Starting the Year off Right!

I thought it could not be done.  I truly believed (in the beginning) I would never reach my goal of 185 pounds.  It had been *such* a long time since I had seen those numbers on the scale, it truly seemed an impossibility.  Well, I am here to tell you…it was not impossible!

I MADE GOAL OVER THE HOLIDAYS!!!!

This morning I weighed in at 183.2 pounds!  This is the least I have weighed since I can even remember…teenage years included!  Since July 10, 2011 I have lost a total of 131.8 pounds.  From my heaviest recorded weight (according to my doctor’s office), though, I have lost a total of 158.8 pounds (since January 2011).  I find this absolutely mind-blowing!  Insanity.

My prediction for this year is *very* optimistic.  I am starting this year the healthiest I have been probably in my whole life.  I am also starting this year the happiest I have been as well.  I have amazing people in my life right now who love and support me, which is an awesome feeling.

Of course, I have goals left to meet (and new goals will continue to come, believe me).  So, the work is not finished…we are just beginning.  This is when things start to heat up, not cool down.  I am working toward my certification still, and my BS in Health & Wellness.  My photo shoot is coming up with Kat (awesome photographer) and Aaron (phenomenal trainer), so I am both looking forward to it and being anxious about it.  Good things, though, good things.

How did your year start off?  What goals are striving for this year?

-Erica

I Am Still Alive

This ridiculously sad looking fella could not be more accurate on how I have been feeling over the last month.  Let me first say I cannot believe it has been a month since I have blogged.  How sad is that?!  I am really disappointed that I let it go that long.

The last month has been insanely challenging.  Unfortunately, the road immediately ahead does not seem to be much brighter…

My older daughter (just turned eight on Tuesday) was tentatively diagnosed with absence epilepsy.  We are scheduled to be admitted to Children’s Hospital on the 10th for a 5-day observation (video EEG).  So, we will be released on the 15th (hopefully).  They have decided that they are putting her Depakote regardless of what the testing shows in the hospital.  This medication has serious (as in life-threatening) liver implications, so I am a nervous wreck just about the medication itself.  Challenge #1.

I visited my sports med doctor on the 14th of September…just as a follow up.  However, I mentioned how much my left knee has been hurting again (despite the OrthoVisc injections done in late May)…and that my right knee had started to bother me.  Challenge #2: I was officially diagnosed with osteoarthritis in my right knee, too.  I also learned that my left knee apparently needs to be replaced.  It took me at least a week to even digest that information, honestly.  They are not going to replace it right away (I am 30 years old), so they will be giving me another round of the OrthoVisc (in both knees this time) when I am due in November.  I have no idea how much time I have until they will/must replace this knee, but it makes me extremely anxious.

To add insult to injury…they have placed me back on extreme restriction.  That means no lunging, squatting, jumping, or running.  Even the spin bike kills my left knee right now.  I am barely able to get on the Neil for even 15 minutes.  That, of course, has made cardio nearly impossible. Challenge #3.

To follow all that whining and complaining, though…I have not gained weight.  I also have not lost any.  I still go to the gym four or five days a week.  Some days I do not break a sweat, though.  I am there.  I am working.  But, I feel like I am not really accomplishing anything.  However, I came across a post on Facebook from Shonnie.  It was a picture that said, “the only bad workout is the one that didn’t happen.”  That *really* made me think about how I have not given up.  Despite all the complications and distractions, I have never stopped going to the gym.  That counts for something, right?

Shonnie helped to renew my spirit today, and she did not even mean to.  Go figure.  Inspiration comes from the most random of places…especially when you are not expecting it.

No obstacle is too great when you have the right attitude…and the right people certainly make it easier.  Thanks, Shonnie!

-Erica

Cleanse Days 5 & 6 {check}

Sunday was my fifth day on the cleanse.  The mild headache in the early afternoon was present, and my tummy was certainly more active than normal.

Monday was my sixth day (second to last) on the cleanse.  No headache, but the tummy remained active.  In fact, Sunday and Monday I would say I made more bathroom trips than in a normal day.  Nothing too terrible or unbearable, but certainly more often.

My sleep pattern still seems to be improved.  I woke up again today around 7:30 (without an alarm) and had no trouble getting out of bed.  I can only hope this stays even after I complete the last day of the cleanse (today).

I was not down anymore today…still 192.2.  However, I have not been in the gym since Thursday.  The gym was closed yesterday in observance of Labor Day, so that meant no Monday night Zumba for me.  I will certainly check in tomorrow morning and let you all know how my last day of cleanse went, and if I am down anymore after the final day.

-Erica

Weigh Day (week sixty)

Sixty weeks.  Sheesh.  Where has the time gone, really?  I have not posted an official weigh in since week 57 (Aug 12) – shame on me.

Today is day five of my cleanse.  Two days left, and I am hoping for another couple pounds to be gone before I am finished.  Although, I am not quite sure about that.

192.2

That is certainly nothing to be upset about.  I have finally left the 195 to 197 range I was stuck in for weeks.  I am *so* thankful for that – it was becoming *very* frustrating for me.  This brings my total lost to 122.8 in 60 weeks…an average of about two pounds a week.  Not too shabby.  Only 7.2 pounds to go until I hit GOAL!

I will check in with you all later and let you know how day five of the cleanse goes.

-Erica

Cleanse Days 3 & 4 {check}

Out of the four days I have been doing this cleanse, I would have to say yesterday I struggled the most (so far).  I felt cloudy all day.  Not miserable.  Not sick.  Not weak.  Not tired.  Just cloudy, like I could not quite focus or do anything particularly productive.  I found myself “zoning” out several times throughout the day for no good reason.  I also noted that the mild headache I had early in day one and two lasted much longer on day three.  Even after lunch I still had a headache.  Not terribly bad, but enough that it was noticable.  I did not workout yesterday either.  Partly because of the cloudy “funk,” and partly because my daughters were treated to a special evening following some trauma and drama earlier in the week.

I was not down this morning.  I was not up either.  Today has been fine.  No cloudy funk hanging over my head, and I still feel as though I am sleeping better these days.  I have been up and out of bed every single morning no later than 7:30 AM since beginning the cleanse.  That is pretty unusual for me.

I did not get a headache this morning, though.  This is the first morning I did not experience a mild headache at all since beginning the cleanse.  Maybe that means some of those toxins are gone?

I have felt slightly more bloated throughout today, though.  The tummy is definitely active, but not painful or emergent.  Maybe tomorrow will prove more “exciting” in that way?  We shall see.

Overall (at this point), I would say this has been far less “intense” than I originally expected.  That, of course, is just fine by me…and I still have three more days to go anyway.

-Erica

Cleanse Day 2 {check}

Well, day two went off without a hitch!  The mild headache went away by lunchtime, and I felt great throughout the rest of the day.

I worked with Aaron last night, and then I did an hour of Zumba.  My energy level was fine even through 90+ minutes of pretty intense exercise.  I did sweat like *crazy* again, so I really do believe that is the cleanse/detox at work.  This time, though, I made sure to carry a paper towel with me so I could clean myself off as I sweat (instead of letting it stain my neck).

A lot of people who do cleanses often complain about the nausea and numerous trips to the bathroom.  I have not experienced either of those things just yet.  My cousin, Maggie, thinks it may be because my body probably has fewer toxins than those who suffer horribly from those things during a detox.  Maybe she is right, or maybe it is just the luck of the draw?

Today (day three) is going well so far.  I am already sweating a little (not a lot, just enough to make me barely start to glisten) and it is not really that hot today.  So, maybe today is the day things will start to get a little more intense for me.  We shall see.

I was down again this morning, though!

192.2

That is *so* exciting, I must admit.  My original goal (set months and months ago) is to hit 185, and now I am getting so close to that!  My hope is to hit 185 by my daughter’s birthday party (on October 6th), so we will see how that goes.

-Erica

It’s A Process…Here’s Some Progress

Facial comparison – May 2011 to August 2012

So, I have been taking pictures today.  I try to take progress pictures at least every other month (probably should have done monthly, but oh well).  Of course, I am late (nearly a month late at this point).  At least I am getting to them now, though.

I still hate taking pictures of myself.  I still think I look strange in photographs…and that I probably just should not be in them.  This is something I really have to work on.  Not that I want to be one of those folks who takes pictures of themselves every day, but I would love to be alright with my picture being taken.  Maybe someday, right?

I busted out the pants today…

Side Comparison – November 2011 to August 2012

I can definitely see some changes taking place even between May and August.  That makes me feel good since the numbers are not always working in my favor…at least this proves other things are still happening (such as building muscle which is replacing some of that fat).  This helps me feel better about losing only 14 pounds in those nearly three months.  Ick.

Here is something interesting…

I am almost half the gal I used to be…so close.

Once I dipped below the 200-pound-mark, I knew I was officially thinner than I had ever been as an adult.  However, rummaging through my basement proved something else to me:

My senior pictures – age 17

I am actually thinner than I was in high school!  Those are two of my senior picture proofs…look how puffy my poor face is!  I honestly cannot believe it.  I did not realize I was already *that* big in high school.  Wish I could have the kind of confidence I had back then…since I know I now look *so* much better.  Ironic, isn’t it?

Do you take progress pictures?  If so, how often do you take them?

-Erica

Weigh Day (week fifty-seven)

This week has been a strange one.  In some ways I am feeling stressed beyond belief, and in others I am finally feeling relaxed.  Odd, right?

The strep is clearing up nicely…after I took a couple days off the gym (and, of course, the antibiotics are helping).  Thursday my bestie (Leslie) stole me away for an overnight trip in a fancy hotel.  That gave me some much needed refreshing relaxation…which I desperately needed.

The biggest stressor for the week is something I have had serious internal struggles over.  I have even contemplated whether or not I should blog about it.  In the interest of not censoring, and of helping others overcome obstacles related to weight loss/health, I have decided I will blog about it:

I have been a member of Fitworks since last August.  I also began training at that time.  My original trainer was Don…then Vanessa…and then Ebony.  All of them seemed nice enough.  When Ebony left I went to Dorsey (manager) and requested someone he thought would be around for a while so I could actually build a relationship with someone.  That is when he gave me Denise.  I loved her from the moment we met.  She was energetic, sincere, and ambitious.  She was excited to help me reach my weight loss goals, which made me even more excited.  Over the last 10 months Denise has gone above and beyond for me (many times over again).  I owe a great deal of my success to her efforts and passion.  Aside from that, though, I have also come to love her as a person…outside of my professional relationship with her.  She really is amazing in many ways.

This is when things get tough.  Obviously my weight is not coming off like it did this time last year.  Every pound is so hard to lose anymore…and the weight is just creeping.  Although I knew logically this was going to happen, I find I am growing frustrated.  So, Dorsey and I were talking about it and he suggested considering training more than once per week…and maybe even seeing what I could learn from another trainer.  The problem is not that the other trainers are not good, or that I do not trust them.  The problem is that Denise is my trainer.  Period.  I felt like even considering another trainer was some sort of ultimate betrayal.  Dorsey assured me, though, that it is “no big deal.”  Despite my initial apprehension, I agreed to start working with Aaron as well.

Aaron is a trainer I have worked with before (and I know I have mentioned him here previously).  So, I already knew he was super brilliant and a fabulous trainer.  He was excited to work with me one-on-one, though…and brought a whole crap-load of information to the table.  He suggested the IF (mentioned previously) and a few other things to get things moving.  He put together a pretty intense schedule for me (which I wish I could have started without being sick), too.  Despite only working out four days this week (two lifting, two cardio), I lost 1.6 pounds since last weigh in.  Excellent!

195.2

I must admit I am excited to learn new things from Aaron, but I still feel pretty crappy about the arrangement.  I certainly intend to keep training with Denise as well, but I have to figure that one out as she switched and reduced her training days at Fitworks this week.

As a side update…the studying continues for my personal training certification.  I have read through 13 chapters (out of 30) so far.  I am taking my time, though, really absorbing and learning the information.  I hope to have everything finished by the end of September, but we shall see.  If it takes me longer to *truly* know the information, it takes me longer.  The whole program is quite expensive, so I really do not want to have to pay for a re-test because I rushed.

Another side update…Grumpy’s Coffee Mug Challenge is chugging along…and I am not doing well – still.  Some of those people have dropped an insane amount of weight already.  Good for them.  Bad for me.  Oh well, though, we have until October…and even if I do not win, I will still be losing.  Every pound off is a small victory right here at the home front, right?

How was your week?  Anything stressful or amazing going on?

-Erica

Loving Whole Foods

I have recently fallen head over heels in L-O-V-E with Whole Foods.  I mean, I had been in there a time or two before, but not with the same drive.  My cousin, Maggie, and I went in there a couple weeks ago looking for a product not sold in other stores, which left us wandering a little.  On top of the wandering, I had read in a few books that purchasing things like nuts are often far cheaper at places like Whole Foods (in their bulk aisle).  So, I decided to check it out.  Oh. My. Goodness.  If they would set up a cot for me, I would live in the bulk food aisle.  Really.  Nuts *are* far cheaper if you purchase them this way…by about *half*…no joke.

Then there is the granola.  Granola…yum!  I have yogurt almost every day.  I typically put a small amount of granola and some walnuts (or pecans…or almonds) on top.  In case you do not already know, though, organic granola at Kroger or Bigg’s is ridiculously expensive!  It runs about $6.00 to $7.00 per pound!  At Whole Foods (in the bulk aisle, of course) granola is $3.99 per pound.  That is *so* much cheaper…and the flavors of granola are amazing!  My favorite is the Vanilla Macaroon.  It is heavenly.

I also switched to buying my eggs from Whole Foods…and my yogurt.  I usually purchase Dannon Light & Fit for $2.99 (32 oz.).  Whole Foods carries an organic vanilla yogurt made with milk from cows without hormones for $2.49 (32 oz.).  Better deal!  I will admit; however, that the eggs are slightly more expensive at Whole Foods.  One dozen eggs runs about $1.60 at WF and about $1.40 at Kroger.  However, the WF eggs are free range, antibiotic-free (which makes me happy to pay the little bit extra).

Another thing I love about WF…they have samples over by the bakery area…and man are they good!  I usually pass right by the sample kiosks at other grocery stores because it is all ucky processed junk.  I feel better about trying the foods at WF because I know they have higher standards about what they will sell/serve.

Ultimately, the purpose of this post is to debunk the whole “Whole Foods (and places like it) is always more expensive than Kroger/Bigg’s (and places like them).”  That is not necessarily true.  Yes, some things are  more expensive, but not everything.  I would say it is definitely worth it to take a stroll through WF and see what you can find to save your family some money.  I bet you will love the bulk aisle, too!

Do you currently shop at Whole Foods (or another store like it)?  If so, are there things you have found to be cheaper there versus a Kroger/Bigg’s/etc?

-Erica

PS) As I was re-reading my post before publishing it occurred to me that you all might think WF is paying/bribing me to say such nice things about them.  I assure you I have been in no way compensated for this post…although they could give me five minutes alone with the bulk food aisle and I would be one happy girl.  🙂

Weigh Day (week fifty-six)

So, week one of Grumpy’s Coffee Mug Challenge is finished…and I am not doing so well against some of the competition.  Some of these folks dropped *serious* weight this week (congrats to them!)!  I can only hope (for my own personal sake, of course) that they cannot sustain that kind of loss every week…or I stand no chance at all.

The scale is still moving down…ever…so…slowly.  But, down is down, so no complaints here.

196.8

That is 0.4 down from last week.  Part of me is frustrated with such a small loss…part of me is just glad it is a loss.  I mean, after all, any kind of loss is certainly better than any kind of gain, right?!

So, I was talking to Aaron at Fitworks this past week and he was telling me about intermittent fasting.  He is doing a daily 16/8 split.  This means he eats for only 8 hours a day and fasts for 16.  He is in great physical shape already (believe me…he looks like he could be some sort of god…really), but has lost three pounds of fat in a week doing the IF.  The issue for me is that I workout in the evening, so I would need to fast *all* day in order to workout at the optimal time of the fast.  Obviously, I cannot do that.  So, I am looking into a once weekly (or possibly twice weekly) 24-hour fast.

This might be just what I need to see some good movement on the scale each week (as in an average of 1.5 to 2 pounds per week again)…and give me at least a shot at winning Grumpy’s competition.  Have any of you out there done any kind of fasting?  If so, how did you decide your “schedule” or were you under the supervision of a physician?

If you are interested in reading more about IF, I found a couple links:
Precision Nutrition – Dr. John Berardi
The “IF” Life

I have not decided just yet if I will be doing IF for sure.  This is just something I am considering.  I still have some more reading to do to see if this may fit into my life effectively.

Beyond that, the only thing going on this past week was sickness.  Strep, to be exact.  My older daughter picked it up and was given antibiotics on Wednesday.  By Friday, my younger daughter had swollen tonsils and blisters.  My throat feels like I am trying to swallow glass (uncomfortable to say the least), so I am pretty sure I picked it up as well.  Both my younger daughter and I were put on antibiotics today.  Thankfully, other than swallowing glass, my body feels perfectly fine…no aches or fever.  That means, of course, it is life as usual (meaning Zumba with Michelle tonight).

-Erica