It's Finally Up - New Goals

I walked into Jenny Craig today and an older woman, whom I have never talked to before, came up to me and said "You look fantastic! How long have you been on Jenny Craig for?" I told her I had been on Jenny since June of last year. Although it felt fantastic being acknowledged by a stranger, I felt a little guilty because walking in today I knew I was up 3 or 4 pounds. I have really been struggling with these last 15-20 pounds. I am only living in beautiful Boulder, Colorado for 3 more weeks and then I am moving back home to Southern California. With that said, I have been putting off my weight because I want to try every good restaurant until I leave. Boulder is a Food Nation! Boulder is a great place for foodies, such as myself, which can get me into trouble sometimes. Another reason I am struggling, besides all the temptations, is that I know I will be moving home where there is ZERO temptations. The best restaurant in Westlake Village, CA is Stonefire Grill. Deep down I know that I will lose my weight so quickly when I get back that I am allowing it to cloud my judgement when it comes to losing weight and making good and healthy decisions.
While I was pondering these thoughts, the Center Director of Jenny Craig pulled me into the hallway and showed me my poster board that is finally up! If you have not been following my blog, a couple months ago Jenny Craig wanted to feature me within the store by putting up pictures and an "About Me" for my weight loss journey. Well....it's finally up!! I was so excited to see it. It was in a plastic casing and looked so professional thanks to my previous consultant, Lynn! And on top of that, two women, also on Jenny, came up and started reading it and were telling me how much they identify and how I look so good and they're so proud. I believe one of them actually called me toned??? I think that truly gave me some inspiration and makes me want to stick to some goals this week.

MY GOALS:
After talking to my new consultant today and discussing the issues I have been having we decided that I should be able to eat out! But when I eat out it's going to be "contained flexibility". I have been too constrained when it comes to eating out.....3 oz of fish with vegetables ONLY.
Now, I find myself going crazy. Like last night, I had 3 pieces of bread and butter, tomato soup, 3 oz of halibut and veggies, and 2 cocktails.
We decided I can have the cocktails, I can have the bread because I need to start learning how to eat in the real world and I never want to be super confined.
BUT, have 1 piece of bread and 1 cocktail instead.
SO, I'm going to try to eat healthy but not be so restricted. I am so close to my goal and I need to be realistic.

MY TAKE AWAY MESSAGE:
1. Eat what you want, but don't go over board.
2. Don't indulge too much and really eat for how much your stomach needs and not what your eyes need.
3. Stop eating when you're not hungry, NOT when you're full.
4. Make sure to still make the healthy choices, but don't feel restricted.
5. It's okay to get the cocktail and it's okay to have a piece of bread, but make other healthy choices with dinner and throughout your day.
6. Plan your meal before hand!

Running - challenge yourself

I have my Graffiti Run (the 5k) coming up this month on April 28th. I decided it's time to start doing some running. The 5k seems pretty casual as it is meant for all ages.....children and up! Even though I can probably walk the entire thing, I wanted to start running. In high school, I played volleyball for a couple years, so the extent of my running has never been more than the length of a volleyball court. A few days ago my roommate and I decided to go on our first run....1.5 miles. Well I wouldn't exactly call it a run....more of a jog/walk. We probably jogged about half of it and I felt really accomplished since I have never been a runner. It's so weird that in high school we were required to run a mile and now, almost being a college graduate, 1 mile seems so daunting. But then yesterday I woke up early before my Jenny Craig appointment and went on that same run and I only walked for about 2 minutes of the entire 1.5 miles. After I finish enjoying my almond milk iced mocha, I'm going to go on that same run and try to run without stopping. I can really see what an improvement a few days of running can do. I am slowly building up my stamina. 

It's also really nice because I live walking distance from the Boulder Creek, so I am able to run along the creek and end up at Red Rocks Park. A lot of people run, walk, or bike by the creek, which provides some extra motivation. So go out on a jog! Take it at your own pace. A little jog every day can make a huge difference in stamina, health, and happiness. Go out and get those endorphins! I know sometimes it's hard to get yourself to workout, but just take it one step at a time....even a 5 minute run or 30 minute power walk is good for your heart. 

My goal:

So I am still maintaining my weight around 147 pounds and I have been really struggling losing that last 15-17 pounds, so I can get down to 130. I took a little 3 week break from the gym because of exams and spring break, but this week's goal is to get down to the lowest I have ever been on the Jenny Craig scale....146 pounds. I am going back to the gym this week and I'm going to try and wake up early for a morning jog if the weather allows it. Unfortunately, I think we might be getting some snow this week, so I might have to take a few day break from the jogging. 

Update:

Also, I just changed consultants at Jenny Craig and I think they are finally going to feature me within the store that I was talking about a couple months ago! I turned in my before and after picture to my new consultant as well as an About Me page, so we shall see.... I would still like to take a picture and post it on here. 

I also want to thank all my friends, family, and boyfriend for the support through my weight loss journey. It is still not over, but I think a good support system is honestly what gets me through the harder times. Special shout out for my boyfriend being my biggest cheerleader and his mom for losing 10 pounds on Weight Watchers! Congratulations Susan, keep up the good work :) 

Post Delay - last 18

Sorry, it has been a long time since I've posted on here! I have been super swamped with midterms and other school work. Another reason I haven't posted recently is because I was not really sure what to write. I have pretty much maintained my weight for the last couple months. I only have 18 more pounds to lose and it doesn't seem that far away, but I find it to be the most difficult. Recently, I have been really into finding good happy hours and while I'm out drinking or eating, I find myself making the excuse that I only have 18 more pounds left to lose. I may not be making the best decisions. After losing 50, 18 doesn't seem that bad. I would not say that I've lost motivation, but I'm definitely not as strict as I have been for the past 50 pounds. At Jenny Craig my consultant keeps saying that it's good that I am learning how to maintain, but I am tired of maintaining and want to see results! I am very happy with my body while my clothes are on, but what about my beach summer body? I still want to lose those 18 pounds before summer so I can wear a bikini. I have been looking on Victoria's Secret to find a cute bikini. I can't decide if I want to spend over $50 for inspiration and then (hopefully) fitting in it by summer. 

I am currently visiting my boyfriend in Washington DC for spring break and it is not easy for eating! I have to say, I am still a foodie and enjoy good food and we have definitely been eating delicious meals. I've discovered that when I crave food, it is never junk food, but a good meal instead! I never want to be one of those people who drop a diet because they're on vacation, so I'm trying to still get what I want by splitting or fitting a salad into my day. It's nice because I am making my own breakfast with just non-fat greek yogurt and fruit. At least one meal is on my own. When he came to visit me in Boulder, we ate out almost all meals! 

Here's how my eating has gone so far: 

Yesterday: We went to Baked and Wired, which is an awesome cupcake shop and we split one. Then we went to Founding Farmers for dinner where I got a delicious cocktail, 2 bacon wrapped dates (split appetizer), and a salad with free vegetables, chicken, and dressing on the side.

Today: Non-fat greek yogurt and banana for breakfast, an apple and whole wheat tortilla wrap with avocado, hummus, and tomatoes for lunch. Beer, french onion soup and muscles for dinner at Granville Moores. 

My choices have not been horrible, but I think I can do better. When I get back to school, it's going to be time to crack down: eat healthy and go back to the gym 5 days a week. 

Here's the bikini I am debating on buying :)

Graffiti Run - 5k

I have officially signed up for my first 5k! What better way to inspire me to run than to do it with my 3 roommates! We all agreed rather than run, we would do a slow jog. This is a huge step for me because I cannot run for more than 2 minutes. But I thought I should challenge myself and try it. Who knows, maybe I will get into the whole running thing. 

This particular 5k is called the graffiti run and what basically happens is that everyone wears white and while you run, colorful powder is being thrown at you. By the time the race is done, you are covered in graffiti! Luckily when I signed up, I noticed kids can do it too! How hard can it be? The 5k takes place at the end of April in Denver at an amusement park! My roommates and I decided to make our team name "The Fresh Princesses of Bouldair"....get it?!! Like The Fresh Prince of Bel Air? I probably should start training or running before the 5k comes around. This is just another inspiration to get in shape. We decided we're going to customize tank tops for our team. I cannot wait!

If you are interested in the graffiti run, check this site for information and other locations!

http://www.thegraffitirun.com/

Weekly Goal 2/18 - superfoods

This past week was a really tough week for me. I recently have been feeling kind of stuck in my weight loss. I have pretty much been maintaing for a solid month now, give or take a couple. When I weighed in the week, I was up .4. Not a big deal right? I've just been feeling really disappointed in myself because the night before I weighed in at Jenny, I went to happy hour at a local Boulder bar, West End Tavern, and binged on delicious yam chips with guacamole. Now, I should know better because chips are my weakness and once they're in front of me, they are going to magically disappear! I can't even keep them in my apartment. Anyway, I was super upset with myself for the .4 gain and I have now realized I don't want the numbers and weight to control my life, I want to control my weight. After talking to my weight loss consultant, she decided a good idea for me is to write down everyday what my goal is and why I'm losing weight (doesn't matter if it is different everyday). I am also still waiting on my poster in Jenny Craig to go up!

My Goal: 

1. My goal this week is as well as writing down everything I eat, I'm going to write a daily goal and reason why I'm losing weight. I'll take a picture and post is when it is all done.

2. I usually weigh myself every single day and since I don't want the weight to control me, I'm not going to weigh myself once this week. I'm going to wait until the weigh in at Jenny Craig on Saturday. I've been told I should not weigh myself everyday anyway. 

3. I want to cut back on eating out. I recently have been going out to eat a lot. This is going to be difficult because my roommate's parents are here visiting and they want to take us out to dinner. So lets say, I'll cut back 2 nights of eating out. 

My Nutrition Class:

So last week, we learned about Superfoods! I thought it was interesting so I wanted to share!

Why they're healthy:

1. high concentration of critical nutrients (a lot of nutrients per calorie)

2. low in calories

3. reverse the effects of major diseases (reduce inflammation, protect against heart disease, reduce cancer risk, protect against toxins = ACT AS A MEDICINE WITHOUT SIDE EFFECTS)

Here are some specific superfoods I learned about:

1. Acai - contains amino acids and Omega 3 fatty acids

2. Barley - high in fiber, niacin, and vitamin A, low glycemic index (GI) (good for people with diabetes)

3. Beans and Lentils - high in Omega 3, fiber, protein, low GI

4. Hot Peppers - antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, good for heart health

5. Sweet Potatoes - high in vitamin C, A, potassium, fiber

6. Mangos - 1 c. = 100% vitamin C, 1/3 vitamin A, potassium, fiber, folic acid (prevents spina bifida)

7. Broccoli - vitamin C, K

8. Leafy Greens (kale, spinach, collard greens, turnip greens) - vitamin A, C, K, folate, potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron, lutein (promotes eye health), fiber

9. Cinnamon - lowers blood glucose, triglycerides, LDLs, cholesterol, antibacterial, brain health/memory

10. Garlic - vitamin B6, C, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory

11. Oats - fiber, protein, magnesium, potassium, zinc, copper, manganese, selenium, thiamin, antiviral, lowers cholesterol

12. Chia Seeds - high in protein

13. Flaxseeds - high in Omega 3

14. Lingon Berries (in Nordic countries)

15. Quinoa - has 9 essential amino acids, high minerals/vitamins

16. Red Wine

17. Curry

18. Mustard

19. Turmeric - helps with chronic inflammation

20. Green Tea - silences cancer cells

21. Coffee 

22. And my favorite......Dark Chocolate - inhibits blood clots, reduces chronic inflammation, smooth blood vessels, antioxidant

**My Nutrition professor challenged us to try and eat 5 superfoods a day! I would try this challenge if I wasn't on Jenny Craig.....so now I am challenging you. Try to eat any of these 5 superfoods a day!

My Weekly Goal 2/11 - valentines day

To address last week's goal, I lost my 2 pounds! It was all about mind power this week: I went to the gym, ate well, and kept working hard. Sometimes you know what to do, you just have to set your mind to it. And after setting my mind to it for 8 months, my pants are a bit too big. I have gone from a size 16 to size 9. My goal is to go down 1 or 2 more pant sizes. I actually was able to wear a shirt that I haven't worn in 4 years! I have a "when I lose weight" drawer and slowly but surely I'm starting to wear the clothes again. I actually lost too much weight to wear my old jeans, which is a true accomplishment. Remember, every little bit counts!

My Goal:

My goal this weeks is all about Valentine's Day! I know when you go on vacation or there's a holiday or birthday, it is really easy to go crazy! This week, I am going to dinner with my roommate and my goal is to still eat healthy. It's mind over matter and all about self control. We have already decided that we're going to split! We're going to get a small side salad to split with the dressing on the side and get the Lobster. Lobster really is not bad if you do not have the butter. Planning ahead is a huge part!

MY HINTS:
1. Plan ahead- if you know what you're getting ahead of time, you're more likely to stick to the healthier option
2. Always split- splitting with someone is always a great idea
3. Stick to wine, beer, or champagne- every little calorie counts
4. Don't eat the chocolates- eat some carrots before going to dinner and that way you'll eat less of the invisible fats in the restaurant (Did you know....people consume most fat at restaurants because they are unaware of how their food is prepared. This is anything like extra butter, oil, sugar etc.)
5. Get a salad first- instead of eating the salad with your meal, fill up on the vegetables
6. Stray away from creamy sauces, extra cheese, and the bread basket on the table
7. Don't be afraid to ask for substitutions or alterations to your meal

Just today was my friend's 23rd birthday! I looked up the menu to the restaurant we went to and ordered a portobello mushroom sandwich and asked specifically for no cheese. Instead of fries I got a garden salad with a vinaigrette dressing on the side. When my food came, I instantly took off the top pieces of bread. It had delicious roasted red peppers, a little mayo, portobello, and 1/2 the bread. Alterations! Just by making these little adjustments, you can cut the caloric intake in half!

My Weekly Goal 2/4 - fab ab february

Just to remind you all, last week my goal was to make 2 of my own breakfasts and lunches. That was very successful!

DAY 1 USING JENNY CRAIG "MY DAYS":
breakfast: 3/4 c. kashi go lean cereal, splash of almond milk, and 3 slices of lean turkey bacon, and grapes
lunch: mini pizza (1 english muffin, 1/4 c. reduced fat shredded cheese, 2 tbsp. marinara sauce) and carrots.

DAY 2 ON MY OWN:
breakfast: non-fat blueberry acai greek yogurt with 1 tbsp granola, and an apple
lunch: portobello mushroom sandwich (on a 100 calorie bagel thin with 1/8 avocado, grilled onions and spinach) and carrots

However, when I weighed in at Jenny Craig this week, I was up almost 2 pounds. Why? Well I was snacking on olives and not making healthy decisions with alcohol. When I should have been getting wine and beer, I was getting Dirty Shirley's and mixed drinks with different kinds of juices. I realized I do not want to make a big deal over the 2 pounds because of how far I have come, but I don't want to dismiss it either. I need to own up to the 2 pounds because then it's going to be "Oh, it was just 2 pounds this week" and "Oh, it's just 2 pounds another week" and that will definitely add up! When I found out that I was up 2 pounds, I texted one of my best friend's moms (who is on Weight Watchers and struggling with losing weight) and we decided to make a goal together. I felt like it would be good to text each other every day and keep each other in check. It is always a lot easier to lose weight when you have someone doing it with you! So I have many goals for this week. . .

MY GOAL:
1. I want to go back down 2 pounds! (But how am I going to do it?)
2. I'm going to go back to making good choices when it comes to alcohol
3. I'm going to snack only on non-starchy vegetables
4. I'm going to continue the 2 breakfasts and 2 lunches on my own
5. I'm going to continue going to the gym (I may not be able to get the full 5 days in because I have an exam in my nutrition class this week)
6. I'm going to do "Fab Ab February '13" and "February 2013 Squat Challenge"

Here's the schedule for "Fab Ab February '13" and "February 2013 Squat Challenge"!!! (Includes: sit-ups, push-ups, planks, and squats)
Challenge yourself and get a nice lifted booty and strong abs! I want to thank my friend from the gym for showing me this and we'll see if it works by the end of the month!

MY HINTS:

My Jenny Craig consultant just told me about Extra Dessert Delights sugar-free gum. I bought a couple of packs and they are great when you want something sweet. Just pop a piece of gum in! I bought Mint Chocolate Chip and it totally tastes like thin mints and I just bought Lemon Square flavor today! There are a few other flavors as well. Check this site for all the flavors!

http://www.extragum.com

High Fructose Corn Syrup - nutrition class

This semester, I started taking a Nutrition for Health and Performance class. I love this class! It's almost like have a personal nutritionist, but one lecture that stood out to me was about High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS). I pay attention to labels, but never thought to check for HFCS. I didn't really know what it was or why it was bad for me. I know there has been a bunch of talk about HFCS and now I know why!

Did you know:

1. High Fructose Corn Syrup is sugar made from corn. This is used more often than natural sugar due to subsidies. Subsidies make the corn cheap to produce and cheap to put into our food and drink products. That is why restaurants always have free refills! HFCS is the primary sweetener in soda. Since it is so cheap to make, that's why we have unlimited amounts of soda. 

2. Ketchup also has a ridiculous amount of HFCS...1 tsp of HFCS to 1 tbsp of ketchup (that's a third of ketchup!!) 

3. HFCS does not make you full and that's why people can have 5 cans of soda at one sitting and not get full!

4. Companies have changed the name of HFCS on labels to Corn Sugar to sound nicer. 

High Fructose Corn Syrup Ad - Two Bites

High Fructose Corn Syrup Ad - Two Bites Spoof! 

I saw these videos in class (You were very observant if you saw the popsicle change colors in the spoof) So if you don't know why HFCS is bad for you, than it must be okay! (NOT) What does moderation even mean? It is impossible to consume in moderation because it is in everything..... corn, creamer, chocolate, even in food you wouldn't think it would be in like PICKLES!?

Why is HFCS bad:

1. Causes flatulence and diarrhea due to mineral deficiencies in iron, magnesium, calcium, and zinc

2. Metabolic syndrome (increased risk for coronary artery disease, stoke, and type 2 diabetes) 

3. 1/3 of the products are high in mercury

4. Increases triglyceride levels (arteries line with fat, which ultimately will lead to heart problems)

5. Increased dental cavities

6. Interferes with oral contraceptives (birth control), so HFCS = babies

7. Possible link to obesity

Why is it used if it is so bad for us:

1. It mixes easily! Think about the last time you put sugar into your coffee and you kept stirring and stirring to get the sugar to completely mix. HFCS mixes evenly in sodas, fruit juices, etc. 

2. Extends shelf life by 20% - stops yogurt from spoiling

3. Tastes extra sweet

4. Helps prevent freezer burn - ice cream

5. Helps baked products brown better - hot dog buns and English muffins

6. Results in soft textures - chewy chips ahoy cookies and protein bars

MY HINTS:

What can I do to stay away: 

1. Eat organic food! Organic food is the ONLY food that can't contain HFCS. 

2. Shop in the parameters of the store! If you think about it, all the junk food is in the middle of the store while all the vegetables, fruit, dairy are around the outside. 

So, next time you're at the grocery store check your labels for HFCS or Corn Sugar!

Check out this link from Eat This Not That! 20 Worst Drinks in America compares drinks to their food equivalent. Saw this in my nutrition class and definitely made me aware of drinks I will never have again!
http://eatthis.menshealth.com/slideshow/20-worst-drinks-america-2010

My Weekly Goal 1/28 - monthly success story

I have a few orders of business this week. First off, I met my goal from last week! My goal was to cut back on the sugary, alcoholic drinks. I went out one night and stuck to beer and wine and that's it. I also would like to add that every time I have these weekly goals, these goals aren't just for the week, but for me to continue as I further my weight loss journey. I am still going to the gym 5 times a week too; I actually just got back from a cardio-kickboxing class! I have always loved those classes. I love how everyone teaches the classes differently and this was the first time I took kickboxing with this particular instructor. I really liked her a lot and will be taking that class again next week. I started making friends in the fitness classes and we text each other before we go to the gym everyday to motivate one another. It's a really good way to stay motivated!

Second order of business, My Goal: 

This week my goal is to make 2 breakfasts and 2 lunches on my own as well as write down everything I eat and drink this week. When I met my halfway point on Jenny Craig, I was supposed to start making some of my own meals a few times a week. However, I usually only make my own breakfast MAYBE once a week. I am scared that once I start making my own meals, I might start gaining weight back. This has been an extreme fear of mine....to gain weight. But, I need to realize that I cannot be dependent on Jenny Craig food my whole life and I really need to learn to eat healthy outside of microwavable food. Weight loss and eating healthy is a lifestyle. I need to get over this fear and start adjusting to normal food because I should be off the Jenny food by Summer (crossing my fingers). Luckily, Jenny Craig now has My Days which gives real meal ideas to eat instead of Jenny Craig food. I'm going to utilize My Days to help me plan the meals I am making on my own. I am thinking of making a portobello mushroom sandwich for lunch one day and a mini pizza on an english muffin for another day. For breakfast, I'll probably make my Healthy Egg McMuffin recipe one days and greek yogurt with granola another day. I'm actually going to the grocery store after this to buy food that is not only consisting of fruits and vegetables. So wish me luck! 

 Lastly, I would like to announce that Jenny Craig is making me a monthly success story and are featuring me within the store! That means I can write a couple pages about my journey (which I may post on here), provide before and after pictures, and promote my blog! Talk about motivation! I feel like my hard work is really paying off! Maybe I can snag a picture once it gets posted within the store! 

I saw this quote in one of the Jenny Craig offices and Hopefully this will provide some motivation!

My Weekly Goal 1/21 - drinking better

I met my goal from last week! Not only did I go to the gym the 3 days I wrote about, I also took an extra core conditioning class! I believe writing my goals down really helps me stick to them because I know I will be reporting back. If you're not already setting weekly goals, I would start. Honestly, I think it will be very motivational! Two days ago I bought a Fit Pass from my school's rec center. For about $80 it lets me attend any workout classes I want all semester long, therefore, I can really stick to the workout schedule I made with my roommate last week. 

My Goal:

I actually just got back from my very first Power Barre class and I LOVED it! If you have taken any Barre Core classes, it is basically the same thing. Funny enough, we do not have a ballet bar in the rec center, so we improvised by turning a step up vertically and balanced on that. The class consisted of squats, glute workouts using our improvised "bar", ab workouts, and weight workouts for our arms and shoulders. It involves a lot of small movements to really focus on one particular part of your body. I really felt the burn and am taking another Power Barre class tomorrow with a different instructor because today was a special schedule due to Martin Luther King Day. Anyway.... the instructor of my Power Barre class today had the best body I have ever seen. For once I feel like I can achieve that body, so I kind of found her to be my inspiration. I have never viewed someone else as an inspiration or a goal because I never thought a tight body could be achievable. So because of her tight booty, flat abs, and toned arms I have decided to make the extra leap. My roommate and I were discussing after the workout class that we need to really start making healthier choices when it comes to alcohol. This week my goal is to try and drink more wine and beer rather than sugary mixed drinks when I go out to dinner or happy hour. If I want a mixed drink, my goal is to get a vodka soda rather than a gin and tonic. Tonic water is sugary like soda and soda water is just bubbly water (I actually just learned this difference recently). If I go out to the bars this weekend, I will allow myself one and ONLY ONE mixed drink that is not a vodka soda if I really feel that it is necessary. I need to stop viewing alcohol as empty calories because it is a liquid. I want to have a toned stomach by the time it gets to bikini season and I need to make this change if I want to get there. So this week's goal is all about alcohol. I think this is going to be a tough challenge because I am a senior in college, but weight loss is not always easy and I need to keep pushing myself!

"Obese" to "Healthy" - my achievements

 Before

 Now

When I went to Jenny Craig today, I ended up tearing up during my weigh in. Why? Well let me tell you. I have this awesome Jenny Craig Tanita scale that has a Body Fat Monitor and Body Water Percentage. When I first started Jenny, weighing in at 197 pounds, the scale said that my BMI was at the "obese" range. Now, weighing in at 149, the scale says I am at the "healthy" range. I have had such a long journey from starting at "obese", then "heavy", and now "healthy". To have a scale tell me that I have the right BMI for my size, is just amazing to see. To have that reassurance that I am healthy is completely relieving, exciting, overwhelming, just such a mix of emotions. I  can actually SEE my progress. There is just something about seeing the word "healthy" that is so self-fulfilling! I have never been considered healthy since I was probably 13 or 14 years old when I was an active volleyball player. And I am far from my 13 year old self....I'm a woman with curves. I am  really starting to see my journey and transformation take shape. So when I was at Jenny Craig today, I was telling my consultant all of this and I just started to cry out of happiness. And this NEVER happens! After, I went to the mall and bought my first tight fitted shirt! I only wear clothes that flow that can hide my bulge...my stomach and I decided it's time to get clothes for my new body!

I have realized my journey has been a progression. There was never a moment when it just clicked and I was going to be healthy. As I have gone down this 6 month road, it has been a slow accumulation of things. My cousin pushed me to do Jenny Craig and then I started eating the Jenny food and making zucchini every night. Then I started learning how to cook more vegetables. Then I started to learn how to eat out without eating a Jenny meal. Then I started making a couple breakfasts on my own. Now I have decided I really need to learn to exercise. I think at the beginning I didn't know or believe that I could stick to this weight loss program, but as I have come to realize that this is not just a program, but a  change in lifestyle, I have learned how to adapt it to my life. As I saw my weight shed away, the harder I was willing to work for it. I have progressively wanted to be healthier and healthier and try harder and harder; push myself in ways I never have before. This blog is part of my progression as well! Before I was so embarrassed about my weight and now I view it as an achievement! I would NEVER tell anyone I weighed 200 pounds, but now it is something to be proud of! I am not happy I was obese and that I lived an unhealthy lifestyle, but happy of how much I have grown to love the body I am in and have made such a huge accomplishment for myself. I have much more confidence. So if you are waiting for an "aha" moment, that may never come (or it might!), but for me it did not happen that way. Remember weight loss is a journey, a life changing experience and journeys do not happen over night.

Workout Schedule - shout out to a good friend

So far, I have stuck to my weekly goal! Yesterday, I went to the 30 min core conditioning class and today, I took the 1 hour CRT class. At CRT we did about 30 min of kickboxing, 20 min of weight training, and 10 min of abs. I LOVED this class AND my lovely roommate came with me! We made a promise that we have to go to the gym at least 3-4 times a week no matter our homework schedule. Together, we decided to make a Workout Schedule! We went through our gym's class schedule and chose our favorite fitness classes that did not conflict with school. We picked 5 different classes, that way if we're busy with studying for a couple of days, we have other classes to choose from. We talked about our inspirations to get in shape and made an official Workout Schedule! My brilliant idea was to post it on the mirror in our bathroom, so we are constantly reminded to go to the gym. After all, I do spend an hour in the bathroom every morning to get ready.... plenty of time to look at the schedule!

MY HINTS: 
1. Post your goals somewhere in the house to remind you what you are working towards
2. Make a fitness schedule- this could be a 10 min ab workout one day, 30 min walk another day, or 20 laps in the swimming pool a different day. Make a schedule that works for you! 
3. Figure out what motivates you- is it a friend? is it someone you are interested in? a special occasion? your new skinny jeans? 
4. Set aside time in your day- I usually like to workout first thing in the morning, so I get it out of the way and I don't become busy with plans. However, I have senior to finish and night classes are what works best for me! 
5. Be happy- when working out, think about what you cannot wait to do with your new body NOT how much you hate doing sit ups or pushups

I would just like to add, as of today, I only have to lose 10 more pounds to be at the weight I was at when I was 14 years old! That is incredible! 19 more pounds to reach my goal weight of 130 pounds! Those 19 pounds don't seem to be so daunting after already losing 50. But it is always the last part that is the hardest to lose. Don't get discouraged!

 I would also like to make a shout out to a woman who has been like a second mother to me and a best friend....congratulations Susan for losing your first 5 pounds on Weight Watchers! Keep up the hard work! Don't forget that every .5 here and pound there will all add up! Love you!

My Weekly Goal 1/14 - doing the gym thing

Last week's goal was to go to Kick It classes everyday of the week. I must say, I had a very successful week! I went to every cardio-kickboxing class! I did regular cardio-kickboxing, a couple with plyos, and one with weights! I did not let that daunting 8:30 class time discourage me from going. I woke up everyday and dragged my tired booty to class. By the end of the week the staff was starting to recognize me. I'm definitely joining that gym when I graduate in May and move back home to California.

My Goal: 

My goal this week is to go to 3 new workout classes on my college campus. Yes, classes have started and now it's time to do well in school, but also to stay fit! It can be discouraging when I know I have other work to get done....maybe that's why it was so easy going to workout classes over my break. So I won't be going to the gym every day, but I want to make sure to go at least 3 times! Fortunately, all the classes are free the first week of school, so I can try any workout class I want! I'm going to try and drag my roommate along too, so we can go together and just make it a little more encouraging. The classes I plan on trying are: Core Conditioning, CRT (Cardio Resistance Training), and PiYO (Pilates/ Yoga). I have always been a huge kickboxing fan, but I think it's time to try something a little out of my element and I know how important it is to mix up different types of workouts. Hopefully I will like them! 

My Weekly Goal 1/7 - Kick It

I decided that every week I am going to post a weekly goal. I wrote in an earlier blog how important it is to set goals. A good idea is to write a sticky note with a weekly goal and an end goal and put it on your mirror. This way, you are reminded everyday what your weekly challenge is and why you are setting goals for yourself. I figure if I'm writing my goals down on my blog, I will be more likely to follow them.

This week I got a free week pass to a local gym, Stevenson Fitness. My goal: go to a "Kick It" class or cardio-kickboxing class everyday. I started going Sunday and I am really loving these Kick It classes. I, however, did not go Monday because I could barely move after Sunday. I was so sore from not doing an intense work out in a long time. So I would definitely say it's good to start slow. I went to Kick It yesterday and I felt good enough to go to today's "Kick It (extreme)"! After my early work out this morning, I am already feeling the burn. The class was full of kicks, jabs, punches, jumping jacks, squats, high knees, high jumps, and ended with an ab workout! Great cardio! They key is to constantly be moving and try to break a sweat! It is almost more motivating because I know I must be working some muscles. I am determined to stick to my goal and go to tomorrow's class as well as the class on Friday and Saturday. Then I head back to school Sunday! I can't believe Winter Break is almost already over. I will write on Sunday to inform you if I stuck to my goal. Maybe set a goal for yourself this week like going on a fast-pace 10 min walk everyday. Remember these goals do not need to be as extreme as mine and don't forget to keep it to your own pace! 

Why is Cardio-kickboxing so good for you? Check out this link!

http://www.livestrong.com/article/154369-why-is-kickboxing-a-good-workout/

Here is a great at home cardio-kickboxing routine I found! This is very similar to what I do in class, but you can do it in the comfort of your own home! 

http://jillfit.com/2011/11/09/home-cardio-kickboxing-routine/

Try looking up routines on YouTube as well. I have done a couple at home kickboxing routines using Comcast On Demand and it is totally free!

Back from Vegas - success story

Just got back from Vegas yesterday! This was the first time I have gone since I have been 21! I went with three of my best friends in the entire world and we truly had the best time. We really only had about one full day there and two nights, but the limited time did not stop us from having fun. We stayed in the new part of the Flamingo and wandered around the strip. We saw the shark exhibit at Mandalay Bay which was completely worth the $18! There was so much to see! But being 21, it is ALL about the night life. . . we went to Surrender- the club in the Wynn and TAO- the club in the Venetian. I think the hardest part about Vegas is all the drinks! Drinking wise. . . I did not make the healthiest choices. I mean when I went to Margaritaville, I had to get a Margarita and of course I had to get a Fat Tuesday. From the name alone, you know it can't be good for you! If you do not know what a Fat Tuesday is, it is those giant, long drinks you see people walking around with on the strip. I got Strawberry Pina Colada! It was good, but extremely sugary. I could just feel the sugar on my teeth and sitting in my stomach, but I had to try it. It's all part of the experience, right? Now I can honestly say, I never need to have it again. At the clubs I mostly just stuck to gin and tonics, but I made sure to have water between most of my drinks. Honestly, water really helps; not to mention I was not hungover.

So I realize I did not do well with the drinking aspect, but with food I was golden!
-The first night for dinner I had Chicken Lettuce Wraps at the Cafe in the Flamingo. I barely used the Thai sauce they bring with it and only had about 1/2-2/3 of the portion of chicken.
-The next day I did not have breakfast because we all slept in, so for lunch we went to the famous Margaritaville attached to the Flamingo! I ordered a Portobello Mushroom Sandwich and substituted my fries for a small caesar with the dressing on the side. I did not eat the croutons or the extra parmesan cheese on the salad. The caesar was a good side portion.  I took off half the bread and cheese on the sandwich, but ate the whole mushroom! I have always loved portobello mushrooms and it was delicious!
-For dinner we went the Grand Lux Cafe in the Venetian. I ordered a delicious Ahi Tuna Salad with the balsamic dressing on the side. I had one piece of bread from the table since I knew I would be drinking. But the salad was perfect! It came with ginger (great for the digestive system!) and ahi tuna and mixed greens. Really healthy meal and it was so yummy. Actually 2 of my friends ordered the same thing!
-At night I had my Jenny Craig cheese curls
-The last day we went to the buffet in the Flamingo and I know buffets can be hard, but I think I handled it pretty well. I got a little eggs (probably not even 1 cup), wheat toast, 1 slice of lox, 1 turkey sausage, and honeydew melon.

That was all I ate the entire time I was in Vegas. Now that I am writing this out, I really could have had more fruit, but I know it can be difficult when you are busy all day.

Today I weighed in at Jenny Craig and I was actually down almost a pound (.8)! So you can go on vacation and lose weight! I'm just glad I had my eating under control because I'm sure with all the drinking my weight would have been up and I had to fit into those tight dresses!

MY HINTS:
1. When on vacation, take your own snacks 
2. Try and do a lot of walking around (We did some walking, but it was cold!) 
3. Cut the portion size of your food (probably about 1/2 the serving) 
4. Try and stay away from anything with a lot of cheese, bread, or cream sauces
5. Get in your veggies and fruit
6. Drink lots of water
7. Try and stay busy, if you're busy, you won't have time to snack


Here are additional tips on how to eat healthy when on vacation:
http://traveltips.usatoday.com/eat-healthy-during-vacation-1747.html

Happy New Year, It's Vegas Time - time for resolutions

I hope everyone had a happy, healthy, and safe New Years! It's hard to believe it's 2013; 2012 really flew by! Last night I went to The Lab Brewing Company in Agoura Hills, CA with one of my friends. I started out the night trying to be "good". I tried to order a gin and tonic, but with diet tonic water. I have come to realize it is nearly impossible to find diet tonic at any bar. Once I had that failed attempt, it all went down hill from there. I had many sugary drinks and I did not stay on my diet at all. I did make sure that I had a glass of water between every drink to stay hydrated. But I drank a Long Island Iced Tea, Mojito, and a Lemon Drop Martini, none of which are low in sugar.
 So last night I really struggled, but what better way to bring in the New Year than making a New Year's resolution! My New Year's resolution is to keep losing weight (about 1-2 pounds a week) and hopefully be able to wear a bikini by the beginning of summer. I have not worn a bikini since I was 13! The tip is to make resolutions you can actually keep. I wouldn't say I want to give up chocolate because I know that would be completely unrealistic. Make a resolution that is a reachable goal. I know many people do not stick to their resolutions, but I am determined to keep mine. It's time to wipe the slate clean and start from scratch. I am saying goodbye to those 50 pounds and never looking back- always stay looking forward. I had a slip up last night (who hasn't?) and that's why I made my resolution about weight loss.

Also I would like to add, I am finally leaving for my Vegas trip tomorrow that I have been planning for the last few months. Earlier in the year, my goal was to get down to 160 before Vegas (that's a 40 pound loss)! Well I have officially passed that goal and am currently at 152. So now my next goal is bikini season! For my trip I am taking a few of my Jenny Snacks such as honey mustard pretzels, cheese curls, cinnamon twists, and my Anytime Bars. I also went to the market today and picked up some goodies for my friends, but I grabbed apples and bananas as well! When I'm hungry, rather than eating bar food or the pretzels I bought for my friends, I can have a healthier Jenny Craig option. We are also buying alcohol before we go, so we can spend less money. Don't worry, I did not forget to buy the Diet Tonic Water. That way I will make a couple no sugar drinks in the room before going out and I can drink less sugary drinks when I am out at the clubs. My other plan is to just keep dancing! Got to get that exercise in somehow! It's time to start the new year right and just because I am on vacation it does not mean the food and drinks have any less calories, fat, and sugar. Anyway, I hope you make a realistic goal for your New Year's resolution even if it is doing 10 sit ups every night or eating one less slice of bread. 2013 is going to be a great year, so treat your body the way it should be treated for a happy, healthy year!

Disneyland - tips for theme park eating

I just got back from a long day at Disneyland! (Note to self: never go to Disneyland right before New Years.) I usually have a yearly tradition of going to Disneyland the day before Christmas Eve. This year my friends and I had to postpone it and that was probably the biggest mistake! Usually the day before Christmas Eve is pretty crowded, but this was just completely unreasonable! Apparently all the people going to see the Rose Bowl decide to make a trip to Disneyland! I felt like we were being herded like cattle....MOO! Really though, I have never seen so many people in one place and I'm used to Disneyland craziness. Even through all the craziness, I was able to hit all the main rides I wanted to go on...Space Mountain, Indian Jones, Pirates of the Caribbean etc. But sometimes the toughest part about going to a theme park is trying to find something somewhat healthy to eat. After a lot of help from my consultant at Jenny Craig, she said that probably the best thing to do is try and find a salad there. I know I like to munch a lot when I am there, so we discussed possible snacks: a pickle (which counts as a "free" vegetable on Jenny) and a pineapple to take the place of one of my fruits. I also decided to bring my  Vanilla Chocolate Crisp Jenny Craig Anytime Bar for more substance, which is filled with my daily vitamins.

My day ended up looking something like this:
1. Breakfast- Jenny Craig Cinnamon French Toast and a Grande Soy Latte with cinnamon (cinnamon is a great antioxidant) from Starbucks
2. Snack- Vanilla Chocolate Crisp Jenny Craig Anytime Bar
3. Another Snack- The lines were too crowded to get into any place to eat around noon, so I had a Disneyland pickle to hold me over until my 3 o'clock lunch reservation.
4. Lunch- I ate at Cafe Orleans and it was delicious! I got the 'Crescent City' salad which came with blackened chicken (or I could have had salmon), corn, baby greens, pickled onions, grapes, orange slices, caramelized pecans, and a citrus vinaigrette. I ended up not eating the caramelized pecans or the orange slices because I am not big on citrus fruit. I also asked for my dressing on the side and used my fork dipping technique (dip the fork in the salad dressing then in the salad). There was not even 1/4 cup of corn which was good because corn is a starchy vegetable AND I could have the grapes because I did not have time during breakfast to get my extra fruit in. I made sure I kept my chicken to a deck of cards size.
5. Snack- Disneyland Pineapple....they really have the best pineapple! This is actually one of my favorite snacks there. It has always been one of my instant go-to's.
6. Dinner- IN-N-OUT! I have not had in-n-out in over 6 months and this is THE BEST fast food, hands down. Because I knew we were going to in-n-out and fast food could be a bit difficult, I looked up the menu on my nifty iphone ahead of time. After consulting the nutrition facts posted by MyFitnessPal, I decided I was going to get a hamburger protein style with onions. I really wanted cheese, but decided if I didn't get the cheese, I could reward myself with the in-n-out spread. Normally, I would get the cheeseburger that comes with both the cheese and the spread. Protein style is just wrapped in lettuce instead of a hamburger bun. I used to get a cheeseburger with onions, fries extra well done (so double fried), dip my fries in spread, and occasionally a neapolitan milkshake. That would be approximately 980-1000 calories. Today my burger was only 240 calories according to in-n-out nutrition facts. I could have not had the spread and substituted it for ketchup and mustard and that would only be 160 calories according to myfitnesspal.com, but I really wanted the spread if I wasn't having cheese! I couldn't give it all up.

MY HINTS: 
1. When going to a theme park, bring some healthy snacks from home! This way if you want to munch, you have a healthier choice than buttery popcorn or sugary churros. 
2. Go with a plan! When you arrive at the park, have an eating plan and stick to it! Just being aware of healthier choices will really help!
3. Try and get a salad or a lean burger! Salads are always a healthy choice, but if you really want a burger take off the bread and make sure the patty is not bigger than a deck of cards. Or you can always have one slice of cheese pizza too. 
4. Try not to snack around the park! You will probably be doing a lot of walking, so choose one snack that you really want, but then maybe get a salad instead for lunch.
5. Fruits, vegetables, and water are still very important! Try and incorporate those fruits and veggies into your healthy eating plan for the day and stay hydrated! 
6. Overall, just make little adjustments to your meals and try and make the healthier choices; those options are around, you just might have to do some extra searching. 

I also have to weigh in at Jenny Craig tomorrow, so hopefully my Disney plan was successful!

Hiking - good trails

I forgot how much fun hiking can be! Yesterday, I went hiking with a couple friends in the China Flats. This hike is just very local for me (in Oak Park, CA) and this was the second time I have done it. The first time I attempted this hike I was about 50 pounds heavier than today. The first time, my friend practically had to drag me up the mountain because it is basically at an incline the entire way. And yesterday, he was telling me to slow down! I felt like this was a huge accomplishment because this friend of mine has run a half marathon, goes to the gym everyday, and is extremely fit. I haven't gone to the gym in FOREVER, so I was a little worried that this would be too difficult. After 2 hours of hiking, I made it and I didn't suck at it either! Hiking is a really great way to get in shape! I think being outdoors and going with friends is really a lot more entertaining than spending 30 min on an elliptical in a gym staring at a wall. I am planning on getting together with another couple of people and perhaps taking a group hike next week.

Other hikes I have tried and really liked are:

1. Solstice Canyon in Malibu, CA- This hike has a waterfall and a ton of different trails. Solstice was actually the first hike I had ever been on. When I went, I did the most advanced one and it took about 4-5 hours of hiking. Because there are so many trails, you can try one at your own pace. 

2. Wildwood in Thousand Oaks, CA- This one has a few trails. Solstice is more lush, but Wildwood also has a waterfall as well as a teepee and Lizard Rock, which is one of the trails. Lizard Rock is one of the harder ones. The couple of times I have gone, I have always had difficulty getting to the top. 

3. Red Rocks in Boulder, CO- This consists of more rock climbing than trail walking. My roommate dragged me here and made me think it was going to be a casual hike. It starts at a slight incline on a trail and then once you walk about 15 min you see these beautiful red rocks. Then comes the climbing!

Overall, hiking is great fun and great for you! I would love to hike more often and find some more trails. I know Boulder also has a ton of great hikes such as Chautauqua, Devil's Thumb, Boulder Creek Path, and any of the Flat Irons. 

Just look up hiking trails in your area and you can usually find a lot of information including the difficulty and popularity of the hike- that's how I found Solstice Canyon! 

Successful Xmas Eve - how to do Christmas right

My friends and I have come together every year since high school to make a ginger bread house, but this year we decided we were going to make a ginger village. I wanted to show a little taste of my yearly tradition!

Tonight, I went over to a family friend's house, like I do every year, and knew I could expect some delicious food for Christmas Eve. But how do you eat right during the holidays? I came back with a few ideas to keep you eating healthy! On my 45 minute drive, I made a vow to myself that I would only TRY ONE snack that I really wanted. Okay so I ended up trying two snacks, but my favorite was cream cheese with warm chili sauce on top dipped with a wheat thin. I only allowed myself one bite. I like to eat a lot when I want to try everything, but I realize in order to taste something you really only need one bite of it to be satisfied (at least it's that way for me). This could be a really good and quick appetizer if you just take reduced fat or fat free cream cheese, chili sauce, and fat free wheat thin crackers. That way you could probably have more than just one bite, but still want to stay under control. Most of the time I eat so many appetizers and by the time it gets to the actual meal, I'm not even hungry anymore. I eat it anyway because it tastes good.

MY HINTS: 

1. Cut back on the snacks beforehand! Choose one snack that you REALLY want and only take a couple bites. Remember, you want to save room for the main course. If there's a veggie plate or a fruit plate....go nuts! Have as much as you want. 

2. Fill half your plate up with vegetables and eat the veggies first! If you eat the vegetables first, you are more likely to fill up on the healthy stuff. Tonight, for the main course I filled half my plate up with vegetables: asparagus, brussel sprouts, green beans, and raw bell peppers. 

3. Portion your protein! I had about 4 oz of honey backed ham (Try not to overload on the ham because it is pretty salty).

4. Choose one starch! I had my choice of either a roll, potatoes, or enchiladas. I really wanted both the potatoes and the enchiladas, so I put about 2 regular spoonfuls of the potatoes and 1 spoonful of the enchiladas. 

5. The dreaded dessert! Try and find a piece of fruit to eat with your dessert if available. I would eat the fruit first and only have a few bites of the ONE dessert you choose. Don't have cookies and cake...choose a few cookies OR a sliver of cake. There wasn't any fruit tonight, so I allowed myself a sliver of a lemon bundt cake from Nothing Bundt Cakes (they have the best bundt cakes on this planet!)  It was definitely hard only having a sliver, but since I really wanted it, my motto is to never deprive, but instead portion it out. I also had a cup of coffee during dessert so when everyone else was still eating their sweets, I was able to enjoy my coffee instead of just watching everyone eat. 

Eating is a very social thing. It takes a lot of will power to realize that food is food. I have learned that I'd rather eat healthy than look back on my night and regret what I ate. Is it worth the few minutes of enjoying a fattening slice of cake or mounds of potatoes and ham? That moment comes and goes, but the time I spend kicking myself in the butt will last a lot longer than 3 minutes. The time to lose those extra few pounds could be completely prevented if I had eaten healthy during the holidays. Those are my words of wisdom. This is not something I can teach to anyone, but something you're going to have to self discover. It may take a lot of weight gains and losses to come to this conclusion. I've been on a diet since I was 13 years old, so I KNOW how hard this can be. It has taken me 8 years to have this Aha moment. We shall see if I can tackle the big, official Christmas feast tomorrow! I hope everyone has a happy and safe holiday! 

Christmas Cookies - the healthy way

Now that Christmas is right around the corner, I've been trying to find healthy recipes for the holidays. This is the first Christmas I've been trying to eat well, so it took awhile to find a cookie recipe that I thought was healthy and tasty. When I weighed in at Jenny Craig today (after losing another 2 pounds), I found out there is a Jenny Craig website with a lot of great recipes! I decided to try out the Chocolate Chip-Strawberry Thumbprint Cookies because I thought this would be a good substitution for alternative sugary Christmas cookies. Earlier today I actually made cookies for a friend that had 2 sticks of butter, about 3 cups of sugar, and 2 cups of flour! I know I could not keep those in my house because that would just be dangerous! But with these Chocolate Chip cookies, I don't feel bad having them around. There is no added in sugar, flour, or butter and it is very quick and easy! I had a couple of friends over to help and it only took us about 20 minutes to make them and bake them. I came home to California to visit my family and friends over the holidays, so what better way to start the season off right than baking?

Here's the link to the recipe:
http://www.jennycraig.com/tools/recipes/details/30/result

However, I would make a few changes to the recipe. The dough is very gooey after mixing all the ingredients together, so it is impossible to make a thumbprint in it for the jelly. I actually baked the cookies first then made a thumbprint and added the jelly at the end. Also, I actually would almost like the recipe more without the jelly, so you can bake them with or without it. . . they would be delicious either way! When I made it, I just grabbed the Betty Crocker Chocolate Chip Mix and Quaker Whole Wheat Oats (uncooked) and then all you need is 1 egg, water, vanilla and strawberry jam (if desired). So easy with minimal ingredients! Definitely worth a try!

Nutrition Facts:
(Serving Size- 1 cookie)
Calories: 54
Carbohydrates: 8.8g
Protein: 0.6g
Fat: 1.8g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 28 mg

MY HINTS:
During the holidays eating healthy can be very difficult. Instead of making the usual sugary, fattening cookies for Santa, I would try to find a lighter recipe online or look at the Jenny Craig options. Don't make cookies you shouldn't eat! If you find a lighter recipe, then you don't have to feel guilty about an occasional sweet treat. Bring them to holiday parties so you won't feel deprived from other sweets and eat one of these instead! When trying to find a good recipe look for: low sugar, low carb, low fat, and low calorie. Find a recipe that uses minimal butter and sugar, if any. You can also substitute Truvia or Splenda alternative sweeteners for sugar and applesauce for oil. I also found this website that looked like it had some great options:
http://www.tasteofhome.com/Healthy-Cooking-Magazine/Our-Favorite-Healthy-Christmas-Cookies