Satisfied, Yet??

Satisfied, Yet??

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     I'm contemplating that feeling of being satisfied after a meal vs. being nourished.  I see these people nibbling on dried fruit, nuts and veggies and think, "how can they feel satisfied?" Satisfaction has never included nibbling for me... a nice big meal, followed by a yummy dessert and good company is satisfying - not a handful of nuts.  I don't think I'm alone in this thought process.  If I was, restaurants with giant portions would cease to exist, right?

     We're going deep with this one, Chicks & Chucks .... So, get ready ...

     When does eating food stop needing to be for "satisfaction" and become, instead, to nourish the body?  The purpose of food, technically speaking, is to nourish our bodies.  And yet, it becomes so much more for people like us.  It's comforting, a silent show of rebellion, has the tender touch of a lover, the sharp sting of a scorpion, shame of a Scarlet Letter ("The Scarlet Letter" by Nathaniel Hawthorne, 1850) and the sinking pull under your covers as you fall into despair over its side effects.  

     To those that understand that last paragraph, I'm talking to you gently, with love and understanding.  There is no judgment in these words, my heart or my thoughts.  I can talk to you like this because, my friends, I have been there.  The thought of nibbling makes me turn into Cindy Crawford ...

Photo Credit: Superskinnyme.com

     ... yyyyeah ... just in this photo .... but you get my drift, right?  Over the past fourteen months of this journey, my mind has slowly started to shift.  My new reality is NOT just about food but also about myself as a person.  I wanted change - I wasn't happy.  I had to want it - for it to be my personal fight and not anything anyone else pushed on me.  Consequently, I've analyzed myself to my core (Uh, can you tell?).  And, I have come to me also with with love and understanding.  Most of the time, that is.

     Slowly, my mind has begun to shift from seeing food as a crutch, friend, lover, scorpion or pulled covers.  It's a slow process to reprogram this thick head of mine.  But, a little at a time, I've started changing my viewpoint on food.

     Chicks & Chucks, food is .... food.  

     And, that's it.  

     I say this gently to you.  Food is nourishment.  It is your MIND and HEART that changes it into something more.  It's a choice.  If you can start to view food as nourishment, everything will start to fall in place one meal at a time.

Photo Credit: 14eternal.blogspot.com

     Look at that donut .... what good is it anyway?  Is it wasted calories that could be spent on something better for you?  One change at a time, one small different choice at a time and you will begin to notice.  And each time you face such a decision, and consider if you need it and make the wise decision, food begins to shift into nutrition.

     I actually do snack on dried fruit, yogurt covered nuts and raw almonds now.  I nibble.  It will never be a meal for me, but it's a good, small snack I can eat and then have a good meal later.  I don't know the last candy bar I ate - and that used to be big.  These are the beginnings of my changes but they are deeper than a piece of chocolate.

     

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    Does the thought of changing your habits in this way make you feeling like Ol' Charlie up there facing a meal that is less than satisfying? Am I saying never eat something for the pleasure of its taste again?

     OH HELLLLLL NO.

Photo Credit: bellmorgen.wordpress.com

     Put a mouthful of Jamocha Almond Fudge in my mouth and watch me find a happy place!  It will happen and that's ok.  The thing is, it shouldn't be your NORM but should be your EXCEPTION.  If your reality is in the right place, an occasional exception is NO BIG DEAL.  And, if you fall and feel like you have failed? Just remember, it's a drop in the bucket and keep going.

     For the emotional side, you need a release there.  That need doesn't go away.  I would suggest deciding something in its place that is comforting, feels good, is just a little rebellious, without any negative side effects.  And, if you can find a solution that's orgasmic, well then, hats off to you!  Some good outlets may be a call to a good friend, shopping, exercise, journaling, a good cry, getting a massage, getting your nails done and of course, SEX.  You'll need to figure out what works for you.

     For me, I journal, cry and get busy with projects and exercise.  I am also blessed to have a strong support system of family and friends.  I hope you do too.  I hope you are all doing well!  Don't forget that you can email me at 1fatchick2another@gmail.com.  

     Until next time!!

Houston ... Prepare for Lift-Off!

Houston ... Prepare for Lift Off!

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     We've talked about dents ... now, let's talk about lift-off.  I mean, I wouldn't want to leave you hanging ....

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     Isn't it a drag when you can't see your feet? I mean, if you can't SEE your feet, are they REALLY there? Joking aside, anyone who qualifies for this blog probably has that ONE body part and that ONE thing about them that feels ... shameful.  Right?  Like you think people are looking at IT instead of YOU and thinking, "Oh dear GAWD, how in the world does THAT even get like THAT??"

     For me, that body part is my stomach.  I can suck it in, camouflage my clothes, stand in the (almost) right pose in a picture all to make it ... less shameful.  I've worn girdles, bands to make it sweat (hoping I would sweat it away) and done countless sit ups (ok, mayyyybe not "countless" but who's counting?).

     It's "The HANG," right?  That oh-so attractive fold of blubber that blocks our vision, distorts our side view of our body, rolls down our panties and bulges at the top of our pants.  Push out a couple of kids and the HANG now gets the added sexiness of stretch marks.  Good gawd, can't win for trying, it seems.

     We talked about DENTS once, remember?  Noticing those small improvements that seem to appear from no where but are actually because of YOUR hard work.  Well, it's time for lift-off...

     I have two scars above my coochie coo hairline that were hidden by the HANG when I was married.  One is a good 10" long and I was very self-conscious of it.  I once sheepishly asked my husband if they bothered him.  He .... ummmm .... stopped what he was doing, looked up and without missing a beat, said, "What scars?"  I thought it was funny until it dawned on me he had probably never seen them because of the HANG.

     That HANG seems insurmountable, doesn't it?  Like how in the world could THAT ever be FLAT again? Or if not FLAT, then at least not HANGING?  Can I have an AMEN?!

     Well, I'm here to tell you that just this week, I noticed that I no longer have the HANG.  I don't know when that crept up on me, but somewhere along the line, it did.  I've lost 19" off my stomach over the past 14 months and lo & behold, the HANG is gone.  I can see my feet and even those two beautiful scars that were hidden for so long.  I can see how my stomach is getting smaller and if I tilt my head just so and squint my eyes, can actually start to visualize it being FLAT after so many years. It's not FLAT yet, but there's been definite improvement.

     I am ecstatically checking out my belly, my side view and trying on clothes that have hung in my closet forever gathering dust.  You know the ones ... "just in case" .... Well, here I am.  I am NOT bragging but trying to give you all some hope.  Believe me, if I can start to see lift-off, so can YOU.  Keep going, my beautiful Fat Chicks & Chucks.  It IS possible to change that body part - improve it - re-sculpt it and kick the HANG out the door.

     This is where measuring really helps, by the way.  Keep track of your progress.  It's daunting at first but is exciting to see those numbers go down over time.  

     Until next time!

One Year, Baby!

One Year, Baby!

     This is my one year post.  Yeah, I'm a little late, but by now, you have all probably come to understand that I'm not on time very often.  But, here we go, Folks.  Back in December, 2012, I weighed 232 lbs, my blood pressure was 190/140 and I was having migraines and nose bleeds.  My schedule was crazy - literally 5:30 am - midnight pretty much every day.  When I wasn't working, I found something to work on.  I felt heavy physically, emotionally and spiritually.  I felt ugly and like a football player next to thinner women.  I ate waaaay too much, easily 2500 - 3500 calories a day.  Spaghetti was my weakness and I ate it at least once a week.

     I had been on diets before, of course.  Those high protein diets make me sick.  Invariably, I get stomach pains and for some crazy reason, my period will start up out of the blue.  THAT can't be normal and goodness knows, I only want THAT once a month - not TWICE!  Eating salads just made me want a cheeseburger.  Who gets full on a salad?  Diet drinks, fat pills, binging/purging, massive working out were all things I tried.  But, in December, 2012, I decided to take control.

     Now-a-days, I am eating 1500 - 1800 calories per day.  I've lost 21 lbs in the pictures below, but honestly, I've lost a couple more since these pix were taken just a few days ago.  I drink about 6 glasses of water per day and if I drink soda, it's diet and I generally, can't finish one.  I eat spaghetti about once a month now and ironically, have found that if I over-eat on it, I get sick and have to throw up.  So, my body is forcing me to keep control of that vice.  I've always struggled with dinner - and eating too much at dinner.  I'm doing better with that weakness.  I've concentrated on trying to make my meals more even as far as calories go.  I don't always succeed, but I try.  I used to eat a lot of fast food.  I've definitely reduced that and try to make better choices I can deal with when I find myself at a Mac, Jack or Carl's. I am on blood pressure medication and it's normal - no more migraines or nose bleeds.

     From October - December, I kind of fell off the wagon and gained back 8 lbs.  Man, was that tough.  I almost gave up and felt like a failure.  But, something about the New Year kicked me back into gear.  I've lost 6 of those 8 lbs and moving forward.

     When I took the original pictures below (that's the ones on the left), it was a spur of the moment - here, take these pictures kind of thing.  I'm really glad I did.  I haven't looked at them really, all year until I took the next set (those on the right).  I look at them now and see a tired, bloated woman who looks older than the woman next to her.  I feel like my face just looked like I was dragging where now, I look much more perky.  Not my boobs, but at least at 42, my personality can be perky. LOL sorry, I digress .... I did have to buy different shorts and tank top but I tried to make them consistent with the originals.  Here's my progress at 21 lbs down...

Starting Weight: 232lbs

Current Weight: 211 lbs

Starting Size: 20/22

Current Size: 16

Neck: -0.75"
Bicep: -1.25"
Chest: -3.5"
Upper Stomach: -3.25"
Waist: -5.5"
Belly Button: - 3.5"
Lower Stomach: -3.0"
Hips: -3.25"
Thigh: -2.25"
Calf: -0.5"
Total: -26.75"

Front View

Side View

Back View - My Favorite

Turtle Neck View

(original is on the right in this one, and the newest is on the left)

Side note: I took the pic on the right thinking I looked pretty hot until I saw the picture and went, OMG, THAT's what my chin/neck looks like?  Really bothered me so part of this journey of mine is to restore my neck and chin as two separate beings instead of one long, turkey neck.

     So, how are you, doing, my friends?  Are you inching forward?  I am proof that small changes in "your reality" can make big differences.  It's not a get thin quick scheme.  I can't promise you will be in a bikini by summer, but I can promise you that you'll feel better about yourself if you keep going.  Take measurements and record them - take photos and be accountable to yourself.  Find the nutrition path you can live with, that allows you to feel and look the way you want.  I have more to go ... really want to be down another 19 lbs by the end of the year. Today, I weighed in at 209.6.  10 more pounds and I'm under 200 for the first time in years.  That's my next goal.  I want to encourage you all to keep your goals and to never, EVER give up. Until next time, my fellow Fat Chicks .... love ya!

Come to Jesus Blog

Photo Credit: http://www.zazzle.com/lets_have_a_come_to_jesus_meeting_shirt-235505740032811807

You know, I really did mean to write.

You have all been on my mind the past couple of months but did I stay in touch?

Noooo.

I really did mean to stay on track but if it ain't one thing ... it's fifty!

In the past three months, I've:

• Started dating a guy
• Realized he was crazy
• Stopped dating the guy
• Had Halloween candy
• Had Thanksgiving dinner
• Had Christmas dinner
• Had an amazing trip to San Diego full of good food

Good Lord ... Yes, I meant to stay on track, but I fell off it somewhere around the time I dropped, "Crazy." I went from 208 (wow was I proud the day THAT was on the scale!) back up to 217 (yyyyeah ... not so proud that day).

Yeah, I had good intentions but let's face it, good intentions just aren't enough.  So, this is my "Come to Jesus" blog, my "I'm sorry I'll never do it again" - Oh, who am I kidding?  My "I'll try harder blog" - My "quit my excuses" blog.  In short ....

Well, I did survive the holidays and I'm back on track.  My Fitness Pal accepted my heart felt apology and we are friends again.  I'm back to logging and am happy to say I'm logging pretty much every day now and going strong.

I'm back to doing my bathroom exercises too.  At my new job, I have to walk down a long corridor to get to the bathroom.  I timed it one way and it's 30 seconds.  So round trip is a minute.  I'm keeping track of those walks, walking a little faster and twisting my upper body (to work my obliques) 25x (each side) by the time I reach the bathroom.  Yyyyyeah ... I only do the twists when no one else is around.

Also, I'm taking the stairs 2-3x a day.  72 stairs - 4 flights - not bad.  It's a minute up and a minute down.  I'm keeping track of this too and logging it.  It's hard on my knees though - they sound like gravel shaking up in a can.  So, I've also started taking Glucosimine to help them out.  Haven't seen an improvement yet but I hear it takes awhile.

I'm also trying to do two work outs a week.  I have been going to the gym and walking my dog (who has FINALLY learned how to walk on a leash without dragging me!)

I've been trying to make better food choices as well.  I have reduced my caloric goal to 1560 on My Fitness Pal.  I'm shooting for 1560 - 1800 now.  Just a few weeks ago, I was back to 2000 - 2200 per day.  It just took some adjustments to reign myself back in.  It's hard to believe in December 2012, I was eating 2500 - 3500 calories a day.

All these good intentions are hard for me to forgive but I have pulled up my boot straps and heading back in to battle!  What about you?

Photo Credit: http://brunswickplantationliving.com/new-years-resolutions-promises-bev-filer/

Constant Cravings

Constant Cravings

Photo Credit: undergroundwellness.com

"Even through the darkest phase,

Be it thick or thin,

Always someone marches brave,

Here beneath my skin,

And constant craving,

Has always been." 

- K.D. Lang

(Listen to K.D. Lang's beautiful voice singing Constant Craving here:)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oXqPjx94YMg

Cravings

by Beth Weston

I'm going along, doing GREAT

When suddenly I'm reminded of something I ate.

Might have been last year, last month or last night

And, I find my mouth salivating for just another bite.

Be it spaghetti, ice cream, chocolate or fries

It pulls me in with another set of lies..

You're sure to work it off when next you work out

(though you never go, so what's that all about?)

It's just one candy bar, or second plate of food

Eat quickly and no one would possibly know but you

Ahh, the taste - so sweet, so salty, so NOW

Go ahead and pinch an inch, you weak little cow ...

Oh these lies I tell myself when I want to be bad

Then, I wind up frustrated, bloated and mad

What to do? What to do?  When I want what I want?

And every aisle in the store seems to sparkle and taunt?

Of course there's that one week every girl dreads

Chips n Chocolate, Chips n Chocolate is all in her head

So what, my friend, can you possibly do?

To avoid the temptation and and focus on you?

It's OKAY to indulge and even salivate

I would never be one to say it's not a normal state!

It's how much, and of what, that will definitely tell

If you just had a small indulgence or totally fell

Take a few fries off your kids plate - but oh, just a few

Maybe a small ice cream once in awhile will do

Don't forget this is war, so don't fall in the pit

Controlling this small thing is no easy shit.

Be proud when you win

Be forgiving when you "sin"

Get up the next day, stretch and skip the scale

Just one day, so you don't feel you failed

Push yourself forward, keep moving ahead

Indulge rarely, and mostly make healthy choices instead!

Pretty soon, you'll see that your tastes aren't the same

The indulgences are fewer and might even seem lame

Because you change your normal from fattening to free

It won't be long until your salivating for what you might BE

You can do this, my friend,

You can win this war!

So get up once again

And flip off that store.

Challenge of the Day:

Cravings happen - just learn how to control them so they don't control you.  I challenge you to control them one craving at a time.  You get double points if you control them when you're PMSing!

Give Me My Stripper Pole, Please ...

Stripper Pole, Please...

Photo Credit: www.flickr.com

Now, I might not be as flexible as Barbie, or look that good in sequins ....

I certainly don't have a pout that seductive ...

and Ken has never, ever tried to hand me a dollar bill .... 

And, if you have gotten to know me well enough through my blogs, you would know that not only would I never attempt to fling my body at a stripper pole (let alone, subject some poor man to watching it) but the fact is, I'd probably wind up being one of those girls in the videos where the pole falls down and I land on my !@#$%^!

So, why then, is the theme of this blog about stripping, you ask?

Well, today it happened.

That "it" I've been waiting for to happen since December 7, 2012.  

I found myself repeatedly pulling up my pants.

Then, I found myself absent-mindedly playing with the thigh on the pants because there was plenty to tug.

And, it hit me ... these pants are too damn big.

I went to the bathroom and checked things out.  These pants used to leave a mark at the waist when I would wear them.  I checked the waist band and guess what?  It pulled out several inches.  And, I found myself measuring the pant legs - wow, at least 4-5" of give in the pant leg.  As they rested on my hips and I pulled them up one more time, I looked at myself in the mirror and thought, 

"YOU GO GIRL."

I hadn't really seen the difference though my measurements were telling me I should be seeing something going on.  And, someone told me this week they had lost 50 lbs in 6 months and I got discouraged that I've only lost 15 since December.  But, just like the dents I wrote about before, this was another motivator.  Keep going and maybe, juuuuust maybe I'll buy that stripper pole someday.

Yeah, probably not.  But, that's ok.

As for feeling discouraged about that other person's weight loss (jealous much?), I have to remember that he is on his own journey while mine is completely different.  Where he could drop his weight down that fast, I have learned that quick weight loss doesn't work for me. Why?  Because I wind up losing my motivation and gaining it back. This is not a diet, this is a journey.  My journey.  Little by little as I inch my way along to smaller pants, form-fitting sexy dresses (instead of tents) and cute bathingsuits, I need to remember what I am doing.  I am changing my normal.  

I'm so glad you are here with me.  I'm so happy to share this journey with you all and hope your journey is going well.  Until next time, you wonderful, beautiful, fellow Fat Chicks ....

Challenge of the Day:

Keep your chin up, keep on your journey and watch out for your opportunity to invest in your own stripper pole! Just kidddding!

0

Granny Panties

Granny Panties

Photo Credit: www.facebook.com

"I'm on the internet ... wearing a diaper?

I'm gonna binge drink now until I pass out." 

 Miri from Zack and Miri make a Porno

There's something to be said about Granny Panties.  They're comfy, cover your butt and are made of cotton so they breathe.  They don't roll down over your belly and wind up at your hips.  You feel like they even offer just a tad bit of tummy control.  And, when it gets down to it and you walk over a man hole and the gust of wind blows up your white dress, all the goods are covered.

Ladies, ladies, ladies ... in case no one has clued you in, Granny Panties are about as sexy as a block of cheese.  Sure, they serve a purpose but you wouldn't put a block of cheese out on a dish and expect people to oooo and ahhh to get a nibble, would you? Be honest ... when was the last time you put on a pair of Granny Panties and twisted in the mirror to admire how they looked?  Probably never.

Photo Credit: efashionhelp.com

Whether you are small, medium, large, extra large or fluffy, you deserve to feel beautiful.  You deserve to wear pretty things that make you feel feminine.  Soft fabrics, lace, flowers, hearts and maybe even a little dangle. Don't get me wrong, I'm not talking G-strings, Thongs or anything else itty-bitty that would cut into you.  I want you to be comfortable, yet remember that even large, you are still a woman and women love to feel beautiful.  I like what the model in the picture above is wearing.  She's not a stick, yet is wearing something pretty.  She's still covered, yet feminine and sexy. Having hair like that certainly doesn't hurt!

Putting on Granny Panties is like putting on an apron.  It serves a purpose, can get dirty and can be washed with bleach.  But, sliding on something soft against your skin immediately gives you the feeling of being feminine.  And, no one needs to know (unless you want them to know), but this feeling is just for you. 

Why is that important?  Because taking care of yourself, doing nice things for yourself and allowing yourself to feel beautiful is one step towards self confidence.  Once your self confidence grows, your desire to keep changing your body will grow as well. Pretty soon, you'll notice someone noticing you with a sparkle in their eye.  It all starts within yourself.  It's personal, right?  Start somewhere, my friend.  Start small and let it grow.

Challenge of the Day:

Go buy yourself some pretty panties and bras today.  You don't have to tell anyone but allow that soft feeling of femininity to come over you.  Allow yourself to feel beautiful.  Until next time!

Work Out Buddies

Work Out Buddies

Photo Credit: acam.typepad.com

You see them coming from a mile away ... clad in sexy work out attire, looking fly, daring you NOT to check out that cleavage.  They've got swagger, and strut their stuff like beauty queens.  You half expect one to pull a stripper pole out of her bag.

Yeah right.  

I don't know about you but those socks would irritate the hell outta me, that chain would find a fold to fall into, my boob would flop out mid-stride and that gold uni-tard would have sweat stains in the most unattractive places ... When I work out, I tend to be in an over-sized shirt and shorts and well, that's just fine enough for me.

But, these girls have an important thing to teach you.  Yes, they do. Yeah, I'm serious.

They kinda match each other in flamboyance and confidence/arrogance.  And, that's what we are talking about today ... finding a good work out buddy that matches YOU.

It's so hard to find that person, isn't it?  To be honest, my most consistent work out buddy is my dog.  She is always ready to go and motivates me (read: pulls my arm out of its socket) to keep going when we go for a walk.  Most of the work out buddies I've had fall by the wayside sooner or later.  They are either too busy, too tangled up in drama or not dedicated to hitting the gym as you are.  It's irritating.  Kinda like those socks, isn't it?  Just rubs you the wrong way.

So, here's my recommendation ... find yourself a good friend hopefully that is as motivated as you are.  Don't go work out with a Barbie doll because you won't feel motivated but will feel self-conscious next to her like she brought along her favorite football player to hold her pom-pom's.  Know what I mean?  So, someone that matches you but wants it as badly as you do. This person should motivate you, encourage you and cheer you on - just like you should do for her.

Next, pick a time that is realistic and that you both can commit to showing up.  If you are a trained tri-athlete, you MIGHT be willing to hit the gym at 4am "to beat the rush."  But, for most of us, dragging our butts out of bed at 0 dark 30 is just that ... a drag.  Right after school gets out is another bad time - why?  Well, Mom will probably have to run errands, take the kids to soccer practice or do homework so not a good time.  For  me, the best time is after dinner.  The day is done, kids are fed, homework's completed (I hope), my errands are run and after I'm done, I can shower and hit the sheets.  I like it too because I feel like I've burned off some of the calories I've put on during the day and I can feel it the next morning.

Hopefully, you find someone who's in it for the long haul and not just for 30 days.  That is so irritating!  Maybe you can't go every day, but try and at least commit to 2 - 3 times a week together.  You will see a difference!!

Challenge of the Day!

Match yourself up with a good work out buddy!  Then, motivate each other, encourage one another, laugh during your work out and have fun.  You will find that working out is not a bore or a drain, but something you look forward to!  Until next time, you lovely Fat Chicks ...

!@#$% Thigh Gap!

Photo Credit: Totallyloveit.com

Have you heard about this?

Not only do we have to worry about having a flat stomach, perky boobs, full butt, toned legs and arms, but NOW we have to worry about whether we have Thigh Gap.

WTH??

If it wasn't enough that I have to worry about all these other things, I now need to worry about whether I have a GAP where my thighs meet up with my coochie-coochie-coo?

Good Lord.  

When I lived in California, I would see women stand like this all time:

Photo Credit: agefotostock.com

I saw that a lot.  And, not just on celebrities but on co-workers, or teen age girls waiting to get into a restaurant.  Man, I can't even stand right.  How the hell are they going to have their thigh gap standing like this?!

This will be the demise of society, and we all know it.  I hereby make the decree that with all the suffering in the world, starvation, bombings, natural disasters, governmental disasters, terrorists, child abuse, and mental illness,  you better damn well stand right and have a friggen gap up by your coochie-coochie-coo if you are going to fit in with society.

Damn, how do I even add taking the measurement of that area to my list of measurements every month?  My measuring tape? I couldn't stand with legs crossed to do that.  A ruler?  What if my gap is wider than a ruler? What if my ruler disappears?

Who am I kidding?

Do I need to just say it?

What IDIOT got it in their heads that women/girls should stand like this and mandate we have a gap up .... well up there?  How many teen age girls are going to become anorexic because their gap isn't wide enough?  What happened to women being soft creatures and curvy?  I doubt Marilyn Monroe had a friggen thigh gap and yet, isn't she the epitome of feminine sexiness?

Ignore this, fellow Fat Chicks.  Don't you DARE allow yourself to look at your crotch and think, "if only I had a thigh gap."  And, I better not see you standing on the corner with your legs crossed ridiculously like that.  Hell, if it was me, I'd fall over.  I'm more concerned that I don't rub my thighs raw rather than if I have a gap there.  (As for the rubbing raw, wear a pair of work out shorts under your pants and you won't rub raw).  

We are better than this superficiality, Ladies.  Goodness, even if I could pull off a thigh gap and cross my legs like I have to pee all the time, where in the world would I ever wear such a cute short dress and stylish shoes?  I don't think that look works at the grocery store.

We are REAL, Ladies (and Gentlemen).  We are not this superficial spectacle on the news (on the news!!) that is being put in front of us.  Don't buy into it.  Don't wonder if your legs are good enough because of a gap.  Just be you.  Good ol' glorious, beautiful YOU.

Challenge of the Day:

Find a way to measure your thigh gap standing with your legs crossed , standing on your head, wearing a hot black dress and heels.  OOOORRR, just be you.  Until next time ....

Target Zones

Photo Credit: 80smuscle.blogspot.com

I can't tell you how often I've been spurred to action that I wanted to start doing some basic exercises like sit ups or crunches right before bedtime.  So, I would start doing like 50 a night.  Inevitably, some ultra fit person would say to me, (hands on hips, raised eyebrow) "Well, you know you can't target zones to lose weight."  And, in that moment, I would feel like well why the hell was I even making an effort if it doesn't matter?

Sucks, huh?

In that one good-intentioned moment, they would knock me out of that spurring to action and back to going to bed like normal.  Here's what I think ... I think that stud who arrogantly popped a hole in my balloon of good intentions meant well.  See, he was thinking like a "skinny chick" (I like the idea of him thinking like a girl so I'm not going to change that).  He had the mindset of a Tri-athlete.  No, he wouldn't target any zones, because he worked his zones all the time.  He was ripped, he was tanned (ala George Hamilton), he was wearing a scrawny tank top, and was oiled just perfectly enough that each chest hair curled on its own.

Yeah, I'm exaggerating, but you get the picture, right?

A Fat Chick CANNOT jump into the mindset of a Tri-Athlete!  We physically can't do it and doom ourselves to failure each and every time we decide to take it on.  Of course, he was right, it isn't about targeting zones.  It's about living a healthy life style.  It's about consistency and working your whole body.

But, does that necessarily mean that you can't target a zone?

Of course not.  You can't target a zone if that's all you target.  But, doing some crunches before bed, or side twists after using the bathroom, or cooking on one foot, whatever it is you do that targets an area is not for nothing!  It builds strength and will help to tone that area.  Of course you need cardio, watch your food, and work out regularly, but don't for a minute think your efforts to do SOMETHING in place of NOTHING are without merit.

And, if you want to oil up, get tanned, wear a scrawny tank top ... don't be surprised to find your picture in my next blog .... just kiddddddding!

My next few blogs will target some exercises you can do.  I hope they are easy for you, but if not, pull back a little.  And, of course check with your doctor before starting any exercise routine, blah, blah, blah.

Challenge of the Day:
Do SOMETHING in place of NOTHING and ignore the 80's throw-back, stud who can't think like YOU. Until next time ...

Water Weight Gain

I know about water weight.  I'm a girl, after all.  All of us chicks (fat or skinny!) experience bloating every month.  But, you know what? Even though I know this, I fell prey to water weight gain's evil curse last month. I weighed in at a whopping 3.8lbs more than expected.  Crap!  I wanted to throw that evil, sneering scale into the wall.

But, no.

I gave myself a few days and the weight fell off like magic.  It was great.  But, I didn't trust it.  Know what I mean?  Like some evil fairy had pulled back some pounds when I weighed in and then would magically plop them back on my mid-section by morning.

I thought I would give you all some facts about this menace to society, to women's self-esteem everywhere!  This nemesis to fitting into a bathingsuit by summer!

Go to war!
Instead of throwing the scale through the wall or creeping back under the covers, let's go over how to tell if that jump on the scale is real weight or water weight.  According to "Real Weight Vs. Water Weight" (http://www.truelemon.com/live-healthy/nutrition/608-real-weight-versus-water-weight.html) you can tell if your weight jump is real or water if you have have gained more than half a pound since the day before. Check this out from the article:

If you have kept track of your body fat percentage with a body fat monitor, you can   compare your current percentage to your results from a month ago. If the new measurement is greater than before, you’ve gained fat. If your body fat percentage has decreased but your weight has increased, the weight gain is not from added fat.

Check your extremities: are your hands, feet and ankles puffy? If yes, it is likely that your gain is water related. When you are retaining excess water, you might also notice imprints in your skin left by your socks, or your wedding ring may be tighter than usual.

Many possible causes exist for retaining water, including too much salt, sugar, dehydration, too much alcohol, dieting and women’s monthly cycle. Among other tips, if you are concerned about water weight, make an effort to drink more plain water. While it seems like the opposite of what you need to do, drinking 8 to 10 glasses per day will help flush sodium and excess fluid from your system. A well-hydrated body is healthier and is less likely to retain water.

So, don't freak out if you suddenly jump on that scale.  If you are being a Lifer and not a Dieter, it will all work out in the end.  One day or a few of being a little higher won't kill you.  

Challenge of the Day:

Less salt!  More water!  Get it?? :) Until next time!

Sleep Apnea

photo credit: www.stopobesityforlife.com

The stories were laughed about at holidays ... how my Mom thought there was an earthquake in the middle of the night and came running down the hall ... only to find me snoring; my young son waking me up terrified, "Mommy!  You're making scary noises again!"  My ex-husband wearing ear plugs to sleep with me.  My sister not being able to sleep in the next room so crawling into my parents' bed to get away from my snoring. It had become a joke.  An embarrassment.  A fact of life.  Then, a worried friend took me aside and said the one thing that changed everything...

"I think you're stopping breathing and I'm worried about you."

Huh?

And, so, I took the magical step and had a Sleep Study done.  I imagined a white sterile room, with a small army cot behind two-way mirrors while a team of doctors stood by and watched me snore.  They would nod their heads and mutter, "Ummmm, hmmmm" and write something in their tablet.

It wasn't like that after all.

I went to the clinic and I was led to my bedroom.  That's right, a cozy, comfy bedroom with an adjoining bathroom.  There, they put this tooth-paste-like stuff in my hair and attached electrodes to them.  The electrode wires ran down my entire body, down my legs and arms and yet was done in a way that if I had to drop my drawers, I could.  They put a Pulse-ox on my finger and explained if I was showing signs of Sleep Apnea, they would put this mask over my head.  I laughed and said there was no way I could sleep with one of those things on.

Then, I went to bed. 

I vaguely remember getting up to use the bathroom (yeah the pants really did drop down with all the electrodes still attached).  Even more vague, I kinda remember being sat up and a mask sliding over my face.  Three hours later, I woke up feeling like I could run a mile.

Here's what I learned:

1. I stopped breathing 49 times in 1 hour.
2. My legs moved constantly (Restless Leg Syndrome).
3. My blood oxygen level dropped to 86 (should be in the 90's.  80's are stroke zone).
4. In 3 hours, I got 10 minutes of REM sleep.  (You should get 1 full hour of REM sleep for every two hours of sleep.  This is where your body rests, de-stresses, heals, grows)

After they put the mask on me:

1. I stopped breathing 0 times in 3 hours.
2. My legs didn't move position once.
3. My blood oxygen level stayed in the 90's.
4. I got 1 full hour of REM sleep in 3 hours.

I can't stress enough to get a sleep study done if you suspect you might be an excessive snorer or that you are stopping breathing.  There's a chance, when I lose all of my weight, that I will not have Sleep Apnea. At that time, I'll gladly trade in my mask for some Victoria's Secret.  Until then, I slide on my "scuba mask" every night and go diving ... into a great sleep.

Challenge of the Day:

Get yourself a Sleep Study done if you suspect you may have Sleep Apnea.  It's not the sexiest look, but you can look sexy and THEN put on your mask :)  Until next time ....

Slippery When Wet

Photo credit: www.thekickasslife.com

She can hear him washing up in the bathroom.  If she could just lift her head, she could juuuust barely see his beautiful body as he moved around.  Through a field of eye lashes, she dreamily watches for him and sighs with quiet contentment at how relaxed she feels.  She lays naked, entwined in her sheets as if in a lover's embrace.  Her hair lays matted and wet, coiled against her skin.  Her smooth skin glistens with beads of sweat.  One lone bead slips down her back and she feels it slowly slide down and rest in the small of her back.  She breathes in the heady, musky scent of their love making, stretches her body and closes her eyes in the satisfaction that can only come from the best stress reliever known to man.

SEX

Oh yeah, you knew this would come up eventually didn't you?  The best exercise EVER! Not only does it relieve stress, but it also burns quite a bit of calories.  The following statistics are taken from Women's Day's article called, "Sexy Ways to Burn Calories" .... did you know ....

1. Kissing burns 68 calories an hour.
2. Undressing burns 8+ calories total.
3. Massaging burns 80+ calories per hour.
4. Having sex burns 144+ calories per half hour.
5. Giving oral sexy burns 100+ calories per half hour.
6. Using your hands burns 100+ calories per hour.
7. Romantic dancing burns 103+ calories per half hour.
8. Making out burns 238+ calories per half hour.

If you'd like to read the article in Women's Day, here it is:  http://www.womansday.com/sex-relationships/sex-tips/8-sexy-ways-to-burn-calories-110923

If you are not in a relationship, or one where you don't have sex anymore, all is not lost.  In general, masturbation burns 25-30 calories every 20 minutes and an orgasm blasts about 100 calories. (source: http://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_many_calories_do_you_burn_while_masturbating)

Challenge of the Day:
Get your freak on!  Go burn some calories in the absolute best way known to man!  Have fun, be safe, and work that beautiful body!  Until next time ....

Walking Between Raindrops

photo credit: www.dreamstime.com

Imagine, if you will ... a girl wearing a bright, yellow raincoat stepping gingerly over puddles as rain pours down all around her.Her matching yellow umbrella sits just inches from her head as she attempts to avoid getting wet.  

Suddenly, she realizes that she is NOT wet.  Not one drop of water has hit her umbrella, raincoat or galoshes.  She holds her tiny hand out to catch a raindrop but it stays dry although the drops fall all around her hand.  She moves her hand to try and capture at least one wet raindrop but as she moves, the raindrops scurry out of her way.

She lowers her umbrella and watches in amazement as the drops fall all around her and yet, never hit her.  She begins to walk, then run, skip and dance in the rain without a single drop touching her.  She throws her umbrella to the side, peels off the raincoat and galoshes and frolics in the downpour unscathed.

Then, she feels it..... one drop on her bottom lip hanging on as if for dear life before it plummets to the ground.  She turns her face heavenward and in an instant, the clouds darken and coil angrily waiting to strike.  She sucks in her breath as fear grips her chest.  The sky opens and unleashes a torrent of rain.  And, just as suddenly as she was dry ... she is now soaked to the skin and running through the rain, slipping in the mud and wondering where, oh where is her umbrella?  raincoat? galoshes?  She is left unprotected, soaked and cold as she hurries home.

That story pretty much sums up the past two weeks for me.  I was doing just fine, using My Fitness Pal, exercising, seeing my weight drop gradually and then it happened.  I had logged for 70 days straight on My Fitness Pal which is the longest I've ever logged.  I was proud of it, dare I say a bit arrogant?  Then, one day about two weeks ago, I went to enter my food and it was already filled in.

WTH?

I had mistakenly logged my food on the NEXT day instead of the CURRENT day and therefore, broke my streak.

Seems like such a small set back.

But, it wasn't.

I tried to pull it back together but I kept missing an entry or day and missing the accountability.  I wound up gaining back 3.8lbs in two weeks.  Considering I'm only losing 3-5lbs per month, that's huge.  That storm dumped right on my head and I've had a hard time pulling it back together.  I have purposefully not measured.  I don't want to know what 3.8lbs has done to my measurements.  I know that if I don't pull things together, in six months this will be just another failed diet ahhh-gain.

So, I am letting you all know what's going on (Accountability).
It's no one's fault but my own (Ownership)
I started back on My Fitness Pal (Progress)
I bought goggles to start swimming soon (Planning).
I'm giving myself til this Saturday before I measure again (Being a Lifer instead of a Dieter).

I'm picking myself up, throwing up my umbrella and continuing my journey.

Challenge of the Day:
How is your storm?  Are you walking between raindrops, getting drenched or protecting yourself as you make your way through the downpour?  I recommend you protect yourself... and if you screw up, keep going.  Until next time ...

Shout Out to SWEDEN!
Tack för att du läser min blogg! Jag faktiskt talar lite svenska och har en god vän från Helsingborg. Jag har alltid velat besöka ert vackra land. Tack för ert stöd. Tills nästa gång!

One Girl to Another

Demi Lovato

thats-thewayilovedyou.tumblr.com

I just love Demi Lovato. When she first burst onto the scene with her mega-watt smile, I rolled my eyes and thought how phony she looked.  Then, it came out she was cutting herself.  Next thing she was in a rehab.  Then, she came out with Skyscraper.  And, I became a fan forever.  Now, her music is a bit young for me but the courage, strength and yet, weakness and frailty she showed in that song told me that this girl was REAL.  Genuine.  And, I love her.  In that song, I related to her.

"Love is louder than the pressure to be perfect."

Wow.

I remember back in high school, I weighed at most 155lb.  I wasn't the coolest chick, but I seemed to know everyone and can't think of many, if any, enemies.  I liked so many guys, and a couple even liked me back.  I dated two of the greatest guys ever in my school.  I did well academically because I loved learning.  I loved languages and would study them on my own.

But, in the quiet of my world, I didn't really like who I was.  Not really.  I felt fat, although I had legs like concrete, and my whole body was toned.  What made me feel fat was that I had a soft tummy.  A friend of mine who was a cheer leader once showed me a Sadie Hawkin's photo of her sitting on her boyfriend's lap.  

"Do I look fat?" She asked me quietly.

I looked at her and without blinking, said, "Everybody bends."

It gave her what she needed in that moment.

But, I couldn't give myself such leniency.  I would go to bed and feel my little belly and cry.

I didn't like how my breasts developed. I was embarrassed of them.  They weren't these perky boobies pointing to the sky.  And, that's what I wanted.  I hated them for many years.

I got stretch marks on my boobs, hips and thighs during my teen years. I felt so ugly when I would see them. Who would ever think I was beautiful with so many scars?

On top of that, I had acne on my face, shoulders, arms and back.  That's right, my younger sister used to actually sit and COUNT the number of zits on my back.  I had scars from them.  I felt disgusting.

Then, I grew up.

The acne went away for the most part.  I might get one or two before my period, but my arms, shoulders and back are clear now-a-days.  I had two babies so I got stretch marks on my belly - which isn't quite so small.  My old stretch marks faded.  They are still there, but I really don't notice them anymore.  I learned that no one (but me) expected me to look like a model.  My boyfriends haven't cared about stretch marks.  In fact, they usually have some. Guess what? I didn't care.  I didn't care because I cared for them as a person.  Not whether they had a stretch mark or two. And, they felt the same about me.

My boobs finished developing and yeah, I do wish they were shaped a bit differently.  But, honestly, they've been good to me.  They've been beautiful to the right people.  They've fed both my boys.  And, in the end, I can still fill out a halter top like nobody's business.

My belly has been the tough one for me.  Had I kept up with the life style I had in high school, I probably wouldn't have wound up looking like Alfred Hitchcock, but I did.  It's slowly going down.  Guess what?  I'm still pretty even though I have a belly.  I can lose it as long as I stay on the path I'm on right now.

It's especially hard if you go to school with tiny girls who wear next to nothing.  These size 0 girls who wear short shorts, belly baring tops and seem so ... perfect ... well, they aren't.  It may seem that way now, but believe me they have their issues too.  You don't have to be size 0 or dress like that.  Just be you, in all your glory.

Part of being able to be healthy in your head is to accept who  you are.  It's the hardest during your teen years.  Believe me, I know first hand.  But, I'm here to tell you girls that you are beautiful.  I don't care how heavy you are, you are beautiful girls.  If you don't like how your body develops, understand you are not done yet.  And, you may just wind up liking yourself in the end.  If hindsight is 20/20, I can see my teen years crystal clear and wish I could have seen myself then as I do with my 42 year old eyes.  You can't see hindsight on your teen years yet.  One day, you will and will know how beautiful you are right now.

Challenge of the Day.

Give yourself a break.  Know you are beautiful, right now, right here.  You will someday be able to look back and know this without a doubt.  Until then, let yourself develop and take the steps to be healthy.  Be happy and know you are beautiful.  Until next time ...