Friday, August 31, 2001

Whew, I really got a good workout in today. I am going to be sore tomorrow!! I worked every muscle in my body so I'm not sure what I'll be able to do tomorrow. I may have to walk again though not sure if my quads can take that either....so we'll see.

On a good note, I wore some shorts yesterday that I could not fit into a few weeks ago. So I must be losing inches if not any weight! I am thrilled! I really feel much tighter already and my thighs don't seem as fat or lose. Even Shawn has noticed. This is the motivation I need to keep going. :)

I am doing extremely well on the WW Winning Points Program. I've been only using up the lower end of my point range and have a full bank. This is the easiest weight loss program I've ever tried. Yesterday I ate spaghetti (without meat), and a taco, breakfast bar, and all kinds of stuff and still stayed in my point range. Believe me, I was not hungry at all. I'm just learning to eat smaller portions. I only had one taco (soft shell and with fat free sour cream) and I usually eat two. I was plenty full after only the one. They are more fattening than my other meals so I won't eat them too often. Though I still had extra points at the end of the day anyway.

Posted by Leah @ 08:41 AM CST [Link]

Thursday, August 30, 2001

I walked 30 minutes today on my elliptical machine. That is more than double what I was doing. I've decided that rather than trying to walk every day after I do my videos to instead walk on those days when my muscles need a break and I'd like to rest. So the only rest days I'm going to take from now until December are when I'm gone or ill. This elliptical machine gives me quite the workout! It's not the same as normal walking as my quads burn almost the entire time. I really work up a good sweat too and I feel great!

I cannot believe I am still motivated with this. I am so thrilled! This is day 3 of counting my points via WW style and it's going really good. I usually have a few points at the end of the day that I bank. I'm feeling really full too and just love being able to eat what I choose.

Posted by Leah @ 08:49 AM CST [Link]

Wednesday, August 29, 2001

I am really sore from yesterday's workout. So I tried to work those areas that weren't so sore today. I plan on just walking tomorrow to give my muscles a break. I'm experimenting with my rotation and trying out my new videos.

Posted by Leah @ 07:15 AM CST [Link]

Tuesday, August 28, 2001

I made it through my first day utilizing WW Winning Points. I'm currently allowed 22-27 points per day and only used the 22. Plus I earned 4 extra points for exercising and housework today. So I banked 9 points, which should come in handy Saturday as I'm going out to eat. :)

Posted by Leah @ 09:12 PM CST [Link]

I am joining the Weight Watchers Online starting today. We'll see if this speeds up my weight loss. I did count my points that I had been eating this past week and can see I'm still eating too much so I'm cutting down some more.

Posted by Leah @ 11:30 AM CST [Link]

I completed my new video Kathy Smith's Timesaver Lifting Weights to Lose Weight tape and I love it! This video has two 20 minute workouts on it, a lower body and upper body. I chose to do both. There is also a bonus 7 minute ab workout which I chose not to do today as I am working my abs every other day until they get stronger. This video uses very light weights and has different levels you can choose to do...beginner or advanced. It's a keeper.

I did not walk today as this 40 minute workout was enough. I'm beat. I think I have enough videos now to start my rotation. I have placed them in the order I want to do them and will give it a try.

I'm going to follow the WW point system for a few days and see how much I'm actually eating. Actually I might just use my log so I can add up my points. I have a feeling I'm eating more than I should have which would explain the tiny weight loss.

The important thing is I'm still motivated!

Posted by Leah @ 07:05 AM CST [Link]

Monday, August 27, 2001

I'm a little disappointed in my weight loss, but I do realize I may be building muscle. I do feel as if I am losing inches so I guess I'm not too worried. I just hope I can also get my weight down. I added another minute to my Elliptical Machine exercise and hope to increase that by one minute each week until I am walking for at least 20 minutes. That machine is so much harder to walk on than regular outdoor walking. I really strain to keep going so I know I'm working my legs really good.

I'm still motivated to lose weight and am enjoying exercising. I have 4 new tapes that should arrive by the end of the week so I can really vary my routine and work each muscle group. I will probably start lifting weights after the December Florida trip for some added tone.

Posted by Leah @ 06:48 AM CST [Link]

Sunday, August 26, 2001

I didn't get to do my ab video today as I ran out of time before I had to get ready for church. So I may do it later today. Today was my first workout in our new exercise room and it's so nice! I am nervous about weighing in tomorrow as I have a feeling I may not have lost anything and possibly may have gained. I swear I feel a difference though already in the fit of my clothes so maybe I am gaining a bit of muscle. I just hope to have some major weight loss within the next few weeks.

Posted by Leah @ 01:05 PM CST [Link]

Saturday, August 25, 2001

Well I am taking a rest day as we didn't get home until this afternoon from our overnighter. Now we are finishing painting the bathroom. Plus yesterday we decided to move our bedroom into our other spare room upstairs (it has a private balcony), which leaves the largest room 14x14 for our exercise room (It was too large for our bedroom anyway)!! So we need to finish moving everything around. It will be so cool to have a room for all of our exercise equipment. Plus Shawn and I can also work out together if we want. We even have a tv in there. I'll post pics after we get it all set up and decorated. So we are busy moving all that stuff around. I'll be back to exercising tomorrow a.m. bright and early!

Posted by Leah @ 03:49 PM CST [Link]

Friday, August 24, 2001

Yikes, I feel like these workouts are getting tougher. I can barely finish my 12 minute walk, which I do at the end of my videos. I am pushing myself a bit harder each day though on the Elliptical Machine so maybe that's why.

I'm still feeling so motivated! I can't wait to be able to wear sleaveless shirts and crop tops etc. I would love to be able to tuck in my shirt again.

I also realized last night that by the time I lose my weight I should be more toned and in shape. So it will be a matter of working out to maintain and I'll be able to eat more again. I should say treat myself without guilt because I shouldn't gain anything as long as I'm working out. So that's a nice thought. I may be cutting down quite a bit now, but in the long term, I should be able to increase my food intake again a year from now. This is not to say I can pig out or eat junk food, but I can enjoy a steak and potato more often.

Since I'll be gone overnight tonight I may take a rest day tomorrow. I doubt I'll feel like working out tomorrow evening. I'd rather do my workouts in the morning.

Posted by Leah @ 09:26 AM CST [Link]

Thursday, August 23, 2001

Whew, this thigh workout I finished is a killer. So was the abs. I can definitely see where my problem areas are. I love the short 10 minute workouts though as I can choose to do 10, 20, or 30 minutes of each body part. Eventually, I'd like to do the full 30 minutes for each body part.

My thighs have felt tight and mildly sore all week. It's been really hard to continue with my walking but I really need that extra exercise right now. I am feeling great! I know I shouldn't have much improvement yet, but I feel as if my legs are getting more toned already.

I did ok on my eating yesterday though I had some awful sugar cravings in the afternoon which I gave into. I had a few tiny tootsie rolls. Then Shawn and I went out to eat last night. I am not worrying about what I eat when I go out to eat because if I watch it all the other days, it's still an improvement from what I was doing. So I enjoyed my Mexican food.

I'm anxious for my weigh in on Monday. I have been weighing myself everyday and have lost weight though I will not document it or consider it gone until Monday. I just hope I don't eat too much when Shawn and I go away for the evening for our Anniversary on Friday. :)

Posted by Leah @ 09:27 AM CST [Link]

Wednesday, August 22, 2001

My Tips For Success is part of another site I discovered tonight. This page in particular is very interesting and has taught me a lot.

Posted by Leah @ 11:12 PM CST [Link]

Well, thanks to those of you with suggestions for workout videos. I have a list a mile long right now. But I have discovered I really enjoy the short ones and ones that focus on certain body parts. If I need to haul out a bunch of equipment, or if the moves are too dance-like or the video too long then I'm not sure if I'll want to do it. So I have purchased the following 4 more videos to add to my routine:

• 
  
• Timesaver - Life weights to Lose Weight
• 
  
• 8 Minute Abs with 8 Minute Arms
• 
  
• 8 Minute Buns with 8 Minute Thighs
• 
  
• QuickFix Total Body Toning

Eventually I'd like to try videos that last longer, but for now this will do. :)

Posted by Leah @ 01:30 PM CST [Link]

I am feeling so amazing now that I am finally doing something positive about my weight. I have tried various exercises over the years and never stuck with them, with the exception of working out in the gym (I worked there until they closed and then never found another). Anyway, I have virtually done nothing ever since I broke all my bones after the tornado in 1996. I was so sore that first year and never had any physical therapy (grieving too much to care). Needless to say my body is in the worst shape it's ever been. So when I can say I've been exercising AND ENJOYING it, then it's a miracle! I am setting personal goals for myself that I never dreamed I'd be. I want that thin and toned body with flat abs by next Summer at the latest. My immediate goal is to lose weight for the December Florida trip. After that I'm going to do more weight lifting to get more tone, unless I am getting toned from what I'm doing.

I am slowly changing my eating habits as well. I have never drank so much water in my life. I am still logging everything I put into my mouth. I can see a pattern developing. I need to eat 6 small meals a day. I am hungry about every 3 hours. So I have found some low fat or healthy snacks that I am eating between meals, such as pretzels, Yoplait Custard style yogart (just like pudding), cucumbers, Nutrigrain bars etc. I have also cut down on my portion sizes. I know I have been eating much larger portions at one sitting than I ever did when I lived in PA.

So I'm doing really well. I am feeling extremely optimistic that I may actually stick with this and get healthy and fit for once.

Posted by Leah @ 09:38 AM CST [Link]

Tuesday, August 21, 2001

I do not care for the Sizzler. I only completed 20 minutes of it because the moves are too fancy for my taste. If I wanted to learn how to dance, I'd take dance lessons. I will only do that one if I am SUPER bored. So then I thought I better try the Hit the Spot Abs again as I didn't feel sore in my abs. But I guess I am more sore than I thought. I completed 5 minutes of that one. So I decided to walk again on my Elliptical Machine. I still feel pleasantly sore all over. I really want to do the QuickFix Arms and Legs video tomorrow so I hope my legs feel strong enough.

I did great with my food intake yesterday. I went the entire day without any candy. I did have one soda while at work but I did so well with everything else that I don't have to worry. I keep trying to drink water as often as possible but at the end of each day I've only been drinking 56oz. I am going to try harder today to increase that.

I weighed myself today though I am not officially weighing in until Monday. There was a 3 pound loss since Saturday so we'll see if that stays or not. Well I have to get ready for work again.

Posted by Leah @ 07:41 AM CST [Link]

Monday, August 20, 2001

I am feeling it in my legs and I feel great! So I did the Hit the Spot Abs video which has 3-10 minute workouts on it. I am going to try to do 10 mins. every other day as recommended, or more. Plus I walked on the elliptical machine again.

I did really well on my eating again yesterday. I have eliminated soda from my diet and am working on most sugar with the exception of foods with natural sugar. I will have 1 soda per day when I work in mom's store but only after drinking 32 oz. of water. I have been averaging 56 oz. of water per day and want to increase it. I'm trying.

Well I better get ready for work.

Posted by Leah @ 07:46 AM CST [Link]

Sunday, August 19, 2001

I got through my 2nd day of exercising. I did the Quickfix Arms and Legs video which consists of 3-10 minute arm and leg workouts. I chose to do the first 2. My leg/knee is bothering me since yesterday a little so I'm taking it a bit easy today. I might take a rest day tomorrow or Tuesday, not sure yet. The next video I'm trying is called the Sizzler but it's 45 minutes long so I doubt I'll make it through the entire thing.

I did fairly good on my eating yesterday since I am keeping a log. I had thought I was going to watch my fat intake, but after reading the link below, I am going to watch mainly my sugar and carbs. I live on carbs which would explain why I gained so much weight so quickly. Of course, my favarite food is french fries or any kind of potato. Plus I've been making this Italian pasta with fat free dressing which I bet isn't as good as I thought with all the carbs. So I'm going to search the net and find some good foods I CAN eat with very little sugar or carbs.

Posted by Leah @ 09:38 AM CST [Link]

Women's Weightlifting Links 'n' Lessons is a must read. I have learned so much and am amazed at some of the misconceptions I believed.

Posted by Leah @ 12:27 AM CST [Link]

Saturday, August 18, 2001

I just returned from Wal-Mart with 4 new exercise videos. I purchased a series of 3 with Denise Austin and then another cheapie that's specifically for legs and arms. It has 3 short 10 minute workouts on it. I'm really excited and anxious to try one of my new ones, but I don't want to overdo it so I'll wait until tomorrow.

Posted by Leah @ 04:25 PM CST [Link]

Well I made it through my first TaeBo video. I had forgotten how much work it is! It's a little too fast paced for me and seems a little hard on my knees so I'm definitely going to find something else to exercise to. This will be good for when I need some variety though. I am sweating like a pig, but it feels good to know I'm getting off my butt. I plan on also going for a bike ride when Shawn gets home from work. I am also logging everything I am putting into my mouth and trying to drink tons of water, which shouldn't be too hard since I am still hot and sweaty from exercising.

Posted by Leah @ 09:05 AM CST [Link]

Friday, August 17, 2001

Ok, I posted my first progress pictures. They are awful and I'm very upset about the reality of how I look. But cameras don't lie and this is the incentive I needed to get my butt in gear.

Posted by Leah @ 11:25 PM CST [Link]

Wouldn't you know the department store I went to doesn't sell one single exercise video! Looks like I'll be doing my Taebo tape tomorrow morning. I had Shawn take some pics of me and they make me sick. I'm a very modest person, but I decided to wear spandex shorts and a tank top so that my fat will all hang out. Well it sure does! I'm not sure if I even want to post my pics though I know they will be all the incentive I need to keep motivated. I'm probably going to post them tomorrow unless I chicken out. The only reason I would consider posting them online is because I know I will be embarrassed and maybe that will give me the gumption to exercise and do something about it.

Posted by Leah @ 10:20 PM CST [Link]

I'm on my way to the store to purchase an exercise video. I'd eventually like to try the Firm series but rather than wait for an online purchase, I'm digging right in. I know that if I don't start something right away, I may not do it.

I've been reading other weight loss stories for the past couple hours and I feel so inspired. I know I definitely need to keep a log of my daily food intake. I haven't decided if I'll post that online or not. It might be a pain. But at least I know that if I have to log it, I may not want to eat it.

Posted by Leah @ 04:13 PM CST [Link]

I thought by creating an actual weight loss journal, I'd become more motivated. I'm the type of person who needs to be organized before doing anything. So I am going to finish the rest of this site, take my progress pics, etc. I'm hoping to offically start my grueling routine by tomorrow. I may have to haul out my Taebo video until I find something I like better. I have an official weight loss of 2 lbs. so I am already on the way. Wish me luck!

Posted by Leah @ 02:12 PM CST [Link]

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