September Winding Down ..

Another month passes by and all is good.

August was a tough month for me. I gained 4 pounds in 3 weeks. Between catching a chest cold, Kelly's Sweet 16, Florida and the kids starting school again, I gained 4 pounds in about 3 weeks. I was still trying to exercise but with so much delicious food around me, it was not good. I was also finding it difficult to breath properly during my runs with my cold. BUT - I'm back in the swing of things. This Sundays weigh in showed a 3.4 lb loss. I'm very happy about that. I spend all last week focusing on my food intake and went for my run 4 times. I know I am in total control on my weight and it is not in control of me. I felt really good at Paty's baby shower because many people acknowledged my change in appearance. It feels amazing when people say, "You look like a different person!" I tell them that I am different. I am completely different. :)

I'm looking forward to the holidays like never before. If i can keep up my routine and lose 1 - 2 pounds a week I should be fitting into a size 12 by Christmas. A SIZE 12 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

But don't worry, I will in no way be disappointed if I'm not there by Christmas, I just like having something to shoot for.
Slow and Steady, slow and steady .

Alex turns 4 !

Had a great time last weekend at Alex's Birthday. I felt great, ate right. I have not had alot of time this week to exercise. It's also been so hot to run outdoors! I did play alot of tennis on Tuesday and Vic and I are going for long walks at night now. My house is still a disaster from the party, but I'm sure the recovery will take place this weekend. Looking forward to August. Kelly's Sweet 16 (Gotta get a cute dress), Floriday vacation (Gotta get cute smaller clothes!!) then, SCHOOL BEGINS !!!

Later all !!

Month 7 ending, month 8 about to begin.

As July draws to a close, I look back at the last few months. How dramatic my body has changed. I knew it would be good, but I didn't think it would feel as good as it does. I'm addicted to running. Every time I do it, I feel alive. I feel my heart pumping, my lungs working, my legs making me fly... Some people say to me, "It's got to be more than eating healthier and exercise! You have to be doing more than that!" It may seem absolutely impossible to some people to see me lose weight the right way. But I'm doing it. I just don't care what people think. It's about my life and the longevity of it. It's about me.

I'm finally putting my health first. I'm worth it. My kids are worth it and my husband is worth it. They deserve a cool ass rocking mom/wife. I deserve to enjoy the rest of my 30's to the fullest and I look forward to my future as a healthy adult.

My total lost as of today's weigh in was 69.8 pounds lost. A tiny touch away from 70, but I know that will happen in time. The scale is no longer my enemy. It's become my friend. I talk to it and I tell it, "You will not bring me down. You will not stop me from trying everyday to change my life"

I'm truly in a ZONE. I don't know how long this will last, but for now, it's working for me. I can actually say that my goal of losing 100 pounds is within reach.

Remembering my first weigh in at 263 lbs. I felt empowered when I decided to change everything. I felt strong. I forgave myself and I stopped being ashamed of my body. Here I am today weighing in at 194 lbs. I can't wait for a few more months to pass and look back at my 7/18 posting and say, "WOW, 194 lbs. I'll never be that heavy again!"

Every now and then, everyone will have a challenge to overcome. Some challenges involve disease, depression or even addiction. My challenge is Obesity. But some challenges involve fighting for your life. I think about Juan's friend Chris who is fighting hard. I have much hope for him to recover. I think of him often and his recovery when I run. I think of his family who must pray for his recovery with all their heart. When people are suffering around me, I have no excuse to not walk or run. I must move my body for them. I must move my body now because Chris cannot. I must move my body and fight for my future, as he fights for his. There is simply no excuse not to fight.

Back on Track!

So yesterdays weigh in was not a disaster! I lost .2 lbs which was a miracle!! I am back on track, exercising everyday again, tracking my food and feeling confident.

It really does help to write about it !!

Later all !!

Week 18 or so...

NNot sure why, but feeling a little "bloated" these past few days..... I guess it's been a busy week so sticking to my normal routine has been a little hard. A party Saturday, a party Sunday and I got a over confident with my snacking and I'm feeling it in my belly. Crazy!! I've been exercising this week but not as intense as normal. I'm a little nervous for this Sunday's weigh in. I still have Friday and Saturday to make good choices, work out hard and stay positive. I was trying to remember the last time I was in the dumps. I read back to February when I pigged out for 3 days while snowed in with a ton of left over fatty foods from our Superbowl Party. If I had given up then, I would not have reached my current weight loss of 58.2 lbs! I remember what helped a lot back then was writing about my feelings on this blog I was able to turn my negativity around and get back on track.

So here I am again, using this blog for what it is. An opportunity for me to "talk" to myself as I type. A chance to hold myself accountable. A chance for me to turn it around. A few bad days will NOT end this journey for me. A bag of M&M's and very creamy pasta will not kill my spirit. My snacking these past 2 days has been quite busy and my hunger irrepressible. Clearly I'm not eating right or else I would not feel so unsatisfied. When I eat right, I'm not hungry. When I eat right, I don't feel bloated. When I eat right, I feel GREAT!

So here I go again. It’s late, I will go to bed with positive thoughts. I will wake up tomorrow and stick to the my healthy eating routine that I have learned and have a great work out tomorrow. Even if I don’t lose weight this Sunday I know I’m back on track and back on plan. And in the long run, that will be what matters, not what the scale says this Sunday.

Wish me luck!!!!!!!!!!!

Week...... 16 I think !! LOL !

So today was a great day! My weigh-in showed a 3.2 pound loss.

Ecstatic is the only word i can use. I'm at a total loss of 52.4 lbs and now weigh 211 !!!!

The best part of the week is that I'm starting to jog more on the treadmill. I do a light jog at 3.5 speed and do bursts of 3 minutes at speed 4 ! It's exhilarating. Could I actually run a mini marathon one day ???!!??? I remember Paty came to run on my treadmill once in my house and I was so impressed by her! Today, I was the one doing the impressing! I'm PUMPED!!!

It's great to share my experiences here on this treadmill. My original goal of 100 lbs is not that far away now. Even though my goal weight for this adventure is 163, I know that I will go for some more. I think 135 is a great weight to maintain for my height. I should reach my final weight loss goal of 135 by the end of 2011. We will have a kick-ass 10th year anniversary party 12/31/11, and I will wear a cute tight little black dress. It will be a dream come true for me.

: )

Spring Dresses

I went shopping yesterday and bought the cutest spring dresses! My favorite part was --- They are a size 14/16 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Now, skirts and shirts are still an 18, but I think I'm getting closer to the new size of 14 !! Woo hoo!!!!!!!!!

Oh ! and I've cleared out MORE clothing from my closet ! It's so weird to say goodbye to some of my "safe" clothing! I can't wait for mother's day to show off my beautiful new spring dress !

Another new thing that happened. I wanted to treat myself to a yummy lunch yesterday. I got myself my favorite cluck-U chicken wings. I decided to only have 4 and a nice big garden salad. I was so nervous that I would eat like a crazy head because I haven't had wings since December. After my first one, I was shocked at how unpleasant it was. All I tasted was the oil it was fried in. After the second, then third one, I just hated putting this greasy chicken into my body. I decided, if I felt like that after my 4th one, I would know for sure I wasn't crazy. And so, it was hard to finish my 4th one. I have actually lost my craving for what used to be a dish that in the past, I could have EASILY eaten 12 wings!! I've never had any "control" with wings. Now, it's not the least bit appetizing. Talk about changes!

Another good week !

Lost another 4 pounds this week!!

Well, I'm at 46 lbs total. Almost half way there. I feel really amazing. I'm totally proud of myself. I've changed in so many ways. Everyday I think about WHEN I'm going to exercise, not IF I'm going to exercise. Every time I'm feeling hungry, I ask myself OUTLOUD "WHY am I hungry? Am I really hungry?" I check the time to see if it's almost my next meal or snack time and if not, I realize I'm probably just bored or distracted. I focus on something else until my meal or snack time. I also fill myself up with water. whenever I'm offered something really fattening at work, I think about the pictures I've posted on this blog and I easily say, "No thanks!". I also see greasy fattening foods as unappetizing !! Completely opposite of the old me. The best thing is that I still eat what I want, just less of it. I'm much more balanced. I have to say, that hearing my kids talk about being healthy by exercise and eating right makes me very happy. They both "run" around the house saying, "I want to be healthy! I want to be healthy!".
Well, another week of healthy living... slow and steady, slow and steady... Every meal is a new chance to make the right decisions...

Week 14!

2.6 lbs loss this week.

What can I say..... I'm on fire !

My darling sis Ali bought me the most beautiful clothes from Lord & Taylor! Size 18 & looks awesome! Can't wait to wear it at next get together !!

Woo Hoo !!!

Katy

Week 13

I didn't weight in for Week 12 because I had too many errands last Sunday. I actually had to abandon Silvia at the meeting and she had to walk home! LOL ! Sorry Silvia !!

Anyway, this week's weigh in showed a 5.6lb loss! Again it's for 2 weeks but it's still perfect! Still exercising regularly, making smart choices about my meals, having healthy snacks in between and not eating my kids left overs. It's such a mind over matter thing. I completely talk to myself before I put anything in my mouth. Now, this doesn't mean I don't treat myself. I just decide what lucky food will get to be the treat that week. Last Thursday I feasted on Sushi. I mean feasted! But keeping up with my workouts and eating smart the rest of the time still gave me a weightloss this week. I'm eating all the time and am rarely "hungry".

By the way, I donated 2 huge garbage bags of all my size 24 clothes! I only kept one pair of shorts that I wore all the time last summer. I want to keep them to remember how bad it got for me. I want to take one of those pictures of me and another person in them! LOL !! I think I'll use Allison since she has such a small waist ! LOL !!

Alright, another week to begin and another week to look towards a good weigh in next sunday!
Later All !!! Hoo Ra !!

Size 18 !!!

I was a size 24 when I started my journey.

I'm now a size 18 ! I went shopping this weekend because all my work shirts looked ridiculous on me! they actually were hanging so ugly on my body! I bought 5 new tops all size 18. I also spent some time taking out all my size 24 clothes out of the closet and I'm getting ready to donate it. I will not save them because I will never be that size again. Ever.

My shoes even feel looser on my feet !!

3/17/10

I started getting comments at work today. Feels really GOOD to hear "You're really losing weight!! How are you doing it?!" Then I say, "It's amazing what eating healthy and exercising will do to your body!" 3 different people randomly said that I look really great! I feel great and I can't wait for the next few months. I feel sooooo good now I can't imaging feeling better but I know I will and I can't imagine it!!

Anyway, thanks to everyone for their continued support!

Katy

Week 11 !

Well, I'm still doing it!!!!

Another 3.2lbs this week. I'm at 34 lbs loss.

My weight is now 229 !!!!

I'm actually going to freak out when I hit 199. I haven't had a 1 as the first number in my weight in almost 10 years !!!!!

I know it's just a matter of time. It's not IF I can do it, it's WHEN I do it !!!

Thanks to everyone for your encouragement!

PS - Crystal LIght has changed my water drinking !! I actually drink MORE water because of it !!!!

Love it !!!

Week 10 !!

I'm in a zone and on a roll. Lost 4 lbs this week.

My total loss is 31 pounds! I started shopping in my closet and it feels amazing. I'm wearing a size 18 !!! I've been a 24 for so long I almost donated my size 18 clothes !! Can't wait to get into my 16 skirts and when I get to 14 I'll have to go shopping because I only have 2 things that are a 14 ! LOL !!!

Can't wait to not shop in the "Woman" size sections anymore !!!

Woo Hoo !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Week 9 !

Well, I lost 2.6 lbs this week. Very happy. I reached my 10 % ! My total loss is 27 lbs !!!!

Still have a long way to go, but I'm exercising every day and keeping with the program.

I want to try and lose 3 lbs this week so I can say I lost 30lbs !! he he... baby steps, baby steps.

I can't wait !!

Katy

The best drawing ever !!

Max was drawing pictures yesterday with a new pen he found. I asked him to draw a picture of something he does every day.

He draw his family room with high ceilings and big windows. He's is standing there "playing" while "Mommy is exercising" .

I thought it was awesome ! He drew the treadmill and me on it !!!!!

He said, "I'm happy when you exercise because you want to be healthy" He also said he can't wait to grow up so he can exercise on the walking machine.

This picture made me SUPER PROUD of myself !!

To see the picture go ALL THE WAY DOWN on this page !

Another successful weigh-in!!

I did it again!!


5.6 lbs this week !!!!!!!!!

I'm sooo happy !!!!

My engagement ring fits!!!!!!! It fits !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Funny Water Bottles story!

Well, the funniest thing happened!!

Last night, I got home around 8:30pm with the kids from Jenny's talent show. We were all tired and we saw a bag with a scoobie doo blanket. I remembered Alicia said she had one to give me. But then we saw a 24 pack water bottle package by the front door with some crystal light packets on top. Me & the kids thought it was strange! I looked around the neighborhood to see if anyone else had received one. I thought it was a promotion from Nestle water. It was too heavy so I left it there.

When Victor got home, he also left it outside because it was so weird. Then I went out shopping to Walmart. I got home about 10pm and again, I looked at the water bottles with this note that said, " Each day -- one day at a time. Water and Crystal light make your days lighter! " So then I thought, "Oh, Crystal light must be leaving this at everyones house!" I still left it out there because it was too heavy for me to carry.

This morning Vic went to work early and finally brought it in. When I went downstairs I saw the water bottles on the steps. I picked up the note to throw it away and I realized there was a picture of ME inside!!!!!!!! LOL !!!!! I thought, "This is great advertisement !! Crystal Light found me and personalized the message!" "

LOL !

Then as I read on It was actually a very very very inspirational message to continue on with my weight loss journey and not give up from my darling sister ALICIA !!!!!!!!!

I've been calling her all morning but with no answer. As soon as I get in touch with her I will thank her personally for the sweet sentiment. I feel so bad that I stepped over it so many times !! LOL !!!!!!!!

Tuesday - 2/16

I lost .6 pounds this past weigh in. Better than I thought considering my food consumption.. : )

I've been doing really good this week. Incredibly careful with what goes in my mouth. We went to a diner on Sunday and I got a grilled chicken on whole wheat with no mayo. It was delicious and a much healthier option than I usually order. Water is my best friend lately! Victor just bought me these amazing whole wheat rolls that are 1 point for the whole roll and it's delicious! A perfect lunch with turkey and lettuce in it !!

Anyway, off to the treatmill than a healthy dinner !!!

Being snowed in + food = trouble !!

LOL !! It's been a tough few days. Victor trapped in NYC for 2 days, me & kids snowed in. Lots of food left over from Superbowl.

I didn't make any time to exercise for 3 days. I gave myself a few treats with my usual "blocking it out" afterwards. My typical don't think about it attitude. I know there are going to be tough weeks and good weeks. I haven't gained any weight, but this is the trend that has brought me down before. I know it's important to get back on track and I will. Every meal is a new chance to make good choices.

I find that attitude is so important in this endevour of mine. I may have had a few bad days of bad food choices & no exercise, but that doesn't mean all is lost. My goal of 2lbs a week may not be met this Sunday for my weigh in, but I'm not giving up.

My mind is back on track & that is what will keep my mouth shut and my legs moving on the treadmill.

I think this blog helps me too. Helps keep me accountable. Helps me share.

One good thing that did happen earlier this week was that my wedding ring fits me again. It has not fit my finger in about 2 years. I wore it all week and I felt so much pride. I look forward to the day that my beautiful engagement ring fits me again. That has been even longer that it hasn't fit. I would say about 4 years. Right before I got pregnant with Alexandra.

Well, thanks to everyone again for your support !!

2 a week ! 2 a week ! 2 a week !!!!!!!!!!

Katy

Super Bowl Sunday!

I had my weigh in Sunday morning 2/7/10. I lost 3.6 pounds!!

I an just so excited. I feel like I'm in a special place. My total loss now is 18.6 lbs!

I'm looking forward to the summer like never before. My goal of 2lbs a week is being attained with little stress.

I'm finding time for myself and not feeling guilty about it. I'm finally putting myself first.

I'm on the treadmill everyday and I love it.

I'm looking forward to this sunday to see if I reach my total loss of 20lbs. That will be 1/5th of the way towards my goal of losing 100 pounds!!!!

I'm not going to stop !!

Everyone get moving !!!

The Beginning

Not a typical New Years Resolution. Not a typical weight loss need.

100. I need to lose 100 pounds. Can you imagine that! LOL ! It's crazy!

*deep breath*

I joined Weight Watchers. My first meeting was 1/2/10.

I've had my awakening. For years and years I knew my weight was out of control. Like so many people, tried very different things. I even looked into lap band surgery.

I'm not sure why I chose Weight Watchers as the program for me. All I know is that I'm glad I did because it's amazing.

My starting weight: 263

My first week, I lost 2.6
My second week, I lost 5.0
My third week I lost 2.6
My fourth week, I lost 4.4

I have lost 5% of my body weight! My only goal is 2 pounds a week in weight loss. In 12 months I want to have made a dramatic change in my weight. I'm not talking about bikini time. I just want to be "normal". I don't want to be obese anymore.

The first thing I dealt with in the first few week was forgiveness. I forgave myself. It was amazing. It freed me. I was no longer disgusted to look at myself in the mirror. I didn't care what I looked like on the treadmill. I felt like it was OK to move on. It may not make sense to people when I say how I began my process, but it makes sense to me. Letting go of the past and moving forward with a new life routine has been exhilarating.

Exercising has been KEY besides eating with the weight watchers guide. We moved the treadmill to the family room and now I'm doing it. I'm doing it! Walking 45 minutes a day at least 2 miles.
It DOES gets hard to do it some days. But then as I'm standing there wanting to get off the treadmill before the 45 minutes have past I tell myself this,

"This is Hard ??!! This is NOT hard! I'm walking on a treadmill! How dare I think this is HARD! HARD is being homeless; HARD is surviving an earthquake; HARD is fighting cancer; HARD is being a soldier at war; HARD is not having legs to walk; HARD is leaving your family for a year to make a new life in a new country; HARD is losing a child. STAY ON THIS DAMN TREADMILL AND DON'T YOU DARE SAY THIS IS HARD!!

Next thing I know, I snap out of my excuses I finish my entire 45 minutes!!

Who knows what this year will bring, but I do know that I won't go down for not trying.