed it so many times in my life.  I am so thankful for that knowledge.  Sometimes I just need a reminder.  

If you get a free moment this week could you say a little prayer for my kids and myself...that we can overcome these "hard places".   Thank YOU!!!

Stress + Stress = Bad Report for weight loss. Week #6 Report.

I am not a super emotional eater ( at least most of the time) but I am an "anxious" eater.

When I am feeling my anxious self I can't focus as well on tasks and goals and I find myself wandering in the kitchen.  Sometimes this leads to eating....sometimes it leads to organizing.  (I prefer the second).   So I am sad to report I haven't lost anything.  :(  

Tomorrow is a the day my worries and anxiety over my oldest son's school issues will finally get some help.   We see the pediatrician tomorrow and I am hoping we leave with some answers and some help.   I worry a little bit that some of that "help" will be in the form of her telling me I need to change Camden's diet.   I am scared I won't be able to take on another new way of eating on top of the goals I have set for myself and my family already.  But if I need to do it then I will and will just pray my heart out for help!   But honestly the whole idea makes me so tired.
 *Deep Breath!*

So I am moving forward this week and going to work as hard as I can and I will expect to see a difference on Friday. 

  I need to Keep Calm, Get Healthy and if I need to "wander" because I am anxious my goal is to wander out the door in my jogging shoes.    

Week #5 Report

It has been a cold yucky raining kind of week.

My mood pretty much matched the weather.

I have been worried about my 7 year old (you can read more about that here), had a great case of pms and pretty much just felt like staying in my jammies all week.

So you will notice I didn't keep my tracking log this week and I didn't exercise every day.   I am amazed I even get to report a loss at all.

It isn't a whole pound but it is a loss.  0.4.

My eating wasn't super bad....pretty good considering but I hope to do much better in the new week.   I am still fighting the blues but hoping they go away with the stormy weather.

I found this saying and loved it!!!!
Been there done that and here I am again....NOT giving up this time even if I do have a bad week!

Week #4 Report

I love this picture!
I felt success this week in a few ways.

I lost 2.4 pounds!
I worked HARD for those 2.4 pounds.
I am now down to 227.0.
I also reached my goal to run over 3 miles.
I made it to 3.3 miles running 3/4 of the way.
I am feeling ready to run a few 5 K's which is my next goal.
I tried new foods/recipes.

To help "protect myself" from binge eating I have set two goals for my week this past week and will continue on in the coming weeks.
1.  Never allow myself to get too hungry....don't forget to eat a snack.  When I get to hungry it is easier for me to eat too much etc.   When I eat well all day I have zero problems with cravings and temptations.

2.  Include 1 day in the week where I can eat a meal or treat (or both)  and not worry about it.  I realized after working my "program" for over 17 days that the longer I said no to everything the harder it became to say no.  A friend of mine suggested I have a built in "cheat" ...or whatever you want to call it.   So when you see "cheat day" on my Daily Tracking page you will know what I mean. :)

I tried mashed cauliflower this week.
It was ok...not great.  I think I know how to make it taste better so I will try it again in coming weeks.
I am hoping to try out this new veggie this coming week.

It is called Jicama -pronounced (HEE-kah-ma).
I am told it is great on salads.
I'll let you know.
If you have a great recipe for Jicama let me know.

I am not losing 9 pounds each week (wouldn't that be nice lol).
But I am losing and I am changing my habits with food and my body is changing.
People are starting to notice now.
It has been 1 month and 3 days since I started this journey and lost a total of 14.2 pounds.
I think that is pretty Awesome!  :)
Happy Me!!

Carbs Love them/Hate them!

So this week (week #4) has been very hard!

I have failed many times.

What's Different?

More Carbs.

On my weight loss plan I am using after the first 17 days of limiting carbs to just veggies and fruit you are suppose to start adding other complex carbs back into your diet.   So I did that....but I am what has been called "Carbohydrate Intolerant" Or "Carbohydrate Sensitive".   So while I LOVE to eat carbs  of all types my body seems to turn on a switch when I eat things like bread, potatoes etc and I start to crave them like crazy and once that starts I struggle staying on my plan.  I don't know how to explain it but it is real.   So I am trying to find a way to break the cycle.   I am starting again today and my plan is to concentrate on my waters, veggies and exercise.   I am going to have to find a way to include complex carbs (other than veggies) without having the craving effect.   Time to research.   If you have this problem what do you do to overcome?
It is times like this I wish I could have a Biggest Loser Trainer help me figure things out. LOL

I have decided to move my weigh in's and reporting to Friday.   Monday is too crazy.  :)

I am praying that by this time next week I will have some great things to report.  
Thanks for sticking with me!!!   

Week #3 Report

Journal Entry #4

March 18, 2014

This week has been HARD!!!

Most days I did great!

Later in the week I was faced with temptations I thought I could handle but didn't handle as well as I hoped I would.   And then there was today...I woke up puking.

Not Fun!!!!

Only a .9 loss....but at least it is a loss.
My clothes are feeling different and I can wear 1 size smaller in shirts.   I like that!

Week #2 Report

Journal Entry #3

March 10, 2014

Weight loss:  2 pounds

Weight:  230.3

My 2nd week was totally nuts.   So many events and responsibilities all packed into the same 7 days. 

I did great throughout the week with my nutrition and exercise.  I did miss one day but my the time I was done with work, work meeting, UFA meeting and Mom stuff I was completely exhausted and decided I needed to sleep more than anything.   I am happy with decisions I made this week.  I said no to lots of chocolate, to cake and other things that taste great but aren't so great for me.  I had one day that was very difficult but I did the best I could and I was able to still stay away from the sweets.
Felt pretty good to be able to feel in control.  :)
I wish I could report a big number like last week but  I have been reminded by friends that our bodies like to kind of "even" things out.  "Biggest Loser" calls it the 2nd week curse.
Whatever it is called it was hard to work so hard and only see 2 pounds come off but I am happy to have at least 2!

Found another great recipe this week.  
Cauliflower pizza crust.   It is so yummy!!
You can view the recipe here.
I added turkey bacon, cheese and spinach leaves on top.  
It looks kinda of weird but tastes awesome!

I am excited to report I am now running almost 2 miles straight.   My body is adjusting well and I can tell all the work last summer isn't completely gone.
I am excited to see what this new week will bring.
I hope more pounds gone and hoping I will be able to run the full 2 miles without a break.

Week 1 Report.

Journal Entry #2
March 3, 1014
Well it has been 1 week since I started my project.I am so excited to share with you I now weigh 232.2 pounds.

That is a loss of 9 pounds!

I have been diligent all week and been praying for help.

I am so happy with the result.

Some of my favorite moments this week was when I was able to walk 3.18 miles and then later in the week walk/run those miles and walk/run on other days.    I am working up to running 3+ miles a day which is what I was doing over the summer last year.   I am heavier than I was in the summer so I have to remember to give my body time. 

I love to exercise outside rather than on my treadmill.  It is so nice to walk or run from point  A to point B rather than feeling like a hamster on a wheel. ;)   We have had alot of rain this  past week so there was one day I had to stay indoors to work out but the rest of the days I just bundled up and went out even when it was raining a bit.   This project really helps my motivation and determination.  I am so thankful for the opportunity to do it.

I have had people ask "What are you doing to lose weight" or they ask "Are you doing weight watchers?".   The answer is yes and no.   I take the things I have learned in WW in the past and I use ideas and tips.   I am also remembering things I learned from a Mary Lou Henner book on weight loss where she talks about keeping yourself busy with getting your house in order while you are getting your body in order.   And then there is my biggest piece.   I loosely follow "The 17 Day Diet".   I cut down the carbs, I eat lots of veggies and 2 fruits a day along with lean meats and things like yogurt.  I love it.   I don't follow the program exactly but have tailored it to fit my needs.   I am what has been called Carbohydrate Intolerant or Sensitive.  There isn't anything that puts on weight faster for me than eating breads, sweets and other foods with high carbohydrate content.   I am feeling really good about my progress and I am excited to see what this week will bring.   I know you usually lose the most the first week so I am keeping that in my mind.

On my first day of walking I was in some pretty good pain by the end.  The second day was worse.  I realized I needed new shoes.  Spencer and I took a trip to Scheels and I picked up an awesome pair of Brooks.   They  have arch support and forefront cushioning which is exactly what I needed.   No more sore toe!


My two favorite finds of the week are:

1. Bolthouse Farms Yogurt Salad Dressing!
 It is so yummy and very low in sugars, fat and calories!   Love this stuff!

2.  A friend of mine shared a recipe for Cabbage Steaks on Facebook.   I decided to give it a try.   They were so good.  Brenely and Brad liked them as well!  

If you Google Cabbage Steaks you can find lots of variations.   This is the version I tried.   I didn't really measure the oil much and I used minced garlic.  

Overall this was a great week!

I continue to remember those little ones who need help and this brings a drive inside of  me that I can't explain.   Thank you for coming along with me and supporting my project!  
I know I am getting help from above and I can feel the support from my family and friends.
 I am so thankful for all of it!

So it begins....

Journal Entry #1
February 24, 2014

I got up this morning in anticipation of my first weigh in.   While I knew already about where I was it seemed sort of "official" this morning.   My number isn't pretty but it is the big fat truth.
 I weigh 241.2 pounds.  

Day One.

Yes the girl who is 5'2" (and a half I might add) is carrying around over 100 pounds of extra weight.   According to the Weight Watcher calculator I should weigh between 109 - 137.  
Yikes...even at the high end of that number I am over 100 pound mark.
 How did I get here?

I know the answers but it all comes down to one sentence..

I forgot to take care of myself.

Through all our family building adventures, all the serving in adoption and all the loving on little sweeties as we worked as Foster Parents....I forgot to take care of my body.    I also have a condition called Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) which makes ignoring my body that much worse because one of it's very big issues is weight.   PCOS loves to help me put on weight.   I could blame it on all PCOS but I know better.

I am now 40 year old, it is going to take lots of work to get this weight off but I know with
God all things are possible! 

Today I ate just the way I should and I got out and exercised walking 2.52 miles and then later had fun with my kids working out using Just Dance 4 on the Wii.   I drank lots of water (still should have had more) and tonight I am feeling pretty great about my first day!   I know everyday won't be this well "put together" but I will rejoice in the good days and remember I am not perfect on the hard ones.

As I was walking today I had this little face in my mind often.  I so want to just fly over there and bring him home but adoption from this country is not an option at this time.
 It is heartbreaking really.

Thank you for joining me in the journey!   I feel you all behind me....like extra power unseen! 

 I truly appreciate YOU!!!

Coming this week....