5 lbs down, a million to go!

Okay, so daily blogging is not gonna happen.  I'm too busy for that with the new job and studying for state boards and looking for an apartment to live in. 

I've officially lost 5 lbs!  Yay!  That's pretty good for one week.  I wasn't expecting it.  I didn't make it to the gym this week though.  Fail!  I've been so exhausted because my job is very physical.  I've been working in Orthopedics this week and we have to wear lead vests and skirts to protect vital organs, but those bad boys are HEAVY!  I've been carrying around an extra 20-40 lbs with those things and that will wear you out.  Only if I could lose 20-40 lbs quickly, then it won't be as hard to carry that extra weight around.  I hate being overweight! 

Anyway, I'm still lighter than I was a week ago and that makes me happy!  : )
My goal this week is to make it to the gym after work at LEAST twice.  Keep me accountable, people!  Anybody?  Does anyone read this?

Oh well...Good night.

Dang, I'm tired!

Hello ~ It's been a couple days since I've posted.  Sorry about that.  My new job is wearing me out.  I hope it doesn't take long to get used to full time 8+ hour days on my feet.  Anyway, I'm still eating healthy!!  That's a bonus!  But I've been so exhausted at night (and my feet have been hurting so badly) that I haven't exercised.  I guarantee I'm getting a work out in the OR.  Orthopedic trauma rooms are busy busy!  Can't talk long today.  I've got state boards to study for.  I'll post my weekly weight loss on Sunday!  (So far it's a great number!)

Hugs!

Happy Monday, lil puffkins.  While I'm not typically an advocate for Mondays, this one is good (mostly because I got to sleep in and don't have to work).  BUT, tomorrow is my first day as a nurse in Surgery.  I'm ultra excited!  First and foremost because I'm broke and desperately need a paycheck.  Secondly, this means I can move out of my parents house soon!  [Yes, I still live with my parents.  Mock me if you will, but I went through college without racking up insane debt.  In your face!]

Yesterday after signing off I rode my bike for 45 minutes.  Today, I'm walking like an 80 year old cripple (no offense to 80 year old cripples).  I drank a protein shake afterward, which usually helps reduce the pain, but I'm still sore.  No pain, no gain, right?  Right (she said sarcastically).

I really need to go to the grocery today.  Let me rant about this a while.  There is an obesity epidemic in our nation, right?  The government is implementing ways to combat this problem in children and Americans in general, yet for a person to afford a healthy lifestyle they have to take out a second mortgage.  Seriously, when I go to the grocery to pick up healthy options.  I leave with 2 bags and spent $100.  Something is wrong with this picture.  I think I'll learn how to grow my own veggies.  First I'll need my own yard, which I can't afford.

Okay, I'm done venting for now.

I have decided to post my weight loss on here weekly.  Daily weight posts are unnecessary and don't look as productive.

Today's exercise plan:  Pilates (great for your core and your back) and/or Yoga.

Today's meal plan: 
Breakfast - Frosted Mini Wheats with LF milk
Lunch - Mixed greens salad with vinaigrette dressing and half a turkey sandwich
Dinner - Undecided.  I'm thinking chicken, veggies, and rice.  We will see what's in the cupboard.

If you're reading this, I have nicknamed you my little puffkin because you are my follower, not because you are puffy.  [However, if you are also puffy you can join me in this journey!]

Peace out!

Day 1: Let the HealthFest begin!

Hello my little puffkins!  Today is my official first day of tracking calories and implementing an exercise routine into my schedule.  I had planned on starting yesterday until I realized my niece's 7th birthday party was being held in my home.  I figured I could put it off for a day, but no more procrastination!!

For those of you wondering how I'm counting calories, I'm using FitDay.com.  It is a free food and fitness journal in which you can track calorie intake and calories burned.  You can set a weight goal and track your progress, etc.  Check it out!  I also own an exercise bike and have a gym membership.  Some people can lose weight just by changing their diet.  I am not one of those people.  I have to work out hard core in order to lose weight.  I love to exercise though!  It's an amazing stress reliever.  Endorphins (which are released during exercise) are like heroin to me.  

I've set a goal to lose 30 lbs by April 2, 2011.  That is about 13 weeks away.  I need to average a weekly loss of 2.5 lbs to reach this goal.  One lb = 3500 calories, so I need to cut 8,750 calories a week (1,250 a day).

In the past I did Weight Watchers (which I highly recommend for those who have the extra cash) and lost 104 lbs total.  I KNOW I can do this.  The problem is after eating healthy and losing all that weight and then going back to eating junk and being sedentary (thanks to nursing school), it's really hard to get back in the swing of things.  I need miracle motivation.

Bottom line:  I'm going to take it ONE DAY AT A TIME.  That was my mantra during Nursing school, so I'm carrying it over into my weight loss journey.  Forgive me if I get cranky (this has happened in the past).  Sometimes eating raw carrots while my family eats potato chips is frustrating, so I'm going to vent here.

I'm also a spiritual person, so I'm going to share that part of my life as well.  Some encouragement from scripture:

Philippians 4:13 ~ I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
    I've read and quoted this scripture so many times that it's almost cliche.  So to give it a somewhat original twist:  I can lose weight, live a healthy lifestyle, and be an inspiration because Jesus Christ empowers me to do it!

Isaiah 61:1-3 ~ Because the LORD has anointed Jesus...to give them BEAUTY FOR ASHES, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness...
    Beauty for ashes ~ I love this phrase.  It inspires hope.  My life can be a heap of ash after being burned to the ground (because of my foolishness), but God anointed His Son to transform those ashes into something beautiful.  It reminds me of the picture of the flower growing in the middle of a landfill (which I unfortunately can't find to post).  Beauty springing up in the midst of decay.  That's what this year has to offer - beauty for ashes. 

Okay, now I'm gonna go exercise!  Move with me, puffkins!