OK!! Had our first weigh-in Saturday. I didn't lose 20lbs, but I'm happy with the loss! It was good to see the other contestants and hear about what everyone is doing to get a healthier lifestyle! Some didn't lose, but they're working out, every week so that's great! It seems like we're all still motivated, and now we've learned what's working and what's not, so I'm hopeful everyone will do great in March!! Wish us luck! 
 

Vivian

Ok, it's Friday!!! Woo Hoo!! Tomorrow is the big weigh-in! I"m almost nervous at this point. Kind of like taking a final exam at school. Did I study hard enough? I hope I know all the answers!! This one should be simple, step on a scale, see if the number went down.. Still struggling with the fact that I've been faithful with this contest, and in my mind I should've at least lost 20lbs by now for all of my hard work and efforts!! I know that's not going to happen, and I will be happy with a lower number, but still have to remind myself that this is a slow process, a lifestyle change. Those don't come overnight. 

    Went to pick up a prescription the other day. Told myself it was my birthday, and I was going to buy a candy bar for myself, since it was my birthday, and I deserved it. As I got to the check out, the cashier looked at me and asked if I was the lady in the paper! Of course, I'm very carefully putting the candy bar back on the shelf without her seeing me, and answered "Yes I am!", Boy, talk about accountability!!! I"m glad, that happened, I didn't need that stupid candy bar anyways....But I did deserve to have it just to let you know!!!! LOL

   I'm reading the other contestants blogs, and it seems like we're all trying our best, and trying to remain positive with our work outs and weightloss, I wish all of us good luck tomorrow, and no matter what, let's continue to be postitive, and keep up the good work!! Looking forward to seeing everyone again!!

     

 

Vivian

Ok, today is my birthday, and I did really good! Went out Saturday with and my kids and boyfriend, and they had all gotten me a gift certificate for personal training sessions with Hannah! Bob also bought me snowshoes, so I've been going out everyday with them! No sweets this year, I received a bag of almonds, pistachios, and dried apricots!

       Bob took me to Hybachi for dinner tonite, and I only ate 1/2 the dinner, but that was even too much! I'm sooo stuffed now! I will work out extra the next few days since we're weighing in on Saturday! YIKES!!
       I do still weigh myself every few days just to make sure I'm still on track. I'm still using the "mypyramid.gov" website to track my meals and calories each day. My snacks are still measured for each day, and I'm watching my portions. I'll be happy with any weightloss I have. I'm working out at the fitness center 3x a weeks still, plus I'm now snowshoeing everyday I can fit it into my schedule. And working out everymorning. I still haven't lost 20lbs this month, but I"m ok with that now. Patience is a virtue. I feel better than I have in years, and my constant hunger pains have subsided, and I don't feel a need to have to eat all the time anymore!! I believe it was all the caffeine

and sugar I had been consuming each day was making me crash, feel hungry and tired all the time. I don't have any of those anymore!!! I don't have that bloated, don't want to move feeling anymore either!!!

    I'm excited to see everyone in the contest on Saturday!! It seems like we're all trying, and I hope everyone is successful with their weightloss!!!!

 

Vivian

Week #3, still going strong! I'm still exercising everyday, either at home, work or the fitness center. I'm using the mypyramid.gov website to keep track of my daily food intake. I really like this sight. I made a profile of me, and it gives me how many calories a day I should be eating. I then enter all the food I eat, it calculates it for me and compares it to my pyramid designed for me, and shows me if I'm on target, or need a little more of say vegetables to get my daily intake. Then it tells me how many calories I've eaten! Super easy stuff!! So far this week I've been on target, except for Valentine's day. I had 12 Hershey kisses and 2 mini chocolate hearts and a homemade sugar cookie! I knew I was going to eat candy, so I just exercised a little bit harder that night at the fitness center. I'm ok now, I'm getting used to not nibbling all the time, and I"m more leveled out as to not be crashing from all the sugary stuff I used to nibble on all day long!
  Bob is still my main support system, and I think he's enjoying the new recipes I'm trying! (At least he says he likes them! LOL) We had spaghetti squash tonite. It was so easy to make, and healthier than using spaghetti noodles! Mostly a pure vegetable meal, along with a salad!

    I think I've dropped another pound, but with the exercising, my pants definately are fitting better now, and I'm working 3x a week with the weights, so hopefully I'm getting toned as well.

    I was thinking of Laura's comment that the first day she met me, how quiet I was, after writing my threatening letter to enter the contest! As I think back to that day, I seriously was expecting her to say at anytime, "Thank you Vivian, but we won't be able to use you in the contest at this time", She never said it!! I had real apprehensions about being in this contest, even that first day we weighed in!! I'm in it, with full conviction, and I have found so much support from people, co-workers, friends, and family, I don't want to let any of them down, especially me! So, thank you Laura, for picking me, I really did need this contest, and I needed the accountability!!!! Wishing everyone a successful week #3!!

Vivian

Well it's the end of week #2!  I did receive a lot of "that a girl" from my friends that saw me in the paper this week! Thank you for those, I needed to hear that!! This week was weird for some reason. I was aggravated several times. For no particular reason that I can think of. Someone told me that I'm probably crashing from not eating continusously and laying off the sugar and diet pop. That could be it. Finally on Friday I felt back to normal.

     My workouts at the fitness center are going well, and I met with Hannah from Slim and Fit, and received my work out session with her,  and we also talked about nutrition. I think I'm going to be sore tomorrow because I had gone and worked out at the fitness center first, then saw Hannah!! YIKES!! I learned a lot from Hannah such as exercising is just not moving, it's using using muscles I didin't know I had! Bob and I went snow shoeing at Chapin forest in Kirtland this afternoon. What a wonderful day, and what a work out it was! If you haven't done it before I recommend it! Walking in the woods on a sunshiny day!! I'll sleep good tonite!

      I'm still struggling with the lose weight slowly, it takes time thing. As I looked in the mirror this morning, I still look the same! Geez, it's been two weeks, I'm working out everyday, and watching what I eat. I should be skinny by now!!! That's what I'm struggling with, I want to be thin NOW!! I can't get defeated  over it. I didn't gain this week in two weeks, I can't expect to lose it in 2 weeks either. Wishful thinking....Patience is a virtue I guess.

       I still believe my dogs are getting a kick out of watching me exercise and make my funny noises!  They're learing to stay away from me when I'm on the exercise ball, I did almost roll over the daschund on Wednesday! Along with that, I'm pretty sure they're stll making fun of me!!!! Wish me luck going on week #3!! 

Vivian

---

We won't tell. Get more on shows you hate to love
(and love to hate): Yahoo! TV's Guilty Pleasures list.

Start of Week #2

It's Monday..Woo Hoo!! I feel I've had a successful first week! I have lost some pounds, but I also feel really good! I'm still exercising everyday, and my energy level is high!!! 

    Grabbed a bite out Friday night, just a soft chicken taco and salsa and chips(only 8 chips though), Saturday, was a busy day, went to the fitness center to get a workout routine going, that went very well, I'll be going there 3 times a week,

   Bob and I went to dinner Satuday night to Zappatelli's.. I had them put 1/2 my dinner in a box before they even bought it out to me. That was good. I had the chicken and angel hair pasta and salad. I had only eaten 1/4 of the chicken, the salad, and 3 small bites of the pasta. I had excused myself, (I heard if you eat, then wait, you'll decide if you're still hungry or not), so when I came back, Bob had already had the rest of my food packed up to go!! Thank you Bob! My first initial thought was, wait, I still want some more food!! There was a LOT left!! After sitting for a moment, I realized that I was NOT hungry anymore, and I think for the first time, I walked away from a restaurant meal not stuffed!! If felt good!!

    I did go to my parents after church, like usual, and yes, I did have m&m's, but I only took 3 this time. Actually, while in church as I was praying, it was in the back of my mind, I kept thinking about those stupid m&m's.... I knew I was going to take some, I just had to figure out how many. I hope God understands... The temption is always there, but it's easier to grab some candy because it's my parents house, and somehow that's ok,  but the difference would be, say, if someone made it a point to pull a candy bar out of a kitchen cupboard I was standing 2 ft. from, I can handle that, the candy is not at my house, or my parents, so it doesn't bother me so much

      Bob and I went snowshoeing at Penetentary Glen in Kirtland! What a great day! We walked around the gorge, looking down at how beautiful the scenery is. It's a mile trail and someone told me 800 calories burned! Woo Hoo!

       Superbowl Sunday! We made our own chicken wings, (baked) Salsa, and salad. It was for the most part a healthy meal. My energy level is still high, and I'm motivated about this diet. I received encouragement from a lot of my kids parents this morning at work, and one student had cut out my picture and article and wrote me a note saying how special she thought I was. I did get emotional. This is a contest, and since yesterday I've receied many "you go girl" from well wishers. I have to do this!! It's a contest, I still don't care if I win, I just want to lose the weight, and with so much support, I can't let everyone, including myself down!! I hope everyone has another successful week!!!
 

Vivian

I've survived my first week!! Woo Hoo! It wasn't as hard as I originally thought. It's all mental. I have to get it in my head first, that I'm going to do what I have to do get healthy. I'm not dieting. Those don't usually work. They might for a little while while your on it, but eventually things get back  to a normal way of life, with all the regular foods I normally eat and I'm back to my old ways.

    I have lost weight. Not the original 15 lbs. I was looking for, another expectation that's unrealistic. I concentrated this week on several things, and it's paid off!

   What I did my first week:

*Woke up 1/2 hr. early and worked out everyday. I rode my indoor bike for 15 minutes, then I worked out on my exercise ball, (fell a few times), used a 5 lb weight, and my exercise bands. That was for 1/2 to an hr. each day. I struggled several times getting out of bed, but once I got with it, I was ok, and felt really good afterwards, and gave me energy to start my day!

   *  I measured my snacks for the day in a little container. I carried it wherever I went, therefore it was handy when the munchies set in, I could reach in and grab something. This consisted of 2 Tbs. of almonds, 2 tbs. of raisins, and 2 tbs. of sunflower seeds. I was going for quantitiy. And usually a pinch or two curbed my appetite until meal time.

 *   I ate more fruit and veggies at each meal. (gives new meaning on cleansing oneself), that's all I'm gonna say...

 *  No more nibbling in between meals!!  I was a grab and go eater as well, I'd grab whatever was handy and quick. I'm sitting down for each meal. As I mentioned before I live alone, and I was always eating over the kitchen sink, and eating quick. And if you would've asked me what I had for lunch, I would not have been able to tell you. I've been preparing my meals, I don't "taste' as I"m cooking, and I don't start to eat until everything is on the table ready for me to sit down. Lunch was the big problem for me. I'm taking time for me, sitting down, and eating my food that's been carefully measured out.

 *  I'm watching my portions. When I would grab a bowl of cereal before I thought I was doing a good job, but after measuring out a 1/2 cup, I definately was eating more that my share!

 *  Water, Water, Water! Drinking water in the summer has never been a problem, but somehow in the winter, I always forget. Water is definately needed in the winter just as much than in the summertime. I'm drinking lots more water each day as well.

  *  Relied on my Faith. When I would feel week, or tempted, I prayed, A LOT!! For the Lord to help me overcome my temptations.

    * Got my friends and coworkers informed that I'm in this contest and want to lose weight, and to call me out if they see I'm gonna cheat and eat something I'm not supposed to! More accountability!!! They're watching me, and that's a good thing, I need them too!! So Thank you!

    *My friend and I joined Perry fitness center this week. It's a good price, and for a little over $10 a month, it's worth it. I could spend that much a week on junk food easily.

    We went today (Sat.) for our first visit. It was great, the gentleman showed us each machine, made us up a work out card and our starting points on each machine, so we can track our progress. I believe he thought he'd be in trouble, because when we first walked in , we went upstairs, couldn't find him, and thought for a minute of yelling down to him insteand of walking back down the steps. So when we introduced ourselves, he asked if we'd worked before, I asked if going up the steps and back down to find him counted....he just looked at me...........Seriously, he was very nice, and very informative. I"m still motivated, and so is my friend! We're going to do this!

   I ate one small (quarter size) chocolate chip cookie at work Friday. My friend called me on it, since I was trying to hide it, and talk to him without him knowing.. They sat there all week, calling me,, figured I could eat just one, on my way out the door, then I wouldn't be tempted to eat 10 more like I  normally would have... That's where I struggle the most is with sweets.. chocolate, cookies,, yummmmmm, If they're not around I'm ok, if I know they're around, I almost obsess about them.. I have to work on that some more... I'm still motivated to continue this contest. I'm not caring if I win or lose, I want to get healthy, lose weight, and be better off for it. If I can do that, then I'll be successful! I'm glad that I'm doing this with the other contestants, I know I'm not alone, and we're all in this together, and I know we'll all be successful!! Wish me Luck, I still need it!!!

Vivian

I had another day off today. (Yes, I work for the schools!), I had spent the day deciding if I want to weigh myself this week. I need to, but I always have a huge dilemma, because I've been eating healthy, exercising everyday, drinking lots of water, therefore, I should've at least lost 15 lbs. this week right??!! That's my thought process I need to change. I want to lose weight NOW!! And I need to know that I didn't gain it all in one week, so I need to weigh myself and be happy if there is any loss this week. I do feel better, and I seem to have more energy!! I've been thinking of why I'm fat. And the reasons that I'm in this place. I have been measuring my snacks for the day, and I carry the container wherever I go, that way if  hunger strikes, I can munch on something. I'm very conscious now of what food goes in my mouth. I live alone, so most meals are quick while I'm standing over the kitchen sink. I'm sitting down to eat now. I'm preparing a meal, not "tasting" it before, and I make sure that everything is on the table before I sit down. This seems to be working. I feel satisified after I'm done eating, and I'm not rushing or doing a grab and go meal anymore. I'm watching my portions very closely.

        I did pull out my big red exercise ball this morning again. Both dogs came running, and sat there watching me. I'm pretty sure they were waiting for me to fall off of it again. I could've sworn I saw them nudge each other and smile!  And, NO, I did not fall off today!!! Woo Hoo! Another successful day, And I'm happy that I'm able to do this with such wonderful people!!
 

Vivian

It's Tuesday. I don't have to work today, so this has given me the energy to really work out this morning. I always dread it, but I enjoy it, and feel great afterwards. I rode my indoor bike, used my exercise ball, tried laying on it face down, and rolling across the floor while keeping my body straight. I only fell off once!!! It's not as easy as they make it look in the video! I think they use trick photography!

  I'm pretty sure my dogs were laughing at me..

      I survived my first few days so far. I keep telling myself this is a contest, and keep remembering those words that if it were my children in a contest, I would expect nothing less from them, but them trying their best. I should be no different.

     I've worked out everyday so far. Either by walking, using the indoor bike, my exercise ball, and the rubber bands. I don't have a set workout routine, but I make sure I'm doing something to get my heart rate up for at least 15 minutes whatever it is.

     I've measured out my snacks, and have only eaten what I've measured out. That was hard to do. I had measured out snacks last week, and the box said 17 chips per serving, so I measured out the 17 chips, ended up with 4-5 in my hand still, then popped those in my mouth. I was asked if I had taken those 4-5 out of what I had measured and I said no, that those were bonus chips!!

       It's that mentality I need to stop!! I've also have NOT hit my food pantry as soon as I walk in the door. I was always reaching in and grabbing a hadful of pretzels or raisins. But If I do that 5-6 times a day, too many calories..

I also had stopped at my parents after church Sunday as I always do. My mom has a bowl of peanut m&m's on her counter always. Normally I eat 2 handfuls while I'm there. This time I took only 7 of them. Of course my mom called me out on this, but I can't give up sweets altogether! I have to learn portion control!! This journey is mostly a lifestyle change. I know how to eat healty, we all do, I just have to do it!!! Day 4, thank you for all the well wishes from everyone!! I, along with the other contestants will be successful in this journey!!!! p.s I have been nice to Bob!! Thank you still for all of your support!!

    
 

Vivian