Rachel's Weight Loss Challenge

Accomplishments Thus Far....

2007-05-28T06:24:00.000-07:00

Alright, soooo...I've been doing pretty good overall. I know deep down that I could've lost more by now and that's a little discouraging, but it's my fault. I haven't been working out like I should and I've had a couple times where I really just binged and ate horrible things. BUT, overall for only having been doing this for a month. I'd say I've done pretty darn good! So here is the most current results....

I currently weight about 194lbs. Which is about 13lbs down from where I started a month ago. But the awesome thing is, thats about 20-23lbs down from where I was only about 2-3months ago. I've lost a total of 10inches this month, which is the biggest thing to me. I'm starting to realize that the numbers on the scale dont mean much, it's the inches that are really motivating me at this point....At work, I have someone telling me how great I look and asking me what I'm doing to lose weight just about every other day....That alone is sooo motivating! It's an awesome feeling to know that people are actually noticing!!

Yesterday I went shopping...by myself, by the way, which was awesome because usually I take Darian along and he's impatient when it comes to me trying on clothes. Anywho, so I went to the mall, found tons of really cute clothes in JCPenney's. I bought a couple of things, then decided to go into Old Navy (ON). So here's some background on me and ON...I used to only shop at ON...I mean occasionally I would buy things from other places, but for the most part, I was all about ON. So, within the past few months, I no longer was fitting into their size 14's. I have worn a size 14 for at least 3-4 years now and while it wasn't the ideal size I wanted to be in, I felt comfortable in that size.....Well, I started to have to go up a size to a 16. Eventually I just stopped buying new clothes because I didn't want to wear a size 16. Soooo, in the meantime once I started this new diet kick, I had started shopping again, but primarily at the mall, and at JCPenney's. SOOOOO, yesterday...I go into ON....I find a few cute things I like, I'm primarily looking for some nice black capri pants though, to wear at work. I find some...I pick up a size 14, half worried that they still won't fit right, and hey just for kicks I pick up a size 12....I go into the dressing room, try on the size 14...they fit!! Woohoo!! And actually, they are a bit loose...now, not alot loose mind you, but with ON jeans and especially pants, after wearing them for a couple hours, they tend to loosen up even more to the point they are sagging off the booty a lil bit...SO, I decide to be brave, and I try on the size 12.........

OMG...THEY FIT!! THEY ACTUALLY FIT!! I was able to button them and everything!! Now...granted, they are a tad bit tight in some areas, but OMG they fit!! lol...I haven't worn a size 12 in about 4-5yrs.....Some of you skinny heffers are probably thinking "Oh big deal, it's just a size 12!" but for me this is a major accomplishment!! Soooo, of course I bought the pants, and I am anxious to wear them proudly to work on Tuesday! lol....

So anyways, things are looking up. That was a huge motivator and I'm so anxious to keep losing and to start losing in the places that really bother me...Those places right now are my upper arms, and my inner thighs. I want to wear a swimsuit this summer!! So stick with me guys in my journey to thinness and healthiness and lets see what I can do!!

Back on Track...

2007-05-02T06:54:00.000-07:00

Okay, soooo....last Friday, the 25th I went to the doctor and got my prescription for the appetite supressant, water pills and received a shot of B12. I weighed in at 207lbs. Sooo, I started them the next morning and I had absolutely no appetite whatsoever. I had to make myself eat. I had toast and eggs for breakfast, I drank a whole gallon of water throughout the day, I had a salad for lunch and dinner and felt awesome. I spent the majority of the day in the yard putting in landscaping, and sweat my butt off. Soo, Sunday was spent chilling out around the house for the most part, then in the evening Darian and I went shopping so I did alot of walking around the mall and other places. Didnt really do actual excersize throughout the weekend, but I stayed active. Soooo....I woke up on Monday morning, did my usual morning weigh in and I weighed 200.5 pounds!! I lost 7lbs over the weekend! I'm sure most of it was water weight, but it sure as heck feels good losing it! Monday and yesterday I ate a healthy cereal for breakfast, snacked on fruit throughout the day, and had a salad for lunch and dinner. It's amazing but I'm just really not hungry anymore. In the mornings I will be slightly hungry, eat a light breakfast and then I'm fine until I take my pills around 10am. Then I'm good to go for the rest of the day. I'm lovin it! No more hunger pains all day long....

But today I'm starting out on a new eating plan...I will only be drinking water, with the occasional "Crystal Lite". Absolutely no sodas, milk, alcohol, or fruit juice. Here's the meal plan:

BREAKFAST

Fresh fruit
1 Slice of wheat toast
1 bagel with margarine
1 cup of oatmeal
1 egg
Fat free yogurt

(I can have any or all of these items)

LUNCH

White meat only (Chicken, turkey, tuna..prepared or seasoned in any way, w/ the exception to fried)

DINNER

Large salad w/ eggs, tomatoes, cucumbers w/ light dressing.
Any green veggies, zucchini, squash, broccoli, califlower, and carrots.
On the side chicken, turkey or fish.
Always have fresh fruit.

SNACKS

All the fresh fruit I want, any time of the day w/ exception to bananas, grapes, mangos and papayas.
Microwave popcorn (94% fat free only)

Sooo, there you have it. Pretty simple. I wanted to try this diet in the past, but I just couldnt. It didnt seem like enough to me and wasnt satisfying. But now that I have no appetite, I should be good to go. I started out my morning with one egg white and one piece of wheat toast w/ margarine. I also had some fresh strawberries. It wasn't much but it was filling. Anyways, hopefully this weight loss will be consistant and I will keep going in the downward direction. I still havent really started excersizing because I've had alot of things to do when I get off this past week. But, today I'm free and I plan on getting back into my power 90. Orrrr, I might even attempt to go for a jog. I've had alot more energy lately. I'm guessing from the B12 shot, but I might take advantage and try to run...I'll keep you all updated!

These Are My Confessions....

2007-04-16T08:59:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I have to make a few confessions:

I haven't been working out.
I've indulged in drinking soda on numerous occasions.
I've been eating fried foods.
I've drank alcoholic beverages on numerous occasions. (Nightly for a week.)
Last night I bought a gallon of Dutch Chocolate Blue Bell icecream.
I ate almost a whole bag of Oreos by myelf a week or so ago.

Okay, so basically just to sum it up....I've been a big fat slob over the past week or so and I'm terribly ashamed of myself. The good thing is; suprisingly, I haven't gained any weight. I'm still sitting on 204. The bad thing, I should have/ COULD have been under the 200 mark by now had I not been such a bad girl. But, the first step to moving forward is admitting that I have a problem right? lol...Sooo, what is the solution you might ask! I'm gonna try going back to the no trans fat, no sodas, no fried foods thing and see how much that helps. I honestly have had absolutely NO drive whatsoever to work out lately. This is bad, I know...I don't know what happened to my motivation.

Soooo, some of you may disagree with my new plans and what I'm about to tell you, BUT it's my decision and I'm the only one who can make it....

Noooo, I'm not having weight loss surgery or liposuction. (Although that would be nice!) But I am going to make a visit to a Weight Loss Clinic. For anyone interested, this is the clinic's website. http://www.wellcareclinic.com/weight-management.html I go for my first visit on the 24th of this month. Basically what's included on your first visit is an evaluation of your medical history, a body analysis (they will tell me how much muscle/fat/water % my body is), a prescription for a weight loss supressant (called Phentermine) a shot of B-12, and vitamin samples.

I have been doing research on this particular weight loss supressant, Phentermine for quite some time and I've finally decided that I'm ready to try it out. So we'll see how it goes. Anyways, so thats my current plan and I'm looking forward to seeing some new results with this. Of course I will update you along the way with my progress! Ciao!!

Update..

2007-03-29T05:11:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I haven't updated lately. I'm not even sure that anyone has actually noticed. BUT, I don't want to let this thing fall through the cracks. I said I was going to do something, and I'm gonna follow it through. So, that being said..I gotta be honest. I havent really been doing the greatest with my goals. I haven't really lost anymore weight since the last update, but the good thing is, I havent gained any either. I havent been working out in the evenings like I was before simply because Im still on this project at work and by the time I get home at 730p, Im no where near being in the mood to actually work out. However, I do end up doing alot of walking all day at work, carrying heavy loads. Sooo, I think thats how I've managed not to gain any weight because I havent exactly been strict with what Im eating lately. Soo, this week is my final week being a trainer and Im going to kinda start over fresh on Monday of next week. I would say this weekend, but my Im hosting my sis n laws baby shower where we're serving fried fish and shrimp, french fries, etc....soooo yea....gotta be realistic here! Anyways, just wanted to updated you all, Im no where near being done with this! More updates soon to come!!

Check It Ouuut!!

2007-03-11T05:46:00.000-07:00

Ohhh yea babee!! Check this out!!!

Now, THAT's what Im talkin about!!! 11 pounds dropped!! I was trying to stay away from the scale for a little while because when I was checking it everyday and it would become discouraging. But finally decided to step back on this week, and what do you know!! I'm sooo happy right now and even more motivated than ever to succeed in this challenge. Major changes are coming in my life and I will talk about them soon, but I think that I will only do better with this weight loss challenge and Im so excited to post those after pics in a couple of months! It's time to kick it up another knotch with the eating and excersizing and I'm ready! Who's with me??

Still Hanging In...

2007-02-27T08:44:00.000-08:00

Anyone still reading this? Well, Im still hanging in there with the dieting and excersizing. To be honest though, I've become a bit of a slacker with my Power 90, and I havent dont it EVERY single day for the past week or so. But, Im going to get back on track today...Don't get me wrong, I've still been eating healthy and staying active, but I've been slipping on the P90. Anywho, so I'm trying to stay away from the scale again for a while during this phase of the diet. So who knows if Im actually dropping pounds or not, but I do feel a little lighter. Some of my jeans are fitting differently, so thats nice. And starting Friday of this week, I will be working in a new position as Trainer at my job. It's a temporary assignment, but it's nice because I will be more active and on my feet more often then now. In my current position, I just sit at my desk for the most part all day long in front of the computer. Sooo, Im hoping that this new activity level throughout the day will help me out a little bit. Anyways, thats all I've got for now. I have a feeling I will be pretty busy soon so I dont know how often I will be able to update...BUT, rest assured that in a couple of months, I will be posting some FINNNNEE after pics!!! lol

Phase 2

2007-02-20T04:08:00.000-08:00

Okay so my weight has pretty much stayed the same, I have a total loss of 4 lbs since I first started making some healthy changes in my lifestyle a couple weeks ago. Yesterday I started phase 2 of the program, "The Best Life Diet". Basically in this phase you have to restrict 6 things from your diet. They are:

Soda
Food w/ Trans Fat
Fried Foods
White Bread
Regular Pasta
High Fat Dairy Products

Seems easy right? It is. So all I have to do is restrict these things from my diet and continue on with the other changes that I've already made during phase 1, along with increasing my activity level and I'm good to go. So Im ready to get started. Yesterday I did really good. For dinner I even made grilled shrimp, brown rice and mixed veggies. My dessert was a cup of yogurt and some fresh blueberries. Very tasty and filling might I add. ;) Anyways, so wish me well, hopefully you will start to notice some changes in my waist pretty soon!!

Quick Update

2007-02-15T04:12:00.000-08:00

Okay, so last night I went ahead and weighed myself. Technically I was supposed to wait until after phase one of this program, which for me would be Saturday... but I couldn't wait anymore. So I've updated my ticker with the progress....I haven't lost alot, but that's okay. It's only been two weeks since I first started, and during those two weeks I've lost 4 lbs, which I think is great because this is the recommended amount of weight that you should lose. Per everything I've ever read, it's best and safest to lose 1-2lbs per week if you intend on keeping it off in the long run. SO, Monday I start phase two of this program, and thats when I should really see the pounds start to fall off. Im really just excited at the idea of getting out of the 200's!!!! I only have about 5 more pounds to get me there!!

Monday Morning Blues..

2007-02-12T04:29:00.000-08:00

Good morning...It's about 6:30a Monday morning. I'm tired and in a bad mood. But, I feel like updating, maybe this will get me in a better mood. So lets see, Friday evening I worked out to Power 90 again. I tried doing Turbo Jam that a friend of mine from work had given me to burn a copy of, but I just wasn't feeling it. I don't know what it was, but it just wasnt the same as P90 and after scanning through a few of the discs, I decided to stick to P90. Anyways, so with P90 you're supposed to work out 6 days a week, so I took Saturday off. My mom came to visit on Saturday and we spent the day together shopping, having lunch and then went to the movies. Sunday was a pretty boring day. Didn't end up doing P90, I know..bad! But, I did take Darian and one of our dogs to the park, and we walked about 2 miles, so I made up for it!! Tonight I will get back into the P90 groove. Im still sore in my arms and waist, but I love it. I look forward to my workout tonight...I'm not sure how much weight, if any that I've lost so far. This book I'm reading recommends not checking until after the 4wks from start is over. I don't really feel any lighter, so I'm a little worried. BUT, I can definately say its much easier going up those stairs in my house. I used to huff and puff halfway up and I would be out of breath by the time I got up there, but now I make it a habit to run up the stairs and it actually feels good. So I'm making some improvements. I think that next week I will go ahead and transition into phase 2 of the book that I'm reading. I feel like Im ready to take it to the next level. So I might end up weighing and taking my measurements again at the end of this week..I'll let ya know!

I'm feelin it....

2007-02-09T04:31:00.000-08:00

Okay so last night I did the circuit training workout that involves weights. I actually enjoy this workout better than the cardio, but that's only cuz the cardio has me jumpin around all over the place and with this one you mostly remain stationary. Nonetheless is was a good workout. It definately had me sweating and this morning Im finally feeling the pain in my abs and in my arms from the workout. Which is actually a good feeling because I know its working! Yay!! So here I am at work at 6:35am. I just got done w/ my bowl of multi grain cheerios w/ a banana. Im tellin you, this cereal really is pretty good! For lunch Im thinking of something light today, perhaps a salad...Anywho, have a lovely weekend you guys and I will update you on Monday!

Power 90

2007-02-08T04:32:00.000-08:00

Okay, so last night I did my first real workout with Power 90 since I started this whole weight loss thing. I forgot how much I really enjoy doing Power 90. For those of you who don't know what this is, you can check it out on www.beachbody.com . It's a workout dvd, you may have seen infomercials for it at some point. Anyways, I've had this dvd for years now and when I did it in the past, it definately worked. I guess I've just been lazy lately and didn't even really think about it until now. But last night I had a great workout. The dvd consists of three different workouts. There is a cardio workout, circuit training (weight), and an ab workout. You are supposed to alternate the cardio with the circuit workout every other day, and after each workout you do the ab routine. Let me tell you, the ab routine will kick your butt! It's one of those things that hurts so bad when you're doing it, but at the same time it feels good because you can feel it working....Anyways, so I am going to start doing this workout everyday with the exception to Mondays. You are supposed to do the workout 6 days a week. Yep, 6 days! I guess thats why it really works, but its just a matter of "pressing play" everyday......

Weeked Update

2007-02-05T03:45:00.000-08:00

Okay, so this weekend I did pretty good for the most part. Saturday I ate right and healthy all day. I went for a nice hike through a local park. Probably walked about a mile, possibly longer than a mile. We walked through the "nature trail" portion of the park, so there weren't exactly mile markers, but it was a good workout. Alot of inclines on this hike. Anywho, so then Sunday morning I woke up, had my multi grain cheerios and a banana and went roller blading around the neighborhood with one of my dogs. That was quite a work out, I could really feel it in my legs. Anywho, so then we were having a little super bowl party and well I guess you could say I cheated. The rules for phase one are very simple, but I had some alcohol. But HEY, it was superbowl! I get a break dont I? Actually I do remember him saying in the book that it's okay to reward yourself every now and again...So lets just say I was rewarding myself...hehe, Anywho, so today I expected to wake up really tired, but suprisingly at 4:30am this morning I just sprung out of bed, ready to tackle the day...Oh and I get off early, at 12p today, so I plan on going home and doing my Power 90 dvd workout and maybe going for a jog with the dogs...I'll update later. Ciao!!

Promise Not to Laugh!!

2007-02-02T14:40:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I decided to go ahead and take some pictures today. I must say...this is probably one of the hardest things that I've had to do....After taking a look at the pics, I wasn't really suprised, I mean I look at myself everyday in the mirror, I know how overweight I am. But I think I do a pretty good job of hiding it in my day to day life.. So, I seriously thought about not posting these pictures....BUT, what do I have to lose...Besides my honor and dignity? But who needs those!! lol..I kid, I kid...

Anyways, so here they are....My face has been disguised for my own protection...If these pictures ever go beyond the few special people that I've chosen to share them with..I will deny it to my grave!! lol

At first I thought I would just cover up the tum tum and go the safe route...then I realized this wasnt really fair or realistic....
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y284/truqueen81/Scurred.jpg

Sooo, I braved up...pulled my shirt up, and let my muffin top show for all the world to see....
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y284/truqueen81/Frontal-Before-1.jpg

Next the dreaded back shot...not only do I not have a butt, but I look like I should be a running back for the Dallas Cowboys with those wide shoulders...geeez!
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y284/truqueen81/Back-Before.jpg

Okay, so then of course I have to do the before shot of my arms...Or "chicken arms" as my mom has always called the fatty section that hangs under womens arms...
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y284/truqueen81/Arms-Before-1.jpg

And.....drum roll please, because this really deserves a drumroll....I saved the best for last...YEA RIGHT!! The dreaded side view!! Oh man this is scary...I look about 5 months pregnant...the double chin also MUST go....Yikes...reality sets in....
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y284/truqueen81/Side-Before-1.jpg

Hopefully you still have your lunch and you dont have nightmares tonight....lol..I will post my measurements later this evening...

Okay, here are the measurements....And by the way, for anyone wanting to take their own measurements to monitor progress, this website tells you exactly how to take accurate measurements, and this is what I followed. http://diet.ivillage.com/measure/0,,mmpr,00.html

Bust:42
Chest:36.5
Waist:40.5
Hips:45
Midway:45
Thighs:27
Knees:18
Calves:14.5
Upper arms: 16.5 in
Forearms:12.5

The Best Life Diet

2007-02-02T07:53:00.000-08:00

Okay, so today I bought this book written by Bob Greene called "The Best Life Diet". If any of you watch Oprah, you've probably seen him on her show at some time or another. He is the man who helped Oprah lose all of her weight. That's where I recently saw him, and I was really inspired by his ideas on losing weight and eating practices. It is very realistic, and non-drastic. I think every other time I've tried to lose weight in the past it was really drastic and all at one time. I would immediately cut out certain foods, or only eat certain types of foods. With this diet, its more of a lifestyle change. There are three phases so the diet, and the first phase is so simple, anyone can do it. Per the book, phase one is getting you ready and comfortable with healthy habits that will prepare you for the other two phases where things gradually get more in depth. There are only a few main things required for phase one....Here they are..

Increase your activity level
Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime
Eat three meals, including a nurtitious breakfast, plus at least one snack daily
Stay hydrated
Eliminate alcohol, for now
Bolster your diet with daily supplements

Thats it....Thats all you have to do for phase one. According to the book, he says to check in at week four to see if you are ready to move on. My goal is to actually kinda fast forward this program, so I will check back in 2 weeks and see how I'm doing. He says that during this time, not to worry about adding or subtracting foods from our diet at this point, however I can say for sure that I will cut out fast food, and I will be making home cooked meals or salads during this time. Making sure that I dont skip any meals. I'll also be more active during this time. I found an awesome park not far from the house with a really nice jogging/walking trail and I plan on visiting it on the weekends, and also trying to go for at least a 30minute walk/jog 5 days of the week.

Anyways, so I know some of this sounds kinda silly because it doesnt seem like alot, but when you read the book and hear his explanation and the way he breaks it down. It just really makes alot of sense. And since this isn't just going to be another fad diet for me, and its going to be a new way of life for me, then it makes perfect sense to do it this way. Phase two is where I will be kicking it up a knotch and he says this is where the most fat burning begins. So hopefully by this summer, I will be too hot to trot and in a two piece!! Woohoo!!

My Weight Loss Ticker

2007-01-31T16:48:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I weighed myself this evening and created this cute little ticker to count down the pounds.....

My Goal

2007-01-31T09:24:00.000-08:00

Okay, so today I've decided that it's finally time to start over in my weight loss plans. I'm sick and tired of being overweight and not happy with my body at all. I'm going to start this weekend. I'm already putting together my grocery list full of the healthy foods that I will be consuming. Yay! lol Anyways, so along with the healthy eating I plan on introducing walking/jogging into my daily routine. I'm determined now more than ever. I'm probably going to try to take some "before" photos this weekend, and also take my measurements so that I can track my progress on here. I will post all of that this weekend!

Here's a pic of me from a couple years ago. I wasn't at my ultimate goal weight, I was probably around 180 or 185. So about 20lbs shy of where I am now...I hope to be at least lookin this hot within 2-3 months!!

I know mah, I'm showin too much cleavage...lol..You'll be okay! *smooches*