Where I work, we have a small frozen custard/food shop in our lounge. It's literally right across the hall from the office, and during some days, it's a wreck for me. I, however, had a small NSV (non-scale victory), one that really helped with my confidence this past week.
Unfortunately for me, I've always been the girl who if you sit a cookie or piece of cake down in front of me, I'll eat it. I'll count it, but I'll eat it. Who cares about dinner, right? (Wrong!) I always joke if I get caught for something (I won't though), the most effective form of torture used on me would include sitting a crap-ton of baked sweets in front of me and say, "Don't touch." I would crack within 5 seconds, no joke.
Soooooo, this past week the custard shop decided to pass out free scoops in the afternoon, just about the time I start to get hungry. Of course, RIGHT?! That dreaded 2:30pm window...
Choices included buttered almond, butterscotch, vanilla, or chocolate. Now this shop normally has lite/sugar free vanilla, which I opt for as a better option. Unfortunately, it wasn't offered up this time. As coworkers filed in with their free scoops, I held strong!
And I completely shocked myself!
For me, this journey has had baby steps, one day at a time. I didn't get here overnight, but through these small battles, I've been able to be successful so far. Will I ever be able to eat healthy without counting? I'm not sure, but I hope one day I can make small, smart choices that help me get there.
Because my weight didn't go on overnight, it's not coming off overnight either. But I only 8.4 to go! :)
"Setting goals is the first step in turning the invisible to the visible." -Tony Robbins
This is me: random, raw, & true. I chose to write about my journey through weight loss as a way to reflect & help keep me accountable. As of July 24, 2013, I hit my goal of losing 100 lbs, putting me in my Healthy Weight Range after 3 years & 3 months of important lifestyle changes, while maintaining my loss for two years. My goal is to healthy (not skinny) so that I can live my life to the fullest with those I love. I hope this can encourage others, as this ride truly is worth it.
Saturday, April 20, 2013
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
A Month of Madness
July will be crazy. I can already sense it.
I've recently decided once school is finished in May (at least for the semester), I will start training for a 5k. The Color Run was something some friends wanted me to do last year, however I was in no shape to run. I'm still not.
A little about me...I'm kind of all or nothing. If I set out to do something, I set out to do it and do it well. (Rose colored glasses...)
If I'm doing this 5k, I'm running the whole thing, so as of the week after final exams, I will start a Couch to 5k program, lasting about 9 weeks (I think running 3-4 times a week). The Color Run Indy is July 20.
In the K household, July is usually a notably killer month. My better half is usually gone from sun up to sun down, as July is a huge straw-bailing month in Indiana. He goes to work during the day and goes straight to his co-worker/friend's house or whatever field they're in at the time, to assist the family post-wheat harvest. I joke that I turn into a farm-widow during the month. I'm lucky if he's done bailing by my birthday, some years. I also have tickets to a HUGE race the week after the 5k at Eldora Speedway. Being motorsports-obsessed, it's the must-attend race of the Truck Series this season, in my opinion, and we have tickets! :) Add in fair season, it's just going to be craaaaaaazzzzzzy.
Anyway, until this morning I had planned to train for both the 5k, and a local "ride" sponsored by one of the area hospitals. It's a 22-miler, and I've only rode as much as 11 1/2 in one sitting, so training is definitely needed. The only issue is I'm a dork. I totally didn't realize both the run and ride were on the same day, as I thought that they were a week apart, so I'm choosing to train for the run. (I've only been saying next year, next year, next year for the past 3 years with this ride. UGH!)
Unfortunately, I have a feeling this training will be a nightmare for me. I'm just not a runner, never really have been. I want to like running, love it even. I see the benefits of running, of being able to just go out and pound the pavement, and let stress slip away.
This will also give me the tools to hopefully start training for the Mini Marathon in Indy that sits on my bucket list. All 13ish miles of it! Someday for sure...
But baby steps, Ash. (I have to remember to be patient.) There will be good days with the bad, but I'm a pretty determined person. I want to run the entire 5k!
Check back after the first of May. I'll try to blog progress with the Couch to 5k program, leading up to the actual event, July 20!
I've recently decided once school is finished in May (at least for the semester), I will start training for a 5k. The Color Run was something some friends wanted me to do last year, however I was in no shape to run. I'm still not.
A little about me...I'm kind of all or nothing. If I set out to do something, I set out to do it and do it well. (Rose colored glasses...)
If I'm doing this 5k, I'm running the whole thing, so as of the week after final exams, I will start a Couch to 5k program, lasting about 9 weeks (I think running 3-4 times a week). The Color Run Indy is July 20.
In the K household, July is usually a notably killer month. My better half is usually gone from sun up to sun down, as July is a huge straw-bailing month in Indiana. He goes to work during the day and goes straight to his co-worker/friend's house or whatever field they're in at the time, to assist the family post-wheat harvest. I joke that I turn into a farm-widow during the month. I'm lucky if he's done bailing by my birthday, some years. I also have tickets to a HUGE race the week after the 5k at Eldora Speedway. Being motorsports-obsessed, it's the must-attend race of the Truck Series this season, in my opinion, and we have tickets! :) Add in fair season, it's just going to be craaaaaaazzzzzzy.
Anyway, until this morning I had planned to train for both the 5k, and a local "ride" sponsored by one of the area hospitals. It's a 22-miler, and I've only rode as much as 11 1/2 in one sitting, so training is definitely needed. The only issue is I'm a dork. I totally didn't realize both the run and ride were on the same day, as I thought that they were a week apart, so I'm choosing to train for the run. (I've only been saying next year, next year, next year for the past 3 years with this ride. UGH!)
Unfortunately, I have a feeling this training will be a nightmare for me. I'm just not a runner, never really have been. I want to like running, love it even. I see the benefits of running, of being able to just go out and pound the pavement, and let stress slip away.
This will also give me the tools to hopefully start training for the Mini Marathon in Indy that sits on my bucket list. All 13ish miles of it! Someday for sure...
But baby steps, Ash. (I have to remember to be patient.) There will be good days with the bad, but I'm a pretty determined person. I want to run the entire 5k!
Check back after the first of May. I'll try to blog progress with the Couch to 5k program, leading up to the actual event, July 20!
Thursday, April 11, 2013
A new milestone...
This is a quick post, as I'm SUPER pumped...
I AM 90 LBS DOWN!!! (Woooo! Sorry for the All-Caps-type scream...)
Since I wasn't exactly with it at 6 am, after a night of little sleep and a ton of stress, I stepped on the scale twice. Why? 1) I couldn't believe it, and 2) you know I had to take a picture!!
I haven't been in the 150's since probably my 8th grade or Freshman year in high school, but more importantly, I have 9.4 to go to my healthy weight range!
It may have taken 3 years to get here, but the hare didn't win the race.
I AM 90 LBS DOWN!!! (Woooo! Sorry for the All-Caps-type scream...)
Since I wasn't exactly with it at 6 am, after a night of little sleep and a ton of stress, I stepped on the scale twice. Why? 1) I couldn't believe it, and 2) you know I had to take a picture!!
I haven't been in the 150's since probably my 8th grade or Freshman year in high school, but more importantly, I have 9.4 to go to my healthy weight range!
It may have taken 3 years to get here, but the hare didn't win the race.
Friday, April 5, 2013
Attempting New Tastes
I'll be honest: I get super nervous when trying new things, especially when it comes to different types of cuisine. If it doesn't have a menu or nutrition information posted online to where I can research, I get super nervous. I'm still not at the stage yet in my weightloss journey where I can trust myself. (It's why I try to avoid buffets altogether. Just a bad idea for me. Period.)
A year or so ago, a new Thai restaurant opened on the north side of town where I work. Most everything yummy/healthy/tasty is located on the east side, so it's a little rough to get to in just one lunch hour, while things on the north side are usually just limited to a few restaurants, plus fast food. (We do have Subway though; it's a lifesaver if I forget to pack lunch!)
In a previous post, I mentioned last week, a friend/coworker of mine and I attempted to go to the new-ish Thai restaurant, however it being Good Friday, they appeared closed. Since I've never had Thai food, I slightly breathed a sigh of relief, especially since I hadn't done my homework at that point. I was going in blind! I've never had Thai food before, so with this new experience, I'm nervous.
I'm nervous I'll make a caloric mistake; choose something because I don't know what it is or what's in it, and I'll have a major weightloss setback. I know it's just lunch, it's one meal, no biggie, but to me it kind of is. I'm fearful of a trickle-down/domino effect.
Another issue I have is that there is no menu posted. Again, going in blind. I can't scope out good vs. bad before I go. It does seem really stupid to be so nervous, however I'm also fearful I won't be able to really enjoy it because I'm too busy worrying about counting what I eat.
So, here goes nothing... I'm always up for new experiences, but again, if I can't research it, or know some sort of what I'm getting into, I freak. It's just my nature. But I'm still giving it a shot... :)
A year or so ago, a new Thai restaurant opened on the north side of town where I work. Most everything yummy/healthy/tasty is located on the east side, so it's a little rough to get to in just one lunch hour, while things on the north side are usually just limited to a few restaurants, plus fast food. (We do have Subway though; it's a lifesaver if I forget to pack lunch!)
In a previous post, I mentioned last week, a friend/coworker of mine and I attempted to go to the new-ish Thai restaurant, however it being Good Friday, they appeared closed. Since I've never had Thai food, I slightly breathed a sigh of relief, especially since I hadn't done my homework at that point. I was going in blind! I've never had Thai food before, so with this new experience, I'm nervous.
I'm nervous I'll make a caloric mistake; choose something because I don't know what it is or what's in it, and I'll have a major weightloss setback. I know it's just lunch, it's one meal, no biggie, but to me it kind of is. I'm fearful of a trickle-down/domino effect.
Another issue I have is that there is no menu posted. Again, going in blind. I can't scope out good vs. bad before I go. It does seem really stupid to be so nervous, however I'm also fearful I won't be able to really enjoy it because I'm too busy worrying about counting what I eat.
So, here goes nothing... I'm always up for new experiences, but again, if I can't research it, or know some sort of what I'm getting into, I freak. It's just my nature. But I'm still giving it a shot... :)
Upcoming Goals: A New Adventure
I guess you could say I'm goal-oriented. I love having a target, something to fight for; something that makes me feel great to either complete or achieve. I truly believe it's why I've held on for so long with my weightloss journey, setting a new goal each time I reach another. I've kept pushing through, whether the good, bad, or ugly. I'm a fighter when it's something I'm passionate for.
If you happen to follow me on Twitter, you may notice that I'm a huge sports fan, notably any form of racing (as long as it has an engine, wheels, and it's raced). I'm also a fan of baseball, football, and some basketball, but my second love is hockey. Living in Indiana though, it's not exactly popular. We are the racing/basketball state, after all.
Hockey is something that is sort of new to me. I watched a bit of it back in high school of the Nashville Predators, but never really got heavily into it until a few years ago. I tended to focus more on what was going on on a track, rather than on ice while in high school and college. In my re-discovered love for the sport, I've taken to the Washington Capitals. I'm a fan of a certain player (that you'll notice my love for on Twitter too...), I love the team, I think it's a great organization. I'm definitely a fan! I even hope some day to travel to D.C. or Pittsburgh to see them play. But when it comes to the sport, I don't exactly know enough to hold my own in a conversation. Well, enough to get me in trouble. I try. Usually I just sound stupid, but I try, however I enjoy sitting back and listening to others talk about it. Kind of absorb in the background, if you will.
Since being in Indiana, and hockey not exactly being a favorite among Hoosiers, I've sought out local-ish teams to get my fill of live games. Where I live, however, it's The Sticks. BFE. Podunk. Naturally, I have to travel at least an hour to get to the nearest rink, if it's not cold enough for a frozen pond in the Winter. It's kind of fun though, weather dependent, because I can support local-ish teams or organizations. This past season, my husband and I have gone to Dayton, Oxford (for Miami!), and Indianapolis for games, all being super fun! Live hockey is the best hockey, in my opinion.
In traveling to these games, and getting my fill of live hockey (though it's never enough), I've kind of felt like I want to learn how to skate, how to play the game, whenever I leave an arena. It'd give me a MUCH better understanding than where I am now, and with dropping weight that I have, I can move about easier, while toning and eventually becoming somewhat "athletic." (In theory.) Skating and playing hockey can be an amazing workout! (I smelled the boys on the bench in Indy, my seats were that close. They. Sweat.)
In researching where I can take lessons, the usuals crop up: Indy, Oxford, maybe Fort Wayne. All have fantastic programs from what I can tell, however summer isn't exactly hockey season, not in Indiana anyway. They do have leagues for those who do skate or play, but usually beginner lessons are offered in the winter (duh), however with my school schedule, I'm searching for something during my break and/or on Saturdays, due to work and having to travel so far.
So that's my goal this summer: I want to learn to skate! I've skated before, however not gracefully, but with practice and determination, anything can be achieved.
I'll keep you posted!
“The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience.” -Eleanor Roosevelt
If you happen to follow me on Twitter, you may notice that I'm a huge sports fan, notably any form of racing (as long as it has an engine, wheels, and it's raced). I'm also a fan of baseball, football, and some basketball, but my second love is hockey. Living in Indiana though, it's not exactly popular. We are the racing/basketball state, after all.
Hockey is something that is sort of new to me. I watched a bit of it back in high school of the Nashville Predators, but never really got heavily into it until a few years ago. I tended to focus more on what was going on on a track, rather than on ice while in high school and college. In my re-discovered love for the sport, I've taken to the Washington Capitals. I'm a fan of a certain player (that you'll notice my love for on Twitter too...), I love the team, I think it's a great organization. I'm definitely a fan! I even hope some day to travel to D.C. or Pittsburgh to see them play. But when it comes to the sport, I don't exactly know enough to hold my own in a conversation. Well, enough to get me in trouble. I try. Usually I just sound stupid, but I try, however I enjoy sitting back and listening to others talk about it. Kind of absorb in the background, if you will.
Since being in Indiana, and hockey not exactly being a favorite among Hoosiers, I've sought out local-ish teams to get my fill of live games. Where I live, however, it's The Sticks. BFE. Podunk. Naturally, I have to travel at least an hour to get to the nearest rink, if it's not cold enough for a frozen pond in the Winter. It's kind of fun though, weather dependent, because I can support local-ish teams or organizations. This past season, my husband and I have gone to Dayton, Oxford (for Miami!), and Indianapolis for games, all being super fun! Live hockey is the best hockey, in my opinion.
In traveling to these games, and getting my fill of live hockey (though it's never enough), I've kind of felt like I want to learn how to skate, how to play the game, whenever I leave an arena. It'd give me a MUCH better understanding than where I am now, and with dropping weight that I have, I can move about easier, while toning and eventually becoming somewhat "athletic." (In theory.) Skating and playing hockey can be an amazing workout! (I smelled the boys on the bench in Indy, my seats were that close. They. Sweat.)
In researching where I can take lessons, the usuals crop up: Indy, Oxford, maybe Fort Wayne. All have fantastic programs from what I can tell, however summer isn't exactly hockey season, not in Indiana anyway. They do have leagues for those who do skate or play, but usually beginner lessons are offered in the winter (duh), however with my school schedule, I'm searching for something during my break and/or on Saturdays, due to work and having to travel so far.
So that's my goal this summer: I want to learn to skate! I've skated before, however not gracefully, but with practice and determination, anything can be achieved.
I'll keep you posted!
“The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience.” -Eleanor Roosevelt
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Monday, April 1, 2013
I won that battle!
Pop (or soda for some), is my weakness. Now I can honestly say I haven't had a drink of "full-octane" pop for over a few years, but diet is my favorite.
I've done pretty well over brief period for a few weeks before, but it usually didn't last with that first sip after a rough day at work, school, or whatever. Recently though, I cut cold turkey. Not one drop. For 3 weeks! (Usually after one or two, I'll have a pop and it's back on, full-force. Lookout.)
I must admit after these past 3 weeks, I had my first diet soda at my hubby's bowling league night, and guess what?! It was NASTY! I literally could not stand the once desired sweet and syrupy taste. I immediately switched back over to water!
Now, if you're thinking what I was thinking, she must be sick right?! Who is this girl, and what have you done with her?!
WRONG!
Saturday I had the pleasure of taking my 5-year old nephew to get some ice cream at a favorite local hangout once frequented almost weekly in high school. Being the good girl that I was, I just opted for a diet cherry pop, one of my former favorites. And guess what?! I couldn't stand it.
It was actually gross!
That being said, I'm actually very happy I've given up my once can't-live-without weakness. It's all water and tea from here!
I can definitely say I won that battle! :)
I've done pretty well over brief period for a few weeks before, but it usually didn't last with that first sip after a rough day at work, school, or whatever. Recently though, I cut cold turkey. Not one drop. For 3 weeks! (Usually after one or two, I'll have a pop and it's back on, full-force. Lookout.)
I must admit after these past 3 weeks, I had my first diet soda at my hubby's bowling league night, and guess what?! It was NASTY! I literally could not stand the once desired sweet and syrupy taste. I immediately switched back over to water!
Now, if you're thinking what I was thinking, she must be sick right?! Who is this girl, and what have you done with her?!
WRONG!
Saturday I had the pleasure of taking my 5-year old nephew to get some ice cream at a favorite local hangout once frequented almost weekly in high school. Being the good girl that I was, I just opted for a diet cherry pop, one of my former favorites. And guess what?! I couldn't stand it.
It was actually gross!
That being said, I'm actually very happy I've given up my once can't-live-without weakness. It's all water and tea from here!
I can definitely say I won that battle! :)
Running Numbers
I can officially happy dance: I'm 89 pounds down!
I never thought I'd make it this far, especially with my plateau at around 175, but this past week, I'm officially 161, which means 11 POUNDS TO GO! That's where I will hit my (max) healthy weight range, and also the three-digit mark: 100 lbs lost!
When I started my Weight Loss Journey, I made the mistake of not taking measurements, as I thought after 2 weeks I'd be back to where I started. It wouldn't take off, nor would my journey last. Well, 3 years later, I've made a few changes in addition to losing weight, including losing 9 to 10 pants sizes (started in 21, now in 10 to 12), as well as almost 2 whole ring sizes. I'm also now smaller size-wise than when I graduated high school. This, to me, is a big deal as I was always bigger in high school, enough to not be comfortable in my own skin. I wasn't BIG-bigger, but I wasn't the skinniest, & certainly not my healthiest.
Looking back, it's been since September since I've blogged. I hate that I haven't, but things have been crazy. I'm currently working on my Bachelors degree, something I've wanted to do for a while, which a recent career switch has allowed. (Bucket list!) With that, I've still tracked for the most part what I eat daily, which has aided in losing almost 15 lbs since September! I've also walked the halls of work during winter on my breaks, making most of being stuck inside. Add in stairs, and it's really starting to show, especially on my legs. :) Looking in the mirror has me so excited to wear short(er)-shorts this Spring & Summer, something I haven't done for quite a few years now.
I'm hoping to get back into blogging again, as I do miss it! I must set time aside, just like I meal-plan. Warmer weather will definitely allow this; I'm taking Summer off from classes, training for my first 5k in July, & of course continuing to ride, hoping to train for a local 22-mile charity ride, also usually in July. Add in some possible ice time (blog later), and I'll still be busy!
I will have much to blog about soon!
For now:
"Never give up on what you really want to do. The person with big dreams is more powerful than the one with all the facts."
-Unknown
I never thought I'd make it this far, especially with my plateau at around 175, but this past week, I'm officially 161, which means 11 POUNDS TO GO! That's where I will hit my (max) healthy weight range, and also the three-digit mark: 100 lbs lost!
When I started my Weight Loss Journey, I made the mistake of not taking measurements, as I thought after 2 weeks I'd be back to where I started. It wouldn't take off, nor would my journey last. Well, 3 years later, I've made a few changes in addition to losing weight, including losing 9 to 10 pants sizes (started in 21, now in 10 to 12), as well as almost 2 whole ring sizes. I'm also now smaller size-wise than when I graduated high school. This, to me, is a big deal as I was always bigger in high school, enough to not be comfortable in my own skin. I wasn't BIG-bigger, but I wasn't the skinniest, & certainly not my healthiest.
Looking back, it's been since September since I've blogged. I hate that I haven't, but things have been crazy. I'm currently working on my Bachelors degree, something I've wanted to do for a while, which a recent career switch has allowed. (Bucket list!) With that, I've still tracked for the most part what I eat daily, which has aided in losing almost 15 lbs since September! I've also walked the halls of work during winter on my breaks, making most of being stuck inside. Add in stairs, and it's really starting to show, especially on my legs. :) Looking in the mirror has me so excited to wear short(er)-shorts this Spring & Summer, something I haven't done for quite a few years now.
I'm hoping to get back into blogging again, as I do miss it! I must set time aside, just like I meal-plan. Warmer weather will definitely allow this; I'm taking Summer off from classes, training for my first 5k in July, & of course continuing to ride, hoping to train for a local 22-mile charity ride, also usually in July. Add in some possible ice time (blog later), and I'll still be busy!
I will have much to blog about soon!
For now:
"Never give up on what you really want to do. The person with big dreams is more powerful than the one with all the facts."
-Unknown
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)