Day 31

One month down. Eleven to go!

I had to work today and I got home almost an hour later than I normally do but I still manage to get onto the elliptical for 30 minutes tonight even though it was well past my bedtime.

I guess I'm going to do my measurements tomorrow but I'm not really looking forward to it. I know that I haven't lost much weight that I haven't been as strict as I should be with my diet so it makes sense.

One day at a time. One choice at a time.

I can do all things in Christ who gives me strength.

Day 30

Well, I had to work today. Fortunately my husband woke up pretty early and woke me up as well so I was able to get onto the elliptical trainer for 30 minutes this morning before I left for work. I was a little bit bummed out though because I forgot my Fitbit at home. Boo. I hate that!

We'll see how tomorrow goes!

One day at a time. One choice at a time.

I can do all things in Christ who gives me strength.

Day 29

Today I got on the elliptical this morning for 30 minutes this afternoon I did my Turbo Jam 20 minute workout and this evening I hopped back on to the elliptical again. Both yesterday and today I knew that I didn't need to exercise 3 times each day, but I was so close to my 10,000 step goal by the evening time that I just decided to get on for additional time, tonight for 25 minutes, just to get it up to 10,000 steps.

Tomorrow and Sunday I'll be at work for over 12 hours, so I won't be able to get onto the elliptical or exercise 3 times a day like I have for the past couple of days. I just hope to have enough in my be able to get on when I get home from work. *fingers crossed*

It's been awhile since I've used MyFitnessPal so I've had a lot of fun playing with it the past few days again. I like that it tracks food better than it did last time I used it and I like it its easier to just plug in a recipe and go. I got this cute little message after I tracked my food for the day and it made me smile. Definitely motivational!

That's almost 20 lbs in 5 weeks. That's insane...and seems totally false. We'll see :)

One day at a time. One choice at a time. 

I can do all things in Christ who gives me strength.

Day 28

When I woke up this morning I got on to my elliptical for 30 minutes.

Last night I promised myself that I would pull out some of my exercise DVDs and I did.  I did the 20 minute Turbo Jam workout, in my dress and all lol.  It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be so I can't use that as an excuse anymore.

I also did an additional 20 mins on the elliptical before bed to boost my step count to 10K.

I have several apps on my phone to help keep myself accountable. I use my Fitbit MyFitnessPal, RunKeeper and of course SparkPeople. I decided to play around with my RunKeeper and I created a training program and I set myself up to exercise everyday at 6:05 a.m. RunKeeper is primarily for running/walking and has a built in GPS mode so you can see a map of where you have gone, but you can use the stopwatch mode which is for like indoor or treadmill. I use the stopwatch mode to track my elliptical training and I can add anything else to it. It's linked to my SparkPeople so all of my exercise that I log into RunKeeper also gets tracked there as well. The same goes with my Fitbit. RunKeeper also crosses over to Fitbit so I just have to be careful not to double track everything or it'll give me false data. At this point I don't do much with my data, but I like knowing that it's there lol.

Of course the best part about all of apps are that they are free :-).

This is my Fitbit activity for the past week

This is what activity tracked on RunKeeper looks like.

My MyFitnessPal logo page today. My food goals are different from SparkPeople bc SP uses ranges.

Part of my log page on SparkPeople showing my macronutrients and activity that was linked over from Fitbit. They both change throughout the day and I don't follow the macronutrient goals (too many carbs)

If anyone that wants to add me as a friend on any of these accounts, please feel free!  My username is HEYNOWBNICE. I think I have a direct link to SparkPeople on the upper right hand side of this blog.

One day at a time. One choice at a time.

I can do all things in Christ who gives me strength.

My Fitbit dashboard at the end of today

Day 27

Well the end of the month is quickly approaching and that means that I'll be doing my measurements and weight check again. I got on the scale tonight just to peek, and it said I've lost 1 lb. I've been 27 days consistent with doing some kind of exercise,  but I don't think it's enough. I know I need to get myself in gear. I know I could move more during the day and I definitely know that I'm not eating the way I had planned 27 days ago. I don't know what is gonna take to wake up and snap out of this funk.

Kind of a funny,  but relevant side note. Sometime at the end of the school year last year (may/June 2015) I had decided that I was tired of feeling frumpy (l ALWAYS wore jeans and a tshirt and flip flops or tennis shoes) and do I decided to do a social experiment and completely changed my style. Now all I wear is dresses. I dress like a 1950's housewife and I love it. People in my circle were a little confused and took bets to see how long it would be before I wore pants again,  but now I bet they would be confused if I did wear pants again. I was very unnoticed before...a big frumpy 30 something and literally the first day I put on a dress, total strangers made eye contact with me and smiling. Maybe it was a new sense of confidence? IDK. Regardless, now I find myself using my dresses as a crutch. When I wore pants, it was SO easy to just get up abs exercise,  whenever I wanted. Now it feels totally funky to get on the elliptical with my dress on. It really is a pain in the butt to get dressed just to exercise after I've gotten ready for the day. ..anyway, excuses. I have so many and need to stop.

The dresses are so small and such a pain.maybe I'll just have to exercise in them just to get over it. What's the big deal? Lol i hope i don't get tangled up haha. Tomorrow. I'll try it tomorrow afternoon. Turbo jam or something. Lol

Sorry for that rant.

Tonight I got on the elliptical and did 30 mins b4 bed.

One day at a time. One choice at a time.

I can do all things in Christ who gives me strength.

Day 26

Tonight I felt like I had to drag myself upstairs to get on the elliptical. I sucked it up and did it, although I had to put netflix on and cover the minutes up so that I couldn't see how long I had been going for. I did 30 mins.

IDK why, but sometimes seeing how long I've been exercising for is self defeating bc I somehow will justify doing less time. I guess that's just one of those choices...

One day at a time. One choice at a time.

I can do all things in Christ who gives me strength.

Day 25

Today I broke my cardio into 2 sessions.This morning I got on the elliptical for 10 minutes and tonight I got on for an additional 20. My goal is to do 30 mins on the days I do the elliptical,  and increase that number as time goes on. I want to start breaking out my exercise videos again,  so I hope to do those again in the future. One day at a time. (One choice at a time).

I can so all things in Christ who gives me strength.

Day 24

Today after work I developed the worst ice pick headache that I have ever felt. It was awful. I took some advil but my head still hurts. I didn't get on the elliptical bc sudden movement hurts so I took it easy and played with static holds again. This time with triceps. I woke up with some soreness in my shoulders from yesterday's static holds, and I love it! I did 1 basic move, overhead tricep extensions and just did a few variations of that with the holds.

I need to go to sleep. The light from my phone is killing my eyes.

One day at a time. One choice at a time.

Day 23

Busy day! Did some strength training with shoulders deltoid dumbell presses...3 sets started@ 15 ended with 10 and static holds for 20 seconds. Have to work tomorrow :-/ Good night.

One day at a time. One choice at a time.

Day 22

So tired... fell asleep in the little brother's room putting him to bed. I did 25 mins on the elliptical. Good night!

One day at a time. One choice at a time.

Day 21

This morning I didn't get on the elliptical bc I had an unexpected meeting @work, so I got on tonight before bed. I did 20 minutes off to bed!

I took measurements at the beginning of the month and the end quickly approaches. I feel like since I've gone rogue with my diet so often,  I might not see the kinds of changes I hope for.  I didn't take a before picture either mainly due to embarrassment. Maybe if I go out of my comfort zone a little more,  that might be the motivation I need. We'll see.

One day at a time. One choice at a time.

Day 20

This morning I got on to the elliptical trainer for 30 minutes. I still feel like I'm struggling with my diet but I guess I have time to fix that.

One day at a time. One choice at a time. 
(I really need to remember this)

Day 19

Today has been...interesting.  my oldest son almost burned down the house using the microwave. He was making easy mac and didn't put any water in it and it caught on fire. The entire livingroom/kitchen filled with smoke before the fire alarms went off, and thank goodness I was able to notice even before it even got to that point. I'm just wondering what on earth happened with our fire detectors?? If we had been sleeping, it would have been too late by the time they had gone off. My whole house stinks like smoke still even after having the doors and fan on. Anyway, sorry to vent.

I just worked on my shoulders tonight. Front deltoid raises. Three sets of 10 and military overhead dumbbell presses,  also 3 sets of 10 (8# both).

Good night. Tomorrow will definitely be a better day.

One day at a time. One choice at a time.

Day 18

Today I got up "early" (actually 2 hours after my alarm went off...ha!), turned on Netflix and did 45 minutes on the elliptical trainer while I watched Pretty Little Liars. I think sleeping longer than normal helped me to feel better, and I've been feeling great all day. I haven't been on point with my diet, like I want to be, but I guess I just need to take it one day at a time.

Have a good night :)

One day at a time. One choice at a time.

Day 17

I feel like I'm starting to get sick again. I'm feeling worse today than I have in a couple days and I'm wondering if I'm trying to do to much, like it'd stress related. Maybe it's allergies again. IDK

Anyway I worked on biceps.  Three sets of 10. I'm tired so headed to bed.  I need to start trying harder.Maybe I don't have God in this as much as I should. Definitely can't di this by myself. New day tomorrow.

One day at a time. One choice at a time.

Day 16

Today was a very busy day, & I am exhausted! I spent most of the day preparing for Monkey's birthday party and baking his cake(picture below). I was a little disappointed with how it turned out but everybody else thought it was success.

Anyway, I didn't get on the elliptical today as my feet are killing me from standing all day, so I just did some tricep overhead extensions. I did three sets of 10 and my RPE was like a 7 to 8 with my 8 pounders. I could barely make it to 10.

Off to bed.

One day at a time. One choice at a time.

Day 15

Today was just another day, nothing special. I spent most the day preparing for my older son's birthday party tomorrow. I got on to the elliptical for 20 minutes. See ya tomorrow.

One day at a time. One choice at a time.

Day 14

This morning and got onto the elliptical trainer for 20 minutes before school. We were running late so I wasn't able to stay as long as I wanted but at least I got on.

In the past couple of years I've gotten into decorating cakes and this weekend I get to decorate a cake for my first son's birthday party. I'm nervous because I've never let anybody outside of the family try my cakes (my family is very forgiving) but I'm also excited at the same time and will post a pic when it's done.

Have a good night!

One day at a time.  One choice at a time.

Day 13

Today I was able to get on my elliptical early this morning and got in 30 minutes. Definitely feeling much better today.  Off to bed to try to get on longer tomorrow morning.

One day at a time. One choice at a time.

Day 12

Today was the first day where I felt like my energy washroom completely drained. I didn't do my elliptical again as my cough is still pretty bad, but I'm going to make it my goal to get on tomorrow. I'm definitely feeling better,  just not 100%.

For the past few days I have been working on strength training.  As I lay here typing this out, my legs, arms and shoulders are quivering. It's not pain,  just that tightness you get when you know you're working your muscles (sore but not painful like a pulled muscle). It's a great feeling. One of my favs!

Tonight I did legs and shoulders. I did static lunges and reverse lunges, both which I hate. My knees creaked the entire time despite special attention to my knee:toe placement (I should probably start taking glucosamine again). I did 10 reps of only 2 sets each, but I'm sure I'll feel it tomorrow.

I did shoulder shrugs with 8 lbs, 3 sets of 10, RPE at about 6-7 by the second set. Love it!

I also did some bent arm dumbell deltoid abductions. Three sets of 10 also with 8 lbs, RPE was at about a 6.

I'm tired so I'm gonna go to bed.

One day at a time. One choice at a time.

Day 11

Today I'm FINALLY starting to feel better. IDK if it's bc I finally found the right med combo,  or if I'm actually getting better.  Regardless, I decided to continue with the weights.  Once upon a time I used to be a gym rat, although you'd never know looking at me know. I love Love LOVE strength training (funny side note: my phone just tried to autocorrect "strength training" with "eyebrows" lol). I used to journal extensively what I did and would come up with different plans based off of a combo of my "data" and results.

Anyway, tonight was deja vu I guess.

I worked my chest and triceps (alternating) for 10 mins.

3 sets of 10 lying dumbell triceps extensions with 8 lbs (RPE 6-7)

3 sets of lying dumbell chest fly/press (combo move) with 8 lbs (RPE 5-6)

Whew! My arms are kickin'!

One day at a time.  One choice at a time.

Day 10

Today I still don't feel well. It was a work day and I just felt achy all day long.

I got home and decided to use my free weights again. I worked on my back and my biceps. I did 3 sets of 10 dumbbell curls, alternating arms, with 8 pounds. My RPE was about a 5-6.

For my back I decided to work my lats with one arm dumbbell rows also using my 8 pounders, doing also three sets of 10 reps. My RPE was probably a 4-5.

Off to bed. I need to get better soon bc it's my older sons birthday party this weekend! I still need to figure out what cake to make him. Oye.

One day at a time. One choice at a time.

Day 9

I think I feel worse today than I did yesterday. Needless to say, I did not get on my beloved elliptical trainer tonight after work. I did some squats instead. Three sets of 10 to be exact. It's not much, but I'm sure I'll feel it tomorrow lol.

Off to bed to do it all over again tomorrow.

One day at a time. One choice at a time.

Day 8

Still feeling under the weather.  I spent most of the day snuggled under a blanket with my 4 year old (blame l so not feeling well) watching Paw Patrol.

I woke up early enough this morning to exercise but I had to make my other sons birthday invitations to get out by today (his birthday party is next Sat). That took me longer than I expected so I wasn't able to exercise.

I did muster up enough strength right before bed to get on the elliptical. Wasn't long, only 10 minutes, but not bad for how weak and yucky I feel. Hope this goes away soon!

I can do all things in Christ who strengthens me.  Phil 4:13

One day at a time, one choice at a time.

Day 7

Well it's been 1 full week and I only have 51 more to go.

This morning I did 15 mins on the elliptical with intention to get back on tonight. Ya, didn't happen. Between then and now, something had time to incubate and now I feel icky, cold, achy and my throat hurts. Took some allegra and singulair and I'm off to bed.

Day 6

This morning I got on the elliptical for 20 minutes. I'm ok with that. It's getting a tad easier to get myself out of bed earlier each day to exercise. I also let myself have a glass of wine 🍷.

One of the struggles that I have with goals, is that I'm impatient.  I want to see progress now. While it is possible to reap rewards with some goals in a short amount of time,  weight loss is not really one of them and that can be very discouraging.

Finding contentment in each choice, in each day is important, and before we know it, time has passed and we can see change. My scripture for is very fitting of this and is so therapeutic.

One day at a time,  one choice at a time.

Hello

Just a fun post to say "hello."

Dedicated to all those peepz out there that can relate!

Hello!

https://youtu.be/vg3CkeskV7c

Day 5

Today I was able to get up early enough to get on the elliptical,  but not for as long as I wanted.  All good, I have many days to get there. I did 15 minutes this morning and just did an additional 35 minutes on the elliptical.

I discovered sometime over the summer that if I watch something I can get sucked into, I kind of "forget" that I'm exercising (???). Sounds strange,  but I guess I trick myself into doing it. I'm not in that place yet where I get all pumped up and do mental chest bumps and get all psyched up the way I envision high school football players do before a game. In fact, one of the main reasons I push to exercise first thing in the morning is because I am not fully awake yet and can't talk myself out of it. I know things won't always be this way,  but I'm just blessed to know and be aware that I'm like this, and am able to get behind some of the mental obstacles holding me back from being successful. I guess morning brain fod with a lack of caffeine and netflix do that for me :). If you can find loop holes in some of the things holding you back from being successful, don't be afraid to put them under your belt. Every little thing helps and adds up.

I wanted my daily scripture to be an encouraging word something to help me with these goals, but I guess God has other plans...err maybe He sees encouragement in a different light than I do.  "Love" was everywhere, all up in my way looking for encouragement. I have other goals that seem so far out of reach, I dont even know how to give them words let alone approach them (years of bad habits and walls). Looking for today's scripture gave me a small glance at how to do this. It's with love.

One day at a time. One choice at a time.

Day 4

I had a really hard time trying to wake up early this morning bc I went to bed much later than I normally do, so today is gonna  be short and sweet.

30 mins on the elliptical again and I did alright with my food.  Stuck with my protein and plan for the most part. I went over my caloric intake goal though (i don't think I drank enough water so I felt a little hungry at the end of the day.  My 4 year old fed me a few chips also. He doesn't understand. All good. There are worse things in this game to worry about. Could have made some better choices but there is always tomorrow.

One day at a time, one choice at a time.

Day 3 Commit

Today was a typical workday for me.  I am a telemetry tech so I'm locked away in a centralized telemetry room for 12 hours in a hospital monitoring between 32-60 cardiac patients. In a nutshell, I sit all day watching up to 4 monitors with 16 patient on each and don't get to get away much (pretty much just bathroom breaks and my 30 minute lunch). I pack my food usually and put it in an igloo backpack (like a cooler) and eat all day long, but sometimes I allow myself to get something from the cafeteria. I mentioned yesterday that I made my food for today and that was very helpful to keeping me out of the cafeteria. 

I decided with this 2016 challenge, it would not be safe to allow myself to eat from work,  as I cannot "count" what I get from the cafeteria and I feel like doing that just sets me up for failure anyway.  I don't plan to eat anything I cannot "count" and I feel pretty confident with this goal as I've done this a lot in the past years with success. 

I feel like I am mentally preparing myself for this long haul and I see myself combining small goals with previous small successes, to get a good start. 

That being said,  I really didn't want to get on the elliptical tonight. It was a long and mentally draining day and I just didn't want to do it. Everything seemed to set me up for failure--my fitbit broke, couldn't find my slippers for the elliptical (the footing has this strange speedbump tread that hurts my feet without wearing shoes) and it just kept getting later and later discouraging me even more. I eventually found my slippers and hopped on. Only twenty minutes tonight, but it's definitely better than 0 minutes.

Small steps...

When thinking about my goals for this coming year, God always comes to mind. I know I cannot be successful without His strength and involvement and I felt this scripture was perfect.

Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans. Proverbs 16:3

No other words can be more perfect for the place that I am in right now. 

Off to bed so I can get up early to exercise before the chaos begins. 

One day at a time,  one choice at a time.

Day 2

Another day has been and gone and I stuck with my resolution to make good choices and exercise (and read/memorize a scripture*).  I got on the elliptical again for 30 minutes while I was doing my roots. Side note--I left the purple shampoo on for waaay too long and my lighter blonde pieces turned silver! Ha! That's what I get for doing my hair at home and not professionally.

Anyway, instead of setting myself up for failure, like I often do, I went to the store and bought healthy, high protein food that I can prepare pretty easily (with a little help from Pinterest) throughout the week. I even prepared all my food for work for tomorrow so I don't have the opportunity to set myself up for failure and not do it in the morning. I even premade my protein shake and logged all my food into Sparkpeople so there is no excuse.

Christmas break is over and so Monday I'll be back to Monkey's school schedule and the hectic days filed with bad habits. That will be the real test! I think I did well with planning meals though (thanks again to Pinterest!) and although I know I can exercise a lot longer daily, I don't want to push myself too hard at the beginning and lose steam before any real progress had been made.  I'm in this for the long haul! Just gotta stick to it! One day at a time, one choice at a time.

I think I got this! :)

*Not my will, but Yours be done. Luke 22:49

Day 1 Don't think, just do.

I did this once before (2009) and was successful. I hope I'm prepared mentally to stand up against all of the excuses I know I will throw at myself. One day at a time. One moment at a time. One decision at a time. Good choices. Don't think, just do. I know I can do this. I did this once before and I was successful.

Day 1 done. Thirty minutes on the elliptical. Tracked all food. No soda just water and coffee (1 cup). No sweets or carby snacks. And it was,a work day. That was an excuse in my way. The food isn't a problem but I work 12 hour shifts and am exhausted when I get home. I don't want to exercise on work days, but I need to. I need the momentum and I know the excuses are just that, and they will get in my way.

I can do this. One day at a time, one choice at a time.
Day 1 done.