I want to be the “Hot Girl”…
My journey to not be invisible and overlooked anymore! And as big as I am (was) I shouldn’t be invisible…
Fat Girls Have Their Dreams Fulfilled too…
Posted grneyedmustang on September 28th, 2009 | Filed under South Beach Diet, dieting, exercise, self image, weight loss | 1 Comment »
I’ve been MIA quite a bit lately. Frankly, I’ve been trying to get my South Beach Mojo back. All summer, I’ve been very inconsistent with the eating and exercise. One week, I’ll be on point - eating all my veggies, leaving the sugar alone, hitting the gym like I should, but then the next week, life gets in the way - I’ll be tired, have a dentist appointment and feel like shit, or have a rough day at work, and just “cain’t get rite” for the week. Luckily, I think I’ve changed my eating habits in a major way - so blowing it now isn’t the same as blowing it three years ago. Blowing it now means that I ate too many triscuits, instead of a whole pack of cookies. It’s still blowing it, but definitely no where near as calorically devastating as eating a half a pack of Publix cupcakes, which is something I would have done in 2003.
So on to this past weekend. I am a HUGE Chico Debarge fan. I found out he was coming to town, the tickets were inexpensive, and I couldn’t get the sorry ass guy I was dating (notice that verb is past tense) to take me, so I bought a ticket and went. OMG. That was $25 WELL SPENT. He was there with Anthony David…the show was EXCELLENT. Anthony David put on a great show - I went to amazon.com Saturday night and bought his CD. I highly recommend it. So onto the best part.
OOooooooooo Chico. So in his second song, he points at me and winks. I am cheesing at this point. So during the last song, he points at me again and asks me to come up to the stage. I am on cloud nine at this point. So I go up to the stage and stand with him a while, in complete shock. Nothing like this has ever happened to me in my entire LIFE. I finally get out of my dazed and confused state and dance with him! The whole way home, I was astonished. Here I am, and I’m thinking that I must have made a hell of an impression for him to pick me out of the crowd like that.
I think that was just the spark that I needed to get back on the right diet track, especially because I found out today that some of it was videotaped by someone in the audience and it is NOW ON YOUTUBE (the big girl in the black shirt and blue jeans, dancing with him at the very beginning and taking a pic toward the end is me):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KAw7Au41rgs
So I guess this was a bittersweet pill to swallow. I met the man of my dreams in person and danced with him! And he actually seems like a “nice” celebrity, not one that was full of himself. But the bitter part is - even though I’ve lost 50 pounds, that pic on youtube reminded me that I have a LONG way to go. I feel like the picture of myself in my head doesn’t match what I really look like. I thought i was smaller than that! That’s the way I thought I looked when I weighed 278, but then I saw one of my friend’s bridal party pictures from when I weighed 278….I was HUGE. Take a look for yourself - this is the pic I speak of (I’m on the left):
I still have a LOOOOOOOOOONG way to go.
P.S. Chico Debarge, I just want you to know that you’ve fulfilled this fat girl’s dreams. I thank you for that. I could never imagine in a million years that someone like you would even notice someone like me.
Thank you. It definitely makes my self esteem seem a little higher. 
So as a celebrity, I hope you always remember that a simple wink, a smile, a hug, a dance - might actually make someone feel better about themselves. You never know what kind of impact you might have on someone. So I’d like to let you know that those few minutes you spent with me at the concert, have had a lifetime impact, and I’ll NEVER forget them, or you. And you have my full support…I will ALWAYS be a Chico Debarge fan. You made me feel like a hot girl…even if it was only for one night.
Check this out!!!
Posted grneyedmustang on August 19th, 2009 | Filed under South Beach Diet, self image, weight loss | 1 Comment »
So, a friend of mine asked me to send him a recent picture of me the other day. I chose a picture that I had taken after working out one day. I haven’t quite mastered getting a “full body shot” alone in a picture, so I don’t have very many. But in this pic, I noticed that there is a reflection of my body in the mirror. When I noticed it, I thought to myself “is that me”???? I actually have a shape! Defined hips! And my stomach isn’t taking up my entire midsection anymore!!!
Look in the background, in the mirror, and you can see it:
Wow, I can’t believe that’s really MY BODY…I actually have a shape!!!
This may be just the motivation I need to get it into gear again. There’s another one of those parties this weekend though with all my friends and the knockoff publix cake made by yours truly…which will require two more weeks of phase I after Saturday.
*Sigh…* I know I can’t live in isolation forever…but it’s ten times harder to remain on plan when hanging out with my friends and making that dayum cake! And they’re not the “reinforcers of the diet”…so to speak, so they’re forever telling me “just one slice of cake/pizza won’t hurt! Just one martini won’t hurt!”
Friends…sigh…
Posted grneyedmustang on August 10th, 2009 | Filed under South Beach Diet | 1 Comment »
So I’ve been on Phase I on the last few days, and have undergone self-imposed isolation to assist in my phase I efforts. It’s amazing to me how much I allow my friends to influence my dietary choices. Don’t get me wrong, I love my friends dearly…but they are not dieting, so they eat (and drink) whatever.
I must be honest. Not drinking alcohol over the weekend was a struggle. Even though I was in insolation, I really wanted a glass of wine. I didn’t cave, though. I stuck to my guns. When I’m with my friends, though, it seems that we’re always drinking or eating something that’s not diet friendly.
Why is it that it’s so much easier to stick to my way of eating when I’m not around my friends? I haven’t been in exile for the past year, so whatever I was doing in the beginning when hanging with my friends, I really need to get back to that. Plus it’s ten times easier when I don’t have my friends in my ear, trying to coax me to go to the Cheesecake Factory or other restaurants.
Hmmm. Just something to think about.
Trying to get back on track…again…sigh…
Posted grneyedmustang on August 8th, 2009 | Filed under South Beach Diet, dieting, stress | 1 Comment »
It’s been a while since I’ve written, so I figured I’d drop in to write and let my two readers 
know what’s going on.
It’s been kind of a rough summer, and I haven’t really been “weight loss motivated”. I think I’ve been going through the motions at about a 75% level. I went on a cruise last week, and I think that (combined with beginning to see a therapist) has given me a new level of motivation to get back on the train. I am up a few pounds post cruise (this morning the scale said 234), but I’m feeling pretty good about myself so I’m not too bummed out about it. I just had breakfast, a V8 and some nonfat yogurt with sugar free jello mixed in. I’m phase I-ing it for two weeks to make sure all the sugar is out my system. I’m about to head to the gym, and do a 60 minute workout.
Ahhhh, this summer. It’s been full of fun, but also full of trying times. As written about previously, Brandon and I broke up June 27th. I took it kind of hard the first month, but it is getting easier. My family and I have been at odds with each other because I told my brother he had to move out by September 1. He moved out last Friday…which has made me happy. They (my parents) are mad at me, because they don’t seem to understand why I won’t let a 25 year old man live with me rent free. They’ve called me selfish…said I couldn’t have gotten where I was without the help of others, etc. I think that seven months of free rent is sufficient enough help, and not the kind of help that my brother needs, so he’s gotta go. I’m not happy that they’re mad at me, but I’ve made peace with my decision.
Today, after I’m finished at the gym, it’s a day of “home improvement” projects. I’m going to give the house a thorough cleaning, put up a deadbolt, maybe paint some walls, clean the cars, maybe play a little nintendo once the chores are done. I’m actually looking forward to spending a little alone time. I also need to plan my menus for the week.
So it’s phase I for two weeks…I’m trying to get back on the wagon! Wish me luck.
Well it’s over…and I’m trying to “Get Right” again…
Posted grneyedmustang on July 3rd, 2009 | Filed under General, South Beach Diet, Thanksgiving, depression, plateau, relationships, running, stress, weight loss | Comment now »
Well, my “pseudo relationship” is over - I hit that 2.5 month mark and couldn’t make it past that. The last few weeks, he just seemed very distant…like he wasn’t interested anymore. We talked on the phone in the beginning for hours. Went on dates quite a bit. Lately, I was getting to talk to the little old lady on his voicemail more and more. You know, the one that tells you “I’m sorry, but six seven eight four four eight three seven four one is unavailable. Please leave your message after the tone. *beep*”. I’d leave a message and he wouldn’t call back. He was cancelling dates, we weren’t spending any time together, and the only time I’d see him was in passing, when all our friends would have a get together, he’d be there, and I’d be there. So last Sunday evening, I went to see him and asked him if he was still interested in me. He went round and round and never really gave me a straight answer. So I came out and asked him if he just wanted to be friends (which to me is my way of breaking up with you on a good note, but I don’t really want to be your friend), to which he replied yes. I left, and cried in the car all the way home. I really liked him, but another one bites the dust. At this point in my life, I should be used to this…it seems to happen with everyone I date. Honestly, though, the hurt doesn’t diminish each time this happens to me. I was in a funk about it through Monday. Tuesday I came around. Today my feelings are still a little hurt, I have a few questions that I’m sure will remain unanswered through the end of time (when did you first notice that you weren’t interested in me romantically anymore? How long were you going to let this go on before you said anything? Why did you lie to me about wanting to be exclusive?) - but I’m not crying anymore and am trying to move on with my life.
So with that being said, dietwise, I’m doing pretty shittily (is that a word?). I’m not eating a lot (which is bad in and of itself) but I haven’t been getting the amount of veggies in that I need to eat. I am also not drinking enough water. I only went to the gym 3 times last week. I am proud of the fact that I haven’t been on a “sugar bender” - you know, when you are depressed and eat all kinds of junk, like Ben and Jerry’s ice cream, publix cake, chocolate chip cookies, etc. I am going to do a phase 1.5 next week though, so I can get back on the veggie train.
Que sera sera…
Well, it’s official!!!
Posted grneyedmustang on June 8th, 2009 | Filed under South Beach Diet, clothing, dieting, weight loss | Comment now »
I weighed myself on Friday and the randum (misspelling intentional) number generator gave me 229. I guess I’ll take it considering all the debauchery I’ve participated in lately. It’s funny, 220 is not that far away, but I’m in disbelief right now! I can’t believe I’m SO CLOSE to 220, which is a number I haven’t seen in many many years. And 190 - my target weight - gosh, I’m 39 pounds away from there, which considering the fact that I started at 278…WOW. I’m super thrilled because I was able to wear a pair of DKNY jeans which are a regular size 16. I haven’t been able to fit these jeans in YEARS. I wore them Saturday to a cookout…and not only did they fit, they fit COMFORTABLY.
I have totally fallen in love with iced coffees. I get them with splenda and sugar free syrup, usually vanilla. YUM! I want to find a recipe so I can start making them at home.
In other news, my facebook status changed today from “single” to “in a relationship”. We decided yesterday that we are no longer dating other people and dating exclusively. We had our first (minor) fight this weekend, which led to that topic of conversation (and no, he wasn’t under duress or anything ) he told me himself that we were “together”…which is why I asked if we were still dating other people, and that was when he replied “no”, we are NOW EXCLUSIVE.
Wish me luck…I am in uncharted waters right now, on many different fronts.
UGH. I just “can’t get rite” right now…
Posted grneyedmustang on June 4th, 2009 | Filed under South Beach Diet, dieting, exercise, stress, weight loss | Comment now »
I have had one HECK of a time getting back on track. Life seems to be getting in the way of my routines! Here’s a rundown of the week:
) with Brandon. We went to see Star Trek. It was really good, and there were a few hotties in the movie! I behaved myself foodwise. I brought a bag of celery and hummus and bypassed the evil popcorn. 
I’m trying to really get back on it today! Breakfast was yogurt, turkey sausage, and V8. Lunch is Trader Joe’s Tilapia Citronette and a HUGE salad. I have nuts, celery, hummus, and SF jello for snacks. I have my gym bag in the car, which means I can go straight to the gym from work and I don’t have any excuses. Dinner is the stuffed peppers I was supposed to be making on Monday. I haven’t stepped on the scale in two weeks. My clothes don’t feel tight, but they don’t feel any more loose than they did previously.
Gotta get back on track…gotta get back on track…I am also extending this Phase 1 until Monday of next week, since I’ve had two slip ups .
Phase I - Cuz I’m still in party mode!
Posted grneyedmustang on June 1st, 2009 | Filed under 30 Day Shred, South Beach Diet, exercise, vacation, weight loss | Comment now »
Well, apparently I have REMAINED in party mode since I returned from Panama City Beach. I decided to start a HARDCORE Phase I yesterday. I’m going to do Phase I through Friday and hopefully I’ll be back on track…
I had a really good time in Panama City during Memorial Day. I give myself a C- on the eating…I ate a healthy breakfast, semi healthy lunch, but I totally blew it most days during dinner. I didn’t work out So I totally give myself an F in that department. Since I’ve returned from Panama City, I haven’t been on plan 100% - and I notice a return of very strong carb cravings. Since I find myself craving carbs, I decided to do a hardcore Phase I - today I’ve had yogurt, a burger (plain - no bun, just onions), and a V8. Dinner will be a stuffed bell pepper and a salad with a TON of veggies. I did Jillian Michael’s 30 Day Shred yesterday, and I’ll be doing it again today when I get home. Here’s my dinner menus for the remainder of the week:
I went yesterday, and bought all the food I needed to have a successful Phase I. Wish me luck!
In “budding relationship” news, I had a really good time with Brandon in Florida. A road trip can be a major test of a relationship, and he passed with flying colors. We had a wonderful time! I didn’t see any major red flags at all. We didn’t have any fights, disagreements, nothing. Last night, we went on a date to the movies - we went to see Star Trek (which was really good, BTW). Here’s a few pics from vacation:
Another Memorial Day - Oh Boy…
Posted grneyedmustang on May 21st, 2009 | Filed under South Beach Diet, dieting, vacation, weight loss | 2 Comments »
So, another Memorial Day is upon me. I am sitting here, thinking and contemplating on how I’m going to limit this weekend’s caloric debauchery - because I’m being honest with myself right now, and I know that I WILL be participating in some of it. Especially since I’m going on vacation with my new found friend and he has requested some very bad foods. Namely, ribs, macaroni and cheese, fried shrimp, and publix cake. Along with a pomegranate martini here and there.
Here’s my plan:
So there’s my strategy for this weekend. Maybe I can get Brandon to work out with me. I might even pack Jillian Michaels up and take her with me, LOL. I think there may be a DVD player in the condo, so I could do her workouts as well.
Speaking of Brandon, he called me his girl last night. I know I sound like a 17 year old kid, but I can’t help it! It’s been a long time since I have felt like this about anyone - and it seems the feelings are reciprocal. Things are going very well between us, and I definitely think we’re going to have a blast this weekend.
Wish me luck this weekend - hopefully I won’t need it on all fronts (exercise, diet, and relationship)…
It’s a beautiful morning…
Posted grneyedmustang on May 15th, 2009 | Filed under South Beach Diet, Sugar Addiction, dieting, weight loss | 2 Comments »
So I woke up today, and stepped on the scale…
****drum roll please****
227!
That number is monumental for three reasons:
I am so excited I could scream. I decided to dress up a little for work to celebrate my victory. I’m sitting here at work with a cute pair of jeans, a sexy tank top, and 4″ heels on. I have a jacket with me, in case one of the guys I work with starts leering a little too much, lol. I don’t usually push the wardrobe limits at work, but I decided to today, since I’m feeling super sexy and stoked about my weight loss efforts. I’m going to get my hair done today also, the ten year college class reunion is this weekend (which means I will NOT be in the gym today. This hair thing and exercise is REALLY that serious! And so the hair vs. exercise struggle continues…but I’m not going to be pessimistic Paula today)!
I also realized something yesterday…I was thinking about this whole weight loss thing since I’ve been on south beach, and I realize that lately I haven’t been feeling like I’m on a diet. I still eat out occasionally, and I find myself eating SBD friendly foods without thinking about it. For example, yesterday I made myself lunch for work, and it was so good, I enjoyed every bit of it. I had a grilled cheddar cheese burger (extra sharp cheddar, no bread, extra onions), with a big salad, chock full of vegetables like onions, radishes, cucumber, green onions, tomatoes, and a tiny bit of cheddar cheese. I was full and satisfied (but not miserable) when I got done eating.
I make desserts at home when I want dessert, that are totally on plan. For example, I make this “cheesecake delight” dessert, it’s SBD friendly whipped topping, with SF cheesecake jello mixed in. Sometimes I slice up strawberries and put them in the mixture. It’s very tasty and 100% on plan (even though some might consider it a frankenfood. I consider it “keep Paula out of trouble food”, so it works for me). My eating habits have totally changed, though, and I think that my way of thinking when it comes to food has also changed. I don’t eat until I’m miserable anymore. If I have a meal that’s off plan then I get right back on plan with the next meal - and I don’t go off plan with the whole entire meal, just small things here and there (for example, I might eat croutons on a salad occasionally). If I drink alcohol, most times I drink wine, or I try to have a drink with sugar free mixers. If I have a non SBD friendly dessert, I share it with others, and I think I have “broken” the sugar addiction, so I might have a piece of chocolate or two, and then I’m done. When I was severely addicted to sugar, one piece would turn into two, two would turn into four, and four would turn into the whole box. Back in the day I could eat five or six pieces of Godiva in one sitting! Now, I might eat one or two, savor them, and then I’m good. I never understood that concept in the past…when I was on weight watchers people would say that and I just didn’t “get it”! Now, I do believe there is definitely a sugar addiction, and people who are addicted to sugar can’t have just one cookie.
I’ve also been on this diet for almost a year now. I’m so proud of myself today!!! Onederland HERE I COME!
Major NSV today…
Posted grneyedmustang on May 13th, 2009 | Filed under NSVs, South Beach Diet, relationships, vacation, weight loss | 2 Comments »
So I have a love/hate (well, up until recently it was totally a hate relationship) with Victoria’s Secret.
I was always mad at Victoria’s Secret, because I think they sell really cute lingerie, and it seems that they have totally forgotten (or just dissed) the larger size women of our population. I even remember in college, being able to go into Vickie’s Secret and I could find and buy underwear in a size XL in the store. Somewhere along the way, they stopped selling XLs in the store, which was when I decided I was totally through with VS. When I went into full hater mode with VS, I decided that when I finally lost weight, they would NOT get my business because I didn’t think it was fair that they didn’t make lingerie for larger women (like Fredericks).
I caved today. *SIGH*.
So during my lunchbreak, I decided to take a little excursion into Victoria’s Secret. The associate that helped me was so nice and helpful. I’ve been guessing at my bra size for a while now, and I was guessing that I am a size 40DD, because all my 42DD’s are huge and gaping (which upsets me, because I spent A LOT of money on Torrid Bras, which I LOVE[or LOVED, past tense ]). Anyway, I hadn’t officially been measured, so she offered to measure me.
Drum roll please….
I am now officially a 40DD!!!!!! WHICH MEANS I CAN WEAR BRAS IN VICTORIA’S SECRET!!!!!
I ended up buying two of them (which fit GREAT!!!! They make me look nice and perky ) along with some flavored massage oil. 
I spent too much money but at this point, I feel like I deserve it.
I wonder if this makes me a sellout, though? I always said once I could fit their clothes again, that I wouldn’t shop there because big girls want to be cute too (and I am still a big girl, make no mistake)…and that they seem like they want nothing to do with the big girl demographic.
Does that make me a total and complete sell-out, now that I don’t have a reason to “hate” on them anymore?
And now, in other news…
I have a vacation planned Memorial Day weekend…a little fun and sun in Panama City, Florida. I guess it might be more than just “fun and sun” - initially I was supposed to be going with two friends, but they both backed out on me. I had then decided to go alone, so I could get away from Atlanta for a while, and just relax, cook out, have a few drinks on the beach, sleep late, etc.
Well, that changed two days ago…I’m not going alone anymore…my new found “friend” (the guy from my previous blog entry) is coming with me! I haven’t managed to scare him off and it’s officially been a month as of the 11th (and it’s so cute, he remembered!) - so I think that he and I will have a good time on this trip.
Wish me luck…I need it…
A few NSVs and a Personal Victory
Posted grneyedmustang on April 19th, 2009 | Filed under South Beach Diet, clothing, dieting, plateau, relationships | 2 Comments »
So I had a few NSV’s and other personal victories this weekend.
I know this guy named Brandon through a friend of a friend, and apparently he’s interested in me (We’ll get to that topic in a few). So Brandon and I decide to set up a date to go to the park on Saturday. For some reason, I im in this mode where I want to wear long, flowy springtime dresses. Let me explain why this is unlike me. I consider myself a reformed tomboy, so I don’t wear dresses very often. I wore a dress for Easter, which is when Brandon made it known that he was interested in me (I met him on New Year’s Eve), so maybe that has something to do with why all of a sudden I want to wear dresses. Anyway, I go shopping on Friday evening, because I want to look super jazzy for my date. I initially try on three dresses at TJMaxx; none of them really catch my eye, but in taking one of them off I realize the dress is a SIZE 12.
Now I know that I’m nowhere near close to a TRUE size 12, but that speaks volumes to me in and of itself. I can’t tell you the last time I wore something that was less than a size 14! Yaaaaaay me! I actually didn’t get that dress, because I didn’t feel like it was very flattering, but the fact that I got into it without issue had my mouth on the floor.
So I go to Marshalls and go to the “Women’s World” section, which I realize I am slowly becoming too small for. Right now, I think I’m at that funny gray area where I’m too big to be completely “normal” sized but too small to be “plus” size. Anyway, I’m looking at the dresses there, and I grab this teal dress which speaks to me (I just bought some cute teal accessories that I think the dress would look great with). I can’t find the size label in the dress, but the price is right and it looks like it may fit (but it looks a little small), so I think whatever and go try the dress on. I try the dress on and it looks GREAT, and it was $19.99, so I go with it.
Well, today, I’m getting ready to wash clothes, and I find the label in the dress. The dress is a MEDIUM. This was the second time this weekend my mouth hit the floor. I don’t have ANYTHING in my entire wardrobe that is a size medium. And how this dress ended up in the “Women’s World” section of Marshalls is beyond me. That was my second little NSV for this weekend.
The third victory for the weekend is that I stepped on the scale this morning and it said 231! WOW. I am almost at the place where I’m going to bypass the weight that I hit the last time I was dieting - my lowest weight then was 228. I’m hoping this also means that the plateau has officially been broken. I don’t know if it was all that junk I ate last weekend or what, but I’ll take it any way I can get it.
And victory number four - not weight related - was that I ACTUALLY HAD A DATE. I had such a wonderful time on the date; he seems really nice. We went to a park and had a little picnic, with wine and strawberries. Later, we went to our friends house and just sat around and talked. I’m hearing from our group of friends that he really likes me. He’s taller than me which is always good…he’s 6′ 4″. He’s a “former big guy” himself so he understands what I’m dealing with right now with this weight loss thing. He’s actually a little bit (well, a lotta bit) younger than me, though; he’s 24! He doesn’t act 24 though - and he acutally has his own place, his own car, and a job; so right now, he’s actually doing better than some of the older guys I’ve dated. He’s very free with the compliments (he told me many times how nice I looked yesterday) and I’m totally loving that.
I don’t want to get my hopes up too much, but so far, I really like him.
Here’s to a GREAT weekend!
The scale finally moved (but not because of “positive” things)
Posted grneyedmustang on April 7th, 2009 | Filed under General, South Beach Diet, stress, weight loss | Comment now »
I had a whopper of a weekend. I had some family drama that I allowed to derail my weight loss efforts. It all began on Saturday - and as a result, I haven’t been eating right or going to the gym. Most days this weekend, I didn’t eat during most of the day, didn’t drink my water, and then in the evening, I ended up eating CRAP. I’m not going to really disclose the caloric debauchery I’ve participated in - let’s just say there was some fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, and margaritas involved. So Saturday, I step on the scale, and it says 232!!!!!!! I wasn’t really “happy” about it though, because the stuff going on in my personal life overshadowed any joy I felt about the scale moving.
I’ve mentioned this issue before in previous blogs. Sometimes, I allow life’s stressors to get the best of me, and as a result, I eat the wrong things because I am an emotional/stress eater. I haven’t been to the gym in four days now. Today is going to be my last “no gym” day (my house is a disaster because of the stuff in my personal life, so I’m going to clean it after work today. I’m hoping that the physical cleaning of my house will also turn into somewhat of a mental cleaning, as well). I really need to find a better way to cope when life throws me curveballs. I packed a lot of healthy food to eat today, so hopefully, I’m back on track now.
That dayum 30 Day Shred!!!!
Posted grneyedmustang on March 28th, 2009 | Filed under 30 Day Shred, Good Diet Foods, South Beach Diet, dieting, exercise, plateau, weight loss | 1 Comment »
So today was the first day that I did the 30 day shred.
I listen to Jillian talk about how each workout is a little under 30 minutes. It can’t be that bad, right? I mean, I’m killing myself in the gym for 45 - 90 minutes ON THE REGULAR. And I’m not doing punk workouts either - I’m lifting anywhere from 80 - 250 pounds (depending on the exercise and the muscle groups), I’m walking/running between 4.0 - 6.5 mph; I’m doing 35 minutes on the elliptical; I’m going to spin or spin/abs class for at least an hour 3x a week. Jillian’s little 18 minutes + seven to ten stretching minutes can’t be that bad, right?
BOY WAS I WRONG.
I think this is just the workout I need to shake up my routine. I have been T-I-I-I-I-I-E-D (that’s southern for EXTREMELY TIRED) since I finished my 30 minute session today. I don’t know what it was about her workout, but I am WIPED!!!! Her routine is 3 circuits of 3 minutes cardio, 2 minutes strength training, and 1 minute abs. I was pretty good during the cardio circuit. I actually like the punches on level 1; I imagine I’m punching my boss in the face (it’s not nice, but I can definitely see how this is going to come in handy later). The strength training is okay - I can tell my collarbone/shoulder area is going to be sore tomorrow or Monday; and I HATE the side lunges. HATE THEM. The ab work - ugggggggh!!!! Obviously, my abs are my trouble area. I don’t know what it is about Jillian’s training, but the abs part killed me - and it’s not like I haven’t been doing ab work!!!!!
Next week, I think I’m going to try to do “two a days” with her workout routine. I am also changing shifts at work (I’m totally dreading that 5:00 wake up alarm call) so I’m hoping this will give me more time to get my body in the state where I can get past that stupid number - 234.
In other news - I ran into the guy who was really liking my Halloween costume on Friday. He’s telling me how much he missed me - yeah right! If you missed me (truly) then you would call. But whatever.
I’m really fighting the “loneliness bug” tonight. I guess I’m going to go read about someone else’s love life and dream about my own - since my own is quite nonexistent. Apparently I’m getting to the point where older people are starting to notice. My neighbor asked me the other day why I don’t have a man. I just told him that “I haven’t met the right person yet” - but is that really the truth?
I don’t want to think about it right now.
If I focus on my weight loss - and distract my mind from my state of loneliness - the right man will come. That’s what my attached friends always tell me. “Stop trying so hard and he will come”.
Uhhh, yeah. That’s easy for people to say when they haven’t been alone (and LONELY) in quite a while. I’m going on six years without a boyfriend.
I’m off this subject now.
I made SB friendly Alfredo tonight. It was DEEEEE-LISH! I used spaghetti squash for my noodles, and I made the sauce with smart balance, laughing cow, parmesan cheese, garlic, fat free half and half, chicken broth, mushrooms, and shrimp. It wasn’t aesthetically pleasing (I would NEVER serve it to a guest unless they were on the SBD and understood the principles of the diet, and the “sacrifices” that have to be made) - but it definitely tasted good and filled my alfredo craving. I have plenty of leftovers too, so I’m sure it will be dinner next week.
Dammit, I want to see the 220s!!!!!!! I think I’ve hit a plateau…
Posted grneyedmustang on March 18th, 2009 | Filed under South Beach Diet, dieting, exercise, plateau, spinning, weight loss | 4 Comments »
I have gained and lost the same 6 pounds since I hit 234…I stepped on the scale this morning and it said 238…*sigh*…Sunday it was at 235…this has been going on since 2009 started. I want to see the 220’s!!!!!
I am in the gym very faithfully, but maybe my body has grown accustomed to spin class (even though Brian changes it up pretty good) - and the weights and cardio? I’ve been increasing the weight I do, but maybe I need to try some different strength training exercises. I just ordered Jillian Michaels 30 day shred. I have ordered South Beach Supercharged and I think I’m going to do a strict phase I again for two weeks once I receive the book.
I think I may be eating too many “processed” snacks (even though they’re supposedly SBD friendly)? My snacks usually include laughing cow cheese, south beach diet fiber fit bars, light microwave popcorn, sugar free jello, sugar free pudding, cucumbers caesar (cucumbers in caesar dressing), celery with peanut butter, etc. I try to take it easy on the Laughing Cow (even though it’s one of my favorites) because it has a LOT of sodium.
I’m also not sure if I’m eating enough calories. I’ve been logging my calories in thedailyplate.com and I’m usually running about 1500 a day. If I work out for an hour, I’m supposedly burning about 500-600 of those (and this is taken with a heart rate monitor) – which puts me at roughly 900-1000 calories daily. From what I’m reading online and in books, 900-1000 calories is too low.
And there’s the alcohol thing on the weekend – usually it doesn’t take me too long to “rebound” from too many drinks.
It could be a combination of all of the above…who knows? Maybe I’m at the point where all of this is starting to impact my weight loss.
I figure a strict return to Phase I and gradual addition of grains/fruit when I return to phase II may help this “plateau” or whatever the hell is going on…No more drinks, no more sugar free pudding, no more phase II south beach diet bars. Wish me luck!!!
I am also not stepping on the scale until APRIL 1.
Quick check in…I’m not happy in March so far…
Posted grneyedmustang on March 17th, 2009 | Filed under South Beach Diet, exercise, weight watchers | Comment now »
So I thought I’d drop by for a quick check in.
I can’t get out of the 230’s to save my life! Some of it is my fault; I’ve had a few “slip ups” here and there and I feel I’m at the point that the slip ups are really starting to impact my weight loss. This past weekend I went out with the girls, and I had one too many apple martinis. I am consistently in the gym though; and I can tell it in my endurance. Visibly my arms are starting to look more muscular.
I found a picture from 2007, when I was at roughly 265-270. I uploaded it, because the difference between then and now is amazing.
Then:
And recently:
I’m back to where I started!!!
Posted grneyedmustang on February 28th, 2009 | Filed under Atlanta, South Beach Diet, Yoga, breathing, dieting, exercise, weight loss | Comment now »
I am in a great mood today…I woke up and got on the scale and it said 234!!!!!! WOOOOO HOOO!!!! All that work in the gym this month has paid off!!!!!!!!!!!!
I decided that when I hit 230, I’m going to Victoriassecret.com and ordering me some pretty frilly underwear…
In other news, we’re supposed to have SNOW tomorrow. Ack. It was warm and beautiful today - almost 70 degrees! If it’s going to snow in Atlanta, it usually snows in late February - early March. I guess we’re overdue because I haven’t seen a flurry in the last two years.
I’ll be at home tomorrow if it snows. I need to do some Yoga at home anyway. My breathing while I work out has been out of whack since I got off that cruise ship!!!
Onward to March! I’m kind of glad February is over…it was a ROUGH month.
And I found out that Brian (my spin coach) is married. I guess I can look at him and daydream. *sigh*.
Really having trouble post cruise…
Posted grneyedmustang on February 23rd, 2009 | Filed under General, South Beach Diet, exercise, weight loss | 1 Comment »
Dieting has been EXTREMELY DIFFICULT since I’ve been off that ship!!!!
Last week, I only worked out Sunday, Wednesday, and Saturday. Monday night, I had to take the supervisors at my job out to eat for dinner. We went to Carrabba’s to eat, and everything (except that darn bread) that I ate was on plan. Tuesday night, one of the support teams took my department out to eat at Fogo De Chao. Major trouble. If you’re not familiar with Fogo De Chao, google it. Major badness. I will say that I didn’t stuff myself until I was miserable, and before the “buffet” began I had a huge green salad and added chickpeas to it. Wednesday, I did make it to the gym, but I didn’t make it to spin class because I got off work late. Thursday, I had dinner and drinks with a friend. I was pretty good foodwise, but I had two martinis which I’m sure weren’t on plan. Friday, I got off work late AGAIN, after an extremely stressful day. This time I went home and had buffalo wings and fries - yikes! 
I do realize that I have to find a better way to “cope” when life throws me unexpected curveballs, such as last week. I did okay with the food but I have to learn how to say no to that dayum bread basket and leave martinis alone!!! I also need to figure out what to do when I get thrown “off schedule” and can’t make it to the gym. I am very much a creature of habit/schedules and I hate for my schedule to be off kilter.
The last time I checked, the scale was at 237. Maybe that means that I’m still okay…I’d love to be back at 234 by month’s end, but that is 5 days away…so we’ll see.
I have got to make March a better month!
Post cruise…aww mannnnn!!!
Posted grneyedmustang on February 13th, 2009 | Filed under South Beach Diet, cruising, dieting, exercise, vacation, weight loss | Comment now »
So I’m back in Atlanta, back to reality, and back on the diet. When I got home, I stepped on the scale and it said 240!!!!! Aw, that really sucks!!! I’m really hoping and praying that most of that is water weight because God only knows how much sodium was in the food I consumed. Wednesday I got back on the gym, and I’ve been phase I’ing it all week. So far, I’ve lost 2 of the six pounds (I was down to 234) I gained.
The other day I was walking through the store, and I was looking at all the goodies in Publix’s bakery section (HOW EVIL!). I would walk by something - birthday cake, cookies, bread…and I kept thinking about how I’d like to eat one but I can’t because it’s not good for me. And a revelation occurred to me (that I think I’ve realized before but I’ve put it on the back burner):
IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN MY WEIGHT LOSS I MAY HAVE TO BATTLE WITH THE URGE TO EAT SWEETS AND STUFF FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE.
Is this healthy? Is this normal? I’m hoping someone who’s maintained their weight loss for more than a year can chime in and let me know if this is the reality I’m facing once I lose my last 45 pounds…because I’m afraid it is.
Will there ever be a day when I don’t have to look at sweets and see them as evil? Will there ever be a day when I can look at a box of Krispy Kreme Donuts at work and don’t have to listen to the little angel (no Paula, you’ve done so well on your diet) and the little devil (awww, come on, you can have just one) in my mind battle it out? Where I can just look at the box and walk away?
By the way, I had the Krispy Kreme Challenge this morning at work - AND I WON.
Here’s a few pictures from the cruise:
January’s been decent, but it ain’t over yet…
Posted grneyedmustang on January 23rd, 2009 | Filed under General, South Beach Diet, cruising, dieting, exercise, running, spinning, vacation, weight loss | Comment now »
In terms of other news - I won’t say a whole lot here - January has been a GREAT month. Congratulations to President Obama. I’m very proud of my country and feel that we have made great strides as a nation!
During inauguration day, I did allow myself a little celebration - I made some whole wheat macaroni and cheese to go with dinner that day - which was asiago and portobello stuffed chicken with asparagus. I didn’t drink any wine, champagne, or anything. There’s a reason for that (besides the obvious) - which we’ll talk about in a few paragraphs.
I haven’t reported very many successes for the month. I am still trying to recuperate and get back on track from the holidays, but I think I’m there now. I’m still going to spin class (my Bally’s membership ends next month and not this month as previously thought) so that’s definitely helping, although this has been a shitty week at work and my workouts have suffered as a result. I have managed to go three days this week though, and will make four because I’m definitely going tomorrow.
My first success of the month is that I HIT 235!!!! Woooo hooo!!!! Come on 230!!!! Come on solid size 14s!!!!
My second success of the month is that I was able to do my run/walk intervals at 6.5 mph, my highest yet!!! I want to be at 7.0 by April!!!! Woooo hooo!
So here comes my challenge: January 31. On January 31, I depart for WARM AND SUNNY Miami. Warm and sunny Miami is going to lead me to San Juan, PR; St. Thomas, and St. Martin via CARNIVAL CRUISE LINES. UH OH. Trouble. WITH A CAPITAL T.
To end on a good note, my friend Michael is coming with me, and he and I have vowed that we will work out every day that we’re at sea (with the exception of the first day on the ship). I also plan on doing like the cruise last summer and staying with the majority of the SBD principles.
Wish me luck, because Lord knows I’m going to need it!!! And I’m sure I’m going to need phase I when I get back from my cruise.