Monday, February 28, 2011

Day 57 - Monday Weigh-In Week #8

Song of the day:  Sara Bareilles - Love Song


I have to start out with saying, that without the resources on sparkpeople.com, I wouldn't have been able to see these results.


1/3/11 - 232.6 lbs
1/10/11 - 224.2 lbs
1/17/11 - 220.8 lbs
1/24/11 - 218.8 lbs
1/31/11 - 217.4 lbs
2/7/11 - 213.8 lbs
2/14/11 - 214.8 lbs

2/21/11 - 211.2 lbs

2/28/11 - 206.0 lbs

Weight loss for Week Eight: 5.2 lbs
Weight loss Total: 26.6 lbs


*Weight loss since my heaviest (5/22/10 - 264 lbs): 58.0 lbs 


*Granted I was 9+ months pregnant at my heaviest, but Elliot only weighed 10 lbs, so I'm going to track that as well.  :)



All of my pregnancy weight is gone!  And then some!  That feels AMAZING!!  My next goal is to get under 200 lbs by the end of March - which seems very obtainable at this point!  It just feels so good to know that this group of weight is gone!  I no longer am carrying any extra pregnancy pounds!  Of course that also means that I've lost the excuse of "Oh, well, I just had a baby." - but I'm very okay with that!  I've also lost another 10.75" from the areas that I measure, bringing the total to 26" lost!  


I had a really good workout yesterday.  I did some strength training and some cardio.  I actually ran for 10 minutes in a row!  I haven't done that in a long time!  I only did 35 minutes of cardio, and would have/could have done more but I really wanted to get back in time to watch the Oscars.  


Today Elliot and I are heading to West Salem for the week and I'm really excited to go to the classes at the Snap there!  I really wish those classes existed here!  This is also my last month with a Snap membership since we are moving at the end of the month!  I absolutely despise moving, and it's so much more work than you think it's going to be!  We are trying to go through all of our stuff this month so we only move what we need.  Hello, Goodwill trip!  


Ah!  I'm still so excited that I feel like I could jump out of my skin!  I guess I've also just come to the realization the for 3 days out of 40 I'm going to feel like crap and not want to do anything.  And as long as I kick but for the other 37, I'll be just fine come weigh-in day!  Now to just make this energy last the whole week long!

Sunday, February 27, 2011

Day 56 - gotta get through this...

Song of the day:  Daniel Bedingfield - Gotta Get Thru This


I have absolutely no ambition or motivation this weekend!  And I'm blaming it entirely on it being that time of the month.  Thankfully I'm now on the downhill... or uphill (?) swing, I don't know, but it's almost over, so I'm finally starting to feel like myself again.  


Yesterday we went to Whitewater and had lunch with Ethan, then went to Walmart and found a winter coat for Elliot - for only $12.50!  Gotta love clearance!  Kyle and Elliot both napped on the way home, and when we got home it was my turn to nap!  I laid in bed for 2 hours, sleeping for about an hour of that.  But I woke up feeling more exhausted than anything else.  Kyle and I watched the movie Red - a MUST SEE if you haven't seen it yet!  It was so funny!  Kyle wanted more action scenes, but I thought they had the perfect amount of people getting blown up, lol.  At about 10:00pm Elliot woke up and started crying.  We waited about 10 minutes to see if it was just a fluke, but it got worse, so Kyle went in to check on him.  After about 15 minutes we switched, but he didn't want Kyle to leave the room.  He just would not calm down, and we decided to try putting him in bed with us.... that didn't do it either.  Finally Kyle took him back in his room and rocked him.  He had finally exhausted himself out enough that Kyle could lay him back down with minimal crying and we could go to bed.  At 11:30pm.  Now, 11:30 used to not seem late, now it mine as well be 4:00 am!  Ah, the joys of getting older, lol.  


Like I said, I'm starting to feel a little more energized today, so I'm going to make myself workout.  I think it will make me feel better too.  I'm not 100% sure on what we're going to eat today, but we have a lot to go through since Kyle is going on a trip this week and Elliot and I are heading to West Salem.  I'm hoping that the past three days of laziness hasn't unraveled everything else I've done for the week!  I guess we'll find out tomorrow!

Saturday, February 26, 2011

Day 55

Song of the day:  Eve 6 - Think Twice


By the time Kyle got home last night I was well into a my funk.  I just didn't feel like doing anything.  It's now that 'time of the month' so that helps explain my mood, but it's still no excuse for not going to work out.  I woke up early so I could go work out before we left for the day, but soon realized that all of my workout clothes were dirty.  And I really don't want to be the ultra smelly person at the gym - nasty.  So laundry is being done and I'll have to go later tonight!  


We are headed to Whitewater to have lunch with Ethan today!  I'm really excited to see him, and to get out of the house.  Now I wish it wasn't as cold as it is!  I don't really have much to write about since I accomplished nothing yesterday, lol.  I just know that I really need to stick to eating well and exercising for the next two days so I can hopefully meet my goal on Monday!

Friday, February 25, 2011

Day 54

Song of the day:  Kelly Clarkson - Never Again


We had a great day hanging out in Green Bay!  Elliot napped for a whole 35 minutes yesterday, so he slept the entire way home!  We're planning on staying in today so Elliot can catch up on his sleep - which he is currently doing!  He also has two new teeth coming through making the total to 8!  I can't believe how much he's changed in the last 9 months!


I'm not really feeling into cooking today, so I think we're going to have Wednesday's leftovers for dinner tonight.  Tomorrow we are going to go shopping for a coat for Elliot then do a trial drive to Whitewater.  Hopefully we'll be able to have lunch with Ethan!  


Tonight I'm going to get back to strength training and some cardio.  I'm hoping the day off has helped healed my leg.  But I guess either way I'm going to have to "power through" it.  It will be nice once we move because then I will have a jacuzzi tub to relax in after my workouts!  I'm really hoping to keep my act together this weekend so I can have a really good weigh-in on Monday.  I think if I just keep my mind on the prize of losing the rest of my pregnancy weight it will make it easier to resist temptations!

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Day 53 - ugh.

Song of the day:  Boys Like Girls - Love Drunk


I.  Am.  Exhausted.  I think that working out 8 of the last 9 days had taken it's toll on me.  I got in my strength training, and once I got on the treadmill and started running I realized that I had some major shin splints on (in?) my right leg.  The shin area to be exact.  I could only run for 8 minutes before it just hurt too much.  I'm not training for anything in particular, so I have no problem with not "pushing it" or not "working through the pain" or not getting hurt.  I made sure that I kept my heart elevated for 30 minutes so I could still consider it a good workout, but I was watching those minutes tick by.  


Last nights dinner was amazing!  I've written the recipe at the end of the blog.  I hope I remembered everything!  We are heading up to Green Bay and fingers crossed Elliot stays asleep the whole time!  I'm bringing a banana and some pistachio nuts for breakfast - along with coffee of course!  We aren't going to get home until super late, so I'm probably going to skip my workout.  I'm actually very okay with that since Thursday's are normally my day off.  Also, my leg is still really hurting.  :(  


It's too early in the morning for me to think.  Lol.  Car sleep here I come!






Bekah's Quick and Easy Italian Sausage Dinner Yuummm:  


8 oz mostaccioli noodles (or any other noodle you like)
Package (5 ct) Jennie-O Hot Italian Turkey Sausages
1/4 cup water
4 Tbsp I can't Believe It's Not Butter - divided
1/8 tsp sea salt
1/8 tsp fresh ground black pepper
4-6 cloves chopped garlic (or minced if preferred)
1 small yellow onion
8 oz sliced fresh mushrooms
14 oz can of artichoke hearts (medium or small)
4.5 oz of spinach (I used half a bag which equals about that)
2 Tbsp chopped fresh flat leafed parsley
pint of cherry tomatoes, cut them in half lengthwise




Make the noodles as directed.  


In a deep skillet fry the Jennie-O Hot Italian Turkey Sausages on medium-high heat.  Right before they are done pour in the water to loosen up any brown pieces from the bottom of the pan.  When cooked remove from skillet and set aside.  Melt 2 Tbsp I Can't Believe It's Not Butter.  When melted add garlic and onion.  When the garlic has browned a little add half of the "juice" from the container of artichoke hearts and the artichokes.  While the artichokes are in the pan cut them down so they bite sized.  Add salt, pepper and remaining 2 Tbsp I Can't Believe It's Not Butter.  Let simmer about 3 minutes.  Add mushrooms.  Let simmer 3-5 minutes or until mushrooms are soft.  Turn down stove to a medium-low heat and add the spinach (it wilts down A LOT so add A LOT), parsley, and cherry tomatoes.  Stir often.  After the spinach has wilted add the noodles.  Stir to coat.  Add the sausages and let simmer on low for 2 minutes.  Serve 1 sausage (cut it up into pieces and it's better) and 1 cup of noodle mixture.  


Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Serves 4-6 (depending on if you cut up the sausage or eat it whole)



Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Day 52

Song of the day:  Fall Out Boy - Dance Dance


I'm writing a little later today than usual because Elliot had his 9 month check up today!  Everything looks great - and he didn't have to get any shots!  We went to Target afterwards for some light grocery shopping and to look for a winter jacket.  His snow suit is getting too small, but we didn't buy a coat because we weren't sure what size he was going to be.  Now that we actually need one they are all gone!  The only jackets there were some spring ones, and that's not going to cut it.  This weekend we'll have to do some more shopping and see if we can find anything.  


Last night I worked out on the treadmill for 45 minutes.  I did a brisk walk (about 3.5 mph) and kept my heart rate at about 140 bpm for a fat burn instead of a cardio burn.  Hopefully that will help me notice some more inches gone!  Since I was doing a light walk I brought my nook along and read some of my book while working out.  It was so nice, but kind of weird how quite it is there!  There were 4 other people at Snap and the only thing you can really hear is the hum of the machines.  


The buffalo burgers were really good and they didn't really taste different than a hamburger.  Tonight we are going to have hot Italian sausage with noodles, mushrooms, tomatoes, and a butter garlic sauce.  I'm just kind of throwing things together, so hopefully it turns out well!  After dinner I'm going to do some strength training and more intense cardio.  


Tomorrow, Kyle has to work in Green Bay, so we are going to be getting up really early to go with him and spend the day with Brian and Peg (Kyle's dad and step-mom)!  I'm really glad Elliot didn't have shots today, so he'll hopefully be in a good mood tomorrow!    

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Day 51 - cabin fever

Song of the day:  Lupe Fiasco - The Show Goes On


Last night we ended up having ground turkey sloppy joes with sweet potato fries.  We had some sloppy joe sauce in the cupboard and figured that we should probably use it!  Instead of using a normal white hamburger bun we used 100% whole wheat sandwich thins.  They have less calories and more fiber, so win-win-win (that was a The Office reference...).  


My work out was really good!  It's amazing what your body can do in a few weeks.  I did some strength training then did about 45 minutes on the treadmill.  I have a circuit that I do - warm up, 5 min jog, 1 min brisk walk, 3 min incline, 1 min brisk walk, repeat, cool down.  That way I get a whole spectrum of speed and incline in my workout.  I burn about 440 calories, so it feels awesome!  I read a few weight loss blogs on sparkpeople.com and I really want to get a heart rate monitor.  Then I'll know exactly how many calories I'm burning instead of what the treadmill is guesstimating.  But I guess I only want one if I'll find out that I'm burning more than I think instead of less, lol.  :)  


Tonight we are having buffalo sliders with guacamole and steamed broccoli.  I've never had buffalo (or at least I don't think I have), but I've heard it's really good, and I'm always  up for trying new things!  


The Biggest Loser is on tonight, so I'm not going to get any cardio in until late.  I think I'm going to only do 30 minutes on my non-strength training days - which are Tuesday and Thursday.  This also makes sense because my favorite TV shows are on Tuesdays and Thursdays, lol.  


Kyle's feeling better, so he's back to work today.  The sun is shining, but it's still really cold out and there's a fresh layer of snow over everything.  I am definitely feeling cabin fever-ish and last weeks tease of 50 degree weather didn't help!  I'm so ready for spring!      

Monday, February 21, 2011

Day 50 - Monday Weigh-In Week #7

Song of the day:  Feist - 1234


50 days.  50!!  I've never made it this far in any workout routine ever!  I'm halfway to 100!  I'm not only proud of myself for the weight loss, but more importantly that I've stuck with it for this long.  I think my past "get healthy" streak was like 12 days.  If even that.  


1/3/11 - 232.6 lbs
1/10/11 - 224.2 lbs
1/17/11 - 220.8 lbs
1/24/11 - 218.8 lbs
1/31/11 - 217.4 lbs
2/7/11 - 213.8 lbs
2/14/11 - 214.8 lbs

2/21/11 - 211.2 lbs


Weight loss for Week Seven: 3.6 lbs
Weight loss Total: 21.4 lbs



*Weight loss since my heaviest (264 lbs): 52.8 lbs 


*Granted I was 9+ months pregnant at my heaviest, but Elliot only weighed 10 lbs, so I'm going to track that as well.  :)


I'm not going to lie, I was hoping for a little more weight loss.  I think it's because of shows like The Biggest Loser.  I have it in my head if I don't lose a double digit then I'm not doing well.  But seriously 3.6 lbs is awesome!  I've lost over 21 lbs in 7 weeks, by myself.  I'm cooking my own food, still living my own life, and I am working out on my own.  That definitely something to celebrate!  I've came so far in the past 7 weeks and I not only weigh less, I feel better.  


Kyle is home sick today :( so while he and Elliot are both sleeping I'm going to get in a long workout.  I am doing cardio and strength training today, so it will be nice to get it in during the day and not feel rushed at night.  


I'm not quite sure what we're going to have for dinner.  We have quite a bit of ground turkey, so I should probably find a recipe that uses it.  I'm thinking either tacos or meatloaf.  Either way, it's good to know that I'm consistently making better food choices.



Sunday, February 20, 2011

Day 49 - more snow :(

Song of the day:  Edward Maya & Mia Martina - Stereo Love


Well, so much for, oh, everything we had planned today!  The snow/sleet/ice/winter-uck has already started.  :(  Our main road in and out of Madison is 18/151 and it's notorious for being really crappy during storms.  Sadly we won't be going to church today.  We could have made it there fine, but the way home would have been the problem.  Next week.  


I was going to go work out right away this morning, but wasn't ready before the storm started.  The possibility of getting stuck or sliding into something isn't worth working out in a gym.  So it looks like I will be doing some home work out dvd's today!  


Yesterday I had an amazing workout!  An hour had passed before I even realized it!  I ended feeling great, and I'm not even remotely sore today!  If I had done that workout when I first started I would have died.  It's nice to know that I'm going about this the right way, and that I'm making improvements!  


Julia and I went to the mall yesterday and I tried on a shirt that was a size smaller than I normally wear - and it fit!  It felt great!  And it was on clearance for $15 so that made it even better!  I haven't bought clothes for myself in so long because I've been sad about the size I had to grab.  I'm not going to buy a ton of clothes because I plan on not fitting into them in a couple of months, but it was nice to get a smaller shirt.  :)


We don't really have anything planned today because of the storm, so the big test is going to be not snacking all day long!  Wish me luck!

Saturday, February 19, 2011

Day 48 - love every scar

Song of the day:  Lady Antebellum - American Honey


OMG.  I made the most awesome spaghetti and meatballs I have ever had.  But I may be a little biased.  :)  It was so worth the 7 hours of roasting tomatoes!  I definitely ate more than I should have, but it was just so good!  I went over my calorie allowance, so today I'm going to work out longer than I normally would.


My dad and Ethan (my brother) came to visit on their way from UW-Whitewater (where Ethan goes) to West Salem yesterday.  It was so nice to hang out with them, even though their main reason for the stop was to see Elliot. :)  The whole homemade spaghetti idea was amazing, but a lot more time consuming than I previously thought.  Needless to say, I didn't get a workout in.  But I plan on doing yesterday and today's workout all in one setting.  Kyle and I are just hanging out and later this afternoon Julia and I are going to do some shopping.  Tomorrow we are going to check out a new church.  We realized that since we are for sure staying here at least another 2 years, we need a home church.  We've gone to a couple since moving here, but have always considered River of Life our home church.  I'm not sure if that will ever change, but we at least need a community here.  We're going to check out Metro Believers tomorrow.  Since we are moving into Madison in a couple of months it really opens up our church options.  Some people are willing to drive 45 minutes to church, I am not one of those people.  Say what you may about my faith or commitment, but my almost 9 month old son dictates a lot of our schedule.  


I'm really trying not to totally derail this weekend like I have for the past few weekends.  My plan is to stick to an eating habit and keep exercising.  Maybe even over exercise.  After last weeks snafu of gaining a pound, I really want to have an awesome weigh-in come Monday.  Elliot will be 9 months old on the 22nd (Tuesday) and it took me 9 months and 4 days to gain the pregnancy weight, so my goal is for it to take just as long for me to lose it.  Next Saturday (the 26th) would get me to that day, so my hope, plan, and goal is for me to be 207 lbs by then.  It's weird to think that 207 is now my weight loss goal.  Two years ago I would have said 207 lbs was a weight to not want, even a year ago I didn't want that.  The week I got pregnant I had decided to lose weight.  It was a short lived goal that ended up with me losing maybe a pound, but I ended up pregnant and gained a ton (57 lbs to be exact), which I wouldn't give up for anything.  Even if I hit 207 lbs my body is not what it once was.  I now have stretch marks everywhere.  I had really bad edema towards the end of my pregnancy.  To the point where I could feel the water slosh in my feet when I walked up and down the stairs.  Would I give up not having stretch marks for the cost of not having Elliot?  Not at all.  I would do the same thing and worse for  him.  I guess the stretch marks are something I will have to learn to live with, because I know Kyle could care less about them.  I seriously have the most awesome husband ever.  He looks at my stretch marks and extra weight as a badge of honor that I carried our son in my body for 9 months (and 4 days).  How much more awesome can he be?  I'm so blessed!  


But besides stretch marks, everything is just different.  I can't really put my finger on it, but I'm just a different shape then I was before.  My whole body has changed.  Physically and spiritually.  After 43 hours of labor I caved and agreed to a c-section.  I was super against having a c-section.  About 2 hours after Elliot was born he was whisked away because he was having difficulty breathing.  A few hours later we found out that he was born with a diaphragmatic hernia (a hole in his diaphragm) and that his intestines were in his chest cavity (along with both well developed lungs and his heart).  As first time parents, who were exhausted after a long labor, and I had a super normal pregnancy, we were not expecting this news.  The fact that I would not progress to 10 cm's we have attributed to divine intervention.  If I had, Elliot would have had serious birthing issues (due to his condition and size - 9 lbs 12 oz) that would have resulted in the doctors having to break my pelvis to get him out.  At 4 days old he had laproscopic surgery to correct his hernia.  This was by far the scariest thing I have gone through, ever.  Thankfully I have an awesome doctor who made sure I would be able to transfer, as a patient, to Milwaukee where Elliot would also be.  I remember the first time we came home without him.  We had his room all set up, clothes put away, everything washed in dreft, and he wasn't with us.  I felt like a part of me had died in our garage as I cried for hours, days.  That wasn't the way it was supposed to be.  After 4 weeks in the NICU and countless prayers from friends and family we were finally able to take him home.  I'm glad to say that now he is beyond a normal little boy and the only glimpse of his scary start is the 5 small scars on his left side.  


I had gone into pregnancy thinking that a c-section was a cop out.  That I would have been less of a woman if I had gone that route.  I no longer think that.  I endured 32 long hours of labor before Kyle insisted that I get an epidural.  And like I said earlier, if Elliot would have progressed through to a vaginal birth he would have had a slowed heart rate and they would have had to break my pelvis, which would have resulted in a lot more issues.  I treasure every scar on my body.  What I went through I would not wish on any mother, but I know that Kyle and I were able to handle it by the strength of God.  It was a test of our strength and faith.  And I'm glad to say we came out stronger than ever.  


I'm not looking to be a super model or even a "hot mom."  I'm just looking to be a healthier version of myself for the two most important men in my life... and whatever little bundles of joy that will be in our future.... not like immediate future, but in like 2 years future...  I guess that's all I can say for now.  :)

Friday, February 18, 2011

Day 47 - Jaaasson De-ru-loooo (sing it)

Song of the day:  Jason Derulo - Whatcha Say


Our walk yesterday was so nice!  It got a little windy on the way back but the sun was out!  We ended up doing about 3.5 miles and Elliot was awake for the whole thing!  Normally he would nap during walks, but he's a lot older now, so he wants to look at everything!  


I'm really really really excited for dinner tonight!  I am making slow-roasted marinara sauce and we're having spaghetti and meatballs!  I've never made my own sauce.  I tend to get plain marinara then doctor it up, so I'm really excited to try this!  We'll be home all day since I have to roast the tomatoes for 7 hours!  


The sun is out again today, but it's not very warm, and there's a lot of wind, so we won't be able to go for a walk.  I need to do some cardio and strength training today.  Thankfully it's Friday so Kyle can typically can be done with work at 5:00, so I should be able to go work out before dinner.  I'm pretty sure I'm not going to want to go after dinner!


Last night I tired the Jell-O Mousse Temptations - Dark Chocolate.  So good!  It's weird, I've never been big on sweets, but since starting this weight loss that's all I want!  They are only 60 calories and so so good!  I didn't feel like I had undone everything I've worked for.  I'm actually kind of excited to weigh-in on Monday because I know I'm back on track doing everything right.  


We don't really have any plans for this weekend.  Hopefully it's nice so we can go for a walk!  

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Day 46

Song of the day:  Justin Timberlake - SexyBack ft. Timbaland


Last night's dinner was AMAZING!!!  I didn't know if I liked flounder, but everything that went with it was my favorite!  Garlic, curry, cilantro, jalepeno, toasted coconut.... you can't go wrong!  The only place we did go wrong was the recipe called for a 6 oz filet, and I didn't bother weighing them, I just assumed they were around there.  I was very wrong.  They're only 3 oz filets so we had half a serving instead of a full serving.  That was fine though since we ate a late dinner.  


When Kyle got home we each had a serving of Honey Bunches of Oats, then I went to work out.  I decided that I really want to do a 5k this year, so I should probably keep moving for the length of a 5k.  In my normal 40 minute routine I do around 2 miles since I'm focused more on speed walking with incline to burn more calories.  Adding another mile - and some running - took me to a 48 minute work out!  After that I did some strength training and really good stretching.  I then had to go to the grocery store, so that made dinner even later.  


Kyle and I have been trying to figure out ways that we can trim our budget so that we don't have to take out as much in student loans.  Kyle said that we could get rid of cable.  This tends to be the first thing we cut when we want to save money.  Currently we have basic cable and it costs about $25 a month.  I'm home all day, and really like to watch the Today Show in the morning and having local news.  I am fine with getting rid of cable when I start school in May, but currently I enjoy having it.  I told Kyle that I find it interesting that he's so willing to get rid of cable now that the NFL season is over.  We'll definitely get rid of it in May, but the jury is still out on our current cable situation.  Lol. :)


Kyle had to go to Milwaukee for work today and won't be home until late.  I am going to have leftovers - and can't wait!  Elliot and I are going to head into Madison today and go for a walk near the capitol.  Hopefully the sun comes out because all of this fog kind of puts a damper on my excitement of warm weather!

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Day 45

Song of the day:  Survivor - Eye of the Tiger  - hahaha, I don't know why this wasn't my first 'song of the day!'

I had a great day yesterday!  I ate amazingly and had an awesome workout after The Biggest Loser!  I feel like I'm back in the first week all over again.  I'm excited, energized, and refocused on my goal.  I think last week I just felt so overwhelmed with school decisions and opening up about being manic-depressive that I subconsciously gave up.  I felt exposed and without even realizing it I turned to food and laziness.  Not anymore!  

Last night I did a couple of programs on the treadmill for 40 minutes total.  I also did some ab work afterwards.  It felt great!  It was so nice to get out of the house and focus on myself.  It was also great to run for cardio instead of doing a workout tape in my living room.  I would like to start training for a 5k.  I'm not going to sign up for one just yet, but it is something that I would like to do this year.  

Tonight for dinner we are having flounder with cilantro-curry topping and toasted coconut.  I think we're going to have some broccoli (a favorite in our house) for a side.  It looks really really good!  I love all of the things listed, so it has to be good!  ...right?  I have never cooked flounder before, but Kyle was really excited about it when we went grocery shopping, so hopefully it turns out okay!  

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Day 44

Song of the day:  Britney Spears - ...Baby One More Time


Yesterday's food choices were so much better than this weekend.  The mango macadamia stuffed mahi mahi was amazing!  We got it from the deli at Super Target and I wish stuff like that froze easily because it was one of the best things I've ever tasted!  We had a pretty low key Valentines day, and it was great.  Elliot was having a lot of acid reflux before he went to bed and Kyle took care of him and got him calmed down enough to go to bed.  I really do have such an amazing husband.  Kyle's always been there to help with Elliot.  He's never pulled the "I have a real job" card.  When he gets home he's always ready to feel Elliot and put him to bed while I make dinner.  There's never any resentment to being a family man.  Even though we didn't have what most people would define as a "special" night, it was special for us.  I'm so thankful for my life and the love that I have to share and receive.  


I did do some strength training yesterday, but didn't get in any official cardio.  I did do a ton of laundry and cleaned our bedroom and Elliot's bedroom.  I also put away all of his clothes that weren't 9-12 month or larger.  He's been in that size for a while now and he's not even 9 months old yet!  He's getting so big so fast! :(  Some of the clothes I put away he didn't even get a chance to wear, or he only wore once!  


After tonight's episode of Biggest Loser I'm going to head to Snap to work out.  I really need to get back into the habit of going to work out.  It's starting to get nice out again, so hopefully Elliot and I can go for some walks this week!  Thursday it's supposed to get up to 50 degrees!  I can't wait!  I think we're going to drive into Madison and walk around the lake.  


Tonight for dinner we are going to bring back the chicken with lemon leek linguine that we had during the first week of weight loss.  We bought some leeks while grocery shopping on Sunday and they come in bunches of three, so we'll probably have this dish a few times unless I find another recipe that sounds good!  

Monday, February 14, 2011

Day 43 - Monday Weigh-In Week #6

Song of the day:  Sarah Vaughan - What a difference a day makes


Okay, not just a difference a day makes, but what a difference a whole weekend of being lazy makes!  I'm not happy about my weigh-in this week, but I figured this might happen at some point.  For the last couple weeks I've given up on the weekends, but still lost weight.  I was hoping for the same thing this week, but my eating partnered with not as intense workouts caught up with me.  Last week the only workout I did was Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred for 4 days.  It's a great workout, but I don't burn as many calories as I do when I do cardio at Snap.  Really I need to do the two workouts together.  Kyle was gone for the beginning half of the week so I couldn't go to Snap, then when he got home, I got lazy.  This weekend was the worst eating that I've done in a long time.  We were single handedly keeping Great Scott's Pizza in business.  To add to my bad habits, I barely drank any water this weekend.  No water + lots of sodium + no working out = +1 lb this week.  


1/3/11 - 232.6 lbs
1/10/11 - 224.2 lbs
1/17/11 - 220.8 lbs
1/24/11 - 218.8 lbs
1/31/11 - 217.4 lbs
2/7/11 - 213.8 lbs

2/14/11 - 214.8 lbs

Weight loss for Week Six: +1.0 lbs
Weight loss Total: 17.8 lbs



Ugh.  Yesterday, after having leftover jalepeno cheese sticks for breakfast (like I said, we were BAD this weekend!) I realized that I was going to need to do some serious recovery to not have a too horrendous weigh-in today.  I upped my water intake and ate a turkey sandwich for lunch and made tilapia filets with mixed veggies for dinner.  But as shown above eating well for 2 meals didn't fix 2 days of eating like crap.  We went grocery shopping yesterday so we are ready to eat healthy again!  For valentine's day I am making mahi-mahi with mango macadamia stuffing and steamed broccoli.  I'm toying with the idea of making a dessert, but I'm not sure if it's a good idea after this weigh-in.  


I guess the only thing I can do is eat better, workout more, and keep moving forward!  I'm going to do everything I can this week -and weekend- to get back that pound and lose more as well! 

Sunday, February 13, 2011

Day 41/42 - Great Weekend

Song of the day:  Corey Hart - I Wear My Sunglasses At Night  - I like listening to this song when I work out because the background music plays in stereo so it goes back and forth in each ear.  It's pretty awesome, lol.


Yesterday I didn't get around to writing a blog.  We all slept in (awesome!) then had breakfast, and I was going to write then, but instead Kyle and I played with Elliot.  I was going to write when he went  down for a nap, but instead Kyle and I worked on finishing season 5 of Criminal Minds.  We are moving in a couple months so I decided to start going through some of the things in our closets that we didn't go through the last time we moved.  What did I learn?  Thank God for digital cameras!  I threw away about 300-500 pictures.  Nobody is in these pictures.  Most of them are "scenic shots" from various school trips - primarily Washington D.C.  Every kid likes to think they're a photographer on those trips, but really you can only get a "so-so" picture of the Washington Monument from various places in the city while on a bus.  Sadly, I know there's another set of those pictures in an album in one of the 15 boxes of my stuff still at my parents house.  Also - what's the deal with getting doubles?!  I not only had a ton of pictures I didn't want, I had doubles of them!  At this point, I couldn't tell you the last time I developed a picture.  That's probably why I have blank picture frames hanging on my walls and on our mantle.  Seriously, I do.  Some of them still have the pictures of the happy couples that came with the frame. Today we are headed to Super Target for some grocery shopping, so I'm going to develop pictures of Elliot for the frames, lol.  


Honestly, we've eaten like crap this weekend.  Neither of us have felt like cooking, and we don't really have anything here to cook.  We've just had a lazy weekend where we've had a chance to recoup as a couple and as a family.  We haven't had a weekend at home in ages, and even though we ate horribly, it felt amazing just to be lazy together.  But we are going to plan out our meals and get a grocery list for this week and get back into eating better!  


The Grammy's are on tonight!  Like I've said before, I love all things award shows, so of course I'm excited.  I would like to get some cardio in before they start, so I better get going because I have a lot to do today!  And it's supposed to be 40 degrees this afternoon!!  Heat wave!

Friday, February 11, 2011

Day 40 - I have my phone again!

Song of the day:  La Roux - Bulletproof


I want to start off by saying "Thank you" to everyone who sent me an email, message, or comment yesterday.  It feels wonderful to know that I have the support from so many wonderful people :).  I think that's part of the reason it's so easy for me to share so much of me.  I love you all :)


By the time Kyle got home I was in no mood to cook.  I spent most of yesterday tearing apart our house looking for my cell phone.  Elliot found it.  I put him on the floor in the living room and he climbed right into his Toy Story ball pit and picked it up.  I didn't even think to look there, but that will now be where I look first when things are missing!  Since I didn't want to cook, and Kyle didn't want to cook, we ordered pizza.  A few months ago we would have ordered our normal 16" pineapple, mushroom, and pepperoni pizza and we would both eat half.  Last night we both ordered our own 12" pizzas because we wanted different things (and Kyle has a lactose allergy).  He got the buffalo chicken pizza - and I did have a small piece of it - and it was AMAZING!  I got the mediterranean garden on thin crust.  The pizza is a garlic and olive oil base with spinach, black olives (I get green instead), artichoke hearts, sun dried tomatoes, red onion, roasted red peppers, mozzarella and feta cheese.  I also add banana peppers.  Between the thin crust, 12" instead of 16", and the topping choices, I saved a lot of calories.  I know that I would have done better for the day (especially since I didn't work out) if I would have made the fish fillets I had planned, but I don't consider this a step back.  I'm making this a lifestyle change, not a diet plan.  And in my lifestyle there better be pizza!  


Like I mentioned earlier, I didn't get my workout in.  Not that I didn't have a chance, or the will power, I just didn't do it.  I had the intention of doing it after our Thursday night NBC TV shows watch-o-ramma.  But instead we watched some Criminal Minds then went to bed.  Exercise is good for the body, but spending some quality time with Kyle is good for my soul.  


Today I'm going to eat my normal breakfast, have leftover pizza for lunch, and we'll have the tilapia for dinner.  Even with all that food, I'm still going to have to have a snack to make it to my 1200 minimum calorie intake for the day.  I'm thinking some greek yogurt with fruit on the bottom.  YUUUMMMMMM!  :)  I'm also going to do my 30 Day Shred video and some toning work as soon as I publish this post so I'm sure I get some cardio and strength training in!


WOW.  Afterthought - Is the Shamrock Shake out yet??!?!?!

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Day 39 - Hi, my name's Bekah, and I'm a recovering manic-depressive.

Song of the day:  Nena - 99 Red Balloons


Yesterday I had full intent to clean the house before Kyle got home.  Instead I caught up on birthday cards (my mom's side of the family puts out a calendar with everyone's birthday's on it) for February since I hadn't been home in a while, played with Elliot, and tried on all of my clothes.  I had a pile that was set to go to Goodwill.  In the pile were clothes that were too small for me, and I had given up on ever fitting into them again.  I had outfits that I had hung onto for years with plans of losing weight, and finally I had given up on them.  Given up.  How sad is that?  I made a conscious decision that I was going to be fat forever.  I had given up on trusting in my own will power and abilities.  It's so weird because I don't even know who that person was.  I had lost myself for so long that I just decided to be this nothing that was the new me.  I never wanted to do anything, go anywhere, meet anyone.  I wouldn't say that I was depressed, or going through any manic-depressive episode, I was just blah.  


In late 2006, after many incidences that I regret, I was diagnosed with bipolar II disorder and an anxiety disorder.  Through the years I would go through the extreme highs (mania) and extreme lows (depression) of the manic-depressive roller-coaster and the haphazard lifestyle that accompanied it.  I have been on a countless number of medications and seen a few therapists.  I lived a pretty wild lifestyle that just enhanced the sickness.  It took me years until I realized what I was doing to myself.  After I met Kyle, it all changed.  I've always been very independent, and I would never admit that I needed anyone, but I needed Kyle as a positive influence on my actions.  By the time I had met him I had already cleaned up my act quite a bit, but I was still drinking a lot.  I was newly 21 and using my drivers license to it's full extent.  Manic-Depressive: 101 says that routine is the best thing you can do for yourself.  A healthy routine.  Staying up until 3am drinking, then getting up and going to work hung-over is not a healthy routine.  Kyle's presence calmed me down.  We still went out together, but I wanted to be a better version of myself for him.  What is it that people say?  Fake it till you make it?  I had been faking to everyone that I was perfectly fine, when I was living this inner turmoil in my head, and trying to keep it all hidden.  When I met Kyle he was like the last piece that I needed to start making it a reality and grow into the next level of myself.  Through changing my lifestyle, giving myself a healthy routine, and faith I've been able to stay off of medication for 3 years now.  **This is by no means a "anti-medication" rant, because if episodes were to start again, I would go back on medication.  In fact I was very pro-active about checking my actions after Elliot was born to make sure that I was okay, and was ready (and still am) to go on medication at the slightest hint of any issue.**  


I have been through a few colleges in a few years and finally decided to stop going until I knew what I wanted to do, and I knew I could do it successfully.  That time is finally here.  For the last few months I've known that, but because of how uncomfortable I was with the way I looked, I was unable to take that step forward.  I was settling for the mediocre me.  Now I'm feeling like myself again.  I've found myself and I didn't even realize until I started writing this entry that I had been lost.  Weight loss was the one thing that I could never do, and now I know I can.  I'm finally becoming who I know I was meant to be.  Meeting my full potential.  I feel under control and confident.  Like all of the pieces are finally here at the right time.  My life is amazing, and I'm so very blessed!  And I'm ready to tackle the next challenge.  

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Day 38

Song of the day:  The Academy Is... - Classifieds


Yesterday Julia and I had a really fun time at lunch and then hanging out afterwards!  It's nice to have someone to hang out with during the day!  


For lunch I had Panera, then had leftover pulled chicken from this weekend.  Working out was really easy yesterday.  I had the energy and will to do it.  I can feel my body changing from the 30 Day Shred!  Especially my arms!  They're not really sore, but they feel different.  Kyle is coming home tonight so I can finally get back to Snap in addition to the 30 Day Shred video.  


I don't really have much to write about.  I'm going to eat my usual breakfast, a peanut butter and olive sandwich for lunch, and the last bit of leftovers for dinner.  When Kyle's gone I just feel so tired in the morning and getting up with Elliot is not fun.  I think that's because I don't sleep very well when he's not here.  I don't seem to be able to fall asleep until 1:00am most nights.  I'm looking forward to some good sleep this weekend!  

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Day 37 - Jillian Michaels is going to kill me.

Song of the day:  Glee - Destiny's Child - Bills Bills Bills


Julia and I had to cancel our dinner due to lots and lots of snow.  The whole snow thing is getting old really fast!  Is it spring yet?!  Weather permitting we are going to do lunch today!  


Yesterday I did my first day of Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred (starting with level 1).  I'm actually feeling really good.  It was a really good work out, and I did some of my own strength training on top of it.  I'm pretty sure after today I'm going to hurt though.  I really want to do 30 days consecutively, but I've read quite a few blogs where people have to take breaks because they are so sore.  Since we don't have anything planned this weekend, I'm hoping that I can get in a really good week of working out and eating right.  I'm hoping to see big numbers this week!


Last night I was doing laundry and was actually trying to shrink my pants!  Normally when I would do laundry I wouldn't even put my jeans in the dryer because I couldn't afford any "shrinkage."  Now I was hoping my jeans would shrink - of course this will be the 1 time that they won't!  I even noticed some shirts are too big now.  It feels really good to put on clothes and have them fit or be too big!  I'm going to try and hold out as long as possible before I buy any new clothes since I have a long way to go until I'm at my goal weight, and I don't want to spend money on something that won't fit in another month!  - and it won't fit in a good way!!!

Monday, February 7, 2011

Day 36 - Monday Weigh-In Week #5

Song of the day: Bangles - Manic Monday


1/3/11 - 232.6 lbs
1/10/11 - 224.2 lbs
1/17/11 - 220.8 lbs
1/24/11 - 218.8 lbs
1/31/11 - 217.4 lbs

2/7/11 - 213.8 lbs


Weight loss for Week Five: 3.6 lbs
Weight loss Total: 18.8 lbs



I've got a case of the Mondays.  I'm super excited about the weight loss, but I'm really ready for nothing to be going on the Sunday before my weigh-in!  I didn't do too bad yesterday.  I ate a good breakfast and a good lunch, then the game started.  I had a ton of wings, chips and salsa, veggies and dip, and a beer.  But it was all so good.  And how awesome that the Packers won the Super Bowl!!!  After the game we had to pack up the car, then wake up Elliot, and head home.  We pulled into our garage at 12:30am.  We then had to bring everything in, change Elliot's diaper, and lower his crib.  We haven't been home in forever so we haven't had to lower his crib, but now since he's pulling himself up on everything, we couldn't take the chance of just one night.  So it was 1:15am before any of us got to bed.  Elliot woke up at 7:00 ate, and at 9:15 was ready for a nap.  I heard him get up a little bit, then he went back to bed.  He and I both got to have really good naps!  Well deserved, and well needed!  Tonight I'm going to go have dinner with my friend Julia!  We're going to Panera, of course!  Kyle's going to be in Milwaukee so I have to take Elliot, but I'm still really excited to do something!  I'm going to do some at home cardio today, and do some grocery shopping after dinner!  Super Target here I come!  

Sunday, February 6, 2011

Day 35 - SUPER BOWL SUNDAY!!! GO PACK GO!!!

Song of the day:  Lil Wayne - Green N Yellow


SUPER BOWL SUNDAY!!!!!!


I didn't work out yesterday.  I was so exhausted.  I'm not really sure why.  I slept until 11 and then took a two hour nap at 5:30.  I think I just hold onto all this energy then when Kyle gets here I let my body realize how tired I am, and just give into it.  At least that's what I'm hoping it is, because I really don't want to be getting sick!  The black pepper and molasses pulled chicken sandwich  with mango coleslaw was really good!  We're going to divvy up the leftovers onto ritz crackers for appetizers for the game.  This idea was thanks to Guy Fieri's ritz crackers pre-game food show.  I'm pretty sure that I'm going to overeat today, and I'm not sure if I'm going to work out or not.  I'm leaning more towards probably not.  It's nice to take some time off and just hang out with the family.  We're heading home tonight after the game so it's going to be a long night.  Kyle is heading to Milwaukee Monday-Wednesday, then hopefully he won't be traveling again for a few months!  I wish the game would just start now!


dun-dun-dunn-duh-dun-dun-dunn  GO PACK GO!!!     

Saturday, February 5, 2011

Day 34

Song of the day:  Sugarland - Stuck Like Glue


After eating breakfast and lunch and sucking down a ton of water I started to feel better.  For dinner we had pork chops, beans, and mashed potatoes.  It was the perfect comfort food!  I really didn't want to go work out, and there were plenty of ways I could have talked myself out of it.  I had already done my three days of cardio this week, but I didn't work out Thursday, so I felt like I should.  If I didn't go yesterday then I would have been down a slippery slope of making it a habit.  I'm glad I went, but it was a really hard workout.  Not physically hard, but mentally hard.  I was watching the clock tick down every second.  I also did a little strength training, but wanted to take it a little light since I'll also do some strength training tomorrow.  


I didn't sleep very well, and Elliot was up early again.  Thankfully Grandpa took care of him so I could get in a little extra sleep!  Kyle got here at 11:30 and Elliot is super excited!  And because he's so excited and wants to hang out with daddy, he's refusing to nap.  Thankfully Kyle's here to take him when he inevitably gets crabby!  We're in Super Bowl mode trying to figure out what food to have!  We're having a lot of junk food but still having healthy food like a veggie tray with homemade dill dip and black pepper and molasses pulled chicken sandwiches with mango salsa.  We were going to have that earlier this week, but figured it would be more fitting for the game.  It's going to be a day full of snacking so hopefully I can keep track of all of my calories.

Friday, February 4, 2011

Day 33 - I OD'd on hot tamales...

Song of the day:  The Black Eyed Peas - Hey Mama


I'm not really sure how to categorize yesterday.  Some of it was stressful, some of it was awesome, and some of it sucked.  Like I said yesterday morning, Elliot woke up earlier than normal, and I was super tired.  After I posted my blog I put Elliot down for a nap and decided to also take a nap.  He slept for 20 minutes.  I tried letting him whine-it-out to see if he would fall back to sleep, I tried re-nook-ing him, then I tried bringing him in bed with me.  Each tactic worked for about 10 minutes then he would be yelling at me to get him up and play with him.  And when he's laying next to me he likes to put his hands on my face and get about 2 inches away from me and say, "aaahhhh!!"  This always works.  So I gave up on the idea of a nap.  [The bed I sleep in at my parents house is right next to the wall and a window and about 1.5 feet off the ground] Elliot was playing with the window drapes when I sat up.  I then picked up the blanket to look for my phone, found it right away, unlocked the screen to see if I had any texts, then bump and "wwwwaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhh!"  In the two seconds I had my eyes off Elliot he had gone off the side of the bed, head first, reaching for a guitar stand, and did a 180 in the air and landed on his back.  I piked him up and soothed him, he was more scared than anything else.  After he stopped crying I laid him on the bed to check him over and make sure there wasn't any injury.  He grabbed my phone and started chewing on it.  I normally don't allow this, but I felt so horrible, so I gave in.  He went to chomp down on my phone, but pulled it out of his mouth as he was bitting down and bit his lip.  Which started to bleed.  And more crying.  So we go downstairs.  I made his bottle and tried to feed it to him, but he refused (this has been an issue for a couple days now).  So I figured I'll just let him play a bit then he can eat.  He kept pulling up on his bouncer, so I put him in there, but he just whined so I took him out.  I tried the bottle again, and still no success, but still lots of whining.  I then went in the kitchen to get his veggies and meat (which I had already prepared, just needed to grab it).  [At my parents house there is about 5 inches of the edge of a wooden magazine rack exposed between a couch and a chair] In the 5 seconds I was in the kitchen Elliot had crawled over to the magazine rack, tried to pull himself up, and slipped slamming his head into the edge and getting a nice red line on his forehead.  Awesome.  And it was only noon.  Needless to say we had to cancel our play date with Maria and Kynzley.  Elliot finally ate some food, but still refused his bottle, and went down for a nap at 1:30.  *sigh*


I picked up Cole (my brother) at 2:00 and we went to Panera for some coffee.  My Mom has been back at work for half days so she was more than happy to babysit.  We used to hang out all the time, but since I moved to Madison a few years ago, we haven't really had time for just the two of us to hang out.  At some point we checked the time and it was 3:44 so I figured in another 45 minutes we'd head out and I'd get ready to meet Miranda for our 5:35 Zumba class.  The next time we checked the clock it was 5:45.  Oopps!!  I was really excited for Zumba, so I'm a little bummed I missed it, but I was really enjoying spending time with Cole.  We invited Cole's wife Carrie to come meet us for supper and we all talked some more, and the next thing we knew it was 8:55 and Panera was closing.  It was such a nice time to spend catching up and we definitely got our $1.73 worth of bottomless coffee!  


When I got home I entered my calories and realized that I still had 350 calories to get to 1200 (my goal is between 1200-1550).  Cole got me some Hot Tamales (my favorite candy) for my birthday and I figured I could have a serving (20 pieces) to help get me to my goal.  I counted out 20 Hot Tamales while Logan and I watched Community, The Office, and Outsourced.  I ate them and as I was laying on the couch I realized I was feeling kind of dizzy and watching the movement on the TV was making me nauseous.  I got up to go to the bathroom and the entire room was spinning.  I felt drunk and like I was going to pass out.  My mom got me some cheese and crackers and some water.  At this point I still didn't realize what the issue was.  I drank 5 or 6 cups of coffee, but hadn't had any since 6:00, and I had felt fine when I got home.  Then I realized that this was the first large amount of processed sugar I had ate in a long time.  I tend to like salty a lot more than sweet.  I've had a hand-full of M&M's and some ice cream, but they're not 95% high fructose corn syrup.  I had OD'd on Hot Tamales.  After an hour and 3 glasses of water I started to feel a little better.  I made it up stair and when I laid in bed and closed my eyes I felt even worse than when they were open.  I fell asleep with the room spinning around me.  


Elliot woke up at 6:30 again.  And I feel like I'm hung over.  I have a sugar hang over.  How ridiculous is that?!  I've decided to give away the rest of the box of Hot Tamales, and I don't think I'll be eating anything else like that ever again.  Or if I do, I'll have 2 or 3 and not 20.  


Today is my mom's first full day back at work, so I don't know what we're going to do today.  I'm not sure what I'll be eating for dinner tonight either, but breakfast and lunch will probably be what I always eat.  Egg with toast and grilled cheese and smoked turkey sandwich.  But Kyle's flying home today!  He'll land in Madison at 10:00pm, so he won't make it up here until tomorrow morning, but I'm still really excited to see him!  Hopefully he won't be traveling for a while so we can be a family at home again. :)

Thursday, February 3, 2011

Day 32 - Yes, I love television, and I don't feel bad about it.

Song of the day:  The Buggles - Video Killed the Radio Star


Yesterday was great!  In fact, this whole week has been great!  I did 20 minutes of cardio before Miranda and I did the ballet toning class.  Jonathan was sick so the yoga teacher taught the class.  We did a lot of yoga and a little bit of toning with weights.  I know just a few days ago I said I was against yoga, but I actually really liked it last night.  I realized that I didn't like it because of the Yoga Booty Ballet videos.  And it's not the yoga I didn't like, it's the instructors.  The ladies, who I'm sure are nice, are just a little too intensely happy for my taste.  I'm willing to give the yoga class another chance the next time I'm in town on a Tuesday night.  


After our workout I met up with Gigi for dinner at Panera then we went back to her house to watch American Idol!  I ended up staying up much later than I thought, and Elliot got up half an hour earlier than normal, so I'm kinda tired today.  I'm hoping some breakfast and a little power nap will do the trick!  


Today is going to be busy!  We have a play date with Maria and Kynzley this afternoon, then I'm going to have coffee/snack with my brother Cole, then Miranda and I are doing Zumba tonight!  We plan on doing dinner, and will probably go to Panera - shocking!  I really need to register my frequent eater Panera card so I can start getting some rewards for my addiction! 


I'm also super excited for the dungeons and dragons themed episode of Community (on NBC) tonight!  Yes, I do play dungeons and dragons.  Yes, I have my own dice.  Two sets in fact.  No, I do not own any D&D t-shirts or other D&D paraphernalia.  It's a really fun game, and if you have a chance to play, be open to the experience and take it!  NBC is my favorite on Thursday nights!  I'm not going to lie, I am addicted to many television shows, and I'm not sorry for it.  I still cook healthy meals, work out, play with Elliot, and I read a book a week, so if I want to sit in front of the TV and do nothing, more power to me.  One of my favorite commercials out there is for Charter Communications.  The dialog is something along these lines:


-I love when people say they don't watch TV.
-Oh really?
-Good.  More for the rest of us.


If you don't watch TV, that's fine, but you're not better than anyone else because you don't.  That attitude is one of my pet peeves.  We live in Wisconsin, and I don't like cold, so I can be found inside.  Okay, enough ranting.  I'm ready for some breakfast!

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Day 31 - One Month Down!!

Song of the day:  Will.I.Am and Nicki Minaj - Check It Out

I tracked everything I ate yesterday (which I do every day) and had enough calories to eat pizza for dinner!  I love pizza.  My favorite foods are easily pizza and tacos.  My mom and I were going to make a nice dinner, but no one was going to be home, so we decided to have leftovers.  Then there were some change of plans and my dad and Logan were also home and leftovers didn't sound as appetizing.  Tonight we are going to have black pepper and molasses pulled chicken sandwiches with mango coleslaw!  It looks really good and we may have it on Sunday for the Super Bowl!  


I had a really good workout last night.  I did 40 minutes of cardio, strength training, and some stretching.  It's amazing how easier things are for me then they were 31 days ago!  I do 2 sets of 15 reps of push-ups (not sure I worded that right) and when I first started it was more like 6 sets of 5 reps of push-ups, sometimes even less in a row.  Last night I did all 15 in a row with no problem.  For both sets.  Felt awesome!  My cardio is also a lot easier than it used to be.  It still makes me sweat and gets my heart rate up, but I don't feel like I'm going to die anymore.  It may sound a little dramatic (me, dramatic? no way!) but I could barely breath after half an hour of essentially speed walking.  Now I'm running and feeling great! 


Miranda and I were going to go to a yoga class but didn't.  I'm not too upset about it.  I'm not really a huge yoga fan.  I did some prenatal yoga and that was nice and beneficial since I had a 10 lb baby sitting on my spine, but really I'd rather do pilates.  I have some pilates videos that I've done and I really like them.  


I'm really excited for ballet toning tonight!  It was such a great workout last week!  I may have to drive up here every Wednesday just so I can take the class!  That was a lot of exclamation points... !