Transformation Tuesday and A Letter to 2013

This is my last blog post for 2013!!!  What a year 2013 has been!!  I cannot wait to see what 2014 has to bring!  I created one last Transformation Tuesday picture for 2013  Here it is:

So I have thought and thought about Resolutions for 2014, and I think I am only going to say this:

In 2014, I want to continue to make myself healthier and happier, and keep finding worth in myself!

And share this:

I also decided I wanted to write a letter to 2013!  So here goes:

Dear 2013,

Overall, you have been good to me the last 365 days.  I have had good times and bad times.  Went on 4 different vacations, walked my first 5k, and learned that I am much stronger than I ever believed I was.  I also had 3 surgeries, lost most of my eyesight in my right eye, and had to give up the dream of having more babies.  I have lost 74.4 pounds during your 12 months, but gained so much more.  I have learned that I am worthy of more than I was giving myself.  I am learning to like myself and trying new things that I was always scared to do before.  Heck, I even went para-sailing and rode on a sled this year.  My self confidence is not where it needs to be, but I am working on learning to love myself.  I have many good memories from you and I look forward to the future as well.  Thanks for the ups and downs and thanks for helping me realize that no matter what else happens, God is always in control of each second of each minute of each hour of each day of each week of each month of each year.  Only through His strength have I been able to overcome obstacles and celebrate victories.  Goodbye for now, but the memories are there forever!!

Love, Me

AND I have exciting news.  I was soooooooo sad that I have not been able to wear my wedding rings for the last few months.  So today, hubby bought me a new ($8.88) set at Wal-Mart to wear until I have finished losing weight and can have my nice set re-sized.  I even picked it out!! I even made him get down on one knee and put it on my finger.  He was a good sport about it!!

Isn't he a good sport?  Now I can tell the world how in love I am with my hubby (even though I really don't have to have a ring to do that).

So tonight we are having friends over to ring in 2014.  I made sure to buy some WW friendly snacks for myself so I can enjoy the evening as well.  I wish you all a very happy new year.  Stay safe if you go out tonight!!!  I am so excited for this new year!!

Keep Losing,
Kari

Monday Menu Share and SO MUCH MORE!!!

Happy last Monday of 2013!.  I have so much to day today so I apologize in advance if I ramble!!!  First off, I will recap my weekend!  Saturday was my 37th birthday and my 6th wedding anniversary!  We started off the day with a very relaxing couples massage!  The hubby had booked us a room at the West Baden hotel.  This is a very nice, historic hotel about an hour away from us and located near the French Lick Casino.  We had dinner at the French Lick Winery and then headed to the casino for a bit.  Then we went back to our room and just spent time together.  It was so nice just to get to reconnect a little bit without the distractions of home and kids.  Hubby is opening up a second location of his business today (recycling center) and I know the stress level will be high for awhile.  Then yesterday we came home and I watched football all day and relaxed.

So far today has been AWESOME!  I worked out this morning for the first time in about 5 weeks!  It felt so good!  I took it slow and only did 10 minutes on the elliptical, 10 minutes on the stationary bike, and a 16 minute interval on the treadmill.  I mentally feel better today too.  It is amazing how exercise can boost your mood!!!  And I completely forgot to put on my new Polar heart rate monitor! DARN!!! Then later in the afternoon I did my new Weight Watchers dance party.  I just did the beginner and it was a challenge for me.  Good thing I was alone cause I can't dance!

 Here is my nice sweaty post-workout pic:

ALSO, I am SO EXCITED!!  My sister has decided to join Weight Watchers with me this week!!!!!! I am so happy to have someone do this with me!!!!! So I will let you know how she is doing too!!!  We went to the grocery today and I helped her pick out some healthy choices to get started!!!  YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have really been enjoying drinking hot tea a lot for a sweet calorie free treat.  Hubby bought me this at the winery over the weekend and it is YUMMY!!!!!!!!  Sweetened with a little stevia in the raw and you have an awesome treat!!!

And he bought me these headphones for my birthday!  Can't wait to try them out!  Now I won't be so uncomfortable with headphones on under my ear warmer!!!!!

So on Monday's, I share my menu for dinners for the week.  Here goes:

Monday: Salmon, baked sweet potatoes, steamed veggies

Tuesday: NO CLUE HAS HUBBY HASN'T FILLED ME IN ON NYE PLANS

Wednesday:  Hamburgers, roasted potatoes, green beans

Thursday:  Spaghetti, Salad, garlic bread

Friday:  Meatloaf Muffins, mashed potatoes, and a veggie

Saturday:  Taco Soup

Sunday: Breakfast for Dinner: pancakes, eggs, sausage

Here is the salmon I tried out tonight (6 points+ for one filet and there are 2 in the box):

And the new steamed veggies (which say they are 5 points+ for the whole box because there is rice in it so I am not sure how to count it):

Dinner was very yummy tonight even though I was the only one to eat!

 Also as 2013 comes to an end, I made a short little video to wrap up my year.  I shared it on my Facebook page yesterday, but I am also going to share it here in case you missed it!  I used an app called Flipagram to create it.

I think that is it for today!!!!  Sending you all love and healthy wishes!

Keep Losing,
Kari

FaceTime Friday - Vlog

Happy Friday "losers"! Here is my Vlog entry for today!!!!! Enjoy and have a fabulous weekend!

Keep Losing,

Kari

Thursday Weigh-In :-(

I debated all morning whether or not to face the scale at Weight Watchers today.  I knew it would be ugly and I was not sure if I wanted to face it or not.  I decided that I HAD to know the damage that was done.  Now mind you, I ate within my points.  But the choices I made were far from healthy ones.  This just goes to show you that calories/points are not all created equal.  I can eat 1500 calories worth of chicken, fruit, and salad and feel GREAT.  But the same 1500 calories of fudge, pie, and crap make me feel like crap and make my body retain crap.  And that is exactly what happened to me:

SO CLOSE TO 100 and I gain 2.2!  WHAT????  I really can't believe I did this!  I am so disappointed in myself.  I know it is just a number and I have to move on and I will.  I just don't understand why I keep sabotaging myself every time I get close to a success.  I think I have convinced myself that I am going to fail eventually so I might as well give up before I fail.  I know that makes no sense.  I could give you a whole list of excuses:

• I just had surgery.
• Haven't been able to exercise.
• On antibiotics.

But the truth is, I made bad choices.  I chose to eat the fudge and pie over the other things I know I should have eaten.  I kept excusing each bite with something, but only I am responsible.

So enough of the pity party!  Time to move on!  After I weighed in, my first thought was to stop at the gas station and buy like a dozen snack cakes and eat them real fast before I got home.  No one would know but me, but than I thought I am the only one that really matters in this instance.  How would binging on sweets make me feel better that I gained weight from binging on sweets?  I came straight home and made myself a nice warm bowl of oatmeal and decided to blog right away!  So here are three positives about all of this:

1. I faced the scale and weighed in! (took a lot of courage)
2. I tracked every bite of fudge, pie, candy, and crap I ate.
3. I am not less of a person because I gained weight this week.

I am proud of myself.  NOW, I am in no way a writer or a poet, BUT after I got home from weigh-in I started jotting down my thoughts (kinda my on therapy).  Here is what I ended up with (please don't judge the silliness).

WORTH IT

Since when did we let numbers determine our mood for the day?

I am worth so much more than the number that I weigh.

I am worth so much more than a clothing size.

I am learning to ignore all of society's lies.

I don't care about being "skinny" or "thin".

What I want is to be healthy in my own skin.

Some days are hard, some days are rough.

No one said this journey wouldn't be tough.

Each day I wake up with choices to make.

It's up to me the path I choose to take.

God created me and loves me right where I am.

He is the director of my life and my plan.

With HIS strength I am learning my true value.

Nothing can stop me and nothing can stop you.

WE ARE WORTH MORE than anything else.

Let that be the reason we love ourselves.

And with that, I am leaving you for the day.  My body and mind are calling for me to take a nap and that is what I am heading to my bed to do!  

Keep Losing (and not only weight, but all the things that weigh us down),

Kari

 

WOWZER Wednesday and Merry Christmas!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS to all of my "loser" friends!!!!  I hope you all enjoy this day!

I have decided that on Wednesday's, I would like to start sharing successful, inspirational stories from awesome people I am connected with through blogs and Facebook! Reading and learning how others have learned to live happier and healthier is such a boost to our own journeys.  SO, to start off here is Holly from  The Incredible Shrinking Momma!  I cannot tell you how much she has motivated and encouraged me along my journey!

• Tell us a little about yourself

I am a 43 year old housewife/mom I have 2 older boys, a teen daughter and a toddler...

• What made you decide to live a healthier lifestyle?

I always "knew" that I was going to have to change something, but put it off for YEARS, our toddler has a life threatening tree nut allergy and we have a special needs daughter, who relies on us, but mainly me for EVERYTHING AND I was spending so much time reading labels for nuts and I thought...who would do all of this if something happened to me? It scared me ALOT so I decided to make a change.

• What changes have you made? 

The first month I tried a "diet" but I was struggling horribly on it, I needed more options and guidance... So I did a lot of research and joined a free calorie counting site that helped me track everything that I ate or drank, workouts, etc... I started eating as healthy as I could and drinking a gallon of water a day, and walking around the block everyday. As time went on I walked more, learned more and started feeling so amazing.

•  How is your life different now?

I am a 100% different person than I was before, every aspect of my life has changed. I am SO MUCH happier, I feel fantastic, no more aches & pains. I'm able to run and play with my kids, I cook all of our meals and our family is smaller and healthier, we are very active and have discovered hiking. Life is still challenging but it's SO MUCH EASIER to get through it now!

• Any advice for others on their own journey?

Find what works for you, do research and discover things that you can keep up with for a lifetime, and not just during a "diet" drink LOTS of water, and cut the sugar.... Have some treats sometimes and don't be super strict. Be patient and try to enjoy the process as you go!!

Isn't she amazing????? Holly, thanks so much for letting me share your story and for all the love and support you give me   You can follow her journey on Facebook and believe me she is AWESOME!!!!  Click here to go to her page!

Well, I am off to enjoy Christmas with my family!  Sending you lots of love and healthy thoughts!!!!!

Keep Losing,
Kari

Transformation Tuesday and Truthful Tuesday

Hello all my friends!  It is Christmas Eve!  My kids are so excited, but I think I may be more excited.  I love this time of the year, when all of my family and friends get together and just spend time together!  My parents and my sister, brother-in-law, and nephew are coming over this afternoon and will stay the night with us.  We will have our traditional Christmas Eve lasagna!

Well, now for some not so nice news.  Yesterday was my surgery.  It went well, and I am feeling okay today.  Just having some cramps (kinda feels like labor), but nothing I can't handle.  WELL, the downside is that I gave in and ate poorly yesterday!  I can't believe I did it.  I did great on breakfast, lunch, and dinner.  However, the snacking in between got to me.  I ate about 4 pieces of fudge, 2 peanut butter balls, and a slice of pumpkin pie!  I can't believe I had to type that and share with you all! Now the upside is that I did track every bite that I ate.  And even though I had to use some of my extra weekly points, I was still considered "on plan."  I was so mad at myself last night.  But after I got up this morning and started thinking about it, I was ready to move on.  This is a lifelong battle I will have.  I will mess up, I will make mistakes.  I could make excuses for my behaviors yesterday: I was drugged up, I deserved it, I was hurting. blah blah blah.  But I KNEW what I was doing, and I chose to do it anyway.  And now I will get back up, learn from those choices, and move on.  Beating myself up all day will not change anything.  I read a blog entry from Finding Her Happy Pace.  She went to a Christmas get together and she enjoyed herself and forgot all the guilt even though the scale had said she was up that morning.  Her words are helping me move on today! Food addiction is a mean and nasty thing!  BUT, we can beat it.  That doesn't mean we won't fall once in awhile, but when we do fall we get back up!  Here is a great quote that I stumbled on today:

And now for Transformation Tuesday!  I have no new pictures to share with you all!  I plan on taking some over the next few days and I will be sharing with you.  But a picture is not all that has changed with me.  So I though that today I would share some other things that have transformed:

• My self-image - I am learning to like (love) who I am.
• I am learning from my mistakes.
• I am starting to believe in myself more.
• I can (most of the time) accept a compliment.
• I have 1000% more energy.
• My kids are learning healthy habits from me.
• People tell me they are proud of me.

I could probably keep going all day!  AND NOT ONE OF THE WAS SCALE RELATED!  I am so caught up on reaching a number goal, sometimes I have to remind myself that a number CAN NOT AND DOES NOT define me.  

Well I am off for the day!!!!  I hope you all enjoy time with your family and friends.  Tune in tomorrow for a WOWZER Wednesday post that will blow you away!!

Merry Christmas!

Keep Losing,

Kari

FaceTime Friday-A Vlog

Today's post is another video blog. I think doing this once a week will be good for my self-image issues. Today you can see me in my post-nap, hair pulled back, no makeup state!!!! Hope you enjoy!

Keep Losing,

Kari

Thursday Weigh-In and BlogLovin

Happy Thursday!  Less than a week away from Christmas!  And less than 2 weeks away from a brand new year!  I am still deciding if I want to set goals for 2014 or just continue setting monthly goals.  What do you think?

Today was weigh-in day!  I was really hoping to hit 100 pounds lost today!  WELL, I did not make it! :( I was down 0.4 pounds for a total of 99.2 GONE!  I am happy with that.  I still have one more week to try to reach 100 before 2014!

So losing 99 pounds is the equivalent of losing an entire seal!  That is pretty cool!  Check your's at  http://ilostwhat.com/.  

I had used Google Reader to follow blogs and then I switched to Flipboard.  I also shared on my Facebook page about using Feedly to follow blogs.  WELL, I have discovered a different way that I like even better.  I have been using BlogLovin.  I really like this app.  You can download the app on you phone or tablet, AND use it from a computer!  I have been frantically entering in all the blogs I LOVE to follow!  It even lets you look for similar blogs, so I have discovered NEW ones!  If you have several blogs you like to read, I suggest looking into BlogLovin.  All your favorite blogs in one place!  Click here to go to their site!

Also, I talk A LOT about the Made to Crave book.  Proverbs 31 ministry is starting a study on this book beginning January 19.  If you are interested click here to check it out.  They even have info about ordering the book and some FREEBIES!! You will NOT be sorry for reading this book.  I have got a few suggestions for new books to read, so I will let you know about those as I read them!

I am excited that the chiropractor said I have healed enough to start doing some easy walking again!  She said as long as I take it slow I can walk outside and on my treadmill as long as it does not cause pain!  YAY!!  These last few weeks have been tough.  I have really come to enjoy my exercise and how it makes me feel!

Tomorrow, I plan on doing another video blog!  We will see if I can pull it off!  Until then, sending love and healthy wishes your way!!

Keep Losing,

Kari

Meet Someone Who Inspires Me

Happy Hump Day!!!!!  Hope everyone is having a good week.  My boys have their Christmas concert tonight for band and I am excited!  Youngest plays trombone and the oldest plays percussion.  Today has been a good day and I have got a lot done!

Today, a fellow I follow on Facebook posted his story.  Let me tell you, he is a HUGE inspiration to me.  He was open and honest and shared his journey.  He received some NASTY response to his post.  I am going to share his story today and ask that you show him support.  He started Weight Watchers in January of 2012 and has lost over 280 pounds so far!  AMAZING, right!  So here is his  post from the morning.  You can check out his Facebook page by clicking here.

(PLEASE SHARE!) I hope my story can inspire others that you too, can lose weight! No matter how much you weight you have to lose, if you take the correct steps and have dedication, you will succeed! In addition, I also hope that a doctor/hospital will come across my story and help me get the excess skin removal surgery done.

I am Stephen Pagano, I am 25 years old, and I have been struggling with my weight most of my life. As of Sunday (12/15/13), I've lost a total of 281 lbs pounds since January 2nd, 2012. I started my weight loss journey at 601.4 pounds, and I currently weight 320.4 lbs. All this was done on my own through Weight Watchers without any surgeries, shots, or pills. My ultimate goal is to weigh 180 pounds.

At this point in my journey, while it is quite obvious that I have lost a huge amount of weight, excess skin continues to weigh me down. As I continue along my weight loss path, I am hoping a plastic surgeon will step forward to help me out when it comes time for me to have that excess skin removed. Since I am 25 and will soon be losing my health insurance, I will need to have it done pro bono. I don’t just need the surgery for strictly cosmetic reasons, but physically, it will take a lot of weight off of my back.

I am not just seeking a hand-out. I am doing plenty for myself. So far, since starting this weight loss journey, I've changed the way I approach food. I am opened to trying new foods because I realize this is a lifelong process of changing the way I approach eating. I still eat what I want, but in much smaller portions. Tracking and measuring food is the key to my weight loss success. I struggled at 601 pounds walking and breathing and lived with daily multiple pains. I had just started riding the electric cart at grocery stores and I realized I cannot continue existing this way any more, or I would eventually be completely immobile.. Another thing I missed out on because of my weight is graduating high school. I was mocked and bullied and couldn't fit in a normal sized desk. I ended up dropping out. This year, with my new found confidence, I took the GED exam and passed on the first try.

Since losing 281 pounds I can walk and ride my bike to the local grocery store and I don’t require an electric cart. I can walk around amusement parks, and now I able to ride all of the coasters at Busch Gardens and Sea World and leave without having any back or feet problems after. I am finally living my life. I don’t snore anymore; have little to no pains related to being obese. I realize I have a long way to go, but I feel like I am on the right path to weight loss success.

I owe most of my weight loss success to what I've learned in the Weight Watchers meetings, and the electronic etools they provide on the smart phone and computer. I couldn't have done it without my Weight Watchers leader, group support, and other Weight Watcher staff members. I realized through this process that I have an amazing amount of self-determination to succeed and when I set a goal I accomplish it.


Here are a few questions people have asked me.

Who was Stephen Pagano and why did you allow yourself to get that large?

I was a person who didn't care what I looked like or who liked me. I didn't care about my life and after I dropped out of high school, I let myself go. I was a high school drop out who didn't have a job and I had nothing better to do, but eat. When I hit the 400 pound mark, I had the idea that I wouldn't be able to lose the weight because losing 200 pounds seemed pretty unrealistic at the time for me. I was always offered information about the gastric bypass surgery as an option to lose weight, but I was more frightened over the overall surgery and risks. At age 20, and probably around 500 pounds, I had the mindset that I would eventually die. I didn't want to be bothered with losing the weight because I felt like I would die trying, so I didn't, I continued to allow my weight to increase.

What do you think made you turn to food?

My weight started going up around age 5. This was around the time my father visited me from New Jersey and showed more attention to my sister. I started using food as a comfort because I felt like since I didn't have attention or a bond with my father, food would always be there for me.

Who is Stephen Pagano now?

I am a completely different person now. I am on a mission to not go back to what I use to be. I'm more active and unafraid of things. I have been enjoying life and eating healthier portion sizes. I have new confidence in myself and I try to inspire others because I know any goal can be accomplished, I am living proof!

Stephen, you keep doing what you are doing!  YOU inspire me and I know you inspire many other people.  You are awesome!!!!!!! I pray that all of your dreams come true!!  Know that I am on your side!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Readers, SHARE this story.  Together WE can inspire others by letting them know they are not alone in their journey!  

That is all for tonight!!!  Got to go see the band concert!!!

Sending Love and healthy thoughts!

Keep Losing,

Kari

Loss, candy, and Jesus

Today started off with some sad news.  I found out that a lady that I had been following on Facebook passed away the day after Thanksgiving after suffering from a seizure.  She was a wonderful, motivational, inspirational person.  My prayers go out to her family and all the people who were touched by her story.  Elisa, you will be missed by many!

Today has been a busy day!  I had planned on making my spaghetti squash for dinner, but we ended up eating out at a pizza place.  I had a grilled chicken salad!  YUMMY!  I can't believe how much I enjoy fruits and veggies now!  I actually crave them, even though I still crave Reese's too! AND my hubby has a whole box of Reese's Cups next to him tonight.  He even threw one at me, and I proudly threw it back!  I am determined to hit 100 pounds gone before 2014!

I have talked about this book a lot in my posts!  I have finally finished reading it.  There is SO much in there that I would love to share with all of you, but it would be impossible to share all the good stuff in this book!  I HIGHLY recommend reading this book if you have an unhealthy relationship with food.  I am sad that I am done reading it, BUT there is a companion devotional that I am going to get and start January 1.  If anyone else has other book recommendations, PLEASE share! Knowledge is power when dealing with food addiction.  So, since I cannot share everything I would like, I decided to share a prayer that Lysa shares at the end of this book.  It sums up a lot, so here it is:

Dear Jesus,
I have finally found the courage to admit I've craved food more than You.  I have wept over giving up food while hardly giving a thought to You giving Your life for my freedom.  I've been bound up by feelings of helplessness.  I've been angry that I have to deal with this weight issue and have been mad at You for allowing this to be one of my lots in life.  I've made excuses.  I've pointed fingers.  I've relied on food for things it could never give me.  I've lied to myself about the realities of why I gain weight.  I've settled and excused and made pithy comments justifying my issues.  I've been enthralled by buttered bread while yawning through Your daily bread.
For all that, I am so sorry.  These are not just little issues.  These for me, are sins-missing the mark of Your best for my life.  With my whole heart, mind, and soul, I repent.  I stand on this step and stare at the reality of my depravity and turn.  I turn from what I must give up and weep no more.  I remove my toe keeping open the door to my old habits and patterns, my old mind-set, my old go-to scripts.
I choose freedom,  I choose victory.  I choose courage. And yes, above all else, I choose You.
Amen

WOW!!!!

No way could I say anything more than that!  She has a way with words that just makes so much sense!!  She is so real!  If you have not read this book, GO READ IT!!! You won't be sorry!

Here is my Transformation Tuesday picture!  I actually bought NEW clothes yesterday!  It felt so good to have clothes that fit, even though I drove hubby crazy because I kept asking if I looked okay.  I am so self-conscious!  I posted a picture of myself on Facebook last night and I was SHOCKED by the response I got.  It reached over 14,000 people, got over 500 likes, and like 100 comments!  I love you guys!  You keep me going!

That is all for tonight!  Excited to watch the Biggest Loser tonight!  Sending you all LOVE and happy wishes!!!

Keep Losing,

Kari

Monday Menu Share and What Does Success Look Like?

Only a few more Mondays left in 2013!  I cannot believe how quickly this year has passed.  I had a rough emotional day yesterday (see my post yesterday for more info).  BUT, I did not give in and go to bed like I wanted to.  I made myself a cup of Peppermint Hot Tea and stayed up to watch the finale of Survivor with my family.  I am feeling much better today, not 100%, but better.  This is going to be a crazy week for us.  So sharing my menu will be interesting, but here goes:

Monday:  Tonight is our company Christmas party.  We are having it at Golden Corral (yes, a Weight Watchers nightmare), but I have a plan: salad, veggies, and fruit (and maybe one scoop of mashed potatoes).  My favorite part of this night is passing out gifts to all of our employees kids.  I LOVE to watch them open gifts!

Tuesday: I am going to attempt to make spaghetti squash!!!  I will let you know how it turns out.

Wednesday:  The boys have a band concert this night, so we will probably eat out!

Thursday: Turkey Smoked Sausage, oven roasted potatoes, and a veggie

Friday: Eating out!

Saturday: Taco Soup

Sunday: NO CLUE YET

Sounds like a very well thought out menu, but it will work itself out! I found out today that I will be having surgery on Monday, December 23.  It is nothing major, an endometrial ablation.  It is done outpatient and I should be recovered quickly.  So this week will be spent getting everything ready for Christmas.  Thank God my husband has someone coming to clean my house the day of my surgery!  And I will have lots of family here to help with the cooking!  I am hoping this surgery will alleviate some issues I have been having!

I posted this on my Facebook this morning.  I LOVE this picture.  Yes, my outside is changing along this journey.  But so much more has changed that you cannot see, but I definitely feel.  I am becoming more confident in myself and facing addiction head on!  Just because you cannot "SEE" a change does not mean there has not been one!  Our number one priority has to be to fix what is inside before the outside can be worked on!  I am not there yet, but I am working on it!

Well, that is all for today!  I am going to actually go get all spiffy for our party tonight (I rarely wear anything but workout clothes and t-shirt).  Look for tomorrow's Transformation Tuesday picture!!!

Keep Losing,

Kari

What is wrong with me?

I had a good day. Some good friends came over and we watched the Colts game and ate chili. The Colts even won! But there is something wrong with me today and I just can't figure it out. I am a little bummed that after 3 days of IV therapy, I have a headache again today. I am bummed because I still can't workout. My tummy hurts because I ate too much (even though I was in my points). I just can't be happy today. I have so much to be happy about, but I really just want to go to bed and sleep the negative emotions away. I know we all have days like this once in awhile.  But with my food addiction, I just want to eat crap because maybe that will make it better. I know this is not true and that is why I am writing here instead of binging in my kitchen. 

I am excited about Christmas, but I just don't have the same Christmas Spirit this year. Like I said, I don't know what is wrong with me. I am just down and can't seem to get back up today. Thank God tomorrow is a new day! 

Sorry for the negativity today. Even with all the bad feelings, I still wrote 5 positives for today. I hope you all had a nice day. 

I am going to browse around some other pages and find some motivation. Here is to a better day tomorrow!

Love you all!

Keep Losing,

Kari

Thursday Weigh-In and an Early Christmas Gift for ME

I was shocked by the reaction I got from my video blog yesterday!  I am so glad people enjoyed it and were inspired!  I would like to try to do these once a week, if I can get up the courage!!!

Today was weigh-in day!  I was nervous because I am still not able to get any exercise in because of my SI joint and hip.  BUT, I lost another 2 pounds, for a total of 98.8 pounds GONE FOREVER since November 1, 2012.  I am SO close to that 100 pound mark! I really want to get there before the end of 2013.  This just proves that you can lose without exercise for those of you who struggle to move!

The new starter kits came out today and I just HAD to have one.  They are SO cute.  They were on sale for $34.95 this week.  

Included in the new starter kit:

• Master Your Meals and Snacks Cookbook
• Find your Fingerprint: this has personalized strategies and worksheets to help with the journey
• A portable collapsible steamer bowl
• A new and improved 12-week planner.  I am excited about this.  I usually track on my phone, but this new tracker has places for meal planning and more.  I think I will start using it on January 1!!
• A cute tote than can be used as a lunch box or to store all your materials in.
• Mix & Flip exercise cards - a deck of cards with different ways to get and stay active.
• Points Plus Value Stickers - so I can label all of my food!!!
• AND $45 worth of coupons!

I haven't really gotten to explore everything yet, but I am excited to check all the new materials out.  

AND, I bought myself an early Christmas gift.  I had seen someone post the new Workout DVD this week from Weight Watchers and they had them at my meeting today.  So I decided I would treat myself!  It is called "The Ultimate Dance Party."  It has workouts for beginners through advanced and includes some fun looking firming sticks!  I can't wait to try it out! Merry Christmas to me!

This week was also the start of the new materials for 2014.  There are not a lot of changes to the program this year.  The big change is a 2-week program called Simple Start.  This is for new members starting out.  There are 2 weeks worth of pre-planned meals and snacks and you don't have to track.  It is basically a version of simply filling.  I stayed after for the orientation today to get the materials.  I am really interested in trying simply filling so I think I may start the Simple Start after the holidays!  I will keep you posted!

I was also able to start my 3-day IV therapy today for my headaches.  So I am feeling a little sleepy this afternoon.  So I hope this blog makes sense.  I am going to say bye for now and rest a little.  Sending love to you all!!!

Keep Losing,

Kari

My First Vlog

It took a lot of courage to post this today. Hope you enjoy!

Keep Losing,

Kari

Overwhelmed and Grateful

Kids are home AGAIN today for another snow day! I love having them home, but I would rather have them home when we can actually get outside and now they will have to make these days up when the weather is nicer. Oh well!

Today has been a little bit overwhelming.  I shared my Transformation Tuesday picture with a few pages and the response I have gotten has been AMAZING!  I am really trying to get back to each person but at the rate my little page is growing, I apologize if I miss anyone.  I also feel a bit sad that not more people are reading my blog posts.  Yesterday's post only had 35 reads.  BUT, then I remember what I said on my very first post.  I am doing this for ME first to document my journey.  And then I get some amazing messages  from readers that just make me realize that even if I just inspire one person I have done something more than I set out to do.  I got a very nice message yesterday from a lady who was struggling with staying on a plan and getting in her exercise.  As I typed up my response to her last night, I thought it was a nice thing to share with all of you. So here is a little about what I am about:

"Thank you for the compliment. I will tell you that it is not always easy. I struggle to make the right choice A LOT! It is really hard when others around me are still eating the things that got me to 402 pounds. I just felt different this time starting out. I knew I wanted this for me and not because someone else made me feel guilty. I have an addiction to food. I battle it everyday. I just try to make the best choices I can and when I mess up, I move on and make a better choice for the next thing I eat. I subscribe to the Weight Watchers magazine and I have bought several of their cookbooks. That has helped a lot with meal planning. I also just took the things my family loved and found ways to make it fit into my plan. Like when I make spaghetti, I now use whole wheat pasta, make my own sauce, lean ground beef, and I usually add steamed broccoli. I sit down every Sunday and plan my dinners out for the week. If I can make anything in advance or chop anything up, I go ahead and do it on Sunday. I always try to share my weekly dinner menu on my blog and when I try a new recipe I try to share that there as well. My breakfasts are pretty boring. I love oatmeal and a banana. Some morning I have eggs with turkey sausage. For lunch, sometimes I have leftovers, or a greek yogurt and fruit, or a salad (Subway has AMAZING salads). I always have a snack at about 3:00 and 8:00 to keep fueling my body. I eat ALL of my daily points and only occasionally use my extra points. I get all of my good health guidelines in everyday, especially drinking LOTS of water. 

As far as moving goes, started out at 402.2 pounds. Moving was the LAST thing I wanted to do. I turned one of my spare bedrooms into a home gym. I convinced my husband to buy me an elliptical because I thought it would be easier than my treadmill. HA HA! I could only do 5 minutes when I first started. So I would do 5 minutes on the elliptical, 5 minutes on the bike, and 5 minutes on the treadmill. Each week I tried to add 1 more minute to each. I also LOVE Leslie Sansone's videos. I have started some weight lifting with my Bowflex, dumbbells, and kettle bells. I also bought a new bike and found that I LOVE to ride my bike. I started not even being able to go a mile and now I can ride 8 miles to the store and back. ANY movement is more than what you are doing now. Start slow. Some people lose their first 50-100 pounds without any exercise at all. 
When you mess up (and you will), don't let it ruin the rest of the day. Just because you splurged at lunch doesn't mean the whole day is shot. Pick yourself on and keep going. You will have to live this way the rest of your life and birthday cakes, fudge, movie popcorn, and other yummies will be a part of that life. The nice thing about Weight Watchers is that you CAN have those things. Just work them into your plan. 
You CAN do this. There are a lot of us on this journey together. Obesity is something that we CAN change.

Hope this helps. Sorry for the lengthiness. Feel free to ask any questions or just to vent or celebrate along the way!"

Now I am not saying that Weight Watchers is the ONLY way, but it is the way that has worked for me. I am so nervous of failing and letting people down.

I am saying bye for now! Sending love to you all!

Keep Losing,

Kari

Monday Menu Share and "New to me" Food Finds

Happy Monday!  Kiddos were home from school again today due to icy roads.  Are you ready for a new week?  We had a good weekend.  We mostly stayed home because of the weather and I battled some headaches.  Saturday I did so something I was always too scared to do before because I felt I was too fat.  I rode in the sled being pulled by the four-wheeler.  It was a lot of fun!  I was proud of being brave enough to try it!

Here is my menu for the week:

(Meatless) Monday:  Apple, pecan, mandarin orange salads with Raspberry Vinaigrette and blue cheese crumbles.
Tuesday:  Salsa Chicken and Rice Bake (if this is good I will share the recipe)
Wednesday: Pork Chops, baked sweet potatoes and a veggie
Thursday: Turkey Smoked Sausage. Oven roasted potatoes, and a veggie
Friday: Meatloaf Muffins, Mashed potatoes, and a veggie
Saturday: Eating out
Sunday: White Chili and Taco Soup (hosting a football party)

I also have 3 "new to me" food finds to share with you.

Fiber One Peppermint Fudge Brownies:  I found these at Wal-Mart and I think they are a seasonal item.  They are very yummy and only 2 points+.

Yoplait Mocha Mint Yogurt - I also found this at Wal-Mart.  It tastes like a dessert and only 2 points+. YUMMY!

At Starbucks today I tried a grande skinny peppermint mocha.  It was very good and very sweet and rich for only 3 points+.  I would definitely have this again.

A little theme to my food finds today, chocolate and mint, which I usually don't like together, but I liked all three of these! 

That is all for today!!!!  Sending love and hugs to all of you!

Keep Losing,

Kari

Snowy Saturday and a Recipe Share

Happy Saturday!!  Yesterday was a very rough day with my migraines.  I was sick at my stomach and spent most of the day in bed.  Which was a bummer because the kids were home on a snow day.  I still have my headache today, but I am not sick at my stomach.  We had some good friends over today to eat and play in the snow.  We LOVE tying the sled behind the four-wheeler!  I even tried it today!

I made a BIG pot of chili, some chocolate cookies, and some chocolate cupcakes.  The cupcakes were WW friendly!  Only 3 points+ each and oh so yummy!  Even the kids were eating them up!  Here is the recipe:

Ingredients:

•  1 boxed chocolate cake mix (watch these because some brands have more fat than others)
•  1 can pumpkin 
• 1 small cup of unsweetened applesauce

Directions:  Mix all ingredients together.  Put into muffin tin either sprayed with non-stick spray or use cupcake liners.  Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until done.  You could also make this in a 9x13 cake pan if you wanted to.  Makes 12 cupcakes and they are 3 points+ each.  REALLY good with some fat free cool whip on top!

Well that is it for today!  Short and sweet!  I will be back Monday to share my menu for next week.  Sending love to you all!

Keep Losing,

Kari

Thursday Weigh-In & Measurement Results

Happy Thursday!  Today was weigh-in day and I was a little anxious about it.  I enjoyed myself over Thanksgiving without going totally overboard and I have not been able to exercise in over a week.  I was pleasantly surprised that I lost 4.6 pounds!  For a total of 97 pounds gone since November 1, 2012.  My WW book is not correct, the weight is correct but the math was wrong.  I caught it when I put my weight into my phone and it didn't match up, but WHO cares, I LOST!!!!

And I earned another 5 pound star!!  Only 3 more pounds to go to get to 100 pounds lost!!!

And because today was the first Thursday of the month, I took my measurements this afternoon.  So here we go:

Waist: 48 inches for a total loss of 19 inches!

Hips: 58 inches for a total loss of 15 inches!

Thighs: 27 inches for a total loss of 10 inches!

Bust: 49 inches for a total loss of 11 inches!

Arms: 15.5 inches for a total loss of 7.5 inches!

That makes a total of 62.5 inches gone off of my body in a little over a year.  I also lost 10 dress sizes.  Started in a 34 and am now in a 24!!!!!!

5,432 dollar coins GONE FOREVER!!!!  Check yours at http://ilostwhat.com/.

I am gearing up for the incoming weather.  Different reports are giving different forecasts, but all-in-all looks like our first winter storm is coming. 

So my sissy and I braved Wal-Mart to prepare for possibly having our kiddos home with us tomorrow.  Plenty of milk and stuff for sandwiches.  And of course bananas and cuties for me!!  It also didn't hurt that we hit up Starbucks on the way home for my Skinny Vanilla Latte!

That's all for today!!  I love you all and send you happy and healthy love!

Keep Losing,

Kari