Bella's Weight Loss Journal

Everyone needs a cheerleader now and then so thanks.

B A Rabbit - to answer a few of your questions.... I typically keep my cardio workouts separate from my strength training (not necessarily different days, but different times). I find that I am better able to focus and put in more effort when doing just one type of workout. So I'm trying to get in some strength training during my lunch break and then cardio workouts in the evening. However, everyone is different and has different schedules and different bodies.

That being said, I do believe everyone should do some form of strength training while trying to lose weight be it with free weights, machines, resistance bands, their own body weight, or even a place like curves. Why? When you are losing weight, you are not only losing fat, but you're also losing muscle. This is especially true with someone who is a yo-yo dieter. In addition, with more muscle mass your metabolic rate is higher at rest so people will see faster results when they add it in.

My next step is to keep working on my cardio endurance. I'm thinking about signing up for a 5K run in September so that I'll have a deadline to help keep me focused.
 
it's funny how one little word can mess up the whole message. I didn't mean that I didn't want to condition my muscles to NOT move, I ment that i (DO) want to keep them moving.

That begin said, I think you understood what I was trying to say.

You really have a head on your shoulders there. don'tcha..? I mean a brain inside your head.. I mean, you really seem to know what your doing. I really hope you can keep it up.

I'm sure you know what foods to feed your body based on how it reacts before hand also.

I've also thought of signing up for some of those five k's but as yet haven't. what I really like is when you see people who haven't seen you in a long time that take notice.
 
Hi there sounds like you are doing really great especialy with your exercise, gee I am impressed I really need to get that happening for myself. I totaly agree with you on the strength training as well. Last year I was working with a personal trainer and she said it was important as it muscel burns more cals so it definintly helps you get there quicker. I also know what you mean about your hair lol. I recently cut mine all off and now dont quite know what to do with it. How weird is it when you wash your hair and you poor out all the shampoo only you dont need so much anymore lol. Anyway keep up your great work you are doing so well.
 
When I was changing at the gym, I noticed that the waist on my size 18 jeans is now too big. Yea! :D

I also realized that I never posted my full stats - so here goes

Starting Weight - 217lbs
Neck - 13.5"
Chest - 43"
Bicep - 13.5"
Forearm - 10.5"
Waist - 39.5"
Hips - 49.5"
Thigh - 31"
Calf - 18"

April 16, 2006 Weight - 213lbs
Neck - 13.25"
Chest - 41"
Bicep - 13.5"
Forearm - 10.5"
Waist - 37.5"
Hips - 48"
Thigh - 30.5"
Calf - 18"

So I'm making progress. Slowly but surely. :)

Here's the really annoying part - I used to have a 24.5" waist - I'm determined to get there again!

As a treat for myself, I purchased a sexy new pair of shoes.
 
Thanks Zoila. I did that exact same thing with the shampoo the first time I washed my hair after I cut it. It feels so different.

I have convinced my coworker (that is also trying to lose weight) to start going with me on our lunch hour. That really helps b/c I'm now committed to going with someone else. :)

Accountability is really what I needed. It also helps that I post my weight each week on here.
 
Wow! It has been a crazy week. I'm really lagging behind on my posts.

My A/C broke this week and it has been so hetic just trying to get it fixed. BTW it won't be fixed until Monday. It has been HOT! So I've been sweating just sitting in my house.:(

Also, we just rescued a dog and we are fostering it until the rescue group can pick it. It has been nutso with four large breed dogs running around me - wanting to see everything I'm doing and going everywhere I'm going.:eek:

And I've had to work a lot of overtime this week trying to finish up first quarter close.

Long story short - I didn't get in any exercise except for a few minutes of walking on my lunch break, but I've tried my hardest to keep my calorie count in check.
I maintained at 213 this week, but given everything that went on - I'm quite happy with that.:)

GOAL FOR NEXT WEEK: Exercising for 30m on my lunch break and 3 aerobics classes.
 
Well, I haven't weighed myself for a while and when I did today, I was pleasantly surprised. I now weigh 210.5. :D
 
Hi Bella Welcome to the Forum!
Ah-Ah-Ah*****Dont say the "D" word******
I know how stress full it can be to see yourself as this "fat" person. And no matter how happy you want to be with yourself. (Your Not, thats how I was...) Congratulations on wanting to choose a better life for youself. I started working out slowly night after night on my gazelle at home-I went from 15 mins of cardio to 1 hr straight! And boy did I see results. I also felt comfort in knowing that I was burning off some of those calories that I ate during the day, and that would mean I would lose the weight that much easier! I love aerobics! I used to do it as well, when I was in collage. Now with work and all, it's virtually impossible to get away. So, I exercise when I can.
This journey will definately be a tough one. You have to prepare yourself mind and soul. It's a really a mental challenge. But remember, you are worth it! I had to keep telling myself that, and here I am 25lbs. lighter!

You have a great attitude! You will do just fine reaching your goals! Good Luck...and once again....welcome!
 
That Is Awsome You Go Girl!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 
Back on track

Well, as you can tell, I have lost focus for a while. I can come up with a lot of excuses, but I'm not going to. I just got off track with my exercise and my food.

I'm back now, and I'm ready to go. Here are my measurements as of yesterday.

7/8/06 Weight - 216.5lbs
BMI - 37
Body Fat - 43%
Neck - 13.5"
Chest - 42.5"
Bicep - 14"
Forearm - 11"
Waist - 38.5"
Hips - 49
Thigh - 30.5"
Calf - 18"

Clearly, I gained back all the weight I lost and went up a pound. My new heavist weight ever is 218lbs. I've lost 1.5lbs, and I'm determined to lose the rest this time, but I need a little help.

In fact, I'm going to a Weight Watchers Meeting today at 2:00pm.
 
So I went to the Weight Watchers meeting this afternoon to check it out. I didn't find it motivating at all. The team leader was old enough to be my grandmother - no offense to her - and she was not what I would call a fit woman. It was less than inspiring, and she coddled everyone. I don't need someone to hold my hand because I'm fat. I need someone to help me get off my butt, and get to work.

Anyway, I have managed to accomplish something in the last couple weeks. I have completely stopped drinking soda pop, even diet. I had massive caffeine headaches for 10 days, but I'm fine now. I'm very proud of myself for that. I used to drink a lot of soda everyday. I drink more and more water everyday. I also drink crystal light if I want a little flavor.

Tonight, my husband and I went to the park. It was such a nice evening. We walked a little, talked a lot. It was fun. We even played on the swings and the slide. It felt good to go do something with my husband other than eating out.

Workout Goal for tomorrow: Step Aerobics class @ 6:00pm.
Food Goal for tomorrow: No candy at work.
 
I'm Back - Bigger than ever

Hello again!

Last year around this time, I had to make some sacrifices in my life. Unfortunately, my continued weight loss effort was one of them – which is why I no longer had the time to continuing posting to this forum.

However, I am back and ready for changes.

That being said – I must confess that over the last year my weight has reached a new all time high of 229.5 pounds.

In addition, I have been diagnosed with high blood pressure. I’m quite freaked out that my blood pressure is extremely high. The causes: I’m stressed out, morbidly obese, and sedentary.

Given everything that is going on, I have to make some serious changes in my life. I’m going to use this thread to post not only my progress, but also my frustrations.

I found myself looking at pictures today of myself and my husband. I no longer recognize us in any of them. In fact, we looked miserable in most of the pictures. To give a little background – we were both athletic and slender before we got married. I have gained over 100lbs and he has gained over 80lbs. It is very upsetting to think about how much weight we’ve gained, how different our lifestyles are now, how we’ve just lost control….

It is time to redeem myself – to get myself back where I belong.
 
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