In A Slump...

If you haven’t noticed, over the past couple months I have been in this unmotivational slump. I haven’t exercised, keep track of my points, or even try to lose weight. I haven’t posted anything regarding my weigh in since November ’09. I am in desperate need of some motivation. I would really like to get the rest of the weight off.

The 1st half of this year has been very stressful to say the least. Some things are getting better while others remain unchanged. I anxiously await the day my co-worker turns in her resignation! She’s been saying for 7 months (at least) that she was moving. That day can’t get here quick enough! I am attempting to find another job since it seems like she’ll be sticking around a while. I think that’s the biggest stressor in my life right now. I’ve gotten myself in a better financial position (even though I didn’t get any of the promotions I was promised – due to management changing 4 times in 4 months).

Nothing seems to be getting me out of this slump. I need help! What motivates you?

Here’s where I stand… I had lost nearly 35 pounds last year (prior to being hit with a LOT of stress). I have since gained that weight back. Last week, I was watching what I ate…not really tracking it and made sure I ate breakfast everyday. I lost 2.0 pounds. There are many more that need to come off but I guess that’s a start. I need to get the motivation to stick with it and to get to exercising again. I have a 5K that I will be running in September and another in November. I really need to get back to running so I can work towards beating the time of my first 5K (November’s race is the same course).

I will be back to report my progress - hopefully weekly.

Motivational?

If you haven’t noticed, over the past couple months I have been in this unmotivational slump. I haven’t exercised, keep track of my points, or even try to lose weight. I am in desperate need of some motivation. I would really like to get the rest of the weight off.

A couple weekends ago on a Saturday night, we took my parents out to dinner. My youngest son was going to stay with my nieces. I told him I would bring my leftover steak home for him. His reply, “It’s lots of calories you don’t need any of it.”

On the following Tuesday while watching The Biggest Loser, my son says “Mommy, why don’t you ever use your treadmill? It’s going to get all dusty if you don’t.”

The most recent comment he made was – “You’re not getting skinnier by drinking that.” Yes, I was enjoying a Caramel Apple Martini.

Should I have take those comments and acted upon them? I don’t mean by punishing him but by really focusing on my weight loss and possibly adding some exercise to my day. It didn’t motivate me even though my youngest child had noticed that I wasn’t losing weight anymore or even exercising.

Since that didn’t work, you would think that positive comments would have.

Over the past couple of weeks, I have seen several co-workers that I hadn’t seen since I was laid off from work – back in August 2008. I received lots of compliments (no I’m not bragging here that's not something I do – just quoting my friends)…

“Wow! You look great!”

“You’ve lost quite a bit of weight. What’s your secret?”

“You’ve lost weight, haven’t you? You look fabulous.”

Or the lady at the homecoming football game when I was purchasing a sweatshirt. I asked to see a large and x-large. She said, “You are too tiny for those sizes. We just ran out of the small size. Check a medium.” My first thought was ‘Hello! I could never fit into anything smaller than a large. Give it to me to see.’ I was shocked that I might have been able to wear the small but settled for a medium.

Nothing seems to be getting me out of this slump. I need help! What motivates you? Have you been in an unmotivated slump before? If so, how did you get out of it?

As I was reading some of my favorite blogs (which I haven't really had the time to do in months), I saw that Lorie had made it over the hump. She even lost 9.4 pounds that week!! It got me thinking, 'I can do this too. I love seeing the weight loss! Maybe this is what I needed - to see that I wasn't the only one in a slump.' We'll see if it works. **If you aren't familiar with Lorie, read this post and see how far she has come. She was the one that really got me thinking about joining Weight Watchers by seeing that the program does work.

Weight Watcher Weigh In - 6/13/2009

This week I weighed in at Weight Watchers down 0.8 pounds. I was not able to stay for the meeting since I had my youngin' with me. The Saturday morning class is too packed to have him in there with me.

Did you know that after working out, you should have protein within 5-20 minutes after your workout? This is the optimum time frame to take in protein! You can maximize your results and have better muscle recovery by having something like a protein shake. That's why so many fitness clubs have been adding shake/smoothie bars into their clubs.

Until next week, happy weight loss and exercising! Remember, the weight didn't all come on in one day and it's not going to come off in one day. Take it one day at a time. Don't get discouraged. You'll be pleased with your results if you stick with it.

Goal 12/31/09	56.2
2009 Weight Loss-to-date	-20.6

Weight Watcher Weight Loss (Updated on Saturday)

Goal #4	30
Weight Loss (since 3/11/09)	-25.6

Weight Watcher Weigh In -5/30/2009

This week was a great weigh in. I weighed in this week at Weight Watchers with a 5.6 pound weight loss. I finally hit the 20 pound goal!! I am considering changing my Wednesday weigh in to Saturday that way it's all on the same day.

This week we were on the subject of motivation. This is the time of year that many people lose motivation in their weight loss journey. I've noticed that I was close to losing motivation, as I had talked about last week. I was only losing .2 pounds even though I was working hard to lose the weight. It was a little frustrating but did pay off as my Wednesday leader had said. I think there are times that we will see a pretty good weight loss and think "Oh I didn't even watch what I ate last week. I'll do it this week and I have nothing to worry about." Wrong! You'll be back in the gaining game. One way to stay motivated is to set realistic goals - maybe it's getting into a pair of shorts that you've had for a while, 5 pounds, working out 2 times a week or walking every night after dinner. You are more likely to stick with your plan if you set attainable goals. If you say "I'd like to go from a size 14 to a size 6", more than likely your weight loss journey is going to end before you reach that goal size.

Some of the goals that I have set are getting back into a few old outfits. I have them lined up in my closet from biggest to smallest (not that it's really my goal to get as small as I was). I want to run a 5K this year so I've set small running goal (hit my 2 mile goal on Wednesday BTW). I do base most of my other goals on my weight but in the end it will be how I look and feel that determine where I stop on the scale. I may say I want to be 120 pounds but get to 135 and be comfortable. We'll see as my weight loss journey continues.

My next mini goal is 30 pounds. I'd like to lose it by June 13, 2009. It will be the 30 month mark for Weight Watchers. The last time I followed Weight Watchers I had lost 30 pounds in 3 months too. I'll be right on the same path as I was last time; however, this time I won't be drifting off the path.

How do you stay motivated? What kind of goals have you set for yourself?

Updated on Wednesday

Goal 12/31/09	56.2
2009 Weight Loss-to-date	-18.0

Weight Watcher Weight Loss (Updated on Saturday)

Goal #4	30
Weight Loss (since 3/11/09)	-23.8

Weigh In Wednesday - 5/6/09

Here it is again...another weight loss post! I'm down 1.6 pounds on my scale and 2.2 pounds on the WW scale. It was definitely more than I had expected. I was feeling like I had gained about 3 pounds this past week.

I'd have to admit that my workout this week weren't the greatest. I ran here and there. If I only had 15 minutes, I ran for 15 minutes on the treadmill. Whatever time I could dedicate to working out, I did even if it was only 5-10 minutes. I did a lot of walking on Saturday then on Sunday I worked in my fiance's mother's yard and ours. I finished our yard on Monday. I really didn't do much sitting around this past week.

As far as eating, I'm finding that I'm eating a lot of fruits and vegetables. It seems to happen this time of year. My favorite food this week was my WW bagel topped with WW cream cheese, Tastefully Simple Green Tea Peppercorn (sprinkled on) and a slice of tomato...yummy! Since they lowered the price of the Tim Horton's small Iced Cappuccinos, I think I've been having one EVERY day. Bad habit that I need to kick.

One topic that I've really been trying to work on is - "When you turn the negatives into positives, you will see positive results." I'm one to say, "Yeah, I've lost 17.8 pounds at Weight Watchers BUT I have a lot more to go." Or "I already blew it for the day, I'll start back on my diet tomorrow." I think I'm on the right thinking path now.

My goal this week is to workout everyday. Yep, everyday. I've been running,walking and strength training but feel that I need to do a little more. I'd really like to lose 2.2 pounds this week to hit my goal #3 of 20 pounds and be 40 pounds away from my weight loss goal for the year. My weight loss goal for the year may change as I near the goal. I'm finding that my weight may not be the ultimate determination of my goal. My real goal is to be toned and trimmed - not read skinny.

How did you do this week? What challenges are you facing? Did you try anything new this week?

Goal 12/31/09	56.2
2009 Weight Loss-to-date	-14.0

Weight Watcher Weight Loss

Goal #3	20
Weight Loss (since 3/11/09)	-17.8

Weigh In Wednesday - 4/22/09

I likey the weight loss!! I get so excited when Wednesday morning comes around now. This week I was down 2.8 pounds on my scale. I lost 3.4 pounds at WW. I'm quickly approaching my third WW goal - 20 pounds! I'm only 5.2 pound away!!

My workouts were too bad. With the warmer and dry weather, I was able to get out and walk. Actually, I spent most of the weekend walking. I was either chasing the kids on their 4-wheelers and enjoying the hiking in the woods or the hour and a half that I walked during my son's baseball practice. I did weights during the day while I was at home. One new thing that I tried was Jillian Michaels Banish Fat Boost Metabolism DVD. Let me tell you it kicked my butt. I've tried her other DVDs 30 Day Shred and No More Trouble Zones. I love them all. If you're interested, she does have a special on No More Trouble Zones and Banish Fat Boost Metabolism DVDs and you get 2-weeks of her online weight-loss program for just $14.95 plus $4.95 S&H...not a bad price for the workout you get. I wish I could train with her for at least a day. I know she'd kick my butt and make me try but it would be SO worth it!

My eating was really good while we were away from home this weekend. I enjoyed a piece of chicken over cheeseburgers and hot dogs, salad over pasta salad and fruit salad over cheesecake. I didn't feel like I was depriving myself either. I had made the fruit salad to take with us on Saturday because I had seen the cheesecake ingredients and thought I would be tempted if there wasn't something sweet there to take it's place.

One thing that I've really learned to pay attention to is serving sizes. I've been amazed at how many servings can be in something so small. I used to think that the calories and fat in Pop Tarts were for one package. I was wrong...it's for one pastry. So, why don't they package the pastries individually? That's the one that came to mind first but there really are many others.

My goal this week is to drop 2.0 pounds and workout for at least 30 minutes 3 days this week. Last week I printed off the aerobics schedules for a few of the local fitness clubs. I've got a plan to attend at least two classes this coming week - Glutes & Guts and Zumba. The kids want to attend the Kids Zumba class so I might join them at that one too. I'm waiting on some news before I sign up for personal training sessions. I did find a better price for a personal trainer that I am familiar with so I'll be doing 4 sessions (maybe more) instead of just two. But I can't do anything until I get word back on my news (watch for a post later this week/early next about this news).

How did you do this week? What challenges are you facing? Are you finding you are more active now that the weather is getting better?

Goal 12/31/09	56.2
2009 Weight Loss-to-date	-11.4

Weight Watcher Weight Loss

Goal #3	20
Weight Loss (since 3/11/09)	-14.8

Weigh In Wednesday - 3/25/09

Wow! Wow! Wow! I think I'm pretty much speechless this week. I lost 3.2 pounds last week! Now that's according to my scale. I stopped at Weight Watchers to weigh in before I went to the dentist. According to their scale (probably more accurate than mine), I was down 5.2 pounds!!! I updated my figures at the bottom. My weight loss to date on the top is smaller than the bottom chart because I had to work my way out of a few gains.

I still really didn't get any exercise in except for spending a lot of time walking around. I did climb the stairs at the EJ Nutter Center a few times on Saturday when we went to the Thunder Nationals. That was quite a workout each time I did it. Other than that, I've been staying busy and getting out of the house now that the weather is warming up. I find that I'm not snacking as much and eating to feed my feelings. It's paying off too!!

One thing that I've really been focusing on is "Stop, Rest, and Assess" my hunger. I'm trying to find my satisfied point rather than eat until I'm extremely full. I'm also eating more filling foods that way I avoid being extremely hungry. My biggest hunger comes on the weekends. I don't know what it is...maybe everyone being home all day and we really aren't on a schedule. I'm working on figuring it out though.

My goal this week is to drop 1.5 pounds and workout for at least 30 minutes 4 days this week. I've really got to get back into working out. I've made it to week 4 (maybe 5, I don't have the sheet in front of me) of the Couch to 5K and would like to finish the program and run a 5K before summer is over.

How did you do this week? What challenges are you facing? Are you seeing that you are more active now that the temperatures are warming up?

Goal 12/31/09	56.2
2009 Weight Loss-to-date	-3.0

Weight Watcher Weight Loss

Goal #1	5
Weight Loss (since 3/11/09)	-6.4

Weigh In Wednesday - 3/18/09

Last week I told you I was living the weight loss roller coaster. With all the ups and actually more downs than ups, I decided to join Weight Watchers. I had followed (without meetings) the program back in 2007 from January - March. I had lost 30 lbs! Yes, 30 lbs and I felt great! Since that time, I've gained it back plus some. I decided to give it another try but this time I'm attending the meetings. Not only have I been held accountable for my weight loss, I've met some wonderful ladies.

This week I lost 1.0 pounds according to my scale (1.2 lbs at WW). I still have .2 lbs that I had gained before I'm back at my starting point. I'm going to add my WW information under my yearly goal information at the bottom. One thing that I still need to work on is working out. Now that the weather is getting nicer, I've found that I spend more time outside playing with the kids but that's about it. I have a treadmill in my family room and a YMCA membership that's yelling at me to use them. I think I'm going to make some adjustments to our schedule to fit them in.

One thing that I learned this week is that physical activity doesn't necessarily increase appetite. Exercise is an emotional challenge and after emotional challenges we're conditioned to look for rewards. Yep, there are people out there that will eat as a reward. Drink liquids first to see if that will satisfy you. If not, try a healthy snack like fruit.

There are times that we feed ourselves as rewards but we also celebrate by eating. We go out to dinner to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries and other events. As we discussed today, you need to be in control of your emotions and don't feed it! Find a way to distract yourself - with a walk, exercise, stretching, knitting, or even reading a book but don't head to the kitchen. It's really not going to make you feel better except for the few minutes right after you feed the emotion. This is one area that I really lack in...I will eat because I'm bored. So, today I've made a list of 25 things I can do when I get the "I must eat because I'm bored" feeling. We'll see if it helps.

My goal this week is to drop 1.2 pounds and workout for at least 30 minutes 4 days this week. I'm also continuing to document my food intake and points. Would it help you in finding WW friendly choice if I go back to posting on here? I did it for quite a while last year and have been considering adding it back.

How did you do this week? What challenges are you facing? Are you seeing that you are more active now that the temperatures are warming up?

Goal 12/31/09	56.2
2009 Weight Loss-to-date	.2

Weight Watcher Weight Loss

Goal #1	5
Weight Loss (since 3/11/09)	-1.2

Free 1 Week Trial of Weight Watchers Online

Weight Watchers Online is offering a free 7-day trial. You will have access interactive tools, tips, recipes, and more. The database has more than 31,000 food options, 1,500 delicious recipes and Restaurant Guides. You will also be able to manage your daily food and exercise choices, view workouts, and get a snapshot of how you're doing with the Weight Tracker and Progress Charts. If you do not cancel before the 7-day trial is up, you will be charged $65 for the next three months. I recommend giving a try then canceling on day 6 or 7. If you are trying to lose weight with Weight Watchers, this would be a great opportunity to access some of the best information and recipes available for FREE. Click here for more information or to sign up.

Works for Me: Free Gym Memberships - Updated

UPDATED 2/10/09 - Bally Fitness is now a 7-day free guest pass versus the 2 week guest pass that was available.

Back in April of 2008, I brought you this list of free gym memberships. Free gym memberships work for me! I like to add a little variety to my workouts and try new things. Depending on the gym, you may get access to a trainer. Since these memberships can range from a day – 30 days, I use this time to ask questions and get ideas of what I could do to help me lose weight (plus use their equipment). There is a catch to these FREE memberships. They will hassle you into purchasing a membership. If you are open with them and tell them upfront that you are not currently interested in joining, they normally leave you alone.

Anyways, since it's the start of a new year and many people usually have getting in shape, losing weight, or getting healthy as one of their resolutions. I’ve updated my small list of some fitness clubs/gyms that offer free trial memberships. I have found that just about any fitness club will give you a day or week free trial – just ask.

Another way to find free gym memberships in your area, is to search Gym Ticket for gyms/fitness centers in your area.

Urban Active Fitness – 14 Days of Fitness Guest Pass (bottom right corner)

Anytime Fitness – 7 days pass

LA Fitness – 3 day free pass (must be consecutive days)

24 Hour Fitness - 7 day free trial

Fitworks - Free 21 day Membership (bottom left corner)

Bally’s Total Fitness - Free 7 day guest pass

Dolphin Fitness Clubs - Free 7 day membership

NeoLimits - Free 5 day trial membership

Gold’s Gym – 1 day free membership

Free Stroller Fit Class – find a location near you, register then print your coupon

Ideal Fitness – 1 week free pass

Fitness 19 – 5 day guest pass (For locations, www.fitness19.com)

Fitness First (Ohio location) – Free week membership and free Yoga class

GlobalFit - 1 day free pass

Fitness First - 1 day free pass

Premiere Ladies Fitness (Ohio) – I didn’t find anything on their website but they almost always offer a free 30 day membership. I tried them out years ago on a 30 day free membership.

Pound for Pound Challenge for Feeding America

What I think is so cool about the next season of The Biggest Loser (which airs tonight), is that they are sponsoring the Pound for Pound Challenge for Feeding America. For every pound you lose, 10¢ will be donated to Feeding America, which is enough to provide one pound of groceries to a local food bank. You will report how much you have lost between your start day (December 15 at the earliest) through the date you report your weight loss (which will be between April 1, 2009 and May 5, 2009), so pledge your pounds now! They are capping weight loss at 2 pounds per week. What a bonus, you loose weight and you help feed the hungry!

Click here to make your pledge. Then mark your calendars to report your weight loss between April 1, 2009 and May 5, 2009.

Weight Watcher IncrEdible Rewards

Weight Watchers introduces IncrEdible Rewards -- a new and exciting rewards program for Weight Watchers food products. For every Weight Watchers food product purchased, you can earn IncrEdible Credits that can be turned into fabulous prizes such as books, beauty products, DVDs, cooking accessories and more.

In order to earn your credits, you must cut out and save the UPC symbol from weight watchers packages and submit them by mail along with a claim form printed from the website. Rewards credits range from 1 to 4 points and include all store bought Weight Watchers and Weight Watchers Endorsed products as well as meeting room products. Reward items range from anywhere from 4 to 288 points to redeem. You can’t go wrong with things that are… my favorite 4 letter word… FREE!

An ALL YOU magazine subscription is just 45 IncrEdible Credits. That would be credits well spent. In return, you would get a magazine that’s chock full of coupons, budget friendly recipes, and articles that will help you save money and time.

Click here to register.

Discovery Health's National Body Challenge - Free 30 Day Bally's Total Fitness Pass

Looking for a fitness and/or weight-loss challenge to help you get in shape, shed unwanted pounds and adopt a healthier lifestyle? Discovery Health's National Body Challenge might just be what you need. The program includes:

• Customized meal plans with over 1,000 kitchen-tested, nutritionist-approved recipes
• Progressive fitness plans, tailored for you by experts
• Diverse community of support to help you achieve your personal lifestyle goals
• Individualized weight and fitness trackers
• Video and interactive tools from fitness and weight loss professionals

It's free too! On top of all that, you get a free 30 day pass to Bally's Total Fitness when you register. Click here to register.

Weight Watchers - Free Meeting & Free Registration

For those that are considering Weight Watchers, they are offering free registration (in participating areas) through March 14, 2009. Also, you can experience a meeting for free. Not sure if it's for you, give it a try for free. If you like it, remember to register before March 14, 2009 to receive free registration (in participating areas).