Friday Progress Report (Week 11)

One more week down and more progress has been made.  I'm beginning to feel like the incredible shrinking woman!  I did not lose any weight this week, but I still lost another half-inch from my waist and so I'm happy with that!

On another note, my dad has lost OVER 100 POUNDS through TSFL in just over three months!  It's absolutely amazing and I'm so proud of him for sticking to it.  My mom is making great progress too with over 40 pounds lost in just over two months.  I'm so happy they are getting healthy and I can hopefully have more years to enjoy having them around.  I was beginning to worry that I would lose them at a young age. 

Sometime this week, I will try to post some pictures for those of you interested in progress photos. (Of myself and my parents - if I can manage that.) 

Just a reminder, if you are interested in trying out Take Shape for Life / Medifast and would like me to be your coach, please check out http://wipmama.tsfl.com/ or email me at wipmama@gmail.com

Anyway, here's where I stand:   

Height: 5'4.5

Weight: 157.4 (Started at: 179.8, Last week: 157.4)

• Loss this week =  0 pounds
• Total loss = 22.4 pounds 

  Bust: 39" (Started at: 43", Last week: 39")

• Loss this week =  0"
• Total loss = 4" 

Upper Arms: 12" (Started at: 13.5", Last week: 12")

• Loss this week =  0"
• Total loss = 1.5"

Waist: 34" (Started at: 42", Last week: 34.5")

• Loss this week =  0.5"
• Total loss = 8"  (This is absolutely stunning to me...I cannot believe I have lost EIGHT INCHES off of my waist in just a couple of months. I feel so much smaller, much more confident in my clothes!  My favorite I love that a mushroom top doesn't develop when I sit down.  :)  My husband finally took notice too - "Wow, you really are looking so much smaller."  My heart soared.) 

Hips: 39.5" (Started at: 42.5", Last week: 40")

• Loss this week = 0.5"
• Total loss = 2.5"

Thighs: 22" (Started at: 25", Last week: 22.25")

• Loss this week = 0.25"
• Total loss = 3"

BMI: 26.6 (Started at 30.4, Last week: 26.6)

• Loss this week = 0 points
• Total loss = 3.8 points

How am I progressing at my goals?

1. Goal weight is 135.  I have lost 22.4 of the 44.8 pounds I need to lose.  Exactly halfway done!  :)

2. Have a BMI below 25.  Lost 3.8 of the 5.4 points I need to lose.  70% done!

3. Have a body fat percentage below 24%.  I started at an estimated 42% and am now down to 33%.  Lost 9% of 18% I need to lose.  50% done!

 4. To be physically fit.   Okay, I still haven't gotten my rear in gear in this department.  I really need to find some activity (besides chasing toddlers) and prioritize it into my schedule.  I have a bad habit of starting a workout routine and being good for a few days or even a week or two and then falling off the wagon.  

5. To feel comfortable in my clothes.  This is such a great improvement. 

6. To look decent in a swimsuit and lingerie. This is getting so much better!  Obviously I'm not there yet, but I'm definitely on my way. 

7. To have enough energy/stamina to play actively, for a prolonged amount of time, with my kids.  This has improved tremendously - I'm loving that!

8. Spiritual Discipline: Actually did my devos a couple of times this week.  Not as much as it should be, but much better than it has been!

9. Be content in all circumstances.  I think I have been doing much better at this. 

10. Get 7-8 hours of sleep per night, preferrably consecutive hours.   I am finally getting back to getting a good amount of rest.  This has helped my mood and my energy tremendously. 

I am so grateful and blessed to be on this journey!  Loving it!  Thank you for sharing it with me!

Friday Progress Report (Week 10)

I apologize for being late again!  Last week was just a doozy - I'm sure I'll post about it later (let's just say it included writing an intense report for the FMCSA and sapped up lots of time and energy). 

Even though I am late in posting, these are the numbers from last Friday. 

The plateau seems to be breaking.  I've moved into the 150s for weight - which I have not seen since college.  I was a little shocked to realize that somehow that has been a DECADE!  Well, now I feel old!  :) 

Anyway, here's where I stand:   

Height: 5'4.5

Weight: 157.4 (Started at: 179.8, Last week: 160.8)

• Loss this week =  3.4 pounds
• Total loss = 22.4 pounds (Wahoo!  Broke 20 pounds!)

Bust: 39" (Started at: 43", Last week: 39")

• Loss this week =  0"
• Total loss = 4" 

Upper Arm: 12" (Started at: 13.5", Last week: 12")

• Loss this week =  0"
• Total loss = 1.5"

Waist: 34.5" (Started at: 42", Last week: 35")

• Loss this week =  0.5"
• Total loss = 7.5"

Hips: 40" (Started at: 42.5", Last week: 40")

• Loss this week = 0"
• Total loss = 2.5"

Thighs: 22.25" (Started at: 25", Last week: 22.25")

• Loss this week = 0"
• Total loss = 2.75"

BMI: 26.6 (Started at 30.4, Last week: 27.2)

• Loss this week = 0.6 points
• Total loss = 3.8 points

How am I progressing at my goals?

1. Goal weight is 135.  I have lost 22.4 of the 44.8 pounds I need to lose.  Exactly halfway done!  :)

 

 

2. Have a BMI below 25.  Lost 3.8 of the 5.4 points I need to lose.  70% done!

3. Have a body fat percentage below 24%.  I started at an estimated 42% and am now down to 33%.  Lost 9% of 18% I need to lose.  50% done!

 4. To be physically fit.   I wish I had been exercising over the past stressful week - it probably would have been a good outlet for my anxiety.  This week, it is my goal to institute an exercise routine and stick to it. 

5. To feel comfortable in my clothes.  This is such a great improvement. 

6. To look decent in a swimsuit and lingerie. This is getting so much better!  Obviously I'm not there yet, but I'm definitely on my way. 

7. To have enough energy/stamina to play actively, for a prolonged amount of time, with my kids.  This has improved tremendously - I'm loving that!

8. Spiritual Discipline: Actually did my devos a couple of times this week.  Not as much as it should be, but much better than it has been!

9. Be content in all circumstances.  I think I have been doing much better at this. 

10. Get 7-8 hours of sleep per night, preferrably consecutive hours.   I am finally getting back to getting a good amount of rest.  This has helped my mood and my energy tremendously. 

I am so grateful and blessed to be on this journey!  Loving it!  Thank you for sharing it with me!

Cheetos and Dark Chocolate

So, I'm learning a little something about myself...I really need to work on my self-discipline when it comes to food and "small treats".  

While on vacation (and for even a few days afterward) I had several run-ins with guilty-pleasure foods.  I told myself that I would NOT over-indulge...just a little taste to satisfy a craving.  But these foods, they taste sooooo good.  When a couple of Cheetos becomes a full cup of crunchy deliciousness, or a few squares of dark chocolate somehow turns into an entire bar...*sigh*. 

I do love dark chocolate...so I'm not shocked there.  But, I don't even love Cheetos and I still failed to control myself there.  There's something comforting, even pleasurable about fat, sugar, and junk food.  What is it? 

Well, I went looking for answers...and they exist.  Take a look at this NY Times article "You Really Can’t Eat Just One, and Here’s the Reason" .  In short it says that "Big Food" producers have spent almost a century formulating their products to have the correct concentration of fat, sugar, and salt in their foods to create maximum "bliss" in the pleasure centers of your brain.  It does, in fact, give you a little high and makes the food potentially addictive. 

I've also read that because, when humans were hunter-gatherers, calorie dense food was sparse, and we had to work continually to find food, our brains were programmed to eat as much as possible whenever food was available.  Some theorize that we simply haven't evolved past that yet, but food (and much more calorie and nutrient dense food, at that) has become very easy to get.  In fact, we hardly have to work at all to get it. 

So what is the solution?  For me, it's temporarily avoiding these foods and hoping that, with time, I will acquire the necessary discipline to be able to eat just a little of a treat. 

Thanks to all of my cheating while on vacation, when I went back to Medifast upon returning home, I ended up having to suffer through my body getting back into Ketosis again. Yes, moodiness, headaches...yuck!  I made the cheats feel not-worth-it! 

I've also decided that living in a house where no one else is participating in Medifast is hard.  They are eating "normal" food, that I like...and usually I have to prepare it for them.  Some days it all but kills me not to eat it.  I want it so bad!  I have three small children, though...I can't expect them to fend for themselves, while I drink a shake. 

So, I'm taking it in stride and figuring that abstaining from these foods, while I cook them, may help me build that necessary aforementioned discipline. 

Friday Progress Report (Week 9)

I apologize for the lack of posting lately.  The Friday of Week 7, I was on vacation and the Friday of Week 8, I was just getting home from vacation.  I'm finally just getting my act together enough now to put out a report.

Vacation was great!  I had a wonderful time visiting family and friends, relaxing, riding horses, four-wheeling, and lots of other fun things.

Nine weeks into my weight loss journey and I've been pretty much plateaued for a few weeks.  But considering that I was on vacation and there were several cheats along that trip...I'm not surprised.  Frankly, I was just happy I didn't gain any weight.  Over the last week, I've managed to take off a few more pounds, but my inch measurements have pretty much remained the same.  So, here's where I stand:   

Height: 5'4.5

Weight: 160.8 (Started at: 179.8, Three weeks ago: 164.0)

• Loss over 3 weeks =  3.2 pounds
• Total loss = 19 pounds (I'm so excited about this!)

Bust: 39" (Started at: 43", Three weeks ago: 39")

• Loss over 3 weeks =  0"
• Total loss = 4" 

Upper Arm: 12" (Started at: 13.5", Three weeks ago: 12.25")

• Loss over 3 weeks =  0.25"
• Total loss = 1.5" (My arms are looking much more toned, despite a lack of weight lifting, simply by losing the fat over the muscles!)

Waist: 35" (Started at: 42", Three weeks ago: 35")

• Loss over 3 weeks =  0"
• Total loss = 7"

Hips: 40" (Started at: 42.5", Three weeks ago: 40")

• Loss over 3 weeks = 0"
• Total loss = 2.5"

Thighs: 22.25" (Started at: 25", Three weeks ago: 22.25")

• Loss over 3 weeks = 0"
• Total loss = 2.75"

BMI: 27.2 (Started at 30.4, Three weeks ago: 27.7)

• Loss over 3 weeks = 0.5 points
• Total loss = 3.2 points

How am I progressing at my goals?

1. Goal weight is 135.  I have lost 19 of the 44.8 pounds I need to lose.  42% done!  :)

2. Have a BMI below 25.  Lost 3.2 of the 5.4 points I need to lose.  59% done!

3. Have a body fat percentage below 24%.  I started at an estimated 42% and am now down to 34%.  Lost 8% of 18% I need to lose.  44% done! 

4. To be physically fit.   I haven't been exercising per se, but I found that I have been much more active - especially while on vacation. 

5. To feel comfortable in my clothes.  This is such a great improvement. 

6. To look decent in a swimsuit and lingerie. This is getting so much better!  Obviously I'm not there yet, but I'm definitely on my way. 

7. To have enough energy/stamina to play actively, for a prolonged amount of time, with my kids.  This has improved tremendously - I'm loving that!

8. Spiritual Discipline: Need to get back on track here. 

9. Be content in all circumstances.  I think I have been doing much better at this. 

10. Get 7-8 hours of sleep per night, preferrably consecutive hours.   I am finally getting back to getting a good amount of rest.  This has helped my mood and my energy tremendously. 

I am so grateful and blessed to be on this journey!  Loving it!  Thank you for sharing it with me!

Friday's Progress Report (Week 6)

Six weeks and most progress has stalled, for the moment.  I lost a couple of pounds this week, but my measurements stayed the same.  That's alright though, I'll keep it up and I'm confident that my body will push through the plateau.   

Height: 5'4.5

Weight: 164.0 (Started at: 179.8, Last week: 166.0)

• Loss this week =  2.0 pounds
• Total loss = 15.8 pounds

Bust: 39" (Started at: 43", Last week: 39")

• Loss this week =  0"
• Total loss = 4" 

Upper Arm: 12.25" (Started at: 13.5", Last week: 12.25")

• Loss this week =  0"
• Total loss = 1.25" 

Waist: 35" (Started at: 42", Last week: 35")

• Loss this week =  0"
• Total loss = 7"

Hips: 40" (Started at: 42.5", Last week: 40")

• Loss this week = 0"
• Total loss = 2.5"

Thighs: 22.25" (Started at: 25", Last week: 22.25")

• Loss this week = 0"
• Total loss = 2.75"

BMI: 27.7 (Started at 30.4, Last week: 28.1)

• Loss this week = 0.4 points
• Total loss = 2.7 points

How am I progressing at my goals?

1. Goal weight is 135.  I have lost 15.8 of the 44.8 pounds I need to lose.  35% done!  :)

2. Have a BMI below 25.  Lost 2.7 of the 5.4 points I need to lose.  50% done!

3. Have a body fat percentage below 24%.  I started at an estimated 42% and am now down to 34%.  Lost 8% of 18% I need to lose.  44% done! 

4. To be physically fit.   I am still off on this one - it is so hard to get back in a routine - especially when I'm tired.

5. To feel comfortable in my clothes.  This is such a great improvement.  :) Although, I went clothes shopping for a few items this week and I realized that I still have quite a ways to go before I truly feel like I look the way I want to.  It's unbelievable how extra fat makes you feel so BLAH!

6. To look decent in a swimsuit and lingerie. This is getting so much better!  Obviously I'm not there yet, but I'm definitely on my way. 

7. To have enough energy/stamina to play actively, for a prolonged amount of time, with my kids.  This has improved tremendously - I'm loving that!

8. Spiritual Discipline: This has suffered along with my working out.  I need to get back into a routine and crack down on my discipline. 

9. Be content in all circumstances.  I think I have been doing much better at this. 

10. Get 7-8 hours of sleep per night, preferrably consecutive hours.   I think if I can get this one under control (which I haven't yet - it's just so tempting to stay up late at night when it's still light outside) - I will have more energy to exercise and do devotionals. 

I am so grateful and blessed to be on this journey!  Loving it!  Thank you for sharing it with me!

Friday's Progress Report (Week 5 + A Few Days)

Five weeks and a few days and progress continues!  I apologize again for the delay in posting. 

I made a couple of graphics for this week to make up for my tardiness .  :)

Height: 5'4.5

Weight: 166.0 (Started at: 179.8, Last week: 167.2)

• Loss this week =  1.2 pounds
• Total loss = 13.8 pounds

Bust: 39" (Started at: 43", Last week: 39")

• Loss this week =  0"
• Total loss = 4" 

Upper Arm: 12.25" (Started at: 13.5", Last week: 12.5")

• Loss this week =  0.25"
• Total loss = 1.25" 

Waist: 35" (Started at: 42", Last week: 36.5")

• Loss this week =  1.5" VICTORY DANCE!!!
• Total loss = 7"- Seriously - my clothes that didn't fit 6 weeks ago aren't going to fit again, very soon, but for the opposite reason!  The graph below really shows how drastic the drop in my belly fat has been. 

Hips: 40" (Started at: 42.5", Last week: 40")

• Loss this week = 0"
• Total loss = 2.5"

Thighs: 22.25" (Started at: 25", Last week: 22.5")

• Loss this week = 0.25"
• Total loss = 2.75"

BMI: 28.1 (Started at 30.4, Last week: 28.2)

• Loss this week = 0.1 points
• Total loss = 2.3 points

How am I progressing at my goals?

1. Goal weight is 135. I have lost 13.8 of the 44.8 pounds I need to lose.  31% done!  :)

2. Have a BMI below 25.  Lost 2.3 of the 5.4 points I need to lose.  43% done!

3. Have a body fat percentage below 24%.  I started at an estimated 42% and am now down to 34%.  Lost 8% of 18% I need to lose.  44% done!  Also, for women between the age of 18-39, the healthy body fat percentage range is between 21-33% - I'm almost there!

4. To be physically fit.   Last week I felt sick all week.  My workouts suffered...as in, were non-existent.  I need to get back on track.

5. To feel comfortable in my clothes.  This is such a great improvement.  :)

6. To look decent in a swimsuit and lingerie. This is getting so much better!

7. To have enough energy/stamina to play actively, for a prolonged amount of time, with my kids.  This has improved tremendously - I'm loving that!

8. Spiritual Discipline: Trying to make sure I find time every day for some spiritual growth.

9. Be content in all circumstances.  I would like to think I've been much more positive this week.  :) 

10. Get 7-8 hours of sleep per night, preferrably consecutive hours.   This has been terrible.  I haven't gotten enough sleep any night this week.  Between kids getting up during the night and me staying up too late - it's just been sub-par.  It's just so hard to go to bed when there's still daylight out there!  I find myself tinkering in the garden after I should have already been on my way to bed. 

I am so grateful and blessed to be on this journey!  Loving it!  Thank you for sharing it with me!

FitBit Obituary

OBITUARY: Jen's FitBit passed away at the young age of 18 months today.  Gifted to her by her husband, Tim, for Christmas 2011, FitBit has been near to Jen's heart (literally) all day, almost every day, for a year and a half.  Gone too soon, due to a drowning, FitBit will be greatly missed.  Unable to be resuscitated via rice or dryer, FitBit was declared dead June 17, 2013.  Funeral arrangements will be made at a local electronics recycler.

Photo Credit: Gadget Review