Quick update today. No time to dilly or dally... I am too busy getting caught up with Dexter season six.
This week was rough. I am having a hard time figuring out my position at my new job. It has taken its toll. I feel like I have lost my focus and have gotten away from what this year is all about. I didn't loose any weight this week, but I am not upset about that. I am however upset that I am not focused on my ultimate goal. I want to live this year without regret. I want to live my healthiest and happiest year yet... 365 days of good health.
Simply put, I need to find that drive again.
As always it's a work in progress...
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Sunday, February 5, 2012
week 5
It has been a long time coming, and yes I have been here before, but I finally broke that hundred mark! I lost three pounds this week. It feels good to be past a big mile mark and on my way to the next hundred... I am still somewhat disappointed that the weight is coming off so slow, but down is definitely in the right direction. I had some eating "indiscretions" but I have continued to avoid stopping for fast food or gas station food between jobs which has been a huge victory! I am learning that indulging is necessary, however I need to focus on making those indulgences count. I have gone overboard a few times and I need to reign that in a wee bit. As always its a work in progress.
I have definitely been successful on the home cooked meal front. I have always enjoyed cooking (doing the dishes not so much). I am focusing my cooking skills on making healthy meals. I enjoy challenging myself in making favorite unhealthy meals healthy. This past week I made chicken salad (one of my favorite things). I used hearth healthy pecans, antioxidant rich grapes, and lean protein packing Greek yogurt!
It is one of my more proud cooking moments! To make, grill 1 large chicken breast (I used my George... Love my George). Shred cooked chicken and mix with 1T honey mustard, 1T curry paste or roasted red chili paste, 1/2 cup of red grapes (I cut the grapes in half), 1-2 oz of chopped pecans, 1 scallion (chopped), 2 boiled eggs (chopped... I only used one yolk but both whites), and 4-8 oz of 0% plain Greek yogurt (4-8 depending on how creamy you want to make it). Mix well and season with cumin, curry seasoning, paprika, and black pepper. Serve by the forkful or on wheat bread with romaine lettuce! Yummmmm...
This week I am planning on continuing my home cooked meals! I am tackling kale and green lentils! I need to refocus on gym time as well. We had a huge snowstorm this week and I enjoyed a snow day on Friday. That however means I have been unable (and unwilling really) to get my butt to the gym. I have made it a point to pack a gym bag and take it with me to school. Instead of going home first I head straight to the gym. That has helped a lot! Monday and Thursday are going to be rest days. It is too hard to get to the gym after working two jobs, a 13 hour day. Looking forward to continuing to push myself and continue to work towards my running goals.
Good luck to everyone this week. Stay strong!
I have definitely been successful on the home cooked meal front. I have always enjoyed cooking (doing the dishes not so much). I am focusing my cooking skills on making healthy meals. I enjoy challenging myself in making favorite unhealthy meals healthy. This past week I made chicken salad (one of my favorite things). I used hearth healthy pecans, antioxidant rich grapes, and lean protein packing Greek yogurt!
It is one of my more proud cooking moments! To make, grill 1 large chicken breast (I used my George... Love my George). Shred cooked chicken and mix with 1T honey mustard, 1T curry paste or roasted red chili paste, 1/2 cup of red grapes (I cut the grapes in half), 1-2 oz of chopped pecans, 1 scallion (chopped), 2 boiled eggs (chopped... I only used one yolk but both whites), and 4-8 oz of 0% plain Greek yogurt (4-8 depending on how creamy you want to make it). Mix well and season with cumin, curry seasoning, paprika, and black pepper. Serve by the forkful or on wheat bread with romaine lettuce! Yummmmm...This week I am planning on continuing my home cooked meals! I am tackling kale and green lentils! I need to refocus on gym time as well. We had a huge snowstorm this week and I enjoyed a snow day on Friday. That however means I have been unable (and unwilling really) to get my butt to the gym. I have made it a point to pack a gym bag and take it with me to school. Instead of going home first I head straight to the gym. That has helped a lot! Monday and Thursday are going to be rest days. It is too hard to get to the gym after working two jobs, a 13 hour day. Looking forward to continuing to push myself and continue to work towards my running goals.
Good luck to everyone this week. Stay strong!
Sunday, January 29, 2012
week four
This week was a whirl wind! I have been sick with clogged sinuses, fever, and a sore throat. I have fully embraced my new job, and it has been an extremely hard transition (both professionally and personally). I was asked to be in a wedding and my friends and I celebrated various things with gatherings and happy hours every day this week. I definitely had some highs and lows... I am having a difficult time transitioning into my new job. I feel lucky to have found a teaching position, and I know that this experience is vital to eventually move on, however it is not exactly my dream position. Trying to balance a new schedule with my healthy lifestyle, on top of a wicked cold this week has been a tall order. Let's just say I did NOT frequent the gym and I went rogue a few times with meals and snacks. On the bright side, this week, more so than ever, I have felt incredibly lucky to have such wonderful friends. I wish everyone realized just how much I value their love and support. I am not talking support in this weight loss journey. More so general support and thoughtfulness. I have always said that I am good at making and, more importantly, keeping friends. This week I have come to realize just how wonderful that gift is. Friends have kept me sane and uplifted in a week that should have brought me down.
I think that the stress relief and love I have felt this week from spending time with my girls is the reason this week was successful on the scale. When I jumped on the scale this morning and saw a three pound loss from last week, my jaw hit the floor. I am truly shocked to see a loss. Coming off a terrible week three, three pounds is a true success. I am still having a hard time breaking through that hundred mark, but week four has been a turnaround. Right now, even after my self inflicted defeats this week, I feel empowered and ready to continue my journey in week five.
It has been difficult to post this week. With so many things going on, I was barely home. When I was home, all I wanted to do was sleep because I was sick and exhausted. I am going to try to post on Wednesdays as a mid week update and of course on Sundays, weigh in day. Hopefully as summer approaches and adventures abound, I will be thinner, healthier, happier and relishing in action packed vacations and summer time races.
Last week I wrote about my BMR and the realization that I was eating too few calories. Even though I saw a loss on the scale I was not as vigilant with my calories as I should have been. This week my main goal is watching my calories and making sure my meals are as clean as possible. I want to be sure I am making homemade meals and using the healthiest ingredients as possible. This week's goal is to live by "food is fuel!"
Cheers!
I think that the stress relief and love I have felt this week from spending time with my girls is the reason this week was successful on the scale. When I jumped on the scale this morning and saw a three pound loss from last week, my jaw hit the floor. I am truly shocked to see a loss. Coming off a terrible week three, three pounds is a true success. I am still having a hard time breaking through that hundred mark, but week four has been a turnaround. Right now, even after my self inflicted defeats this week, I feel empowered and ready to continue my journey in week five.
It has been difficult to post this week. With so many things going on, I was barely home. When I was home, all I wanted to do was sleep because I was sick and exhausted. I am going to try to post on Wednesdays as a mid week update and of course on Sundays, weigh in day. Hopefully as summer approaches and adventures abound, I will be thinner, healthier, happier and relishing in action packed vacations and summer time races.
Last week I wrote about my BMR and the realization that I was eating too few calories. Even though I saw a loss on the scale I was not as vigilant with my calories as I should have been. This week my main goal is watching my calories and making sure my meals are as clean as possible. I want to be sure I am making homemade meals and using the healthiest ingredients as possible. This week's goal is to live by "food is fuel!"
Cheers!
Sunday, January 22, 2012
week 3 summary
I gained 2 pounds this week. If that isn't discouraging, I don't know what is. The worst part is I cannot figure out where I went array. I logged my meals and stayed under my calories. I went OUT of my way to get my butt to the gym every night this week except Friday. The only thing I can think is that I had three parties this weekend. I went to an engagement party on Friday, a birthday party on Saturday, and a birthday brunch this morning. I did not go overboard, but I did partake in some snacking. However, I did not have any cake and I did not have any soda or alcohol. It sucks that after a little guacamole and skipping the gym one night of the week I gained 2 pounds.
I am not sure where to go from here. I am extremely discouraged. I feel like my hard work in the gym is not resulting in any loss. I can't figure out how after daily calorie intake of 1300 calories and almost 400 minutes of cardiovascular exercise this week, the scale showed a 2 pound gain instead of a loss.
Week four needs to be a turnaround week for me. Not so much a mental turnaround, but literately a physical turnaround. I need to see some good results to stay motivated. I was just asked to be in another wedding this summer. I can't help but think how much better I will feel in a smaller bridesmaid dress.
This week I am planning on increasing my workouts and eating cleaner meals (even though I really feel like this is exactly what I accomplished over this past week).
Gym: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday
25 minutes elliptical
25 minutes treadmill
15 minutes bike
I am planning on starting to run on the treadmill. I am going to start with 1 minute every 5 minutes and then move to two minutes every 5 minutes, etc.
Meals this week are going to be super clean: eggs, milk, chicken, fruits, and veggies.
Last week I set a goal to loose 6 pounds. That obviously did not happen. This week I am going to set another 6 pound goal to hopefully kick-start February!
I certainly hope I can iron out whatever kinks are causing me problems. The hard thing is figuring out exactly what the kinks are. I really thought I was on a roll, so this week has been a disappointment. Regardless, I am continuing to be steadfast especially with my workouts. When I get done with an hour of cardio, all I can think about is how good 60 minutes was for my health. That after all is the ultimate goal... better health.
Cheers to week four!
I am not sure where to go from here. I am extremely discouraged. I feel like my hard work in the gym is not resulting in any loss. I can't figure out how after daily calorie intake of 1300 calories and almost 400 minutes of cardiovascular exercise this week, the scale showed a 2 pound gain instead of a loss.
Week four needs to be a turnaround week for me. Not so much a mental turnaround, but literately a physical turnaround. I need to see some good results to stay motivated. I was just asked to be in another wedding this summer. I can't help but think how much better I will feel in a smaller bridesmaid dress.
This week I am planning on increasing my workouts and eating cleaner meals (even though I really feel like this is exactly what I accomplished over this past week).
Gym: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday
25 minutes elliptical
25 minutes treadmill
15 minutes bike
I am planning on starting to run on the treadmill. I am going to start with 1 minute every 5 minutes and then move to two minutes every 5 minutes, etc.
Meals this week are going to be super clean: eggs, milk, chicken, fruits, and veggies.
Last week I set a goal to loose 6 pounds. That obviously did not happen. This week I am going to set another 6 pound goal to hopefully kick-start February!
I certainly hope I can iron out whatever kinks are causing me problems. The hard thing is figuring out exactly what the kinks are. I really thought I was on a roll, so this week has been a disappointment. Regardless, I am continuing to be steadfast especially with my workouts. When I get done with an hour of cardio, all I can think about is how good 60 minutes was for my health. That after all is the ultimate goal... better health.
Cheers to week four!
Monday, January 16, 2012
monday pictures
Happy Monday. I have already had an awesome 2 days. I'm showing week 3 who is boss! I have been completely loyal to my goal of 1300 calories and I have been burning approximately 650 calories at the gym each day. I am feeling really good.
Since it's Monday, as promised, I wanted to share some photos. Today I wanted to share photos of some of my meals from week 2. I have very much enjoyed crafting new dishes, and I am looking forward to continue experimenting with new ingredients and making favorite dishes as healthy as possible. Nom nom nom...
Since it's Monday, as promised, I wanted to share some photos. Today I wanted to share photos of some of my meals from week 2. I have very much enjoyed crafting new dishes, and I am looking forward to continue experimenting with new ingredients and making favorite dishes as healthy as possible. Nom nom nom...
Chili Lime Chicken with shredded broccoli and quinoa
Homemade tortilla soup with cilantro and corn tortillas
Jerk Chicken Salad with Avocado and jalapeno
Chicken tacos with homemade taco seasoning
Chicken Veggie Stir Fry
Sunday, January 15, 2012
progress week two
Week two was a lot harder than week one. I definitely feel like my dedication wavered and I fell off my plan a few times. Even after writing my last post, it's difficult to express how I feel. I know I am being hard on myself, but truly I know I am capable of much more.
All was not lost this week however. This morning the scale read 302. I am down 2 pounds from last week and 11 pounds overall. Down 2 is definitely the right direction, so I am still feeling good about the loss. I was reading another blog the other day, and the author mentioned the "Biggest Loser week 2 curse." I laughed and thought back on all of the past contestants. It's true that 9 times out of 10 the contestants have major breakdowns, bouts of tears, or little to no weight loss after week 2. Perhaps week 2 really is the most difficult week. I certainly will be chalking up my week 2 troubles to the curse. I suppose the success of week 2 lies in the ability to put it behind you and show week 3 who is boss.
This week I am going to be changing up my plans a wee bit. I will be religiously counting calories, logging everything I put in my mouth. My snazzy iPhone (aka my favorite purchase of all time) has the MyFitnessPal app which I will be using to log my meals. I am aiming for 1300 - 1500 calories a day. I do not have any weird limits on what I can eat or when I can eat, but I will be eating only Power Foods/ Abs Diet approved foods, (i.e. whole grains, eggs, nuts, veggies, fruits, lean meats, low fat dairy, etc.) with some leeway for salad dressing and a sweet snack here and there.
My goal this week is to hit the gym everyday. I realize that is a steep goal, but I want to get the most out of my gym membership as possible. I am aiming for 60 minutes of cardiovascular exercise and I will be doing strength training on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday. I am sticking with the elliptical, treadmill, spinning bike, and the circuit weights area. This week i want to loose 6 pounds. That too is a tall order, but I am confident I now have the focus to accomplish that goal!
Keep up the good work to all of my blogger buddies. I love reading your blogs and comments. Cheers to week three!
All was not lost this week however. This morning the scale read 302. I am down 2 pounds from last week and 11 pounds overall. Down 2 is definitely the right direction, so I am still feeling good about the loss. I was reading another blog the other day, and the author mentioned the "Biggest Loser week 2 curse." I laughed and thought back on all of the past contestants. It's true that 9 times out of 10 the contestants have major breakdowns, bouts of tears, or little to no weight loss after week 2. Perhaps week 2 really is the most difficult week. I certainly will be chalking up my week 2 troubles to the curse. I suppose the success of week 2 lies in the ability to put it behind you and show week 3 who is boss.
This week I am going to be changing up my plans a wee bit. I will be religiously counting calories, logging everything I put in my mouth. My snazzy iPhone (aka my favorite purchase of all time) has the MyFitnessPal app which I will be using to log my meals. I am aiming for 1300 - 1500 calories a day. I do not have any weird limits on what I can eat or when I can eat, but I will be eating only Power Foods/ Abs Diet approved foods, (i.e. whole grains, eggs, nuts, veggies, fruits, lean meats, low fat dairy, etc.) with some leeway for salad dressing and a sweet snack here and there.
My goal this week is to hit the gym everyday. I realize that is a steep goal, but I want to get the most out of my gym membership as possible. I am aiming for 60 minutes of cardiovascular exercise and I will be doing strength training on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday. I am sticking with the elliptical, treadmill, spinning bike, and the circuit weights area. This week i want to loose 6 pounds. That too is a tall order, but I am confident I now have the focus to accomplish that goal!
Keep up the good work to all of my blogger buddies. I love reading your blogs and comments. Cheers to week three!
Friday, January 13, 2012
falling off
I fell off the bandwagon a little bit the past two days. My meals have been clean, but I have not been to the gym in two days and my snacking is getting a little bit out of control. I have been eating lots of salad, veggies, and lean meat, but then I have also been sneaking cookies and pudding. I don't know if I am bored or if there is some kind of specific trigger causing this uncontrollable urge to snack. It is honestly really discouraging. The good thing is that I have not let it get totally out of control. I usually clean it up and keep my meals clean for the rest of the day. In the past I would let a single bad choice ruin my diet for the rest of the day. That's progress peeps.
The worst part of my divergent behavior is the fact that I have not been to the gym in two days. I have no excuse. I even feel lazy and disgusting because I have not done any major sweating in 48 hours. I guess maybe that feeling is a good sign... a sign that my resolve to work out is having a positive effect. I know a lot of people take breaks from the gym and indulge in cookies every once and a while, but for me I want to change my life drastically. I don't want to skip a gym day for "rest." I don't want to indulge in cookies. I want to find the athlete I lost after high school graduation. I want to form good habits that don't involve snacking and being lazy. They say it takes 66 days to form a good habit forever. My journey towards 66 days has only just begun. I need to figure it out and cut it out.
I know to some of you this might seem kinda "cuckoo" to be freaking out this early in the game. It might seem a little bit drastic to be calling a few cookies and two rest days "falling off the bandwagon." For me though, based on my goals, it really is falling off the bandwagon. I think about real athletes and even the contestants on the biggest loser. I think about what they are capable of and how hard they work everyday. I want to find that kind of drive. I have tried and failed to loose weight and change my life too many times already. I want this year to be my year... the year of Hudd. I don't want to just loose 100 pounds and go on my merry way. I want to gain just as much as I loose. I want to run in races, hike mountains, travel, fall in love... Ok so I am getting a little bit sappy. I want this year to be different and awesome. When I think about eating that cookie, I think about the past 27 years of my life. Don't get me wrong... I have had an AWESOME life. But the reason I am blogging is that I want to change my life. That stupid cookie represents a lot more to me than just 100 calories. It represents everything I am trying to change about myself.
A dear friend sent this to me the other day. I was going to save it for a later post, months down the road, but tonight it seems fitting. I really love the words written in this picture and everything they represent to me. This is what I have to stay focused on... this is what I want to do this year. So tomorrow its back to the gym. Bright and early. No excuses.
The worst part of my divergent behavior is the fact that I have not been to the gym in two days. I have no excuse. I even feel lazy and disgusting because I have not done any major sweating in 48 hours. I guess maybe that feeling is a good sign... a sign that my resolve to work out is having a positive effect. I know a lot of people take breaks from the gym and indulge in cookies every once and a while, but for me I want to change my life drastically. I don't want to skip a gym day for "rest." I don't want to indulge in cookies. I want to find the athlete I lost after high school graduation. I want to form good habits that don't involve snacking and being lazy. They say it takes 66 days to form a good habit forever. My journey towards 66 days has only just begun. I need to figure it out and cut it out.
I know to some of you this might seem kinda "cuckoo" to be freaking out this early in the game. It might seem a little bit drastic to be calling a few cookies and two rest days "falling off the bandwagon." For me though, based on my goals, it really is falling off the bandwagon. I think about real athletes and even the contestants on the biggest loser. I think about what they are capable of and how hard they work everyday. I want to find that kind of drive. I have tried and failed to loose weight and change my life too many times already. I want this year to be my year... the year of Hudd. I don't want to just loose 100 pounds and go on my merry way. I want to gain just as much as I loose. I want to run in races, hike mountains, travel, fall in love... Ok so I am getting a little bit sappy. I want this year to be different and awesome. When I think about eating that cookie, I think about the past 27 years of my life. Don't get me wrong... I have had an AWESOME life. But the reason I am blogging is that I want to change my life. That stupid cookie represents a lot more to me than just 100 calories. It represents everything I am trying to change about myself.
A dear friend sent this to me the other day. I was going to save it for a later post, months down the road, but tonight it seems fitting. I really love the words written in this picture and everything they represent to me. This is what I have to stay focused on... this is what I want to do this year. So tomorrow its back to the gym. Bright and early. No excuses.
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