A New Year is on the Way and..

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It's been a while since I've written.  That's never really a good thing. It means I've fallen off track, more often than not.  2016 has been another year of ups and downs.  All in all though - seriously I did pretty well!!  I started 2017 near 300 lbs.  UGH.  It was rough.  It was {really, really} disappointing.  But I got through it.  I remember my first blog of 2016 said something like "My goal for this year is to lose anything....a pound even... to be lighter than I am this day"  Each year its seemed like I've only gained.  This year was different!! I did lose.  So I'm taking it and I'm going to be happy about it.  Is it where I wanted to be ideally? No.  But it's something.  And in 2017, I'm going to do even more.  

In 2017 I want to try new things. I want to try to find some hobbies.  (Apparently I have none -- and that's pretty sad) 

I don't even know where to start with all that.  Baking would be counterproductive to any weight loss I want to accomplish.  Maybe cooking healthy?  LOL But what kind of hobby is that... I guess it could work.  I may play around with Steve's camera and see if I can get good at that.  Seriously guys....what do I do?! What hobbies do you have?! This shouldn't be so hard. hahaha

I guess I will figure it out.  Gonna do my best to make 2017 my year.  Of course I say that every year....but one of these years it will pay off.  I will get under 200 and find cute clothes!!!!  Whoohoo!!  

Okay - probably won't update again til next year.... but thanks for all the support guys :) 

xoxo 
Katie

Getting my groove back!

Somehow I'm doing it..
I'm getting back to where I was 2 weeks ago!  I think this weigh in will be pretty good actually.  I know it's only Wednesday, so I do have a couple more days to keep myself in check, but I'm feeling good about it.  Per my scale, I'm back to where my scale said on the 15th.  Now WW scale that day suprised me and was a bit lower than my home scale, so I'm not sure.... but we'll see!  I mean hypothetically, I should be where I was on the 15th by what I'm seeing today.... Soooo we shall see.

Don't eat stress. Don't eat stress. Don't eat stress. Don't eat stress. 

Feeling quite a bit disorganized in life right now.  Between new jobs being added to my plate at work and trying to figure out how to manage and organize and keep everything straight...to trying to keep up on homework, school activities, etc...and then the house... It's just overwhelming at times.  It's working so far, but it just flusters me.  I need to really work on a system at work with all my new work.... Gotta figure that out.

Okay, too busy to type more!! 

xoxo

Katie

Last week was AWFUL!

I had an awful week to follow up my amazing loss the week before... Why do I do that to myself?!!  It started with some awful PMS, but what should've been a bad day, turned into SIX bad days!!! No tracking. No cares. Needless to say, I'm cranky, feel like crap, and am just overall down. Not about anything imparticular, just feeling down.  I also skipped my meeting on Saturday.  I'll be back this week, I just hope I don't show a gain. I did sooooo good the week prior.  I'm up A LOT right now.  I'm hoping by tracking, drinking my water and tea, and just paying attention I can get back down in the next 5 days..  

I also feel like my taste buds are messed up.  Normally I would love a regular coke, but yesterday when I had one it just tasted bad. (not a bad thing)  And even my coke zero.... and my fruit this morning tastes weird... I don't know what's up. I'm guessing maybe I'm getting a cold... Blah! 

Annnnyway... our housewarming party was great.  The house really came together and we had a great turnout. Lots of food and great company!!  I'm really hoping to get my act together this week.  Hoping that will help me feel better too.

xoxo 
Katie

Little Successes Add Up

Saturday's weigh-in was a WIN.  I did it. I hit my 10 lb loss and blew past it.  I actually don't know how it was so much.... because by my home scale it wasn't THAT much, but I will take it.  Down 12.6 lbs. on WW

So my weekend was my typical weekend...not tracking..not the best choices... I know I can't do this forever. Felt crappy on Saturday from all the pop and pizza.  We went bowling for a fundraiser.  Hadn't bowled in a while and it showed.  I did manage to win a wine basket in one of the raffles.  

Just feeling in a funk today.  They're having a "Boss' Day" breakfast this morning.... I'm going to try to stay strong, but we'll see how that goes.  We've got so much to do at the house this week to prep for the housewarming party..... probably should've pushed it back a little bit... but it'll come together.  Just a lot to do lol.   So this week we'll just be getting that stuff done.  

This was from March 29th to Oct 14th -- I'm impressed!


Here's to hoping I can stay focused today and this week.  I'm stressing already. Fingers crossed! 

xoxox
Katie

Nailed it!

This morning I stepped on the scale after another good day.... and I broke into the 270's....barely, but I'm there!  Two more days to hopefully lock in the number for the official weigh in on Saturday at WW.  I'm pretty sure they require clothes be worn....so I gotta get a little lower. LOL  I'm happy though. I haven't been this "light" in 2 years!  I am proud of myself.  Sticking with WW is the way to go for me.  It gives me enough freedom and leeway that I don't feel like one little thing is going to blow it, or set me back a full week or anything.  It's give and take.  

Water and tea and diet coke are getting me through. LOL  I do want to eventually try to get away from the caffiene, but the WW leaders just said that if you're drinking caffiene, make sure you're drinking more water.  I do drink a ton of water, especially at work, so I'm good there!  

This weekend should be pretty good. Saturday night will be a bowling fundraiser.  Hopefully I'll win some stuff this year....last year was a bust (for me!)  I'll get some activity...and eat some pizza...and drink some drinks.... but no plans Sunday.  Actually we'll probably be busting our butts trying to get stuff done around the house.  Next weekend will be our housewarming and there's still a bit to do.  It's really such a big difference from when we first got in.  It's sooooo nice. I just love it!!

Going to have some oatmeal for breakfast! Hope everyone has a fantastic day!! 

xoxo

Katie

A new week!

Last week started out SO well!...  
I was ready to lose enough to hit my 10 lbs and get my ribbon.  The amazing week quickly slipped away with bad choices.  For my weigh in Saturday, I was up 3 lbs.  As of today, I'm back down 2 of those 3 lbs, so I'm hoping that by Saturday I'll be back on track.  We've got a good plan for the week with meals though, so that's a help! 

Steve's making chili tonight -- that's gonna be so good!!  Perfect meal for this fall day!  I love this cooler weather.  I just unpacked a box last night with more of my sweaters. It's amazing how much stuff you realize that you have when you move.  So many clothes.  So many that I don't even wear.  So many that I CAN'T even wear..  So many that are "for when I lose some weight"  I do think I'm going to go through stuff again and purge a lot of it... maybe just keep the jeans LOL  It's just crazy.  I don't know.  I am moving in the right direction.  It's just such a slowww process.  But I know that's the *right* way to do it.  In my meeting on Saturday, there was a guy there who was down 50 lbs in about 12 weeks he said.   Impressive.  4 weeks in to WW and I'm down 5.8...... was 9.1 the week before.  Fingers crossed that I'll be back to the 9/10 lb mark this weekend.  

Today I am focused.  I need to make the next 3 days perfect to the T!  I need a great weigh in.  Kelly and I are both going to have great numbers this week.  I want to hit the next "decade" in weight loss...the 270s.... I've been close, but i haven't seen anything in the 270s in well over a year at least...wow... just checked -- November 2014!  I will have a lot to be proud of when I get back there then!  That makes me want to get there so bad!  A little over 3 lbs to go from my WI this morning!!! 

Okay - I can do this. I will do this.  See, sometimes blogging just pumps me up.  Thanks for reading and always having my back people <3 

XoXo
Katie

Monday - it's gonna be a great day!

Over the weekend, I blew my mind by coming in to WW and not only not gaining, but losing 2 lbs!  I was totally prepared for a 2 lb gain. Seriously.  I accepted that my week sucked, and I was going to be up.  Friday was the only day I did amazingly well. I was doing damage control.  I ate 50 cups of watermelon ...well, almost... ate right, and drank my water and tea!  I was on fire!  I was so shocked when I stepped on the scale Saturday morning and the weigh-in lady - sounds like an official enough title - gave me a reaffirming nod and congratulated me.  No freakin way!  So I'm using that as incentive to actually have a good full week and see what I can do!! So I got my keychain for my 4 weeks with WW.  Now to start earning some charms ;) 

I've been trying to be better about doing some things for myself...to make me feel better about me.  It might sound silly, but most of the time I didn't care about doing my hair or makeup.  I was just going to work, and honestly I don't care what anyone thinks about me here. lol  But I've been spending 15-20 min doing my hair and make up and it makes such a huge difference in how I feel.  I feel more confident - happier - just better overall. So I'm going to continue.  I'm having a Younique party which is makeup and skincare stuff.... expensive $$ stuff.... but the couple products I've used, I love.  I just have a hard time spending so much money on me for stuff like that.... So we'll see if I earn any rewards. lol  But either way, I'm going to keep trying to bump myself up a bit in my priorities. :) 



Had a great weekend.  Another game night and so much laughing.  I count that as an ab workout!  Had family over last night and made tacos.  Had a great time! This week should be pretty good!  Not a whole lot going on.  Just going to focus on accomplishing more around the house!  Hope everyone has a fabulous week!!  

xoxo
Katie

9/27/16

It's been a few days since I've updated... 

Saturday's WI wasn't as good as it should've been.  My rough week showed, BUT I was down. I was down 0.2 lbs. I took it with a big smile on my face knowing that I was kind of expecting a gain. Saturday I was giving myself to splurge a little, but planned to be back on Sunday.... That didn't happen. And even yesterday I struggled to get back to the right mindframe.  But I'm ready to be 100% good today.  Tracking. Staying within points. All of that. I deserve that. 

I am down a total of 7.1 lbs though.  I'm hoping I am able to lose another lb or so this week.  I'm going to try!!  Going to get some vitamins in me too today -- feel like I may be getting a little cold, but hopefully it's just the change in the weather.  It's finally feeling like fall!  I love it!!!   I just want to feel cute in clothes.  Is that bad that some of the time that reasoning comes before "being healthy" in my head?  It is kind of a shame that in our society that's more of what's important half the time.  And yes, they have cute "bigger" clothes, but it's like that stuff is never on sale.  They prey on you because you don't have choices.  I love Torrid, but honestly, it kills me to spend $40 on each shirt (tanks even!), $80 on pants/jeans.... It's just like, c'mon!! 

I don't really have anything else to report. lol  Hope everyone has a good week!!

xoxo

Katie

Think Positive

Think Positive!  
       I tend to struggle with this.  I don't know when I became so negative.  And it's only somewhat negative. With some things I'm just still super optimistic and positive.  It's really weird. I dunno!  Things that make you go hmmm... lol I need to consciously put forth more effort on being positive though, so I'm going to try!

I have so much in my life to be thankful for and happy about.  I've got a great husband, and amazing little girl and super family and friends.  Of course I don't live next door to my TFF...but who knows, maybe one day :) LOL I do want to get mine and Kel's families together again because I think the girls will have a blast - even moreso now because they're older.  I'd just love to listen to their conversations about cats. haha

WW is going well.  I weighed this morning and I'm back down to about where I was on Saturday, so that's awesome. I thought today was Thursday, but Kelly reminded me that it's not (thanks A LOT!) but that means I have even more time to get down more before my meeting on Saturday.  If I could lose 3 lbs that would be amazing.  Today a girl here at work brought in "chips and cheese" for people this afternoon.  I did log it, but I may just pass.  It's kinda a waste of points and doesn't leave me much wiggle room with my higher point dinner that I'll be having.  Dinner is a Hello Fresh meal - zuchinni & parm crusted chicken.  Yesterday's HF meal was even higher in points, but was very good.  I was giving the free trial a try - and it is awesome, just too expensive to keep up on right now. 

Postive Thoughts about Myself:

I have pretty eyes.

I am a good mom.

I am dedicated to not giving up on my health.

I am a kind person.

Okay - so this is way harder for me than it should be. I'm sitting here thinking - well, I am good at this, but then I do this.. I find myself wanting to say "I can be a kind person" rather than "I AM a kind person" because I'm not always kind. You know?  I'm going to have to really reflect on this more...reflect on ME more..  This is probably a good challenge for most people.  I could make a book listing out my faults, or where I feel I lack.  But trying to make a good list of positives in myself, is really hard. I think I don't like to think about myself.  I don't let myself think about what I really like to do, let alone what I like about myself. And I'm not being negative here. Just realizing more that I don't put myself where I should be.  I tend to put others feelings/wants/desires before my own.  That, I think, can be a good and a bad.  It's just something I need to take time for and think about more.

So that's my homework.  Make a better list of positve things about ME and a list of things that I enjoy!  Maybe not everyone struggles with this, but if you find yourself struggling, join me in the homework :) 

xoxo

Katie

Weigh In: Success!

Weigh in on Saturday went great!  I was down 6.9 lbs. What what?!!!?!!  Yes!!!  That felt great!  Everyone celebrated with me and it just felt really good. I was proud of myself.  The group is great.  I shared what I did to make my week successful and everyone is just so supportive. I know I would not have the same success if I did the program online. That's why I couldn't just do MFP.  I need the extra support, understanding, cheering, etc.  One lady came up to me afterwards and thanked me for sharing.  She had been gone from WW for a little while and said it inspired her, hearing my success after coming back just a week ago.  

 
I don't know how I like the one week progress pic... I don't have makeup on, feel like i just splotchy and gross. But I feel like I can see a difference in my face already.  Just need to keep this up.  This is what's going to work for me.  I just want to start putting more time and effort into my appearance because I know that in itself will help so much.  

I'm really hoping that I didn't screw myself over majorly this weekend.  We had our monthly game night on Saturday and I ate and drank wayyyyyyyy outside my points.  I did end up logging everything afterwards and used up all my weekly points.  Oooops!  I stopped logging then.  It's pretty accurate. I probably used a few more.  Each shot of vodka has 3 points.... That added up.  Plus crescent rolls - not so hot for you.  Sunday didn't get any better.  Again, this morning I thought about what I ate and added it into my log.  I'm negative on my weekly points.  Can i just say cake is the worst thing for you I think?!  Holllllllllly crapola.  So I'm 100% focused now. This week will be perfect. I think I can recover from the weekend. I just know that I can't make this a habit. I have to do better for the weekends. And I will :) 

Hope everyone has a great week!!!

xoxo
Katie

Little Victories!

Last night we decided on Chipotle for dinner. I wavered back and forth in my head (not out loud -- I wasn't going to tell Steve that I was on the fence about having it....that'd be crazy!) on whether or not this was a horrible mistake.  I kept looking at my points - telling myself I should just have chicken or not eat - I wasn't feeling the best yesterday afternoon.  But then I pulled up chipotles menu (and nutrition info!!!!) and figured out what I could have AND stay in my points.  I did it!!!  I chose a bowl, with rice (no beans), steak, fajita veggies, green salsa, lettuce, cheese and sour cream.... and it was all in my points!!! Chipotle is very friendly if you're counting cals, watching fat, points, carbs, etc.  You can build what you want, and then see the breakdown. Made my day!!

Can I just tell you that I still felt incredibly guilty having it?  LOL It stems from my mindset of restrictions are the way to go.  I have to let go of that and realize with WW, it's just all about choices!  I can have whatever - I just have to make up for it with a "sacrifice" somewhere else.  I'm excited - and nervous - to weigh in tomorrow.  I don't know why I'm so nervous. I know what my home scale says.  For some reason, I just worry that there's is going to be way different than mine, or something crazy is gonna cause the numbers to not go the way I think they will. WI anxiety I guess. 

On the radio this morning they were talking about the PSL --- pumpkin spice latte.  The one DJ was going over how bad it was for you, but how we love to indulge in things even though we know they're bad for us.  Mine is energy drinks.  I know I need to get away from them. I know they're bad for you. But they're sooooo good.  And I get the SF ones, so zero cals - zero points. lol But in the back of my mind I know they're not doing me any favors.  So I'll continue to work on it ;) 

This weekend will be a good one - game night tomorrow which I'm super excited for.  I do plan on having some drinks and good (bad) food!! lol  It's after WI so it's all good hahahah  I'll keep the rest of my day in check though!  My nephews bday party is on Sunday, but I will be good for that.  

I'm feeling really good.  

Ready to do this.  

Ready to be a new improved me!!

Who's with me?!

xoxo
Katie

9/14/16

Yesterday was a rougher day for me.  Not sure why, but was just craving the junk food and carbs.  I logged and tracked and was honest with the 2 garlic knots I had with dinner and with fritos I had at work.... I went over my points (dipped a bit into my weekly points) but that's what they're there for. I just know that I didn't start tracking until Monday, so I'm hoping that my weekend and dipping into the weeklys doesn't hurt me too much.  I also had a 10 point yogurt yesterday -- we had bought it before I started WW and you can believe I won't be buying it again. LOL It was delicious, but seriously a yogurt and a bag of fritos being the same point value... don't eat them in the same day. hahah  This was one of those yogurts with the dark chocolate so I know that's why it was so high.  

Today is starting out great though.  A co-worker brought in krispy kreme donuts.  I wasn't going to have one any way, but I wanted to look up the points --- 8 points for an original glazed.  And just knowing myself, I would always have at least 2.... I mean, they dissolve in your mouth and taste like you didn't eat anything.. lol  2 donuts would be 1/3 of my daily points.  And can you imagine if you weren't as heavy as me -- that'd be like 1/2 your days worth!  I do appreciate that they're weighing carbs more.  I think that will really be good for me.

I've still got to figure out dinner for tonight.  Looks like I'll have 18 points to work with.  Maybe a little less if I end up having a snack this afternoon that I haven't accounted for yet.  But I'm loading up on water- going to have some green tea!! I'm really hoping my WI on Saturday is good.  Even to be down a pound.  I'll be happy.  I know I've gotta be better about measuring things out and not guessing.  But I'm getting there!  

Hope everyone's week is off to a great start!! 

xoxo
Katie

Every Pound Matters

Good morning Friends -

This is going to be my new mantra!  "Every Pound Matters" Too many times, I get hung up on the "At 290... 5 lbs is nothing... it doesn't matter until I lose 50!" I'm past that now. Every pound counts. You cannot get to 50 without losing one.  I'm sitting here typing feeling slightly uncomfortable as my jeans are feeling a little tight today.  After a weekend of not close to perfect eating (and drinking), I am ready to start yet another go with Weight Watchers.  I went to my first meeting on Saturday and I do feel like I'm really going to like the class.  The instructor was super nice and informative and I know that she'll be there for any questions I have along the way.  Since last time I had done WW, they have changed up their program.  Now it's called "Beyond the Scale" and from what I can tell, they're wanting to steer you away from carbs and more in to protein.  Protein full items are going to be less points, whereas your carby foods are going to be higher.  Fruits, however, are still zero points. I think this is the right approach for me.  

Before, when I've done low carb, you couldn't have fruits because of the natural sugars. The restrictions make you obsessive.  I think WW has been around so long because it does work. It makes sense and you honestly do have choices.  Sure you can spend 9 points on a pop, or you can have a full meal.  Sometimes the pop may be worth it to get you through.  Of course right now, I have plenty of points.  Just by being more conscious, it may be tough for me to use up all my points like they want you to, but as my points go down, I know it'll be harder.  A girl I work with is a lifetime member and is looking awesome.  She started back a few months ago. 

I'm setting my goal weight at 165.  To reach lifetime, I'll have to be lower than that, but I will adjust it as I go. Right now, that 125 lbs is a big enough goal for me.  They're focusing more on the whole YOU instead of just the scale....hence the name of the program. lol  That's something I do need to do. I need to take care of me..  Find the balance in everything.. 

Our new house is coming along so great. It's really feeling homey.  We still have things to do, but I'm feeling so much better about everything. I just need to stop being so lazy.  I know a lot of it has to do with my weight - that I don't feel like doing stuff.  That's probably why I'm so tired a lot of the times too.  My thyroid may play into that too -- I should get some new bloodwork sometime too -- but I'm going to do my best to start moving more.  I know I've dreaded moving the boxes to the basement that need to go because it's really hard on my knees, but all in all it will help me.  After the bulk of our move, it really killed my knees.  But they're feeling better for the most part. I just need to get this weight off of them.  

I'm loading up on my water today.  Tracking. And figuring out my plan :) I've set my month goal at just over 6 lbs. It should be easy. I'm doing that on purpose. I want to have that success. I'd love to blow it out of the water.  I'm looking forward to celebrating at my meetings the successes I have along the way, and having the support for the struggles.  

xoxo
Katie

P.S. Kel - I think you should start blogging again too :) 

TGIF -- It's here!

Friday!  The best day of the week. Means that we're almost to the weekend.  Now if it was 4 p.m. on Friday, that would be even better!  I'm feeling better today...tired..but good.  No cramps, no headache...it's all good.  I did awesome yesterday...no coffee cake, cake, candy...I had a salad for lunch.  I've been watching my carbs again since Tuesday.  Like I said yesterday, I doubt I'll make the diet bet...but there is a chance - even though it's slim.  So Monday or Tuesday you have to submit your final weight. I have 6 lbs to go to do that.  I'm not getting hung up on whether I make it or not.  If I don't, I don't.  

Hoping to do a lot of moving around this weekend. Steve and I packed up some more boxes last night. Still tons to do.  We also have to get over to the new place and do a lot of yard work. It's all coming together though. We will get there!  :) It's funny how much stuff you accumulate and never touch.  We've gotta get better about purging stuff.  

Just checkin in though and wishing everyone a happy Friday and a good weekend!

xoxo
Katie

Just another post

Sitting here today just drooling at the thought of coffee cake that is 10 ft away from me.  It sucks. I want it! I'm PMS'ing and I want it!  BUT I know that one tiny piece of coffeecake will turn into another piece or two....which will turn into a handful of m&m's...which will turn into a couple chocolates....which will turn into whatever else I want followed by feelings of crappiness. UGH.  It's how I imagine it being if someone was just like, I'm going to just do a "smidge of crack" - not gonna happen.  This is all just going through my head.  Craziness.

Diet bet 1 was a big flop.  Glad my cousins have more strength than I do and they at least won.  Good job girls!  Blah - it sucks.  Diet Bet 2 will likely not happen for me.  Almost 8 lbs to lose by Sunday.... not likely.  Ughhhhhhh just want to scream or cry. lol  If I can't make this happen soon, I prob will look into surgery.  I just worry about a lot (go figure) -- what if my doctor won't support me getting that done... But I think I have enough failed attempts that she prob would be supportive (I hope?!) 

I don't really know what else to write --- I feel like all my posts are the same and go basically like this:

    Yes! It's time! I'm going to do this -- I've got this -- gonna finally lose the weight

    Day 1 - doing great!

    Day 2 - awesome...yeah, I'm really doing this!

    *MIA for a month*

    Well crap - I now weigh more than I did before.....

    *MIA again*

    Yes! It's time! I'm going to do this -- I've got this -- gonna finally lose the weight

    .....

And that's how it repeats, over and over... 

I get in these funks and it's not fun.  I know what people need what I need to do to lose weight... I just can never seem to implement it for more than a minute. (relatively speaking) Yes. Eat right. Exercise. I get it. I feel like a failure that I can't do that. "But you CAN do it" makes me kinda crazy -- obviously something is up if after 13+ years I haven't..... Obviously I'm not alone. People struggle with weight all the time. People are obese. People go on diets. People have surgery. I just feel like I'm not only letting others down, that I'm letting myself down too. That I'm weak or not good enough.  

And I go back and forth about posting this entry because I feel like I shouldn't feel this way... that it's wrong to feel like this... But in the same breath, I know others feel the same way.  I know that I'm not alone. I know that I have amazing support.  I know people -crazily- feel that I'm a beautiful person.  :) I'm so thankful for the people in my life. My husband, my family, my friends...they're great!!  Writing things out is like my therapy. I feel better after. I feel more in control.  It helps.

I'm not giving up by any means. I'm not cramming my face with coffee cake right now.  I'm still trying.  I'm not sulking. Just admitting how frustrating it is and disappointing it is and maybe letting someone else out there know that they're not alone!    

A big shout out to my husband who is encouraging, supportive and crazy in love with me :) Love you babe! Thank you!

Stay strong everyone (including me ;) 

xoxo 

Katie

Goodbye July!

It's Friday!  Whooohoo!  With waiting for this house buying to finish up, it seems like it's taking forever!!  But I suppose we'll be in soon enough and then be busy as all get out for a while.  I'm excited!   It'll be good.  

Yesterday I embraced my not-being-super-crazy-ness with my low carb eating.  I had a chicken fattoush salad for lunch and ate some of the pita chips in it and ate some croutons with my salad at dinner. lol We went out to a steakhouse for dinner and I didn't have any rolls!!!!! That's huge.  The rolls with the butter are the BEST.  But I was good.  I didn't even have the one they included with my dinner that they made into a garlic bread.  I know that right now I don't have the self control to have one roll, or one piece of candy, or one slice of pizza....  I'm just not there yet.  And that's okay.  I'll get there.  

So Monday was when I started cutting out carbs, and I'm already down at least 7 lbs from then.  So that's pretty awesome.  As for the DietBets, I'm 50% to my goal for the Losing is Winning Game I started that ends Aug 9th.  I'm 66% to my goal for the big Heidi & Chris Powell game that ends Aug 21st.  I have no doubts that I'll get to the big games goal - the challenge will be making sure I'm still there when it comes time to weigh out.  I have this habit of screwing things up before they matter! But I'm going to do this.  I need to. 

This is actually a really uneventful weekend for us.  We've just got to take the crazy cat in to the vet for a booster and then Sunday we've got a game day at my aunts.  I've already decided to bring a layered greek dip so that'll be good -- and then they're grilling so I will just do whatever, without a bun :) 

I can't wait til I get to the point where I feel successful.... where I feel accomplished... where I feel like I've done really done something and feel gorgeous.  I've been doing a little better, but I still am a big work in progress with confidence.  Sure I've lost 7 lbs this week, but that's after letting myself gain 30... or whatever.  For me, even though I keep going, keep pushing through, keep starting over, keep keeping on.... I can't forget that "geez, when I started really trying to lose weight I was 50 lbs lighter"... How does that happen?  How do you let that go?  I think that's part of what screws me up all the time.  I know that's why I started a new MyFitnessPal profile once.  Because I didnt' want to see that I started out at 230 or whatever, and wound up gaining all this.  I know it is what it is, but it's still depressing.  So it's just trying to figure out how to get past that. I mean, I guess if I just keep losing and don't gain again, maybe I won't think about it? lol I don't know. 

Annnnnd cue the bagels that were just brought in to the office. Not having one. No worries.  Not having candy from the overflowing candy dish.  Had my hard boiled eggs for breakfast. Have leftover steak and green beans for lunch.  Probably chicken and cauliflower for dinner tonight.  Would just like to sleep right now. That'd be amazing.  

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

xoxo
Katie

Celebrate the little daily victories!

Yesterday was full of little victories.  I started off the day by taking C to the dr for her wellness visit.  She's doing great - of course!  Afterwards I swung by Tim Hortons to get her a treat and planned on just getting her a donut, but she wanted TimBits.  Normally I would just buy the small box which I think has 20 in there...she'd have a couple...I'd have a few.... but I noticed you could buy them individually.... so i just bought her a couple. No temptation!! Score! It was also my day off and I didn't stray from my no carbs while at home.  I was pretty proud of myself.

Last night my sister-in-law and I went to this wine and beer tasting fundraiser.  I was a little nervous just because I did want to be good -- but still wanted to have fun... I knew there would be appetizers and stuff too.  I expected little shot glasses to try, but nope... full glasses.  Soooo I did indulge in the wine LOL but when it came to the food table, I just had a couple tiny meatballs and some hummus.  No amazingly-delicious-carby-goodness breadsticks...no awesomely-scrumptious looking pizza....no chocolately-creamy-yummy looking desserts... And I logged everything this morning and it looks like I still stayed under 50 carbs for the day, so I'd say that's pretty good!!  Plus we had a great time!!

Started today off with my frittata and some caffiene... yeah, need to get away from that eventually... baby steps ;) I've been consistantly losing this week and it feels great!  I just feel so much better without the carbs.  I don't feel bloated. I feel lighter.  I feel like I can win these DietBets.  Fingers crossed!!  Planning on a salad for lunch and then chicken and a veggie for dinner.  

Thanks for reading :)
xoxo
Katie

Makin Progress ... baby steps

Okay - 2 weeks to go on Diet Bet #1 and finally moving in the right direction.  Seriously, sugar is addictive!  It's crazy.  I fell into some candy bowl issues and it's downhill from there --- except not on the scale.  The two don't mix!  But I'm back.  I'm being healthy...conscious...responsible.  So we'll see if I make this first DietBet. It will be a stretch as I have 10 lbs to go.  But it is doable!  I've done it before...I can do it again!!  I'm going to give it my all.  

Steve and I also joined a second DietBet. This one is put on by Chris & Heidi Powell -- two people whom I'd love to meet one day.  They seem so down to earth but so strong and focused.  We weighed in for that one on Sunday.  So we've still got almost 4 weeks to go.  8.5 lbs to go for that one.  I'm going to blow it out of the water! The jackpot for that one is over $101K -- over 3300 people playing.  As much as I hope everyone reaches their goals, it would be nice to share the pot! 

Eventually here we'll be moving.  I cannot wait.  We've got about 9 days until we close and get the keys.  It's taking forever.  But oh well, what can you do. Soon we'll be sweating up a storm ripping up carpet, painting and moving boxes.  It'll be good.  I can't wait to transform this house into our home. 

Just wanted to check in and give a quick update.  

Thanks for reading :)

xoxo

Katie 

Joyful Rambling

Today I read an article and one point was how much easier it is to make a list of things we're afraid of, than it is to make a list of things that truly bring us joy.  The purpose was that we need to really focus on making that list of joy rather than letting the things that bring us fear consume us.  It got me thinking - it really is more challenging to create the JOY list.  But it's got to be so important.  Immediately when thinking, the things that bring me fear popped up: failing, disappointing others, making the "wrong" decision, etc.  

To think of the things that bring joy, this is what needs to consume me.  This is what can make the difference in attitude, outlook and life!  

• The smile, laugh, stories...anything having to do with my daughter. She is truly the best
• The love and laughter from my husband
• I could go over each friend/family member individually, but being blessed by these individuals brings me happiness
• Laughing with friends - telling ridiculous stories, playing games, just hanging out
• Listening to music - cranking it up, belting it out
• Casino trips 
• Vacations
• Road trips

I still struggle with so much though.  Trying to find way to overcome my fears is really tough.  Losing weight has got to be one of my biggest struggles.  (obviously)  I've made such progress before and just when I get close to a milestone or success, I've always either self-sabatoged or found an excuse and gave up or something. I don't know why.  It really sucks because I've pretty much ruined my chance of using any assistance.  As much structure as I crave - I've blown every opportunity I've had and I wouldn't blame my husband or anyone else for not wanting me to take a structure driven (outside of "changing your diet" and adding excercise) approach.  

I'd have to say that Herbalife was probably my favortie plan.  I really wish I could remember the exact success I had on that -- but I guess it's probably good that I can't.  Just make me want it more. But 2 shakes, the tea, that cell-u-loss miracle stuff - dang. Peed like crazy but lost the weight. VLCD worked crazy good, but it just wasn't sustainable for our lifestyle.  I think if the first time I did it, if they had a better (nearly ANY) support system I would've had longer success.  I have an online mom friend who has been doing the HCG diet and has dropped like 50 lbs... she looks amazing.  Amazingly enough, though, I'm not tempted.  I haven't looked into it, but it's basically a VLCD... I know that's just not for me know.  2 shakes a day sure, but not the 600 cals a day.  We just do too much.  There's too many one offs that would throw off ketosis.

I came into today planning on kicking carbs.  Unfortunately, I didn't have a great plan. So breakfast was some mixed nuts. lol I'm having my tea and for lunch I brought some meat and cheese.  Sooo it's on plan, but I just feel somewhat lost.  For some people, "Eating healthy and exercising" just makes sense and they don't get when people can't just do that.  I think that being nearly 150 lbs overweight makes it harder to have that mindset.  Yes, exercise will help, but it's hard getting into it with all that extra weight.  It's just a viscious circle.  I'm in that diet bet now and not making progress yet.  Need to do something for sure. I want to win so that I can do another. I need to lose so much.  Need to drop half my body weight. That would be amazing!!! I cannot even imagine what I would look like.  It'd be crazy for sure.

Okay - done enough rambling.  Blah.  

Sorry that it's been quite the tangent but just where I'm at today.

<3 Katie <3

Diet Bet starts tomorrow!

So 4% in 4 weeks starting tomorrow. That will be good.  Won't know exactly what I'll need to lose until I weigh in, but it should be about 11-12 lbs.  That'll be a huge difference!  I was hoping the game would be a little bigger, but there's at least 5 of us playing, so that will be fun :) I hope we all get our money back.  It's kind of neat when you do the bigger games, but I thought setting up my own might be cool and let us do some more chatting and encouraging!!  

If anyone wants to join still, just head over to http://dbet.me/rxiBia

Everything else is going well --- our house buying has been at a standstill which is a bit frustrating, but what can you do!  Waiting on other people is never fun....but within a week we should be closing so thank goodness!!! Miss Claire came down with something and was all sorts of not feeling good yesterday....hoping that today is a better day for her!! She's just the best!!

So my main focus while doing this diet bet is just going to be to track everything!  If I can do that, it will make a huge improvement.  It's so easy to just eat mindlessly.  Just grab something and not think about that you're throwing 200 calories into your body.  That adds up...FAST.  Being more conscious will be great.  Committing to doing that will be a big step for me.  Most often I just log really well for a day or two and then forget, or "forget".  I want to really try to be super diligent for the full 4 weeks. Whether it be the cake at a grad party, splurging at game night....whatever it is, be honest and own it.  I also want to start getting more steps.  I wish I was more competitive.  I start or join these step challenges with the fit bit and really don't care if I win. LOL  On the other hand, I have friends who will go head to head and battle it out, stepping like crazy to win.  I want to be more like that!!!  

Okay everyone..until next time ;) 

-- Katie

July Already!!!

Good morning guys!!

I can't believe that it's already July 6th!! Unreal!  So my eating hasn't be great and exercise...what's that?! UGH.  But I'll get there. Soon we'll be moving - so moving all those boxes will be a workout ;) And I haven't been eating as much junk as I used to. So that's a bonus too!!

I am starting a DietBet next week. I've put together this one so hopefully we can get some people to join too!! It'll just make it that much more fun. Here's the link: http://dbet.me/rxiBia   Click the link to learn more and join us if you're looking to lose!  Basically, you buy-in with $20 and as long as you lose 4% of your body weight in 4 weeks, you split the pot --- you at least get your $20 back -- if not more!  The more people involved, the more opportunity you have to win more ---- but hopefully everyone loses their 4% :) I had been in one before and I lost ::sad:: BUT, I'm determined to do it this time!!!  Baby steps!!  

I want cute fall clothes!!!! I want my lularoe leggings to look better on me LOL 

Let's do this!! If you're looking to lose, I hope you join me --- it starts July 13th so there's still time!  

I hope everyone is doing great and has a great Wednesday.

<3 Katie

Middle of June already!!

The year is seriously halfway over?! How the heck does that happen????

I know it's been some time since I last blogged, but things are going well.  We went to Disney World for C's 5th birthday and had an amazing time.  Did a lot of walking....and a lot of eating... LOL  We had the dining plan so we had it all planned out.  All the character dining restaraunts book up crazy fast so we had to make reservations and have a plan.  It all worked out though!  I gained 3 lbs, but most was water - at least that's what my swollen feet told me.  I reluctantly stepped on the scale this morning as my eating (and drinking) hasn't been ideal since we've been back...  I was okay!  I'm still up 2 1/2 lbs from before I left for vacation, but with the pop I've been drinking and the ice cream I had last night....I'll take it!  Time to get back though!

We're actually in the process of buying/selling a house and it's got me STRESSED.  I feel like I could just eat and eat LOL But I'm going to do my best to not do it!  

I do wish I was one of those people that when I was stressed, I couldn't eat.  I'd be SO skinny :-P 
But it's all good!  I know everything will work out.  

Anyhow, three days of work this week and then another mini vacation.  June is SO CRAZY!!!!!!  I'll try to be better about updating.  :) 

Thanks for reading!!

--Katie

If you know me..

...you know that I'm full of ups and downs... 

I've had my share lately.  I fell off of the low carb ways and had a couple of bad splurges.  This week I've redeemed myself and I just feel so much better when I'm limiting the carbs and eating healthy. It's amazing how quickly the puffiness, swollen ankles, and overall crappy feelings subside.  You are what you eat really has truth behind it... 

So I figured it was time to write a blog update since I'm feeling well and nearly going into the weekend.  The weekend will be a little tougher again because we have fun things going on.  Friday night we have a bowling fundraiser where there will be pizza...  Saturday is my niece's bday party and then game night in the evening... Sunday will be recoup day.  It will be clean my house like a maniac day. So I feel good about that!! 

As for numbers, in one month I'm down 13.7.  I feel pretty good about that.  I'm back on track.  Hoping to keep moving in that direction.  

<3 Hope everyone is doing great <3 

xoxo 
Katie