My weigh in today!

Today is my weigh in. I am down to 215.0# So I'm down 1.8# since last week, and that is without any exercise, well other than the manual labor at work, where I work my butt off. I didn't exercise this week because my chest has been hurting me. I am down 35# since July, also I have lost 14% of my original weight. I'm so excited!

November 7th

Water: Got it all in
Exercise: 15min on the Orbitrek Elliptical 2.23 miles (I did 15 min straight----well besides getting off for my inhaler, which is a first for me, I did it a little slower than I normally do but I was able to do the entire 15 min all together which I think is better than 5 min here and there high intensity)
Food: See my food journal http://notime2weightfood.blogspot.com/
Thoughts: 4th day Diet Cokeless!Today was more difficult with the Diet Coke. I was SOOOOOOOOOoo sorely tempted yet didn't give in. It was stressful at work as there was an issue I had to deal with and didn't want to....oh the joys of working with family . I am feeling better, more energetic, getting more done during the day etc. I was also SHOCKED with my 'slight' gain since Weds morning as I've had Chinese for 2 meals since then . Feeling good today, I actually got off my butt and REALLY exercised, I broke a nice sweat, got the heart rate up, I feel good na na na na na nuh! LOL! I knew that I would....once I got off my big butt and did it!

Biggest Chooser Pictures

November 6th

Water: Got it all in (love using the Crystal Lights...it's helping)
Exercise: None too lazy :(
Food:
Breakfast: Woke up too late
Lunch: Left Over chinese
Snacks: 2 Peanut Butter Cookies made w/splenda
Dinner: Hubby's Wine Broiled Chicken w/Baked Potato & Green Salad
Thoughts: 3rd day Diet Cokeless! Wow I am on a roll where it comes to the diet coke. I'm not even craving it! Tomorrow at work will be the 'true' test as I am always a stress/guzzle gut drinker at work, and I have to have a 'sit' down with my receptionist AGAIN about things so that's going to stress me out tomorrow.

Natural Dr Visit

had my follow up visit with the Natural Doctor today. I am still very i impressed with him. I weighed in at 231 there today which was depressing but I know on my scale at home I weighed in at 219.8# this morning.....so that's keeping me happy. I am down 4# according to their scale (which is one of those inaccurate sliding ones). He was happy with that. I know I'm down as I had to make a new notch for my belt this morning and my pants are practically falling off...yet I'm still not 100% ready for the next size down...at least in my levis.

He actually took the time to discuss all my lab results and explain what they meant. He was a little concerned with my Glucose as it was 94 normal is 65-99 however since I was fasting it should have been down around 70. I do have PCOS/Insulin Resistance so that is what is causing the elevated Glucose. He discussed more about my diet and really wants me to cut back on the carbs by quite a bit, increase protein and vegetables. He doesn't want an extreme low carb diet but I need to do 'lower' carbs. Which is gonna be tough for me as I LOVE my pasta. I have done a low carb before and did quite well on it (lost 70#), so we'll see....my problem is the funding for the low carb diet...it's expensive to eat lots of meat and veggies. ARGH So I need to go research low carb I guess....if anyone has any good website feel free to share

We discussed my Vit D deficiency as well. My levels are at 30 normal is 32-100 he likes to see it at 80 so it's got to come up quite a bit. Right now he wants me on 5000 I.U twice daily for 2 months! So I'm taking 5 pills twice a day.....trying to find a higher dose Vit D pill.

My gastric reflux is doing AWESOME! I'm only taking 1 Prevacid a week now and going to try and get off of those this month. I take DGL Licorice Root after meals, and before bedtime and for flareup, but I'm down to just 1-2 flares a week and that is because I love my tomatoes. The local college (BYU) is doing a study on the risks of osteoporosis from taking longterm Acid Reducers. Here is something I found on that: http://www.virginiahopkinstestkits.com/heartburnosteo.html SCARY Stuff...glad I am getting off of it! I've never had a broken bone and don't plan on it! Knock on wood So in one month I've gone from 1 Prevacid and several Ranitidine Tablets as well as tums as needed and puking about 1-2 times a week to not puking at all and only having the DGL Licorice Root. YEAH!

Also discussed Caffeine, and I told him I am cutting back, told him yesterday I did not even have 1 Diet Coke and haven't today so far either. He was excited. He told me that In order to prevent the caffeine withdrawal headaches I needed to make sure to drinkof lots and lots of water. He was saying it simulates the dilation of the vessels/flow that the caffeine causes....I can't remember exactly what he said.

Overall I am VERY happy with this Dr. He knows his stuff and is into full education of the patient something that I've NEVER had before. He shows genuine concern. Also I'm feeling better so that's good too. Now if I can just find something good for my arthritis/joints I'll be in great shape. He said the Vit D will help with that some, rechecking me in 2 months and at that point we will see how I am doing, but may find something to add to help joints.

My next plan is to find a Podiatrist, I have an toe nail that's been bothering me off and on for the past 3 years, but now it's persistant painful and swelling....

Biggest Chooser Challenge

I've joined another challenge, the "Biggest Chooser Challenge" over at Choosing 2 Lose. I'm excited. Challenges keep my 'motivated' and strong. I am setting a slightly smaller goal as I haven't been doing the best lately with the weight. I'm planning on losing 6#. The challenge ends Dec 12th.

Kelly on C2L Shared this about Motivation. I think it's awesome!
M ~ Make short-term goals
O ~ Out with negative thoughts
T ~ Think why you want it
I ~ Imagine how you will feel
V ~ Visualize the future
A ~ Acknowledge yourself with respect
T ~ Treat yourself with respect
I ~ Investigate new ideas and foods
O ~ Observe your healthy lifestyle
N ~ Never give up and never give in

Hot for the Holidays Challenge

No loss this week...still recovering from TOM! ARGH!

Lyn's Habit a Week Challenge Week 4

I am doing Lyns Habit a Week Challenge we are on week 4 of 16
Week 1- Fix your water intake
Week 2- Move Get up and move daily
Week 3- Eat a Veggie
Week 4- Increase your Fiber

Didn't do so hot with the eating of the veggies this past week. TOM kicked my butt! It made me wanna shovel anything and EVERYTHING I could into my mouth. UGH! This will be a good challenge as my 'witch' Dr wanted me to increase my fiber without a 'pill'...ugh....going back next week and so far NOT so hot :( BUT my Acid Reflux has pretty much diminished to once or twice a week instead of 5 or 6 times a day! I'm all but off of the Prevacid, just taking the Licorice Root. YEAH!

Just a funny for all us 'exercisers'

Lyn's Habit a Week Challenge Week 3 Eat a Veggie

I am doing Lyns Habit a Week Challenge we are on week 3 of 16
Week 1- Fix your water intake
Week 2- Move Get up and move daily
Week 3- Eat a Veggie

Last week's challenge went well for me but I didn't push it until Saturday when a 'light' went on and I have done very good since then. I've walked for 15-20 minutes with the Walking away the Pounds dvd's which are more 'intense' than normal walking. I am doing the 1 Mile ones right now and I am feeling the burn and feeling great about it!

This week's challenge is to increase your veggie intake. This will be somewhat hard for me, I do eat a lot of salads for lunch and have started having more and more veggies as snacks, but I need variety, having carrots & green bell peppers for snacks every day in and out gets mundane.....gonna try and 'spice' things up a bit.

Chubby Chicks Christmas Challenge Week 8 Weigh in!

Name: Heather
Pounds Lost This Week: 2.6 (Weigh in 219.2#)
Total Christmas Challenge Pounds Lost: 8.8
Pounds to Go to Reach Christmas Goal: 21.2
Weekly Summary: I have started exercising more and I think it is really paying off! I am doing the Walk At Home DVD's. Right now I am doing a 'Walking Away the Pounds 21 Day Challenge' (my own), and it's very motivating so far...day #3

Pushing myself!

I pulled a muscle in my chest somehow today at work, it hurts when I breathe deep but I was BOUND and determined to get the exercising in and even though I set out for the 2 Mile High Calorie Burn, I was only able to do 1 Mile of it. Which IMO is better than nothing. I was going to give up after 5 minutes too and I told myself I needed it, then looked at my 'poster' on the wall and WANT that Better Fit in my clothes after 3-4 days walking dang it! Thanks everyone for the encouragement! It helps!

Walking Away The Pounds 21 day Challenge
Day 3: WATP for Abs: 1 Mile of the 2 Mile High Calorie Burn

Justa lazy sunday

Walking Away The Pounds 21 day Challenge

Day 2: WATP Abs: 1 Mile Walk w/waist belt (hoping to be up to 2 miles this week)

I'm proud of myself! It's just a little after 12:30 and I've already done my exercise for the day. I am psyched for this challenge I've done for myself! I hope I can keep it up!

I am SO Munchie today. TOM is coming this week, I think that's why! It's BAD! ARGH! Definitely using flex points today! I ran out of my Woman Vitamins from Watkins and the past 2 months have been HECK with the TOM. My Natural Dr, suggested Evening Primrose Oil to help so I'm trying that.

Walking away the pounds!

I received this in my email this week from Leslie Sansone's Walk at Home Program
and it's just what I need...'kick in the butt' to get me walking again! I do good sporadically then just taper off and quit.

What you can expect after 21 days walking our way:
Instantly, during your first walk...your mood improves! You know you are doing something good for your life! You can overcome any setbacks or challenges. Walking makes you feel that GOOD!
After 3-4 days of walking...you will notice the "better fit" or more room in your clothes!
After 7 days of walking...real changes are happening! You have used body fat as energy (fat burning!) Muscles feel more toned! Do you notice that you make healthier choices at meal time as well? That's the POWER OF WALKING!
After 14 days of walking...you have lost REAL body fat! 4-5 pounds of actual body fat looks like 7-10 pounds lost! A more proportioned body is emerging!
After 21 days of walking...you are down a size of clothing! Muscles are more defined, inches are lost, 6-10 pounds are gone! Your energy is through the roof! All health measurements improve- blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose levels and so much more!

Start Walking Strong!

__________________
I'm going to challenge myself to do 21 days of the Walk at Home DVD's! This is a difficult thing for me, especially on my day's off....gonna do it!

Today's DVD: Walk away the Abs 1 Mile walk (couldn't handle more...too stiff/sore).

Friday Focus October 17th

This weeks good n bad
1- Bad: Not planning the meals
2- Good: Lots of days drank all my water
3- Bad: Not enough Exercise didn't exercise EVERY day
4- Bad: Too many Sweets
5- Good: Increased Vegetables
6- Good: Realized that 4 days of the week at work, I get about 5 hours of exercise in, (cleaning, washing walls, windows, making beds, scooping litter boxes, carrying about 5 18# garbage can loads out to dumpster)
(Goodness I tend to have lots of the same Good N Bad's)

Next Weeks Goals:
1- Stay on Plan! (Plan and Prepare....last minute meals are a weakness)
2- Exercise 5 days This is a start for me
3- Contine with water drinking EVEN on day's off!
4- Make an eating out "Safe Bet List" Basically a list of my favorite fast food places and 'safe' meals so I don't go overboard like I did

I need to continually focus on my goals. I'm going to type them up and print them out and put them EVERYWHERE so they are in my constant attention!

Healthier 'Alternative' Recipe

For the Plumping your Pumpkin challenge over on Choosing to Lose, this week's bonus challenge was to find a healthier alternative to your favorite 'fatty' recipe. My ALL TIME favorite is Taco Salads...decked out:

Here's what I found:

The new recipe is quickly becoming a favorite! I love Hungry Girl's recipe. We have it regularly here now! Here's the old one, Taco Salads have ALWAYS been my favorite! Now I eat them with a lot less fat & lots less calories: Traditional Taco Salad: Shell, Refried Beans, Hamburger, Quacamole, Cheese, Tomatoes, Sour Cream Serving Size: 1 salad (including shell) Calories: 945 Fat: 57g Carbs: 72g Sodium: 1,910mg Fiber: 12g Sugars: 8g Protein: 38g POINTS® value 23* Hungry Girls Rockin Taco Salad HG's Rockin' Taco Salad Taco-tastic! Taco salads have been around since the '60s. And they seem to be getting greasier and more calorie-packed as the decades pass. Not to worry -- HG is here with a version that has a mere FRACTION of the calories and fat of your typical taco salad. Here's the scoop... Ingredients: 3 cups chopped romaine lettuce 1/2 package Boca Meatless Chili (or about 2/3 cup of another low-fat veggie chili**) 1/4 cup chopped tomato 1/4 cup shredded fat-free cheddar cheese 2 tbsp. fat-free sour cream 1 tbsp. chopped or sliced black olives 6 Guiltless Gourmet Tortilla Chips (any flavor -- or any other baked tortilla chips**), crushed Directions: Prepare chili as directed on package. Place lettuce in a big bowl. Top with tomatoes, chili and cheese. Then add the olives and sour cream. Finish off with the crushed tortilla chips, and enjoy! MAKES 1 SERVING Serving Size: 1 salad (entire recipe) Calories: 230 Fat: 3.5g Sodium: 794mg Carbs: 31g Fiber: 10g Sugars: 7g Protein: 23g POINTS® value 4*

My 5 Weight Loss Tips

1- Drink all your water EVERY day, limit sodas/carbonated beverages
2- Plan for snacks each day etc so you don't have 'binge' moments (moments where you've got the munchies and just grab whatever's closest). For me my 'binge' moment is the 30 minute drive home from work.
3- Keep on top of your weight. I know you're not supposed to weigh in every day but for me it helps me keep track of major fluctuations so I can make adjustments to my plan, BUT I only record it for MY records 1 x a week. Just don't dwell on the dailies or you'll go NUTS! Basically if you only weigh in once a month or every few months...that weight'll creep up on you!
4- Indulge in Healthy Desserts --For me I do the Smart One's desserts, staying within points but not 'going' crazy with points and most of the time they 'hit the spot'.
5- Support Groups --I LOVE the Choosing To Lose Forum Weight loss is a DIFFICULT task and one that shouldn't be attempted alone. Support systems, whether it be WW, C2L, Friends, Family etc are GREAT as it keeps you on track and supports you with your ww.

Share your weight loss tips! I'd love to hear them!

I'm Deficient.....

Well I got my blood test results back yesterday...WOW only 1 week! I STILL haven't heard from my other Dr other than that my pap was normal. Anyways I'm Vit D Deficient. Normal ranges are 32.0-100.0 My level was at 30.3. It says Recent Studies consider the lower limit of 32.0 ng/ml to be a threshold for Optimal Health. So I guess I need more sunshine :). He wants me to start taking 5000mg twice daily for 2 months then down to 1x day with rechecking levels in 6 months. It explains some of the bone/muscle weakness/pain I've been experiencing while exercising.

Lynn's Habit a Week Challenge Week 2

I am doing Lyns Habit a Week Challenge we are on week 2 of 16
Week 1- Fix your water intake
Week 2- Move Get up and move daily

This is a hard one for me, I'm not an exerciser by any means, I have spurts where I'm motivated but most of the time I'm just ....blah about it! I NEED to do this. I even bought an Elliptical machine a few months back and have only used it about a dozen times. I can do this!