So instead of doing an exercise DVD alone in my apartment today, like I was planning, a friend of mine called me up and asked if I wanted to go walking at a local park. I jumped on the opportunity, and it was a great time. We got to catch up and walk a mile trail (twice for 2 miles) and do the exercise stations all along the way. It was so fun. Exercising with someone else is beneficial in that it pushes me to work harder and go beyond what I might do on my own. But I like to exercise on my own as well, it's just a bit easier with someone else there as a motivator.
On the trail, we were passed by a woman jogging and I casually made a comment about how everyone was passing us. The woman actually turned and talked to us a bit about her weight loss goals and how far she's come. It was quite inspiring to hear her reveal that she was on the heavy side, thanks to her roots in New Orleans where good food is king. When she revealed that she was almost fifty, I was floored. She didn't look a day over 35. She was in great shape, and working hard at it. I was impressed and inspired. It was a great story to hear, and made me want to push harder. I'm less than half her age, I should be in shape. There's no excuse. If she can do it, I can do it!
Day Twenty Stats:
Wake Up: 12 PM
Breakfast: Frosted Flakes with blueberries
Exercise: Two mile walk/jog with various exercise stations
Lunch: Special K bar
Dinner: Two grilled chicken legs, mac and cheese, green beans, peaches, and salad with ranch dressing
Saturday, April 30, 2011
top ten secret motivators
The motivations for losing weight can seem very basic and obvious. But I wanted to take a moment and discuss ten motivations for myself that don't fall into either of those categories. When I really stop to think about it, there are so many reasons that what I'm doing is best for me, and they go beyond "health" and "happiness". So I'm going to name the top ten secret (or less obvious) motivators for why I'm striving to become a happier, healthier Gina.
10. Cheaper, cuter clothes. This one is pretty basic, and I suppose obvious, but I thought I would start here and get less obvious from here on out. Clothes shopping for me now is an utter nightmare. Clothes in larger sizes are unflattering and more expensive than their smaller, cuter counterparts. Going into the dressing room is somewhat like trudging to your own execution. You just "know" the clothes won't fit, and if they do, they won't fit well, and in a week or two, you imagine they won't fit at all. And many times, that's what happened to me.
I'd look at outfits other girls were wearing, I'd breeze past the smaller sized sections, seeing a cute dress or top on the rack and knowing I would look great in it, if they had it in my size. And then I realize that they won't, and I sadly meander to where I belonged, the dreaded Women's section of Kohl's. I'm just tired of automatically seeking the largest size pants in the store, because that's all I could squeeze into. I'm tired of shopping at Lane Bryant, where they have nice clothes, but they are expensive, and the taboo at shopping at the "fat women's" store is just no fun.
I haven't owned a pair of shorts or a bathing suit in years. That is no exaggeration. I have not bought either item of clothing for myself, ever, and I want to. I want to wear shorts, and a swim suit. I don't hate swimming as much as I say I do. I actually enjoy it. But what I hate is wearing a bathing suit. Having to wear a shirt and long pants into the pool because I can't stand any skin of my body showing. I failed to realize just how sad that was until now.
I don't want to be afraid. I want to be able to wear cute clothes that make me feel good. I want to be able to wear shorts, and skirts, and dresses, and a bathing suit without feeling like all eyes are on Shamu waddling around the place in clothes she shouldn't be wearing because she looks terrible. I don't want to battle the muffin top, even in the store's largest sizes.
And don't even get me started on the fact that I'm also short. I'm always walking around in pants that drag the floor because in order to get a waist size that fits, the legs are always far too long and I'm constantly walking on them, making this dragging noise on the floor and tearing up my pants. It looks ridiculous, and I can't wait to be able to buy smaller waistbands and find pants that fit me, instead of me trying to fit the last size available.
I want to fit these:
Not just these:
So I really want to lose weight and fit into those smaller sizes so that I can feel like there are clothes available to express my style, that I look great in, and that are cheaper. Oh, and I want to buy a bathing suit this summer. And shorts. And a sundress. :D Things I've never owned before, but I really do want, even though I pretend I don't.
10. Cheaper, cuter clothes. This one is pretty basic, and I suppose obvious, but I thought I would start here and get less obvious from here on out. Clothes shopping for me now is an utter nightmare. Clothes in larger sizes are unflattering and more expensive than their smaller, cuter counterparts. Going into the dressing room is somewhat like trudging to your own execution. You just "know" the clothes won't fit, and if they do, they won't fit well, and in a week or two, you imagine they won't fit at all. And many times, that's what happened to me.
I'd look at outfits other girls were wearing, I'd breeze past the smaller sized sections, seeing a cute dress or top on the rack and knowing I would look great in it, if they had it in my size. And then I realize that they won't, and I sadly meander to where I belonged, the dreaded Women's section of Kohl's. I'm just tired of automatically seeking the largest size pants in the store, because that's all I could squeeze into. I'm tired of shopping at Lane Bryant, where they have nice clothes, but they are expensive, and the taboo at shopping at the "fat women's" store is just no fun.
I haven't owned a pair of shorts or a bathing suit in years. That is no exaggeration. I have not bought either item of clothing for myself, ever, and I want to. I want to wear shorts, and a swim suit. I don't hate swimming as much as I say I do. I actually enjoy it. But what I hate is wearing a bathing suit. Having to wear a shirt and long pants into the pool because I can't stand any skin of my body showing. I failed to realize just how sad that was until now.
I don't want to be afraid. I want to be able to wear cute clothes that make me feel good. I want to be able to wear shorts, and skirts, and dresses, and a bathing suit without feeling like all eyes are on Shamu waddling around the place in clothes she shouldn't be wearing because she looks terrible. I don't want to battle the muffin top, even in the store's largest sizes.
And don't even get me started on the fact that I'm also short. I'm always walking around in pants that drag the floor because in order to get a waist size that fits, the legs are always far too long and I'm constantly walking on them, making this dragging noise on the floor and tearing up my pants. It looks ridiculous, and I can't wait to be able to buy smaller waistbands and find pants that fit me, instead of me trying to fit the last size available.
I want to fit these:
Not just these:
So I really want to lose weight and fit into those smaller sizes so that I can feel like there are clothes available to express my style, that I look great in, and that are cheaper. Oh, and I want to buy a bathing suit this summer. And shorts. And a sundress. :D Things I've never owned before, but I really do want, even though I pretend I don't.
Friday, April 29, 2011
day nineteen: better late than never!
Today was rather uneventful, but I managed to pull it together before I slept in until 1 PM, but just barely. Next week's goal is to do significantly better at maintaining my sleeping schedule to give me more time in the day before work.
Day Nineteen Stats:
Wake Up: 12 PM
Breakfast: chocolate milk
Lunch: 5 coconut shrimp and home-made oven-baked fries
Snack: none
Exercise: 23 mins elliptical on X-mode
Dinner: Three tacos (tortilla, salsa, lettuce, cheddar cheese, taco meat)
Day Nineteen Stats:
Wake Up: 12 PM
Breakfast: chocolate milk
Lunch: 5 coconut shrimp and home-made oven-baked fries
Snack: none
Exercise: 23 mins elliptical on X-mode
Dinner: Three tacos (tortilla, salsa, lettuce, cheddar cheese, taco meat)
Thursday, April 28, 2011
P.S.
Those slacks mentioned in a previous post... the ones that I could barely fit into, even when I bought them? They keep falling off me now, and are almost too big on me to be wearable. I might need to go clothes shopping soon, and might possibly fit into a smaller size!
Have also noticed a definite change in how my bras fit me. I can hook them into the second set of hooks as opposed to the last set of hooks in BRA EXTENDERS I used to have to use. Now, no bra extenders and I'm putting them in the second set of hooks. And the shoulder straps have to be all the way tightened or they slide off. I might need to go bra shopping soon, and will definitely fit into a smaller size!
WOOHOO!
Have also noticed a definite change in how my bras fit me. I can hook them into the second set of hooks as opposed to the last set of hooks in BRA EXTENDERS I used to have to use. Now, no bra extenders and I'm putting them in the second set of hooks. And the shoulder straps have to be all the way tightened or they slide off. I might need to go bra shopping soon, and will definitely fit into a smaller size!
WOOHOO!
day eighteen: sleep troubles
I am most ashamed to report that once again, laziness and sleep overcame my efforts at reconstructing my sleeping patterns. I went to bed around 3:30 AM and did not get out of bed until 1 PM. This is devastating to me, considering that I have lots of things to do before work, such as house chores, exercising, and school-related tasks, that I keep putting off for more, unnecessary sleep.
I am getting out of bed early tomorrow, earlier than I even want to, no matter how tired I am, so that I can force myself into better sleeping habits. I need to go to sleep at 2:30 or 3 AM and wake up at 10:30 or 11 AM to allow enough time before work to achieve the tasks I need to achieve throughout the week. My apartment’s cleanliness is suffering, my education is suffering, my well-being is suffering, my energy level is suffering, and my feelings of accomplishment are suffering, and so on.
No longer will I fight this battle and allow myself to sleep in so late into the afternoon. It is of no benefit to me and it will stop. I’ve accomplished so much, I cannot allow myself to sabotage my eating and sleeping schedule by ignoring it and not adhering to it. It is only harming me and my endeavor to become a happier, healthier me.
Day Eighteen Stats:
Wake Up: 1 PM
Breakfast: none
Lunch: Homemade chili
Snack: banana
Exercise: Jackie Warner Power Circuit Training DVD
Dinner: Two tuna fish sandwiches on wheat bread, apple sauce
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
day seventeen: trudging along
Stayed up far too late last night and had a late morning start. I awoke with just enough time to make my dinner, and had to eat my lunch in the car on the way to work. I keep saying I need to work on my bedtime so I can wake up earlier, but it hasn’t been happening.
Any suggestions on how to force oneself into a new bedtime would be greatly appreciated. I want to go to bed earlier and get up earlier. (About an hour’s difference in what I do now, which is go to bed around 3:30 AM and wake up at 11 AM or noon). I’d rather go to sleep around 2:30 AM and wake up at 10:30 or even 10 AM. But my will power doesn’t seem to be enough to handle that request. But I’ve managed to work out every day for the past two and a half weeks and avoided fast food and sodas… why can’t I handle one more test of will power: the earlier bedtime?
I will go to bed earlier and rise earlier. This will be essential in preparation for when I go back to school this fall, because I will have to do such things anyway, so I better get in the habit now. Plus, it definitely helps out, having more hours in the day before work!
Day Seventeen Stats:
Wake Up: 1 PM
Breakfast: none
Lunch: Turkey sandwich with cheese and mustard on wheat bread, animal crackers
Snack: banana
Exercise: 6.5 mins treadmill, stretches, 23 mins elliptical with Arm Blaster activated first 13 mins and Glute Kicker for the rest
Dinner: Homemade Chili and a peanut butter/jelly sandwich on wheat bread
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
day sixteen: rocky start, but a new goal
I mistook a date on my calendar and woke up extra early today to attend a meeting at school which is actually tomorrow. So when I came home from my trip to the school, in which I realized the meeting was not today, I crashed back to sleep. Now I'm awake and about to make lunch and pack my dinner for the evening, but I didn't exercise this morning as I would have liked to. But I'll make up for it tonight, for sure.
I've been averaging nearly 3 miles on the elliptical in the 27-30 minute periods I've been running on it. I definitely breach 3 miles when I run for thirty minutes, I make it to about 2.6 miles in 27 minutes. I think that's pretty good. I sweat pretty hard, but I'm not huffing and puffing or having difficulty breathing, which is good. My arms hurt today since I tried the Arm Blaster setting last night (it basically makes the handles extremely hard to push for ten reps every few minutes while you're running), but nothing that is unbearable. My legs feel good. Just need a good stretch.
I need to work on stretching more effectively after my warm-up and cool down. I can feel my muscles stiff the next day when I fail to stretch well at those crucial stages of my workout. I just don't enjoy stretching. I enjoy running, I enjoy my heart pumping, I enjoy the sweat dripping. Stretching is just long and boring and I never enjoy it. But it's important and I need to work on putting more effort into it.
Great news today, though! Two items of information make Day Sixteen a particularly great one (despite the rocky early morning false start).
(1) I fit into two different pair of jeans that I couldn't even button up last year. They are still too tight to wear out, but I can at least button and zip them. I anticipate in another week, maybe two, I'll be able to fit into them comfortably and actually start wearing them again. I almost threw them out earlier this year, never thinking I'd ever wear them again. But I will be able to wear them again, and I'm glad I didn't throw them out, they were nice jeans!
(2) I've decided a physical goal for myself. Not a goal weight, nor a goal pant size. I'm staying away from playing the numbers game. It only discourages me and sets me off track. No, this is a physical goal that will be an amazing thing for me to accomplish and I'm going to accomplish it:
It's a 13 mile half-marathon, and I think a whole year is plenty of time to train for it. I'm thinking about going out this Saturday for this year's race and cheering on some racers, just to feel their energy and motivate myself to participate next year. There's a regular Marathon also run in Louisville that is 26 miles. I might try to do that one in 2013. I'm really excited about this goal! I can do it!
Day Sixteen Stats:
Wake Up: 9:30 AM, back to sleep, woke up again 1 PM
Breakfast: none
Exercise: none
Lunch: Salad (romaine, baby spinach, carrots, hardboiled eggs, cheese, Tomato Basil Vinagraitte (just a teaspoon)
Snack: apple
Exercise: 2 mins bike, stretches, 27 mins elliptical (with Arm Blaster activated last 10 mins), stretches
Dinner: Shake-n-Bake chicken and broccoli with cheese
I've been averaging nearly 3 miles on the elliptical in the 27-30 minute periods I've been running on it. I definitely breach 3 miles when I run for thirty minutes, I make it to about 2.6 miles in 27 minutes. I think that's pretty good. I sweat pretty hard, but I'm not huffing and puffing or having difficulty breathing, which is good. My arms hurt today since I tried the Arm Blaster setting last night (it basically makes the handles extremely hard to push for ten reps every few minutes while you're running), but nothing that is unbearable. My legs feel good. Just need a good stretch.
I need to work on stretching more effectively after my warm-up and cool down. I can feel my muscles stiff the next day when I fail to stretch well at those crucial stages of my workout. I just don't enjoy stretching. I enjoy running, I enjoy my heart pumping, I enjoy the sweat dripping. Stretching is just long and boring and I never enjoy it. But it's important and I need to work on putting more effort into it.
Great news today, though! Two items of information make Day Sixteen a particularly great one (despite the rocky early morning false start).
(1) I fit into two different pair of jeans that I couldn't even button up last year. They are still too tight to wear out, but I can at least button and zip them. I anticipate in another week, maybe two, I'll be able to fit into them comfortably and actually start wearing them again. I almost threw them out earlier this year, never thinking I'd ever wear them again. But I will be able to wear them again, and I'm glad I didn't throw them out, they were nice jeans!
(2) I've decided a physical goal for myself. Not a goal weight, nor a goal pant size. I'm staying away from playing the numbers game. It only discourages me and sets me off track. No, this is a physical goal that will be an amazing thing for me to accomplish and I'm going to accomplish it:
Running in 2012's miniMarathon here in Louisville, Kentucky.
It's a 13 mile half-marathon, and I think a whole year is plenty of time to train for it. I'm thinking about going out this Saturday for this year's race and cheering on some racers, just to feel their energy and motivate myself to participate next year. There's a regular Marathon also run in Louisville that is 26 miles. I might try to do that one in 2013. I'm really excited about this goal! I can do it!
Day Sixteen Stats:
Wake Up: 9:30 AM, back to sleep, woke up again 1 PM
Breakfast: none
Exercise: none
Lunch: Salad (romaine, baby spinach, carrots, hardboiled eggs, cheese, Tomato Basil Vinagraitte (just a teaspoon)
Snack: apple
Exercise: 2 mins bike, stretches, 27 mins elliptical (with Arm Blaster activated last 10 mins), stretches
Dinner: Shake-n-Bake chicken and broccoli with cheese
Monday, April 25, 2011
day fifteen: gonna recover from a day off
I'm looking forward to a whole week of exercising every single day, twice a day when I can. I'm loving that I'm losing weight, and feeling more toned everyday. I'm keeping up the great work, because the changes are worth it.
I've decided that this whole scheme is not only going to make me a happier and healthier Gina... but also a hotter Gina. This is a true revelation. Why is this a revelation? Because in a subtle way, I'm calling myself currently hot, and that by losing weight and toning up, I'm becoming hot-ter. I've never felt hot before, I've never felt attractive before. But I'm starting to slowly realize that I am attractive, and all that losing weight and toning up is going to accomplish is to make me more hot!
I'm loving the body image that's emerging from a healthier lifestyle. I'm feeling more confident, I'm wearing clothes I would never wear before, I'm looking in the mirror more often, I'm loving this. It's making me happier, and that's my goal! I'm excited about all that I've accomplished and I'm excited to accomplish so much more.
Day Fifteen Stats:
Wake Up: 11:15 AM
Breakfast: Two dark chocolate Hob Nobs, milk
Exercise: 15 minute Strength DVD workout and 15 minute Torso DVD workout
Lunch: Baked potato with butter, cheese, salsa, ham
Snack: banana
Exercise: 2 mins bike, stretches, 25 mins elliptical (with Arm Blaster activated for last 10 mins)
Dinner: Chicken cordon bleu, cottage cheese and pineapple
I've decided that this whole scheme is not only going to make me a happier and healthier Gina... but also a hotter Gina. This is a true revelation. Why is this a revelation? Because in a subtle way, I'm calling myself currently hot, and that by losing weight and toning up, I'm becoming hot-ter. I've never felt hot before, I've never felt attractive before. But I'm starting to slowly realize that I am attractive, and all that losing weight and toning up is going to accomplish is to make me more hot!
I'm loving the body image that's emerging from a healthier lifestyle. I'm feeling more confident, I'm wearing clothes I would never wear before, I'm looking in the mirror more often, I'm loving this. It's making me happier, and that's my goal! I'm excited about all that I've accomplished and I'm excited to accomplish so much more.
Day Fifteen Stats:
Wake Up: 11:15 AM
Breakfast: Two dark chocolate Hob Nobs, milk
Exercise: 15 minute Strength DVD workout and 15 minute Torso DVD workout
Lunch: Baked potato with butter, cheese, salsa, ham
Snack: banana
Exercise: 2 mins bike, stretches, 25 mins elliptical (with Arm Blaster activated for last 10 mins)
Dinner: Chicken cordon bleu, cottage cheese and pineapple
Sunday, April 24, 2011
day fourteen: happy easter!
Since I am going to my mother's for Easter dinner, I'm taking the day off from exercising. I know, I know, I swore I wouldn't do that, and I'm not happy that I am. I'm going to stick to my eating schedule as closely as I can (I asked Mom to serve around the same time I would be eating anyway) and I'm not going to overeat or have sweets or soda. I'm going to eat a meat and veg and be done with it.
I'm determined not to beat myself up too much about skipping a day exercising. If I make it home early enough, there still could be time to fit in an evening ride on the bike or a walk around the neighborhood. I might talk Mom and my brother into walking around their neighborhood. So all is not yet lost, but I'm just preparing myself not to hate myself if I don't get to fit a little bit of exercise in.
Day Fourteen Stats:
Wake Up: 12 PM
Breakfast: Two hardboiled (Easter) eggs, yolk removed
Lunch: Beef brisket slice, salad, green beans, and mashed potatoes. Jello with a dollop of whipped topping for dessert.
Snack: banana
Interjection: one Ferrero Rocher coconut and one Tootsie Roll
Dinner: Two turkey burgers on wheat bread with cheese, onions, ketchup, mustard, and mayo
I'm determined not to beat myself up too much about skipping a day exercising. If I make it home early enough, there still could be time to fit in an evening ride on the bike or a walk around the neighborhood. I might talk Mom and my brother into walking around their neighborhood. So all is not yet lost, but I'm just preparing myself not to hate myself if I don't get to fit a little bit of exercise in.
Day Fourteen Stats:
Wake Up: 12 PM
Breakfast: Two hardboiled (Easter) eggs, yolk removed
Lunch: Beef brisket slice, salad, green beans, and mashed potatoes. Jello with a dollop of whipped topping for dessert.
Snack: banana
Interjection: one Ferrero Rocher coconut and one Tootsie Roll
Dinner: Two turkey burgers on wheat bread with cheese, onions, ketchup, mustard, and mayo
Saturday, April 23, 2011
day thirteen: not gonna lose momentum now!
Last night a series of huge storms swept through my area, and are still raging outside. Thankfully, I haven't lost power in my apartment. However, they made it rather hard for me to fall asleep last night. So I stayed up a little later than intended, and allowed myself to sleep until I naturally woke up, instead of setting an alarm. It was nice to get a full night's rest, and not feel guilty about hitting the Snooze button forty-odd times before grumpily rolling out of bed.
Now I've had my breakfast, and I'm letting my food settle in my stomach before hopping into my first exercise session of today. (Possibly my only for the day because I'm supposed to be going to see a drag show with a few friends tonight, or hanging with another friend I haven't seen in a long time). So although it's Saturday, I'm still going to stick to the main bits of my schedule. I'm going to have my meals as close to my normal time as possible (with a slight adjustment to lunchtime since I woke up later than usual), and I'm going to do a good, hard workout this morning.
I can feel my body changing and I'm loving how much better I feel everyday. I'm looking at myself more in the mirror, I'm seeking out mirrors to look at myself in. Normally, I just rush past mirrors, glimpsing in them only to make sure my hair wasn't doing anything crazy, or my clothes weren't disheveled. Other than that, I never sought mirrors out, just avoided them as much as possible. But lately, I find myself looking for mirrors, admiring myself in them, noticing all the parts of my body. I'm still not at the point where I feel I look great, but I'm very proud of what I've accomplished so far, and I'm looking forward so much to all that's left for me to accomplish!
Day Thirteen Stats:
Wake Up: 1 PM
Breakfast: Frosted Flakes with skim milk and blueberries
Exercise: The Biggest Loser Cardio Max DVD (Level Two workout)
Lunch: Stir fry (chicken, green and red peppers, onions, stir fry seasoning mix, and brown rice)
Snack: Special K bar
Interjection: Peanut butter cookie with a Hershey kiss in the middle
Dinner: leftover stir fry
Now I've had my breakfast, and I'm letting my food settle in my stomach before hopping into my first exercise session of today. (Possibly my only for the day because I'm supposed to be going to see a drag show with a few friends tonight, or hanging with another friend I haven't seen in a long time). So although it's Saturday, I'm still going to stick to the main bits of my schedule. I'm going to have my meals as close to my normal time as possible (with a slight adjustment to lunchtime since I woke up later than usual), and I'm going to do a good, hard workout this morning.
I can feel my body changing and I'm loving how much better I feel everyday. I'm looking at myself more in the mirror, I'm seeking out mirrors to look at myself in. Normally, I just rush past mirrors, glimpsing in them only to make sure my hair wasn't doing anything crazy, or my clothes weren't disheveled. Other than that, I never sought mirrors out, just avoided them as much as possible. But lately, I find myself looking for mirrors, admiring myself in them, noticing all the parts of my body. I'm still not at the point where I feel I look great, but I'm very proud of what I've accomplished so far, and I'm looking forward so much to all that's left for me to accomplish!
Day Thirteen Stats:
Wake Up: 1 PM
Breakfast: Frosted Flakes with skim milk and blueberries
Exercise: The Biggest Loser Cardio Max DVD (Level Two workout)
Lunch: Stir fry (chicken, green and red peppers, onions, stir fry seasoning mix, and brown rice)
Snack: Special K bar
Interjection: Peanut butter cookie with a Hershey kiss in the middle
Dinner: leftover stir fry
Friday, April 22, 2011
motivational quotes: week two
This week’s quote is from William Faulkner, and he really pushed me to do my best through the second (and some say the hardest) week of my efforts to become a happier, healthier me.
“Don’t bother to be better than your contemporaries or predecessors. Try to be better than yourself.”
I love this quote because it illustrates one of the biggest holdups I’ve had about exercising and struggling to lose weight and get into shape. I constantly compare myself to people around me. When I see them succeed, I’m happy for them, but it just becomes another brick in my stubborn wall that blocks my view of success. I immediately think, “I’ll never make that much progress so fast, I’ll never reach those goals! They beat me already! How can I compete with that? And I don’t want to follow the program they followed, I will hate that!” And I’d eat another oatmeal crème pie and watch Pirates of the Caribbean for the umpteenth time, yearning for Keira Knightley’s lighter-than-air frame.
But then it clicked about, oh, two weeks ago? I’m not meant to do what everyone else has done. I am my own person, I have my own strengths and weaknesses, I have a set of programs and rules and ideas that work for me and ones that don’t. I hate when people start suggesting what you should be doing to lose weight. I always want to screech for them to butt out and leave me alone because what I’m doing is working for me and that’s all it has to work for. I have done research, I have planned, I have weighed the pros and cons and potential outcomes in my head. And this works for me: Daily cardio exercise, eating on a scheduled basis (avoiding unnecessary sweets, soda, and fast food), and maintaining decent portion control.
That works for me, that makes me better than myself, because the Gina that existed two weeks ago woke up an hour before work and spent that hour lounging around until hopping into the shower ten minutes before work and then rushing out the door, grabbing Chic-Fil-A on the way, and zoning out for the eight hour work day and then coming home and staying up until five or six in the morning to wash, rinse, repeat. I’m already doing better than that! I’ve bettered myself immensely in the past two weeks!
William Faulkner would be proud. And I’m certainly proud. I have a long way to go, but I’ve started out so strong, there’s no way I’m turning back, slowing down, or giving up now! Onward, upward, let’s go!
day twelve: happy day!
Yesterday was quite a rough one for me, for personal reasons, but a cherry on top of the shit cake was that my boss at work called me out for using the gym while clocked in. I admit I shouldn’t have been doing that, but I wasn’t taking any illegal breaks. However, it’s all worked out now and I can resume working out in the evenings to my heart’s delight. Just my little way of "sticking it to the Man" in order to benefit myself. It's the American way, right?
Things are going exceedingly well, and even my mother commented that she could tell I’ve been working out. She’s a very hard lady to impress and not one to sugar coat anything. So I know she meant it! It made my heart swell in my chest because if there’s anyone worth bragging about impressing, it’s my mother.
So I must keep it up! Things are pretty much routine now, even though I’m still struggling a bit with bedtime and waking up in the morning, but once I kick myself out of bed, I’m up and ready for the day! I’m sticking to my eating schedule, I’m not overeating, I’m not overstocking food I don’t need (which saves me money, and also helps with the overeating thing) and I’m not eating fast food! I haven’t had any sodas, or any fast food in two whole weeks.
That feels wonderful! I’ve worked out at least once a day, and mostly twice a day, for the past two weeks! I am so astounded that I’m sticking to this so well! Just gotta keep on going!
Day Twelve Stats:
Wake Up: 12 PM
Breakfast: None
Exercise: 30 minute brisk walk outside
Lunch: Five shish kabobs (one piece of chicken, pineapple chunks, half a slice of bacon, ½ a green and ½ a red pepper, and ¼ of an onion, marinated in Hawaiian marinade and grilled on kebab skewers) and apple sauce.
Snack: Special K bar
Exercise: 5 mins bike, stretches, 32 mins elliptical (over 3 miles!), stretches
Dinner: ½ can of Tuscany Chicken Soup (Campbell’s Selects) and more apple sauce.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
day eleven: perseverance
It's a lifestyle change. And I have to stick with it. Otherwise, I'll end up right where I was stuck for the last 22 years, and I can't let that happen. I've made it this far, things are clicking into the "habitual" file rather than the "forcing myself against my will" file.
Perseverance. Giving laziness and settling for less out of myself the finger. Fuck off unhappy unhealthy Gina. We're stepping it out to the beat of a happy, healthy lifestyle change. And life has never been better.
Day Eleven Stats:
Wake Up: 11 AM
Breakfast: Frosted Flakes with skim milk and blueberries
Exercise: mowing my mom's grass. Yes, it's a workout, shutup.
Lunch: Buffalo chicken strips and cottage cheese
Snack: banana
Dinner: Pierogies with spaghetti sauce and apple sauce
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
day ten: confessions
I had another terrible night with trying to fall asleep. Therefore I woke up quite late today and didn’t exercise before work nor have breakfast. This is going to stop, and I’m getting back onto my schedule.
I’ve still worked out every night at the gym at work, I’ve still stuck to the rest of my eating schedule, and I haven’t resorted to fast food. So I’m doing well, considering. This morning was a close call, though, as I contemplated the convenience of grabbing Chic-Fil-A on my way into work. However, I stuck to my guns and made a turkey sandwich to eat in the car on the way to work.
Tonight I must visit the store so I can prepare my meals for the rest of the week. I’m not slipping off the wagon just yet! I’m staying strong, and staying successful!
Day Ten Stats:
Wake Up: 12:30 PM
Breakfast: None
Lunch: Turkey Sandwich on wheat bread
Snack: Special K bar
Exercise: 2 mins bike, stretch, 28 mins elliptical, stretch
Dinner: Two tuna fish sandwiches, applesauce, and water
Bedtime: 3 AM
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
day nine: doing just fine!
A Story about Slacks
I bought a pair of slacks a month or so ago, and they were pretty tight around the middle when I bought them. The only reason I bought them was because I was tired of trudging through Kohl's, trying on so many pairs of trousers, desperate to find a pair or two for work. Agitated, depressed, annoyed, and tired, I settled for this particular pair of grey trousers because they sort of fit. They fit enough to get by. I figured they would stretch.
I never dried these particular pants in the dryer, for fear of them shrinking and me not being able to fit into them at all, but they still managed to get tighter and tighter as the weeks went by. I was getting bigger and bigger. For the last two weeks, I didn't wear them at all, because they caused me pain by digging into my middle all day long and causing this horrid muffin top effect on my stomach.
Today I thought I would revisit those pants, a little nervous that nothing had changed, and they would still be tight as ever, perhaps even tighter.
But. That is NOT the case. They fit perfectly! No muffin top, just a neat snug fit. They won't be falling down all day, and they won't be cutting off circulation to the lower half of my body. Huzzah! Last week's hard work and effort has paid off in this small way, but a very significant way.
I'm on top of the world! I can't believe it's actually working. It's not all that much work! It's gotten easier and easier as I've stuck to it. The first week was kind of dreadful because the exercising was painful and hard to get through, my muscles ached for days afterward, but now it doesn't hurt to get out of bed, it doesn't hurt to go from standing to a sitting position, all is well. And it's paying off!
I have yet to step on a scale and try to see the fruits of my labor represented in numbers, I'm still too afraid to do that, I know it will discourage me incredibly if I haven't lost a significant enough number, like 5 - 10 pounds. (Impossible, really, to do in a week healthily anyway, but that's how my brain works, I want to see big numbers dropping off.) So I'm going to hold the scale at arm's length and be aware that it's there, one day I will face it, but just not yet. I need to keep moving ahead and staying motivated and I don't want that to drag me down.
So Day Nine is starting off just fine. I had a rough time getting to sleep last night for personal reasons, I didn't exercise this morning or eat breakfast, but I know it will only get better as the day goes on! I'll work out tonight, I'm making lunch and dinner now. Life is good. I've gotta keep on going forward, there's no point in turning back.
Day Nine Stats:
Wake Up: 12:30 PM
Breakfast: None
Lunch: Fish sandwich and cottage cheese with pineapple slice
Snack: Special K bar
Exercise: 2 minutes bike, stretches, 23 minutes elliptical, stretches
Dinner: Chicken cordon bleu, apple sauce
Bedtime: 3 AM
I bought a pair of slacks a month or so ago, and they were pretty tight around the middle when I bought them. The only reason I bought them was because I was tired of trudging through Kohl's, trying on so many pairs of trousers, desperate to find a pair or two for work. Agitated, depressed, annoyed, and tired, I settled for this particular pair of grey trousers because they sort of fit. They fit enough to get by. I figured they would stretch.
I never dried these particular pants in the dryer, for fear of them shrinking and me not being able to fit into them at all, but they still managed to get tighter and tighter as the weeks went by. I was getting bigger and bigger. For the last two weeks, I didn't wear them at all, because they caused me pain by digging into my middle all day long and causing this horrid muffin top effect on my stomach.
Today I thought I would revisit those pants, a little nervous that nothing had changed, and they would still be tight as ever, perhaps even tighter.
But. That is NOT the case. They fit perfectly! No muffin top, just a neat snug fit. They won't be falling down all day, and they won't be cutting off circulation to the lower half of my body. Huzzah! Last week's hard work and effort has paid off in this small way, but a very significant way.
I'm on top of the world! I can't believe it's actually working. It's not all that much work! It's gotten easier and easier as I've stuck to it. The first week was kind of dreadful because the exercising was painful and hard to get through, my muscles ached for days afterward, but now it doesn't hurt to get out of bed, it doesn't hurt to go from standing to a sitting position, all is well. And it's paying off!
I have yet to step on a scale and try to see the fruits of my labor represented in numbers, I'm still too afraid to do that, I know it will discourage me incredibly if I haven't lost a significant enough number, like 5 - 10 pounds. (Impossible, really, to do in a week healthily anyway, but that's how my brain works, I want to see big numbers dropping off.) So I'm going to hold the scale at arm's length and be aware that it's there, one day I will face it, but just not yet. I need to keep moving ahead and staying motivated and I don't want that to drag me down.
So Day Nine is starting off just fine. I had a rough time getting to sleep last night for personal reasons, I didn't exercise this morning or eat breakfast, but I know it will only get better as the day goes on! I'll work out tonight, I'm making lunch and dinner now. Life is good. I've gotta keep on going forward, there's no point in turning back.
Day Nine Stats:
Wake Up: 12:30 PM
Breakfast: None
Lunch: Fish sandwich and cottage cheese with pineapple slice
Snack: Special K bar
Exercise: 2 minutes bike, stretches, 23 minutes elliptical, stretches
Dinner: Chicken cordon bleu, apple sauce
Bedtime: 3 AM
Monday, April 18, 2011
weekly motivational quotes: week one
I created a calendar that plans out my 11 week plan to get into running. Each week is captioned with a motivational quote. I’ve decided that I should do a little blurb on this blog about each quote as a sort of kick in the pants to get the weeks staying strong as they are, and to keep me bounding down the right track. So even though Week One is over, I’m going to re-visit the quote and let it push me harder into Week Two, which has already started off great, but can get even better!
“Commitment leads to action. Action brings your dream closer.” Marcia Weder
I like this quote, because it emphasizes that commitment is where it all begins. That’s true. And commitment has to be more than a Facebook status (“I’m gunna get in shape, guise, yay! No more donutz 4 me!”) or a frown at the bathroom scale. Commitment has to come from within. You have to look at yourself in the mirror, give a firm nod, smile, and realize that you can do this. You can accomplish whatever little dream has been buzzing around in your skull. It’s not just a fantasy, it won’t go away, you can achieve it, you can get there.
You have to commit to it. You have to commit to yourself, you have to be ready to find the limits of who you are by bounding past them. You can give a little wave as you leave those inhibitions and fears in the dust. They were just holding you back. You were holding you back. But not anymore. You’re committed, you’re determined, you’re ready. I’m ready. And I’m doing it.
Once I was committed to becoming a happier, healthier me, I did a little research, a little planning, and voila, action was the next step. There was no use planning everything out just to end up not doing it. I would have hated myself forever! But self-hatred gets so tiring, and it’s a lot less effort just to do the exercise and eating schedule. Plus, it makes me feel good! My dream is getting closer…
day eight: week two begins!
I've made it through a whole week of daily exercise and an eating/sleeping schedule. The only thing I need to work on is tightening the sleeping schedule. I'm still struggling with going to bed at 2:30 AM and rising at 10:30 AM which was the original plan. So that is my new goal for this week: focus on getting enough sleep, in addition to maintaining exercise everyday (twice a day when I can fit it in) and eating on a regular schedule.
Day Eight Stats:
Wake Up: 11:30 AM
Breakfast: Two pieces of wheat toast with Nutella spread, chocolate whipped Yoplait yogurt, and water
Lunch: Turkey sandwich, water
Snack: Special K bar
Exercise: 2 minutes bike, stretches, 23 minutes elliptical
Dinner: Pierogies and salsa, water
Day Eight Stats:
Wake Up: 11:30 AM
Breakfast: Two pieces of wheat toast with Nutella spread, chocolate whipped Yoplait yogurt, and water
Lunch: Turkey sandwich, water
Snack: Special K bar
Exercise: 2 minutes bike, stretches, 23 minutes elliptical
Dinner: Pierogies and salsa, water
Sunday, April 17, 2011
day seven: nothing exciting, quite a lazy sunday
Day Seven Stats:
Wake Up: 12 PM
Breakfast: two slices of bread, two over easy eggs with cheddar cheese and mustard, and chocolate milk
Snack: Special K bar
Exercise: Jackie Warner Power Circuit Training DVD
Dinner: Three tacos (flour tortillas, meat, cheddar cheese, salsa) and water
Bedtime: 2:30 AM
Wake Up: 12 PM
Breakfast: two slices of bread, two over easy eggs with cheddar cheese and mustard, and chocolate milk
Snack: Special K bar
Exercise: Jackie Warner Power Circuit Training DVD
Dinner: Three tacos (flour tortillas, meat, cheddar cheese, salsa) and water
Bedtime: 2:30 AM
Saturday, April 16, 2011
day six: sticking it through the weekend
I've worked hard all week to stick to my schedule and exercise everyday. Today is Saturday, but I won't let that put a hiccup in my determination. I've just finished breakfast, and I'm letting my stomach settle before hopping into my cardio workout for the morning.
I'm so proud of sticking to all of this.Not much else to report today, I'm afraid, just the stats.
Day Six Stats:
Wake Up: 11:30 AM
Breakfast: Two pieces of wheat toast with Nutella, vanilla whipped Yoplait yogurt, and water
Exercise: Biggest Loser Cardio DVD Workout
Lunch: fish sandwich, cottage cheese with a pineapple slice, and water
Snack: banana
Exercise: TBA
Dinner: bratwurst with water
I'm so proud of sticking to all of this.Not much else to report today, I'm afraid, just the stats.
Day Six Stats:
Wake Up: 11:30 AM
Breakfast: Two pieces of wheat toast with Nutella, vanilla whipped Yoplait yogurt, and water
Exercise: Biggest Loser Cardio DVD Workout
Lunch: fish sandwich, cottage cheese with a pineapple slice, and water
Snack: banana
Exercise: TBA
Dinner: bratwurst with water
Friday, April 15, 2011
day five: the world moves on
I feel like I've accomplished so much in this week, but another part of me wonders if I've really accomplished much at all. No one seems to have noticed anything. I know I haven't really dropped any weight, and I'm miserable at work because I'm so fed up with a co-worker, but for some reason, I'm yearning for some outside notice and praise. I just wish someone could say, "Oh, have you been working out? You look thinner!" or "Wow, you have a lot of energy lately, you seem happier!" But no.
I know, I know, I'm just being impatient. It's only been five days, why am I expecting so much to have changed in that time? By the end of next week, I'm sure the changes will start to become noticeable. But what will tide me over until then? What will stop me from saying, "Oh God, this is taking so long, Taco Bell sounds so delicious right now, and so does sleeping through the weekend..."
I will stop myself. I have to do this. If I let myself down again, what else is there left for me to do? Just let myself get fatter and fatter until my only mode of transportation is sea? And not on a boat, either, I mean floating in the sea because it's the only place I can fit.
That's not the life for me. I want to be healthy, I want to be at a weight where I can feel good about myself, have energy, wear clothes I'd want to wear, be proud of my body and how it looks. I want that, I need it, and I'm the only one who can make it happen.
So I'm not giving up. Oh no no no. I do not take days off until outside circumstances force me to. I know workout guides suggest you work out five, maybe six times a week, and usually have at least one day off. But not me. Not until this whole schedule is a total habit, one that I don't have to think about, a routine that just happens. When it becomes a part of me, then perhaps I can take a free day on a Sunday afternoon and catch up on some DVR'd television shows. When I have to buy smaller pants and shirts, maybe then I can take a day's break.
But I won't let myself slip into those detrimental habits of laziness until I've reached a significant change in my body, mind, and attitude. Every day that I rationalize laying in bed an extra hour, or watching television instead of doing a cardio workout, the harder it is to get to the workout the next day. So I won't even let that start!
I'm going strong, and I'm not quitting! I won't let myself down! This weight is coming off, whether it wants to or not!
Day Five Stats
Wake Up: 12 PM
Breakfast: Strawberry Whipped Yoplait Yogurt, banana, water
Lunch: Two grilled cheese sandwiches (wheat bread, two slices of sharp cheddar cheese) and tomato soup and water
Snack: Applesauce
Exercise: 2 minutes bike, stretches, 15 minutes elliptical, 20 crunches, stretches
Dinner: Spaghetti
Bedtime: 3 AM
I know, I know, I'm just being impatient. It's only been five days, why am I expecting so much to have changed in that time? By the end of next week, I'm sure the changes will start to become noticeable. But what will tide me over until then? What will stop me from saying, "Oh God, this is taking so long, Taco Bell sounds so delicious right now, and so does sleeping through the weekend..."
I will stop myself. I have to do this. If I let myself down again, what else is there left for me to do? Just let myself get fatter and fatter until my only mode of transportation is sea? And not on a boat, either, I mean floating in the sea because it's the only place I can fit.
That's not the life for me. I want to be healthy, I want to be at a weight where I can feel good about myself, have energy, wear clothes I'd want to wear, be proud of my body and how it looks. I want that, I need it, and I'm the only one who can make it happen.
So I'm not giving up. Oh no no no. I do not take days off until outside circumstances force me to. I know workout guides suggest you work out five, maybe six times a week, and usually have at least one day off. But not me. Not until this whole schedule is a total habit, one that I don't have to think about, a routine that just happens. When it becomes a part of me, then perhaps I can take a free day on a Sunday afternoon and catch up on some DVR'd television shows. When I have to buy smaller pants and shirts, maybe then I can take a day's break.
But I won't let myself slip into those detrimental habits of laziness until I've reached a significant change in my body, mind, and attitude. Every day that I rationalize laying in bed an extra hour, or watching television instead of doing a cardio workout, the harder it is to get to the workout the next day. So I won't even let that start!
I'm going strong, and I'm not quitting! I won't let myself down! This weight is coming off, whether it wants to or not!
Day Five Stats
Wake Up: 12 PM
Breakfast: Strawberry Whipped Yoplait Yogurt, banana, water
Lunch: Two grilled cheese sandwiches (wheat bread, two slices of sharp cheddar cheese) and tomato soup and water
Snack: Applesauce
Exercise: 2 minutes bike, stretches, 15 minutes elliptical, 20 crunches, stretches
Dinner: Spaghetti
Bedtime: 3 AM
Thursday, April 14, 2011
a word about the first weekend
This weekend, the first since I started this journey to becoming a happier, healthier me, will prove a true test of might and will power. There is a huge festival kicking off this Saturday and that always spells disasters for those of us struggling with eating decently nutritious foods on a schedule. Funnel cakes, bratwursts, beer, soda pop, cotton candy, chili cheese fries, cheeseburgers, corndogs, and on and on. Deep fried, glistening with fat and smelling of their gloriously delicious tastes... but this year, they are not for me. Not for me, not for me. I've turned away from free pizza and free Chinese food this week... I will have to turn away from Thunder over Louisville food fares.
I will have to think constantly about the hard work I've put in with my new friend the elliptical. The work I've put in sticking to a schedule, making healthier meals for myself all this week and making sure to bring them to work. The work I've put in sweating, my heart beating furiously in my chest as I jump around, straining my muscles which I can already feel definition in. I can't throw all that away for deliciously bad food.
The schedule will be another thing to maintain. Keeping to the schedule until dinnertime will be fine. After dinner, though, then my meals will depend on my company and when and where they eat. Hopefully not too far off course. I may pack a small snack of a banana or Special K bar to tide me over before or after dinner if they eat too soon or too late after my normal dinner time. I will stay active with my company, either by urging we all go for a few walks or by having a spontaneous dance party underneath the sound of the pounding fireworks overhead. Anything to get my heart rate up in the evening to keep my metabolism boosted all day.
I will succeed at even this, the weekend hurdle. The weekend is just a set of days that don't involve going to work. That's all. Fun times with friends will not knock me off track. I just have to stay focused and not lose sight of my goal.
I will have to think constantly about the hard work I've put in with my new friend the elliptical. The work I've put in sticking to a schedule, making healthier meals for myself all this week and making sure to bring them to work. The work I've put in sweating, my heart beating furiously in my chest as I jump around, straining my muscles which I can already feel definition in. I can't throw all that away for deliciously bad food.
The schedule will be another thing to maintain. Keeping to the schedule until dinnertime will be fine. After dinner, though, then my meals will depend on my company and when and where they eat. Hopefully not too far off course. I may pack a small snack of a banana or Special K bar to tide me over before or after dinner if they eat too soon or too late after my normal dinner time. I will stay active with my company, either by urging we all go for a few walks or by having a spontaneous dance party underneath the sound of the pounding fireworks overhead. Anything to get my heart rate up in the evening to keep my metabolism boosted all day.
I will succeed at even this, the weekend hurdle. The weekend is just a set of days that don't involve going to work. That's all. Fun times with friends will not knock me off track. I just have to stay focused and not lose sight of my goal.
day four: readjustment needed or more willpower?
So yet again, I did not make my 3 AM bedtime. I went to bed closer to 4 AM. The reason behind this is because there are two times a day that I get to speak with someone I very much care about, and that's right before I leave for work in the afternoons, and then when I get home from work in the morning. We end up gabbing and before I know it, my bedtime has slipped past and it's hard to pull myself away from him and the fun conversation we're having.
But I need to get over it. There will be the conversation we'll have tomorrow, and the next day, and the next day. I keep staying up too late and sleeping in too long. I'm fitting in daily exercise, but I'd rather be able to do that while still having some extra time to do chores around the house and other errands that I need to do before school.
So I think instead of readjusting my schedule (there just aren't enough hours in the day to allow me to stay up longer and sleep later) I need to work on will power. I need to learn that doing this for myself, my health and my happiness, will benefit me more in the long-run than talking to him for an extra half hour to an hour every night. Because, to be perfectly honest, a lot of the reason I'm even doing this is for him. I want to look my best when we get to finally spend time together. But I'm mainly doing this for me, because I'm miserable in my current state of non-health and non-happiness.
I did feel a lot... smaller when I woke up this morning. Like perhaps my body was becoming tighter? I'm not sure how to phrase it. I'm sure I haven't lost any weight yet, I just feel less jiggly, if that makes sense. Like everything on my body has a place now, like I'm held together more firmly. The fat felt firm today, if that makes sense, and it was a good feeling. I can't wait for the physical signs to start, like the pants becoming looser, and my face thinning out. I can't wait for the comments, "Wow, Gina, have you been working out? You're losing weight, I can tell!"
I still have a few weeks before those things really start kicking in, but this week has gone so well that I know I can make it to those milestones before I know it! I'm so excited, this is all going so well! I'm very proud of myself for making it to day four without any major hiccups.
Day Four Stats:
Wake Up: 12 PM
Breakfast: Frosted Flakes with banana slices and skim milk
Lunch: Ham sandwich, corn tortilla chips with salsa, and water
Snack: Special K bar
Dinner: Shake and Bake chicken with bbq sauce, mixed veggies (corn, peas, green beans, and carrots), applesauce, and water
Evening Exercise: 2 minutes bike, stretches, 20 crunches, 10 minutes elliptical, stretches
Bed time: 3 AM (FOR REAL THIS TIME)
But I need to get over it. There will be the conversation we'll have tomorrow, and the next day, and the next day. I keep staying up too late and sleeping in too long. I'm fitting in daily exercise, but I'd rather be able to do that while still having some extra time to do chores around the house and other errands that I need to do before school.
So I think instead of readjusting my schedule (there just aren't enough hours in the day to allow me to stay up longer and sleep later) I need to work on will power. I need to learn that doing this for myself, my health and my happiness, will benefit me more in the long-run than talking to him for an extra half hour to an hour every night. Because, to be perfectly honest, a lot of the reason I'm even doing this is for him. I want to look my best when we get to finally spend time together. But I'm mainly doing this for me, because I'm miserable in my current state of non-health and non-happiness.
I did feel a lot... smaller when I woke up this morning. Like perhaps my body was becoming tighter? I'm not sure how to phrase it. I'm sure I haven't lost any weight yet, I just feel less jiggly, if that makes sense. Like everything on my body has a place now, like I'm held together more firmly. The fat felt firm today, if that makes sense, and it was a good feeling. I can't wait for the physical signs to start, like the pants becoming looser, and my face thinning out. I can't wait for the comments, "Wow, Gina, have you been working out? You're losing weight, I can tell!"
I still have a few weeks before those things really start kicking in, but this week has gone so well that I know I can make it to those milestones before I know it! I'm so excited, this is all going so well! I'm very proud of myself for making it to day four without any major hiccups.
Day Four Stats:
Wake Up: 12 PM
Breakfast: Frosted Flakes with banana slices and skim milk
Lunch: Ham sandwich, corn tortilla chips with salsa, and water
Snack: Special K bar
Dinner: Shake and Bake chicken with bbq sauce, mixed veggies (corn, peas, green beans, and carrots), applesauce, and water
Evening Exercise: 2 minutes bike, stretches, 20 crunches, 10 minutes elliptical, stretches
Bed time: 3 AM (FOR REAL THIS TIME)
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
day three: laziness conquered
Last night I stayed up longer than I should have, but such is the curse of having good company in the evenings. It was really hard to get out of bed, what with the bed being the perfect temperature, my body having contorted itself into a most comfortable position (my head and feet perpendicular to my normal position, my head resting on a bank of blankets and pillows rather than my one head pillow and my legs in an Indian-style position), and all my muscles screaming as soon as I moved to shut off the alarm clock. I groaned, rolled back over, thought quickly about whether or not an extra half hour of sleep would still leave me enough time to get my morning exercising in.
Then a half hour later, the same process happened again. And again another half hour later. I finally crawled out of bed an hour and a half after my original alarm went off. I started to slip back into "slacker Gina" mode and thought to myself that since I was exercising two times a day, one morning off wouldn't hurt. But then I realized, I'll regret and feel guilty about that decision all day. Plus, if I didn't move around a little bit, my muscles would only tighten and I'd hate myself more as I hobbled throughout my day. So I finally decided: yoga.
I rolled out of bed and grabbed the lightest breakfast item in my fridge: yogurt. Chocolate whipped Yoplait yogurt, to be exact, but there was a slight problem. It had gone moldy. However, the newer backup cup of yogurt in the fridge saved the day. After that, some internet surfing, and a glass of water, then fully awake, I settled down to a fifteen minute yoga workout DVD.
It. Felt. Amazing. I am so proud of fighting off that urge to just take a morning off and instead doing what I know I need to do to make this schedule and exercise plan work. There will be no slacking off. Yes, I technically slacked off by sleeping in, but I made sure to fit exercising in regardless!
Day Three Stats:
Wake Up: 12:30 PM
Breakfast: Unmoldy Chocolate Whipped Yoplait yogurt and water
Exercise: 15 minute yoga workout DVD
Lunch: Pierogies (boiled) with salsa and water
Snack: Special K bar
Evening Exercise: 2 minutes bike, stretches, 10 minutes elliptical, few reps on weights (by few, I mean like 3 tries until I want to stab myself in the face), stretches
Dinner: Two tuna sandwiches on wheat bread, applesauce, and water
Bedtime: 3 AM (I'm sticking to it tonight!)
Then a half hour later, the same process happened again. And again another half hour later. I finally crawled out of bed an hour and a half after my original alarm went off. I started to slip back into "slacker Gina" mode and thought to myself that since I was exercising two times a day, one morning off wouldn't hurt. But then I realized, I'll regret and feel guilty about that decision all day. Plus, if I didn't move around a little bit, my muscles would only tighten and I'd hate myself more as I hobbled throughout my day. So I finally decided: yoga.
I rolled out of bed and grabbed the lightest breakfast item in my fridge: yogurt. Chocolate whipped Yoplait yogurt, to be exact, but there was a slight problem. It had gone moldy. However, the newer backup cup of yogurt in the fridge saved the day. After that, some internet surfing, and a glass of water, then fully awake, I settled down to a fifteen minute yoga workout DVD.
It. Felt. Amazing. I am so proud of fighting off that urge to just take a morning off and instead doing what I know I need to do to make this schedule and exercise plan work. There will be no slacking off. Yes, I technically slacked off by sleeping in, but I made sure to fit exercising in regardless!
Day Three Stats:
Wake Up: 12:30 PM
Breakfast: Unmoldy Chocolate Whipped Yoplait yogurt and water
Exercise: 15 minute yoga workout DVD
Lunch: Pierogies (boiled) with salsa and water
Snack: Special K bar
Evening Exercise: 2 minutes bike, stretches, 10 minutes elliptical, few reps on weights (by few, I mean like 3 tries until I want to stab myself in the face), stretches
Dinner: Two tuna sandwiches on wheat bread, applesauce, and water
Bedtime: 3 AM (I'm sticking to it tonight!)
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
day two: haven't given up yet
I didn't quite make my 3 AM bedtime last night, I went to bed closer to 3:30 AM, but that didn't stop me from getting out of bed at 11 AM and getting on with my schedule. I'm so proud of myself. I know if I can that when I stick to it through this first week, the routine will become easier and more natural and it won't be so hard. It will become just that: routine.
My biggest hurdle will be the weekend. I usually fall off the track on the weekend, but I have to force myself to stay strong and stick with it. I can't undo all the hard work I've accomplished through the week by slacking off on the weekends, kicking the schedule to the curb and eating and sleeping whenever the urge arises. I also want to exercise during the weekend as well. Get friends involved, go for walks and jogs and stay active.
I will do fine. :D I feel really confident and assured that I can accomplish my goals.
Day Two Stats:
Wake Up: 11 AM
Breakfast: Raisin Bran Crunch cereal with skim milk, two pieces of toast with butter and grape jelly, and water
Exercise: 30 minute brisk walk around the neighborhood
Lunch: Three tacos (flour tortillas, taco seasoned meat, cheddar cheese, lettuce, salsa), applesauce, and water
Snack: Special K bar
Dinner: Spaghetti
Evening Exercise: 10 minutes elliptical
Bedtime: 3 AM
My biggest hurdle will be the weekend. I usually fall off the track on the weekend, but I have to force myself to stay strong and stick with it. I can't undo all the hard work I've accomplished through the week by slacking off on the weekends, kicking the schedule to the curb and eating and sleeping whenever the urge arises. I also want to exercise during the weekend as well. Get friends involved, go for walks and jogs and stay active.
I will do fine. :D I feel really confident and assured that I can accomplish my goals.
Day Two Stats:
Wake Up: 11 AM
Breakfast: Raisin Bran Crunch cereal with skim milk, two pieces of toast with butter and grape jelly, and water
Exercise: 30 minute brisk walk around the neighborhood
Lunch: Three tacos (flour tortillas, taco seasoned meat, cheddar cheese, lettuce, salsa), applesauce, and water
Snack: Special K bar
Dinner: Spaghetti
Evening Exercise: 10 minutes elliptical
Bedtime: 3 AM
sneaky little bastard: the elliptical
Dear elliptical,
You are a sneaky little bastard. My ten minutes of brisk movement atop your large, inviting feet pedals was smooth sailing. You made me feel good, feel free, and feel energized. I glanced at your wonderful display, with all your fancy flashing stats and numbers, wondering what the hell it all meant, really only paying attention to the timer in the upper left-hand corner. Please tell me, elliptical, why I didn't feel pain while jogging along on top of you, I just felt the sweat beading along my forehead and down my back... I just felt the cool breeze of your built-in fan, cooling my sweaty face... Because, elliptical, we shall meet again tonight, and I am feeling the effects of your love now.
I have slept since last we met, I have eaten two meals. I have showered, I have watched television, I have worked. But I didn't feel you then. I suddenly feel you now. My ass, it hurts to sit, my legs, it hurts to walk or stretch. I miss you, elliptical, although the pain of our separation has just now snuck up on me, I do miss you. I look forward to when we next meet. I'll be there at 8 PM, baby. Will you be ready for me?
Love,
A happier, healthier Gina
You are a sneaky little bastard. My ten minutes of brisk movement atop your large, inviting feet pedals was smooth sailing. You made me feel good, feel free, and feel energized. I glanced at your wonderful display, with all your fancy flashing stats and numbers, wondering what the hell it all meant, really only paying attention to the timer in the upper left-hand corner. Please tell me, elliptical, why I didn't feel pain while jogging along on top of you, I just felt the sweat beading along my forehead and down my back... I just felt the cool breeze of your built-in fan, cooling my sweaty face... Because, elliptical, we shall meet again tonight, and I am feeling the effects of your love now.
I have slept since last we met, I have eaten two meals. I have showered, I have watched television, I have worked. But I didn't feel you then. I suddenly feel you now. My ass, it hurts to sit, my legs, it hurts to walk or stretch. I miss you, elliptical, although the pain of our separation has just now snuck up on me, I do miss you. I look forward to when we next meet. I'll be there at 8 PM, baby. Will you be ready for me?
Love,
A happier, healthier Gina
Monday, April 11, 2011
day one: it all begins
This blogger journal will be a clean and simple place for me to expunge my thought processes and plans for success in my current endeavor to become a happier and healthier me. We'll start with my brand-spanking-new personal mantra that will get me where I want to be:
"I don't want to be skinny. I just want to be a happier, healthier me."
I've accepted that I will never be Kate Moss. I'm reminded of this picture whenever I think of my failed attempts at losing weight and becoming thin. But I've finally realized that a rhino can never become a unicorn. I will never become someone I simply can not become.
I can lose weight, I can get to a healthy weight and size for my body type, but I will never become a stick-thin model, and I no longer want to. I don't know why I ever did! Who wants to walk around afraid of a strong breeze? Certainly not me. I like my curves, I like my breasts, I like my hips and butt. But I hate my stomach, I hate the extra weight on my short frame, I hate the size clothes I have to buy. These things I can change, these things I can fix.
I want to walk down the street and not think that people are feeling sorry for me because of how big I am. I want to think that perhaps that guy glanced twice at me because he thought I was sexy or pretty. I've never felt that way before, and it's something I want. I want to knock the socks off one guy I'm dying to meet, and will hopefully meet sometime in the not-so-distant-but-not-tomorrow future. I want to smile into the mirror.
I want to walk down the street and not think that people are feeling sorry for me because of how big I am. I want to think that perhaps that guy glanced twice at me because he thought I was sexy or pretty. I've never felt that way before, and it's something I want. I want to knock the socks off one guy I'm dying to meet, and will hopefully meet sometime in the not-so-distant-but-not-tomorrow future. I want to smile into the mirror.
I want, oh so badly, to be able to shop in the sections of the clothing stores where all the cute clothes are. I want to be able to shop the sales racks with confidence. You bigger girls out there like me know that the sales racks in our sections of the stores are atrocious and better left unperused for fear of deeming yourself only worthy of wearing the things blind batty old ladies wouldn't even wear.
I want to wear cute little camis and shorts and sundresses and capris and business slacks. I want to wear pants that aren't too tight around the middle and four sizes too big around my legs. I want the crotch to be in the right place on my pants and not have that annoying extra poof of fabric beneath my ass. I want these things, and I will have them.
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