Weigh in Wednesday- Blog the Weight Away

I have not been to the gym once this week. I hopped on my scale just a few minutes ago, and I am down weight. I am really upset about this.. well, not that I'm down weight, per say, but that I am down DRASTICALLY compared to the scale at the gym. Like, do they rig it so you don't see the numbers going down so you keep going. Or get discouraged, and they suck your money away cause you're stuck in a contract?! Sigh.

Well, my scale at home says that I'm down 10 pounds. However, I tried on my bridesmaids dresses and they didn't zip the whole way, so I *feel* like I'm up about 5 pounds, (or swollen waiting for Dear Aunt Flo to arrive). Sorry for the TMI. So starting this week I'm back at ground zero. I'm going to use MY scale, and I'm going back to the gym- after my company leaves.  I need to get healthy again, I can feel my stamina decreasing. My gym partner and I decided to run 5 miles next time we go to the gym. I'm excited.

I hope you all had great weeks this week, and that the numbers were on your side. Make sure you show support to the other bloggers that participate in our Linky. If you are trying to get healthy, or lose weight, be sure to link up and spread the word.

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Weigh in Wednesday- Blog the Weight Away

So I hopped on the scale this week. Not so good. I'm up two pounds. This week I spoke with my mom, and I think her and I are going to try something different. More along the Special K diet, but points for dinner.

I need to do something, I'm starting to get uber frustrated. My girlfriend Kerri started going to the gym the same time as I did, and she hasn't gone in about a month because their family was sick for three weeks back and forth.. She was the only one NOT sick. She's lost a total of 8 pounds since she stopped going to the gym. What the heck?! My other workout buddies are losing weight and I'm not. I'm about ready to pull all of my hair out. I wish I knew what was going on inside my body. Sigh.

Great goals for next week. I want to see a - on that scale, I want to eat more fruit, and drink more water. I think I will try logging my food this week as well. Hope you all had a great week and that the holiday didn't totally mess you up.

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Weigh in Wednesday- Blog the Weight Away

It's been a long week over here. I'm trying to get into the swing of "Organization". I have what I like to call "Organized Chaos". Lately, it's not been too organized..

My son's school put together a Fly Lady support group, so a lot of my energy has been spent on trying to get my home in order, and learn the entire Fly Lady system. Last week, I went to the gym twice, and once was simply pathetic. I have been using the free weights a lot more than normal, and I am thinking of buying an exercise ball to allow myself to do simple exercises (like sit-ups and squats) at home in between spurts of energy.

This week, the kids are off for spring break, and I have a feeling I will be going to the gym a lot to get out of the house and give them a break from me. I've been focusing more on taking care of myself- I got a haircut- a drastic one- literally, I cut off most of it!! I also found a doctor that sees patients on a sliding scale basis, and helps with medication, so I am trying to set up an appointment for them to do a bunch of testing on me to see what's going on inside of me. Things are coming together around the house, and now hopefully with the medical side of things, so I am hopeful that this is the push-through that I needed to get out of the mess that has become my life.

Back to the point of this post- I haven't been on the scale in two weeks, I know that I am up. I feel that I am up. I am hopeful for next week. I hope the Easter Bunny doesn't treat you all with chocolates and jelly beans, but lots of time playing with the kids outside!






       

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Weigh in Wednesday- Blog the Weight Away

ACK! Can I share with you how darn frustrated I am? I am up again- I talked to one of the trainers today, and she said she wanted me to bump up my cardio time humongously. Ok, I know that "humongously" is not a real word, but today it is. I've been running, jogging, and elliptical-ing two miles every day. Depending on the level of intensity, sometimes it takes me 20 minutes, sometimes 30. I usually go to the gym at night with my friend, for about an hour. According to what the trainer told me today, I should be doing a minimum of 45 minutes of cardio!

I taught one of my other gym buddies some body toning moves from way back when.. (when I used to TEACH a body toning class!!). This week I started working more in the free weight area, instead of on the heavy machinery. I find that my body tends to mindlessly do the exercises on hand, rather than truly pay attention to each muscle group as I'm working them like I do in the free weights area.

I started doing squats on the balance ball this week. Holy lord. That's all I have to say about that.

I hope your week went well, I can't wait to see how you all did this week. Don't forget to add your name to the MckLinky, so we can visit and show our support!

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Weigh in Wednesday- Blog the Weight Away

Aside from throwing out my back on Saturday evening, I think I've made great strides this week. I have not been on the scale all week, but I've been to the gym three times, and rode my bike once with the kids. Abbie and I have been walking much more than "normal" and over the weekend Alex & I did a ton of walking at the March for Parks thing (see 4 posts below). I bought a shirt a size smaller than "normal", plus my husband finally connected the water to our fridge, so I've been drinking a lot more water than normal. I feel good about this week.

Hope you all had a great week, no matter what your "getting healthy" goal is.

Feel free to show your support and encouragement with the other participants in Blog the Weight Away at 4BabyAndMom!

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Weigh in Wednesday- Blog the Weight Away

Battling with the weight seems to be more frustrating than almost anything. I notice my clothes are starting to fit differently, and my body is changing in slight ways, but the darn numbers on that scale that I was banned from is honestly going the wrong way. I only went to the gym once last week, but this week has more potential. I walked around the neighborhood last night. That was different.. but then I spent the entire evening baking cupcakes for the bake sale. And I ate one.

My weekly report is I am up a pound and a half. Still going to the gym, but wish I could find more motivation. If you go to the gym, do you bring headphones and an Mp3 player, or do you just groove to the tunes at the gym??

Hope you all had a great week!

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Weigh in Wednesday- Blog the Weight Away

Well, honestly, I hope you all had a better week than I had. I've been in a funk all week. I'm just burnt.. and frazzled. Stressed out the wazoo, and well, the kids and hubby just aren't helping the situation right now. They all seem to be pushing my buttons over and over, despite the fact that I've asked them to stop.

In fact, right now my kids (or at least my son) is still wide awake, while brushing their teeth they decided spewing water out of their mouths at each other was a GREAT idea, and somehow in the meantime they pulled both of the mirrored sliders off of the medicine cabinet. I went to use the bathroom, and stepped on one of them. Needless to say, it broke under my weight. Their food from dinner happens to be all over my couch, the two bags of miscellaneous stuff I threw away don't seem to have made a dent in the house, and Friday is my son's birthday- which he'll be punished for because of his horrible behavior at school earlier this week. I gave him incentive to earn two non-punishment days by putting the silverware away and filling the laundry baskets in their room- but just the dishwasher got finished. I need a vacation. You would think that that thought alone would make me run to the gym faster than anything else.. (after all they do have child care).. but unfortunately, I only went to the gym once this week. Once. That's it. I ate horrible foods, and barely thought about it while doing it. After a couple of greasy fast food meals I felt kind of sick, so I guess my body is telling me that the best thing is to stay away from it. 

The good news is that I went grocery shopping the other day. I bought more fruit than I normally get, and I bought some V8 Splash, or Fusion, or something. I hate veggies, but know that I need more of them in my system. I figure that this might be a better way to get some of those healthy vitamins and minerals into my diet.

I am looking forward to getting back into the swing of things, and maybe releasing some endorphins to help pull me out of this slump. I'm sure I've gained weight this week, as I feel Dear Aunt Flo creeping slowly into town, plus all of the other stress I've gone through this week. I'm not asking for you all to feel bad for me, but any encouragement or advice that you might have for times where YOU get into a funk would be greatly appreciated.




       

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Weigh in Wednesday- Blog the Weight Away

I apologize for not posting this yesterday, but life got away from me. I had intentions of posting first thing this morning, and was informed at drop off that one of the young, talented teachers at the elementary school my son attends passed away unexpectedly yesterday.

The entire school was saddened by this tragic accident, and although I did not know her very well, the times that we did speak were always pleasant. The teachers were asked to tell the students, and I remained on campus most of the day trying to distract a friend who I've grown very close with that was deeply affected. I pray for peace for the entire family of this young teacher, and for the entire staff at my son's school.

Now that that is all out, yesterday was Weigh in Wednesday. Again, my scale showed no change. I've been feeling very discouraged because of the number thing, but set myself up on a menu plan to better help me pay attention to what I'm eating. One of my friends that joined the gym the same time as I did is doing great.. and her numbers are reflecting it. I'm trying not to let it affect me, but it definitely is.

I hope your week was a great week, and that you were motivated more than I was. This week, in your comment, please share what YOU do when you start feeling discouraged. As always, please visit all of the members in the Blog the Weight Away event to show your support and encouragement.

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Weigh in Wednesday- Blog the Weight Away

Hello Ladies- This week was rough.. aside from Valentine's Day and a bunch of yummy-not-so-good-for-you stuff, we had Alex's first baseball practice and today our new (used) minivan that we bought MONDAY evening caught fire around the block from our house.

Yesterday I got measured for my first bridesmaid dress- and I dropped a dress size!! WOOT WOOT. As far as my numbers go, I have no idea as the trainer banned me from the scale. Hopefully sometime soon I will be allowed back on it, and will let you know how it goes from there. 

I'm hoping to go to the gym extra long tomorrow, and I just ordered a copy of JUST DANCE for myself.

Without further a-do- here's the MckLinky. Be sure to visit everyone on the list and show your support. Also, if you notice some team members missing, please shoot them a message and let them know that we are still here to support them!! Hope you all had good weeks, despite of the huge chocolate temptations this weekend.




       

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Weigh In Wednesday ~ Blog the Weight Away

Sorry ladies, I'm a little late tonight- but better late than never, right? I had some minor computer issues this week, but now that it's all taken care of- here goes my weekly check in.

I went the the gym three days in a row so far for this week. Today I did sit-ups on a pilates ball, and holy Lord, my core is FEELING it tonight! I've been doing at least two miles on the elliptical for cardio every time I go. I can see from that alone how much my endurance has increased. I was banned from the scale until further notice- lol- as my numbers are not going down, but my measurements still are.. so I had two trainers and my "lady" yell at me to stay away from the scale. So as far as my weight goes, it was the same this week AGAIN- but the only dramatic difference was the inch and a half on my calves. I guess staying the same weight wise, but noticing how my clothing has been fitting, and the inches dropping is better than nothing, right?

I hope you all had a great week and saw huge changes, either on the scale or from your measurements. Just a reminder, although we have teams please visit the other team members weigh ins to help encourage and support them on this journey.

Without further a-do, the MckLinky:




       

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Weigh in Wednesday ~Blog the Weight Away!

This week was insane.. check that, last month- ALL of January, was insane. But, since the last time I checked in Mom went for her 3rd Chemo treatment, we got over being sick FINALLY, Abbigaile had lice, and I got my 'Dear Aunt Flo' for the second time in two and a half weeks. (Sorry for the TMI.) I think it's just because of all of the stress, sickness, and changes in my activity level-plus last time it was super light and almost non-existance, so it was bound to creep up again soon.

The Second Annual Fabulous February Fiesta began on 4BabyAndMom- celebrating our site, our family, and some of our favorite things. Be sure to follow us during this month for your chance to win some great prizes and save some extra moolah.

I went to the Gym on Monday, day 1 with my Dear Aunt visiting and weighed in at 314.7, which is a 2.1 pound weight loss, but only a tenth down from where I began. Obviously I'm bloated, so I'm with that number because I've noticed my arms and legs developing muscle and slimming down. While shaving my legs, I happened to realize I'm getting a dent in my calves and quads from where my muscle is. SO exciting!

I only went to the gym three times this week, but I played JUST DANCE on Tuesday, jogged after my kids on their bikes on Friday, and ran after them all day on Sunday at a birthday party at Great Explorations.  I took the stairs instead of the elevator, many, many times, and turned down the cake. I've been drinking a TON of water, and honestly feel like I will start to float away sometime soon, but find myself thirsty again not too soon after I'm done thinking that.

I just did my measurements, and *drum roll, please*--

I'm down 7 inches in my waist, 0.5 in my hips, 0.5 on my arms, 1 inch on my thighs, but up about two inches on my calves (I think because of my Dear Aunt, or the fleece pants I'm wearing).

The kids love going to the gym with me, and today I'm supposed to go to Zumba with the girls, as long as they don't forget to pick me up because I'm without a car today. So, that's the dilly, and here's my chart.

Thanks again to weighttracker.info for keeping it all in check for me!

Your start date:	1/19/2010
Starting weight/height:	314.8   5' 10"
Goal weight:	220
Last weigh-in weight:	314.7
Last weigh-in date:	2/1/2010
Weeks (days) on Program:	1.9 (13)
Total to lose:	94.8
Lost so far:	0.1
Pounds to go:	94.7
Average loss/week:	0.1
Est. weeks (days) to go: (projection)	947 (6629)
Percent of body weight lost:	0 %
Number of weigh-ins:	3
Adult BMI (what's this?):	45.1

Please visit all of our contestants and show your support. Don't forget, if we've inspired you to get healthier this year post your link to show us YOUR progress too.




       

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Weigh in Wednesday ~Blog the Weight Away!

Time to check in! Let's see how our teams are doing.

This week, I'd like to introduce you to the BLACK TEAM-
Patricia from LittlesRuleTheRoost.blogspot.com
Anabelle Meettheboyles.blogspot.com
Charissa from Mimisbabiesgifts.blogspot.com
Alicia from aliciamarie112.wordpress.com

In case you didn't notice, the Black team is the ONLY team with 4 players, BUT their weight loss goals average higher than the other teams.. (not by a lot, ladies!)

Please visit all of our contestants and show your support. Don't forget, if we've inspired you to get healthier this year post your link to show us YOUR progress too.

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Blog the Weight Away

What a week! Last weekend was my birthday, and I spent it sick. I couldn't breathe, nauseous to the point where I actually took a home pregnancy test just to make sure, and completely felt like death warmed over. I went to the gym 4 out of 7 days though, and played the JUST DANCE on the Wii at a friends house-- HOLY MOLY, I love this game!!!! Seriously, I vote this game as one of the best games I've ever played, and it was SO much fun! If you have a Wii, buy this game- I promise you'll love it!!

Anyway.. Here's my update:

Your start date:	1/5/2010
Starting weight/height:	314.8   5' 10"
Goal weight:	220
Last weigh-in weight:	316
Last weigh-in date:	1/26/2010
Weeks (days) on Program:	3 (21)
Total to lose:	94.8
Lost so far:	-1.2
Pounds to go:	96
Average loss/week:	-0.4
Est. weeks (days) to go:	N/A
Percent of body weight lost:	-0.4 %
Number of weigh-ins:	2
Adult BMI (what's this?):	45.3

Thanks to Weighttracker.info, I will be posting my plus or minuses using this graph each week. Unfortunately, I gained two pounds this week, but I think it's muscle.. You can totally tell that I'm losing inches, but I need to have the trainer measure me this week. I will update this graph as soon as I get those numbers for you all.

Be sure to check out the MckLinky in the next post to read the progress of my teammates, as well as all of the competitors participating in Blog the Weight Away!

 

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This is me, and where I want to go.. and where I've come from.

In High School, a mere 10 years ago, I thought I was fat. I couldn't stand the way my arms jiggled, and when I sat, my stomach had a "roll". Now, I often joke that I have more rolls than our local bakery- but that's besides the point.

As a teen, I was very over-critical, and promised myself I would never allow myself to get over a certain amount of weight.. after marriage, two kids, (and a ton of bedrest because of the aforementioned children), I watched the numbers on the scale tick forward, and not stop. The lack of motivation, lack of will, sheer laziness and procrastination- not to mention total denial that I had actually gained as much as I did- kept me from putting the right foot in front of the other.

I know that I will never look as I did in High School- nor do I want to, because at almost 6 feet tall I honestly think I was a little too skinny, looking back. My goals now are different than they were a year ago, five years ago, even a decade ago. I want to be able to run again- as I used to recreationally- I want to feel good about myself when I look into my mirror, I want my husband and my kids to be proud of me. I want my words to be taken with the matured authority and respect that I deserve, and I want to be able to have the confidence to put my ideas into motion, to create, and influence those around me for the better.

My actual weight loss goal is a hefty one- in total, I'd like to lose over 100lbs; for now- I'm giving myself a more attainable goal of 50lbs, and to look stunning in the bridesmaid dress I will be wearing in August.I have a great support group "IRL" (in real life) and online, and cannot wait to share this journey with you all.

A lot of you asked whether or not I would be posting my actual weight, and how it would affect my site as a representative of "who I am" to my clients, and for my business. Frankly, I would hope that my sponsors, partners, clients, and peers know me well enough to know that this public journey is keeping me accountable, will improve my individual moral, and the health benefits of turning my life around will allow me to continue my business for many more years to come.

There was a point in time where I would have been too embarrassed by the giant number that I would have never posted it.. but as I will never EVER see this number again, I will admit to you all that I officially weighed in at the gym at a whopping 314.8 pounds.

 This is a current full body shot of me, just after I got back from the gym. This is the first full body shot that I've allowed online in a very, very long time.

I am so excited about turning my life around, and getting "myself" back.. The drive, the energy, the confidence. Anyone that knew me in high school would have told you that I carried myself with great confidence, and that is what I miss the most.

So join me in saying good-bye to the old, overweight me, and feel free to email, tweet, or comment on any (non-giveaway) post asking me what I did at the gym, if I went today, if I stayed within my points for the day, etc. I need your online support and encouragement as much as I need my real life support system.

Feel free to visit *MY* other teammates, as well as the MckLinky post to get to know all of the BLOG YOUR WEIGHT AWAY competitors.

With much thanks for your support,

Show your support to the rest of The Blue Team:

Brandy from HappilyBlended.com

Hilary from GladFamily.blogspot.com

Our Goal weight loss as a team: 170

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Blog the Weight Away~ Weigh in Wednesday

So, "Blog the Weight Away" has officially commenced!

Over the next few days, you will get to know all of our teams a little better. I hope that our stories and journey inspire you to get off of that sofa and get motivated to 'Blog the Weight Away' along with our teams! Every Wednesday we will post our "weigh in posts", sharing with our readers how much we've lost, what we've learned, and how our road to becoming healthier has been that week. We ask that you all leave comments to support and encourage us, and if you are participating at home, to link to us as well, so we can share this journey with you.

Marissa@4BabyAndMom will also be participating as captain of a "non competitive team", so if you have any questions or would like that extra accountability, please feel free to contact her at 4BabyAndMom at gmail dot com.


To link using this MckLinky please use this format: Name/Blog Name, Color of Team
This MckLinky will be open for 2 days to new links.



   

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Blog the Weight Away- Q & A

Sign ups are still open for our BLOG THE WEIGHT AWAY event!

I've received a few emails regarding criteria, so I figured I'd answer some of them for you today.


Do you need to join a gym to participate? 
NO! Absolutely not. I am, but as long as you want to make a change in your life, that's all you need.

Do I need to have a preset team, or will teams be assigned?
Teams will be assigned after sign-ups have completed. If you have another bloggy-buddy, or offline friend that would like to work out along side of you, as long as we have their info they can participate as well.

I only have 15-20 pounds I'd like to lose, can I still participate?
YES! With the obesity epidemic taking over North America, anyone that has a desire to lose weight and get healthy this year is allowed to participate. Whether you have 20 pounds or 120 pounds we want YOU to join!

How long will this event last?
Ideally, I'd like for this to last until August, however, I'm thinking that we'll do a mid-point prize to keep people motivated. Any feedback for those of you who have participated in events like this would be greatly appreciated.


Are we going to win anything?
Besides a healthier you, you mean- right? I am working with several companies right now to be able to put together a great gift basket for our "winning team". Although, I foresee a vote coming up in our future about how to officially determine the winner.

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So that's that! If you've filled out a sign up form, please spread the word to your blogging buddies, and your audience. Please tweet, facebook, stumble, digg, whatever you have to do to spread the word about Blog the Weight Away! If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to send them to me, 4BabyAndMom at gmail dot com.

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Blog the Weight Away- Looking for Mom Bloggers that want to Lose Weight!

This week I am joining Shapes with some of my gal pals, and need you- my followers and fellow bloggers- to help me stay accountable. Right now, we got a great promotion- only $10 down and $30 a month- plus, it's right up the road!

While thinking of ways to stay accountable, I decided what would be better than incorporating what I do now and Blog the Weight Away! As a long time fan of The Biggest Loser, I envisioned a blogger's biggest loser of sorts.. sans skimpy weigh in clothes. With the new season starting just days away, I decided I'm not going to be a spectator this year, but I'm going to compete too!

I am currently seeking 3-5 teams (depending on response) to 'compete' weekly against each other publicly. "Official" teams will be determined after enrollment is closed.  Bloggers will be required to post as a group twice a week, and posts should include pictures, measurements, weight (start and current). You may post more frequently, but it is not required. This is strictly for fun and should not feel like work or obligation, but incentive and motivation.


If you are interested in forming a team, or joining a team, please fill out this form to tell us more about yourself! Please tell your audience about this incentive to get fit!


If you are a representative of a fitness related product or company and would like to participate or have a product reviewed, please email 4BabyAndMom at gmail dot com for more details!




ETA: As of 9pm EST 1/5/10, there are 12 bloggers and 3 friends that would like to participate! Please keep spreading the word! Sign up's end on Saturday 12pm EST; all participants will receive an email on Sunday with further details.  I am so excited, and hope that you are too!!

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