My Time For Change

License to Eat

2009-06-16T19:40:00.000-07:00

Boy, the end of the competition was like a license to eat for me! I have eaten so much crap in the past week+ that it's hilarious (well, not really). Movie theatre popcorn, ice cream, candy, cookies, donuts, more ice cream, more candy, cake, chips and cheese, french fries, more cookies, etc. WOW! Thank goodness my weight hasn't budged yet. Better get back on track of snacking a bit less. :)

On a good note, I bought a bike trailer and my husband and I have been enjoying bike rides together every night while towing the kiddos. So that's some unexpected exercise, right?

Competition is O-V-E-R

2009-06-05T12:21:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to everyone on a great 6 months! And congratulations especially to Karilynn for her victory of being THE BIGGEST LOSER!

As Allison Sweeney would say...."Kristi, I'm sorry to tell you, you are not the Biggest Loser". But I would have a similar reply as all the other contestants usually do, "Yes, but Allison, I feel like I am a Loser already". LOL. So, yeah, I'm very happy with my accomplishment during this contest. My goal was to lose 10-15 pounds. I always said that I HAD to lose 10 pounds and would be thrilled, and anything up to 15 would be an added bonus. Well, I lost exactly 10. So technically I hit my goal.

Also, I lost the 10 lbs as of two months ago and have maintained that weight for 2 months so that shows me I'll be able to maintain by keeping up some of the new habits I formed.

I know I "only" had 10 pounds to loose and it might not seem like a lot, but I was so frustrated with myself for the past 2.5 years (since I had my babies) that I couldn't ever get motivated to lose the 10 pounds. So that's part of why I joined this competition and am happy with my success, because I finally did it without failing.

Here's what I'm happy about:
1. I'm back into my pre-pregnancy size clothes.
2. I am wearing a bikini again.
3. I'm not snacking uncontrollably like I was before. So glad I got a handle on my excessive snacking.
4. I enjoy exercising again and will continue to do it a few times a week.

So, see Allison, I am a Biggest Loser. LOL

I need to do my after pictures! Will post those when I get them. Also, I plan to keep up this blog and keep up with anyone else in the competition that is continuing with the journey we started.

One Day Left

2009-06-03T20:27:00.000-07:00

Oh man, I've been so busy that I haven't even checked blogs in a few days. Melissa, you totally bombed on the "post everyday", just like me. I can't believe we both bombed starting on the same day too. Too funny.

Well, yeah, I lost my motivation for the 10 day kick butt challenge. Want my excuses or should I spare you? Ok, here they are. First, I caught a cold so it hurts to breathe when I work out hard and I haven't felt great. Secondly, my photography business just exploded and I seriously can't find enough hours or minutes of the day to keep up with it. Therefore, exercise goes out the window. I don't feel too bad about that because I'm at a weight that I feel good about anyway. I just can't let it go all the time.

So, we have tomorrow left and then the competition is over at the next morning's weigh in. Do we just all stop posting on our blogs? That sounds sad. I'd like to keep up with everyone!

Good Day....I think

2009-05-29T20:26:00.000-07:00

Great day because I ate healthy as can be, drank water and didn't snack. And, my hubby got home early so I was able to go to the gym for a killer workout. But, we took my boys to a movie tonight and they wanted popcorn. So, I had some. With butter. Lots of butter. But, the 4 of us shared a small popcorn! So that means I didn't pig out. So, sort of a splurge, but not totally overdone.

Good Day

2009-05-28T20:22:00.000-07:00

Day 3 for me (I started one day before Melissa gave me the challenge). Well, I have sore muscles. Which tells me I've been doing good working out again. But, it also tells me that I didn't do so well working out for a while before that. I also did great eating today. Well, I did have a 100 calorie granola bar that I tried resisting, but ate anyway. But hey, that's not enough to worry about. The scale was a little nicer to me today, so that gave me motivation. Feeling good.

Post a Day Makes the Pounds Go Away

2009-05-27T18:38:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm hoping that's true anyway.

So, Melissa & I vowed to kick butt for the last 10 days of the competition and as part of that we are going to post everyday on our blogs. I see that Karilynn is joining us. Anyone else? Vicki? Carrie? Rochelle? Katie? Whitney? Not sure how many others are hanging in as we see the end of the competition approaching.

As for my report for the day, I didn't do quite as well today as I did yesterday. But still better than recent weeks. Ready to take on tomorrow for another good day.

Sleep well tonight ladies and good luck tomorrow!

Checking In

2009-05-26T12:40:00.001-07:00

Boy, I don't have much of anything to report! I haven't been doing very well on my exercise routine and I'm back to eating bad snacks too often. Blah! I miss my drive and motivation. I just wanted to lose 1 or 2 pounds, that's all I had left, instead I've gained 1 or 2. Pooey on that.

Let's see, I think we have something like 10 days left of this competition. That's not enough time for me to get to where I wanted, but it might be enough time to get rid of the 1-2 pounds I gained this past month or so. I will be bummed if my final weigh in of the competition is higher than one or two of my previous month weigh ins. Pooey on that too.

So, another recommitment coming at ya! LOL

Plugging Away

2009-05-14T19:57:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm plugging away pretty good this week. Back on the wagon of doing better at maintaining. I exercised and stopped most of my impulsive snacking. My stomach is telling me I'm hungry right now at 11pm....ignore the growling...just go to bed...don't snack....LOL.

Anyway, this blog gets boring with no pictures. I'm used to posting zillions of pics on my other blogs, so I remember this pic of me from last week that my friend took at the park. I remember thinking when she sent it to me that I looked thin laying there flat in the grass. I guess we don't see pics of ourselves too often or realize the weight loss we've accomplished. Thought I'd post it just so that this blog has a little life in it.

Maintaining

2009-05-11T04:47:00.000-07:00

Nothing much new to report. I don't think I'm going to weigh in today (or at least not record it) because I haven't been doing very good this past week. I've gotten busy with my photography work, which I work on while my boys nap. The problem with that is that's when I always exercise. So instead of exercise, I'm sitting on my butt doing my photography work, which then also leads me to snack. Double whammy.

I feel good about how far I've come. I'm in my pre-prego clothes. I bought another outfit yesterday and the pants were size 6 and the shirt a size small. So I feel good about that. But I sure need to find ways to make myself keep up my good habits that I started.

So, in summary, It seems to me like maintaining weight & decent habits is harder for me than a full on diet & exercise routine. Hmm. Interesting.

Weigh In Day

2009-05-05T19:37:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm up 1/2 pound since last month's weigh in. I think I am ok with that. Emphasis on "think". I'm 1 pound away from my goal. I wish I would have completely gotten there. But I was literally gone more than 1/2 of the month. Maybe that is an excuse. But it really is hard to maintain a routine when I'm away so much.

I want to work hard this month, which is the last month of our contest, and get to my goal, which is to lose between 1-6 lbs more. Most importantly, I need to make sure I can maintain my healthy habits of eating well & getting regular exercise. And then of course maintain those habits after this contest!! (Yikes, the thought of that scares me!!!)

Remember Me?

2009-04-29T19:44:00.000-07:00

Ok, I think it's a fact that if one of us isn't blogging very much then we probably aren't working too hard on our goal. Right? Someone else once said that too. I think I was deflated after coming back from the cruise where I exercised each day and did fairly well with my food intake, but yet had gained some weight. Then I was in Utah for 5 days. Then I was out of town visiting family for a few days. Not to mention my goal is 130-135 lbs so when I hit 135.5 and was back into my pre-prego size it made me lazy. All of that threw me off course.

So, as I'm sitting her eating a bag of colored marshmallows that my 2 yr olds decided to take off the shelf at the grocery store tonight, I figured I better catch up on everyone's blogs and decide if I'm going to recommit to finishing my journey in our last month.

The main thing that bothers me is that I feel like I'm back to my old snacking habits. The kind that seem uncontrolable, like the marshmallows right now, and candy and desserts, etc. I don't want my old habits back!

So, ok, starting tomorrow....wait, starting now (she says as she closes the marshmallow bag), I'm back on the wagon. I'm not traveling hardly at all in May so I can commit to good eating and regular exercise. I'm so close to my goal, I have to finish this contest!!

Vacation Fun

2009-04-13T18:37:00.001-07:00

I'm back from vacation. The cruise was awesome. We spent a couple of days in Mexico also. And a day in New Orleans. My husband and I had a great time. Ok, I have to let you know that I exercised everyday, except one day! Let me say that again. Every day, except one!! Now that was dedication! The water was really rough and the cruise ship was constantly rocking so it made it quite a challenge to obey Bob & Jillian's rule of not holding on while walking or running on the treadmill...especially when the treadmill also was at the very front of the boat and all you could see was water while exercising.

Anyway, I thought I was semi-disciplined in my eating. Most breakfasts were small. Most lunches were soup & sandwich. Dinners were "fancy" so the amount of food is always small. But I probably overdid it on the drinks & desserts. So, can you believe I gained 3.5 pounds since my weigh in before the cruise. Dang! Ironically I've lost exactly 3.5 pounds each of the 3 months of our competition. I can't believe I gained a whole month's worth of loss in one week...especially when I worked out each day! DANG!!! Guess I'm not to my goal now and it's back to work to get back to it!

Ok, so, these pictures were taken for you guys, and you guys only!! These pictures did not, and will not make it on any of my other blogs or for any one else to see. But I told hubby that I had to get a couple of pics for you guys so you could see that I dared to wear a bikini. I was comfortable in it too! I have to catch up on all your blogs now!

Bon Voyage

2009-04-02T19:47:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm off to my all you can eat food frenzy, aka, a cruise in the Caribbean. The funny thing is that the one thing I'm looking forward to is working out on the ship! I guess that means exercising has become a habit and part of my normal lifestyle. I intend to splurge here and there on food, but I'm getting used to making good food choices too.

Most of my pre-pregnancy clothes all fit me again, 1 to 2 sizes smaller. It's almost like I suddenly realized that I actually lost my weight and have almost hit my goal. I guess we see ourselves everyday in the mirror maybe we don't realize quite how much our bodies really have changed. So I'm excited about the bikinis, clothes & little dresses that I'm bringing on the trip.

It's such a good feeling to be in control of eating and taking care of my body by eating healthy and exercising. And to realize the results and achieve the goals you set out for....it's an amazing feeling.

I just feel good. Ok, so maybe anyone would feel good the day they are leaving for a cruise. LOL. But really, I feel good about myself for the first time in awhile...both inside and outside. My goal was to weigh between 130-135 and I've been down to 135.5 the past few days.

Monday, Monday

2009-03-30T05:29:00.000-07:00

Not much to report, but I was checking in on your blogs and posting my Monday weight on my side bar, and I figured I might as well leave a quick post. Last week I saw 136.5 on the scale...I sure liked that number. For the past few days I've been 137.0, which still thrills me because I'm down 2 pounds from that nasty 3 week plateau.

I'm starting to feel more toned finally. My husband actually said yesterday that he sees some definition in my abs. So, that's my goal for the remaining two months of this competition. I want to lose just a couple of more pounds, but focus mainly on toning.

So, the 5K is this weekend in SLC, right? Good luck on that, ladies! It sounds like a lot of fun for all of you who are doing it together.

Happy Monday!

Finally Again!

2009-03-26T05:46:00.001-07:00

Boy, I almost don't dare post about this in fear of jinxing myself or something. The scale keeps going down each day this week! Remember this happened to me last month too. A long plateau and then all of a sudden it drops like crazy one week.

139.0 three week plateau
138.5 on Monday & Tuesday
137.5 on Wednesday
136.5 Today

WOW! That makes me feel so much better after those 3 weeks. I'm so happy to finally see results.

We leave for our cruise in 8 days. I ended up buying two new bathing suits....a tankini and a bikini. Can't decide for sure if I dare wear the bikini yet or if I'm saving it for this summer after our competition. Even though my weight has gone I still feel like a have a lot of toning to do on my mid-section. I probably should start working harder on that instead of so much cardio. I think I need to buy some DVD's or something to help me know what exercises I should be doing.

Finally

2009-03-24T11:15:00.000-07:00

So, after 3 weeks of a plateau, I finally lost a whopping 1/2 pound. But, hey, I'll take it. At least it's a new number on the scale and it's in the right direction. And I saw the number yesterday and again today, so it wasn't a one day fluke either.

Seems like everyone is posting less and commenting less this month! Hope you are all doing good and keeping it up!

Frustrated

2009-03-20T13:29:00.000-07:00

Ok, frustrated for two reasons....

First, the scale still hasn't moved! I've been working out and eating good and yet in 3 weeks I haven't lost an ounce. Talk about a wicked plateau. I know, you told me that I'm building muscle, I shouldn't rely on the scale as much as taking measurements, etc. But come on, not even 1/2 a pound in 3 weeks?

Second, my twins turned 2.5 yrs old this coming week and suddenly it appears that they have outgrown their naps. My routine has been that I exercise everyday while they nap. So, now I'm fighting with them for the whole nap time (and they aren't sleeping) instead of exercising! Guess I have to get up super early in the morning to exercise now? This totally disturbs me. You have no idea.

On a related note, I also used nap time to do my photography business work. Now I can't do that either. Also, disturbing. And no, so far they aren't sleeping any longer at night since they are skipping their 2 hour nap either. ARGH!!!

Oh, and while we're talking about frustrations, let me continue to rant. Actually I won't rant. I'll just say this. I tried on bathing suits at the store the other day. I left empty handed. Enough said.

Zero

2009-03-16T04:57:00.000-07:00

Zero is the amount of weight I've lost in the past week after kicking my butt for a week with work outs and eating properly. Darn! I worked out extra hard this past week. Even went to the club gym twice, on top of exercising at home. And did really good on my eating. And a big fat zero weight loss. Well, maybe my theory of the scale showing results the following week will prove true once again. We'll find out this week.

PS....I'm coming back to SLC next month again! April 22-26. My step-son is graduating from BYU so we're coming to attend the graduation. Maybe we can meet up for lunch again one day.

Motivation

2009-03-09T11:06:00.000-07:00

Hmmm. Took my boys to McD's for lunch and I ordered a cheeseburger. Wonder why I did that? I did order the yogurt parfait instead of the fries. Although I don't think the yogurt thing is that great for you either. So I'm questioning where my motivation went. I'll find it again. Just lost it a little after traveling last week and not being in the groove and regular routine.

Actually, I do have one big motivator. We just booked a cruise and we leave in just under one month. Hubby and I are going to the Western Caribbean with stops in Mexico. Part of me wants to kick some serious butt, lose 5 pounds this month and then I think I'd be ready for a bikini on the cruise. The other part of me thinks I probably can't do all of that in one month so to keep my bikini goal for this summer as planned.

Find the motivation, Kristi!!!

On that note, I'm off to exercise.

Monthly Weigh In

2009-03-05T13:26:00.001-08:00

Today was our monthly weigh in. It's the end of the second month. Ironically I lost the exact same amount in month 2 as I did in month 1. I'm thrilled to be in the 130's. I wasn't able to exercise during the past 5 days when we traveled to SLC. So I'm excited to get back at it and see what I can accomplish this month.

Also, it was fabulous hanging out with some of you at lunch on Monday. It was great meeting you in person after getting to know you online. I'm looking forward to seeing some of you again in the future too!

Congrats to Karilynn & Katie, our monthly losers.....I mean, winners! You guys did awesome again!

Monday - Lunch with Me in SLC

2009-02-26T12:24:00.001-08:00

Update: McD's, 895 Fort Union Blvd in Midvale, 11:00am. Monday. I'm flying out in a few hours. Looking forward to seeing some of you on Monday for Lunch!

So I heard a few votes for the McDonalds on 7200 for Monday. Rochelle, you mentioned Arctic Circle but I think at least one person mentioned not knowing which one you meant. I know hardly nothing about the SLC area, so I'm at your mercy about where we go. Should we do McD's on 7200? Rochelle, is that ok with you?

So, can someone give me a better address for what 7200 means? LOL. I did a search for McD's in SLC, but didn't see anything with 7200 in it.

And everyone mentioned the earlier the better, so how about 11:00? And if anyone wants to do it earlier, I'd be ok with that also.

Sounds like there's about 6 or 7 of us that plan to meet for lunch. Bring the kiddos. I'll bring the skinny jeans. Maybe. :)

To Keep the Jeans or Not (and SLC visit this weekend)

2009-02-24T18:54:00.000-08:00

That is the Question.

So, the first day I put on my new jeans I start my period so I guess I'm a bit bloated. But I think jeans should feel more comfortable than this. They are snug. Not horribly tight. But snug. The sales people both agreed that the size bigger (my normal size) wasn't flattering. So am I normally wearing jeans that are too big and sloppy on me? And I need to get used to wearing more form fitting, flattering jeans? Or are these suckers just too small for me yet?

I'm tempted to bring them back and get my normal size so I can wear them comfortably for the next couple of months. Then when I drop my last 5-7 pounds then I'll go back and get this size. Or should I just keep these, wear them a little, and know they will fit me more comfortable soon.

What's a girl to do? Such a dilemma.

LOL

MY SLC VISIT THIS WEEKEND. My boys are both sick again. Dang it. Sleepless nights for me mean I don't have energy to exercise each day. ARGH!!! Anyway, hopefully they are well enough for us to come this weekend. So whoever wants to meet up for lunch on Monday, let's do it! Let's pick a time and place. I will be in Bountiful. What area is is central for everyone? A couple people mentioned going to a park. Forecast now shows a high of 54 and rain. Should we pick a kid-friendly place like McD's with a playland and meet there for lunch and then if it's nice enough go to a park? Or do you have other suggestions for kid-friendly places besides McD's? I'm open for whatever. And what time? Maybe like 11:00, 11:30 or 12:00? First, who wants to come? And second, if you have a suggestion, offer it up.

Knock, Knock

2009-02-22T12:18:00.001-08:00

Knock, knock

Who's there?

130's

130's who?

What? Seriously?? Well, come on in! I've been waiting for you for 2.5 years!!!

Yep, you were right, Vicki. 139.5!!! I got on & off the scale about 5 times in a row and then grabbed my camera. I couldn't believe it. Boy, what a week! I didn't do anything different at all this week either. Maybe all the healthy lifestyle changes from the past 1.5 months are catching up with me.

So I splurged today! I went to Express (used to be my favorite store, haven't been there since I had my twins) and I bought a pair of jeans that cost $98!! Let me say that again! $98. WOW! I would never buy something that expensive. But I had a 50% coupon that made them $50. Even that is a lot, but these jeans looked soooo good. I felt great in them. I almost bought my usual size, but the sales guy & sales lady told me they weren't flattering and talked me into the size smaller (my pre-prego size). I even said to the sales guy & girl "holy cow, look how good these jeans make my ass look!". And I never swear like that either!!! It was completely out of excitement & shock.

Doing the happy dance, doing in the happy dance.

How was girls night out last night????

Me, sick too?

2009-02-20T20:50:00.001-08:00

So after reading Lorie & Whitney's post from this evening about being sick, I decided to write one on the same topic too. The strange thing is that I am not sick at all. But I've had a sore throat for 2.5 weeks straight now. It's gotten bad. I cringe each time I have to swallow. I finally gave in and went to the doctor today. Doc said "you win the prize for the day" because she was stumped and couldn't figure out what was wrong. It wasn't strep. And it wasn't thrush. I have spots and inflammation in my throat. Looks bad and hurts like crazy. So they want me to go to an ear, nose, throat specialist next week.

Fun, fun, fun.

PS....I was down another 1/2 pound. 140.0 now! I'm knocking on the door of the 130's. I can't believe it.

The scale is tippin' alittle more!

2009-02-18T05:45:00.001-08:00

Don't give me a lecture about weighing myself everyday! (I know that some of you do it too!!) LOL. I can only remember one time when the scale showed my weight higher and I was bummed. Otherwise, the days when I've plateaued (last the previous 3 weeks) it makes me want to work harder to budge it. And days like the past 4 days when it goes down everyday, I actually get super motivated to work harder.

I was at 142.5 the past 3 weeks. Then...
Sunday 141.5
Monday 141.5
Tuesday 141.0
Today 140.5

Yeah! I think what I notice is that my hard work pays off about a week later. Last week I worked really hard, then finally this week the scale drops a little everyday. So I'm super motivated to keep it going! I can't believe how close I'm getting to the 130's. Wow!

I don't think I've ever mentioned that my husband starting dieting/exercising the same day we did. So it's been fun to do it together. His goal is 25 pounds, which gets him back to where he was when we got married 4 years ago. He's lost 10 pounds so far so he's doing great.

Finally Tipped the Scale

2009-02-16T11:44:00.000-08:00

Boy, after nearly 3 weeks I finally saw a new number on the scale. I'm down 1 pound! I'll take it. It's not a lot, but it sure was nice to see some progress after all this time.

I've done all of my exercising on my elliptical downstairs since we started this competition. I have a gym membership and also a country club membership (which is literally in walking distance). Yesterday I went to the country club for the first time and loved it! Man, I sure get a better work out in a place like that compared to at home (remember by 2 hour workout at the club down in FL on vacation also). I also fell back in love with the treadmill too. They are so fancy now and much smoother and more fun than the 9 year old one I have in my storage room. So, I'm going to find opportunities to get to the gym or clubhouse more often from now on!

Back on the Wagon

2009-02-11T17:22:00.000-08:00

So, I fell off the wagon the past week. After the super bowl trip where I did "ok", I came home to my horrible toothache and sick kids. Took a full week and I stumped two dentists before an endodontist figured out I needed a root canal. Got that taken care of 2 days ago. My kids were sick with cold, pneumonia & pink eye. Well, ladies, you know what that means....sleepless nights. Add to that a double ear infection that we just found out about yesterday. With ear infections come major sleepness nights.

So, because of all of that, I didn't watch what I was eating closely, nor did I have the energy or feel good enough to exercise.

But, I am back on the wagon, so to speak as of two days ago. I suspect February won't be a great month for me when it comes to weight loss because I feel so behind now. But that's ok. I'm glad I didn't fall of the wagon completely, because in the past that's what I would have done.

As far as my Utah trip, maybe we should try to plan on a lunch meeting on that Monday, March 2. That way we aren't disrupting everyone's family time over the weekend. And since it's a Monday, then anyone with kiddos can bring them and we'll go to a kid friendly place, like a park or McD's play thing or whatever. I'm coming out there to visit family. My husbands family is all out there, including his kids who are in college, so we'll be spending the weekend with them.

PS....speaking of lunch in SLC, you have no idea how lucky you are to have Cafe Rio restaurant out there. My splurge on that trip will be to get a pork burrito smothered in all fixings!!! I have to get it every time I visit.

I'm Coming to SLC!!!

2009-02-09T11:22:00.000-08:00

We bought our plane tickets and are coming to SLC to visit this month! We're coming on Friday, February 27th. I'd love to get together with any of you that would like to. I'd be available that Saturday, Sunday or Monday, the 28th, 1st and 2nd.

I often get together with Melissa when I come to town, and Holly mentioned maybe getting together. So if either of you guys, or anyone else would like to do something, that would be great. I probably can't swing a whole night out because I'll have my twins and we'll be there visiting family, but I can probably escape for a morning or afternoon. I might be able to do it without my kids, otherwise most likely I'd have them with me.

If weekends are tough because it's family time, then Monday for lunch would be good too. I know some of you that work wouldn't be able to come, but any stay at home mom's might.

We don't have to decide right now, but I wanted to throw that out to everyone and see if anyone was interested in trying to meet up. I'd love to meet some of you guys. But completely understand if it doesn't work out too.

Super Bowl Pics & a Revelation

2009-02-06T13:50:00.000-08:00

What's my revelation?! Well, no wonder I've gained 8 pounds in the past 12 months. That's when I started my photography business, which requires me to sit on my butt for hours and hours processing pictures. Well, I had my first really slow month where I only had 1 client in January. What did I do instead of sit on my butt, process pics and snack? I exercised and didn't snack! And I focused on me in January.

How did I realize this? I just skipped exercising and spent a full 2 hours processing SOME of my super bowl pictures and posting them on my blog. That is so stinking time consuming! I managed to not snack while I was doing it, but I hate that I skipped exercise. But I've needed to find the time all week to get to those pictures, so I just had to do it today.

Anyway, it makes me fearful of the busy photography season coming because I'll have to find other times to exercise instead of sitting on my butt on the computer for hours and hours. I really think that is part of why I gained that weight this past year.

So, with that, here's a link to my family blog where I posted the pictures. Maybe I'll throw a few on my photography blog also. Gotta keep that alive during this slow time.

Adams Family Blog

1st Month Results

2009-02-05T20:00:00.000-08:00

Well, the 1st month results were just posted. I made 14th place out of 26 ladies. I sort of figured I'd land right in the middle. I'm happy with that. I don't expect I'll ever pose much of a threat for first place. But yet I'm a strong contender for staying in the race, so to speak, because I've finally found the motivation I've lacked for a couple of years and I'm changing my old, bad habits into good, healthy new ones.

I started out last month at 146 lbs and today I weighed in at 142.5. So that's a 3.5 lbs loss, or 2.4%. If I keep that up (which I WILL) then I'll have no trouble reaching my goal before the end of this competition.

What I'm most happy about is that I'm back to enjoying exercise and actually look forward to it. That's good habit #1. And that I'm able to control my snacking. Man, I used to snack sooo much! Good habit #2. And, good habit # 3, is that I'm making healthier choices at meal time, like ordering a salad or rice instead of french fries.

Congrats to Karilynn on 1st place and Katie O on 2nd place. Enjoy your cash prizes, ladies!!

If you aren't in this contest you might wonder why there's a tube of tooth paste in the picture. Don't ask! :)

I'm Back

2009-02-04T13:38:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone! I came back from my trip 2 days early. I have an infection either in a tooth or my sinuses and the dentist can't figure out which. I was hoping for a root canal because I was in so much pain all weekend, but since the xrays didn't show anything I'm taking antibiotics & pain pills for a few more days to see if that helps. Also, I came home to my boys both being sick. They have colds, pink eye and one of them has pneumonia.

So, because of that, I haven't had much sleep in the past 5 nights, therefore I'm spending today sitting on couch instead of exercising. Not a very good "last chance workout" before tomorrow's weigh in.

I was down 4 pounds total prior to my trip, but I suspect either 1/2 or 1 pound might have come back. I did extremely well eating during the vacation. I was surrounded constantly, at every hour of the day & night with unlimited amounts of food. I resisted and ate about 95% healthy!! Out of the 5 days I only had time (literally!!!!) for 1 workout. I got a massage at the Ritz Carlton and then worked out for a full 1 hour & 45 minutes straight. It was awesome! Wish I could do that more often!

Here are some Super Bowl vacation trip highlights. I will post pics on my personal blog in the next few days.
1. I had dinner with Joe Montana & Jerry Rice in a huge house/mansion. It was amazing.
2. The dinner was cooked by Chef Tyler Florrence from the Food Network. What a hottie! Oh, and a good cook!
3. I rode in a huge limo type bus thing with a police escort on two different occasions.
4. My seats were on the 50 yard line, about 1/2 way up the bottom level. Great game!
5. Sitting near me were Jesse Jackson, Cuba Gooding Jr., Chris Tucker, Chef Tyler Florrence and Chef Guy Fieri. I took pics of all of them.
6. Michael Phelps & Jessica Simpson were at our hotel. Didn't get a pic of them though! Darn.
7. Do you know the guy in all the Sprint commercials, CEO Dan Hesse? He's the one that invited us for the weekend and we spent a lot of time with him & his family. They were awesome hosts & spoiled us!

Ok, now I'll shake off the star struck feeling and get back to my normal, regular old life. :)

Goodbye for awhile

2009-01-30T07:05:00.000-08:00

Well, I'm packed & ready to leave for our little vacation (Florida for the Super Bowl). I might be away from a computer for 5 or 6 days! Yikes!! I will have serious withdrawals. Although I might get online at the hotel at some point.

I was packing today and trying to consolidate and pack light. Not to mention we will be on the go, literally, the entire time and unless I'm getting up at 7am while on vacation I don't know when I'll fit in a work out. Of course I'll be at a fancy hotel (Ritz Carlton) and they will have a killer work out room, so I'm dying to work out. Should I repeat that sentence. I'm dying to work out. It's become such a habit that I can't imagine going away for that long and not working out. So, I packed my bulky tennis shoes and my work out clothes and I plan to try to squeeze some work outs in. I love that it's becoming a habit for me. Not that I have to do it everyday. But going 5 days without exercising seemed too long. That alone, regardless of my weight, makes me feel like I'm achieving my goal. Healthy habits!! That's what I am hoping for in this competition. Now let's see if I can do as well with my eating!! LOL

Have a good next 5 or 6 days and I promise to catch up when I return.

A fun form of exercise

2009-01-28T14:36:00.000-08:00

Roller Skating! Hmm, hadn't though of that. I brought my 2 year old twins to a toddler skate at the roller rink and they got to try skating for the first time. Luckily there were not that many people there so I was able to strap on skates myself and do several laps on my own. I broke a small sweat and got out of breath. So that means I burned some calories, right? Cool! (Hopefully it will offset the potato chips I ate this afternoon....why, oh why, did I do that!!??!!)

End of Week 3

2009-01-26T10:15:00.001-08:00

Well, just a 1/2 pound loss for me in week 3. It doesn't surprise me though. I worked out 5 out of 7 days. But my downfall was my eating. I did good most of the time, but gave in to cravings enough times that I didn't figure I'd lose weight. But hey, 1/2 pound is a 1/2 pound. Better than going in the opposite direction. Am I allowed to blame anything on "that time of the month", like I hear some people mentioning? Ok, I'll blame it on that then. LOL

I'm hoping for a really good week 4 going into the first official monthly weight in.....BUT, I'm going to Florida for the Super Bowl this weekend. An all expenses paid trip (husband's business) for 3 nights in a fancy hotel with massages, food, golf, food, drinks, food, entertainment and more food. Pre-parties, after-parties, dinners, receptions, entertainment and FOOD. Did I mention FOOD? LOL

My Apologies to McD's

2009-01-25T14:08:00.000-08:00

So, I've never had anything nice to say about the salads at McDonalds. I always remember thinking that they were too small, not filling enough, and were mainly a bowl of lettuce with a couple of pieces of chicken and a couple of pieces of something else, depending on which one you chose. Well, I apologize! I have twin boys that are alittle over 2 years old and it's winter, so I find myself at McD's now and then so the kids can play. I've actually brought in my own salad from Chili's twice since we started this contest, but today decided to give McD's salads a shot. I had the southwest salad and it was actually really, really good. It was filling, had a full grilled chicken breast on top, lots of other stuff in it and the dressing was great (I think the dressing said only 100 calories and 1 fat gram). I was pleased!!

Nothing Much

2009-01-20T13:56:00.000-08:00

I had company in town for the past 3 days, so I didn't exercise the past two days. As far as food, I did pretty darn good, with the exception of one bad thing each day. For example, pizza one night....and a blizzard from Dairy Queen last night. So today I was back at it full force and had a great work out and have eaten very well.

My husband is at the Inauguration Events right now in DC and I had the opportunity to go with him, but I turned it down. As I'm watching all the events on TV today I'm sort of wishing I would have gone! It looks like such an awesome event and such a big historical event to witness. Not to mention I would have gotten some killer photographs!

Hope you all are having a good beginning to week 3!

End of Week 2

2009-01-19T05:55:00.001-08:00

Yeah!!! I'm down 2.5 pounds in week two!!! This is super exciting to me because I was only down 1/2 pound in week one. And I had two skip days this week. And my total goal is between 10-15 pounds so I feel like this is a nice chunk out of that goal.

I can't remember which one of you mentioned a few days ago that you felt more comfortable, healthy and felt really good about how you were feeling. Well, I put on this little "number" the other night and went to the charity preview of the auto show. I felt good. It was a nice feeling. Even though I didn't overdo it on eating dinner, I did up having 3 drinks and 5 little desserts (for $400 per ticket I thought I deserved to splurge)!! Two of those were creme brulees. My all time favorite dessert!! Thank goodness it didn't send the scale in the wrong direction. Oh, and the car I'm standing next to costs a half of a million dollars!

Here's to the beginning of week 3!!

M&M's

2009-01-13T12:25:00.001-08:00

You know, those little round brightly colored circle shaped candies filled with yummy chocolate that melts in your mouth, not in your hand??!! A craving overcame me last night when I remembered we had some in the basement and I ate a handful of them. They were delicious. That's all I have to say about that. LOL

As a side note, I woke up this morning weighing a pound less than yesterday. Isn't that always the way it works? Bust your butt and eat perfectly and your weight barely changes. Eat a handful of M&M's and wake up to one pound lost. Too funny.

I know, I know, I'm ready for the comments....."don't weight yourself everyday, Kristi!!" The 1 pound was probably just a fluke anyway. I won't adapt the new M&M diet.

And, on that note, I'm off to the elliptical machine.

Week One is Over

2009-01-12T05:53:00.000-08:00

It was the conclusion of Week one and I was excited to weigh in this Monday morning for my weekly check. I lost 1/2 pound. If I was on the Biggest Loser TV show I'd be voted off. And I certainly won't be a contender for winning any money in this competition. But after being a bit disappointed (given that, except for the one meal at that dinner banquet, I ate perfectly healthy the entire week and exercised 5 out of 7 days) I decided that I shouldn't be disappointed because if I slowly lost just 1/2 pound per week then I would meet my goal by the end of this competition. So, a smile back on face as I embark on Week 2.

How did all of you do???

Are We Having Fun??

2009-01-10T13:57:00.000-08:00

Almost done with day 6. So far, I'm pretty pleased. I worked out 4 out of the 6 days. I ate healthy every single day. I never ate poorly a single time! I never gave in! I AM IN CONTROL.

Well, I do have to admit that I splurged a little last night. But, hubby & I went to a dinner banquet for his work and I agreed prior to going there that I would go ahead and splurge a little. I thought I deserved it. And I think it's healthy to do that every once in awhile so that I'm not depriving myself. And by making the decision in advance I was able to enjoy the food, while also being proud of myself for actually not eating all of it. I ate only about 80% of my meal, only 1/2 of my bread roll and only 1/2 of my tiny dessert. Normally I would have eaten all of it! I AM IN CONTROL. Yeah!! This feels really good.

I came across this picture from less than 4 years ago. The funny thing is that in this picture I'm wearing the same workout shorts I am wearing in my "before" pictures you see below. What a difference. I don't even care about looking like this again (probably not possible after having two kids), but just a bit of it would be nice. Please ignore the horrible look on my face, and the fact that this was taken with a very old camera, pre-photographer days. LOL

Dang, Hate Days Like This

2009-01-08T18:40:00.000-08:00

I almost feel like a failure today. But I'm trying not to beat myself up too much over it.

Bad:
1. I didn't exercise. I had photography work I needed to do today and couldn't put it off any longer. I had been exercising during my boys nap, but instead had to concentrate on pictures. And I didn't make time for it any other time of the day.
2. I ate more calories today than the past 3 days.
3. The scale showed 1 lb heavier than my starting weight, which is higher than I've EVER seen it! What???????????? Talk about making me feel like doody.

Good:
1. Even though I ate more calories today, it was all healthy & low fat.
2. I brought my kids to McD's for dinner & to play and I ate a salad with low fat dressing. And I didn't eat a single one of their french fries that sat in front of my face calling out to me to eat them.
3. I ate at Panera for lunch and ordered the apple with my meal instead of the bread. This is HUGE! I NEVER would have done that before.

Ok, tomorrow is another day. I'm ready for some comment love from you tonight. Something like, "Kristi, you aren't a failure, blah, blah". LOL

The Before Pictures

2009-01-07T16:54:00.000-08:00

Ok, most of you other ladies have posted your before pictures, so I figured I shouldn't be shy and I should post mine too! Usually I don't like how blogger shows pictures small, but in this case, I like it! Although, I think you can click on it to see it bigger. Darn. LOL

My main issue: midsection (stomach & love handles), for the most part a result of having twin boys 2 years ago.

My new concern: Seriously, where did my butt go? I never realized it got flat until I see these pictures today. Maybe due to my changed shape from having babies? I don't know. But I want to know how to get it back!!!

On a serious note, I upped my exercise again today, just by an additional 1 minute, but I also added the arm motion on the elliptical for about 1/2 the time. Ate well, and had less hunger pains today.

During my exercise I watched The Biggest Loser show from last night (I tape it). I literally started to cry. Well, I usually cry when I've watched the show in previous years, but it had more of a message to me this time. Sure, it's fun to see people lose weight, but mainly it has such an inspiring message about people wanting to take charge of their life, find their happiness, figure out why they have such bad habits and wanting to be healthy. In fact, the lady on the show said several times that they were there to get "healthy and happy". That's what it's all about for me. Doesn't really matter if you have a little weight to lose or a lot of weight, it's about living healthy, taking care of your body and mind, and a result of that generally will be weight loss and a fit body.

So, here's my pictures! Sigh.

Day 2

2009-01-06T19:46:00.001-08:00

Day 2 was a bit more challenging. I actually had no problem eating healthy. I had 3 very healthy, filling meals today, along with an afternoon and evening snack, yet I was still hungry a few times! Maybe it's because I've cut out such much junk food, or because I'm burning extra calories by working out. Also, a couple of things bothered me today and almost made me lose my motivation to exercise, plus I had sore muscles from my first work out yesterday. But, I pushed forward and upped my elliptical work out to 35 minutes, plus some ab & core strength training.

BL Losers: I'm having fun reading your blogs each day! Keep up the great work. I love all the support we're giving each other.

Day 1

2009-01-05T19:25:00.000-08:00

Well, Day 1 went well. But don't all Day 1's usually go well? It's the days that come later that get harder and harder. I ate very healthy meals today and I only had 1 snack, which was a non-fat yogurt. I exercised on my elliptical for 30 minutes and did stomach exercises for about 5 minutes. Not bad for my first time exercising in about a year.

So, I have to admit that I got out a Little Debbie Swiss Cake Roll for my boys today and since they come two in a package I took one bite, then another bite....then quickly threw it in the trash. So, two bites won't kill me, right? At least I resisted after two bites. Those things are a zillion calories & fat grams each.

Oh, and I need to clarify a couple of things based on comments from a few people. First, I don't think I'm fat. I feel I'm very lucky to be at the size I'm at given my age and having had twins. But I do weigh 20 pounds more than I did 4 years ago and I continuously keep gaining weight. If I don't do something about it now, then where will I be later? I have to be in control, and I'm not. Secondly, I do NOT take care of my body. I eat horrible things and I stopped exercising. This competition for me is about changing my habits and being healthier like I used to be. It's also about proving to myself that I do care enough about my body and I can finally make a change without failing at yet another attempt.

Here's my first weigh in. The official beginning weight for the competition. 146 pounds. (I weighed 125 pounds just 4 years ago when Dave & I got married and 138 pounds after having twins two years ago.) For my goal weight, I'll be happy going down to 135 if I'm in shape and healthy, but wouldn't mind getting down to 130 if it ends up being doable.

Ready, Set, Go!

2009-01-04T13:32:00.000-08:00

There was a quote on the wall of the gym that my husband & I read a few years ago and it said "If you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you've always gotten". Well, if I do what I've done in the past 2+ years then I'll certainly get what I've gotten in the past 2+ years. And that would be continuous failed weight loss attempts!

So, I have to do something different so that I can set myself up for success this time. First of all, I've spent about 4 hours making this "lovely" blog, which shows commitment! Secondly, I joined a Biggest Loser group which will help tremendously! Their names are on the side of this blog and you can click on any of them to see their weight loss blogs as well. It's a great way to support each other! Plus, it required a financial commitment. We paid $50 to join and the money will be used for monthly cash prizes! Thirdly, I've got a new (ok, 2 months old) elliptical machine in my basement, plus a a fitness club membership (with free childcare). And lastly, since I'm telling the world about this online through my blog, I'll be extremely embarrassed if I fail, so that will help with my commitment also!

And to my friends in the BL (biggest loser) competition: I've met one of you in person, I've talked to two of you by email, and I've followed a few other's photography blogs in the past and "feel" like I know you. And to the rest, I'm excited to be embarking on this journey together!

I had twin boys 2.25 years ago and after giving birth I've actually gained weight! Yuck! My goal is to lose 15 pounds. 10 pounds is a must! 15 would be even better. Along with weight loss I'm looking forward to changing bad habits I've developed. I want to eat healthy, snack less and exercise consistently. Also, I want to start doing little things that make me feel less sloppy, such as wearing nail polish again, wearing jewelry again, wearing nicer clothes (that fit and aren't "baggy & comfortable"), etc. I need to start taking care of myself both inside and outside!

Let the journey begin!!! Game on!!!

(PS...Weekly weigh ins and monthly measurements will be updated on the side of the blog.)