AJB2Me Weight Loss Record #2

Here I am, 4 more weeks (8 total) into my "Live-it" and feeling wonderful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Even if I have been off plan for a little over a week. Someone send me some thinspiration, please?!?!

I thought I'd share a picture with you. I'm going to be using this picture as my thinspiration!! But, by all means, send more my way!! The picture on the left was taken July 9th, 2011 at my niece's wedding reception. This was the picture that made me think "Wow, I'm really F-A-T!" I mean, I thought that everyday, but when you actually see a picture of yourself, it's like a light switching on. I've spent lots of time hiding behind the camera because I didn't want to face facts. Now, here it is staring me in the face.

The photo on the right was taken at my bridal shower in 2005. I don't recall the exact date, but I'm thinking it was sometime in February. This was me at my goal weight of 130#. What can I say about this picture? I felt wonderful at this weight!! After 3 kids, I don't know if I'll ever be that thin again but I'm gonna work toward it. Only time will tell.

8/28/2011, a Sunday (end of week 5)

• 189.8# taken @ 6:30 AM (down 1#, 7.8# total)
• Energy level is higher then it's been in a long time

This week was slow going. There were a lot of times I felt like caving to crap. And a few times, I actually did. Sneaking a bite of the girls' mac n cheese or tots. But, all in all I'm pretty happy with the week. I made my 190# goal!! I'm (almost) half way to taking off the 16# I gained this past year. I've decided that's my first goal and when I hit that, I'll be close to having 10% of my weight off. I'm thinking a haircut and brow wax are in order once I hit my 10%!! Here's to a good week!!

9/4/2011, a Sunday (end of week 6)

• 188.2# taken at 7:30 AM (down 1.6#, 9.4# total)
• Yahooooooooooooooooo!

Today is 9/6/2011, a Tuesday

I hit a marker today! I could actually fit back into a pair of my maternity jeans. Are you confused? I had gained so much weight, even my maternity jeans were too SMALL!! I got them up today! Do a little dance......are you singing? However, you won't spot me in them.......Oh and one more marker: I am now .8# (point 8) lighter than when I got preggers with HC!!

I set a few goals:

• 1st, I told you this one already, but.....take off the 16# I gained this past year. I was 200# the day of my doctor appointment (not the start of this WWLR) and on weigh day I was 188.2#, so I only have 4.2# to go. That one's so close I can taste it!! 
• 2nd, to hit 173#. That's what I was when I got preggers with Gala.
• 3rd to hit 157#. That's what I was when I got preggers with RD.
• 4th, hmmmm, let me think on it.........dare I say 130#?? IDK if I can ever get back there but......

I'm feeling really good, y'all! Here's to a great week!!

9/11/2011, a Sunday (end of week 7)

• 187.4# taken @ 7:00 AM (down .8#, 10.2# total)

I'm gonna take this weight loss and run!! I had a very crappy week. I let the excitement of hitting a few milestones get the best of me. I decided to grab a package of my favorite cookies and told myself I'd have just one. I ended up skipping lunch two days in a row, to have iced sugar cookies @ 180 calories a pop instead. Then I spent the rest of the week paying for it. I honestly don't know why I do that to myself? OK, yes I do. I'm an addict. I just cannot keep this stuff in the house. PERIOD!! Next time I want one, I'll get ONE and ONE only from the cookie shop in the mall. Moving on. Here's to a great week!!!

Today is 9/15/2011, a Thursday

It's been one long week. It seems like it should be Saturday already. The girls have been sick. Nothing major but it's thrown the week out of whack. I've even felt "off" all week. Less energy and simply run down. I've skipped lunch everyday so far and I haven't had one single smoothie this week. I weighed this morning to see where I was. Up 2#. Deep sigh. I'm hoping I can get a groove back for the rest of the week.

9/18/2011, a Sunday (end of week 8)

• 188.4# taken at 7:00 AM (UP 1#, 9.2# total)
• I'm not gonna let this get me down

If you can't tell by my stats above, I've gone off plan. I don't want to make any excuses because it's really my own actions and choices but it's been crazy hectic feeling since RD started back to school. I'm hoping we can get back into a rhythm soon. Any encouraging words are welcome!!

AJB2Me Smoothie #5

I owe you guys one more smoothie!!

Here's the last of the five and my least favorite. Who am I kidding? Least favorite? To tell the truth, I won't EVER have this one again. I couldn't get through it the first time, so why bother? I still want to share it with you since one of you may LOVE it. The lady in the magazine did. It was her favorite!?!?!!!!!

"Better-sleep Cherry Smoothie"

One cup tart cherry juice

Half banana

Half cup soy milk

Five ice cubes

Quarter teaspoon vanilla extract

1~2~3 BLEND!!!

According to the magazine, "this one will help you sleep more soundly---which is shown to reduce cravings and stimulate metabolism---good sleep is the missing link in weight loss."

Have you tried one of the four previous smoothies? If so, don't forget to let me know what you thought!! Happy blending!

These smoothies and some of the ideas are taken from the August 2011 "Woman's World" magazine. I do not own the rights to them. I am only re-printing the smoothies and some of the ideas for educational purposes.

AJB2Me Smoothie #4

It's time for another tasty tale----or something like that......

This smoothie is just OK, in my opinion. It's got the whole pina colada feel going on, but just falls short of a true colada's greatness. Maybe it's the fact I choose the frozen fruit route instead of the fresh option? Frozen tends to lose flavor, don't you think? Don't get me wrong, I still like it. It's just not one I'll jump up and down over, but don't take my word for it.....YOU TASTE IT!

"Get-Glowing Smoothie"

Two tablespoons unsweetened coconut milk

One cup almond milk

Half cup pineapple

Half cup mango

Half cup ice

1~2~3 BLEND!!!

According to the magazine, this smoothie "contains vitamins A, B, C, E and the enzyme bromelain to soothe internal inflammation--a hidden condition linked to weight gain." They go on to say, "it fights wrinkles, puffiness, even teenage acne!" It's like a double bonus, get rid of inflammation and gain beautiful skin. Who doesn't want that?!

That's four smoothies down, one to go! Has anyone tried one of the smoothies? If so, don't forget to leave your comments here OR on the Facebook fanpage! I'd love to hear your thoughts!!

These smoothies and some of the ideas are taken from the August 2011 "Woman's World" magazine. I do not own the rights to them. I am only re-printing the smoothies and some of the ideas for educational purposes.

AJB2Me Smoothie #2 & 3

Yes, you read that right, I'm "feeding" you two recipes today! Why? Because I can't decide which one of these I like better. For me, they both rank #2 of the 5.

First up is the "Get-Lean Green Smoothie". You can have a full serving of this tasty treat for a snack OR enjoy it as a meal. (Remember if you choose it for a meal, make sure to have one stick of string cheese AND 5 whole-grain crackers). There's nothing I don't like about this smoothie but I have found it needs to be fully blended for the flavors to come through. Don't let the name or color fool you! It's an all around perfect blend of fruits! This is a favorite of mine and I tend to have it for dinner.

"Get-Lean Green Smoothie"

Two-thirds cups ice

Three tablespoons cold water

Handful spinach leaves

One-third cup cooked kale

Three orange slices

One-third cup green grapes

Half peeled pear

Half small banana

Three-fourths teaspoon chia seeds

1~2~3 BLEND!!!

The first few times I shopped for these ingredients, my store was always out of kale, so I added extra spinach in it's place. I've yet to try it with the kale, which means I can't attest to the tastiness of the smoothie made to directions. According to the magazine, this smoothie was created by the Cleveland Clinic and is a "low-cal blend---high in filling fiber---and included in Dr. Oz's new book, as one of his favorite recipes for dieters." They also say, "Chia seeds boast omega-3s that can help restore energy levels."

Next up is the "Smartypants Smoothie". If you choose this smoothie, you can have a half serving as a snack OR a full serving as a meal. I had been on plan for almost 3 weeks before I actually got to try this smoothie. Two of the ingredients were hard to track down. One being flaxseed oil, which I found at our local health food store and the other being hemp nuts. My sister finally hunted down "hemp granola" at our local grocery store. I've yet to check it out myself. However, I did research a substitute. I found that walnuts were the closest with sunflower seeds and almonds following close behind. (I've been using walnuts in place of the hemp nuts) Again, this is one of my favorites. I usually have this or the "Fatigue-fighting protein blaster" for lunch.

"Smartypants Smoothie"

One banana

Quarter cup blueberries

Handful of hemp nuts

Half cup apple juice

One teaspoon flaxseed oil

1~2~3 BLEND!!!

According to the magazine, "antioxidants from the blueberries and the omega-3s from the hemp and flax are all proven to target ab flab!" I'M IN!!! I need to target ab flab!! And I will tell you, I can see a huge difference in my tummy area in just a few short weeks! They go on to say, "hemp supports brain health---blueberries are linked to improved memory." Guess that's how it got it's name! Any mom knows we could all use a little of these in our diet! Ha!

These smoothies and some of the ideas are taken from the August 2011 "Woman's World" magazine. I do not own the rights to them. I am only re-printing the smoothies and some of the ideas for educational purposes.



AJB2Me Smoothie #1

I'll "feed" these to you one at a time..........

Up first is my favorite of the five!! The "Fatigue-Fighting Protein Blaster". There's not one thing I don't like about this smoothie, with the exception that it has soy milk in it. AND I'm sure you remember, I'm on the fence about soy. However, after talking to a nutritionist (in a round about way), I decided it would be OK in my diet. I still won't let the girls have it. OK, that was a bunch of blah blah blah.......on with the show!!

I don't know why, but I haven't taken a picture of this one. Oh well, a smoothie looks like a smoothie, right?

"Fatigue-Fighting Protein Blaster"

Half ripe banana

Quarter cup low-fat soy milk

 Half small can crushed pineapple

 Quarter cup pineapple sorbet

 Half tablespoon protein powder

Quarter cup strawberries

1~2~3 BLEND!!!

According to the magazine, soy is protein & protein "lays down the building blocks for metabolism-boosting muscle---helps you keep going all day long---steadies blood sugar & prevents afternoon crashes."

These smoothies and some of the ideas are taken from the August 2011 "Woman's World" magazine. I do not own the rights to them. I am only re-printing the smoothies and some of the ideas for educational purposes.



 

Typical Day

Here's a glimpse of a typical day for me on my "Live-it"........

Breakfast:

Spray small skillet with cooking spray. Heat pan on high for 30 seconds or so. Add one third cup egg whites to pan. Lay 3-4 slices of zucchini OR yellow squash OR 4-5 strips of yellow peppers on one side of the whites. Top that with chopped onion. I use lots of onion (about quarter cup). I'm an onion freak. Then add quarter cup low fat shredded mozzarella cheese. Sea salt & pepper to taste. Reduce heat to low. Cover w/lid & cook till done.

Along with this omelet, I have one slice whole-wheat toast with spray butter & half cup fruit (strawberries or cantaloupe are my favorites). I also have a cup of coffee with fat free creamer & 1 packet sweetener (this is the only artificial sweetener I will have for the day otherwise I crave sweets!). VERY filling breakfast & great way to jump start my day. This takes about 5-8 minutes TOPS!!

Snack:

Piece of fruit with string cheese OR palm full of almonds. I can also choose HALF of any one of the 5(or should I say 4? I didn't care for one) smoothie (from the magazine I picked up) OR a FULL serving of the "Get-Lean Green Smoothie".

Lunch:

I always choose one of the smoothies (again, from the magazine). When choosing one of these smoothies, as a meal, I can have a whole smoothie. I usually choose either the "Smartypants Smoothie", "Fatigue-Fighting Protein Blaster" OR "Get-Glowing Smoothie" for lunch. However, if I choose the "Get-Lean Green Smoothie", it recommends eating it with one piece string cheese AND 5 whole-grain crackers.

"Get-Glowing Smoothie"

"Smartypants Smoothie"

Snack:

Again, I have a choice of one of the snacks listed above OR I also like having two tablespoons of hummus with veggies (carrots are my favorite). The hummus and veggie really help me power through till dinner time!!

Dinner:

I'll usually choose to eat a smaller portion of whatever I fixed for the family. Whether it's tacos, spaghetti, etc. I eat it (if I really want it!!!) I can also choose to have another smoothie (which I did 3 times last week). Again, following the rules stated above in "Lunch". I tend to have the "Get-Lean Green Smoothie" with dinner since I can have the piece of cheese & crackers as well. That makes it feel like I'm eating a "meal" with the family!!! I've also done some of the other suggestions from the magazine. Such as, three ounces of a lean protein, one cup veggies sauteed in half tablespoon olive oil and half cup brown rice or whole-grain pasta. 

"Get-Lean Green Smoothie"

And again, another snack!!!!

Each smoothie takes me less than 5 minutes to whip up. EASY as 1-2-3 blend!! If I can do it (with 3 small kids running around), YOU can do it!!! 

Hungry for those smoothies?? Recipes to follow.......

These smoothies and some of the ideas are taken from the August 2011 "Woman's World" magazine. I do not own the rights to them. I am only re-printing the smoothies and some of the ideas for educational purposes.

AJB2Me Weight Loss Record

Welcome to my Weekly Weight Loss Record. A way for me to track my progress & share my efforts with you!! Today is your first view of my WWLR, however, I waited 4 weeks to share my results, allowing myself "private" time. This posting was created as part of my "A Journey Back to Me" post.

Date 7/24/2011, a Sunday (Start Day)

• I had my yearly visit with my endocrinologist on 7/12/2011. I had gained 16# since my last visit. Not good. I left feeling very depressed but feeling motivated. What a wake up call.
• 197.6# taken @ 9:51 AM
• My overall mental state: Anxious & Nervous, yet Excited!
• My overall (self-diagnosed) physical state: Poor
• My ideal weight: Undetermined (doctor chart recommends between 117-145#)
• My goal: To live an overall healthier lifestyle, free of any and all regrets

Without further ado, I present to you, with much regret (I cringe at the site of these pictures), my before shots. Taken by yours truly.



You're really going to have to ignore the mess. It's the girls' playroom after all....
Oh and don't forget the lovely photo quality. It is what it is....



At least this pic has a cute factor, thanks to RD!
See that 5mo pregnant looking belly I have? ugh!! be gone!

Today is 7/29/2011, a Friday, Day 6.

I didn't get started on any good eating regimen the first two days & I half-hearted it again on the third day. By the 4th day I was in full swing of things & feeling really good about it. I'm trying a new program. I guess I'll call it that?

While standing in line at the grocery store, the day after I started this post, I spotted an advertisement on the front of a magazine. "Dr. Oz shakes off the weight!" It also said, "Lose 9 lbs a week". I didn't pick it up because of the 9 lbs a week thing. No, that is too good to be true. Any sane person knows that. But I did pick it up because I love smoothies. Mix that with the fact it was a magazine & well you get: Smoothie + Magazine = LOVE.

I have to say, so far so good. Loving the "plan". Feeling full & energized. Seeing results. All that makes this "Hot Mom" happy!!!

Date 7/31/2011, a Sunday (the end of week 1)

• 194.2# taken @ 5:30 AM (down 3.4#)
• I'm still feeling really good, satisfied & excited w/my plans
• I've yet to start any type of exercise plan

Today is 8/4/2011, a Thursday

Yesterday was a rough day for me. I found myself wanting to eat junk. Maybe it's stress, boredom, or both? I do not know. Today I weighed, something I said I would not do except on weigh day, & was slightly disappointed to see I'd gained a pound. Weighing daily is something I need to overcome. I find that it makes me dwell too much on the task at hand. Dwelling makes me wanna give up. I've also noticed if I increase my intake of "sugar free" drinks or artificial sweetener, I end up craving more sweets. Hmmmm? Time to really get them out of my life once & for all?......Moving on. Here's to a better week!! :)

Date 8/7/2011, a Sunday (the end of week 2)

• 194.0 taken @ 6:15 AM (down .2# that's POINT 2 ugh; 3.6# total)
• Feeling really bummed

If I'm being really honest w/myself, this week was a total fail on my part. I felt hungry & gave in to a lot of temptations. I guess I should actually be saying YAHOO, I DIDN'T GAIN. But no, I'm felling frustrated instead. I had a stressful week & I know I'm an emotional eater, so I need to find a different way to channel my stress. I also need to NOT skip my snacks which will help me stay in control & fell less hungry. New day. Goal for the week: Hit 190#, can it be done??

Date 8/14/2011, a Sunday (the end of week 3)

• 192.6# taken @ 6:30 AM (down 1.4#, 5# total)
• I'm feeling slightly frustrated w/the rate the weight is coming off 

CONFESSION: I was feeling so let down by the scale that I swore it was broken. I went & picked a new one up midweek. The trusty new scale said I was down 3# more than lying old scale. But I decided to wait till the morning to get a better idea how to gauge my loss. I reweigh in morning. Both scales are exactly the same. They must have gotten together during the night. I weigh again in the middle of the afternoon. Lying new scale says I'm 1# heavier than the trusty old scale. (did you note the switch?) Hmpf. Yep, they got together. Trusty old scale didn't wanna lose his job because he's been weighing me lower then the waste-of-money new scale ever since.

I guess the scale is just a number. At least that's what I'm telling myself. I feel more energetic. I can see & feel a difference in my clothing. My hubby has complimented me. He makes it sound like I'm 100# lighter. Gotta love him for that. I didn't eat 100% to plan all week. But I've decided to do a "Live-it", as my sister would call it, instead of the dreaded diet. I went off plan twice. Once for the not-so-yummy McD (girls' choice) & once for homemade tacos. So with that said, I'm thankful for a 1.4# loss.....didn't hit 190# but that's this weeks goal, along with more water intake & less scale checks.

Today is 8/20/2011, a Saturday

The final countdown (are you singing now?)...........tomorrow is weigh day & the end of my 4 week posting "hold". I'm feeling good about this week. I chose a major "Live-it" attitude this week. Here's what I'm proud of:

1. I chose to have a smore & margarita (do these go together?) @ a bonfire/family get together earlier in the week (totally Livin-it). To make up for that, I had 2 smoothies a day for 2 days, instead of 2 meals & a smoothie. Believe me that was tough!! Especially the night I made chili dogs for everyone but me!
2. I got in a 2 mile walk this week (Thank you, hubby). While 2 miles may not sound like much, it's a lot for me. I've been very sedentary for far too long. Gotta start somewhere.
3. I went out for dinner with family last night. We went Mexican!! I chose NOT to eat the complimentary chips & dip. I chose a dish I love & chose NOT to eat every last bite. AND @ my sister's house after, I chose to forgo cake & ice cream, but I did enjoy a Kit Kat snack size bar instead. (total Live-it again!!)

HOWEVER, only time will tell if my (somewhat) smarter choices paid off. Bring on tomorrow!!

Date 8/21/2011, a Sunday (end of week 4)

• 190.8# taken @ 7:15 AM (down 1.8#, 6.8# total)
• I am on cloud 9 right now!!!

Looks like it paid off! Yahoo!! Did I mention anywhere that the 5 month preggo looking belly is starting to shrink?? Oh yeah!!! I attribute that to the "ab flab targeting" smoothies!!! I didn't quite make my goal of 190# but I know I will next week for sure & I still have a big ole cheese on my face!! This was a super fantastic week for me. LIVE-IT!!!!!!!!! 

Today is 8/22/2011, a Monday

I decided last minute to have my hubby snap a few pics of me. I'm thinking of doing this every 4 weeks. I can't really tell a difference in these photos, but maybe looking back they'll inspire me. What do you think? Every 4 weeks too often?

"The Hot Mom's Handbook" Review

For me, the beginning of the book seems chalk full of nothing more than common sense. However, after giving it a chance, I found myself really relating to the other women, mothers like yours truly. In my opinion, one of the best things about this book was this overall feeling of unity. Though I have never met a single mom in here, I knew they had dealt with and conquered one of the biggest issues we moms face. Guilt. Guilt will suck the "real" women, you are, right out of you.

Toward the middle of the book, I was feeling rather bored. I was actually forcing myself to read. It was jam packed with websites to check out, which would be great IF I had the dough to spend on any of these fancy little sites. I do have to hand it to her though, she included a "Baby on a Budget" section for almost every topic she covered. However, toward the end of all the suggestions, I felt less connected to the women in the book. A complete turn around from the feeling, of unity, I had in the beginning.

I could not bring myself to finish this book. I made it through 3/4's of the way. I'm sure my lack of interest in these types of books had a lot to do with. So was it worth the read? For me, YES & NO. Let me explain. Yes, due to the advice: "let go of the guilt". That made me snap out of the rut I'd put myself in. I also gained a few helpful (& cheap) skin/beauty care tips. No, due to my feeling this book was geared toward a much "richer" audience than I.

What I did love......

The "in your face" way Jessica, plain & simply, said "Hot Mom loves herself and her family but doesn't get consumed by the madness of motherhood."
We've all been there, right? I have. I've been in the "madness" for 3 years. I still had a sense of self when RD was born but was "consumed" during my pregnancy with Gala and I've never gotten it back.

This little insight: "Carl Jung believed our lives need meaning and purpose. He felt that if we don't have meaning and purpose, we acquire bad habits in order to create drama and excitement. Jung called these patterns "low-level spiritual quests."
Oh boy! What a smack in the face?! I can see that in myself, as well as, those around me. This was, for me, just another reminder I need to get to the business of finding my purpose.

And a quote: "Ultimately, children learn by example. They do what they see." -Lauren Holly
Two little sentences. So simple, right? I've heard this before, but why did these words strike me now? Easy. All the sudden, as if it hit me upside the head, I realized the less I take care of me, value me, the less the girls will value themselves. And I will not be the reason they feel less than worthy or beautiful.....

A Journey Back to Me (AJB2Me)

Reality has hit me. Try as I may, I will never be the perfect mom. Now you might be thinking, "how could she ever expect to be perfect? No one is perfect." And I'll say in reply, yes, I know that. But it doesn't stop any one of us from striving for that exact thing, does it? For that matter, it doesn't stop us from competing with one another either.

As most of us are well aware, every mother (or most) wants to live up the illusion of "perfect mom". For me, the not so simple task of it all leaves me feeling less than great about myself. I spend a great deal of time feeling guilty & the rest of the time on edge. Two things that wear on the whole house after too long. I'm also aware that I will never be the perfect wife, daughter, sister or friend. That is, unless I change my way of thinking....

It's a good thing that I ran across the "Playdate My Family" article in the August 2011 "Parenting Early Years" magazine. Why? Well, it has a small profile on Jessica Denay. "Parenting" describes her as, mother of an 11-year old boy & author of "The Hot Mom's Handbook". And this little profile was just enough to entice me. I started looking into her book & browsed the "The Hot Mom's Club" website. I liked what I saw & much to my surprise, my public library had a copy of the book!! I've just gotten started on it. I plan to give you a full review when I'm finished!!

But one thing I've already learned......If I'm always allowing myself to "self hate", I'm never going to be great at anything. Half-hearted, maybe, but never great. And once this reality sank in, I decided to start a little chain of change. As many of us mothers know, our sense of self is thrown out the door once we become moms.......

I've decided today is the day to give back.........to myself. I have spent far too long trying to be the perfect everything. I am taking a stand. I now understand that I cannot be any of those things if I can't be me. So what makes me, me? Oh my, that may be hard. I haven't spent any quality time thinking about this in years. Instead I've spent my time solely worrying about what is good for everyone else.

Now, at first glance, I know some of you'll think I've gone a little too far. You'll think I've decided to throw out my "responsibilities" as wife, mother, daughter, etc. You may even call me selfish. But that's far from what I'm doing. As I'd like to point out, "The Hot Mom's Handbook" has given me permission to let go of the guilt. And frankly, that's good enough for me!!

As I've said, I'm only trying to find the little things in life that make me, well, me. So, what sets my soul free? What do I miss most pre-kids?

Sometimes it's little things like bathing daily (What?? That can be a rarity as a stay-at-home mom!!) or sexy panties....(Go ahead, laugh. I bet I'm not the only one who misses them) As the book has reminded me, no one ever said you had to give up feeling sexy or caring what you look like to be a good mom, did they?

It's also the big things like a few moments to myself. Heck, even using the bathroom w/o an audience would be a awesome! Or just loading up & going somewhere at the drop of a hat. Yeah, I miss that. Of course that one will be harder to manage. But maybe it's time to look into a good sitter?

So, raise your glass & join me in a new little series, I'd like to call, A Journey Back to Me.....