Weight Loss Chronicles - Week 1 & 2

The video below chronicles the challenges, successes, and tips I've experienced over the past two weeks.  My hopes are to post an update on my progress here or on my YouTube channel every other week. 

Weight Loss Redux

A few months back I mentioned that I was trying to lose weight and that I was trying to shed pounds through diet and exercise.  Well, things went left and whatever I did lose (a whopping 4 lbs) I gained back.  Soooo, just like I said in my New Year's video, time shouldn't be wasted when it comes to achieving goals.  I took my own advice and have started back on the weight loss journey.

At this point, I have completed my first week of eating better and exercising.  On Tuesday and Thursday, I did 30 minutes of strength training, and 25-30 minutes of cardio (Intro to Belly Dancing and Billy Blanks Jr).  On Saturday, I rode my bike about 3 miles and did 30 minutes on the treadmill.  I have to admit that I felt more energized after working out.  I can certainly use it.

Eating has actually been easy and enjoyable this week.  I ate a high fiber cereal with milk or not in the mornings, and portioned entrees for lunch.  Dinner is generally steak, chicken, or soup with sides of veggies.  Snacks have been anything from baked chips to smoothies.  Before, I was a soda feine, but I've cut back and drink more water or flavored water (I try to watch how much sugar I take in).  Overall, my food intake has been between 1200-1550 calories per day with my goal of calories to burn each week set at 980.  In just a week's time, I've lost 5 pounds. 

I feel excited about the progress so far.  I've been telling myself to take it a day at a time and not to get so caught up in the number of pounds I want to lose overall and when I want to lose it by.  I think that added to my stress and feelings of discouragement beforehand.  Especially when I didn't see results after putting in the work.  One thing is for certain, 2012 will be my year of positive change.

How I'm Doing

About a month ago I mentioned that I am on a journey towards a healthier lifestyle.  This involves exercise and eating better.  So far, I've lost 4 pounds (Yayyyy!), but it wasn't easy.  I'd love to tell you all that I've been sticking to my guns, but the truth is that I have slacked some. 

I've done pretty well with exercising 3 times a week, but my eating still leaves something to be desired.  I just can't seem to find foods that I would like to eat on a regular basis that taste good and are good for me.  I've read different healthy websites for recipes, but most seem unappetizing or just too many ingredients and work involved.  There's only but so many times a week that I want to eat a salad.  And I'm yogurt out.  So where do I go from here? 

If anyone has any recommendations or tasty recipes, please share.  Thank you. :-)

Zumba Anyone??!

For the past couple of years, I've gone back and forth where fitness is concerned.  I'd get on the scale or a dress wouldn't fit and I'd get discouraged.  This would sometimes be the driver towards eating right and exercising.  When the weight didn't fall off, I'd get discouraged all over again and slack back to the point of slacking off.  Well this time I'm getting back on the wagon and I believe I have found a combination of resources to help me reach my weight loss goals.

Not long ago, I met with a dietitian to discuss food options and eating behaviors.  I found that I eat the most unhealthy foods when I'm bored or stressed/anxious.  Recognizing this helps in finding better food options and other behavioral alternatives when these emotions creep in.  For instance, if I'm bored, I should get up and exercise or go for a walk.  If I'm stressed, pick up fruit instead of chips.  Two other tidbits she gave were to always eat a good breakfast (ex. high protein yogurt with fruit or fiber cereal), and watch my portions.

Now, the question is whether I've been following all of the above tips.  I have to shamefully say that I have not.  The one that I have been doing well with is eating breakfast everyday.  That's a HUGE change for me, but has been well worth it.  I do find that I have more energy during the day and I'm not as hungry as a race horse by lunch time.  I also drink more water.  Another big change.  Overall, I still have work to do.  The good thing is that I have the tools to help me reach my goals.

The second weapon in the arsenal is exercise.  I never liked feeling like I was watching a clock or wanting the workout to hurry up and be over, so I knew I needed to find something that I'd enjoy.  I first started with some of the fitness shows from television to see how I'd do.  Definitely felt the burn.  After seeing a few Zumba commercials I decided to find a class.  Man, what a workout.  I worked stuff that I didn't know existed. :-)  But the good thing is that the class is enjoyable, I burn a ton of calories, and I must say that I have had more energy.  All pluses.

My goals are to lose 50 pounds and get the emotional eating under wraps.  As of August 20th, I have been making more effort to eat better and exercise regularly.  So far I have lost 4 pounds....46 more to go.  I'm keeping my fingers crossed.  I will report back here from time to time to notate my progress.