Taking it Easy Tuesday!

It is a rainy Tuesday evening here and I am getting ready to change into my comfy clothes and curl up in front of the TV.  Tonight is the show “Extreme Weight Loss” and I love to watch the transformations the people make on that show!

I saw my doctor today.  He is ordering a stress echo test to be done that will check my heart with exercise and look at it through an ultrasound.  He said no exercise until after the test, which is next Tuesday.  That worries me a little with trying to get rid of this weight.  I know it is for the best and I will just have to really watch my eating even closer.  I am just supposed to take it easy and away from stress (ha-ha).  If I have another episode, I am to go straight to the ER.  He said all my blood levels looked good! But hubby did get me my double chopped chicken salad from Subway for dinner tonight so I got a night off of cooking! <3

I saw this quote the other day:

I am hoping this proves to be true for me this next week! 

Thanks to everyone who has shown concern for me! I am feeling better and just trying to take it easy!  Gonna keep it short tonight! Make it a great one!

Keep Losing,

Kari

Scary Sunday!

Another week has started!  This is the last week of summer break.  School starts next Monday!

Well yesterday was a rough day for me.  I had a major health scare.  After we got home from church, I was getting ready to heat up my lunch and my chest started to hurt.  After a few minutes it felt better and I didn’t think about it.  A little while later is started again.  It felt like someone was squeezing my chest and stabbing me at the same time.  I was dizzy and had a hard time breathing.  I tried lying down for a little bit, but nothing was relieving the pain.  Hubby finally took me to the ER.  They did 2 EKG’s, a chest X-ray, blood work, gave me 4 bay aspirin, 3 doses of nitroglycerin, and some pain medicine.  After a couple of hours, I felt better.  The tests did not show evidence of a heart attack or a blood clot.  I was relieved to hear that.  The doctor really could not tell me what had happened.  He said I could stay the night at the hospital or go home with nitroglycerin.  I chose to go home.  I was to follow up with my family doctor (who I am seeing tomorrow at 11:15).  I am feeling better today, just a little worried.  I am not sure if I was pushing myself too hard or if I have some levels off balance with all the weight lost.  I was getting ready to work out this morning and decided to take another rest day.  Hopefully I can get some answers tomorrow.

Well after all that drama, have a wonderful Monday!

Keep Losing,

Kari

Candy Bars, Ice Cream, and Chips!!!!!

Happy Saturday!  Today has been a lazy start day.  The kids are gone for the weekend and I actually slept in this morning!  Just now got cleaned up after my workout and it is after noon!  Hubby and I went on a date last night and we are going to go out again tonight! We are taking advantage of the kids being at their aunt’s house for the weekend.  Before I know it, school will be starting and a whole new routine for everyone will begin.

As I was reading Chapter 1 in “Made to Crave”, I came across a verse of scripture that really hit me:

“’Everything is permissible’ – but not everything is beneficial” (1 Corinthians 10:23).

God’s word here is so true.  Christ’s sacrifice is the only thing we need to ensure our eternity.  So that technically could that we can do whatever we want and as long as we believe we can still go to heaven.  However, His word says that not everything is beneficial.  I instantly applied these words to food and the Weight Watchers program.  With Weight Watchers, I can eat anything I want as long as I am within my 49 points for the day.  So I could choose to eat candy bars, chips, and ice cream as long as I had the points.  I may even lose weight for a while doing that.  But would I really be making myself healthier? NO!  I am not saying that once in a while I don’t splurge and spend 11 points on a mini chocolate xtreme blizzard (so did that last night and it was soooooo worth it).  But instead of eating that way every day, it is now an occasional treat.  And guess what, I now enjoy those treats even more!  So even though it is okay according to my eating plan to have whatever I want within my points, I have made the decision to use those points and make healthier choices.  Making healthier choices helps me feel better and have much more energy, and the healthier foods make me feel full longer than just a Reese’s Cup would!

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!  I am excited about another date tonight and hopefully I can sweet talk hubby into getting me a skinny vanilla latte at Starbucks later! Cross your fingers for me!

Keep Losing,

Kari

Thursday Weigh-In Results!

It has kinda been a crappy day L.  I woke up pukey at about 5:00 this morning with a migraine.  I took some medicine and feel back to sleep around 6:00 and slept until 9:00.  I still had my headache when I got up.  I forced myself to eat some breakfast and have a cup of coffee.  I took another dose of medicine.  I knew I had to go weigh-in today and I had not got to stay for a meeting in forever.  I made it to the weigh-in, but could not stay for the meeting.  I was a little bummed.  At my weigh-in, I was only down 0.4 pounds.  I was really expecting more, but I am pleased it was a loss.  This is going to be a long journey for me and I will have good, bad, and slow weeks.  After I got home from weighing in, I took some meds to ER doctor gave me on my last visit and went to bed.  I hated feeling this way on such a beautiful day.  I lay in bed for about 2 hours and I am starting to feel a bit better.  I HATE migraines.  The only good thing is that this is a scheduled rest day so I don’t have to feel guilty about not exercising!

So the last thing I want to share with you from the introduction of “Made to Crave” is this:

“Honestly, I am made for more than a vicious cycle of eating, gaining, stressing – eating, gaining, stressing…I am made to rise up, do battle with my issues and, using the Lord’s strength in me, defeat them – spiritually, physically, and mentally – to the glory of God.”

My favorite part of that is “I am made for more…”  I AM made for more than what my past has been.  I have God on my side and anything is possible with Him. 

I cannot tell you how much the support I am getting from friends, family, Facebook friends, and people I do not even know means to me.  It is so encouraging seeing some of you make changes to your lifestyle because of what I have shared.  It is not east to post your weight on Facebook for the world to see, but it holds me accountable to someone else and I expect a lot of messages if I ever quit!!!  Thank you all!!!

Keep Losing,

Kari

What do you Crave?

Happy Wednesday everyone!  Today has been a busy day!  I completed my workout this morning, rode my bike to work, and then I rode my bike to the spa to get my nails done!  I love the show “Biggest Loser.”  I always remember Jillian yelling at people to not hold on to the handles on the treadmill.  I am a “handle holder.”  I didn’t see what the big deal was.  Well today I tried without holding on and it was a much harder workout!  Especially when the incline is way up there!

Tomorrow is my weigh-in and I am a little nervous.  I am always nervous when I lose a big amount.  I have worked really hard this week and I am pleased with how I feel, so we will see if the scale agrees tomorrow.  In the meantime, I thought this was a funny comic:

Today I would like to share more from the introduction to “Made to Crave” by Lysa Terkeurst. 

“If we want to conquer our cravings, we’ll have to redirect them to God.  God made us capable of craving so we’d have a desire for more of Him, and Him alone.  Nothing changes until we make the choice to redirect our misguided cravings to the only one capable of satisfying them.  Getting healthy isn’t just about losing weight.  It’s not limited to adjusting our diet and hoping for good physical results.  It’s about recalibrating our souls so that we want to change – spiritually, physically, and mentally.  And the battle is really in all three areas.”

That last part really spoke to me.  I am doing Weight Watchers, but my journey is so much more than just a program to follow.  What works for me might not work for you (and that is OKAY). For me the mental aspect is the hardest.  Learning to believe in myself and that I can succeed at something.  I think Lysa’s words speak to such a variety of people, not just people trying to lose weight.  Whatever negative habit you feel you have, if you crave it more than God, this book was for you. 

This definition of crave really makes you think:

Well, I better say goodbye for now.  I will be back to give you weigh-in results tomorrow! Wish me luck (which I shouldn’t need because I have worked hard)!

Keep Losing,

Kari

A Moment of Your Time

Today's post will be short but very important. Over the past few days several of my friends have lost loved ones. Their father, mother, grandmother, spouse is gone from this world. Today I simply want to ask you all to keep their families in your prayers. Hug your loved ones tight and remember that they are the most important thing. Make sure they know it.

Monday Musings!!!

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend!  It finally cooled down enough to take a bike ride yesterday evening!  Today looks to be rainy and gloomy L. 

Today I want to tell you about a book I have read and am now reading again.  I have read “Made to Crave” by Lysa TerKeurst twice already.  However, each time I read it I was not really ready to make a change.  The author talks about our human desire to crave something, needing to fill a hole with something.  In her experience that something was food, similar to how I talked about being a food addict in a previous post.  The point of the book is to fill that void with God instead of food.  There is so much I want to share about this book as I am reading again for the third time.  So I thought I would share bits and pieces in each blog post and talk about how it relates to my journey.  Just the introduction to this book is amazing.  It is titled “Finding your ‘Want To.’” That is such a key.  We have to want to make this change.  I have tried to lose weight before because someone had guilted me into it and each time I failed.  This time is different, because I want to, no one else made me, I had the power of choosing to start this journey.  So here the passage I want to share today from the Introduction:

“So, the cycle continues day after day, week after week, year after year.  A whole lifetime could be spent making excuses, giving in, feeling guilty, resolving to do better, mentally beating myself up for not sticking to my resolve, feeling like a failure, and then resigning myself to the fact that things can’t change.”

There is so much personal truth to that passage.  I got to a point that I thought I would just be this way forever, that I couldn’t succeed at becoming healthier.  I was in a cycle of trying and quitting and failure was always the result.  I would lose a few pounds, and then something would happen and I would quit.  I never followed through and finished.  Just last night as I was about to die riding my bike home, I was talking out loud to myself (maybe I am a little nuts).  I was telling myself that I had to finish the ride (my husband is always on stand-by to bring the truck to pick me up), that I quit at everything and that this time will be different.  I have a poster in my fitness room that motivates me:

If I can break the cycle of quitting, failing, giving up, my life would be so much better.  I am determined this time to follow through!  I am excited to share more about this book with you all!!!

Keep Losing,

Kari

Suck it Up Saturday!

I have not written a blog post I over a week.  It has been a stressful few days in my life.  Doctor’s appointments, shots in the eye, not so good news, and just feeling blah.  I have been following my plan even through the tough days.  I did decide not to weigh in this past Thursday.  I had so much going on that I was afraid the scale results would stress me out even more.  I have such an addictive personality.  I am addicted to food and to the number on the scale.  I try to tell myself that number doesn't matter, but it still does to me.  After losing so much the week before, I had convinced myself that I was going to gain weight this week.  I don’t know why I play these games with myself, but I do.  So today I am just sucking it up and moving on.  I am so happy with my results so far, and I feel so much better.  Physically I am able to do more, and mentally I am starting to find positive things about myself.  Those are all things that mean more than a number on the scale.  I know I have missed writing my blog.  This blog keeps me so much more focused and accountable to something. 

I bought myself a dry erase board to put in my fitness room.  I am going to keep track of my progress and goals.  Another visual to help motivate me!

I am going to commit myself to posting more on here this week!  I am tired of feeling blah, and am ready to suck it up!

Keep Losing,

Kari

Feeling like a failure and trying to get over it!

Today has been a rough day so far.  I made a mistake at work due to not being able to see something.  I got all emotional and upset, even though I was able to correct it.  I felt like such a failure.  All I wanted to do was go eat.  I started thinking about all the junk I could eat that would make me feel better (at least so I thought). So hubby and I left the office and picked up the boys.  We went to lunch, where I ate soup and salad, and one slice of banana bread.  I needed to get out of the office.  I couldn’t concentrate and needed a change of scenery.  When we got home, I lay down during the storm and took a rest.  I am feeling much better now.  I made myself a hot green tea and am eating a baked oatmeal square as I write this.  I am very proud of myself for not giving in to the urge to emotional eat.  That is such a tough thing for me.  I have such low self-esteem and for some reason my brain thinks food will make it better.  I bet even when I am at my goal weight I will struggle with the emotional aspect of food.  Some days are really hard, but I am committed to staying focused.

 I have done weight watchers so many different times, I cannot remember how many.  The most I ever lost at a time was 60 pounds.  I have already passed that this time and I plan to keep going.  It feels different this time.  I still struggle and there are still hard days, but eating healthy and exercising has become a routine for me.  I want to make this my lifestyle forever, not just until I get to goal.  Writing this blog really helps me.  Writing here keeps me honest and accountable.  Reading your comments is encouraging.  Seeing other people inspired by what I am doing is such a boost to how I feel about myself. 

Sorry I rambled today, but I feel better getting words out!

Keep Losing,

Kari

Healthier and Happier

Happy Monday everyone!  I had an amazing, but busy weekend.  Last week was a whirlwind for me! I posted my menu last Monday and forgot to anticipate all the events happening.  So I did not get to all of them!  So there are repeats on this week’s menu!  Here it is:

Monday:  Baked Chicken with Mango Salsa, Roasted potatoes, corn, and broccoli

Tuesday:  Taco Salad

Wednesday:  Pork Tenderloin, Baked Sweet Potatoes, and a veggie

Thursday:  Coconut Shrimp, French Fries, and a veggie

Friday: HOPING FOR A DATE NIGHT!!!!! <3

Saturday:  Oldest boy is having friends over so we will probably order pizza

Sunday:  Grilled steaks, potatoes, and a veggie

I feel so lucky to have the good health that I do.  So many people that are overweight have numerous health problems.  I have been blessed for sure.  I don’t have sleep apnea, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or heart trouble (YET).  I am hoping that I will never have to worry about those things because I made the choice to live a healthier life.  I am amazed at how much better I feel and I have not even lost a third of what I would like to lose.  So imagine how good I will feel when I get to my goal weight. 

My family went to Huber Orchard and Winery on Saturday.  That place was amazing!  I highly recommend it if you live in Indiana.  There was some walking and I could definitely tell I was in better shape.  I was not winded at all and before I started this journey I couldn't even walk to Wal-Mart from my car without getting winded.  I even made a lap on the peddle go-carts!  Who woulda thought I would be able to do that! 

Well, better go for now!  Hope you all have a wonderful week!

Keep Losing,

Kari

Non-Scale Victories!!!!

Yesterday was such a wonderful day!  Celebrated Independence Day and my oldest son’s 13^th birthday!  Now today will be spent getting caught back up on housework, laundry, and exercise!

I have seen results on the scale, but I always try to focus on non-scale victories as well.  So I thought I would share a few with you today!

1.      I used to always go into the handicap bathrooms because they were so much bigger, now I don’t feel so squished in a regular bathroom stall.  Might seem silly to some, but is a pretty big deal to me!!!

2.    We went to a different theater to see a movie, I never go there because the seats are so small for me.  I was actually comfortable and had a little room to spare between the armrests!!!!

3.  I took my measurement today.  So far I have lost a total of 46 inches!!!  Breaks down like this:

·       Waist: -16

·       Hips: -11

·       Arms: -5

·       Bust: -8

·       Thighs: -6

I am thrilled with this progress!!

Sometimes I get so caught up on how many more pounds I have to lose and how long it will take to get to goal.  Today I am choosing to reflect on how far I have come already!

Keep working on your goals and you will see results!

Keep Losing,

Kari

          

Early Weigh-In and Workout Info!!

Today has been a totally awesome day!!!!!!  I decided to drive (or have hubby drive me) to Bloomington so I could weigh-in this week.  My usual meeting is on Thursdays and I just thought last night that they will be closed tomorrow and I really need to accountability of weighing in every week.  I was so excited, I lost 1.8 pounds.  That makes a total of 70.6 pounds since November 1, 2012.  After weigh-in, we went to O’Charley’s for lunch.  I had the Sante Fe Tilapia, which was delicious!  AND it was free pie Wednesday, so I indulged in a piece of pecan pie with some of my weekly allowance points.  It was worth it and I need a little treat now and then to keep me going!  I hate feeling deprived and with Weight Watchers I have the freedom to indulge once in a while. 

After lunch, we went to see Despicable Me 2.  Oh my, was it funny!  I laughed the whole movie.  The boys enjoyed it too and no one ate any popcorn or candy!!! J

I asked hubby to take me to Cato after the movies.  I bought a new pair of jean capris in a size 26!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I was a 34 when I started.  I could not believe they actually fit me!  Now I am thinking about those yellow capris I saw at Wal-Mart awhile back! HMMMM!  I am going to have to get another job to buy new clothes as fast as I am going down.  Once I am a little smaller, the thrift stores will have my size as well. 

Some people have asked me what I am doing to exercise.  I have a little fitness room at my house.  Each day I do 15 minutes on the elliptical, 15 minutes on the bike (while using hand weights), 19 minute interval on the treadmill, 60 crunches on the ball, 20 kettle bell swings, and weights for my arms and legs on the Bowflex.  I have slowly worked up to being able to do this and I know I will have to increase it as I go, but it is working!  Some days I take an evening walk or bike ride as well.  I try to work out every day except Sunday. 

Well sad news is tomorrow I will be the mother of a teenager!  I cannot believe my baby will be 13 tomorrow.  Seems like just yesterday he was a 5 pound newborn.  Happy Birthday to my wonderful boy!

Better go for now!  Hope everyone has a wonderful Fourth of July!

Keep Losing,

Kari

Menu Monday and New Food Find!!!

Happy Monday!!  Hope everyone has a wonderful start to their workweek!  I started off the day actually cooking breakfast, which is unusual for me.  I made the boys pancakes.  I discovered something very yummy this morning.  I made myself Southwestern Egg Beaters and Turkey Bacon.  My entire breakfast was only 3 points+.  And it was delicious!  The Egg Beaters were 2 points+ for ¾ cup and the Turkey Bacon was 1 point+ for 2 slices.  Add in zero point strawberries and coffee and I was very satisfied. 

After breakfast, I got my workout in.  I have decided that Satan himself must have invented the elliptical.  I HATE that machine, but it burns the most calories.  My oldest son worked out with me (even though his mouth did most of the working), but I was really grateful for the company. 

For lunch today, we went to Steak and Shake.  I used to think there was nothing healthy there, but I discovered a delicious salad, the Apple Pecan Grilled Chicken Salad.  The salad is 8 points+ and the berry vinaigrette is 2 points+.  I never can finish the whole thing.  I highly recommend it!

So I thought on Monday’s I would start sharing my weekly menu with you.  I try to plan out a week at a time.  This helps me stay on track and plus the kids always know what we are having.  I made a little menu board to put up in my kitchen!  So here is what is on the menu this week:

Monday: Ordering out pizza (which I will get a salad) for Movie Night (gonna watch Identity Thief with awesome friends).

Tuesday: Spaghetti made with lean ground beef and whole wheat noodles.  I always steam broccoli and cauliflower to add to my pasta sauce to add more veggies!

Wednesday: Pork Tenderloin in the Crock-Pot, Sweet Potato Fries, and a veggie

Thursday: Oven Baked Chicken, Roasted Potatoes, and a veggie

Friday: Taco Salads with fresh guacamole!

Saturday is usually a eat out night or left-over night.

Sunday: Coconut Shrimp, Baked Sweet Potatoes, and a veggie.

Hope everyone has a fabulous week!!

Keep Losing,

Kari