Embracing A Pear – Wannabe Hour Glass – Body

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Starting Weight on 1/31/12: 174.8 lbs

Current Weight on 5/8/12: 170.2 lbs

Total Weight Loss: 4.6 lbs

Wow, Pinterest is amazing because somehow I found a picture of a Pear w/ my name on it?!?!?! *Insert Creepy Music*. But it is completely right on the mark. I am a Pear, hear my roar. What am I talking about? Well, “People with a Pear Body Shape have hips wider than their shoulders because their bodies store fat there and on the thighs.” Via BMI CALCULATOR.  That is my body in a nutshell. It sounds silly to assign a fruit doppelganger to see what body type you are but it’s true and embracing that fact has changed my whole diet outlook.

Reading all the articles on how to properly work-out has pushed my brain into overdrive w/ lil success. I can’t do a plank position to save my life. However that’s okay, there are other just as powerful & effective exercises that do the same thing. I think even just telling myself, “Hey that’s okay that you can’t do the plank position” is a motivator to do something else that will be more constructive for my body-type. There is even articles called, "Best Workout for a Pear Body" that brings a smile to my face. Accepting my body-type has helped me to realize there are specific things I can do to help that will get real results & it brings on a more positive feeling of accomplishment. The websites I’ve been using to see these work-outs in before & after positions are Shape Magazine, Women’s Heath Magazine, Whole Living, Fitness Pal, & Spark Diet. ( FYI – Magazines all have websites and usually display exercepts from their new issues online – if your trying to cut money corners – don’t buy that $5 magazine, just look on their website for that big article’s highlights.) 

Mostly I’ve been working on lots of cardio to work out my legs & hips. My arms have always been muscular from my Track Field Events days & Cheerleading so my main concentration is my hips & legs. I have been getting up every hour, even if it’s just to the kitchen at work to get a drink. On lunch time I’ve been walking at least 20 minutes a day. I just wasn’t seeing enough results changing my diet alone…The Treadmill & the Bike are really bringing this to light I think. I have been noticing my belly is flatter too from the exercise.  Almost 5 lbs down…finally…

 

In regards to my diet, I have been trying to incorporate more detoxing foods like blueberries, strawberries, & blackberries into my diet, especially for breakfast. Ah, and mangos…One medium mango is perfect snack for me along w/ some Almonds. Also, Dannon Oikos Greek Yogurt w/ the fruit on the bottom is my new go-to meal finisher. I actually have been trying to eat smaller portions at lunch on smaller plates…BUT after completing my meal if I’m still hungry 20 minutes later I will eat the Yogurt and usually it clenches the hunger; w/ 12g of protein it really makes you feel full. 

 Sara Rue - Before & After

Additionally there are a few other quick things I’ve been doing that hopefully in a few more weeks I’ll really see the results:

1. Do not eat anything out of a bag. Pour out the chips you are going to eat in a bowl or on a plate. That way you see what your eating, not just blindly pulling out chips or candy.
2. I’ve switched to Skim Plus Dairy Creamer at work to nix the extra cream calories in my coffee. I really can’t taste the difference. 
3. Days of Rest from the gym are a must so your muscles can unwind for a day or two during the week. 
4. Look at Positive & Healthy Women as motivation, not the Victoria Secret catalog. – Examples: Jennifer Goodwin, Jennifer Hudson, Sara Rue, Raven Simone, Jordin Sparks, & even Kelly Osbourne who has kept off the DWTS weight loss.
5. I stopped drinking beer. It has been hard to resist a Corona w/ lime, but a glass of wine leaves me more satisfied w/ no wear near the amount of carbs. 
6. Keep Going!!!

Almost Under 170….Gotta keep at this…I have my cousin’s wedding in 2 more weeks & Mexico in a lil over a month…Motivation galore…*Just Breathe*

Have you been trying any new Exercises?? Any New Tips You’ve Noticed are Working? Are you a Pear, an Apple, or an Hour-Glass?? How do you deal w/ it?

Oooo That's a Bad Habit...

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Weight: 3/27/12 – 172.4 lbs.

In my struggle to kick off this weight loss I figured out yet another thing I’m doing which is contributing to my plateau I can’t seem to leave. 

The scale today was down and my lil heart skipped a beat w/ joy. I don’t know if this is embarrassing or not to admit but in the mornings I’ve been watching the infomercials for the weight loss tapes and doing the mini exercises as they are showing us in those quick flashes. They will basically show you a move within the DVD, and then it will proceed to tell someone’s story for a minute or two. In that story-time you continue to the do the move they showed you prior to the success story. Maybe I’m just being really cheap, but I’m sorry I don’t have 4 easy payments of $19.99 to spend on a DVD system of videos I may not like…It appears to be helping my results. Anywho…

In the past few months where I’ve been trying to get out of the 170-175 lb plateu, I am reaching my mini goals, BUT then I see that scale go down and something switches in my head that “Ohh, I’ve lost a few pounds it’s okay if I have dessert…it’s okay if I don’t measure out my cereal today…it’s okay if I have 1 beater of icing because I’m losing weight.” I’m apparently doing that too much and negating all the good I’ve done. It sucks, but recognition of an inner issue people keep telling me is key. Right?

The awesome Shannon, over at Sitting in a Tree  has introduced me to My Fitness Pal and I’m addicted. I had no idea how many carbs I’m eating in one day!! Yes, I’m eating something that is so-called diet friendly but then I notice that there are 56 carbs in one granola bar!!! AHH!! I will definitely be looking for different Swaportunities (hehe)….

So what to do now? This is probably a bad idea but I’m going to be using measuring tape and only stepping on the scale once a week so I don’t fall into this “I now can eat what I want” trap. Also I’m going to actually use the inspiration and motivation people have given me!! CJ the other day said to me, “You know you look really good lately…I like it…”  I need to use that as Motivational fuel!! I can do this!!  I think I’m also going to get a kettlebell…maybe….

Has anyone tried anything New in the Diet World?

I’m all ears….

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Tomorrow is a Brand New Day...

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Another weekend gone by too fast, but another week is coming and it's bringing brand new days. I have big plans for this week...My boyfriend does too!

1. I plan on starting a Real Food Journal. I bought a lil notebook - small enough to fit into my purse - to keep track. Definitely a step in the right direction.

2. I have to actually organize my information for my taxes. Ugh, it sucks, BUT, when my hopeful tax return will go to a much-needed vacation for CJ & I's 2 year anniversary. Maybe somewhere in the Caribbean?!?!  Oooo Exciting...

3. CJ is starting is new band this week. Yeah, he is joining a real band and they have signed on for studio space to practice. He found the prospective band on craigslist and I'm really crossing my fingers for him. He plays the bass so good and he has the passion for it. Hopefully they all will click w/ each other. I hope!!

4. I need to spend more time at the gym. I've only been going once or a twice a week and that is just not working. A mile here or there is not enough for me to dig out of my plateau. I'm also going to try more variety in the machines. Planet Fitness here I come!

5. I have a work goal to complete my current projects. I'm starting to think my Keurig coffee is just not strong enough and I've been hitting roadblocks of tiredness during the day. I gave up soda for lent but I need to have more energy. This week I plan on getting more sleep. I think it'll do me a load of good.

Five things. I think that's a good start for a brand new week. =) Wish me luck!

Do You Have Any Plans for this New Week?

 I'd love to hear...

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The Diet Key Essential I’ve Been Missing…PART I

A Work-out Buddy. Two years ago when I joined the gym it was actually for a purpose. One of my best friend’s had just had a gastric bypass due to pre-diabetic conditions, possible future high blood pressure issues, and sleep apnea. Her weight was about 400 lbs. I’ve known her for years and honestly didn’t realize that her weight had climbed so high. But alas I think she did a brave thing having the surgery and my plan was to go to the gym to help her out and motivate her. That didn’t exactly happen as planned.

When my friend’s nephew was born she re-discovered her sister. Instead of calling me to go to the gym she wound up just going with her sister because they live together. They now are best friends and I am truly happy she found her sister in her life, because it always wasn’t like that it seemed in the 15 years I’ve known them. But alas…I have been replaced. I don’t have the heart to tell her because I think she needed that bond w/ her sister and it really is stronger than ever.

The two sisters now weigh less than me because they go to the gym together almost everyday. But in my defense they live 4 minutes from the gym, and their jobs are have flexible times where they can easily fit the gym into their schedules. I do catch them time to time at the gym and it’s great because it feels like old times, but it’s not as often as it should be. I wish my work building had a gym…that would be awesome.

But now, CJ’s cousin lives by me now and she is looking for a work-out buddy. I think I need that swift kick in the butt and maybe her and I can help each other get motivated. She is 24, a bit of a spit-fire and definitely I think an extra key to my successful diet plan…

She has a similar body like mine. Muscular from high school/college sports w/ a some squish to loose. We aren’t trying to get lose 50 lbs or have Jillian Michaels abs, but we would like to be wearing a size or two less, and POSSIBILY a bikini...I have never owned a bikini…I want to own one this year or at least a tankini without wearing a swimsuit dress over it. It’s time to break out and get the confidence flowing…

Ever since 2 weeks I recognized I had to take it up yet another notch I’ve had some interesting results…that will be PART 2 later. Stay Tuned…   

Stuck & Losing my Way on this Diet...

Starting Weight:  3/1/12 – 174.2 LBS

Over the month of February, I lost a lil weight, gained weight, and maintained that stubborn bigger number. I’ve gone to the gym two nights this week, haven’t eaten after 7pm almost every night, been doing strengthening exercises at my desk, eating almonds, yogurt, but alas the scale refuses to budge. I love my mom dearly but family members are horrible for giving you the real picture. She keeps telling me I look great, when I honestly just don’t feel it.

What truly is bugging me is that I'm not even slipping here or there and eating fast food. I can honestly say I work near a Mcdonalds, a KFC, a Pizza Hut, a Dairy Queen, Wendy's, AND Taco Bell and NOT ONCE have I ever set foot in any of them over the course of the almost year I've worked there. I can't even remember when the last time I had Taco Bell was or KFC or any of them. I've been taking the stairs, using smaller dishes for the slow churned (Less Fat) ice cream, eating serving sizes, even adding strawberries & other fresh fruits to my diet, with lil result. I even haven't been drinking soda...

There has to be something wrong here. 

I have an idea of why the weight is just not coming off and it's something that I'm not sure how to even deal with. It could be that my birth control pill is keeping me at a constant bloat that is hindering this whole process. I constantly feel full even when I wake up and I have a nagging headache above my right eye that started about 2 months ago when I started the pill. I'm really not sure, but I'm going to keep on this pill for at least 6 months to see if the headache subsides and/or weight...I hope it's not the culprit. 

It could be that I'm eating too much of the healthy fats like Avocado & almonds...They are fattening in higher volume. I could be exercising but just not enough to see results. I also can walk 2 miles at a high incline & about 3.6-3.7 speed and not break a sweat...perhaps I need to work out in more clothing...I sort of feel like that awkward cast member on The Biggest Loser who worked out all week, didn't' even do the temptation challenge, but still only lost a pound all week. Sigh...back to the drawing board.

I do feel like I can see a lil place on body here or there a more tucked in. I have a dimple in my thigh I didn't have a month ago. Perhaps I'm losing inches, gaining muscle, and the weight loss will soon follow?? I don't know. Starting next week I'm going to be taking pictures to see the progress because the scale just isn't cutting it. 

When you've lost your way on a diet, What brings you back? 

I'd love to hear...

So What’s going on w/ this Diet??

 

I didn’t weigh in this week because I was embarrassed to say that the scale went back up. But I completely know why and it’s something I think is fixable.

For the past 3 weeks since I started making lil changes and exercising I’ve been utterly exhausted. Last Thursday, I tried to take a small nap around 8pm and thought, “Oh someone will call and wake me up…”. Alas no one called and I woke up at 6:46am the next morning when my alarm sounded. I’m not complaining about the accidental 10 hours of sleep but geez I was disoriented & stiff. My body, I think, was trying to tell me something. 

What’s odd w/ my sheer exhaustion is that I haven’t been skipping meals or going to the gym and walking 5 miles a day or eating fast food. I’m betting this lack of energy is due to the lack of protein. I do have a yogurt each day, eating eggs & egg whites, and eating baby spinach but it could just be not enough for my body. I’ve had chicken for dinner the past few nights and I feel a lil more energetic w/ more desire to work out and exercise by the end of the day, so that’s a step back in the right direction.

I also gave up soda & candy for Lent, which could also be the source of my mid-day crashing and then eating to stay awake. Soda has caffeine & candy has so much sugar that it could have been giving me a false sense of alertness that wasn’t exactly healthy. I’m actually considering adding another cup of coffee for me or tea around 3pm for a lil extra boost.  Also I’ve tried to not eat after 7 or 8pm but almost every night I’m going to bed w/ a headache or have to eat something small because I’m light-headed. Sigh…

Nothing is ever easy and I guess I need to add more to my diet that is energy boosting. Even tho the scale has gone up, people have remarked that my face looks thinner and I just look good overall. I feel less “giggly” and I’ve noticed my curves have become a lil more defined. Perhaps I’m just in that odd week like in Biggest Loser where people work out all week long constantly and still gain a pound. Hmmm….

I will also be starting to take pictures because sometimes words or words. Maybe if I see the progress I will feel like I’m being more productive. Back to the old drawing board…

Besides coffee, what’s an Energy Booster you try to do each day? Or Dieters how have you overcome the Tiredness you might be experiencing too?

I’d love to hear…

Tuesday/Wednesday Diet Day!

Last Weigh In on 2/07/12: 173.8 lbs

Current Weight on 2/14/12: 172.00 lbs

Pounds Lost in Wk’s Time:  1.8 lbs

Total Weight Loss since 1/31/12: 2.8 lbs

Wohoo!! Almost 3 lbs lost in 2 weeks!!! Yeah! This feels like this is going to be painfully slow but in all honestly I'm starting to see results. One pair of jeans I have is a lil looser, I've had to tighten the string on my pajama bottoms, and lil changes are starting to come naturally to me. A feel a lil weird having mesauring cups at my desk but I have cut so many calories by actually paying attention to portion size that it's all worth it.

I will be doing a post later this week on my lil switches I've done over the past 2 weeks. I haven't been following any real defined diet, except stealing lil excerpts from this book here & this site there. What it's boiling down to is serving sizes....paying attention to that & exercising...

Lil Moves to Keep this Diet Up & Running…

No Elevators. I work on the 2^nd Floor of my office building. There is no reason for me to be taking the elevator. Yes, the elevators have motion sensors so they kindly open up as I enter the building, but I’ve been passing on the quick lift.

Vegetable-Only Sushi. I am very lucky to have a Shop Rite Supermarket 2 minutes from my home that prepares fresh sushi. I used to be obsessed w/ Shrimp Tempura Roll. Seafood is allowed on a lot of diets but the deep fried tempura part is definitely not. I love the vegetable roll w/ carrots, cucumber, & avocado wrapped up w/ a small amount of rice. I love it!

                 

Side Note: Jonah Hill, the actor, contributes a lot of weight loss to switching to sushi.

Blogs: Fellow Bloggers: Hollie@ And Baby Makes Three & WindshieldDiaries have been doing two different cleanses & reading about their progress is very motivating to me.Take a look at their blogs for extra motivation! =)

Free-Weights: Target, especially, has a large selection of different weights & types inexpensively. Instead of sitting on the couch doing nothing while I watch TV I’ve been lifting simple 2-2 lb weights & 2 – 3 lb weights.Also CJ has been staying over a lot lately so while he has been doing his morning routine in the bathroom I've been working out a lil bit w/ some simple stretches and kicks...I love doing kicks...

 I kow I'm describing lil switches and changes I've been doing, but I don't know. I feel like I need to make this journey a lil more real for the reader. I could take a picture each week of the scale reading or *GASP* take a picture each week of my hopefully shrinking tummy...hmmm....

Any Suggestions on how to make this Journey more real for all you guys?

Tuesday = Diet Day!

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Starting Weight on 1/31/12: 174.8 lbs

Weight on 2/7/12: 173.8 lbs

Pounds Lost in Wk’s Time:  1 lb

Total Weight Loss: 1 lb

Well…not the best kickoff weight loss I was hoping for, but it’s still a pound lost! Yeah! The Super Bowl didn’t help matters & the sweets that everyone brought in last week at my job. Heart shaped Whoppie Pies…Way too tempting. But all in all on my last Bridesmaid’s trip to try on more dresses, I noticed I was fitting better in a 14 than a 16. When I asked the sales lady for a clip for the back of the dress it really made me happy. The feeling is so motivating. Even just knowing that I had to write this post today boosted me a lil bit too!

The past week w/ paying attention to my weight & diet has truly opened up a new door for me. The bowl of cereal I would munch on in the morning at work, which was only 120 calories a serving, in actuality wound up being 3 servings of cereal. I didn’t realize a serving size was only ¾ cup. My thought-to-be harmless snack was 360 calories. Yes it was fat free but geez, that’s almost an hour on the treadmill at a normal pace!! Apparently a bagel is the equivalent of 5 pieces of bread…I don’t think I want to have a bagel for a long while. Yogurt is surprisingly very filling, especially w/ a lil granola & absolutely delicious. It can be a perfect lil snack. Blueberries are very underrated as a healthy filling breakfast. Mustard w/ Chicken tastes delicious!! Also I realized what I “THINK” I’m doing to help myself out isn’t really much at all, no wonder I only lost a pound. But it also near my time of the month…regardless of what anybody says that does play in as a factor for some women. 

All the diet websites and articles state that 1-2 lbs a week is a great positive goal to shoot for & keeping it off.  I think I’m right on track for healthy weight loss.

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There are a few things I’ve changed in my lifestyle that I would like to share as well that I’m going to try and keep up:  

     

     1.)   Dancing  10-20 every other day or when I have my condo to myself.  – Shakira music videos work best – mimicking her moves is great cardio.

       2.) 4 o’clock snack is an apple

       3.) Paying attention to Serving Sizes.

       4.) Resisting First Monday of the Month Pizza Day – I only had the chicken fingers.

      5.) Walking more than one time around my Corporate Park Buildings. 2 Times around is almost a mile.
      6.) No Eating after 7 or 8 o’clock, depending on the work day.

            7.) Nixing beer drinking – Even Bud Light has a 120 Calories per bottle.

        8.) Fidgeting – My Mom is not so happy about this one. Lol. She told me she tried for 10 years when I was younger to get me to stop. Lol.

      9.) Drinking a Glass of Water w/ every meal. – No more Soda!

     10.) Getting at least 7 hours a sleep at night.

I think it was a successful First Week! Let see what next week will bring! =)