Weight until you hear this!!

I weighed myself today. I am holding steady at 399. I am a little disappointed because I really worked out hard this week. I’m still holding out hope that I have actually lost more because I’m still feeling a little bloated. I can’t really feel that bad though, because I have lost a total of 14 pounds for the month. The experts say that healthy weight loss is 2 pounds a week; so technically, I am ahead of the game I guess. I spoke to the leasing office, and the pool is supposed to be cleaned today, so I hope to be back in the water by tomorrow. I cooked a pork shoulder in my crock pot for dinner last night. It was pretty good, and I pulled the rest of it off the bone for leftovers. I am really on a budget right now, so I have been trying to prepare a large quantity when I cook so that we will have leftovers for a few days. This week's menu is new and exciting. I am making chicken and vegetables in the crock pot and I am going to serve that over brown rice. My mom also picked some smoked salmon up for me at Sam's Club, and I am thinking about what to serve that with. What goes with salmon? I have never really eaten it before let alone served it as a meal in my home. This has been such a learning process. I am looking forward to boot camp tomorrow. We walked 3 miles yesterday, and we did it in 65 min. I am totally impressed with my time. My sessions with Marilyn have really been paying off because on my walk yesterday, I didn't feel as fatigued as I would normally. She showed me the correct posture to use while I walk, and I think that little tip has really helped me find my center of balance and take some pressure off of my lower back. It is a little tricky trying to walk with your shoulders back at first, especially if it feels like you are smuggling watermelons in your bra! I am getting the hang of it though, and I am starting to feel really healthy. I hope everyone is having a good week so far. I am going for another walk this evening…another 3 miles. If I walked 3 miles, 4 days a week, for 1 year (624 miles), I wonder where I could walk to. Just a reminder, today is the last day left to vote on my poll, so if you haven’t already, please share your opinions! I am going to run for now (figuratively not literally) I will post more soon. Have a good evening.

Aunt Flow Came For A Visit...

The past few days have been a little slow going. I finally got over the muscle soreness from exercising only to be faced with a visit from dear Aunt Flow. It seems like all of the cramps and bloating have been so much worse since the baby was born. I am looking forward to the week though. I don't have boot camp on Monday because it is a Jewish holiday, but I plan on making up for that on my own by walking and hopefully doing some water aerobics. Marilyn also has me keeping a food journal so that she can give me some expert feed back on things that I can modify in order to maximize my losing potential. I haven't been able to get in the pool for the past week because our community pool maintenance leaves something to be desired to say the least. Our pool has been the color of a margarita this week, so as you can imagine, I passed up the aqua time because I was both disgusted and suddenly craving a frosty margarita among some other pool side drinks that I can think of. I am going to have a talk with the office manager tomorrow and hopefully find out when I can expect the pool to be cleaned, but until then, I am going to stick to walking. On Friday, I beat my time. I still walked 2.5 miles, but I did it in 52 minutes instead of an hour. I was quite impressed with myself. My daughter seems to be really enjoying the scenery on our walks, and I am in hopes that I am laying the groundwork for these things to start becoming habits for my whole family. I also have an update, I am pleased to tell you that my husband now has some clean underwear, so if you see him on the street, don't forget to congratulate him! I still need to go grocery shopping and I am hoping to find a good deal on a lean pork roast and some boneless skinless chicken breast. I also have been looking for smoked salmon this week, so if anyone knows where I can find it at a reasonable price, please let me know. I plan on loading up on fruits and veggies this week as well. I love watermelon because it is so juicy and delicious and really helps me curb my sweet craving. I am going to run for now. I hope everyone has a good week. Tomorrow is a new beginning, and Tuesday is my weigh day, so stay tuned!

Kick It Up...More Like Kick My Butt.

I had "boot Camp" last night, and I did what felt like a million sit-ups on the exercise ball. In actuality, it was probably only 50, but then again, I do have a flare for the mellow dramatic. My abs feel like I have been run over by a school bus, and my upper thighs are sore from those pesky squats that seem to be one of Marilyn's favorite exercises...lucky me! I feel good though, so I think I am going to go for another walk tonight. For those of you in or near Tampa, Bayshore is an excellent place to walk. It is lit at night and it’s right on the water. They even have fitness stations set up for you overachievers out there!! I know that you probably detect a hint of sarcasm, but that's only because I have no hope of crossing those darn monkey bars at this point in my journey. Just give me a few months, and I will be flying through the air with the greatest of ease, a daring young girl as if on a flying trapeze. Just a reminder, there is less than a week left to vote on the new poll listed above. Please also don't hesitate to leave your comments. I welcome all comments including constructive criticism. I am off to do some more laundry before my walk; I think my darling husband is out of clean drawers. Trying to balance my life as a mom and a wife and still have time left for me is a tough business. Who knew that all moms were super heroes, there is no other explanation as to how we are able to get everything done! Good bye for now, I am off (super hero cape swoosh)!

Drumroll Please...

Today (Meaning Sept 22...I am on Stacy time, and in my world, anything before 6am counts as the previous day) was my weigh day. I lost 1 pound this week. Not my greatest achievement, but the awesome part of this 1 measly pound is that it took me down to 399 pounds. I have officially retired from the 400 club!! Go me! I walked for an hour today...2.5 miles to be exact. My legs were sore from the personal training evaluation yesterday, but I pushed through it and accomplished my goal. I am tired, and I feel a little beat up, and although you can't really make it out through the many layers of fat still hanging off my body, there is a fire burning inside of me. I am so motivated. I am blessed to have such a wonderful support system around me. My husband is behind me all the way and has committed to do anything to help me reach my goal. My mom is one of my biggest cheerleaders, and then, there are all of you. You may not realize how much it has touched my life to receive and encouraging email or virtual "pat on the back", and I would like to take this opportunity to thank each of you, so, Thank You! I am completely exhausted, and I have another day of "boot camp" tomorrow, so I am going to call it a night.

And 1...And 2...And Don't Forget To Breathe

I can barely contain my excitement. I had my appointment today with the owner and founder of Kick It Up Boot Camp. I had a blast. First, let me say that Marilyn is super nice. I totally expected the same "personal" training experience that I have received in the past from large fitness facilities. They should call it mass quantity training at those places because there is nothing personal about it. For the most part in the past, I was defeated before I even got started. At traditional fitness centers, I usually exceeded all of the weight limits on most of the gym equipment. I used it anyway, but I was terrified every time I stepped foot on the treadmill that a red light was going to drop from the ceiling and my machine was going to say "Tilt...Tilt...Tilt" like when you try and cheat on a pinball game. I'm sorry, I am rambling. I have to say that Marilyn is the real deal. She is very knowledgeable and super enthusiastic. The work out routine that she gave me was super fun and totally unique. I was pleasantly surprised. I also have some exciting news for you all. I must say, it would be in your benefit to subscribe to my blog if you haven't already. I was able to negotiate an awesome discount for all of my email subscribers that live in, or are willing to commute to the Tampa Bay Area. All you have to do is enter your name and email address in the fields provided at the top right hand corner of my blog where it says "subscribe for blog updates" , and I will send you an email with the details of the discount, and the promotion code. If you are not interested, but know someone that might be, please feel free to forward this information to them. By clicking on the "share" icon at the top right of my blog, or below each post, you can send an email directly from my blog. Trust me; this is unlike anything you have ever experienced. Marilyn holds both undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Georgia and graduated with honors from Florida International University in Miami with a Masters Degree in Exercise Physiology. To say the least, the woman knows what she is doing. I start class on Monday, and will be attending her 5 Pm class on Mon and Wed. She has also suggested that I walk 1 hour a day, 4 days a week, and fit in water aerobics whenever I can. I can feel the weight melting away just thinking about it. I had a Tuna sub on wheat from Subway for dinner. I was a little too tired to cook after my fitness evaluation. I hope you all take advantage of Marilyn's offer. She has been very generous. If you do not live in the Tampa Bay Area, I apologize, but if you will send me a quick email with your city and state (subject line Amelia’s Mom), I will do my best to negotiate an awesome deal in your area. My email address is Stacypie3279@aol.com. I am pooped, so that's all for now. Goodnight.

Healthy Can Taste Good

I don't know if any of you can relate, but I have been a little frightened of green vegetables most of my life. My comfort zone in the veggie area has been green beans and iceberg lettuce. When I went to the whole foods store, I branched out and bought zucchini and asparagus. I was so proud of myself. I came up with a totally delish way to incorporate the zucchini. I made a pasta bake with whole wheat pasta, extra lean ground beef, heart healthy traditional pasta sauce by Prego, garlic, onion, Mozzarella cheese, and sauteed zucchini. It was so delicious and totally full of flavor. I served that dish with grilled asparagus and a caesar salad with light dressing. I got 3 servings of veggies in 1 meal. That is progress. I am still working on bumping up the exercise, but I got an amazing offer from the owner of Kick It Up Boot Camp. She is going to give me a personal training session and help me get on an intensive workout program. I am really looking forward to it. My appointment is on Monday, so I will be sure to let you know how it goes. I am going swimming tonight. I am really looking forward to that. I have to run for now, the baby needs more formula, so I am off to the store.

The Results Are In!

Based on the results of my poll, out of the 174 people that voted a jaw dropping 67% have tried and failed to lose weight more than 10 times (myself included). Obesity is an epidemic, and this statistic is only proof. I have a couple of theories as to why it is so easy to be fat in this day and age. While I, in no way, support shirking personal responsibility, I believe that there are some things in our society that contribute to obesity. These are my observations:
1. The rise of the fast food chain - In the forties and fifties, there was a mailbox on every corner. It seems like they have now been replaced by McDonald's. I recently heard a statistic that people get fatter in poor economic times. I'm not suggesting that you blame Obama for the spare tire you have hanging around your mid-section, but when you have more month than money, the dollar menu is pretty appealing. It's cheap, it tastes pretty good, and there is something for the whole family. Not to mention, no messy cleanup! Who can beat that right?
2. The technological revolution - What ever happened to going outside to play? When I was a kid and I got into trouble (hard to imagine I know) restriction meant not being able to go outside and play with my friends. I almost didn't survive. Nowadays, kids are more connected than Bill Gates. They have I-pods, cell phones, video games, and laptop computers. They are like miniature high-level executives. They make "friends" online, they can literally sit for hours playing video games, and when they are not sitting on their butts, they can be seen in some social settings Heelin' around on skate shoes, texting the person next to them like a praying mantis on crack! It is like an entire generation of fat introverts with little to no social skills. The part that really kills me is that peers and popular trends totally encourage this lifestyle. It's almost like it is cool to be a fat, lazy, pod person that is afraid of daylight.
3. Weight loss fads - There is no substitution for hard work, and if you are anything like me, when it comes to weight loss, you had to find that out the hard way. Don't believe the hype. There is no magic pill, or vibrating belt that will single handedly help you shed hundreds of pounds while you sleep leaving you looking toned and svelte in the morning. A proper, well balanced diet and exercise is the only way to go. The food pyramid has stood the test of time for a reason.
Before I get off of my soap box, I have a question regarding something I saw today. My family and I went to the Whole Foods Marketplace in Tampa to pick up some organic veggies, and while I was sitting outside feeding my daughter a bottle, this woman comes high-tailing it around the corner sucking down a cigarette. I was sure that she was headed to target since they are upstairs, but wouldn't you know it, she grabbed a cart, mulled over the outside plants while finishing the remainder or her cancer laden smoke stick, and headed into the health food store. I have to admit that I was a little stunned. Not that she was smoking so much, but that she was shopping at a whole food's store after puffing on a cigarette like a locomotive smoke stack. I thought to myself "that seems a little ironic". Does anyone else find this odd?
OK I am going to step down from my podium now. It is way past my bedtime, but before I go, I would like to mention that I am going to start walking again as the weather gets cooler. We will probably start with 2 days a week. Please don't hesitate to email me if you would like to join us for a walk or if you would just like to be held accountable with your own program. I will post more soon. Goodbye for now, and good night.

They Love Me...They Really Love Me!

If you haven't had a chance already, please take a moment to add your email address the upper right had portion of my blog where it says "subscribe for blog updates" so that you can be notified by email when I update my blog. All I can say is WOW! Since my journey began on September 1st, I have shed 13 pounds. I use the term "shed" because right now I am a big, fat, lumpy Caterpillar, but one day soon, this frumpy exterior will be gone, and I will be a nimble and delicate butterfly. I would like to take a moment to thank all of my supporters. A story about me ran in the St. Pete times, online, and in the TBT today. The outpouring of support that I received was staggering, and I would like to truly thank you all from the bottom of my heart. As for all of the Negative Neds that responded to my article, I would like to say that I had a happy childhood with loving parents that shaped me into a positive, stable minded individual. The upshot of that is you cannot hurt me, or cut me down, or make me feel like less of a person because I am self-confident and courageous and I do not need your approval. Your words mean less than nothing to me, but this is America, and people have the right to express their opinions. I hope you use those powers for good too...like voting in the next election! Today was my grandfather's 84th birthday. I went with my family to celebrate with him at Cracker Barrel. Not exactly a dieter's best friend...I know. This was a big test for me because I have not really been out to eat since starting my new program. I am proud, however, to announce that I stuck to a grilled chicken salad, and none of those delicious butter biscuits! Go me. You have no idea how huge that is for me. I totally resisted the temptation. I don't plan on depriving myself, I just look at it like I am saving up for something really good! Well, I would like to wish everyone a good night. Today has been pretty overwhelming with the huge response that I have received. My head is spinning...hopefully that burns calories!! If you know someone that might be inspired by my blog, please feel free to share it with them. You can email them by clicking on the "share" icon on the top right corner of my blog. You can also use this icon to share my blog on your favorite social network. You can also email or bookmark individual posts by utilizing the link below each post.

Stress is a 4 Letter word!

If you haven't had a chance already, please take a moment to add your email address the upper right had portion of my blog where it says "subscribe for blog updates" so that you can be notified by email when I update my blog. I am really sorry that I have been falling behind on my posts. I have been so preoccupied lately due to financial stress. My husband has been out of work for the past couple of weeks. He had Cochlear Implant surgery, and has needed to take the past couple of weeks to go though a rehabilitation process. No excuses though...moving forward. The menu for this week is shaping up. I went grocery shopping yesterday, and scored on turkey burgers, pre-made salad kits, fresh fruit, and grilled chicken breasts. I am a busy mom, so I do take a few short cuts with the pre-made salad kits and pre-cooked boneless skinless chicken breasts. Those things are great to have on hand to throw together a last min meal. I have been slacking on the exercise for the past week, and I hope it doesn't show up on the scale tomorrow. I am not going to beat myself up about it though, I am just going to work harder next week. I am going to bed now after a long night of baby sitting my nephews. If you know someone that might be inspired by my blog, please feel free to share it with them. You can email them by clicking on the "share" icon on the top right corner of my blog. You can also use this icon to share my blog on your favorite social network. You can also email or bookmark individual posts by utilizing the link below each post.

Time to take a breather...

I have been trying to do all that i can to get my 30 min of exercise in everyday. I even talked my husband into going to the mall with me to walk around. That resulted in a new pair of shoes for me. That was one expensive walk!! Note to self...shopping is not a cheap source of cardio. We went swimming again yesterday, and I did what felt like a bazillion laps! I also did a basic water aerobic routine and some strength training using water weights. I was more lazy than usual today though. I took a 2 hour nap with the baby today. I was really tired from all of the extra energy I have been exerting. I had a peanut butter sandwich for lunch, and a chicken, turkey bacon, pizza wrap for dinner...Yum! Who said healthy eating had to be boring. I also noticed, while gazing at my beautiful reflection in the mirror today, all of the water I have been drinking has paid off already. My skin is really hydrated, and looks so young and supple!! Whoever said beauty is only skin deep must not have drank a lot of water! I am off to bed for now, but I am hoping for an action packed weekend. I will keep you updated. TTFN (Ta Ta For Now)

The World is a Playground.

I had a really good day today. It was my weigh in day, and it's official, I have lost 8 pounds. I am at 405 with a starting weight of 413. It didn't rain today, which is unheard of for Florida!! I was happy to get outside today. We took the munchkin to the park today and she went on the baby swings for the first time. We walked there and back, so I got a good 30 min of walking today. She had so much fun, and so did I. When we pushed her on the swing, it just seemed like she wanted to go higher and faster. I just know that she is going to have me walking the tight rope or swinging on a trapeze at some point. She just seems so daring. That is a good thing I guess, because I really want to be the type of mom that experiences things with her instead of sitting on the sidelines watching life pass me by. If she wants to ride roller coaster, we will ride, if the wants to roller skate, we will roll. If she wants to bungee jump, she's on her own!! I just want to live life to the fullest, and when my daughter looks back on her childhood, she can say that we really had fun. That is what being a kid is all about right? I hope everyone is having a good week as has been inspired to GOYAAM (Get Off Your A$$ and Move)!!

A Day In The Life.

If you haven't had a chance already, please take a moment to add your email address the upper right had portion of my blog where it says "subscribe for blog updates" so that you can be notified by email when I update my blog. My darling daughter was super cranky last night, and did not go to slept until about 2:30 in the morning. Needless to say, I slept until about noon. I have been trying to catch up on laundry and housework for the past couple of days, so I didn't get out of the house until around 4:00. I had left over pasta with meat sauce for lunch since there was no time for breakfast. I used Barilla whole wheat pasta, 96% lean ground beef, and Prego heart smart traditional pasta sauce. That lovely dish was accompanied by a side salad with light ranch dressing. When we finally got out of the house, we headed to the beach. If you want a great workout, go to the beach and walk in sand. Wowzer...that was a hike! I had a lot of fun though. It was my daughter's 1st trip to the beach, and she absolutely loved it. We went in the water and walked on the beach. If you live in Fl, or are planning a trip, I strongly suggest visiting Pier 60 on Clearwater beach. We are talking a white sand beach with a play ground for the kiddos and an amazing seafood restaurant...not to mention the fishing pier that doubles as an amazing romantic date, because the sunsets are completely breathtaking. After the beach, we stopped at Publix and got some deli sandwiches for dinner. I had turkey and Swiss on a 5 grain bread and Lays Light potato chips...Delish! I hope everyone had a wonderful labor day, I sure did. I will be weighing in tomorrow, so stay tuned! If you know someone that might be inspired by my blog, please feel free to share it with them. You can email them by clicking on the "share" icon on the top right corner of my blog. You can also use this icon to share my blog on your favorite social network. You can also email or bookmark individual posts by utilizing the link below each post.

The Race Is On...

OK, so I know I have been MIA for the past couple of days, but my computer has been on the fritz. I have good news though I have been sticking to my calorie range and exercise routine, and I have lost about 8 pounds so far. I am really focused and motivated. I have been meeting my goal of 8 glasses of water a day and 30 min of exercise a day. I tried on a smaller size today, and it fit in the waist, but not in the thighs. What can I say, I have good birthing hips. It was a small victory though, and me and the sales chick did the happy dance. I did manage to get 3 new pairs of pants for exercise purposes. I am going to be super chic walking around my neighborhood! I can't wait to break them in. I think I am going to start walking again in October when it starts to get cooler. I do live in Florida, so I want to wait until it doesn't feel like I am walking around in the Amazon. I am off to bed. I am totally exhausted. Nighty Night!!

And She's Off...

My official starting weight is 413. The day stated off great. I got my 30 min of exercise today. I ate 2 packets of Honey Nut Quaker Oatmeal and a banana for breakfast, a Healthy Choice frozen meal, 1/2 cup of cottage cheese, a cup of sugar free jello, and 2 slices of light wheat toast for lunch, a honey nut special k bar for a snack, and Grilled chicken wraps with lettuce, tomato, and light ranch dressing for dinner. I am allowed between 2180 and 2530 calories per day based on my weight. Yesterday, I had a total of 1690 calories. I did also get in my 8 glasses of water (Go Me!!). I had a splitting headache all day though...It's like I am a patient at a methadone clinic, and I am going through caffeine and sugar withdrawals!! I know it will get better, I just can't wait to see some results.

And She's Off...