I've Got a New Attitude!

Tomorrow on the schedule: Cardio Barre in the AM.  I will get up in the morning.

I don't need to pack my lunch tomorrow.  We're celebrating HR birthdays, and we're getting bagels from Panera Bread (I plan it, that's how I know).  I will have half of a bagel.  No more.  Then for lunch, we have a working lunch meeting, and we're ordering from the local deli.  Normally I'd have a sandwich with chips and dessert.  Not tomorrow.  I'm having a salad with water.  Nothing more.

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Special thanks to Amanda and Elle for commenting on my last post with suggestions.  I always just thought of calories in < calories out = weight loss.  Not always.  I need to focus on eating cleaner.  And I'm not waiting until Monday to do this either.  No more of that (especially since my weigh-ins are in the middle of the week).

Stay tuned tomorrow for my plan to tighten up my eating.  It's time to do this 100%.  No more half-ass attempts.  Because that is not giving me results.

Stupid Weigh-In Wednesday

I am incredibly crabby and stressed out today, and I have no idea why.  I think it has something to do with that dreaded weigh-in day.  It completely put me in a sour mood - not a good way to start the day.  So what was I at last week?  Well I didn't really weigh myself in last week.  Looking through my past blog posts, I weighed in on Wednesday, November 7 at 150.  So what do I weigh today?

151.9

*Sigh*

I know I haven't been the best eater, but I most certainly have improved my eating and cut back.  That should certainly count for something.  At least a few tenths of a pound each week at least.  But I'm GAINING.  I started this blog in August.  My initial weigh in on September 5 was 149.8.  So tell me...if I'm keeping track of everything I eat and eating LESS than I did before I started, HOW is this possible??  Mind you, it's not a lot less, but that should at least mean I should maintain or lose tiny bits.  I don't understand.

PLUS, I'm exercising MORE than I did.  Before I didn't exercise at all.  Now I do it at least once or twice a week.  Which again isn't much, but it's still MORE than what I was doing.

How is this possible??????  I'm so tired.  All I want to do is throw in the towel.  No, I haven't been perfect.  But I have been BETTER.

Sorry for the rant.  I just need to get this out before I explode.  This is not a good day to be at work.  I'm just pissed off and angry, and I'm sure everyone sees it.  *Sigh*

Here's the Plan, Stan....

So yesterday I mentioned that my eyes were opened when I saw how many calories the FitBit told me I burned all day.  I checked this morning after syncing it, and total calories burned yesterday was around 1900.  So that means if I wanted a 1000 calorie deficit (which I put in my settings), I could only eat around 900 calories.  Um, not so much.  This means I need to move more.  Having a sedentary job is NOT good for the waist line.  We all know this, but when you see the numbers, it still really hits you hard.  I thought I at least would burn over 2000.  Didn't happen.

Not only am I going to have to amp up my workouts, I'm going to have to get up from time to time throughout the day.  Take a walk.  Enjoy the scenery.

Since it's cold outside (about 20 degrees right now), walking outside is not an option for me.  I mean, it is, but I am NOT going to walk in that shit!  Maybe I can walk around the building?  Walk up the stairs a couple times?  I need to come up with a plan.  Stay tuned for that.

In regards to amping up my workouts - I want to start working out in the morning and after work.  I know it's not the most ideal, but if I want to eat at least 1400 calories, I need to do it.  And if I don't do the 2-a-days, then I need to scale back on the eating.

It's all about balance!

I tried to work out this morning, but I'm not a morning person at all and I have no energy.  So I thought it'd be best to do ballet-style workouts in the morning.  Here is my morning workout schedule...

M- P57 Express
T- Cardio Barre (either beginner or intermediate)
W- Squeeze with Tracy Effinger (the 30 minute workout)
Th- Cardio Barre
F- P57 Express

After work, I want to do BodyStep classes on Mondays and Wednesdays.  Then I want to do the C25K Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.  And maybe Saturdays.  Sundays will be a day off.

I know it looks like a lot to take on.  But I'm not expecting perfection.  This is just my goal.  I'll see what works, and scale back/switch things up from there.  I'm hoping to lose at least 1 size by Christmas (because I've been touting on FB that I'm going to BodyStep classes, and my cousin - a marathoner - has been cheering me on....I certainly don't want to look like a slug when I see her at Christmas!!).

This Has Opened My Eyes

Quick post.  So I'm looking at my calories burned so far for the day.  I'm only at between 1600 and 1700.  Um....no wonder I haven't been able to lose weight.  Now, I'm not sure how accurate this thing is, but I've been logging all my activities manually so that I get a better estimate (it says that it will be more accurate if you do this for a few days).  So if I eat around 1400 calories, that's a very little deficit.  I'm going to have to start moving more, and maybe even doing 2 workouts a day!!

It's amazing how things like these can open your eyes.  It sucks having such a sedentary job, but I know I'm not the only one.  And there's no reason I can't move around more.  And it shows me just how important exercise is when you do have a sedentary job.

I highly recommend getting this product if you're trying to lose weight, or something similar!  It will really open your eyes!!

FitBit

Happy Monday all!  I'm not going to do a Thanksgiving recap, just because I'm bored of reading everyone's recaps.  All I will say is...mine was great.    :)

So last week I purchased this nifty little device....

In pink, of course.  Because I love everything pink.  I had actually purchased the BodyMedia Fit a few years ago.  I think it was a great device, but it was annoyingly big and bulky.  I only wore it once for a whole day because I got soooo many questions from people asking me what it is.  And I don't know about you, but I'd rather not put it out there to strangers that it's a device to help me lose weight.  

The FitBit?  It clips nicely on my bra, never to be seen by anyone.  I got the Zip, so it doesn't track my sleep like the regular one, but that's okay.  I don't need it to track my sleep.  I'm also excited that I don't have to pay a monthly premium to use the tools on the web site (with BodyMedia Fit, I do).  It's also wireless, so I don't need to plug it in to my computer to sync the information.  It also syncs with LoseIt!!  That is a GREAT benefit.  I decided to try the "hard" setting, and aim for a 1,000 calorie deficit each day.  Which means if I want to eat 1400-1500 calories a day, I'd better get moving!!!  

I wore it over Thanksgiving weekend, but didn't really track my food.  So this week will be my first official week with this plan.  

Oh, and Weight Watchers?  Didn't last very long, I know.  It's just too inconvenient for me.  I know a lot of people have had awesome success with Weight Watchers, but I'm just not one of them.  Wish I was.  But that's okay.  I'm real excited about this FitBit!!  I'll keep ya posted with how it works.

When to 5K

I've decided to seriously look in to 5K's to participate in.  Only question is...when?  I live in Minnesota, so the weather here is not all that great in the winter.  Thing is, the past couple years, we haven't had much of a winter.  I think last year we only had a few inches of snow, and we had a brown Christmas (yes, it is possible here in Minnesota....it's NOT as cold and snowy as people think sometimes!!).  And so far we haven't had any snow (at least where I live), and this week's forecast shows close to record highs in the 50s and 60s.

My dilemma right now is....should I just suck it up and do it by signing up for a St. Patty's Day 5K?  Or should I wait a little longer (really only 2 weeks) for an Easter 5K?  Or do I wait much longer and go for a Mother's Day 5K?  I know I don't have to do a "holiday" themed event, but I prefer bigger events.  Decisions, decisions.  I don't know what to do!  I really don't want to wait too long (May for Mother's Day) to do it.  But I don't want my first 5K to be in the frigid cold if the weather doesn't cooperate.

Yeah, no fun.  You would think I'm NOT from Minnesota by the way I'm acting when it comes to this decision.  Anyone out there, if you're reading this....any suggestions??

Linkup

No vlog for me - I'm not that tech savvy.   ;)    Haha, actually I am, I'm just lazy, and I despise myself on camera.  I seriously think I look like a nerd.  But anyway....here are my answers to the linkup questions!

1. What do you look forward to more: the food, football, or parades?
Well, if the Vikings were playing, I'd be in to the football.  But they're not, and I really don't give a hoot about any other NFL team (because I'm not that into football in the first place).  Um, never have seen a Thanksgiving Day parade in my life.  Maybe that will change some day.  So I guess by process of elimination (and my love for all things food), I'd have to say I look forward to the food.    :)    Especially the leftovers my mom lets me have.   :D

2. What's your favorite non-traditional Thanksgiving Day dish?
We don't really do non-traditional in my family.  We've got all the traditional goodies.  If you asked me my favorite traditional dish, I'd say the buns.  Appetizer?  I love my mom's Taco Dip - my brother and I fight over who gets the leftovers at every holiday.    :)

3. After dinner, is it football or a nap?
See #1 above.  And we don't really nap - we just visit, with the TV on in the background.  Guys watch football downstairs, girls watch a chick flick upstairs.

4. Do you watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade? Which is your favorite float?
Don't watch it.  I've watched bits and pieces in the past, but not enough to know my favorite float.  I know, I'm such a Scrooge.    ;)

5. Where do you go to celebrate and eat your big meal?  Who is there (family, friends)?
I go to my parents' house where I grew up.  It's about a 30 minute drive, so not too far.  My brother and his family are there, my Grandpa, and usually the boyfriend of the moment.  Ha.  Not a big get-together.  Christmas is the big one.

6. What is your favorite Turkey Day dessert?
Mmmm...French Silk Pie.  All you chocolate fans out there KNOW how awesome that stuff is!!  I never used to be a fan of Pecan Pie, but it's actually started to grow on me.  Last year I had it with coffee and it certainly hit the spot.  Not a big fan of Pumpkin Pie (I know...the shock! The horror!!).