It's summer.
But I know you already know that.
Summer is that time of year where people relax, take vacations, and enjoy the weather.
I did all of the above - I didn't go anywhere this year - we usually just stick around town and have our "staycation" and go to movies and hang out with friends. The last couple of summers, I have been very rigid with myself when it comes to my exericise regime and my eating habits.
This year...not so much.
I wanted to relax more - which apparently I needed to do. I got out with friends and went to a few movies. But I also cut back on my exercise and pretty much ate what I wanted.
And yeah...I've gained a little bit of weight. But you know what? Oh well.
This time around, I'm not going to freak out about it. I have worked really freaking hard lately and I know I will lose the weight again. I fell off the wagon, but have gotten back on. Shit happens...and I'm dealing with it. I wanted to have fun this summer and I did...my routine fell out the window - my fitness classes at the YMCA ended for the summer and I was on my own - or I felt that way...and that's okay. I know how to kick my own ass when I need to.
Onto more positive things...I got a new job! It's the Administrative Assistant position in the same department where I am presently. It's a step up and I am so happy about it. I am happy that I get to stay working with the same great group that I currently work with. I am hoping to start it near the end of September, but that will be dependant on how the training goes with the person that takes over my present position.
So that's my summer so far in a nutshell...lots of relaxing, laughing, and just having fun - something I just haven't done in a LONG TIME...oh ya...and a new job to look forward to!
In case you are wondering...yes I am back to my routine...eating clean (well most of the time) and exercising 5-6 times a week.
Onwards and upwards!
K
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Yoga...it's Important!
It's been a while since I've been here. I actually had a co-worker come up to me this week and inquire as to why I haven't blogged in a long time. Life has just been busy...I've been on holidays and to tell the truth, I haven't MADE time to blog. But I'm back now, so it's all good!
I love Yoga. Unfortunately, I haven't been to a yoga class in a long time. For some reason, I have put it on the back burner and it's pretty much nonexistent in my life right now. I used to go every Sunday. Now, if I am lucky, I go once every couple of months or so. I think it has to do with the fact that I was looking for a new studio. I found one in Lake Bonavista just over a month ago - and I've been once. When I was going every Sunday, I felt great and my joints felt awesome. I guess I thought that slacking off in the yoga department would be okay...and I was wrong.
Ben came to town last week and we worked out. We started off doing some Good Mornings on the squat rack...by the time I was finished my second set, my hamstrings were in spasm. I tried to just shrug it off and shake it out and thought really nothing of it. Then he put me on the glute/ham machine - and proceeded to do three sets on that. He put me through a full leg workout, complete with a few sets of deadlifts and by the end of it, I felt not too bad...even the next day, my legs and knees felt great - I was doing stairs like a normal person and walking normally. Then the second day came...and I could hardly walk. My knees were in agony and I was almost in tears. My hamstrings felt like big rocks on the back of my legs. I couldn't understand why there was so much pain. I stayed away from my legs during my Saturday morning workout and just concentrated on my upper body. While I was doing my cool down and stretch, I worked a bit on my hamstrings...that's when I realized what I had done. I had worked my hamstrings so much and due to the lack of my yoga classes, it opened me up to some obvious injury. They were in spasm and I had a hard time just doing the simplest of stretches. So...off to the doctor on Monday I went. He examined me and determined that I had bruised my right hamstring - didn't do too bad of damage, but stressed to me that I really should be doing more yoga and stretching. I couldn't agree with him more. I know what I need to do and I will do it...starting this Sunday morning, I'm going to go back to doing my yoga once a week. That should heal things up and help me out.
Speaking of doctors...I fired my doctor this week and started seeing my new one. I was getting fed up with the lack of care and total disregard for my health. I would wait upwards of 2-3 hours - and that's with an appointment. I think the breaking point for me was the fact that he spend a total of TEN minutes with me for a physical. A physical!! WTF!?! Anyway - I was very happy to meet my new doctor and get the show on the road. He seems genuinely interested in helping me work towards my goals and he was super interested when I talked to him about my lap-band and my weight loss efforts so far. He's young (32 in fact) and very with the times. I was very lucky to find this new doctor and the fact that he took me on knowing I was unhappy with my current doctor was great. He also stressed to me how important yoga is to do on a weekly basis as least - especially with someone like me that works out as much as I do.
So there we are...life is good! Just can't forget my yoga classes anymore. It's so vital and so important!!
I love Yoga. Unfortunately, I haven't been to a yoga class in a long time. For some reason, I have put it on the back burner and it's pretty much nonexistent in my life right now. I used to go every Sunday. Now, if I am lucky, I go once every couple of months or so. I think it has to do with the fact that I was looking for a new studio. I found one in Lake Bonavista just over a month ago - and I've been once. When I was going every Sunday, I felt great and my joints felt awesome. I guess I thought that slacking off in the yoga department would be okay...and I was wrong.
Ben came to town last week and we worked out. We started off doing some Good Mornings on the squat rack...by the time I was finished my second set, my hamstrings were in spasm. I tried to just shrug it off and shake it out and thought really nothing of it. Then he put me on the glute/ham machine - and proceeded to do three sets on that. He put me through a full leg workout, complete with a few sets of deadlifts and by the end of it, I felt not too bad...even the next day, my legs and knees felt great - I was doing stairs like a normal person and walking normally. Then the second day came...and I could hardly walk. My knees were in agony and I was almost in tears. My hamstrings felt like big rocks on the back of my legs. I couldn't understand why there was so much pain. I stayed away from my legs during my Saturday morning workout and just concentrated on my upper body. While I was doing my cool down and stretch, I worked a bit on my hamstrings...that's when I realized what I had done. I had worked my hamstrings so much and due to the lack of my yoga classes, it opened me up to some obvious injury. They were in spasm and I had a hard time just doing the simplest of stretches. So...off to the doctor on Monday I went. He examined me and determined that I had bruised my right hamstring - didn't do too bad of damage, but stressed to me that I really should be doing more yoga and stretching. I couldn't agree with him more. I know what I need to do and I will do it...starting this Sunday morning, I'm going to go back to doing my yoga once a week. That should heal things up and help me out.
Speaking of doctors...I fired my doctor this week and started seeing my new one. I was getting fed up with the lack of care and total disregard for my health. I would wait upwards of 2-3 hours - and that's with an appointment. I think the breaking point for me was the fact that he spend a total of TEN minutes with me for a physical. A physical!! WTF!?! Anyway - I was very happy to meet my new doctor and get the show on the road. He seems genuinely interested in helping me work towards my goals and he was super interested when I talked to him about my lap-band and my weight loss efforts so far. He's young (32 in fact) and very with the times. I was very lucky to find this new doctor and the fact that he took me on knowing I was unhappy with my current doctor was great. He also stressed to me how important yoga is to do on a weekly basis as least - especially with someone like me that works out as much as I do.
So there we are...life is good! Just can't forget my yoga classes anymore. It's so vital and so important!!
Monday, June 25, 2012
A New Goal
When I started my Journey over three years ago, Ben (my trainer) and I sat down and wrote down some goals that I wanted to achieve. We talked about how I wanted to be healthier and thinner, and we talked about how I wanted to be happy. While I have worked extremely hard at achieving these, they will always be an ongoing work in progress.
I have set a new goal for myself. I don't want to obsess about my weight anymore. To be honest...it's really getting to me. I will lose 10 pounds, then I'm up three...then I will lose three and be up two...
Get my drift?
Back in the fall of 2009, Ben introduced me to deadlifting. It was by far one of the exercises/drills he would have me do, and to be honest, I ROCKED at it. I ended up lifting as heavy as 265 lbs. My goal at that time was 300 lbs, but I never did it. I let my head crap get the best of me. Ben told me back then that he felt I could compete if I wanted to. At that point in my journey, I had so much garbage going on in my head - that I decided I couldn't do it. I had an obstacle in front of me - telling me that I couldn't do it. The obstacle was myself. So...I let it all go - decided I couldn't do it anymore and just tried to forget about it.
Until this past Saturday. Brian and I were at the YMCA working out and I decided I wanted to try to deadlift again. I have deadlifted from time to time since 2009, but have never really taken it seriously. Saturday, for some reason, I did. I did sets of five, each time going heavier and heavier. Then when I was taking a break, I looked to my left and saw this woman doing the exact same thing I was doing...I watched her out of the corner of my eye - she was doing snatches and cleans with heavy weight - I was amazed...we both looked at each other at the same time and so I complimented her. She came up to me and we started talking - I told her I had lifted as heavy as 265 lbs - and that I was wanting to work towards that again. She told me that I should be competing, if I wanted to lift that heavy. She told me I had great form and all I needed were some minor tweaks and to work on my breathing techniques. That's when she told me she had been a Women's Olympic Weight Lifting Coach. She gave me her name - which is Lynn - and she gave me her number and email address. The we went for a walk around the track and she gave me a "pep talk." She said if I needed ANY help at all, that she would help me get into competition "mode." We also talked a little bit about diet and things like that. I have already sent her an email and hope to hear back from her soon.
I now feel I have the confidence to do this. I want to be healthier and more fit of course, but I also want to be stronger than I ever had been in my life - and I am well on my way. I know with the proper coaching, and perseverance and hard work on my part, I can do it. I've always had the outer strength to do this - now I need to work harder on my inner strength!
I'm excited...I have a new goal to work towards...Weightlifting competition...HERE I COME!
I have set a new goal for myself. I don't want to obsess about my weight anymore. To be honest...it's really getting to me. I will lose 10 pounds, then I'm up three...then I will lose three and be up two...
Get my drift?
Back in the fall of 2009, Ben introduced me to deadlifting. It was by far one of the exercises/drills he would have me do, and to be honest, I ROCKED at it. I ended up lifting as heavy as 265 lbs. My goal at that time was 300 lbs, but I never did it. I let my head crap get the best of me. Ben told me back then that he felt I could compete if I wanted to. At that point in my journey, I had so much garbage going on in my head - that I decided I couldn't do it. I had an obstacle in front of me - telling me that I couldn't do it. The obstacle was myself. So...I let it all go - decided I couldn't do it anymore and just tried to forget about it.
Until this past Saturday. Brian and I were at the YMCA working out and I decided I wanted to try to deadlift again. I have deadlifted from time to time since 2009, but have never really taken it seriously. Saturday, for some reason, I did. I did sets of five, each time going heavier and heavier. Then when I was taking a break, I looked to my left and saw this woman doing the exact same thing I was doing...I watched her out of the corner of my eye - she was doing snatches and cleans with heavy weight - I was amazed...we both looked at each other at the same time and so I complimented her. She came up to me and we started talking - I told her I had lifted as heavy as 265 lbs - and that I was wanting to work towards that again. She told me that I should be competing, if I wanted to lift that heavy. She told me I had great form and all I needed were some minor tweaks and to work on my breathing techniques. That's when she told me she had been a Women's Olympic Weight Lifting Coach. She gave me her name - which is Lynn - and she gave me her number and email address. The we went for a walk around the track and she gave me a "pep talk." She said if I needed ANY help at all, that she would help me get into competition "mode." We also talked a little bit about diet and things like that. I have already sent her an email and hope to hear back from her soon.
I now feel I have the confidence to do this. I want to be healthier and more fit of course, but I also want to be stronger than I ever had been in my life - and I am well on my way. I know with the proper coaching, and perseverance and hard work on my part, I can do it. I've always had the outer strength to do this - now I need to work harder on my inner strength!
I'm excited...I have a new goal to work towards...Weightlifting competition...HERE I COME!
Friday, June 8, 2012
Finding Balance...
I love my therapist. Plain and simple. She gets me. We had a great session on Tuesday - we mostly talked about my sleeping habits - which are slowly getting better btw - but a lot of the session we talked about finding balance in my life. For the last three years, it's been almost all about my exercise and eating plan. I haven't really had a lot of time to do other things that make me happy. This may sound silly, but I used to get anxious when I couldn't work out - I was worried I was going to get fatter again. We discussed how I can still be dedicated to my lifestyle, but STILL have a life. I have started to change things up a bit with my exercise program - I've been doing more strength training and I feel pretty good. I still stick to my cardio three times a week, because it's important. I'm also trying out the new yoga class which I've been meaning to go to, but haven't found a gap in my schedule. This Sunday I will be doing that. So, the point to all of this, is to find a happy-medium - to be happy with what I'm doing - and to have fun. This will be a work in progress!
On Tuesday, I celebrated my 3 year "Healthy Birthday." Three years ago, I walked into Alive Personal Training - not knowing what to expect - I was scared, mad, sad and out of control. I am so glad I made the decision to get healthy. Through all of that, I was selected to receive my lap-band. It's been such a whirlwind for me, but I'm happy. Here is How It All Began!
So if you are someone who is just interested in starting out on a Weight Loss Journey, kudos to you! Just remember, it's a life-long journey...there is no end point. Take each day as it comes and don't look back!
K
On Tuesday, I celebrated my 3 year "Healthy Birthday." Three years ago, I walked into Alive Personal Training - not knowing what to expect - I was scared, mad, sad and out of control. I am so glad I made the decision to get healthy. Through all of that, I was selected to receive my lap-band. It's been such a whirlwind for me, but I'm happy. Here is How It All Began!
So if you are someone who is just interested in starting out on a Weight Loss Journey, kudos to you! Just remember, it's a life-long journey...there is no end point. Take each day as it comes and don't look back!
K
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Slip Slidin' Away...
OOPS! I did it.
Last week, I went on a three day bender....with sugar...my kryptonite.
But the positive thing, was that I snapped out of it in time so that I didn't do any MAJOR damage. The worst thing was that I physically felt like a big bag of shit.
The most important thing we all need to realize is that we are human, and we will slip up from time to time. Everybody does...and if they say they don't...they are LYING!
I've gotten back into eating super clean, and I feel good. Other than my sleep schedule being a tad screwed up, I'm doing great. Last week I really tried hard to put my sleep therapist's advice into reality. Out of the 6 days so far since seeing her, I have done what I've been told for four of them. We also discussed the fact that my body is still trying to adjust to having no Seroquel - yes believe it or not, that bad boy can stay in your system for up to a year! So if I don't sleep from time to time...no biggie.
Brian has been helping me out a lot with my lunches that I take to work. Here is an awesome salad he made me the other day. It's got quinoa, cous cous, chick peas and veggies in it. I couldn't even get through half of it because it was so filling!
I've also been incorporating sweet potatoes into my diet. And...have been wheat free for...drumroll please...FOUR DAYS! Yeah I know - it's not very long...but for me, it's eternity! I don't feel much of a difference yet, but I'm sure I will be reaping the benefits pretty soon!
I also had a great week fitness-wise. When I started my workout on Thursday evening last week, I walked by a bin that was sitting over by the spin bikes...I looked in the bin and lo and behold this is what I found!!
Last week, I went on a three day bender....with sugar...my kryptonite.
But the positive thing, was that I snapped out of it in time so that I didn't do any MAJOR damage. The worst thing was that I physically felt like a big bag of shit.
The most important thing we all need to realize is that we are human, and we will slip up from time to time. Everybody does...and if they say they don't...they are LYING!
I've gotten back into eating super clean, and I feel good. Other than my sleep schedule being a tad screwed up, I'm doing great. Last week I really tried hard to put my sleep therapist's advice into reality. Out of the 6 days so far since seeing her, I have done what I've been told for four of them. We also discussed the fact that my body is still trying to adjust to having no Seroquel - yes believe it or not, that bad boy can stay in your system for up to a year! So if I don't sleep from time to time...no biggie.
Brian has been helping me out a lot with my lunches that I take to work. Here is an awesome salad he made me the other day. It's got quinoa, cous cous, chick peas and veggies in it. I couldn't even get through half of it because it was so filling!
I've also been incorporating sweet potatoes into my diet. And...have been wheat free for...drumroll please...FOUR DAYS! Yeah I know - it's not very long...but for me, it's eternity! I don't feel much of a difference yet, but I'm sure I will be reaping the benefits pretty soon!
I also had a great week fitness-wise. When I started my workout on Thursday evening last week, I walked by a bin that was sitting over by the spin bikes...I looked in the bin and lo and behold this is what I found!!
For those of you that don't know what this is, it's a TRX. It's used for full body weight suspension training. It's amazing what you can do with one of these babies. I hadn't used a TRX in about 7 months, so I was definitely excited to pull it out and set it up and get working out on it. I spent a good 30-40 minutes, re-acquainting myself with it. I showed it to Jeanette two days later and she quite liked it too. I am defintely going to add this into my workout program!
So...for the next week...my three goals are:
1. Continue eating clean.
2. Don't stress about the sleep issue
3. Check out this new yoga studio in Lake Bonavista. It's a Iyengar Yoga Studio - my therapist recommended it. My joints sure could use it!
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
96...
Yup! The title is correct! As of this past Friday, I am down 96 lbs! I'm so close to 100lbs down that I can taste it. I'm so freakin excited, that every time I think about it, I just smile from ear to ear. I've been working really hard - on both my nutrition and my exercise so it all makes sense.
I wish I could just round it up...lol But then that would be cheating right? ;-P
On a different subject - those of you who do not know - we lost a member of our pet family last week. My beautiful leo gecko passed away peacefully last Wednesday morning. I had her for 10 years and she was such a neat pet. I will miss her greatly - I still find myself feeling a bit sad when I come home and see her empty tank. It's always hard to let a pet go...but I keep telling myself - that nothing lives forever...and that she is at peace.
I saw my therapist yesterday. She invited a "Sleep Psychologist" to my session. She had a lot of great ideas about ways that I can help deal with my chronic insomnia issues. One of them was trying to not fall asleep in front of the TV - and to just head up to bed as soon as I feel tired. Well I did just that last night and it worked! I slept right through to Brian's alarm. We also had a chance to talk about my sleep medications - which I am very proud to say I'm only on ONE now...NO MORE SEROQUEL!! As of the 20th of this month, I will have been off it for a full 30 days. I still take the Trazadone, but was told that it's okay.
I've also been making large changes with my nutrition - I've been really cutting back hard on the wheat in my diet and have been noticing the benefits of that. I've been looking into the Paleo Diet and the Primal Diet - both of which intrigue me. I have been leaning a little more towards the Primal as it allows certain types of dairy - i.e. cheese, natural yogurt etc. While I don't eat a heck of a lot of cheese, I do eat my share of yogurt. There are so many things to think about - whatever I do decide to do, I will make sure I do it slowly!
I'm feeling stronger and more in control of my life...and I LOVE it!
I wish I could just round it up...lol But then that would be cheating right? ;-P
On a different subject - those of you who do not know - we lost a member of our pet family last week. My beautiful leo gecko passed away peacefully last Wednesday morning. I had her for 10 years and she was such a neat pet. I will miss her greatly - I still find myself feeling a bit sad when I come home and see her empty tank. It's always hard to let a pet go...but I keep telling myself - that nothing lives forever...and that she is at peace.
I saw my therapist yesterday. She invited a "Sleep Psychologist" to my session. She had a lot of great ideas about ways that I can help deal with my chronic insomnia issues. One of them was trying to not fall asleep in front of the TV - and to just head up to bed as soon as I feel tired. Well I did just that last night and it worked! I slept right through to Brian's alarm. We also had a chance to talk about my sleep medications - which I am very proud to say I'm only on ONE now...NO MORE SEROQUEL!! As of the 20th of this month, I will have been off it for a full 30 days. I still take the Trazadone, but was told that it's okay.
I've also been making large changes with my nutrition - I've been really cutting back hard on the wheat in my diet and have been noticing the benefits of that. I've been looking into the Paleo Diet and the Primal Diet - both of which intrigue me. I have been leaning a little more towards the Primal as it allows certain types of dairy - i.e. cheese, natural yogurt etc. While I don't eat a heck of a lot of cheese, I do eat my share of yogurt. There are so many things to think about - whatever I do decide to do, I will make sure I do it slowly!
I'm feeling stronger and more in control of my life...and I LOVE it!
Sunday, May 6, 2012
I Used To Be...Now I Am...And I WIll Be!
I USED TO BE just a person that would try the gym out once in January when all of the other "resolutioners" would attend.
NOW I AM a regular gym goer - I go at least 5-6 times a week.
AND I WILL continue with this regular routine and continue to motivate people by example.
I USED TO BE a quiet introvert, who stayed home as much as I could...
NOW I AM an extrovert most times who is like a social butterfly upon leaving her cocoon.
AND I WILL BE a strong, forthright individual, whom is not afraid to face the world.
I USED TO BE a tired, depressed girl who would flop on the couch when I got home from work, and watch TV and stuff my face.
NOW I AM a girl who never sits still.
AND I WILL BE a girl who will be able to balance BOTH work (fitness) and play into my life.
I USED TO BE a girl who ate garbage and my cupboards prooved it.
NOW I AM proud to have nutritious, wholesome foods in my house.
AND I WILL BE able to continue to make the same good food choices and feel good about it.
I USED TO BE an agreeable sort and never disagree with anyone...
NOW I AM a person who stands up for what I believe is right for me and for the good of others.
AND I WILL BE one to continue to do so.
I USED TO BE invisible....
Now I AM very visible.
AND I WILL BE visible and comfortable in my new body.
I USED TO BE a person who walked hunched and never made eye contact...
NOW I AM an individual who walks with confidence, head up, shoulders back and eye contact with a smile.
AND I WILL BE one who continues to do so.
I USED TO BE a person others scorned or ridiculed...
NOW I AM someone that others respect.
AND WILL BE someone others admire.
I USED TO BE an object of pity...
NOW I AM that no more.
AND I WILL BE never again.
I USED TO BE someone who would buy clothes to hide my body behind...
NOW I AM someone who doesn't mind shopping for new clothes for myself.
AND WILL BE someone who buys clothes that actually fit.
I USED TO BE classified as morbidly obese...
NOW I AM just obese.
AND I WILL BE a normal healthy weight and BMI.
I USED TO BE a size 32
NOW I AM a size 18-20
AND I WILL BE a size 16 very soon.
I USED TO BE 360 lbs.
NOW I AM lbs. 269 lbs
AND I WILL BE 170 lbs.
I USED TO BE someone with a blood pressure of 160/100
NOW I AM someone with a blood pressure of 120/68
AND I WILL BE someone continuing to be successful at keeping my blood pressure down.
I USED TO BE a person who never stopped eating...
NOW I AM a person who stops before she is full.
AND I WILL BE a person who only eats for fuel not pleasure.
I USED TO BE someone I hated.
NOW I AM becoming someone I like.
AND I WILL BE someone whom I love.
I USED TO BE someone who only dreamed of reaching for her goals...
NOW I AM someone who has achieved her goals and created new ones.
AND I WILL BE someone who reaches the stars to become one herself.
WHO DID YOU USE TO BE? WHO ARE YOU NOW? AND WHO WILL YOU BE?
Thank you for your inspiration Angela! You continue to inspire me EVERY DAY!
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