This week has flown by! I can't believe it's already almost Friday! One of my sweet treat days. It's sad that I'm super excited about this, I know. I need to tell myself that it's no big deal, it's just food. If only that were the case with me...
I had my first session with my new trainer today! He did a great job. I was sweating like crazy! Most of the time he worked me really hard, which I appreciated. We'll see what happens. I have a good feeling about our trainer/trainee relationship. I think it's going to work out-(no pun intended!) :-P I also got in my usual run and incline walk session in this morning, so I'm feeling pretty good.
So that makes another successful diet and exercise day for me! It's the weekends where I don't tend to plan as much where I find myself getting in trouble. I'm going to try and keep making good choices along with some splurges, and I'll definitely keep my exercise up.
I'm headed out of town tomorrow and hanging out with a good friend of mine! I'm really looking forward to it, but there may not be postings while I'm gone. I'll be back at it on Monday, for sure!
Have a wonderful weekend and make good choices! :)
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Wednesdays= wild workouts
Wednesdays are the days when I work out the most. I guess I set it up that way so that it keeps me motivated during the middle of the week. This morning at 4:00, I ran for 30 minutes on the treadmill and did 20 more minutes of an inclined walk that's supposed to exercise your glutes. Then at 12:30 or so, I completed level 3 of Jillian Michaels' 30 Day Shred, and then her Yoga Meltdown video. I usually only do one video, but I like to incorporate her yoga because it gives a good stretch after 20 minutes of the 'Shred'. It equates to ~2 hours of exercise.
Needless to say, I'm exhausted.
Tomorrow I start with my new personal trainer. I'm excited and nervous at the same time, but so is he. I apparently intimidate him a little because I actually like working out and expect to be pushed. I'll let you know how it goes, but I'm sure the experience will be enjoyable.
My diet was successful today as well! YAY! :) There was a going away party at the gym for my previous trainer, and I brought my pre-made pasta salad instead of eating the provided refreshments. I hope I wasn't seen as being unsociable, I just know that I need to be careful with the amount of calories I eat, and I didn't want to risk overeating towards the end of the day. Any of you ever done anything like that?
Random question: What are your thoughts on coffee? I've heard it's wonderful for boosting your metabolism, so I don't mind indulging in a few cups a day. Any thoughts?
Happy Wednesday!
Needless to say, I'm exhausted.
Tomorrow I start with my new personal trainer. I'm excited and nervous at the same time, but so is he. I apparently intimidate him a little because I actually like working out and expect to be pushed. I'll let you know how it goes, but I'm sure the experience will be enjoyable.
My diet was successful today as well! YAY! :) There was a going away party at the gym for my previous trainer, and I brought my pre-made pasta salad instead of eating the provided refreshments. I hope I wasn't seen as being unsociable, I just know that I need to be careful with the amount of calories I eat, and I didn't want to risk overeating towards the end of the day. Any of you ever done anything like that?
Random question: What are your thoughts on coffee? I've heard it's wonderful for boosting your metabolism, so I don't mind indulging in a few cups a day. Any thoughts?
Happy Wednesday!
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
So...what's next?
In a previous post, I mentioned that I have a personal trainer. I've been training with her twice a week since November, and she has done wonders for my body and has been a great source of motivation. She has since decided to move back home (Sarah- you will be greatly missed!).
So, what's next?!
I still have some sessions left, so, I'm going to try a new trainer that my gym has hired. While I'm excited to experience another trainer, I'm very nervous. It takes a while for me to establish trust with a new person, especially when it comes to my exercising/body image. Will this person challenge me as much as my previous trainer did? I'm sure he will, I'm just hoping he will push me as much as I need to be pushed. (I'm one that really likes to be challenged during my workouts, if you didn't notice.) I'll let you know how things go. I begin with him on Thursday!
As for today, I was successful again! :) I stuck to my meal plan and my exercise plan. (Again, if you'd like details, just ask.) I find that when I plan my meals and make them ahead of time, I'm more likely to stick to it. On weekends, I slack off, and that's when binges happen. (However, my binges do not happen often- maybe once a month.) Of course, I'd like to eliminate all binges, but if they happen, I try very hard to pick myself up and dust myself off.
Since this blog is about "what's happening next," I feel the need to share some future plans that I may or may not pursue. I've lost my weight. I'm happy with my muscle formations in my arms, legs, and even my upper abs. However, with dramatic weight loss, comes some wear and tear. I have a lot of loose skin around my lower abdomen area. It's very unattractive and it's hiding the rock hard abs I have underneath. I know they're there. I can feel them when I flex my stomach. The problem is, I'll never see them without surgery. I've gone in for a consultation for a tummy tuck, and have determined that I am a perfect candidate for the surgery. The question is whether or not I want to spend a bunch of money for vanity. There are obviously lots of other questions that I've thought about, but it all mainly boils down to that one. It's a very high price for confidence and a bikini during the summer time. Anyway, it may be in the works for me later on this summer when I have some time off. What are your thoughts on this? Any advice and opinions would be greatly appreciated!
Now I'm off to watch The Biggest Loser. If anyone ever needs motivation, just watch this show. It's amazing what Jillian and Bob help everyone accomplish on this show.
Until tomorrow!
So, what's next?!
I still have some sessions left, so, I'm going to try a new trainer that my gym has hired. While I'm excited to experience another trainer, I'm very nervous. It takes a while for me to establish trust with a new person, especially when it comes to my exercising/body image. Will this person challenge me as much as my previous trainer did? I'm sure he will, I'm just hoping he will push me as much as I need to be pushed. (I'm one that really likes to be challenged during my workouts, if you didn't notice.) I'll let you know how things go. I begin with him on Thursday!
As for today, I was successful again! :) I stuck to my meal plan and my exercise plan. (Again, if you'd like details, just ask.) I find that when I plan my meals and make them ahead of time, I'm more likely to stick to it. On weekends, I slack off, and that's when binges happen. (However, my binges do not happen often- maybe once a month.) Of course, I'd like to eliminate all binges, but if they happen, I try very hard to pick myself up and dust myself off.
Since this blog is about "what's happening next," I feel the need to share some future plans that I may or may not pursue. I've lost my weight. I'm happy with my muscle formations in my arms, legs, and even my upper abs. However, with dramatic weight loss, comes some wear and tear. I have a lot of loose skin around my lower abdomen area. It's very unattractive and it's hiding the rock hard abs I have underneath. I know they're there. I can feel them when I flex my stomach. The problem is, I'll never see them without surgery. I've gone in for a consultation for a tummy tuck, and have determined that I am a perfect candidate for the surgery. The question is whether or not I want to spend a bunch of money for vanity. There are obviously lots of other questions that I've thought about, but it all mainly boils down to that one. It's a very high price for confidence and a bikini during the summer time. Anyway, it may be in the works for me later on this summer when I have some time off. What are your thoughts on this? Any advice and opinions would be greatly appreciated!
Now I'm off to watch The Biggest Loser. If anyone ever needs motivation, just watch this show. It's amazing what Jillian and Bob help everyone accomplish on this show.
Until tomorrow!
Monday, April 26, 2010
Today's Reflection
I know that today there have been lots of postings. I just felt like you needed somewhat of a background story to understand who I am and where I'm coming from! Thanks for listening!
Today was much more successful than yesterday. I stuck to my eating and exercise plan. I won't bore you with the actual menu unless you all specifically ask for it. :) I will say that I stuck to my plan, which is better than I can say for yesterday.
I woke up at my normal time (which is insanely early for most of us, but I'm a morning person)-and I went to my gym for a 30 minute run. After that, I completed a 20 minute glute sculpting routine on the treadmill, as well. So, that totaled 50 minutes, all before 5:30 this morning!! YAY for me! Then this evening, mom came over and we completed Level 3 of Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred. I swear by all of Jillian's videos. They work wonders if you're consistent with them.
All in all, the day was successful! I want to hear about all of yours!
Today was much more successful than yesterday. I stuck to my eating and exercise plan. I won't bore you with the actual menu unless you all specifically ask for it. :) I will say that I stuck to my plan, which is better than I can say for yesterday.
I woke up at my normal time (which is insanely early for most of us, but I'm a morning person)-and I went to my gym for a 30 minute run. After that, I completed a 20 minute glute sculpting routine on the treadmill, as well. So, that totaled 50 minutes, all before 5:30 this morning!! YAY for me! Then this evening, mom came over and we completed Level 3 of Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred. I swear by all of Jillian's videos. They work wonders if you're consistent with them.
All in all, the day was successful! I want to hear about all of yours!
Explanations and Confessions
I have a confession to make. My confession is that I'm obsessed with food. It consumes my thoughts 24/7. My mind is always on my next meal, whether it be healthy or unhealthy. So, now that I've lost all this weight, my challenge has been to figure out how to work around this, and use this "addiction" to my advantage.
Here's what I've come up with to help me feel in control: I eat 5 times a day, with a very strict calorie amount for each meal. I eat around 2000 calories a day, and try to drink as much water as I can. That's what my trainer and I have come up with, along with my amount of exercise, to maintain my weight and muscle mass.
On a typical Monday-Friday
My breakfast is my biggest meal, and it's usually around 650 calories.(Around 6 a.m)- I usually eat a banana, yogurt covered raisins, and have a Jillian Michael's protein shake--along with either oatmeal, cream of wheat, grits, or Eggo (am I allowed to use brand names?) waffles or pancakes. It's my favorite meal of the day and I always have it right after my run in the morning. I'll also have a couple of cups of coffee after because the caffeine is supposed to work wonders on your metabolism, according to a few sources that I've read. (Not to mention the caffeine boost! :) )
-3 hours later (9 a.m), I'll have a snack, which has a 300 calorie limit-usually a fruit, cheese, and some sort of carb thing like teddy grahams or crackers)
-A bit later (11:30 a.m. or so, depending on when my students eat lunch), I'll eat my lunch, which has a 550 calorie limit. This usually incorporates a sandwich/lean cuisine, some sort of vegetable (usually carrots with ranch), and sometimes yogurt.
-3 hours later (2:30 p,m.) , I'll have another snack, which has a 300 calorie limit. This is always some sort of fruit and a Fiber One* (again, are brand names okay?) bar. I always enjoy this snack because it feels like I'm "cheating" when I'm really not.
-3 hours later (5:30-6:00 p.m.), I'll eat a small 200 calorie dinner. This is either a pre-measured salad, pasta salad, popcorn w/ a veggie (edamame, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, etc...), pretzels w/ a veggie (edamame, cucumber, cherry tomatoes etc...), pimento cheese sandwich, or turkey and cheese wraps.
Since I'm eating every few hours, I never feel hunger pangs, so I think that this is a reasonable solution to my obsession with food, without overeating. This is not 100% perfect. I've had a lot of success with this plan, but I've had a couple of days where I've had some bad overeating episodes- (yesterday included.)
Yes, I overate yesterday. As I mentioned in my previous post, I'm strict during the week, but I slack on the weekends. So, in addition to fast food on Saturday (been chinese food lately), yesterday, I got my coffee w/ pumpkin bread, went out to eat (Jason's Deli), had a sweet treat (a PB/Oreo milkshake), and then indulged in 5 pieces of pizza. However, I'm trying very hard to not punish myself for it. I've jumped back on the bandwagon and eaten normally today, stayed well hydrated, and done my exercise. I do feel quite swollen, but that's to be expected, I guess. I just have to hope that the exercise will help me bounce back.
Does anyone else experience these types of things? This is consuming my life, but I think there are worse things to be thinking about. Any advice/comments would be appreciated and welcome.
Here's what I've come up with to help me feel in control: I eat 5 times a day, with a very strict calorie amount for each meal. I eat around 2000 calories a day, and try to drink as much water as I can. That's what my trainer and I have come up with, along with my amount of exercise, to maintain my weight and muscle mass.
On a typical Monday-Friday
My breakfast is my biggest meal, and it's usually around 650 calories.(Around 6 a.m)- I usually eat a banana, yogurt covered raisins, and have a Jillian Michael's protein shake--along with either oatmeal, cream of wheat, grits, or Eggo (am I allowed to use brand names?) waffles or pancakes. It's my favorite meal of the day and I always have it right after my run in the morning. I'll also have a couple of cups of coffee after because the caffeine is supposed to work wonders on your metabolism, according to a few sources that I've read. (Not to mention the caffeine boost! :) )
-3 hours later (9 a.m), I'll have a snack, which has a 300 calorie limit-usually a fruit, cheese, and some sort of carb thing like teddy grahams or crackers)
-A bit later (11:30 a.m. or so, depending on when my students eat lunch), I'll eat my lunch, which has a 550 calorie limit. This usually incorporates a sandwich/lean cuisine, some sort of vegetable (usually carrots with ranch), and sometimes yogurt.
-3 hours later (2:30 p,m.) , I'll have another snack, which has a 300 calorie limit. This is always some sort of fruit and a Fiber One* (again, are brand names okay?) bar. I always enjoy this snack because it feels like I'm "cheating" when I'm really not.
-3 hours later (5:30-6:00 p.m.), I'll eat a small 200 calorie dinner. This is either a pre-measured salad, pasta salad, popcorn w/ a veggie (edamame, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, etc...), pretzels w/ a veggie (edamame, cucumber, cherry tomatoes etc...), pimento cheese sandwich, or turkey and cheese wraps.
Since I'm eating every few hours, I never feel hunger pangs, so I think that this is a reasonable solution to my obsession with food, without overeating. This is not 100% perfect. I've had a lot of success with this plan, but I've had a couple of days where I've had some bad overeating episodes- (yesterday included.)
Yes, I overate yesterday. As I mentioned in my previous post, I'm strict during the week, but I slack on the weekends. So, in addition to fast food on Saturday (been chinese food lately), yesterday, I got my coffee w/ pumpkin bread, went out to eat (Jason's Deli), had a sweet treat (a PB/Oreo milkshake), and then indulged in 5 pieces of pizza. However, I'm trying very hard to not punish myself for it. I've jumped back on the bandwagon and eaten normally today, stayed well hydrated, and done my exercise. I do feel quite swollen, but that's to be expected, I guess. I just have to hope that the exercise will help me bounce back.
Does anyone else experience these types of things? This is consuming my life, but I think there are worse things to be thinking about. Any advice/comments would be appreciated and welcome.
How It All Began
Hello everyone. I'm Lauren Alderman, and I'm completely new to this blogging thing, so bear with me as I get used to it.
A year ago, April 17th, 2009, I decided that it was time to take charge of my life and lose weight. I weighed about 235 pounds and consistently made unhealthy eating choices. Over the past year, I cut out sodas, made healthy eating choices, and incorporated daily exercise into my life. I started out walking, which has now evolved into running. I also heard about Jillian Michaels and her videos, and began using them consistently in my workouts. Throughout all this, I've lost a total of 120 pounds, (give or take a few pounds depending on what I ate the days before) putting me between 115-120 lbs. and about 16% body fat.
I'm at where I want to be. I've fought and won the battle. Now I'm fighting the war. I'm going to keep on "walking".
The questions are, how do I maintain this weight and body image? That's my struggle. I like where I am. How do I stay motivated to continue exercising for the rest of my life? How much is too much? How often am I allowed a treat? How many calories should that treat be?
(Just a note, I run about 30 minutes a day, and then do a Jillian video, or go to my personal trainer- all in all, i exercise about an hour everyday, and eat about 2000 calories.) On the weekends, I tend to splurge and eat a little more.)
Example: Friday-sweet treat
Saturday- fast food
Sunday- out to eat, sweet treat
I'll never know the answers to these questions unless I do a little experimenting, and this blog is a place for me to record these experiments and gain advice from you all. I appreciate any and all feedback, as I begin this new phase of my journey.
In the meantime, have a healthy day! I'll blog a little bit later about the specifics of what today has involved.
A year ago, April 17th, 2009, I decided that it was time to take charge of my life and lose weight. I weighed about 235 pounds and consistently made unhealthy eating choices. Over the past year, I cut out sodas, made healthy eating choices, and incorporated daily exercise into my life. I started out walking, which has now evolved into running. I also heard about Jillian Michaels and her videos, and began using them consistently in my workouts. Throughout all this, I've lost a total of 120 pounds, (give or take a few pounds depending on what I ate the days before) putting me between 115-120 lbs. and about 16% body fat.
I'm at where I want to be. I've fought and won the battle. Now I'm fighting the war. I'm going to keep on "walking".
The questions are, how do I maintain this weight and body image? That's my struggle. I like where I am. How do I stay motivated to continue exercising for the rest of my life? How much is too much? How often am I allowed a treat? How many calories should that treat be?
(Just a note, I run about 30 minutes a day, and then do a Jillian video, or go to my personal trainer- all in all, i exercise about an hour everyday, and eat about 2000 calories.) On the weekends, I tend to splurge and eat a little more.)
Example: Friday-sweet treat
Saturday- fast food
Sunday- out to eat, sweet treat
I'll never know the answers to these questions unless I do a little experimenting, and this blog is a place for me to record these experiments and gain advice from you all. I appreciate any and all feedback, as I begin this new phase of my journey.
In the meantime, have a healthy day! I'll blog a little bit later about the specifics of what today has involved.
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