Random Musings

So yesterday I decided to punish myself. After going to Spin class, I (push) mowed the front yard and part of the backyard. If you had ever seen my backyard, you would know what an undertaking that really is. I'm not sure what prompted my self-torture. Maybe subconscious punishment for missing the gym? Regardless, I knew I was in trouble when I had trouble getting dressed for bed. I took 2 Advil last night, so at least I'm able to move this morning. Silly girl.

As you know, I like to crochet. See this post if you don't remember. I have discovered that when I throw myself into a project, I don't snack as much. Actually, I don't snack at all. If I feel the need to eat while I'm working, I think "ok, I'll go get something after I finish this part." Next thing I know it's an hour later, I finished the project, and my snack craving has passed. So then I start another project and start the whole process over again. Of course if my stomach is seriously growling, I do get something to eat, but it helps cut back on the mindless, emotional/boredom snacking. I used to do the same thing with cross-stitching, but it's easier to put one of those projects down than these lol. I just need to find a new project. I actually have one in mind, I just need to see about materials.

Hmm, anything else? Oh! I think that Ms. Tiffany and I need to go back to our original idea of goals and rewards. I'm not really sure what the breakdown of that was. Anyway, since I decided this mid-week, I'm not going to hold her to anything until next week. My goal is to be down 2 more pounds by Monday, July 4. There, I said it. I have 17 blog followers holding me accountable!

Alright, I guess I need to get off here and be productive or something. Have a good Wednesday!

- Jen

:-D

So, if sleep deprivation is the diet killer, I think compliments might be the diet resuscitator. Last night I went over to my boyfriend's house to watch True Blood. I saw his mom (she lives next door) for the first time in months (and yes, I hadn't seen her for months lol), and the first words out of her mouth were "have you lost weight?" Why, yes ma'am, I have. :-D I told I had lost about 20 pounds since the last time she saw me, figuring that 18 was close enough to 20 at this point, especially after last week's mess of a "diet." Anyway, it just felt great that someone had noticed the change. She said she almost didn't recognize me at first. I don't know if I've changed THAT much, but it was nice either way.

So I weighed in this morning to see how things are going, and I am ever so happy to say that I have finally lost over 20 pounds!!! I've lost 21.2 to be exact. It only took me 6 months, but who cares?? It's gone and I don't ever want to see it again. I'm a quarter of the way through my goal. It might have taken me a little longer than I would really want, but I'd rather be making slow progress than no progress. I think it helped that I was finally able to get to the gym this week.

Alright you loyal 16, I've gotta get to work. Thanks for stopping by!

- J

Little Bit Of A Rant.

So as many of you know, I did a local weight loss competition at the beginning of the year. Since I lost the initial weight it has been a little harder to lose additional weight. But that's mainly for a lack of trying hard enough. The "leader" of the competition was pretty much not a nice person, still isn't. I will say that "leader" only held that competition to get attention and free product. Which she got....in spades. Now said "leader" is holding another weight loss competition and it just makes me shake my head. I can't decide if this is really to "lose the other 20 lbs" or if it's for all the attention and praise she gets. How is this different than our blog here at FCD2SD? (wow, even the abbreviated title is long!) It's simple. Jen and I pretty much work at our own pace, if we don't lose, we don't lose and we get back up on it. We certainly don't plaster it all over facebook. We simply post our thoughts and feelings and maybe a picture for the 16 fans we have on Blogger and whoever wants to click a link we put on FB. Sometimes we don't even post it to FB. I'll be posting this one because I want people to know that I don't think said "leader" is doing it for the right reasons. I know she'll never read this (unless it's directed to her by someone else) and I don't give two shits (although if I did, I'd probably lose another pound!) let her read it.

That rant out of the way......I've lost a whopping 0 lbs.

Sleep Deprivation = Diet Killer

Unfortunately, I have gained 2 pounds. But if I tell you what I ate this past week, you would be amazed that I only gained 2! Thursday - Sunday I ate a bacon cheeseburger, fries, half a package of double stuffed heads or tails Oreos, various sandwiches, practically an entire pizza, pancakes, sausage, french toast casserole, breakfast casserole, and biscuits. Oh, and a candy bar. I'm not exactly happy with what I ate, but the damage is done.

So what does this have to do with sleep deprivation? Most of it was eaten while I was volunteering at the Relay for Life. I was awake from 7:00am on Friday til about 8:30am on Saturday. I ate to stay awake and my options were not healthy. Then it felt like I didn't do much besides eat and sleep for the rest of the weekend. Add that all to the fact that I didn't even look at the gym last week, it's a wonder I only gained 2 pounds!

I think another contributing factor was that I stopped logging my calories. I had been really good about logging everything I ate, but the closer I got to the event the less time I spent logging my food. And of course when I stopped logging, I stopped paying attention to what I was eating. Classic case of not taking my own advice. I don't know how many times I've told people that when they don't record what they're eating, they stop paying attention. Lesson learned.

So I'm back on the wagon. Again. Logging my calories and trying to keep moving. Maybe I need to keep crocheting to keep my hands busy. We shall see.

- J

I'll Take It!

In a week with a crazy, stressful schedule, no gym time, and horrible eating habits I managed to lose .6lb? I will take it, thankyouverymuch! I guess that goes to show that I am making healthier choices, even when I'm not aware of it. And isn't that the point of this whole adventure?

The past few weeks have been good, but hectic. As I have mentioned a time or two, I participate in the Downtown Knoxville Relay for Life. My team has gone a little fundraiser crazy in the past few weeks. We have had 3 fundraisers since May28, and we have another one on June 11! Then the actual event is on June 17-18. Our team, the Improv Ninjas, is selling shirts, bracelets, key chains, and handmade ninja dolls to raise money for our team. Aren't they cute?

But who, you may ask, is the creative genius making these adorable dolls? That would be me. I have made 32 of these cute little guys (10 of which were custom orders) and every single one of them has sold. Which is awesome. What's even more awesome is that if my hands are that busy crocheting (not knitting), then they aren't putting food in my mouth. Even better! I need to make about 25 more before Saturday, and I hope to have at least 40 to sell for the actual event. Since these take me about an hour each, I guess I should stop typing and start working! Especially if I want to go to spin class this evening.

Ok, we're off!

WhoopsieDaisy

So two weeks ago I wrote ecstatically about finally getting out of the 188's, I also wrote about my worries for my weight loss, diet and exercise during the move into our first home.

My fears were confirmed this morning as I stepped onto the scale. But not exactly as bad as I thought it would be. I'm at 188.8, a 1.2 pound gain. Reasons for the gain include, eating out numerous times while moving and setting up our kitchen...at the end of a long day of moving and unpacking I just didn't have the strength to cook, we also had two pool parties complete with alcohol, hamburgers and hotdogs, I didn't limit myself at all on any of those things. Basically, I switched off my diet brain. But now it's back on, I've been cooking the past couple of days and we won't be eating out as much as we have been lately.

On a happier note, I've been living in a bathing suit the past two weekends! It's been awesome!

Ok, so that's a swimsuit cover up...but it's still awesome!