Sam's Journal

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Oh Gosh, It's been such a great weekend! Remembrance Day was, as always an emotional experience for me. Having grown up with an immigrant great-grandfather who served in the Navy, his pride for our country resonates with me every year. It's almost like I can hear his voice singing with us when we stand for the anthem. We are so beyond privileged in Canada and after having kids, I see that more and more. It resonates more since getting my BA in History and realizing that had an extremist such as Hitler ever come to power here, had our men and women not fought for our freedoms, Isaac would have been one of the 'inferior' and probably terminated. Definitely a hard thought for any momma - her kid isn't perfect so he's not worth living? I can't imagine not having him so I definitely have a lot to remember and a lot to thank our veterans, active members of the active forces and our reservists.

I'm still 236.4lbs BUT I am okay with that. I got THREE workouts in yesterday - went to the gym in the morning, took the kids for a hike in the afternoon and then decided "I feel great, let's go to the gym again" and went again to go for a run! Guess who did almost 2km on the treadmill and about 1/2 of that running? ME!

Finally, I have a picture update.

The picture of me holding baby is from the end of May 2016 - It was about 2 months after having Arthur and I fit into the dress but it was pretty tight and felt uncomfortable - but it fit and it was a dress so I got it (and it was on sale).

The second picture is same dress today! Down about 30lbs since this was taken and feeling a LOT more comfortable in said dress.

Now, I know the photos aren't the same type so it's harder to see (plus I was holding a baby) but I feel SO much better :D And ignore the messy clothing - we're all getting ready for church so it's craziness around here!

HUGS!!!
 
Thanks everyone!

I'm pretty happy about where I've come so far - this week I've really hit a plateau which is all right. I feel myself getting less 'jiggly' and more toned as well as more energy and endurance so it's not like 'nothing' is changing. The scale isn't and won't be the be-all, end-all.

I definitely don't want to stay this size - but with proper diet and exercise, there's no way that I'm not going to be dropping weight, right?

I hit the gym again today and tomorrow is a rest day - I'm SORE! But it feels good to be active again which is what truly matters :)

Have a great Monday everyone,

Sam
 
Well, cookies and me don't mix - I had 3 homemade chocolate chip cookies throughout the day yesterday - it was actually the biggest part of my caloric intake which is kinda sad but anyways - woke up at about 2am with the WORST stomach ache. I KNOW every time I eat a food with flour in it (pasta, bread, and apparently cookies now) I will be sick - it's not long-term and I don't have celiac but I'm definitely sensitive to flour.

My oldest, Isaac is off to Montreal today with his grampy for a Shriner's appointment. Yeesh. He's not even 2 yet and I'm trying not to worry. I've had some great bible study courses the past few months about worry. One of my favorites is Phil 4:6-7 - Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

I don't need to worry because I know God has a plan for Isaac, for me, for my husband, for Isaac's grampy. It'll be okay.

Finally, I seriously want junk food and I think the only think keeping me from it is my commitment to being healthier. I am doing the 100 day no-fast-food challenge and in a 6 week pre-holiday slim down challenge so today, I'm learning how to quilt.

And here goes...
 
Hi Sam,

I'm terrible around cookies too. I'm sensitive to gluten but not celiac. Thinking of Isaac. Have fun quilting!
 
This stress is a beast. Seriously, it's like a wild animal sitting in the corner waiting to pounce and I can't get comfortable because no matter where I go or what I do right now, it feels like I'm just going to break down and go for the chocolate.

So instead, I'm smartening up and getting my little guy ready to go out for a walk. I cannot control the worry as much as I'd like but I refuse to be bound by it and I refuse to succumb to it. Instead, I'm going to go hiking and remember that worry does nothing and God is in control. There's no reason to worry - Isaac is with his grampy who loves him very much and would do everything to keep him safe. I couldn't ask for more.
 
Well, I got my subway - so fastfood went from 12/100 to 0/100...and that's okay. I had a 6 inch veggie sub with less light mayo, feta cheese, extra tomatoes and my side? Apple slices. I can't even complain about that - and I chose whole wheat bread instead of my usual Italian Herb and Cheese.

That was after my 6.5km hike/jog and I got another 15 minutes or so of cardio in this evening :)

My little duff comes home in about an hour and I cannot be more antsy - I can't wait to see that little guy! I missed him!

Anyways, time to sit down and do nothing for a bit - I got my 64oz of water into me (was aiming for 32oz more but maybe tomorrow - I sort of forgot today) and unfortunately, I am a horrible quilter. I need to work on this a whole lot more.

Logging off for the night, all! Gnight!
 
I don't even know where to start - no, I'm not off-course or anything, I'm still at the gym 5-6 days a week, and I've started lifting 'real' weights (not just kids) 2-3 times a week at home right now. I've also committed to taking the kids on walks while the weather is still good. I haven't lost any weight but losing so much weight so fast, a plateau is to be expected...and beaten!

I am a bit lost today because my husband had to go away for the week for work - it's kind of exciting because he's going up North to Yellowknife...but I'm here with my kiddos for the week by myself. No gym, no alone time and totally off schedule. There's not an easy way to explain how I feel right now - but the easiest way is my heart hurts.

I am feeling a lot healthier lately - I know that's a weird description but strength, endurance, speed are all up. I'm also seeing myself a lot more toned up - I weigh the same and I am the same 'inches' size as last week but I am looking more toned. I looked at my arm last night and actually said "whoa" because I've got some muscle definition!

I'm still dedicated to my healthy eating and I'm working on getting some healthier protein into me. Trying shrimp lettuce wraps tonight which should be good :D

Anyways, back to cleaning and getting the house tidied up.
 
I'm getting there - started my period yesterday which I 'knew' was coming but my emotions were so low the past 2 weeks. I'm working out, I'm eating right - and not a pound dropped off. Woke up this morning at 234.8lbs! I've already got over a liter of water into me and have spent most of the morning cleaning.

So far, laundry is done, folded and put away, the bathroom has been cleaned, I scrubbed my floors last night (by hand), dishes done, bread made (for the kids), supper defrosting for the kiddos, bed made, and Isaac's rocking horse got fixed. I'm feeling so accomplished right now - it's kinda awesome!

I did get to talk to my hubby for a bit via Skype this morning which I think has boosted my mood! He's doing great up North - got in about 4am this morning and is ready to start the day.

Apart from that, I got a bit of a strength workout in last night and just keeping active this morning with housework. It's not cardio but I'm moving and lifting.

Here goes another day...
 
SamanthaMacG said:
I don't even know where to start - no, I'm not off-course or anything, I'm still at the gym 5-6 days a week, and I've started lifting 'real' weights (not just kids) 2-3 times a week at home right now. I've also committed to taking the kids on walks while the weather is still good. I haven't lost any weight but losing so much weight so fast, a plateau is to be expected...and beaten!
Click to expand...

You're also lifting weights ("real" weights now ;)) which means your body is probably building muscle. Even if it's lean muscle, muscle still weighs more than fat. So, that could be contributing to your current plateau as well. I have been doing nothing but cardio (running outside or walking on the treadmill) for a little over a month now and I have steadily been losing weight. However, I started lifting weights today so I'm expecting my weight loss to slow down dramatically for at least a little while. But, it won't last forever because your body is still eating through its fat while you lift weights and build muscle...it's just a shock to your body at first, that's all.
 
Something is DEFINITELY happening @ChefChiTown - down 3 inches in my waist, 1/2 an inch in each thigh and 1/4 inch in my arms and calves. I know it's working :D I am also noticing a lot of definition in my arms compared to a couple of weeks ago. It's easier to carry both kids (about 60lbs) in and out of the church parking lot and little things are easier like getting the kiddos out of the bathtub or off the floor when I'm playing with them.

It feels like my goal in April is achievable - there's definitely a feeling goal there - I don't want to be embarrassed of my body when I see people I haven't seen in ages. If I keep working out and exercising, I'll be there!

Plus, I signed my hubby and I BOTH up for a mud run this summer! It's only 2km but he's not a runner so YAY for him for trying something new!
 
I've seriously got to brag right now...and figured this was the place to do it.

Guys, I hit goal 1. Not only did I hit goal one, I CRUSHED IT! I started at 251lbs in mid-October. I've been fighting (and I mean FIGHTING) a plateau the past 2 weeks. I've worked out longer, harder, and incorporated strength and stretching into my routine. I've amped it up more with taking the kids for walks when decent out, eating better than ever, and have all but given up diet drinks. Tea, club soda, and flavored water have been my friends the past week.

My goal was Dec 7th to be 1/4 of the way done my goal - 17.75lbs (233.75lbs) needed to be lost and seriously, I was starting to worry. My body doesn't always cooperate and I knew it my head, this might not be possible. I might not be able to change my diet and exercise THAT quickly. I might not be able to work out as much as I wanted. I am still battling hormones from these pregnancies. I am still fighting against a heel spur that keeps screaming at me to stop.

I was making excuses just in case...but just in case wasn't okay. I had the time, the focus, the determination, the goal and the previous experience of a fit, active lifestyle that I wanted back!

I stepped on the scales this evening and I weigh 232 exactly. I hit my goal 16 days ahead of schedule!! I am 1.75lbs under my goal and into goal 2 which means, I've got 16lbs to lose by the end of January! That's SO possible!

Guys, I'm doing it!! I'm putting the excuses at the door, I'm getting my family involved, I'm not buying my trigger foods right now because NONE of us need them. We implemented a one day rule with baked goods - after a day, they get tossed or given to someone else! I drank something like 5 liters of water today - I am usually lucky to get 1 liter in and that's not including non-caffeinated herbal tea!

I am refusing to binge on crap that makes me feel like crap but IF I do - and I have - I get right back up and I fight back. I work those calories off over the week and remember WHY they aren't worth it. My workout clothes fit better - some are even loose. My 'fat' clothes are getting tossed because this is it. There is no more dieting, no more gaining the weight back - I'm done. I'm on the road to regaining my healthy, fit life that is even more fabulous because I've got a family to share that with - and why the heck would I ever look back?

I'm actually in tears right now because there are SO many things I already feel better doing.

-I can get up a LOT easier from the floor.

-I can pop up off the kids bed instead of getting stuck and needing to pull myself up (and that thing is LOW to the ground).

-I am jogging again. It might not be much, it might not be fast but I'm jogging!

-I'm waking up less exhausted and my heel spur isn't causing me to limp around all morning. I get up, it's uncomfortable, I get my shoes on and I'm off.

-My skin looks AMAZING! Seriously, I'm wearing SO much less makeup because I look less tired (and I'm hydrated).

-We are saving money by not buying the junk food! Like a couple hundred dollars as I'm not baking as much either :D

-Let's just say the extra attention from my husband lately, BOO YEAH! He notices the work I'm putting into getting fit and compliments me but more than that, every single night I want to go to the gym, he'll stay home and watch the kids (okay, they're in bed but still - he worked all day and he's willing to stay home with the kiddos so I can go out). He is the most amazing man I have met and I am so proud to call him my partner, my husband and my friend. Even more wonderful, he goes to the gym after me and gets his alone time and is starting to get some nice abs/arms going on. Dang.

-I am proud of myself. No one else could do this for me. No one else could take charge and fix this. This HAS to be me and it is me. The positive changes I've made have started paying off because I put in the effort. I don't phone it in at the gym - I kick that Stairclimber's butt! I work out at home when I can't get to the gym. I'm happy!

If you're still with me, finally, I am so thankful for this group. I stumbled across it and it gives me a place to write, to vent, to brag and to know that I'm not alone. I'm motivated by your successes, stealing every single tip and trick that might help me, and proud of all of you who've started your journey here. This group has given me an outlet that I needed. So thank you :)

-Goodnight!
 
Always feel free to brag about things you worked hard at and then crushed. Congratulations girl!
 
Just got back from visiting my parents for the last 2 days
Weight: 230lbs exactly!!!
Meaning I'm down 21lbs...and it's now time to get everyone to BED! What a long day - will write more later but yay!
 
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