Tuesday, May 31, 2011

A Heartfelt Thank You

Today at our Weight Watchers meeting, we spent a lot of time talking and thinking about the people who have helped get us to where we are and continue to support us.  I am always thinking about how grateful I am for the wonderful people in my life who keep me going.  I truly believe that I would not be where I am without them.   This post is a thank you to all the people who have and continue to support me throughout this crazy journey.  They are not in any specific order, so don't think that where you are you on the list is where you are in importance :-)

So, thank you to the following groups of people or individuals: 

1) My AMAZING roommates.  You two have been SUCH amazing supports since this began  Eating food that I cooked, running next to me, supporting me, getting up in the morning with me, humoring me when we go out to eat and I make complicated orders, changing restaurants based on my need, and for generally supporting me in everything that I do.  I love you both a tremendous amount.



2) My wonderful boyfriend.  You do more for me and my lifestyle changes than I could ever ask for.  I knew you were a keeper when, after only 3 days of knowing me, you stocked your freezer with Weight Watchers ice cream bars.  You go out of your way to calculate points for dinners, eat ANYTHING that I make, remind me when I need reminding about eating (but not in a pushy way), and give me a "Yay!" when I come home after losing weight.  I am lucky to have you in my life.

3) My best friend and mother.  I talk to you more than once a day.  You are my ear throughout the good and the bad.  You are making huge lifestyle changes as well, and it is important to me that I hit goal so that you will take the big leap and I win my prize! :-)  You are the best role model that anyone could have.  I love you more than life itself and you are one of my rocks that keeps me going when the going gets tough. 



4) My father.  We started this journey together.  Although I am kicking your rear-end, you instilled in me the value that Tinawi's can do ANYTHING!  Even though you are far away most of the time, I take that with me and I often think about you and what you have accomplished when I feel like giving up.  I know that you will join me on this path and appreciated you coming to see me more than I could explain.



5) My family. Never underestimate your family complimenting you.  They are always your harshest critic and your biggest fans.  My family members are AMAZING.  Thank you.  You have been a huge support system from all over the world.  Syria, New Jersey, Maine, Boston...  you are all everywhere.  Thank you.  I love you ALL.




6) Meg and Serina. There are very few people in the world that I will tell personal details about my life after knowing them for less than a year.  When I think about how much these ladies mean to me and how much they have helped me throughout this process it truly makes me want to cry with thanks and joy.  These two ladies are two of the most amazing women in the entire world.  It takes very little time with them to really see the beauty and strength of these women.  I email you both, I call you, I text you, I complain to you... I count on you every week to help keep me going.  More than almost anyone in my life, you have kept me going and made me understand how beautiful I am both inside and out.  I look forward to many years of friendship and support.

7) My team.  After many Monday meetings full of food that is not the best for us, you all were willing to bring healthier snacks without me even asking.  You high-five me, compliment me, ask me how it's going, and mock me when necessary.  From BFFL to co-worker, I appreciate having you all as co-workers and friends.  Thank you for everything. :-)



8) Achieve folk.  Achieve staff in general, you are ALL amazing people!!!  You have NO idea how much it means to get compliments in the hall and comments about the size of my pants! :-)  You have brought vegetables on pot-luck days and high-fived me in the hallway.  You ROCK!

9) Demi.  You probably don't even realize how much of an impact you have on my running and weight-loss journey.  One, you are one of the most competitive and dedicated people I know.  You inspire me everyday to be a better person and to challenge myself.  Two, you have already dedicated yourself to helping me this summer and that helps keep me motivated and positive about what could be a challenging summer of eating.  I look forward to working together this summer and having you as a support in Chicago.  Thank you.




10) My friends. To all of the other friends in my life.  You are there as supports along the way.  Perhaps it's making me an angel food birthday cake, calling me to tell me you love me, asking to come to my 5K, sending me texts of encouragement, or just being awesome friends, you all help me be a better me!




11) SWM.  You have always believed in me and what I can do.  You helped me run my first race and I know you would have helped me run my second.  I know you always believe in me, even from far away.

12) Facebook and Blog commenters. Some of you have not even met me and you write me comments.  It is amazing to think that people think of me as an inspiration and someone that helps with their weight-loss journey.  It is positive comments and thoughts that remind me that we are in this together, I am not alone, and that I should keep on truckin'!

I know that this post is mushy and kind of personal, but I felt very moved in sharing with all of you, all of the people who have helped me.

Thank you to everyone for helping me get closer to reaching "lifetime"!! 

Sunday, May 29, 2011

EEESSSSHHHH

Well,  I have fallen off the wagon again.  BADLY.  And I am not even running to catch up with it this time.  I am watching it drive away.

I could tell you the sob story about miscalculating my points on Friday night and then how that made me super stressed out and then I felt frustrated so I said screw it yesterday and today.  And it would be a sob story and an excuse.  I could say all those things and feel guilty and bad, however, what good will that do me? 

I know that I have fallen off at the moment.  I know that if I were to get on the scale today I wouldn't be happy.  I know these things.  So, I had two choices today.  I could feel bad and guilty, or I could know that I have fallen off and try my best to get back on tomorrow and this week. 

At this moment there are a lot of stress factors in my life.  A couple personal things that I am not at liberty to discuss on the blog yet, this school year coming to an end, my summer job gearing up, my commitment to to Teach For America coming to an end, lots of friends moving away and leaving my school, moving out of my apartment, packing for Chicago for the summer, moving stuff into JD's apartment... the list could go on.  "Emily, why are you whining about all these things," you may be asking yourself.  Well, I made a decision.  I know that I have fallen off the wagon this week.  I know that if I get on the scale on Tuesday I will beat myself about it.  So, instead, I am not going to get on the scale this week.  I am going to go to my meeting.  Be with the people that I love and figure out ways to get back on track.  I am choosing to not weigh in for the first time.  And I am ok with that.

The next Tuesday will be my last weigh-in before I leave for the summer.  And I need to spend time figuring out a plan for the summer.

So, that is where I am now.  For better or for worse.  I need to get back on track, work out more, do more than just run, and figure out how to make good choices in the dining hall this summer.

More musings later... :-)

Friday, May 27, 2011

Cabin Weekend Nerves

Off to the cabin for the weekend... Not many flex yet.... I'm nervous.

I CAN DO IT!

Send me good thoughts!

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

It's Not About The Pounds

(sung to the tune of that song "It's not about the money...")

Ok, sometimes it's all about the pounds.  But this week, it wasn't all about the pounds.  It was about training for my goal and achieving great things!  And I did achieve those things!  And I worked super hard.  And... I didn't track as well.  And I went WAY over at the graduation party on Saturday.  So, I knew that I didn't do the best this week.  And it showed because I gained a pound.  But you know what?  I didn't blink an eye.  I said, "These things happen.  Let's celebrate the 5k!"  Because truly, these things do happy.

I re-posted a picture on facebook this week, that I have posted here before because I showed a friend and he said he didn't recognize me.  It really is SHOCKING to look at the comparison.
















I don't love my arm yet, but look at the difference!





So, this week.  It wasn't about the pounds.  This next week, we are back on track.  Which will be difficult because my dad is here so we are eating out twice, cabin this weekend  for a family/friend event (LOTS of food), vacation day on Monday, and less incentive to run now that the 5K is done.

My thoughts are that I will sign up for another 5K so that I can run it and keep the extra incentive.  I NEED to keep working out to keep my body healthy... but maybe I can add new ways too! 

Happy Wednesday everyone!

You'll know it's me today because I will be sporting my WW shirt, so I can continue talking to my students about achieving their goals! 


Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Afterglow

I am still feeling immensely proud from Sunday... under 10 minute miles... I just cannot even believe that I did that!!!!!!!!

I have my weigh-in tonight, but I am not sure how it's going to go.   But this week, that wasn't the goal... so, I can't beat myself up about it.

I also feel lucky that I wasn't affected by the tornadoes that hit on Sunday.  I was just reeling from the run, I didn't even realize how bad people were affected until later.  Sometimes you get lucky.  Priorfatgirl blogged about a way to help out others that live in the Minneapolis area.  I sometimes wonder how a person becomes a big enough blogger that they can affect change.  I would like to be like that someday.  However, the question is, is what I have to say that different from anyone else?  Is it even kinda big headed to have these thoughts?  I am not really sure.  But to keep my promise that I will be open and honest here, I will share that with you.  

Regardless, I will keep posting.  For myself and those who sometimes need a pick-me-up. 

I look forward to Tuesdays because I get to see my Weight Watchers family.  And yes, now they are my family. 

I am also hoping that my dad will get in early enough that he will be able to join me.  And see that part of my life.  And perhaps be inspired?  I guess we will have to wait and see.

Until then, Happy Tuesday everyone!

Sunday, May 22, 2011

SOMETIMES YOU KICK ASS!

6 weeks of training!  6 weeks of hard work!  My goal was to run the 5K in less than 40 minutes.  Well, I did it...

IN 31 MINUTES AND 57 SECONDS!!!

Crossing the finishing line!
I feel SO proud of myself!  I ROCKED OUT!!!  I ran 3 miles in LESS than 30 minutes!!  It was amazing!!! It was an amazing feeling!!!! I CANNOT EVEN BELIEVE IT!!!!

I plan to do another one again!  My next goal:  Under 30 minutes!  But who would have EVER thought that my goal would EVER be under 30 minutes!  The first 5K I ever did was 43 minutes and that was painful.  I am so proud of how far I come and how much more in shape I am in!! 

I may not lose weight this week, but something more important happened this week.  I WAS the Little Engine That Could... "I think I can, I think I can..."  Not only that, but I have the most amazing supports in my life!  My amazing roommates made a huge sign that said "TEAM TINAWI" and drove along side me for a minute yelling positive thoughts... and then ran the last 2 minutes with me! :-)  I cannot believe how lucky I am to have them.  Let's not forget Serina's hot victory of running more than she anticipated!!!!!  CONGRATS MY DARLING!!!
Proud of our losses! BRP=Back Row Posse.
All in all it was an amazing day!!!  I am proud of my WW crew!  I am proud of myself!!  I can't believe how great I feel!  

Below are some highlights of the day!  

MY AMAZING ROOMMATES!!!!!  I LOVE THEM!!


My photographer and encouragement! :-)  <3

The AMAZING sign!!!

Carrie (Serina's Mom), Serina, Me!


Serina crossing the finishing line.


5K This Morning!!!!

Good morning all!!

I know I haven't written since Wednesday!  This week I PROMISE I will be better than that.  I know Jen writes in PriorFatGirl everyday.  I am not sure there is anyone that reads this blog as obsessively as I read hers, but that's ok! :-)

Anyways, I am up with lots of butterflies in my stomach.  Today is the day of the 5k!!!!!  It's supposed to rain.   It's all sunshine right now, but I am ready for either! :-)

Wish me luck!  I can do this!  Under 40 is my goal!!!

:-)

YAY!!

A post later for sure!

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

This is what Size 8 looks like! Yah baby!

Again, they're a bit snug.  And who knows if any other brand besides Target will have a size 10 that fits, but HECK YA!!!



Down 51!  And it FEELS GOOD!

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Down .2 and a Size 8 Triumph!

I have a lot of work to do tonight but I wanted to write a quick update about the exciting events of today.

I ran this morning for 15 minutes.  I wanted to do more, but I was moving slowly and took a long time to get out of the house.  It felt good though.  I am getting pumped for this weekend.

Then I went to school.  Ate a good healthy meal or two! :-)  Some yogurt, fruit, and beans... but not all in that order.

At weigh in today, I lost .2 pounds.  It wasn't that much, but it wasn't a gain either.

All-in-all, I am feeling GOOD.

THEN... I go to Target to buy 8s to keep at the house as a goal to reach towards.  I tried them on thinking that I was going to laugh at how hard it was going to be to put them on... and then something magical happened!!  They FIT!!!! My stomach was a bit squished... but totally honestly, that is still the biggest part of me  Regardless, the 8s fit!!!  Who knew that they could.  I didn't even think it would ever be possible!!  8s!!!  I now feel confident that I can wear only 8s by the summer!!!!

However, it got me thinking about my stomach.  Sometimes it is very frustrating... I want it to shrink SO bad.  It seems to hang there.  I know it's smaller, but it doesn't ever seem to be proportionate to the rest of my body.  I wish I could just suck it out.  But, I know that's not an option.  I have to keep working for it.  Knowing that it will get smaller.  Sometimes when I look at it I think, "Blech!"  However, when I think back to where it was, I can keep in mind how far I have come.  I have contemplated showing those pictures here, those pictures of my body since day 1 of weight watchers, but since I am in my under garments, I have decided against it.  Or perhaps it's just scary showing people that part of me that I was so embarrassed about.  I've worked hard not to look that way anymore.

Anyways, I am off to do a ton of work.  However, I am going to try and check-in as much as I can.  Update you all about the 5K!  And take some pictures of my new sweet clothing! :-)

Happy Almost Wednesday.

Monday, May 16, 2011

Running Around the Lake

So, today I ran around the lake near my school.  I haven't been able to do that before.  It also kinda made me want to cry.  Running still isn't easy.  I keep hoping that it will get easier, however, it doesn't. 

Today JD, Evan, and I went on a walk.  There was a woman who ran around the lake at least 5 times.  That is the lake that I run on the weekends.  I can barely do a couple of laps without feeling like I might die.  And there she was just running, as though it was as easy as breathing.  Someday that will be me.  :-)

I am off to bed.  I want to get a good nights sleep before tomorrow's weigh in! :-)  Wish me luck.


Be ready for a longer post this week about the run this weekend.

Sunday, May 15, 2011

Too Many Days!

It has been TOO many days since I last posted.  Blogspot wasn't working for a couple of days and it threw me off!  But, regardless... now I am BACK! :-) So, below are a couple of different mini-posts that have brewing inside even though I couldn't post.


Sometime you just need to eat a danish 
JD and I went to the grocery store to get groceries.  I REALLY wanted a danish.  I mean REALLY REALLY REALLY.  They just sat there and looked super delicious.  The appley, cheesy, strawberry frosted eyes staring up at me.  Begging me to buy them.  So, indeed, I decided that I would buy one.  And you know what.  It was DELICIOUS.  All 7 points!! I ate it with some fresh fruit and water.  I realized that we all have those days where you just need to eat a ________.  That day it was a danish.  Other days it has been a huge bowl of spaghetti.  And that's ok.  I tracked it.  I wrote it down.  And I ENJOYED EVERY BITE.  :-)  We all have to enjoy the small things in life. 

Game day 
Today was a great day.  It was game day.  As I have shared many times, game day is really hard for me.  I always want to eat what is made for lunch and I want to eat the huge dessert.  Today lunch was grilled cheese and ramen noodles.  It would have totaled over 20 points if I had eaten 1/2 a cup of soup and a grilled cheese.  Yikes.  Especially since I have no flex left.  So, instead, I ate my own lunch.  I made a delicious egg white omelet with a side of cracker chips.  It was filling and only 5 points!  And, I ate my own dessert.  :-) All in all, it was a success.


My new POLAR HRM! 
Thanks to Prior Fat Girl, I have been obsessed with buying a Polar HRM.  I used it for the first time today.  I still don't know how to use it all, there is a lot to do, however, it was SO cool.  It monitored my heart rate and told me what intensity I was working out at.  I can't wait to see all that it can do and how my goals and fitness plans will progress!!


Next week is the 5K!
I am nervous.  I really am.  A week from today I will be running a 5K!  Eeessshh... I have to keep on rocking and rolling.  *Le sigh.

That's all I have at the moment.  :-)  I hope it was worth the wait.  I am nervous about Tuesday.  I am hoping I have lost.  I have been following the points, but the scale doesn't seem to be moving.  Perhaps it was because of all the amazing work that I did in the last two weeks.  It has to slow down at some point!

Anyways, I am ready for another week of rocking and rolling.

We're Back!!!

Blogger was down for a couple of days and so I couldn't post!

Get ready for an action packed post about the weekend!!

:-)

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

CRACK OPEN THE BUBBLY!!!

YES!  It's true!!! 50.8 pounds!!!!

50.8!!!!

I thought I might faint!  I still have 18 pounds to go until goal, but that seems SO doable after 50.8 pounds!!!

I wanted to give deep personal insight into this exciting news and how I achieved it all, however, at this moment I just want to revel in the glory of awesomeness! :-)

THANK YOU x Infinity (remember when you said that when you were a kid!) to all the people who have been supportive of this journey (in no particular order)
  • Work friends
  • My team at school!
  • My wife/bestie (not actually my wife... but my best friend) 
  • My other amazing bestie roomie 
  • My dad who started the challenge with me... c'mon dad, catch up! :-D
  • Serina and Meg... BRP! :-)
  • JD
  • Mom
  • All the people I am forgetting 
Clearly I should never win an Oscar.  I would probably forget to thank the Academy... Man, I am SO excited by hitting 50!!!

Next goal, being in the 150s!  I am 162.8!  So close!  Can't fall of the wagon!  Remember, it's a MARATHON, not a sprint!
213 pounds!
In the 160s!

On Mornings You Feel Awesome...

Photograph it! :-)

Woke up late, so I couldn't go for as long as a run as I wanted.  However, I still ran.  I got dressed and have just been feeling GOOD.  So, I took some photos.

Happy Tuesday everyone!


Monday, May 9, 2011

Momma's 70th Birthday


As I posted yesterday, I know you are all waiting to hear how this weekend away went.  A weekend that was full of falling off the wagon potential.  A weekend that had more opportunities to overeat than Charlie Sheen has crazy moments (I know, Charlie Sheen was SO last month).  Regardless, to me, this weekend was a test.  It was a test to see, was this birthday party about my mom or food.  Mom, I know what answer you are hoping for. J 

I wanted nothing more than to stick to my points, to not go over my flex.  I had little flex left because I splurged so much in the beginning of the week, that I almost felt like this weekend was going to be a bust.  But, with FIERCE determination, I wrote a 50 in block letters on my hand.  You can see it if you scroll down a couple posts.  That 50 was a reminder to me all weekend that I am SO close to being down 50 flippin’ pounds.  I can see it.  I WANT it!  And tomorrow will be the moment of truth.  Truthfully, if I don’t hit it tomorrow, I will for sure next week.  I am on a mission. 

But, clearly I digress.  This past weekend.  You’re dying to know.  Did I make it work?  Did I stay on track?  I bet you can tell from the tone of this post. Drum roll, please.  Well, ladies and gentlemen, I WAS successful.  I stayed in my points.  I went for a run.  I was a WW BAMF this weekend.  (If you don’t know what BAMF is, google it.)

The food consumption was as follows:

FRIDAY
Breakfast:
Cereal (3)
Banana (0)

Lunch:
½ of a sandwich from Jimmy Johns (4)
WW BBQ pop chips (2)
Rice (4)
Taquito (5)
Cupcake (5)

Dinner:
Szechuan Green Beans (4)
Rice (4)

Total: 31 points
Flex Used: 2

SATURDAY
Breakfast (followed by a 30 minute run!):
½ cup non-fat milk (1)
2 bananas (0)
Iced coffee (0)
Strawberries (0)
Blueberries (0)

Lunch:
AMAZING vegetarian quesadilla (7)
Wheat Salad (3)

Dinner:
Large piece of AMAZING vegetarian lasagna (10)
Death-by-chocolate chocolate cake (8)

Movie Theater Snack:
Popeyes Drumstick (3)

Total: 32 points
Flex Used: 3

SUNDAY
Breakfast:
Danishes (10)
Mixed Fruit (0)

Lunch:
Curry Vegetables (8)
Imperial Rolls (10)

Dinner: (I was still VERY full from our late and HUGE lunch!)
Sugar Snap Peas (0)
Carrots (0)
Tomatoes (0)
Cracker Chips (3)

Late-Night Snack:
WW BBQ Pop-Chips (2)

Total: 33 points
Flex Used: 4

All-in-all, I felt very successful.  There were chips and salsa.  The opportunity to eat Pad Thai.  Cake that could replace your boyfriend it was so satisfying (maybe a tad inappropriate?).  Regardless, there was food everywhere.  I could have fallen off.  I could have lost it.  I could have done a lot of things.  But I didn’t.  I did it on my own.  Will power.  And the want for the 50.  I want it SO BAD!!!  I am so close.

When I was showering the other day, I was imaging what it will be like when I hit the 150s.  That to me seems just ridiculous.  To be in the 150s.  But, if I keep on rocking out the way I have been.  I might be able to do it before I leave for my summer job.  Maybe.  And if not, it is something that I can work for this summer. 

I am sitting and looking at my food-tracking journal.  My FABULOUS WW friends left me notes this week.  I am looking at, “If you REALLY do it, it REALLY works!” and “YOU ARE WORTH IT!”  At this moment, I agree with both of them!

Cross your fingers for me.  Tomorrow is weigh-in day! J

Sunday, May 8, 2011

Airport Snacks!

Yup. I packed my own snacks for the airport today.

Sugar snap peas, carrots, tomatoes, and 30 cracker chips.

No junk food for me!

I am definitely a new Emily!



This Weekend

I know you are all waiting impatiently to hear how did this weekend... Did I fall off?  Did I stay on?  Did I work out?  Will I lose 3 more pounds to hit 50 this week?

Read more soon to find out... :-)

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO ALL!

Friday, May 6, 2011

Tactile Reminder

I'm off to a weekend of partying for my mom's 70th bday. I'm nervous because there will be a lot of food. Good food, too.

I called Serina to tell her to be harsh with me when/if I call and say it's not a big deal if I go over. She reminded me that I am going to celebrate my mom's bday, not to eat food.

I'm so close to 50. If I have as great a weight loss as I did last week I will hit it. And even if I don't, I want to get as close as I can.

So, I drew the 50 on my hand. That way I have a reminder. This weekend will be hard, but I can do it!


Thursday, May 5, 2011

Averted Disaster

Last night, I spent 45 minutes getting ready for today.  I made lunch, I got clothes ready, I got backs ready... I was set to run.

This morning, the alarm went off.  I was tired, so I snoozed once, ready to get up at 5:30.  The second time the alarm went off, I looked at the time.  It was 6:30.  It was too late.  I couldn't run like I had planned.  I wouldn't make it and get to school on time.  I was super bummed.

All day I worried that I wouldn't be able to get a run in.  Today was 15 minutes x2 with a 1 minute break!

I DID GET ONE! :-)  After school and before the science fair I went for a run.  It was painful and glorious at the same time.  It was hard, but I hit 38 minute mile! :-) YES!

And then my wonderful boyfriend had dinner ready for me. 10 points with delicious veggies!

Below are my points from today:
Breakfast:
Apple (0)
Yogurt (2)
Cereal (3)

Lunch:
Rice (4)
Olives (2)
Beans (0)
Orange Pepper (0)
Apple (0)
BBQ Chips (2)

Dinner:
Hot Tamales (4)
Chili (5)
Noodles  (5)
Ice Cream (5)

Total: 32
Flex: 3

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Blackout and Inspiration

So, I have two things that are on my mind tonight.  The first is a funny story and the second is a series of emails that I wanted to share.

I'll start light and get to my more heavy thoughts later. :-)

This past weekend I got my tattoo.  It's beautiful.  If you haven't seen it yet, you can look at my entry from this weekend that has the picture.  It wasn't my first tattoo.  In fact, it was my fourth.  I decided to get it on my arm, partly because it looks bad a** there, partly because it wouldn't hurt quite as badly as my foot.  As my AWESOME tattoo artist Sarah began to do the tattoo, I couldn't believe how much it didn't hurt.  I was expecting huge pain and uncomfortableness.  However, it wasn't nearly as bad as I thought.  As we got closer to the end, I started to feel really hot and nauseous.  I felt super embarrassed that I felt sick, so I didn't say anything.  Then I really starting sweating in a bad way.  She finished my arm and I asked her to fix a small spot on my left wrist tattoo.  As she was doing small lines, my vision began to blurry and voices began to sound really far away.  I thought maybe I just needed water, so as she finished I asked JD for water.  I stood up, thought about how embarrassing it would be to throw up in the tattoo studio, and then don't remember the next couple seconds.

Apparently, I looked like I was going hug the tattoo artist and then passed out.  Oops.  Well, this is what I learned, if you don't have enough sugar in your body, you can pass out from the adrenaline rush.  That is apparently what happened to me.

Here's the funny part, well the part that pertains to this blog, as I was lying on the couch she handed me a little bag of sweet tarts.  She told me I needed to get sugar in my body to calm it down.  I looked at the bag.  Felt awful.  Knew I needed to do something.  But all I could think about was how many points the sweet tarts would be.  So, I decided and shared that I would not be counting the sweet tarts points. :-)

I hope that at least made you smile.  It makes me giggle.

Now, onto the serious portion of the post.  I hope you have made it this far and can continue to read the rest of this post.

I have been thinking a lot about how much this blog has helped keep me on track these past couple months.  Even if no one read this, it would still be a way to make sure that I was writing down my thoughts, good and bad.  It would be a way to keep track of my journey.  Some days are good and some days are awful.  I have written things in this blog that I am not proud of and have written things that I feel embarrassed about.  However, I write them because it keeps me honest.  Writing in this helps me think through how I am feeling.  Since I started this blog, I have had several people write to me via email, on facebook, or respond to a post.  People I haven't heard from in years.  People that I probably would have never shared some of these thoughts with.  People that I didn't know felt the same way that I do or share the feelings that I do

Recently, thinking about sharing my honest thoughts hasn't been just for me anymore.  I think about how much it helps me to read PriorFatGirl and Serina's Blog.  I think about how much it helps me to hear about the ups and downs of others going through the same journey.  So, I've been trying to journal to share my ups and downs with others.  Below I've posted a couple of the emails that I have gotten recently.  When people ask me for help, it also keeps me motivated.  It helps me remember that I am not alone and that I have accomplished a lot.  I haven't included any names and I hope that the people who emailed them to me don't mind that I share.  I appreciate you sending me emails and messages more then you know.  While you might be asking me for inspiration, YOU are my inspiration.  Reminders that we are all in this together and that relying on others is important.


Friend 1:
Hi Emily,

I think that your weight loss journey is amazing! I have been on one of my own but kind of have gone the reverse direction since January. It is actually pretty upsetting. Any tips? I went up 7.5 pounds since January. I've stayed even for the last month but I'd like to be able to go back down again.

Anyway, I'd love some inspiration.
Friend 2: 
Hi Emily, I know this is totally random--I hope you remember me! SO not to be a stalker but I recently came across your blog post on my newsfeed and I started reading a bit. I'm so impressed by you and admire you SO MUCH! I have a lot in common with your experiences, but I'm not nearly as honest with myself. My weight has fluctuated for years. For the past year and a half I've been at a place where I can tolerate (after losing a good bit), but in the past 4 months I've put on like 8 lbs. So frustrating. When I stick to the plan I do really well but recently I haven't been able to commit longer than a week at a time...and when I don't stick to the plan, I don't stick AT ALL. Like, at all. LIke, as I write this I'm eating a cookie ice cream sandwich haha. Anyways, I just wanted to write and just say how great it has been to read about your experiences--It's good to hear that people have very similar struggles. I love weight watchers but i can't find a good meeting and the women there are all old. It's just nice to hear someone has very similar experiences. I need to get back on program ASAP--summer is coming. oy veyyy. 
Friend 3: 
Hey Emily,
Maybe it's creepy, but I just wanted to say hi and tell you that I've been reading your blog and am totally inspired by what you're doing. I know we haevn't talked in so many years, but I thought you should know that I'm totally impressed! Keep up the good work - you look great!!! I hope all is well otherwise, and I know you'll rock your 5K coming up - good luck!

Dear friends who ask for motivation,
Thank you for believing in me.  Thank you for reminding me that we can do this together.  I struggle everyday and I know that having friends and people who share in this journey makes it easier.  Here are some tips that I would suggest for you:
  1. Ask for help
  2. Find people in your life that are positive supporters 
  3. Plan meals 
  4. TRACK your food! 
  5. Figure out how you can celebrate without food 
  6. Don't feel guilty when you go over 
  7. Realize that this is a marathon, not a sprint 
  8. Figure out what motivates you 
  9. Don't be embarrassed to share your journey with others 
  10. Positive self-talk (I do this all the time, Shocking I know!) 
  11. Don't starve yourself-- Ice cream should be a staple in life. :-) 
No matter where you are in your journey, be proud of who you are and what you are doing.  It isn't easy and it's amazing that you are doing anything!  As my friends in WW tell me all the time, remember, YOU ARE WORTH IT! 

Love,
Emily

Those are my random musings for today.
Happy Hump Day. :-)
 

We All Have These Days

It's what I choose the rest of this week that will determine my weight loss this week.

Today started out being planned and not going over points very much at all.  This is because this weekend I will be out of town and I want to make good choices.

So, here is my food from today.  Tomorrow, better, more aligned choices.

Breakfast:
1 1/4 Cups Lucky Charms (5)
Bananas (0)
Milk (1)

Lunch:
30 Cracker Chips (3)
Drumstick (6)
Mashed Potatoes (3)

Dinner:
Baja Sol Tacos (18)
Rice (4)
Chips (4)

Total: 44
Flex Used: 15... :-(

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Another 3.5 Down!

Ok, so I am not quite at 165 again, but this week I was down another 3.5, putting me at a total of 47 pounds lost!! :-) 

I am going to keep going down, sending out my complete food journal to Meg and Serina (I LOVE YOU BOTH!) and post my food journal here as well.

If I can lose 3.4 again, I will have hit 50!!! :-)



In other news, I have been doing a great job keeping up with my running! :-)  I ran a 39 minute 5K this morning.  I kept going and went 3.36 miles.



I am feeling excited and back on it! So, look forward to more tracking and updates on this week.  I am going out of town, so I may need some encouragement in keeping on track.

And even though I am loving working out, I am looking forward to sleeping in a bit in the morning.

Sunday, May 1, 2011

Wee-ken-doit!

My friends that I am emailing my food journal to everyday are amazing people.  I wanted to pass along something that one of them said in an email to me.  I love her play on words and they are ones that I am going to write in my tracker on the weekends from now on! 

She said: 
A thought came to me that I wanted to share with you regarding the weekend.... playing with my words here.
I have a choice.  Do I want my weekend to be more of a weak-can't or a wee-ken-doit!  I want it to be a wee-ken-doit.  I will do my part and if you do your part we can celebrate together.


Since part of my accountability this week is emailing what I ate and when I worked out, below is my weekend tracker so far.

New cereal I won!
FRIDAY
Breakfast:
New Protein Cereal (5)
Soymilk (1)
2 Bananas (0)
Strawberries (0)
Coffee (0)

Lunch:
Raita (0)
Chicken (3)
Tabouleh (1.5)
Bean Salad (1.5)
Carrots (0)
Sugar Snap Peas (0)

Dinner:
Red Lobster Woodfire Lobster, Shrimp, Scallops (12)
Lobster Nachos (I only had a couple bites but SO many points) (10)
Biscuit (4)
Mike/Ikes (2)
TOTAL: 33
Flex Used:14



SATURDAY

Breakfast:
Bagel Sandwich
Half a bagel (3)
Cheese (2)
1 Egg and 1 Egg White (2)
Turkey Sausage (1) 
JD's 13 point breakfast

My 8 point breakfast
Lunch:
Turkey Stick (1)
Hot pocket (7)

Dinner: 
Chipotle Burrito (15)
TOTAL: 31
Flex Used: 2

Yesterday I ran a 5K on the treadmill in 39 minutes!  Heck ya I shaved a minute off my time!!

Other exciting news... I got a new tattoo.  It is pictured below.  I love it.


Today is one of my hard Sundays.  KFC and dessert, so I will plan accordingly!  Here's to a good weigh in on Tuesday.

Happy Sunday everyone!