Staying on track...

...is harder than it looks.

But it's not impossible. Yesterday was proof of that. Well, almost.

The morning started off great. I had my turkey and tomato sandwich and then I threw in a banana. I drank my 16 oz. of water. I was feeling good. As I got closer to lunchtime, I could feel those snacking urges kick in. But nope, I waited until lunch and had a delicious serving of red beans and rice with an apple. I also polished off my second glass of agua. It started getting a little tougher as the day wore on. I got to eat my yummylicious snack of yogurt, berries and almonds. But that wasn't holding me over until I got home. So, my eating took a turn for the worst by me consuming some Nutter Butters, then some animal crackers, and finally some cheddar cheese rice cakes. Now, of course, I'm exaggerating and they were the mini kinds and I ate, maybe, only like 5 of each (except for those nutter butters!!). Although, I went off my path for a bit I finished the day out right with a healthy dinner and the rest of my water.

And there was no soda involved.

It also helps that I had an uhmazing workout. I finished up my night at the gym with some steam room time and I was walking on cloud nine. The steam room is heavenly. If you have one at your gym (or better yet, your house) and you haven't tried it, you are seriously missing out.

Although, my day wasn't perfect, it sure was good enough. For me, anyway. Besides, who wants perfect? I like a challenge.

=)

Out of oblivion...

...for now.

I love me a good 3-day weekend. Sleeping until 2 in the afternoon, getting 12 hours of sleep, eating whatever I want. What's not to love? That's exactly what I did this Memorial weekend. Relaxed ate some yummy Colombian and Mexican food. And then there was some pizza too. I watched lots of movies and cuddled with the boyfriend lots. It was the perfect weekend.

But now it's back to reality. And I have to face that one pound gain that I had last week. Ugh! Last week started off so good: my eating was on point and so was my working out. But then, like always, it turned to caca. I started eating lots of junk and I only made it to the gym 3 days. 3 days?!?! That's very upsetting especially since I pay so much in fees for the gym. I loathe wasting money (no I don't).

God Bless the start of a new week!

The boyfriend has inspired (more like bullied) me into to starting a new plan. He has been doing so good on his plan and he feels great (except for his sinuses that have been bothering him). And so I was like, "Hey, I want to feel good too. I need to get in on this." It's no big secret, he's just really watching what he eats.

So, the new plan is to journal everything. No more soda (sob), junk food, or sweets. And it's back to the gym this week. It's going to be tough, especially that no soda rule, but I think I can do it. I know you all are thinking "This chick sounds like a broken record. She says this EVERY Monday." But I'm for serious this time.

Seriously. =)

Counting sheep to go to sleep - Day 29

Monday
Breakfast: kashi, banana, milk
Snack: peanut butter fiber bar
Lunch: chicken breast, rice, green beans
Snack: chili cheese fritos, string cheese
Snack: 1/2 apple, 1/2 banana
Dinner: lentils, rice

Workout: 15 min. on the elliptical, 25 minutes on the treadmill, weight machines

My eating was just OK yesterday. I seriously could have done without those chili cheese fritos. But they sure did taste good.

I was exhausted last night. I was really hesitant to work out. I just really had to push myself. Instead of the walking/jogging, I did the hill setting. Wowza! My legs and butt are super sore this AM. But I really liked the workout, so I may stick with walking hills for this week.

I didn't get enough sleep last night so today will be a blur. I'm still planning on going to the gym tonight, though. It feels weird if I don't go. Like I'm missing something. Is that weird or what?

I need a longer weekend...

I wonder if I can remember what happened this weekend:

Friday
Breakfast: sausage and egg croissant, hash browns, coke
Lunch: a lean gourmet thing
Snacks: peanut butter egg, lots of M&M peanut butter eggs, string cheese, apple,
Dinner: pork chop, rice, potatoes, salad

Workout: 15 min. elliptical, 30 min. walk/jog on treadmill, weight machines (legs, arms, back, chest, shoulders)

Saturday
Breakfast: egg wrap
Lunch: soup, rice
Dinner: Colombian hamburger, french fries
Later on: lots of chips and some popcorn

Workout: Day off

Sunday
Breakfast: egg wrap
Snack: Kashi bar
Lunch: 1/2 Southwest chicken wrap, protein shake
Dinner: rice, chicken breast, green beans, salad

Workout: 45 min. with personal trainer

It was definitely a food-filled weekend.

But we're moving on.

I did get my time in the gym. Sunday was the boyfriend and I's complimentary session with the personal trainer. Man, it was tough. Not so much painful, but it left me out of breath a couple of times. But it felt great. He talked over some prices with us. They are pretty expensive so I seriously doubt we'll be having any sessions with one soon. I am going to steal some moves from Sunday's session though. I'll work them into my workout and take it from there. Sneaky, sneaky...

FYI
For every pound you lose, you alleviate pressure on your knees by 4 pounds,

according to twitter.com/davezinczenko. Check him out, he posts some very interesting things.

Day....I don't know

I went to bed at 2:30 am this morning. I am so exhausted. The boyfriend had some friends over and I stood up late finishing laundry. I am so looking forward to getting a good night's rest tonight.

Thursday
Breakfast: kashi, banana, milk
Snack: fiber bar
Lunch: 2 slices of pizza, 2 chocolate pasty things
Pre-workout snack: apple, string cheese
Dinner: BLTT from the gym cafe (their stuff is so good and so good for you but so damn pricey!)

Workout: cardio day - 15 minutes elliptical, 45 minutes jogging/walking on treadmill

That is not what I had planned for my lunch. At work, it was really crazy so the boss ordered pizza for us. I ate some and totally regretted it. The pizza made my stomach so uncomfortable. I must have gone to the bathroom like 6 times (I know, TMI!). I don't know what happened but I did not feel good. I'm staying away from pizza for a while.

I almost forgot to weigh in this morning. I kinda wish I had forgotten. The scale was down 2 pounds. And this is an official 2 pounds. No flukes, no water weight, just fat. I really though it would be a little more because I have been so on point with the workouts and have done a better job on eating in a long time. However, I am definitely happy with two pounds. Plus, I'm at the lowest that I've been in a long time. And that feels rilly good!

Have a great weekend!

Day 24

Wednesday
Breakfast: scrambled egg wrap
Snack: strawberries, string cheese
Lunch: ajiaco, rice
Snack: carrots w/ peanut butter
Pre-workout snack: apple, 1/2 fiber bar
Dinner: rice, chicken leg, 4 slices of potatoes, tomato and avocado salad

Workout: 15 minutes on the elliptical, 30 minutes walking/jogging, weight machines (shoulders, back, chest, arms, legs)

Another day of 3 hours at the gym. My workout was probably an hour and fifteen minutes long so most of the time I was just waiting for the boyfriend to finish his workout. Then we went to the jacuzzi. That was the greatest idea ever! The water was so warm and felt so good on my sore muscles. I could have fallen asleep in there. I will definitely be jacuzzing a couple of times a week from now on.

My eating was great. The only oopsie was a Reeses Peanut Butter Egg. But don't worry, I have gotten it out of my system and won't be eating one of those in the near future.

Well, last night I needed some shorts to go to the jacuzzi at the gym. I do not wear a bathing suit without shorts in public. Never have, never will. Anyways, the only shorts I have are a pair that I have not worn since last summer. I seriously thought they wouldn't fit because I think I am more fluffier now than I was almost a year ago. But I could be wrong because the shorts fit. Not a perfect fit, but good enough so that I didn't feel uncomfortable for people other than my boyfriend to see me in them. I know if I hadn't been working out these past weeks there is no way I would have fit my chunky butt into them. I can't wait to see what else I can fit into.

=D

Day 23

Tuesday
Breakfast: kashi, milk, banana
Snack: ginormous chocolate chip cookie
Lunch: arroz con pollo, watermelon
Snack: carrots and cucumbers w/ dip
Pre-Gym Snack: string cheese, apple
Dinner: ajiaco, rice and avocado

That pesky chocolate chip cookie somehow managed to come back into my life. It's okay, though. It's been a while since I've had one. The good thing is that I only ate one. Those damn cookies are on special right now 2 for 1. Even the store clerk reminded me that they were on special. But no thanks, one was good enough for me.

It was cardio day so I did 15 minutes on the elliptical and 45 minutes of walking/jogging on the treadmill. Wow, I've come a long way since my measly 20 minute workouts, huh?

Day 22

Sunday night, I was at the gym for about 3 hours. Monday, night I was at the gym for 3 hours. Now tell me, what's this world coming to?

Monday
Breakfast: kashi, milk, banana
Snack: watermelon, carrots w/ dip
Lunch: 2 slices of veggie pizza
Snack: apple, string cheese
Pre-workout snack: 1/2 chicken wrap
Dinner: arroz con pollo, salad, 1 pc. of plantain

Wow, I could honestly say it was a pretty excellent day.

The boyfriend and I stayed so long at the gym because we had our fitness assessment with a personal trainer. Now I'm not sure if it was because...well, I don't really know what it was, but I was not feeling the trainer. He really didn't sell me on his services. First off, he did not give us his undivided attention. There were so many distractions and it was just so impersonal. Not a great way to sell yourself, buddy. Plus, he didn't really tell me anything I didn't already know. I can't judge all personal trainers off this one incident but I'm not sure they are for me. We scheduled a workout session for the weekend, so maybe he'll change my mind. But as of right now, a personal trainer is a no-go.

My workout consisted of 15 minutes on the elliptical and 30 minutes on the treadmill. And I am happy to say, I have started jogging. Yes, people, I have started jogging. All 255 pounds of me was jogging on that treadmill. I seriously thought I was going to break something. I only did 2-3 minute intervals with lots of walking in between but whoa!, that was good enough for me. I also got in some chest, bicep and back exercises on the weight machines. I don't know how well I'll do with the machines. I am super self-conscious so I'm not that comfortable working out in front of tons of people. I don't think that'll help me get a more efficient workout. I have to think about what I'll be doing on the strength aspect of my regime.

After, 2 days at the gym, I feel great. My legs are a bit sore and stiff, but it still feels awesome. Joining the gym has got to be one of the smartest things I have done this year!

Day 19, 20 & 21

Let's see if I can correctly recall what happened this weekend.

Friday
Breakfast: ???? (I can't remember)
Lunch: fish sandwhich, french fries
Dinner: pasta with tomato cream sauce and shrimp, 2 slices bread

Workout: 20 minutes HIIT, ALA strength exercises

Saturday
Breakfast/lunch: chicken soup, arepa with cheese
snack: banana
Dinner: steamed rice, veggies, teriyaki chicken
Late night: >2 beers, lots of chips, waffle

Workout: ALA strength exercises

Sunday
Breakfast: kashi with milk
Lunch: shrimp, rice, avocado and strawberry salad, chicken with peaches, 1 pc. of banana, coconut, & pineapple cake; small scoop of fruit salad (this was my Easter meal)
Dinner: small turkey sandwich, 2 slices pizza

Workout: 15 minutes on the elliptical, 30 minutes on the treadmill (walking), 2 chest exercises

I think I ate fairly decent over the weekend. A lot less than I have eaten in the past. With the exception of some M&Ms that I went crazy with while preparing my nephew and niece's Easter baskets, I didn't do too bad with the sweets. On Easter day, the only candy I ate was a handful of jelly beans. I think that deserves a pat on the back.

I have now completed 3 weeks of consistent exercise. What's my record? I can't remember at the moment so I'll have to go back and check. I think it's 4 weeks so I still have a bit to go before I can bring out the champagne and celebrate. I am still celebrating though. I feel great and can tell that the workouts are working.

The boyfriend and I joined a gym. Yes, the boyfriend tricksed me! But I think it is for the best. Can't you tell? I did an extra 15 minutes of workout at the gym. I never would have done that at home. Plus, this gym is so pretty! The machines are all shiny and they just call out to you. Except for the stair climber...that one is scary. I do believe the gym will become my second home.

Tonight, the boyfriend and I have a complimentary session with a personal trainer. I am so scared. Personal trainers are so intimidating. They really do scare me. But since this will probably be the only session (since PTs cost way too much), I need to get as much as I can out of him. I'm hoping things go good tonight.

I think some very interesting things are coming my way!

Day 18 and a YAHOO!

I am officially at my lowest weight! Well, not my lowest lowest weight, but at the lowest I have been in a long time. It's only 0.2 pounds lower than my last lowest weight (did that make sense?) but hey, it's my lowest!

With that being said, the scale was down 1.2 pounds this week. I'm psyched! And a little disappointed. Only because I know the scale could have been down a bit more, but yesterday's eating was not so great. Totally my fault. But totally not worried because I know next week, I am totally going to kill it at my weigh-in.

Thursday Meals (Viewer's discretion is advised)
Breakfast: big breakfast, small coke
Lunch: rice and carrots, peanut butter fiber bar
Snack: fruit (watermelon, melon, grapes, pineapple) and string cheese
Dinner: Zaxby's house salad with grilled chicken and small order of crinkle fries

Sodium overload! And I totally felt it. My tummy felt nice and fluffy yesterday. It wasn't a good day.

Workout: 20 minutes HIIT
It wasn't a strength day so it was a bit rough on the elliptical. But I did complete the 20 minutes and it was another great, sweaty workout.

I probably won't be on this weekend so I wanted to wish everyone a Happy Easter. Have lots of fun, find lots of eggs, and don't eat any candy!!

Day 17

Wednesday's eating was all kinds of wrong. I was really bored at work so what do I do to pass the time? I eat.

Breakfast: scrambled eggs with tomatoes and 1/2 hotdog weenie, toast w/ butter and jelly, chocolate milk
Snack: 1 clementine
Lunch: rice, tuna and green bean salad, 2 bites of the bf's philly cheesesteak, handful of chips, 1/4 Jason's Deli roast beef sandwhich (it was small, I swear), 1/2 JD brownie, 1/4 tuna sandwhich and another handful of chips
Dinner: rice, carrots, pork chop

The workout was my beloved ALA strength exercises and 20 minutes of HIIT on my archnemesis, the elliptical machine. God, I really hate that machine. But deep down, I really do love it.

Day 16

I caved and peeked at the scale this morning. I am very pleased with myself. Hopefully, I will be pleased with myself when I weigh in on Friday morning.

I didn't want to post my menu for Tuesday as it was not a very healthy one. Not unhealthy because of the things I ate but because of how much I ate. I didn't eat very much and the things I did eat were not nutritionally rich. But here goes.

Breakfast: 2 slices of toast with butter
Snack: carrots and dip
Lunch: popcorn
Snack: 2 clementines
Snack: tostada with butter
Dinner: rice, tuna and green bean salad, 2 pieces of plantain

Workout: 20 minutes of HIIT

There was no freakiness on the elliptical machine. I was able to get a great workout in. A very late one at that. When I got home from work, I rested a bit. Then rested some more. Watched American Idol and the Biggest Loser. And at 9:45 PM, I hopped on my machine and worked out. I didn't do any strength exercises beforehand, so it was a bit tougher on my legs but I still finished it.

Hooray for 16 days!!

Day 15

I can't believe I've made it to Day 15!!

Monday
Breakfast: 3 oatmeal cookies
Snack: carrots and dip
Lunch: Pb & j, apple
Snack: 2 clementines
Snack: 1 oatmeal cookie, 1/2 hot dog weenie
Dinner: rice, Swiss chard, chicken, 1/2 potato, avocado

Workout: ALA, 20 minutes HIIT

My menus for the next couple of days will not be nutritionally sound because I'm poor and I'm trying to eat what's in the pantry and fridge (actually, I don't have much of a choice). But it seems to be working out okay for me. Except for those oatmeal cookies. I just didn't have enough time in the AM to get something with a little bit more nutritional value. But, hey, they had oatmeal and raisins. That's got to count for something.

The strangest thing happened to me yesterday. As I was finishing up my HIIT on the elliptical, I got this weird tightness in my chest. Not a painful tightness, more like an uncomfortable tightness. It was while I was doing my superfast interval. I'm not sure it was because I was hungry because right after my workout, I rested a bit then ate dinner and I started to feel better. Or it could have been because I was really pushing myself to go superfast and I just got out of breath. Whatever it was, it was pretty weird and I hope it doesn't happen again.

Just what I needed, another excuse NOT to work out. =/

Day 13 & Day 14

Saturday
Breakfast: fresh carrot, pear, and apple juice, kashi and milk
Lunch: ajiaco, rice, salad
Dinner: 3 slices of pizza

Things I shouldn't have eaten: 1 PB egg and that 3rd slice of pizza

Workout
ALA

Sunday
Breakfast: chocolate chip pancakes (yummy!!)
Lunch: parmesan chicken with angel hair pasta, salad with fruit
Dinner: rice and plantain (a very small piece)
Snacks: 3 oatmeal cookies (the best oatmeal cookies I have made so far)

Workout
20 minutes HIIT

Completing 2 weeks of consistent workouts feels AMAZING. I really am seeing a difference in my arms and legs. I have yet to see anything in my tummy but I'm guessing that's where the fat is going to go last. =/

I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror and got a bit discouraged. I have such a long way to go. It's frustrating. I think I am working hard and it's just depressing to think that I may not see results for a long time.

Woe is me.

I just have to take it one day at a time. This is going to be a true test of my patience. I hope this weight doesn't defeat me once again. I'm way too old and I've been like this for way too long now.

Something's gotta give.

Day 12

Friday was a good day.

The workout consisted of 20 minutes of HIIT and ALA strength. It was a good one. My arms were super sore, but I fought through it and completed the workout.

My eating was just okay.

Breakfast: scrambled eggs with onions (sounds weird but it's really good), toast
Snack: 2 clementines
Lunch: rice, chicken with potatoes
Dinner: Colombian hamburger and french fries

Two things I really shouldn't have eaten were a chocolate chip cookie (you know, the ginormous ones) and 2 small pieces of brownie.

The boyfriend and I decided that we will only eat out once a week. He's trying to lose weight, too. And we eat out way too much. So once once a week is good enough.

Speaking of my boyfriend. I am so jealous of him. He's just barely started getting into cardio and his tummy is shrinking already. WTF?? I have so much more ways to go than him and I know he's going to see results so much quicker than me.

Oh, how I hate him. <3

Day 5

I lost a pound last week, so I needed to celebrate, right? And what's a celebration without lots of FOOD?*

Breakfast: turkey sandwich
Snack: cottage cheese, pineapple
Lunch: Michelina's Frozen thing
Dinner: red potatoes, chickpea salad, grilled chicken, grilled fajitas

Should have nots: 2 ginormous chocolate chip cookies, Mars bar, lots of soda

No workout =(

The boyfriend ended up inviting some friends over for a BBQ and they didn't end up leaving until real late. I was busy preparing some food for the feast so I never got the chance to workout. It's days like this where I wish I woke up early to get one in.

My legs feel like I hiked miles yesterday. They are sore and my feet hurt. I was wondering why when I remembered I wore a higher than usual heel to work yesterday. It was only a 2 inch heel but, sheesh, what a workout. Hmmm??? Can I be on to something?

*I am totally kidding.

Day 4

TGIF!

And it is soooo nice outside! I'm going to try to talk the boyfriend into going to the park for a walk after work.

I wanted to post some food pictures but I can't seem to remember to bring my USB (?) cable for my camera into work. =/

Thursday
Breakfast: turkey sandwich
Snack: Kashi and milk
Lunch: arroz con pollo
Snack: queso fresco, 2 clementines
Dinner: Rice, chickpea salad, Baked Chicken with Dijon and Lime (yummy!!)

The only things I shouldn't have had was one chocolate marshmallow egg and a 16 oz. Dr. Pepper. I was really thirsty in the morning so I stopped by to pick up something to drink. I bet if I had just waited until I got to work and had a glass of water, that would have quenched my thirst just fine.

I did get to do my arms, legs, and abs workout. Go me! I'd rather work with weights than cardio ANY DAY!! But I know, to get in a really well-rounded workout, I need to do it. Besides, I was looking at myself in the mirror while I was working out. It wasn't a pretty picture. And in order to start burning all of this fat off, I NEED to get me some cardio in. Plus, I hear it's good for my heart. ;)

I was really eager to weigh myself this morning because I have been better with my eating than I have been in a while. And the scale says: I am down 1.4 pounds. I'm happy that I'm going in the right direction but I will not be that happy until I get under 255 since I'm just losing and gaining the same couple of pounds over and over again. Now that's when the partying will really start!!

Day 3

So close...

...yet so far.

Wednesday
Breakfast: turkey and pickle sandwich, strawberries and blueberries
Snack: apple w/ peanut butter
Lunch: rice, chicken breast, chickpea salad
Snack: piece of queso fresco, 2 clementines
Dinner: arroz con pollo, salad

And the only thing I shouldn't have had was 1 slice of Hawaiian pizza.

I was so close. But I feel that I did have a pretty good day. It would have been even better if I had worked out. The boyfriend had some friends over and they didn't leave until pretty late. Now that I think about it, I could have worked out in the other bedroom but I didn't think his company was going to stay so long so I was waiting to work out in my bedroom. Now I know, if there is a place to workout, just do it and get it over with. If I wait around, I won't get around to it.

Day 2

It's been awhile since I've had a great day, but Tuesday was pretty good.

Breakfast: turkey sandwhich
Snack: berries and Kashi
Lunch: Lentils, rice, hamburger patty
Snack: 2 clementines
Dinner: chicken breast, rice, green beans

2 (3) things I really didn't need to have: 2 ginormous chocolate chip cookies and 1 marshmallow chocolate a co-worker gave me

When I got home, I rested for a bit, put on my workout gear and hit the weights. I did some great sets of arm and leg exercises. Then I attempted HITT on the elliptical. I didn't have much success there. The elliptical machine started making this weird (annoying ) noise. It appears to make it only when I am on it, so I'm figuring that I am just too damn fat for my machine. Seriously though, the noise was bothering me and I really wasn't feeling it. I think I'm getting bored of the elliptical machine. I really look forward to my weight session but thinking about the elliptical machine really brings me down. I lasted about 4 minutes on that blasted machine and then finished it off with some ab work.

I need to find some new forms of cardio.

Let's try this again...Day 1

I was really hoping to start my second week yesterday, but no go. Out of the 5 workout days I had planned, I only completed 3. Plus, the weekend eating was...well, it wasn't too bad except for a couple of things I really shouldn't have eaten. Nonetheless, I thought I'd start off fresh.

Monday's eating was pretty good. The boyfriend started working with one of my tenants so I packed our lunch and snacks for us to share throughout the day.

Breakfast: Kashi Berry Crumble, milk
Snack: berries, half a turkey and pickle sandwich
Lunch: Michelina's Lean Gourmet something or other, chickpea salad
Snack: half an apple, peanut butter
Dinner: lentils, rice, hamburger patty

It sounds pretty good, right? Well, it would have been REALLY good except that I forgot to mention that there were 2 chocolate chip cookies involved. Two ginormous chocolate chip cookies. The boyfriend tried to talk me out of eating them but with Stubborn being my middle name, I was doing what I wanted to do and not listening to anybody.

When we got home from work, we decided to lay down and take a 20 minute nap before getting to our workouts. 3 hours later we woke up. Doh! I guess the time change really messed with us or we just didn't get enough sleep this weekend but we knocked out until 9:30 pm. I'm sad to say there was no workout last night.

But it's just the start of the week and there is still a chance for us to have a good week. As long as we get our 5 days of workouts, me and the boyfriend are good as gold!