End of September Update!

Sometimes we fall of the band wagon. 

Sometimes we jump off the wagon because we see some cookies...

:)

I want to first say that I truly appreciate the support. Reading your comments here, on Pinterest and on myfitnesspal is truly helpful. 

Now for the weight issues...

As of the end of the month, I weigh 213.2 pounds. Looking back that means I've gained 1.8 in the last 2 months. It's disappointing. Big picture I know 1.8 pounds really isn't that big of a deal. The disappointing part is really that I haven't LOST any weight in 2 months. It's like a missed opportunity. 

I went on vacation in August and have not really been able to fully commit to my "diet" since then. Now, I know this is a journey and I never expected this to be easy. I just need to find a way to feel motivated again...

I just haven't been feeling it and honestly I think the only reason I haven't gained much of the weight back is that I am now completely vegetarian!

That's something somewhat new that I hadn't mentioned, but have been wanting to. So here's how this process started. I stopped eating red meat sometime towards the end of March. I was trying it out as an experiment. My stomach seemed to always be upset, and by upset I don't mean I was throwing up or was actually sick, it was really more of a general feeling. My stomach just never felt well. So I stopped eating red meat and within a few days I noticed a BIG difference. I somehow felt lighter. So, I was convinced, my body is just better off without it. For a couple of month I didn't really eat much meat, I think I had a hamburger at some point, and it made me feel like crap. BUT I was still craving meat. Then sometime this past summer, my husband decided to bbq. He made fajitas and all sorts of delicious smelling things. So I had some that afternoon and later went to bed. Well, I woke up in the middle of the night with this HORRIBLE pain, so bad that I didn't realize it was just abdominal pain, I truly thought I had somehow stabbed myself with something in my sleep. I actually felt around my stomach thinking I was going to feel some kind of gash or blood. The pain lasted about a full day, and ever since then I don't crave meat at all. Who would!?!?! So that was the last time I ate red meat. At this point I was still eating chicken and seafood. Well I eventually realized that every time I ate chicken I would get that upset stomach feeling again and decided to cut chicken out. I was just going to stick with seafood. I started reading more about being vegetarian and the want/need to eat seafood went away as well. So now, I am completely vegetarian. I've actually been contemplating the idea of going vegan. I've started to replace things in my pantry and refrigerator here and there with vegan options. However, I know it's not a commitment I'm ready for just yet. 

Now, I'm not saying that going vegetarian will automatically help you lose weight or not gain any weight back. After all, french fries are vegetarian! lol I do, however,  know that it has helped me tremendously. It has "forced" me to eat more grains, fruits and vegetables. So far, I feel great. My stomach really hasn't felt upset!

I still have a long way to go. I still need to lose a lot more weight, and yes, I am a bit disappointed that I basically lost the lead I had on my goals. But we have to remember that we must be kind to ourselves. The disappointment is really taken away when I realize that I'm still on track! Looking at this as a big picture is so helpful. Which is why I'm so glad I have my goals listed on my Erin Condren Life Planner! (picture below)

I can still do this! 

I can still be where I DREAMED of being by the end of the month!!! 

And I will keep trying! :)

Weigh In Wednesday # who knows... (I skipped a few!!)

Hello everyone!! Sorry for being MIA for a while. Soooo you're probably thinking I gave up and didn't continue on with my journey. 

No worries though, I'm still definitely on my journey! I've just had a few set backs. I have some great news and some not so great news to share. 

Let's just start with the weight. Last time I posted, which was almost 2 months ago!!! (crazy how fast time passes us by!), I weighed 218 pounds. 

My current weight is 213! 

Even though it's not much weight lost in almost 2 months, If you've been regularly reading my posts then you know what reaching 213 means...

I have now lost 50 pounds!!!!!

51 to be exact :)

As far as the not so good... I had gotten down to 210.8 about 2 or so weeks ago, but then I went on vacation. haha.

My husband and I went to an all inclusive resort in Cancun, and well the free drink and food calories added up pretty quickly!!!

But it's back to reality and back on track! I will start keeping this updated again :) I'm still on myfitnesspal, my username is countdowntoprincess, I will start tracking again as of today! If you're currently using the app, please add me, we can encourage each other along the way!!

Weigh In Wednesday #15

Ok, this is going to very short. I'm actually quite sick, and just typing is taking up the very little energy I have right now.

Also, I'm aware this is late.

So let's just get started. 

I lost .6 pounds this week. So, not a very good weight loss week. However, better down than up! right? 

I now weigh 218 pounds even. 

Brining my total weight loss to 46 pounds :)

I'm so close to 50 pounds. I can't wait to be able to say "I've lost 50 pounds!"

For now, I really just want to feel better, so I'm going to cut this short. I'll explain more next week of why I'm so sick...

Good luck to everyone out there on their own weight loss journey!!!

End of June Update!!!

Well, as you can clearly see in the picture below....

I didn't have the greatest month.

That being said, I still managed to lose 6.8 lbs.

So here are the numbers:

I started at 264 pounds

I now weight 218.4 pounds!

Bringing my total weight loss to 45.6 pounds!!!

It's pretty amazing. 

I have a picture of my husband, my dog and myself as my background on my computer. Every time I look at it I can see a difference. A BIG DIFFERENCE.

It's hard to see it sometimes in the mirror, but that picture is a constant reminder of the progress I've made.

Anyway, I mentioned in my "End of May Update" that I was (at the time) wearing a size 20 pants and I was waiting for a size 18 to arrive in the mail (hoping they would fit). Well, they did fit! And within 2 weeks they started feeling very loose. So, I thought, what the heck I'll order a size 16, if I don't fit into them when they arrive I'll fit into them in a few weeks. 

Well, the pants arrived a couple of days ago.

They fit!!!!

I started off wearing a size 22 and I just fit into a size 16!!!

I have not worn a size 16 in so long!!! AHHHH!!!! 

Ok, as you can see from the picture below I'm still about 2 months ahead of schedule on my weight loss! I've mentioned before that I really don't want to redo my goals. I would much rather focus on the progress I've already made. However, July is usually a big celebration month. Lots of birthday parties (mine included) as well as several other family members. 

AND

My husband and I are going on vacation at the end of the month. 

We haven't quite decided where, but I just want to go to the beach. We'll see where we end up.

I REALLY want to weigh 210 by the time I go on vacation, but that's only 3 weeks away. Realistically, it doesn't seem doable. 

I'm still going to try.

I'm going to be extra well behaved with my food choices in the next few weeks. 

Just in case I gain a little weight while on vacation :)

Weigh In Wednesday #14

I know, I know...

Worst blogger ever....

I have been so exhausted lately (working lots of extra hours at work) that I just completely forgot to write my weight loss update on Wednesday. But...

Better late than never!

Alright, well if you have added me on myfitnesspal (countdowntoprincess) then you already know, but here it is...

I lost 1.4 pounds this week!!

A small victory, but a victory none the less!

Bringing my total weight loss to 45.4 pounds!!!!!

AHHHHHHHHH!!!

It is so amazing to think, and truly, I can't even believe I've lost so much. 

This week was one of the best weigh ins. 

I am now officially in the 2-teens!! I think the last time I weighed this was about 7 or more years ago. I didn't even weigh this for my wedding!!

My current weight is now 218.6!

218.6

Wow, this almost seems impossible. I can't believe I've come so far. I still have a long way to go, but I know I never ever EVER want to be in the 220s or 230s or 240s and so on ever again!

Weigh In Wednesday #13

Sooo.... 

if you read last week's post, you may remember that I said I was going to be a bit more "strict" with my calories this week. I had been loosing smaller amounts of weight recently and I wanted to kick myself back into gear. 

I wanted to stick to 1200 calories instead of my usual 1300-1400 daily calories. Well, I tried. I must admit, most days I went over, but usually only by a little bit. 

Well, its mini dance party time again!! 

After a week of being extra careful...

I lost 4 pounds!!!!

4!

I couldn't even believe it, that's the most weight I have lost in one week!!

4 whole pounds!!!

I have now lost a total of 44 pounds!

Bringing my current weight to 220 pounds! 

I am so so so close to the "teens."

This may be really strange, but sometimes I feel like it's all a dream. I'm just so happy that I'm doing this and I can't wait for Wednesdays every week.

Now, I know I had said I was going to do something special for myself once I reached 225 pounds. Obviously, I met that goal a couple of weeks ago, but I still have not decided what I want to get for myself. Once I do, I will give an update.

Thank you to everyone that has been reading and leaving comments, it's so great to hear from others that share this struggle! 

Please leave me comments or follow me on myfitnesspal.com my username is CountdownToPrincess we can motivate each other!

Weigh In Wednesday #12

Soooo....

Another loss

but a small one.

1 pound down from last week, meaning I am now at 224 pounds.

I'm excited that I lost weight, but I guess I've just been hoping for more. 

The one part that is exciting about this loss is that I've now lost a total of

40 pounds!!!!!!

Wow, that's just such an amazing number. 

BUUUUT

I really need to get back to losing more than one pound a week. I'm going to challenge myself this week and TRY to only eat 1200 calories per day. I'm not positive I'll be able to do so, but I'm going to try.

We shall see how that turns out!!

Weigh In Wednesday #11

Mini dance party time!!!

So, I'm going to count my weight loss from last Wednesday, not from my last post. In case you missed it, it was my end of month "stats." 

At the end of the month I was 225.2

I am now 225 even! I know that's not a big change from my end of month weight, but it is 2.2 pounds down from last wednesday!!

Mini dance party!!! haha

I'm so happy to have a 2 pound loss this week, considering the previous week I only lost .4 pounds.

Now, the best part about all of this is....

I reached my first weight loss goal!!!!!!!!

Major dance party!!!!!

I

JUST

CAN'T

BELIEVE

IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It honestly feels like a dream. I truly can't believe I'm here! I feel like I've been trying to hit this weight for years!!! (through the course of many failed diet attempts)

So it's special "treat" time, and no that doesn't mean a cheeseburger! haha

I mentioned in a post a while back that I would buy myself or treat myself to something special once I reached my first weight loss goal. Well, I've been thinking about it for months now.... and I STILL can't decide. 

I'm torn between some shoes, a purse, and a "makeover."

And by makeover I just mean I want to do something different with my hair. I have a specific pair of shoes I want, and a specific style of our purse I want (though I haven't decided which one). Once I decide I will, of course, share it on here. I'm also considering taking a new picture! I know I have only been posting once or twice a week recently (there's just a LOT going on), but once things mellow out I'll be back to my regular posts.

If you are on a similar journey, or considering starting your weight loss journey, please leave me a comment of follow me on countdowntoprincess on myfitnesspal!! We can all use a little extra support!!!!

End of May Update!

Alright! here it is...

End of May update!!

I lost 10.2 pounds in the month of May!! 

I'm pretty ecstatic about it. 

I've been feeling a little down lately. Even though I've lost weight the last 2 weeks, I've been feeling a little blah about it. I'm missing those first few weeks when I was dropping 3 pounds of week! I know, I know... not every week will be a big loss. I even know I may even gain a bit of weight on some weeks. I'm truly trying not to be so hard on myself, but I just want to be able to say I've lost a greater amount of weight. I'd like to say, "I've lost 50 pounds" or something like that. I'm fully aware it's silly, and I know I can't expect this to be a fast process, but it's just how I've been feeling lately. I'm sure others out there feel the same way. 

Anyway, I've mentioned before, the goals I wrote down for myself (pic below) are pretty minimal. I chose to do so to help me stay motivated. Before I wrote it out I thought about all my goals, but really "breaking" 200 would be the biggest milestone. I figured if I gave myself until the end of the year it would be an "easy" goal. And how amazing would it be to start the new year under 200!!!! I'm about 2 months ahead, as you can see in the picture, I'm basically at my end of July goal. 

It feels SO good to look at my chart and see how far I've come. 

I read somewhere that I should update my goals as I go along. 

But I just don't want to. 

I'd much rather focus on the progress I've made and feel proud of myself, than to make new goals that I may not be able to reach. I know that might not work for everyone, but I think it's working really well for me. 

Alright, so back to the numbers.

My heaviest weight was 264. 

I'm now at 225.2

Which brings the total to 38.8 pounds lost!!!!!!!!

One of the best parts of all this has been my new found love for shopping!! When I started out I was wearing size 22 pants. I'm now wearing a size 20 AND I just ordered a size 18 because the 20's are feeling rather loose. I'm not sure  if the 18's will fit comfortably (I ordered online and am waiting for them to arrive), but I bought them anyway because I know if I don't already fit into them, I will soon. Also, most of the tops I own are a size 3X and there's already a big chunk of my tops that are looking way too big. Almost sloppy big, so I've been weeding things out and buying new tops in a 2X size!!! Oh and I couldn't believe it, but apparently my feet have been shrinking too. I typically wear 8 1/2 in shoes. Well, about 2 weeks ago I was trying on a bunch of sandals. I was getting a bit irritated because they were looking and feeling too big. I kept thinking, "What is going on with shoes these days?!?! Why are they making shoes so long now?!?!" HAHAHA and then I started to think, well the rest of me has shrunk a bit, I wonder if my feet shrunk too. Well, they sure have!!! I bought several pairs of shoes in a size 7 1/2. I really couldn't believe it, and I'm so silly thinking all the shoes were wrong and it wasn't me trying on the wrong size. lol. 

Overall, I think it was a great month. I was really hoping I'd lose another 10 pounds in May and am so happy I was able to accomplish it! Let's hope for another 10 in June!!!!!

If you are currently on a similar weight loss journey, or if you keep thinking to yourself "I need to start" please leave comments, or follow me on MyFitnessPal (my username is CountdownToPrincess) app. We can encourage each other!!!!

Weigh In Wednesday #10

Alright, time for a bit of excuses. 

It was a rough week. There has been a lot of unfortunate changes in my personal life recently. I've just been going through a tough time. I even took a few days off from work.

I needed a "brain break." 

So, I ate my feelings. Of course, I mean that in a silly way, but it's basically true. I ate way more than I should have the last few days.

So the verdict...

I'm happy I didn't GAIN weight.

but...

I only lost .4 pounds.

Not even half a pound lol

This brings my current weight to 227.2

I'm going to admit that I'm very disappointed, but at the same time I can't really be upset because I know exactly why I didn't lose much this week. 

I've done well the last 2 days, but I definitely need to buckle down again. I need to get to 225!!! I was really hoping I'd be at 225 by now. 

Overall, I'm still really happy with my progress, so I can't be too hard on myself. 

This is a journey, it's going to be a process. I know not every week will be great. In fact, I'm even expecting that some weeks I may gain weight. (Although, I really really REALLY hope I can avoid that.) So, I will keep on pushing. Even if I only lost a little this week, it was still a loss, and I am still so proud of myself!!!!

Weigh In Wednesday #9

First of all… I haven't posted anything since my last weigh in Wednesday. It's just been a busy few days. As I mentioned last week, I had a "mini" vacation which actually ended up getting extended. So, we were out of town most of the week. 

Ok, so let me be honest. I did go over on my calories most of the days we were on vacation. I did try to be conscious of what I was eating and I went on a few extra long walks. Most of the restaurants we went to had "low calorie" menu options, so it wasn't too difficult.

I was truly not looking forward to this Weigh In Wednesday as I really thought I would be gaining weight.

I'm so so so so so so so happy to report I actually lost weight this week!! 

Losing weight while of vacation!?!?!?!

I didn't think it was possible!!

Sooo, I weighed in at 227.6 which means…

I lost 1.2 pounds this week!

I know its not much, but hey a loss is a loss!

AND that brings my total to 36.4 pounds!!!!

It is so exciting to be in the 220s, I just can't get over it. I'm only 2.6 pound from my first weight goal of 225 pounds. I still haven't decided what my purchase "treat" is going to be, but I need to make up my mind soon! I really hope to meet my goal next week.

I'm going to push a bit extra to try to meet it!!

Weigh In Wednesday #8

Mini dance party time!!!!!

I lost 3.6 pounds this week!!!

I can't even believe it. I thought this would be a tough week because I went out of town this past weekend. I'm going out of town again tomorrow so I'm hoping next week will be a loss as well. For now, I am thrilled!!!!

This brings my weight to….

Drum Roll Please!!!

….

…

..

.

228.8!!!!!

I'm in the 220s!!!! It seems like it was just yesterday I was counting down hoping I would be in the 230s and now I'm seeing a "2" between my weight number!!!!

My total weight loss is now 

35.2 pounds!

I am just so happy and excited, seeing results like this is a breath of fresh air. I know this week was pretty exceptional and I don't expect every week to be like this, but this is amazing!!!

I'm only 3.8 pounds away from my first goal of 225!

This also means I now have less than 100 pounds to go, I'm in the double digits!!

DANCE PARTY!!! 

:)

Meal Time Monday #3

So, I've been pretty busy recently, and have really enjoyed making things that are easy.

Ok, let's be honest.

I always like things that are easy.

I recently found Gorton's Crunchy Breaded Fish Fillets and LOVE them!!

I take 2 or 3 fillets to work for lunch and make a side of steamed veggies. Something like green beans, broccoli, or asparagus. 

2 fish filets are 250 calories, and the veggies range from 20-35 calories or so for 100 grams.

Basically doesn't get easier than that. 

I also squeeze about half a lemon on the fillets, less than 10 calories.

In total, the meal (if I take 3 fillets) is around 415 calories!

So yummy. I've tried a couple of the other versions of the fillets but I haven't liked them quite as much as the plain ones.

Again, this is a super easy, no thought involved kind of meal.

Perfect for busy weeks, or if you just don't really feel like cooking!

Weigh In Wednesday #7

I'm gonna keep this short. It's been a tough few days and I'm ready for bed.

I am, however, incredibly excited to say I lost….

3 more pounds!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Bringing my current weight to 232.4!!

And my total weight loss to 31.6 pounds!!!

I feel like my scale is haunting me with this ".4" thing. My last 3 weigh ins have had a .4 but thats ok. I'm still so happy!!!!!

Just a few weeks ago I couldn't wait to see a "3" between my weight number and now I'm so close to seeing a 2!!!!!!!!!!

I think the next 2 weeks might be a bit tough. I'm going to be doing some traveling, but I've packed my food scale and plan to continue staying within my calorie goal!

Seeing these kind of results is so motivating!!!!!

Motivational Monday #2 - My "relationship" with food...

Alright, no motivational quote this week.

I really just wanted to talk about something I realized last week.

I know this may sound cold or rude….

Well, as I've mentioned before I've been overweight most of my life. And throughout most of that time I've been going from diet after diet. In doing so, I read a lot about weight loss. I've read a lot about people's success stories or failures. In a lot of those posts, books, etc. you see a lot of mention of "emotional eating."

Honestly, I always thought it was a bunch of nonsense. I would look at my own overeating and just think "I eat because I'm a 'fat kid' at heart and I just love food."

I would always think how silly people were that would say "oh I gained weight because (insert sob story here)."

I would roll my eyes, and think something like

Um, no, you gained weight because you eat 5 cheeseburgers and 10 slices of pizza a day not because (reinsert sob story here)

I've really truly always believed that the "comfort food" idea is just a pretext for people that didn't want to get on a diet and are comfortable with hiding behind an excuse.

Well, then last week happened. I had a lot of things going on at work, a few very important meetings, a few deadlines, and a BIG interview (still keeping my fingers crossed on this one). It was just one of those weeks that had me feeling very overwhelmed. 

Every night after work all I wanted to do was go to "Whataburger" and buy myself a big juicy burger.

I didn't, of course, but I just kept thinking about it. So then I sat around (while eating my low cal dinner) and thought to myself "Why am I suddenly having these cravings? I've been doing so well, I have not had super intense cravings. So, why now?"

I came to the realization that after every long day at work I was leaving feeling anxious and exhausted, making me want to just sit down in from of the couch with something delicious. Not worry about cooking, not worry about counting, not worry about measuring, nothing. Just sit down, eat, and veg. 

For the first time, really ever, I noticed a connection between my anxiety and food.  

I gave it a lot of thought.

But here's what has kept me motivated:

Stay involved, engaged. Whatever you want to call it. I spend time reading success stories; watching weight loss journey videos on youtube; reading blogs; looking through the health, beauty, and fashion sections on pinterest; day dreaming about the things I'll fit into and the things I'll be able to do; looking up healthy recipes; etc. 

I try to keep myself thinking about my weightless journey. I read somewhere about a woman going through her own journey that mentioned she regrets not enjoying the process. She mentioned how she was so consumed with losing weight that she never thought to enjoy and really praise her own accomplishments. I think it's critical. If you don't give yourself a pat on the back and a high five every once in a while, you are more likely to fail. 

You have to be proud of yourself. 

At this point I've come so far and have already struggled through the almost 30 pounds I've lost. I don't want to go back. I don't want to ever see those higher numbers on the scale. No matter how delicious that "whataburger" may be. 

No food can be better than the joy I gain through every success.

No "stressful week" will break my commitment. 

I survived my need to eat "comfort food." (although I'm sure the cravings will come again)

I'm determined

AND

I gave myself a big pat on the back :)

End of Month Wrap Up

So, I've decided to start doing an end of month post, showing the progress I made during the month. Sometimes it's easy to lose sight of the bigger picture when you're only losing a couple of pounds (if that) a week. 

So here are the numbers:

April 1 weigh in - 246 pounds
April 30 weigh in - 235.4 pounds!!

That means I lost 10.6 pounds in one month!!!

As for my "end of year" goals, I've already surpassed my end of MAY goal and am only 1.4 pounds away from meeting my end of JUNE goal!!!!  

When I first wrote out my goals, I made them with the idea of losing only 6.5 pounds per month. I don't want to make my goals too high and then get discouraged. Seeing this chart and seeing how well I'm doing is so inspiring. Below is the updated picture of my weight loss goals, which I have in my erincondren life planner. When I purchased mine I was able to get $10 off by signing up on their website! I'm pretty they still have the same promotion.

****************************************************************
2018 Update! 

So, it's been a few years since this blog started and then stopped :( I have to admit I didn't stick to my weight loss very much. I'm hoping to continue in my weight loss journey soon. I continued to use my an Erin Condren Life planner through all this time and even have an Etsy Sticker Shop now!! Click here or search Ink E and the Brain on Etsy!

You can also find me on YouTube now! Click here to visit my channel or search Ink E and the Brain on YouTube!

Thank you to everyone that has been around for all these years! The support and messages have never ceased to amaze me!

Weigh In Wednesday #6

I wasn't looking forward to this weigh in. I've been feeling a bit more sluggish and bloated than I had been feeling in the past couple of months. I really thought I would only lose a few ounces, if at all. 

Boy was I surprised!!!

I lost 3 pounds!!!!!!!

I truly could not believe it, I must have gotten on and off the scale about 10 times!

Today's weigh in came in at 235.4! Exactly 3 pounds down from last week.

Bringing my total weight loss to 28.6 pounds! Almost 30 pounds!

I am so incredibly happy, it's so good to have my efforts validated when I step on the scale!

Starting Weight - 264 pounds
Current Weight - 235.4 pounds
Current Goal - 225 pounds
Ultimate Goal - 132 pounds

Mealtime Monday #2

I had this meal I'm about to share for the first time last week.

I must say, since the day I tried it, I knew I would be writing about it today.

It's not something incredibly amazing, but it is soooooo delicious!!

Alright, here it is.

Poblano Quesadillas!

I'm sure this is something common, but I had never thought to put poblano peppers in my quesadillas. 

4 corn tortillas = 200 calories. Of course, you don't have to eat 4, but this is a good "dinner size" for me.

28 grams of reduced fat mozzarella cheese = 70 calories. I tried the fat free version which is only 45 calories for the same serving size, but it basically had no taste. I rather use a few more calories and actually enjoy my cheese!! haha

1 poblano pepper = 13 (or so) calories!

First take the pepper and cut off the "end" so you can take out all the seeds. Then slice it into 4 long strips (thats really just to make it cook faster). Place the skin side down on a pan or griddle (no oil) on medium/high heat until the skin crackles and browns. Peel the skin and cut into thin strips. As for the quesadillas, just make those as normal. One portion of cheese (28 grams) won't make super cheesy quesadillas, but it's enough to give flavor and texture.  Once the cheese is melted add a few strips of the poblano pepper and fold the quesadilla to close it. 

Calorie total = 283!!! and it is sooooooo so good!

I typically have this with a serving of or popcorners sea salt chips which is 130 calories, and each serving is a lot of chips! And a bit of pace salsa, only 10 calories per serving.

So 4 quesadillas, chips and salsa for 

423 calories!!

Yes, please!!!

This is such an easy and delicious dinner. And yes, I'm aware that there is probably very little "nutrition" in this meal, but if you want something fast and tasty when you're craving quesadillas, these are amazing!

Really Old Navy?!?!

Ok, so I enjoy shopping at Old Navy. 

But!

A couple of weeks ago I was looking for some new yoga pants. I couldn't decide if I should order from the regular line and get a XXL or go for the plus sized version. I went back and forth a few times, and ultimately decided to order the XXL, but as I was going back and forth I noticed something…

(Click on photo to go to oldnavy.com)

Can you spot it?!

And, no, I'm not talking about the fact that they raise the prices on all the plus sized clothing.

So, in case you have not yet noticed the difference. The "regular" sized yoga pants are called "Fold-Over" and the "plus sized" yoga pants are called "ROLL-OVER"

I find this insulting.

Now, I have more than just this issue with the Old Navy plus size clothing, but this just seems ridiculous. I feel like they are making a mockery of the idea of plus sized active clothing. 

But maybe I'm looking too much into it.

What do you think?

Food Journal Update

Ok, let me get to the point…

I stopped writing in my food journal… It was just a bit impractical. I had to use my phone/computer to look up the calories, remember to write them down, add everything up, sometimes add them up several times a day to make sure I still had enough left for my next meal. It started to get a bit annoying. So the new solution….

My fitness Pal!

In case you have not heard of it. My fitness Pal is a food and exercise journal app. It's basically an easy way to "food journal." It adds everything for you, and has access to a bunch of different food's nutritional information. It has made my life a whole lot easier.

I wanted to wait a while before I blogged about it, just in case I didn't end up liking it. But I do! I've used it for exactly 17 days (it tracks your calorie counting streak) and after just about 2 days I ditched the actual journal I was previously keeping. I have the app on my phone and iPad, so I'm never without it. You can also just go to the website, myfitnesspal.com, from basically anywhere.

So, as you may have previously read, I had set my calorie goal somewhere between 1300-1400. I was unsure about this number and I felt like I was just "winging it." However, when I first signed up for the app it asked me for my height, my current weight, my activity level, and my weight ultimate weight loss goal. It then asked me how many pounds I wanted to lose per week (max of 2 lbs. per week). 

And Voila!

It gave me a 1300 calorie goal per day.

So, I started tracking.

I also found another app called "Map My Walk" that actually links to my fitness pal, so any exercise I do gets added to my journal automatically. And best of all it tells you how many calories you've lost and subtracts it from the amount you've already used. 

It really is super easy and has made my calorie tracking less of a pain.

Feel free to add me!! (link below) We can encourage each other along the way!

myfitnesspal.com/countdowntoprincess

Weigh In Wednesday #5

Drumroll please……..

I lost 2 more pounds!!!!!

You know what that means?!

I can now see a "3" between my weight number haha

At this morning's weigh in I came in at 238.4! Exactly 2 pounds downs from last week and I finally got into the 23something! 

So total lost in now at 25.6 pounds, which is another amazing number! Today was just a great weigh in day. I'm so thrilled with the progress I made, and every time I see the scale it just makes me want to work harder to obtain my goals. 

Of course, my first "goal" is still fairly far, but I know if I keep going I'll be there eventually! 

The part of all this that really amazes me is how happy I feel to actually get on the scale. Every week I can't wait for Wednesday just to weigh myself! I just feel happier all around :)

Motivational Monday #1

(Quote by Henry David Thoreau. I'm not sure where the artwork came from, unfortunately, I found it on pinterest with a non working link.)

We all have dreams of what our life could be or should be. I think this quote can inspire anyone, not just those that are trying to lose weight. But when I see it, and I think of the way I picture myself, I can see the "skinny and healthy" me. 

There's been many a time that I see an outfit, or think of an activity, and believe I can't possibly wear that, or I can't possibly do that. It's just in my dreams. 

But I have to be confident, I know exactly what I want, I picture it all the time. I have to go in that direction and follow my dreams. Now, of course, my dreams aren't all about losing weight, but it's something I know I want. I want to be able to wear whatever I want. I want to jog, run, hike, bike, kayak, or whatever it may be. I want to go to a theme park and not worry if I'll be able to fit in the ride. I want to go to a store and not have to walk to the (typically small) plus sized section. I want to go to the beach and not worry about the way I look in a swim suit. I want to sit on any chair without worrying it may bend or break. I want to not feel winded after even a short walk. I want to not have to think about the weight limit on basically everything! I want to get on a plane without thinking the buckle may not fit around me. I want to go to a play or a concert and not feel like I have to wedge myself into the seat. And about a million other things. I don't go around stressing about every little thing all the time, but all the things I just mentioned are thoughts I've had, or scenarios I've been in at one point or another.

Now, I'm not saying that by losing weight everything will be nice and dandy. I mean who knows I could be skinny and yet not afford the beach vacation, right? 

I just know that I'm not the best me. I'm not the "dream" me. 

I look at this quote on an almost daily basis. It is, after all, plastered on the front of my erincondren life planner. Whenever I look at it I think of all my dreams, weight loss and all others, and think I have to make a change, I have to walk towards my dreams.

 I have to go confidently in the direction of my dreams and live the life I so often imagine. 

Weigh In Wednesday #4

This is the day I wait for all week. I weigh myself other times during the week of course, but Wednesday are the only days my weight "really" counts.

Ok, so today's weight is……


240.4!!!!

That's another 2.8 pounds lost! 

Bringing the my total weight loss to 23.6 pounds!!

I'm super excited. Although, I was really hoping to see 23something on the scale today, I can't say I'm disappointed. I'm really just proud of myself for sticking to it this long. Truly thinking back I usually don't stay on diets more than 3 to 4 weeks. Then its just back to my old habits. This time though I'm over 5 weeks in and still no sign of wanting to give up. 

I'm finally starting to see changes. I mentioned in my last post how I recently went shopping and actually had a good time trying things on! And today, another small victory. I have a shirt I bought (without even trying it on) sometime around last October, with the intention of wearing it to Thanksgiving dinner. Well, I did end up wearing it. 

But I was miserable.

It was incredibly tight. I could barely sit in it. Standing wasn't as horrible as sitting, but as soon as I sat down at the dinner table with my in laws, I knew I wouldn't be enjoying dinner! I really felt like it was going to burst out of it!!

So, today as I was getting ready for work, I decided to try it on, just to see how it fit. Well, not only did it fit perfectly fine, it was also a little loose! I really couldn't believe it! It's a beautiful blouse that I only wore once because it was so uncomfortable, and now I know I can wear it whenever I want!

I really am just over the moon excited. I know the weight loss so far isn't incredible or super dramatic. But I'm changing my life little by little and I feel like I finally figured out a way to win my life long battle with fat!

Mealtime Monday #1

I've been thinking of a few things to write on here on a regular basis. So, I'm going to start making "Mealtime Monday" posts every other Monday, and alternate them with "Motivational Mondays." And, yes, obviously I like my words to match the day of the week. lol

Ok, so "Mealtime Mondays" will be me sharing recipes or my favorite foods for the past 2 weeks. Every other Monday will be "Motivational Monday" where I will share a bit of what is keeping me motivated.

Alright, so for this first "Mealtime Monday" post I want to share my favorite food. Now, I must say this has always been my favorite thing. Pre-life style change, now, and I'm sure for the rest of my life. 

Wanna know what it is?

Avocado!!

I'm pretty sure it's the one thing I could never give up.

So, one of my favorite things to eat is an avocado taco. I would grab a few flour tortillas, slice up some avocado, sprinkle some salt, and good to go!! 

Absolutely deeeelicious. Just thinking about it is making me hungry!!!

Now, I looked it up and the flour tortillas I would usually buy were 120 calories each. In one sitting I would usually have 4 of them. Top that off with some avocado and we are somewhere in the range of 640 calories!!! I would typically eat this with a side of chips and salsa… honestly, I don't even want to add up the total on that. Now, I've cut out flour tortillas, as much as I love them, I know if I had them around the house I wouldn't just eat one. Now my other favorite way to eat avocado was an avocado sandwich. That would be 2 slices of white bread, probably 1-2 tbs of mayo, avocado, and a sprinkle of salt. Adding up the calories on that is over 500 calories! Now, I didn't want to give up my avocado sandwiches, so now I'm just making them with "smarter" ingredients. Here are my new ingredients

Nature's Own bread - 40 calories per slice

Kraft Olive Oil Mayo - 35 calories per Tablespoon (the website says 45 calories but the bottle in my fridge says 35. I just double checked! lol BTW, you can get a free sample on their website.)

And of course.

Avocado!

Now, 1/4 a large avocado is about 50 grams, which equals out to about 80 calories. What I've been doing is slightly toasting one slice of bread. Once it pops out of the toaster I slice it in half. This won't work on very thin bread very well, but works perfectly fine on the bread I linked above. Once I slice it I basically have 2 very thing slices of bread. Then I put one table spoon of that olive oil mayo and my avocado. My new calorie total????

155 calories!!!!

Less than a third of the original! Now, I'll be honest, most times I make myself 2. However, thats still only 310 calories. Far less than just one sandwich, considering how I used to make them. And of course, even less than when I would make flour tortilla tacos. 

This makes me feel like I can still eat what I like, but don't have to use up half of my daily calories. I've eaten this a few times in the past couple of weeks and it is delicious!! I know "Avocado sandwiches" are probably not for everyone. In fact, it may not even sound good to a lot of people, but I hope this helps show how you don't have to give up all of the things you love. 

You just have to find a different way of making them!

Shopping!

I'm 20 pounds down, or so.

It difficult though, I don't really notice the weight loss on myself very much.

Co-workers have noticed, they have told me they can see a difference. Of course, my husband also says he can see a difference. 

The only thing I've noticed is that some of my tops fit a bit looser. But when I look in the mirror, I really don't notice the weight loss.

Well, today was different!!

Within the next month or so, I have several family events that I'll be attending. Graduations, anniversaries, and a wedding shower. I knew I needed (actually I should say wanted, but ya know! lol) some new outfits. I wanted to buy a couple of dresses.

Let's rewind again shall we….

Shopping has always been a pain. Several years ago, many many years, I don't really remember how long ago. I think I was in high school, maybe even middle school. I was out shopping, looking for a dress. I'm not sure what store I was at, I'm not sure what the occasion was going to be. I really don't remember much, except for one thing. One thing that has been stuck in my mind all this time. 

As I was out shopping, I spotted a dress I really wanted. I found the largest size and walked into the dressing room. I squeezed myself into it.

And then I was stuck. Literally stuck in the dress. No matter how hard I tried I could not get out of it. I finally called out to my sister, who of course helped me out of it. We laughed about it together. It really didn't bother me at the time. I mean getting stuck in a dress is actually pretty funny. So that's all I saw it as, something stupid and funny. However, now many years later, I can't try on a dress without thinking I might end up stuck in it!

Ok, ok. Back to the present.

Today I went into Forever 21 to do some dress shopping. I picked out a few 3x sized dresses (and a couple other things) and waltzed into the dressing room. I actually had a good time!!! All the dresses fit, and most importantly I didn't get stuck in any of them. One of the dresses was even too big! I can't remember the last time that happened! 

I've never really loved shopping. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy it, but it's just never been high on my favorite's list. I typically do most of my shopping online. I prefer trying things on in my own home, and just return things I didn't really like, or couldn't manage to squeeze into. Today was so different. It was actually a fun experience. Now I can't wait to go shopping again!!! I already told my husband he may have to give up some closet space!

So now I see it.

I have lost weight. 

Little by little, I am making progress!!! 

Weigh In Wednesday #3

First of all, I can't believe another week has flown by!!

As time has passed by, I must say the thought of pizza is starting to leave my brain (though not completely, of course).

Alright, but today was the weigh in.

So….

243.2!!!!

Almost 3 pounds down from last week.

It's small progress, but I am truly elated. I can't even remember the last time I was at this weight. I am so close to seeing 23-something. I just can't wait to have see that 3 between two numbers!!! 

Last week it really bothered me that I had only lost one pound. Then I looked at my weight loss goals, and it really put things back into perspective. Even though my weight loss is slow, seeing that I have already exceeded my end of April goal really brightened me back up. 

I'm just so excited. And best of all...

I feel proud of myself!!!!

First Walk!

Of course I've walked before, but today was my first official "workout" walk. I downloaded an app on my phone called "MapMyWalk." It lets you make a map of your exercise route, tells you your time, pace, calories burned, and other details as well. 

It's great! 

My husband and I walked a little over a mile in about 30 minutes, most of which was up hill! Now, I know that's really slow, but were just starting out. By the way, my husband is also on a "diet" and has also lost about 20 pounds!

Anyway, our typical walks are usually very short and are just enough to let our little dog go do her business. I know if I want to be a "runner" I have to start somewhere! I made a schedule of different workouts I will be trying to do everyday. Changing between walking, cardio, and toning. I'm making myself do some kind of exercise every day of the week except Saturdays (thats my "lazy me day"). 

Now, these exercise things are new to me, so just with my diet, I'm starting slow and easing into the process. I'll post a detailed schedule once I actually stick to it for a few weeks.

:)

Weight Loss Goals

So, I wanted to share a bit more about my weight loss goals. I made (what I think to be) a very reasonable list of my goals. I really just want to be under 200 by the end of the year. Of course I plan to lose more after that, but for now, meeting this goal is what I'm focusing on. To get there, I would have to lose 6.5 pounds per month. Considering most say that a "healthy" weight loss rate is 1-2 pounds per week, I figured this plan would be just about right. When I made this list I weighed 259.2. Anyway, here is the breakdown of my goals:

End of March goal - 253.5

End of April goal - 247.0

End of May goal - 240.5

End of June goal - 234.0

End of July goal - 227.5

End of August goal - 221.0

End of September goal - 214.5

End of October goal - 208.0

End of November goal - 201.5

End of December goal - 195!!!

I'm already a bit ahead, which I am so incredibly excited about!!! Technically, I've already achieved my end of April goal and its only April 5th! I know that I probably won't be ahead of my goals throughout this whole process. I'm aware that weight drops off a lot faster towards the beginning of the diet. However, I will keep trying to meet or surpass my goals every month! I made a weight loss goals page at the end of my Erin Condren life planner to have a visual and bright reminder and I love the way it looks. (photo below) It's a great reminder as well as a motivator. I can't wait for the end of every month so I can fill in my weight loss!! 

By the way, when I purchased my life planner I was able to get $10 off by signing up on their website. I'm pretty sure they still have the same promotion for first time buyers!!

Good luck to everyone on a similar journey!! If you'd like to follow me on
myfitnesspal my username is CountdownToPrincess 

We can encourage each other along the way!!!