Eating Habits

Lets talk habits shall we?
Growing up I ate food because I wanted to. Cookies were yummy, so were brussell sprouts. My parents tried to limit how many snack we had. Sugar was right next to the healthy veggies in this category. But I was like a lot of children; when you say no, we find a loophole. I remeber vividly, hiding in the pantry chowing down on contraband cocolate chip cookies. I climbed in, sat on a shelf, turned off the light, shut the door and chowed down. Boy did they taste good.
As I got older, I started to become lazier. I didn't run around like the other kids at recess. I didn't join a soccer team (we didn't have the money). And I only had one friend starting at about 9 years old. So I sat around, watching TV.
When I was 13, my family moved from Canada to the US right at the beginning of Summer Vacation. I didn't know anyone, so I sat around, watching TV and eating. A Lot.
As far as I can remeber, I never ate to consol my feelings. At least not most of the time. I ate because I wanted to.
However, about 6 months ago, things started to go a little wonky at work and I noticed myself heading straight to MickeyD's after work for some comfort french fries. That's when I realized that my eating habits changed. When I feel frustrated ... I eat. When I feel depressed ... I eat. When I feel tired ... I eat. I think you can see where I'm going.
I'm trying to eat more consiously now. Of course it doesn't help that my appetite is pretty large right now. Well, really, I've always had a big appetite.
I'm going to try and drink lots and lots of water and eat lots of healthy veggies like cauliflower and cucumbers for snacks to see if that'll help my appetite a little.
It's either that or I make myself stay hungry for a few days til I adjust. I might have to use both methods.
See you next time.

Ok, Shoot Me & Weigh in Time

Alright, I surrender. I was a lazy poster and have not posted a thing in over a week. Last Sunday I wrote that I wasn't going to worry about any weight loss stuff for the rest of the week and that I would post my weigh in the next day. Well, obviously that didn't happen. Every Monday morning, I'm supposed to get up and weigh myself, except that last Monday, I forgot to. Then I was going to weigh myself on Tuesday and forgot again. At that point I figured I wasn't going to get anaccurate weigh in anyways so I waited until this Monday. Except that I didn't post my weigh in on Monday. I did however, weigh myself. So my official weigh in on Monday was 285.2lbs with my body fat percentage at 44.6%. The weight thing sucks because for those of you who can count, that means I've gained 6.4lbs in the last two weeks.

Just so you know, I'm sticking my tongue out at myself.

I have no excuses except to say that I'm lazy. Pure and simple. I over ate a little and I stopped walking.

However, I am headed right back onto track this week. And next week will be even better. Tomorrow I will get my last paycheck and then I can get gas for my car, register for Fall classes and head on over to the reservoir for a long over-due walk.

I promise my next post won't take so long in coming.

Muzak

I am currently at work, listening to boring Muzak on the phone. I'm trying to replace an expired gift card for a customer. Oh Joy. However, it's made me decide that I'm going to put my active plans for weight loss on hold for the rest of the week. I'm not going to just eat whatever I want or stop walking, but I'm going to spend less of my focus on it during my last week of work.
My boss gave me this really weird schedule for my last week, so I'm adjusting. However, I will be able to eat the right foods and walk everyday after the 2nd.
Woo Hoo!
I'll still post my weigh in on Monday, so I'll see you then.

Curvaceous

I've noticed that a lot of people write about Weight Watchers or Jenny Craig, etc. but very few people ever write about Curves. Curves is a fitness facility (franchised) that helps women lose weight, strengthen their bodies, and feel better about themselves.

Curves is a 30 minute workout including a cool down and stretches. You work on a machine for 30 seconds and then walk, dance, or whatever on a recovery square and repeat. (recovery Squares are boards supported by springy foam stands in order to be low impact) All the machines work on hydraulics. Basically you are working against yourself instead of resistence weights. They space out the machines so that you aren't working your arms for two machines in a row but alternate muscle groups for maximum effectiveness.

30 seconds on a machine, 30 seconds on a Recovery Square, completeing the curcuit twice followed by a stretching setion. To be really effective you should workout 3 times a week. Though a lot of women go more than often than that.

The trainers are really supportive. They know how much to push you and when to let you go for it yourself. They set up interesting challenges for you to meet and cool incentives to complete the challenges.

Curves has locations all over the world and if you're interested in joing a Curves, visit their website to find a location near you.

Another great thing about Curves is that it's all women; no men. So you don't have to worry about what you'll wear, or if your hair looks alright. There is no criticism within the group and you'll get to know some amazing women and hear their inspirational stories.

I think the best part of Curves is the network of women. They all help each other with encouragement. If you lost a lot of weight one month, they'll praise you. If you happened to put on some weight one month they'll give you a boost back onto your horse.

Curves makes you proud of the curves you have and I'm proud of mine.

Walking Song of the Week

Pump It by The Black Eyed Peas. This song is great for the middle of your workout to help you pick up the pace and keep moving. Big on the whole motivation thing. This isn't my only fav of their's for walking, but it conveys what my purpose for walking is, and helps me stay focused.
Thanks BEP.

Weigh In Time

Hi Everyone! Welcome to a lovely, drizzly, Monday morning.
So I almost to post my weigh in today. Hell, I almost forgot to weigh myself today. But ... drumroll please ... my current weight is 278.8lbs with a body fat percentage at 45.1%. I am pretty happy. I mean, normally, I experience a quick weight loss and then start to even out but I'm happy with 2lbs per week.
That said, I also haven't been following a strick nutrition plan. I've eaten sensibly and in smaller portions but still, have given in to foods that I want to eat. Like today, for instance. My Mom got me, my sister, and herself Chinese for lunch. Though I did have a slightly healthier Chicken and broccoli this time. And then I just had a brownie after dinner.
Mmmmm ... brownie! Of course now I feel a little guilty, but I know that I'll be better.
It's going to take a couple of false starts before I really get going. And if all I'm able to do is lose 2lbs per week, then I can live with that. Because that still spells out progress.

Of course, Ideally I want to lose weight faster than this. And I want to really start incorporating a little jogging into my walks.

Oink ! Oink !

I was a total pig today. After my healthy lunch of Lean Cuisin Turkey Club Panini, I decided to treat myself to 1 donut. Count that 1 donut. But the second I got to the counter at Dunkin Donuts, I saw the munchkins and bought a 25 pack. I then proceeded to eat all but 5 which I graciously offered to my coworkers.

I suppose it's better than eating 20 whole size donuts but man, what a pig.

Anyways, I'll be making up for it tonight while I walk on the treadmill. I've also been bringing boxes from my storage locker home, so yea! for heavy lifting.