Dec. 22/12

Hi. So it has been a very difficult week for my fitness this week. I had a car accident on the way to work on Tuesday and then was in court for 3 days on a separate matter. It has been very busy. I managed to keep my eating under control and didn't go crazy, which given the time of the year that it is, is amazing in itself.

As I have said before, it is about moderation not elimination. If you want a piece of chocolate, then go ahead and have a piece. I would say, check the calories, and account for them in your daily diary and make sure you work a bit hard at your fitness routine. If you are going to indulge, don't skip your fitness. That is just asking for trouble.

For myself, I saw my trainer on Saturday as usual, then took Sunday off. I went Monday and Tuesday and missed the rest of the week. I saw her this morning and I was down on the scale.

I am still waiting for my measurements from today. Once I have them, I will post the ones from last week and this week so everyone can see how it is going.

To everyone following my progress and maybe working on your own goals, don't give up. We just have to persevere.

Dec. 16, 2012

Wow, I thought I was sore yesterday, but man I was so wrong. Today is definitely worse.

I know that today in a world of fast foods, and convenience, it can be challenging to eat correctly. I thought I would share a couple of things that are working for me.

1. I have a food diary as I previously mentioned and I record what I have eaten, calories, water intake and if I went to the gym that day and what I did at the gym. You will find that once you get going on recording in a food diary that you will have to look up less because you will remember the foods that you usually eat. You can also go back to previous entries.
2. I usually have a salad and piece of fruit for lunch during the week at work. I don't always have a lot of time, so I have purchased the Rubbermaid produce containers. I chop up my ingredients for the week. I also buy the bagged salad that has lettuce, carrots and purple cabbage in it. I usually go through 2 of these bags a week. I check the dates and make sure what I am buying will last me.
3. I usually add skinless, boneless chicken breast cubed up, lean black forest ham, or extra lean turkey breast to my salads. It makes it much more filling without a whole lot of extra calories. 
4. Spices are your friend!! I personally love the salt free Mrs. Dash.It adds a ton of flavor and has no calories. They have a variety of blends, but the original is my fav. 
5. Pasta can be a big problem for someone trying to cut the calories and loose the pounds. I usually try to eat only the Catelli Smart pasta as it is a healthier choice. Now, I will say that I have a family and there is no way that I can afford to use that for all of us. My family understand that and I buy the "regular" stuff for my family and the Smart stuff for just me. I also try to have a salad as well to help fill me up so that I am not over eating the high calorie pasta dishes we all love. I have accepted that I can't eliminate this food. It wouldn't be healthy and it isn't something that I could maintain for any length of time. I do however try to restrict how often I have it.

My final thought for today:

Remember, it isn't just about diet or exercise but a combination of the 2 that works for you. It is about making a lifestyle change not going on a diet because lets face it, diets don't work long term. 

Dec. 15, 2012

So the trainer measured me again today. I was up on the scale, but down with my measurements. She said that my weight was up because usually we have our time at 9 am and today wasn't until 2 pm. I have had breakfast and lunch before I saw her, plus I had pizza last night. I know, pizza wasn't the best option I could have chosen, but what can I say it was a weak moment and it was a rough week for my eating and exercise plan. At least I am still in the game. I will post the updated measurements once I get them.

She worked me hard today. I am so sore. We really worked upper body today. I almost can't even type.

Dec, 15, 2012

So I had my birthday and totally fell off the wagon for my eating and ate stuff that I should not have. It has been a rough couple of days. Thankfully, I see my trainer today, so that should help me get back on track. The trainer was concerned about me loosing too fast, so I will try to see this as slowing it down.

Dec. 13, 2012

Ok, so I know it has been a bit since I updated this but I will try to be better in the future.

I wanted to provide some tips that seem to be working well for me. I have started to keep a food diary. I bought a nice hard cover one my local dollar store for really cheap and it works well.

I know that there are websites out there that offer a free membership and will allow you to log what you eat and keep track of your calories that way. I have memberships at several of these sites. My problem was that I just didn't have time to search for each item I ate and log it. By keeping  food diary, the old fashioned way, with pen and paper, I can look up my calories later.

I started my diary on Nov. 25, 2012 and I am noticing that I don't always have to look up the calories in the foods I am eating if it something I ate before. I am remembering the calories of the foods that I most commonly eat. For me it is working out well.

I also have a gym membership and have been trying to go everyday. I don't like paying for something and then not using it. I used to have an elliptical at home, but I broke it beyond my hubby's repair. I could not afford a new one, so I ended up going to my local gym. They had the option of getting a personal trainer, and at first I thought that would be too expensive. I was pleasantly surprised it wasn't too bad. I get 12 trainer visits and after those are done, then I can get more through her.

It was one of the best things that I did. I have seen more & better results since going to the gym than I ever did on my own at home. I will post my measurements to show you all. The trainer told me that my centimeters equals 15 inches.

Date	Nov 20, 2012	Dec 8, 2012
Bust	115 cm	110 cm
Left arm	37 cm	35 cm
Right arm	36 cm	33 cm
Waist 1(natural waist)	99 cm	91 cm
Waist 2 (at belly button)	110 cm	100 cm
Glutes	113 cm	109 cm
Right Leg	58 cm	56 cm
Left Leg	59 cm	55 cm
Total Difference		-38.cm   (15 inches)

I am sure that it isn't always going to be like this, but it is a great start!! Loosing weight and getting fit isn't just about diet or exercise, but a combination of the 2. You just have to figure out what works best for you. For me, I go to the gym first thing in the morning before I go to my full time job because I know damn well that I won't go after work. I just don't have it in me. And just let me say that I have a very sedimentary job. I sit in front of a computer all day from 8:30 am to 5pm Monday to Friday. If I can make it work, so can you.

Dec. 2, 2012

I am 43 years old and I am 50-70 pounds over weight. I have struggled with the weight for several years. Always trying one diet after another.

Met with my new personal trainer yesterday. I am so very sore today. I tell myself to keep going that it will all be worth it when I am fit and trim. For everyone that is struggling with weight loss, my advice is to never give up.