The New Plan...

So I figured I needed to come up with a clear game plan for the week. Something to help me stay focused and accountable. Last night I was tossing and turning. Feeling horrible about the choices I made. Stressing out because I screwed up and ate chocolate cake for dinner. I didn't, however, follow it with a big glass of wine like I was thinking of. That gets a point in the positive column right? Yup, it does!
So here's the plan-

• Get up at 5 a.m. and walk on the treadmill (3 mi)
  
• Do pilates after treadmill
• 45 squats a day 15x3 (morning, noon & night)
• Insanity workout
  
• Run or walk post dinner
  
• Only buy healthy foods
  
• Clean the junk out of the cupboards and donate it
• Have a discussion with hubby about changing the junk food habit

What do you think? Looking at it, there is alot of exercising going on. But really the only thing I'm adding is the treadmill/pilates and I am getting up earlier to get my day started on the right foot. If I manage to stick to this all week I am going to reward myself with a much needed pedicure. The discussion with hubby should be interesting, but it has to be done. I sent him to the store for 1 thing yesterday and he came home with a bunch of junk (including the aformentioned chocolate cake). That can't be the case anymore. The staus quo has got to change...for everyones sake.
Do you have a plan for the week? I'd love to hear how everyone else is getting back on track.

Paying the Piper

So my "One Day" mentality didn't pan out so well. I'm having a difficult time with sweets... again. It seems like once I get a taste I want more and more. The cravings are intense and constant. The little voice saying "Doesn't that sound GOOD?" is so hard to ignore. And the stuff is here. The pumpkin pie, the chocolate cake, Oreos and the ice cream. And they are all talking to me (and yes, I realize if I think food is talking to me, I'm a little crazy). I'm also having a hard time with something that was said to me on Thanksgiving. That's not helping either. So, time to deal with it. Wanna know what it was? Maybe if I share it will help.
I got called scrawny. Which wasn't really a big deal. My uncle was just trying to be cute. Then came the barrage of questions, "How'd you do it?" etc, etc. I don't do well when the attention is focused on me, so that was very uncomfortable. But then, from across the room, I hear a muttering...."Oh well, she just doesn't eat! THAT'S how she lost the weight." And the tone of voice, the body language, was very hurtful to me. I have worked my butt off, literally, to get where I am right now. I haven't starved myself. I workout, I run, I eat less and I really strive to eat healthy. It just hurts that someone in my family would talk that way....basically to my face. And what I'm realizing now as I write this, I'm giving what this person said way too much importance. I cannot control what others say or think. I can however control what I do. So what am I going to do? I am going to put my big girl pants back on and do what I know I should. Eat well & exercise. Stop making excuses. Enjoy the fact that I set a PR in my 5K. Start training for my second half marathon. Get back to my Insanity workouts (which I love cause they really kick my butt). And finally, start thinking of a way to reward myself for hitting goal, cause I'm really close (not as close as I was a couple days ago, but that's the penalty I pay for gluttony). Keep moving forward right?

One Day

So, how'd you do on Turkey Day? I ate too much dessert. Sweets are my weakness and once I got a taste, I kept eating. But, I made a conscious choice to start today fresh. The one day is over so I do not get to keep eating that way. It was a special day, and now it's done. Unfortunately the scale was up 2 lbs this morning. Well, I lost the 2 lbs before, I can do it again.

Turkey Trot

I am just going to start by saying that a race is a totally great way to start Thanksgiving Day! It was beautiful this morning and there was an awesome turnout! I set a PR (personal record) for myself so that was also a great feeling. I finished in a mind-blowing 24:25. This is 5 seconds under my goal so I couldn't be be happier. That puts my average mile pace at 7:53....woo-hoo. I'll be back to post more later. Just wanted to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. Enjoy all the blessing in your life, I know I am!!

Feelin' Good, How 'Bout You?

I had an awesome run last night. I wanted to go for one more run before my 5K on Thanksgiving and I wanted to go all out. I haven't been timing my runs for a while since my watch went ker-put, but I finally remembered to grab one the other day. Any guesses as to my time? Drum roll please....... 24:12. That is an 8:04 mile! Yeah! What a vast improvement on my 10 min miles 6 months ago. I revised my time goal for my race on Thursday, now I'm just hoping I have a great run that morning too.
I also had a super day with my eating yesterday. I did 50 (or 60) squats through out the day....I kinda lost track. Today is going to be great too. Now, I gotta get to it.

Back to Work....

I'm so close to my goal I can practically taste it....so what have I been doing? Making really poor choices. As I've said before I'm an emotional eater. The idea of hitting goal is freaking me out slightly. Hubby has been working alot and coming home so stressed out that he just explodes. The kids are both going through interesting stages with their attitudes. The list could go on and on. And I have not been coping well with any of it. But, this is a new week. Recognizing that I am sabotaging all my own hard work really pissed me off this morning. This is a new day, a new start. All I can do is accept that I made mistakes last week and make the changes I need to succeed and make it to my goal.
It really hit me when I went through my closet again this weekend and cleaned out the clothes that are too big.....I have come so far. I can't lose the drive now. I need to get to the goal and figure out how to stay there. I'm looking forward to my 5K on Thursday. After that I am going to start training for another half marathon. And, after seeing my quads tone up from all the squats in the Insanity workouts, I am going to steal another bloggers' idea and do 10-15 squats after each time I take a potty break :) Small steps often bring great reward. It's time to get back to work!
Oh, and thank you all for the kind words when I was struggling last week. Keep moving forward. Remember....Failure is not falling down, it's refusing to get back up! I'm getting back up, are you?

Battling the FUNK...

The kinda depressed feeling, the Funk, is trying to creep it's way back in. I am holding on by my fingertips keeping it at bay. I don't want to be powerless against it and sink into the hole so I'm fighting. Even though I don't want to, I am. It's hard. Hubby doesn't get it. That doesn't help things. What does help? Exercise. Pushing myself to do things even when I don't want to. Mostly, if I get going, get started, I can push through and feel better. But it's a struggle. Food is my friend at these times. Food makes me feel better....but not for very long. After the first initial "feel good", I feel worse because I've just undone a part of the good thing I've been working so hard at. It's a vicious cycle. Yesterday had good parts and bad. Today I'm gritting my teeth and trying to push through. I haven't made any big food mistakes so far, but the thought is there.... wouldn't a candy bar taste good right now? I have a walk scheduled this evening with my sis-in-law. I'm getting things done around the house....slowly, but it's better than curling up on the couch or crawling back into bed. Guess I better get back to it...

A Blogging Award.....for me!?!

Thank you to Greta over at Big Bottom Blogger for giving me my first blogger award! I feel so honored!! (Oh, and thanks for calling me a skinny-mini....you totally made my day).
Feel free to pop over to her blog and check it out....along with the blogs I'm passing the award on to.

The Rules & Regulations are as follows:


-Each Superior Scribbler must in turn pass the award on to five most deserving blogger.

-Each Superior Scribbler must link to the author and the name of the blog from whom s/he has received the award.

-Each Superior Scribbler must display the award on his/her blog, and link to The Scholastic Scribe, which explains the award.

-Each blogger who wins The Superior Scribbler Award must visit this post and add his/her name to the Mr Linky List. That way, they'll be able to keep up-to-date on everyone who receives this prestigious honour. http://scholastic-scribe.blogspot.com/2008/10/200-this-blings-for-you.html

-Each Superior Scribbler must post these rules on his/her blog.

So, without further ado, these are the 5 blogs I've picked to pass the award on to....

GET OFF YOUR BUTT & GET FIT
NO BROWNIES FOR LUNCH
HEALTH, HAPPINESS & SKINNY JEANS
A DAILY DOSE OF DIETING
PINK SUGAR DESSERTS (This blog is Deadly if you love sweets...but I love to drool over the pictures. Check it out at your own risk)

Movin' In The Right Direction

Ha....149! I saw 149 on the scale. Finally the scale is moving in the right direction again. I feel like I've been bouncing up and down 3 lbs for the last month! I'm a little nervous about staying in the 140's though. I think once I lose a couple more lbs I'll feel more comfortable that the 140's are here to stay. Unfortunately I didn't hit my goal of 147 by the 14th. Since I knew it probably wasn't going to happen anyway, I just concentrated on making choices that wouldn't spiral me downward.
My niece had a birthday party yesterday but I stuck with the veggie tray. I avoided the pizza. I did eat a cupcake and a couple pieces of candy, but enjoyed a nice chicken salad for dinner and went for a run to help offset the indulgences. All in all I'm pretty happy with how I handled things.
Hubby has gone back into sabotage mode (unconsciously)...thankfully I recognize the signs. I have to be strong and say "No Thanks" to the sweets he keeps bringing into the house. If I want to stay in the 140s and fit into size 6, I need to control myself. I had a weak moment this morning when I was very tempted to attack the peanut butter. I was seconds away from shoveling it in when I realized that I just couldn't...not if I want to keep the weight off that I've worked so hard to lose. What's the point in losing it if I'm just going to indulge in bad habits every time I get frustrated or stressed?
So, I set my new weight goal. I'm looking forward to my next race. I figured out my body fat % and it's at 20%....normal is 12-22%. Even though I'm in the normal range I'd like to concentrate on reducing that percent to 17. Tomorrow I start the 2nd month of Insanity. I figure I'll just keep moving forward with the new goals. Just because I didn't hit my goal this time doesn't mean I give up. What it means is that I work harder to hit the new goals I set. So, if you're having a tough time right now, pick yourself up and dust yourself off. Straighten your spine, pick a goal and go full force till you get it! We can do it!!

Why Are Your Eyes Closed?

I really wanted pizza tonight for dinner! We've been trying to eat out less or get sandwiches from the deli instead of eating fast food. Well, I was starving and the idea of chicken salads for dinner was just not cutting it (since that's what I had for lunch). Running out and grabbing something, anything, just had so much more appeal. Then the thought of PIZZA popped in my head. Oh man, we haven't ordered a pizza in forever. So what's a girl to do? Well, instead of ordering a pizza....I made one. Thankfully I remembered that I had crust mix and sauce in the cupboard. Throw on chicken, mushrooms, tomato, caramelized onions & a little feta and cheddar cheese and we had a delicious pizza that's so much better for you than any pizza parlor could ever make. It tasted so good I literally closed my eyes in ecstasy....which made my 5 yr old look at me funny and ask "Mommy, why are you eating with your eyes closed?". I couldn't help but laugh. It just reinforced the point that I can eat well and enjoy my food. Obviously I won't be making pizza all the time, but making a healthier version from time to time is acceptable. I was able to enjoy it without feeling like I was "off the diet" and I satisfied an urge that could have turned very ugly, very fast. I even controlled myself when hubby went out and bought dessert. I enjoyed two bites (again with the eyes closed), and then removed myself from temptation with a cup of sweet tea. Go me :)
So, think about it. Is there a situation you can handle differently like I did. In the past I would have been on the phone in two seconds ordering up a pizza. Coming up with alternatives to make our lives healthier is important.
This is my war. I know I will not win every battle, but I triumphed this time. And that's good enough for me.

I Touched the Ceiling!?!

So this is my recovery week for my DVD workout. I'm still working out, it's just not pounding my body as hard. Next week we go into MAX Insanity which is a little scary to think about. Anyhow one of the drills on the recovery DVD is vertical jumps. Stand with feet together and jump up as high as you can. Well, I did. And I hit the ceiling with my fingertips! Out of curiosity I measured the distance and there is a 12 inch gap between my hands and the ceiling if I just stand with my hands up. A foot! Yay! How cool is that?
In addition to the workouts I've been making time again for my power walks or a run. This seems to be a big key to a positive mindset for me as well. And, I registered for the local Turkey Trot. I can't wait. Running a 5K Thanksgiving morning should be a blast! Something to look forward to beside the food...

Take stock and analyze...

Today was great! It was one of those days where everything clicked along pretty well. I'm figuring out some of my "environmental" triggers that help keep me in a funk. Things like an unmade bed, a dirty house or hanging out in my pj's ALL DAY LONG. I'm paying more attention to how things affect me. If I roll out of bed and turn around and make it, it puts me in a better mindset than if I walk away and come back an hour later to make it. I'm finding that clutter and disorder overwhelm me and help lead me down the path to the dark side of comfort eating. Now, don't get me wrong, I am not a clean freak (my sister will attest to that). But I do like things straightened up- shoes piled by the door (not strewn across the floor), toys in the basket after the kids are done playing with them, etc, etc (you get the point). When my life is more organized and ordered my eating is more controlled. When my home is in chaos my eating generally is too. The thing is, while some of these thoughts were rattling around my head, it's not until I sat down and started writing this post that some of it coalesced. It's amazing what we can learn about ourselves when we stop to think, analyze, and for me, write.
Originally this post was supposed to focus on the great day I had, but the writing went another direction. I did have a great day. I did eat really well. I did go for an awesome run tonight. Mostly though, I wrote something that made me, and hopefully you, think.

Awww, COME ON!!

I REALLY, REALLY, REALLY, want to see 140 something on the scale! It's just not happening. Grrrrr. I know I need to be patient, it's just hard to be patient. Even though I know the reason for the "plateau" I still get frustrated by it...every stinkin' month. For a week or so I stick at a certain number then the next week I usually see a significant drop. This time however it's a little more irritating than normal. Seeing 150 is just pissing me off. Getting into the 140's would be a huge milestone for me. Since frustration many times "makes" me eat, I am going to try and stay off the scale till Wednesday at least....Saturday if I can stand it.

Mantra of the week: Stop obsessing

Sweet Tooth Beware...

Can I just say "Thank You" to my sister-in-law. She gave me this tea since her mom didn't care for it...it was too sweet for her taste. And oh my, I LOVE IT!! Love, love, love it! (Did I mention I kinda like it?) Anyway, it's been helping kill the sweet cravings I've had after my sugar coma this past weekend. So, if you like sweet tea (or sweets in general), check it out. And FYI- Good Earth also makes a Vanilla Blend White Tea that is very tasty and more citrus-y if that's more your style. Just thought I'd share...

Ha Ha...He Couldn't Hang

So my husband has seen me doing the "Insanity" workouts a few times and has jokingly said that he might start doing them with me. I wasn't holding my breath. He's just not a workout kind of guy. He's in good shape from a physical job, but he doesn't actively train. Anyhow, I wasn't able to work out this morning like usual so I was forced to this afternoon. Well, imagine my surprise when the spouse joined in. Let me just say...it was hilarious! Since some of my readers actually know my husband, I won't say anything beyond the fact that he couldn't hang. Don't say anything to him though, he would just say he was goofing off and not seriously trying to do the workout. I do think he came away from it with a greater respect for how hard I've been working though. And the hard work is paying off. My muscles are getting more defined and I am stronger than I was 3 weeks ago...yay :)

Back in the groove...

Let's just put it out there first and say I struggled this weekend. I've been struggling lately, but add in a holiday that revolves around sugar and candy and you have a recipe for disaster (at least for me). Which, Sunday was. A complete train wreck from start to finish. But it's over. I was up 3 lbs on the scale this morning. Talk about a smack-you-in-the-face wake-up call.
But, I did well with my eating today. Tomorrow will be a good day too (I'm working on a positive outlook). My kids were driving me bananas today, but I handled it without shoving food in my face. I went for a run instead. I haven't run in about a month (due to injury) but it felt great to get out there again. I did my workout this morning and sweated my butt off...hopefully literally. I'm back in the groove and more determined than ever not to let myself be undermined. The goal is in sight. Now to keep moving forward!