Numbers, Calculators, Sweat and More...

Well I've done it, I lasted a whole week. 

I've been counting my calories like MAD and exercising an hour each day and I'm pretty sure that old nemesis of mine, the scale, said I lost 3 pounds. Woohoo, 3 down and at least 72 to go.

I'm trying to keep my caloric intake to around 1200-1250 a day. I'm using a website called Http://www.calorie-count.com to track my calories throughout the day. The really nice thing is that because it's web based, I can access it where ever I am (as long as there's a computer near by!) and update it. 

I was really good about food this week. I counted, made really good choices, and measured my food to be sure I wasn't over indulging. I bought a digital kitchen scale from Wal-Mart about a month ago and with counting everything that goes in my mouth it's really been a life saver. Also, trying to have a good attitude is helping too. I looked at the package of Lipton Sidekick's noodles we were going to have with dinner one night and saw that for a 1/2 cup they were about 180 calories. I nearly died! I couldn't believe that with what I figured a normal portion of the noodles was for me, pre-counting, I was probably intaking nearly 800 calories just in noodles! Imagine my surprise when I actually used a measuring cup to portion the noodles out and found I normally ate around a cup of noodles, which was more than enough! I guess I didn't eat as badly before as I thought I did. 

I was really good at work too! How I can work with such skinny women when there's always so much food in the staff room, I'll never know! This week there was a MASSIVE cheesecake and a chocolate cake. Also home made cinnamon buns and potato chips. I didn't have a thing. None of the junk. Although, one day there was a veggie plate so I had a few mini carrots and pieces of broccoli. I'm seriously amazed at my will power at work.

I've become super anal about what I eat now. I went grocery shopping on Friday and nearly left the store in tears because a lot of things I looked at, that I figured would be ok to eat, really weren't. I was really upset. Now I know you're allowed to treat yourself now and then but I know with me, if I have bad foods in the house I'm going to gravitate towards them. But, I was thrilled to find that the Thinsations brand has mini oreo cakesters, for 100 calories a pack! THANK GOD! I love those things, they're bloody addictive though! So to have them in little guilt free 100 calorie packs was a godsend. 

Even things like a simple sandwich have become worrysome. When you figure each slice of bread is around 110-150 calories a piece, you've got 220-300 calories just in the bread. Then add the margarine/butter, the meat or cheese or whatever topping... and that sandwich is easily 500-800 calories! Yikes! I did find Weight Watcher's bread though. 110 calories for TWO slices! The slices are super small but I never really ate bread before I did this so super small works great for me. I can actually have toast in the morning now instead of the oatmeal. Sweet! 

Food though has become a bit of an obsession that I really need to back off of. I did allow myself a cheat day yesterday though. I felt I can't suck the life out of food and I've got to allow myself some things that I've been craving. So I had toast with jam in the morning. Who knew Cheez Whiz has less calories than jam? I then had 2 grilled cheese sandwiches for lunch, on regular bread, not my weight watchers. And then a small pizza for dinner. I made sure it was a small so there was no left overs for me to have around the house tempting me. My snack while watching a movie was some of those crispy mini rice cakes in bbq flavour. I love those things.. So it was a bad day for calories. What I found odd though is I got full so fast and I guess my stomach isn't used to having so much grease because I bloated up like mad. That'll teach me lol.

I stuck with the elliptical too. I've been doing an hour every day (other than Saturday, I took it as a rest day). I've been doing it every day at the same time to keep a routine going. I'm really impressed with it. I'm getting stronger and stronger and better at it. When I first started using it again I was doing about 108 strides a minute and burning around 450-470 calories in an hour. Now, I'm doing about 130 strides a minute and burning 550 calories an hour. Today I hit my record which was the 130 and 550 calories. I tried to slow down, thinking I was going to burn myself out but my body just wouldn't slow down, it kept pushing. I love it! I haven't really noticed any effects to my body with it, like lower measurements or such but it feels good to do it. And really, for all these years (except last year, I really didn't have the time.) I've said I haven't had an hour to spare to do any exercising... I realize what crap that was. An hour really isn't long and it goes by quickly if you watch tv. I watch more tv in a week now that I exercise than I did before! 

The only thing I worry about is that I may be inadvertently starving myself. I'm trying to reach 1200-1250 calories a day, but really hitting more like 1000-1100. With a BMR that says with just basic daily living I burn approx 2100 calories a day, and then add on the elliptical for 550, I'm burning approx. 2600-2700 calories a day. With an intake of 1000-1100 it means I have a caloric deficit of usually around 1300-1500 a day. I know having a deficit of 500 means you should lose a pound a week and 1000 means 2 pounds a week. I'm hoping by going over that I'm not hurting myself. I'm not hungry all the time and the foods I pick to eat satiate me really easily so I'm really hoping I'm not going into that starvation mode.

I've been thinking about this blog lately and came to a conclusion about it. I don't give a rat's patoot if anybody reads it. This is just really great for me to keep up with my progress. It's good for me to see what motivates me and what gets me down. 

I feel my confidence is growing. I feel more like the old me. I feel like actually going out and being social and having fun now, instead of hiding at home every night because I feel I'm too fat or not good enough to go out. Wish I'd never retreated within myself like I did, if I hadn't, perhaps I'd still have some of the friendships I've lost over the years that I miss so much. Perhaps I wouldn't be so lonely. I'm at the age where as a single woman with no kids (almost seems rare to be a non kidlet female these days!) that I should be out having fun, enjoying life, instead of sitting at home playing on Facebook and Pogo all dang day.

I know I'm being optimistic here and putting far too much emphasis on the impact my weight has had on my life, but I'm hoping that if I do indeed actually get thin.. things will finally work out for me. I'll get the job I deserve, that I've worked so hard for. I'll move out, and not be the pathetic 26 year old living at home with dad. And maybe, just maybe, I'll hear those 3 little words that I've missed so much.. "I love you" coming out of a man who truly means them. Until then, I will work my butt off to achieve my goals.

Back in the Saddle Again

Well I haven't posted anything in ages because there's been nothing to post.

Until now I guess.

I had basically quit working out. with the exception of Sundays which I always did.. for about 3 weeks. I started a new job that I found tiring and just couldn't seem to find the time to work out at all. I also went on a huge eating binge.

Not helping the situation was a diagnosis of laryngitis by my doctor. I had had a cold around the beginning of February that caused me to lose my voice for a few days. I didn't think much about it because I seem to get laryngitis every year. Finally, near the end of February I went and saw my doctor for a refill on the plethora of prescriptions I have to take daily and just mentioned that I was still getting hoarse at times. He told me that I did have laryngitis and that if I didn't shut up I was likely to develop nodules on my vocal chords which would then require either surgery or voice therapy. He told me to talk as little as possible for a week, and if I was still having problems to see him again and he'd take me off work for a week. Needless to say, as someone who works in a school, with kids, and uses their voice constantly.. I was not impressed. But like a good girl I walked around home and work with a mini whiteboard for a week and didn't talk. I still get hoarse from time to time but it's not bad enough that I'm going to see my doctor. To heck with taking a week off work! I need the money! 

Unfortunately, I found out that having to write everything you want to say down is extremely frustrating and exhausting. I'd come home from work every day and just pass out. There was no exercising done.

I've started to get back into it and back into it quite seriously though. I'm now doing an hour a day on the elliptical and burning 500 calories a day with that. I tried getting up at 5am and doing one workout then and one at 4pm but it's proven to be too much for my legs. But I'm enjoying it. I just work out on the elliptical from 4pm-5pm while I watch Golden Girls and the time just flies by. It's also nice to have a set time to do it because I'm an extremely routine based person. I'm like an old fuddy duddy, if my routines get messed up I get MAD.

I've also started to very strictly watch what I'm eating. There's no more inbetween meal snacks of chips or crackers. I've avoided eating anything in the staff room at work. Our staff room is always PILED with food. Cakes, cookies, doughnuts, veggies, fruit, crackers.. you name it! But, I've been really good and avoiding eating any of it. If I get hungry, I'm reaching for a banana. If I really want a snack like popcorn then I have to decide if it's really worth getting back on the elliptical for. Usually I'm smart enough to go "Hell no! Had enough of that for the day!" and not eat it. So, so far it's been working well and I'm not finding it that incredibly difficult to be disciplined. I love fruit and veggies so I'm making them the main portion of my meals and avoiding eating a lot of processed foods and pasta. 

I haven't noticed any weight loss and I just did some measurements for shits and giggles and they haven't changed. Not surprised considering this new way of life is only a few days old. 

I have however been getting a lot of compliments on my weight lately. I've had 4 people this week ask me if I've lost weight as they think my waist is getting smaller. I wish! 

What it really is is that I finally went out and bought some new clothes this month. I decided that screw it, I'm working and I never buy myself new clothes so I went a little wild. I attacked Ricki's like a starving naked child and bought almost one of everything they had! I was just there on Wednesday and bought 12 shirts and 3 necklaces for $212! What a steal! I only paid full price for 3 things, the rest were on clearance. I got this gorgeous sweater which was regular $70 for $5! They'd marked it down a few times and then put it on the clearance rack for $9.99. Ricki's then always takes 50% off their last marked price so I got it for $5. I LOVE IT!

I think that's a huge portion of why people have been asking if I've lost weight. I haven't lost weight but I've gained some confidence again. I've got a really nice new haircut which I love, and beautiful new clothes that I love. I'm feeling sexy and more like myself than I have in years. I'm starting to feel like I'm a human being again and that I belong in this world and should be out having some fun! The past couple of years have been very tough and socially, I don't go out more than about 3 times a year. I just don't really have many friends. It really got me down and I think my whole aura showed that. Now, with new clothes, new hair and a whole new attitude, I think people can see it and I'm coming across a lot better.

I feel amazing! I feel like for the first time in probably 5-7 years, I can walk with my head held high. I may not be the most attractive person out there but dangit I feel amazing and cute! And once I lose a good 80 pounds I'll be even cuter lol. Maybe I'll even find me a man. This being single for 6 years stuff sucks. I haven't even had anybody interested in dating me for 6 years. Ugh. But, hopefully with some new confidence and weight loss that will change!

I feel like the old Kat is back and it feels amazing :)

Been a while

It's been a while and there's good reason for it. I suck lol.

No seriously, life just threw me a ton of curve balls this last while and it's really taken all my time, energy and sanity away.

So here's the update.

I worked out on the 3rd for 20 minutes on the EA for a total of 154 calories. Had a TON of fruit. Last week I had this huge banana craving and ate 3 bunches of them in about 4 days. Just insane cravings. Thankfully that one's over except now I've got the chocolate cravings.. ack!

On the 4th I had my best day yet! I have no idea what got into me. I started off with 35 minutes on the elliptical for 300 calories. I actually felt pretty good after that so I did 30 minutes of step aerobics on the Wii Fit for 150 calories. Then after about a 10 minute rest I decided I felt good enough to get back on the elliptical and I did another 15 minutes for another 150 calories. Total for the day: 600 calories and 1 hour and 20 minutes. I even felt amazing after doing it. No pain, no exhaustion, I was really really impressed. It got those endorphins going!

Friday the 5th I didn't work out. I had some parental issues.

For those who don't know the past 15 months have been hell around here. Last November (2008) my father got diagnosed with kidney cancer and it spread to his hip in a massive football sized tumour, making him unable to walk. It was devastating. This strong man was suddenly weak as a child and I had to care for him. I did all the things around the house as well as cared for him like helped him get his socks on, slippers, move around, carry things for him, run more errands etc. Thankfully after 3 surgeries we got the news on Tuesday the 9th that he's been deemed cancer free. Thank God.

However, in March 2009 my mother was at work and suddenly yelled to her coworkers to call and ambulance because she couldn't breathe. She then quite literally fell over and died. She had a massive heart attack that caused her heart to stop. Her co-workers did CPR until the EMTs arrived. The EMTs had to shock her 5 times with the defibrillator to bring her back to life.  The hospital worked on her for hours to stabilize her. They ended up putting her body into a hypothermic state to give her body a chance to slow down. They told us she had a 50/50 chance but they figured she wasn't going to pull through. Thankfully she did. However, not without lasting damage. Her short term memory has issues, she's lost 1/2 the function of her left ventricle and now we find out she's got kidney damage. She's tired all the time, has had to go on disability and needs a lot of help around the house.

I try to spend equal time helping both my parents but it is admittedly hard, especially with work and my own health issues.

Almost losing both your parents in a span of 4 months is brutal. I quite honestly don't know how anybody in my family pulled through it all.

So the point of rehashing the hell that has been my life over the past 15 months is that on Friday the 5th mom had a dr.'s appt. They told her that she had kidney failure and was going to need dialysis 3 times a week for 4-8 hours a day.

So coming home with that information I had no energy, desire or mindset to even think about working out. My mind was on mom.

However, Saturday I forced myself to use the elliptical for 35 minutes for 290 calories. I figured I had to get on it because hopefully it would raise my endorphin levels and make me happy. I was wrong, but it was worth a shot.

Sunday the 7 through Tuesday the 9th I was sick. I figure it was  a case of laryngitis. I couldn't talk, my throat was killing me, I tired easily and I had a gland in my neck that was the size of a nectarine. No way was I going near that machine while I was ill. Wednesday the 10th I didn't work out either. Despite feeling better, I felt it was best not to push it.

Which brings me to today, February 11th. No workout today either. My mom's back in the hospital. I worked all day, came home at 3:30, called to talk to my mom at 4 only to find out she'd been in the hospital since 6am with incredible pain. I left shortly after talking to my step dad and only got home about an hour ago. So I was at the hospital for about 4 hours tonight. 

It looks like mom might be alright, they seem to think she's got a kidney stone that's lodged in there. Tomorrow they're going to do an ultrasound to try to break the stone up. Hopefully that does the trick and she can come home tomorrow. She is in good spirits and looks good but is in a lot of pain. But, good news does come out of this to a degree. The doctors don't think she has kidney failure anymore. They think her elevated levels of creatine on her tests is from the stones. So hopefully that turns out to be true. They did say there could be some damage to the kidneys though, but really that's almost to be expected because she was oxygen deprived for a while with the heart attack.

Ok so summary:

Workout... almost non existant.

Excuses: Plenty

Good excuses: Plenty ( I think so lol)

Desire to get back at it: Lots

Tears at Wal-Mart when trying to buy new pants yesterday: Several. Cause nothing fit.

Hope for the future: Lots.

Dinner tomorrow: Pizza. Screw the diet, it's been a hell of a week.

I'm still determined, I think I'm failing rather miserably but I'm determined to get into shape and lose some of this weight. However, if given the choice between working out and caring for my parents working out will always lose. They've been there for me for the past 26 years; if they need some extra attention now I'm more than willing to give it to them with no questions asked.

Minor Failure But Back in the Saddle

Well the knee problems really messed me up. I took a whole week off of exercising because of it. I started to feel better on Sunday the 24th but didn't want to push it. I have a feeling I did something bad when I was doing the Kettlenetics and that set my knee off. 

The surgeries I've had on it were less painful than what I endured that week. 

I weighed myself on Monday the 25th and was horrified at what a week of being a lazy slob can do. I'm not going to get into it but it wasn't good. I've since vowed that I am going to stick to a proper diet. Somehow. Maybe I'll train Bailey to bite me every time I reach for the Jelly Bellys.

So back at it I went. On Tuesday I did the EA Sports Active for 17 minutes and a total of 115 calories burned. Not much but I wasn't about to overdo it my first day back after all that pain.

I skipped Wednesday. I have no real excuse other than I quite frankly didn't feel like it. Like I said, no excuse.

So Thursday morning I did 35 minutes on the elliptical for a total of 317 calories burned. Not bad and I got to watch an episode of NCIS while doing it. Entertainment and exercise; good combo! I felt pretty good after doing that, although my leg muscles sure twitched and spasmed for a good 10 minutes after! I worked that afternoon so I didn't do any other exercises.

Friday I didn't do anything again. Bad me I know. Not even sticking to my own regimen. But, I did do the grocery shopping so that's about an hour of walking plus some lifting with carrying things into the car and the house. Actually, more than an hour because I went to a lot of places. Yeah, I know, trying to justify my laziness. Bad me.

But I made up for it on Saturday! I have no idea what got into me but I decided to work out like mad yesterady. I did 20 minutes with the EA for 146 calories and then took about a 15 minute break. I then decided to jump on the elliptical for a while. Another 35 minutes for 304 calories. Grand total of 450 calories in basically an hour. I'm quite pleased with that and actually wasn't too wiped out from it. 

Although I have to admit the last 5 minutes of the elliptical were TORTURE. Longest 5 minutes of my life. I didn't think I was going to make it but I just kept telling myself I could quit in "1 more minute" and then that minute would pass and I could quite in "1 more minute" again.. over and over until the 5 minutes were up. I collapsed on the couch for a few minutes after but once I recovered I had really good energy.

I actually even planned to use the Wii Fit's step aerobics program last night but I kinda hit the wall at 7pm and gave up on that idea.

Today I did the EA for 18 minutes for 142 calories. I won't be doing anything else this morning. I had very little sleep last night and am having a somewhat depressed, emotional day and just don't have the energy, oomph or heart to do any exercises at the moment. Although I'm hoping to get on the step aerobics tonight while I watch the Simpsons. 

I'm trying. Failing right now more than succeeding but really when you think about it I am succeeding in a way. I'm already getting more exercise than I used to. I'm not getting as MUCH as I want but I'm at least getting something.

Thanks to those who gave me support while my knee was really bad. Many suggested that I go swimming. I love swimming! I think I was born to be in the water.. but there's 2 problems with swimming right now. One is I don't have a bathing suit and two is I don't have the money to go to a pool or buy a suit. Money is really really REALLY tight right now. It is a great exercise for both my lungs and my knees as it's literally no impact. The horizon is looking a bit better financially (I hope..) so I may look into it more seriously when I'm more financially stable. 

I've also started really watching my calories. I'm eating oatmeal every morning as it fills me up and is super low cal for a breakfast. Lunch is fruit or soup and Dinner is really just about anything I want but in smaller portions. I even bought a kitchen scale so I can measure some of the things I eat to be sure of the caloric content. But I'm allowing 1 day a week to be my treat day where I'm allowed to have one thing I've wanted all week like cereal (cause I like Frosted Flakes and Mini Wheats.. such a kid!) or something greasy/bad but within moderation.

I've been dreading writing this week's entry because I don't feel I've done as well as I could have. I refuse to do any sort of measurements this week as I know there will be no change for the better. However, I do feel the blog is really giving me a feeling of I HAVE to do this. Even if nobody ever reads it (and I know some do), I still would feel accountable. Like it was a requirement of me. I'm hoping that I can keep some sort of momentum up and keep going with this. I've failed at just about every other thing I've done or tried in my life, I can't fail with this.

Torture and Pain

Well the next few days of the exercise routine weren't as productive as I'd hoped they'd be..

I worked on Monday the 18th and by the time I came home my knee was just screaming at me. I hardly sat all day and then the teacher's bookshelf just like collapsed a bit so I had to get on the floor on my hands and knees to try to fix it. Not good for the knees. So I had to skip my workout. I knew there was no way that I could do the kettlenetics with a knee that was just screaming at me that I was an idiot.

So I worked out on Tuesday. I did my time on the EA Sports Active but it was a short one again today. Only 18 minutes and 133 calories burnt. What a waste. I mean really for the amount of time I was doing it the calories are alright but the pain my knees and legs are in from JUMPING SQUATS... oh my lord.

One of the many things my physiotherapist told me after my last knee surgery was I was "not allowed to run, walk long distances, stand for a long time, hop, jump, do a lot of stairs, crouch or squat". and here this stupid EA thing wants me to be in a squat position and then jump in the air and land in another squat? Can we say brutal on the knees? I kinda did them, I more did what the kids at the schools call "burpees" more than jumping squats. Not as much extension on them.

I was feeling the burn but thought only 18 minutes definitely wasn't enough for the day. So I popped in the Kettlenetics dvd.

Holy HELL. I'm now crossing that off my list of things I'm going to be doing for exercise for at least 6 months! I'm definitely not in any sort of shape to do this! Basically it's dance aerobics with a 4 pound weight that you swing around with you when you do it. It looked fun on the infomercial and looked like something I could do. I've always enjoyed aerobics. Yeah. Except I can't do this. It's far too intense a workout and far too hard on my knees at the moment. After about 10 minutes I was dripping with sweat and swearing just as profusely at the tv. There's the instructor, lil Ms. Perfect with her 8 pack abs saying "You can do it! Swing a bit farther! Extend that squat!" and here I am the blob that I am, trying desperately to keep up while my body says "you moron, you're too fat and blubbery for this stuff!" Cripes I couldn't even keep up with the girl who was doing the 'modified' version of it. Oy. I enjoyed the moves and can see how it would work but I definitely think I'm not up to it.

So I figure now that I'm scratching Kettlenetics off my list of exercises, I'm going to do 30 minutes on the elliptical on my days off from the Wii. I HATE the elliptical but 30 minutes on it usually means about 300 calories or so and it is a good lower body and cardio work out. Last time I worked out I lost 15 pounds doing just the elliptical 30 minutes a day and watching what I ate. Granted it all came back when I stopped but dangit that aint happening again.

Wednesday was another write off. I don't know what happened but my knees gave me hell again. I could barely walk, couldn't find any position that was comfortable and didn't cause large amounts of pain and I was swollen like a balloon. I ended up having to borrow Dad's cane to walk around the house (reminder to self, buy a set of crutches). I was even seriously thinking about going to the hospital the pain was that bad. But I knew if I went I'd be waiting 8 hours to see some doctor who would just poke my knee and write me a prescription for Tylenol 3; which have no effect on me what so ever. So I suffered through. I didn't sleep well last night at all, again, issues with comfort. This morning (Thursday) I'm still fairly sore but I can at least maneuver around the house under my own power. So there will be no exercising today either. Dang. This has not been a good start to this experiment. I feel like I'm failing miserably this week.

The thing I find most amazing is I'm actually enjoying this. I've always hated exercise. Gym class was torture for me growing up. I was always the fat kid with bad asthma. I was never good at any sports and always the last picked. Heck when I was in elementary school I had to take remedial gym because I apparently had no sense of balance! My elementary school gym teacher was a wonderful Scottish man. I adored him so much. He knew I was trying all the time and knew my limitations. I had hoped that would continue in junior high but nope. I got the gym teacher from hell. The gym teacher who wouldn't let me go home to get my inhaler because I forgot it and was in the middle of a moderate attack (I lived about 3 minutes away). The gym teacher who tried to fail me because she felt I wasn't trying, especially when it came to the like 5km run we had to do 3 times a year. I'm sorry, you want a fat girl with bad asthma to RUN (we weren't allowed to walk) 5km in 15 minutes? Oh hell no.

So thus began the hatred with exercise. Not to mention I hate getting dirty and sweaty and have a paranoia of having body odor.

Which is why I'm finding it so amazing that I'm enjoying the workouts now. Perhaps it's because I feel I can do them, that nobody's judging me, and the wii does it at MY pace. Yes, now and then it yells at me to pick up the pace when I run, but for the most part it does it at my pace. I also don't have a lil Ms. Perfect with 8 pack abs showing me what to do. As the wii thingy screams at me several times a workout, "You OWN this exercise!". I feel like I do. I own it, I can do it, and I'm going to be able to keep up with it. Heck, today I was thinking how hopefully soon I'll get my stamina and strength up enough to do the 30 minute workout on the EA. I tried it once and nearly died. But I think as I progress and get stronger and fitter I'll be able to handle it. I just keep trying to tell myself that I have to take baby steps. That this isn't a race.

I know I have to eat better too. I'm working on that as well. I also know that doing just a 180 calorie burning exercise isn't enough, which is why I'm incorporating other exercises. As well I also run around after Bailey a lot during the day playing with her.  I know I have a long way to go and a lot to do to get there but I am determined.

The First Few Days

So I started a few days before I started the blog and I have to admit I'm feeling a bit better than I was before I started. I've really only done a few workouts but it feels good to be active again and oddly enough doing the exercises on the Wii is entertaining!

On the EA Sports Active I'm doing the 30 day workout challenge. You do 2 days on and 1 day off. It has a set of predetermined exercises that you must complete. Seems to average about 20-30 minutes on it. You're doing everything from playing tennis, doing lunges, arm raises, squats, running/walking to basically anything you can think of. It does really work you as I can truly feel it in my legs and butt when I'm done.

I did one workout on Thursday with the EA Sports Active. I didn't do the Wii fit as my knees were screaming at me from copious amounts of lunges and squats. According to the system I did 22 minutes of exercise and burned 184 calories. Not too bad for a start.

I skipped Friday cause I was a lazy ass and did EA again Saturday. I did 26 minutes with it and burned 172 calories. Seems the calories burnt depend on the exercises they give you. There was a TON of running on this day and that's something my knees hate with a passion, not to mention my asthma. It was harder but I survived.

Today I did the EA again. I did 19 minutes and burned 112 calories. It was an easy day on it. Only had to run once, although those bastard lunges came back about 3 times. A lot of arm work which was a nice change. Got to do their version of step aerobics. Not bad but the wii fit has them beat on that. I couldn't understand what to do for half of it so I just kinda stepped on and off. Whoops.

Then I moved to the wii fit plus. I did the basic step aerobics and then the free step. I LOVE the free step! What a fabulous feature! Too bad they didn't have that in the original Wii Fit, at least not that I "unlocked". Free step is basically you can switch the tv from the input it's on for the wii to the regular channels and watch tv while the remote tells you when to step on and off the board. Yes the remote. It actually counts for you 1,2,3,4 so you can hear it while you watch Paula Deen bake something with 4 pounds of butter and a 1/2 pound of sugar.

It's great! I barely noticed I was doing it until the end of my 10 minutes and I could really feel the burn in my butt and legs. I can see myself going downstairs to do that while I watch Law & Order or something.

Unlike our elliptical which I found watching tv with tedious because I kept looking down at the counter to figure out when I was going to be allowed to step off the damned contraption... the basic step on the wii was fun and I really didn't feel bored doing it.

So I supposedly burned 50 calories with the Wii Fit doing the aerobics today. Although I have to admit I'm more than a bit skeptical because the stupid thing said I gained 13kg(28lbs!) from Christmas Day to today. If I somehow gained almost 30lbs in 3 weeks I think I'd notice! So I may take the Wii Fit's calorie count/weight/BMI with a grain of salt.

So there's the first 3 days. I'm on a "rest" day from EA tomorrow so I'll be doing a 1/2 hour of kettlenetics.

Here's hoping this all pays off. I'm tired of being the Plump Princess!

So here we go

I stand on the scale one day and cringe. At 26 I'm obese and tired of it. It's time for a change.

I never have been tiny but I did gain over 60 pounds during my last relationship (which of course was 6 years ago!). Bugger wouldn't let me cook despite my being a decent cook,  and never cooked for us. So we ate out or ordered in a lot. 60 pounds later here I am.

Ugh.

So I've decided on a change and I figure the only way to make me stick to exercise and eating better is to have a blog about it. Then I'll have some personal accountability. I figure it'll force me to keep with it (here's hoping!)

So the plan is:

2 days of doing EA Sports Active on the Wii (approx 20 mins a day)

and the Wii Fit Balance Board for approx 20 minutes a day.

On my "rest" days from EA Sports (you do 2 days on and 1 day off) I'm going to do Kettlenetics. Kettlenetics is basically aerobics with a 4 pound kettle ball. I got suckered into it from an infomercial but only because I can truly see the science behind it working. I figure aerobics with a weight has got to do SOMETHING for you.

The only way I will not do exercises for a day is if I have too much knee or back pain. I suffer from patella-femoral syndrome .  Basically  my knees hurt all the time but if I'm having a flare up of pain I can barely walk let alone do any sort of exercise. I've had surgery twice on my knees but the surgeries have never taken and I still have pain.

I also suffer from facet joint syndrome in my back. It's essentially a form of arthritis. When it acts up I'm in severe pain.

So if those two aggravating conditions flare up I won't be doing my exercises that day. Otherwise I have NO excuse. I'm only working 1-2 days a week right now so I can't say I don't have the time!

Couple all this with a refusal to eat anything candy or chocolate related, which will probably kill me. And no snack foods. I otherwise eat fairly healthy I'm just a horrible, horrible HORRIBLE candy/baking/sugarholic. Carbs and refined sugar are my best friends right now and that's got to change.

So here are the *sigh* disgusting awful stats on me. I'm posting them so I have to be ashamed of them to force myself to get better!

Age: 26

Height: 5'3"

Weight: 204lbs

Measurements:

Calves: 17" (though I have to say they may be big but they're already solid muscle)

Thighs *UGH*: 31"

Hips: 47"

Stomach:46"

Waist: 36"

Chest (bust): 42" (the only part of me I'll be sad to see go!)

Upper arm: 13"

Lower arm: 9.5"

So basically I carry all my weight in my stomach, butt and leg areas. They're massive. I keep having students ask me when my "baby" is due. So it's definitely time for a change. I figure I'll re take the measurements every 2 weeks to see if there's any progress.

There damn well better be seeing as I'm posting all this online!

And the dreaded, never posted online before full body shot. I never can take a good pic and full body shots are ALWAYS soooooo flattering. uuughhhhh. Sad thing is I don't feel like I look this big but apparently I do. I don't subscribe to the camera adds 10 lbs crap.

Yeah I know, I'm wearing a heavy sweater but it is showing what I look like on a daily basis.

So here's hoping my exercise plans and dreams work and I can become a slimmer, better, much more attractive me although I do think it'll take much more than weight loss to fix the last one lol!