It's June! We're halfway through 2013, say WHUT? Let's continue chatting about every day weight loss and other random things =).

After not eating great (but not terrible - still have healthy lunches) I've lost 0.6 lbs in the last few days. So I'm quite happy that I'm back in the 150s sitting at 159.4 lbs now. Still have a long way to go until I see 140s again but I'm hopeful! The new scales are treating me well, it really is nice to see a digital output rather than trying to guess what my actual weight is.

My new shoes are out for delivery, so I'm hoping that I get them today and they fit! My boyfriend is ever the skeptical person and says they might not, which makes me a sad panda to think about. Fingers crossed they do fit! I really like them ;_;.

Today it's HOT outside but in a nice way and not a "omg the humidity is ruining my life" way. Today I'm going to wait for ma shoes, do some Zumba (gonna push myself to Level 2), go and get errands done then go to my boyfriends place to hang out. He's finally getting a fridge delivered so I don't have to worry about eating out all the time now we can store food! Might do a little bit of shopping, we'll see!

I decided to add my Mini Goal ticker back into my signature. I've had to move the turtle alllll the way back to the beginning, but it's time to face the music and admit that I regained the weight. I need to sort my life out and push forward with weight loss or I'll be this weight forever!

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sun - It's hard to resist temptation at times, one healthy meal won't make you healthy just like one unhealthy meal won't make you fat. Just keep going!

jmko - Thanks! Yeah I always tend to play it safe with colours, I tend to always go for black shoes so I figured why not branch out and get the beige ones. Now I'm worried the colour wont match anything I own! Haha. I'm sure I'll love them anyway. It's still ok to wear jeans here, but I imagine that won't be so for long! Glad you enjoyed your solo run! There is a freedom to running on your own. I used to run with my friend, well not really - I told her no offense but I'll have my iPod playing and I will go at my own pace, which she was completely cool with.
First of all - breath, relax, don't panic. It's easy to go a bit loopy about the number on the scale, but don't feel disheartened! How many calories are you eating right now? Are you eating plenty of protein? Are you getting enough carbs. You're a runner now, you need to fuel your body for running. Are you drinking enough water? There are so many different factors to why there's a gain and as frustrating as it is you might have to hang in there until you see a change. I found when I started running I wouldn't lose that much weight for the longest time, then all of a sudden 2 lbs would drop off me. So don't get discouraged!

rainbow - Yeah, we really do just need to hang in there and keep pushing forward! I always, always, ALWAYS weigh myself in the morning after the bathroom and completely naked! Any time after that I could be like 3 lb heavier! My Mum weighs herself after her run and it drives me bananas because she probably thinks she's heavier than she is! I can understand your situation, having a lot going on makes weight loss hard. Finding the time, trying to resist temptations...it's all very difficult! So it's good you've got time to focus on your health before you head over to Canada. The move will mess you up a bit, it'll be hard to jump back on again (just talking from experience, you might not find it as difficult!) but it's important to try your best to continue what you're doing when you get over there. Don't pull a me and gain 10 lbs!

Holy bat poop, it's JUNE! Happy Rabbit Rabbit day everyone.

Rie - Good job on the .6! Sorry about the 10 pound gain, but I know you can and will get it off (and then some). How do you like Zumba? It always looks like so much fun to me but I've never tried it.

Jmko - Hey, gotta love those compliments (heels or no)! I've never done WW so I don't have any advice there. I know you were doing Medifast, but what are you doing now?

Well, this is going to be speedy quick. Calories yesterday, we're not even going to talk about how over they were (we went out last night with the bride and groom and other members of the wedding party). Today's docket includes: brunch at the in-laws, rehearsal, rehearsal lunch, bachelorette party (dinner at one place, drinks at another, followed up by karaoke and likely more drinks). So lots of consuming will be going on. I've decided to take Jmko's advice and am just not going to stress myself out trying to count things and fit them in, and will instead focus on having a good time and try to listen to my body when it's full. I did get my run in yesterday and it felt great (at least there's one healthy thing I did right?). Oh, also picked up the dress yesterday and it fits like a glove. ALSO found this super cute silver clutch at a vintage shop and decided to get it because it'll go with my shoes. Pics to follow after this weekend is over!

Missy A challenge sounds good - def after all this stuff is over haha. What is Rabbit Rabbit day?! I hope your weekend is going well and you're having fun!!

jmko Oh man, McDonalds fries..maybe you just need to go to a McDonalds that does bad fries? There is one near me that ALWAYS over salts, so when I eat those, I get put off...

Riestrella Yay shoes, whenever I order something the anticipation of waiting for it totally gets to me haha. Oh man I hope the move doesn't mess me up! I've got it in my mind that calorie counting will be easier because I'm assuming (and hopefully correctly) that most foods in Canada have US like nutritional labels that include the calorie count. Here I always have to do an extra calculation to get from kilojoules to calories, which can sometimes be a little frustrating. But to be honest, I am worried...all the "exciting" new to me food places over there could cause some definite derailing... so I can't let that happen! Did you do some shopping??

~So it's Sunday evening of a long weekend, I'm SO glad there is no work tomorrow! Weekend has been pretty full on, lots of socialising with my boyfriend's birthday yesterday. Japanese for dinner on Friday, lunch out yesterday, dinner out yesterday... I won't list the foods but I will say they weren't great and I didn't count calories, but I did definitely do one SUPER positive thing for me - I haven't had one alcoholic drink all weekend, and I'm really proud of myself for that.

We've got another dinner tonight, homemade this time, so at least calories won't be over the top. We went out to a Lego exhibition today, that was kind of fun, I'm just trying to make the most of the time I've got with my boyfriend at the moment - only two weeks until he leaves!

I haven't run since Thursday night, but that was planned. I have planned to go tomorrow but will see how I'm feeling. For some reason all the bones in my torso are really sore. I know that sounds odd, but I woke up this morning and my ribs and hip bones are really sore for some reason! I don't think it's the muscles, unless I was doing some extreme sleep-laughing... who knows.

Anyway, going to chill out for a bit before dinner and maybe watch a movie afterwards. Hope everyone is having a good weekend!

Hello ladies, I was last in here in January for what was a rather short lived dieting attempt, hopefully this time I'll be sticking around longer!

I had a slightly disastrous day yesterday consuming pizza and ice cream but I'm not going to let that affect the rest of this week.

I hope you are all enjoying your weekend.

Bippity Hello and welcome back! Don't let the pizza and ice cream derail you - if you're committed, you can do it And you've already done so well.

Good morning! Holy cow, this weekend was a whirlwind! We were busy busy busy! But it was good, the ceremony was beautiful as was the reception. I jumped on the scale this morning and it read 134.0 – so not completely horrible but not fantastic. Back at it today! I’m going to get my run in this morning, and am going to try to eat lightly with lots of fruits and veggies.

Stripe – Sounds like things have been crazy busy for you too! Have activities died down a bit yet? Great job on the no alcohol!!! I think abstaining from drinking can be even harder than watching what you’re eating. Rabbit rabbit day is the first day of the month. You’re supposed to say “rabbit rabbit” when you first wake up and the superstition is that then you’ll have good luck for the whole month. I have no idea how that started, but I think it’s kind of fun!

Bippity – Hi! Welcome back. What plan are you on?

So yeah, this weekend was incredibly busy but very fun. The bachelorette party was an absolute blast, especially karaoke! I got waaaaay too drunk though. Well, I was able to wake up the next day with only a minor hangover and was able to enjoy the day and preform all my duties, but by the end of the night yesterday I was absolutely spent. DS had a hard time because DH and myself were both gone pretty much all weekend and he was stuck with Grammy, so he’s getting extra love today. It was worth it though, because the bride and groom are two of our very best friends and being able to help them celebrate was something we were honored to do.

SO, here are some pics! The first one is me at the bachelorette after 2 pitchers of sangria and the second one is me in the bridesmaid dress:





Have a great day all!

Missy I'm calorie counting. You look really lovely in that bridesmaid dress, sounds like you had a lot of fun!

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This weekend was not good for me diet wise but it is behind me now and today has been very much on plan and I haven't even been hungry today *yay*!

Rie I'm eating mostly veggies, but with some protein for dinner. I am getting plenty of water, but trying to decrease the carbs. I know I shouldn't get disheartened, but it's hard not to. I'm about to throw the scale out my window, haha. Can't wait to see how you look in your new shoes!

Krissy You look great in that dress!! I love that color on you!! I'm pretty much trying to just eat better, smaller portions. I cook a lot so I'm having a hard time calorie counting. How do you do it? I'm also still doing my water, running the C25K and on off days walking or hiking.

Bibbity Welcome back!

Rainbow The bf had Mcdonalds fries last night and they were soggy. I was totally put off by that. Blegh. I think I'm done with fries for now. The lego exhibition sounds like a lot of fun!! Congrats on only one alcoholic drink and I hope your ribs and torso get better. I have to say, the only time I've ever had any major pain there is from a rigorous workout with the boyfriend...you know...haha, nevermind!

Okay soooo...I did something to my knee on Friday. I have no idea what but there's been some major pain all weekend. I discovered it Saturday morning as soon as I started running and I was limping all through my run, but did it. It hurts on impact (stairs, running, etc.) and it's only gotten worse. Rested yesterday, but went running this morning. I got one of those bands to put under the kneecap and it helped but it's still no bueno. I think I should go to the doctor.

The scale doesn't seem to have moved but I can fit back into some old clothing. I put on my size 4 pencil skirt for work and WOOHOO! IT FIT!! It zips up all the way, too! I have a small pooch, but that's okay, it's not noticeable. I guess even if the scale isn't moving I'm still losing. The bf looked at me and he said I look like I have a really tiny waist again. YAY!!!!

The bf and I are getting ready for our trip tonight. It's going to be hot in vegas!! I'm still planning on doing my run on Wednesday morning and I know we'll be doing a lot of walking so hopefully it'll be okay.

It's a little nuts at work, so I'll have to keep this short. I'll try to do short updates on the trip, but probably won't have time for personals. Have a good week everyone!

Missy Your weekend sounds so good, and you look beautiful in that bridesmaid dress, what a pretty colour (I love purple). Haha I'd never heard of that rabbit rabbit thing, cute. It's Tuesday so back to work.. and no activities, at least until the weekend haha... a baby shower and an engagement party on Saturday!

jmko Size 4, woooo that sounds so small!! But yay!! Vegas trip sounds fun, I feel like this is the first I heard about but maybe I missed it in a previous post! Re the rib pain, I actually thought about what you said haha, it might have been something to do with a bit of a "workout" with my boyfriend, as it did appear the next morning...haha! Good about the fries I guess in the long run!

~UGH. I am so annoyed with myself and my weight and my eating over the weekend! I was up to 64kg this morning when I weighed! WHAT EVEN IS THAT. I am mad and I need to make a change. I think I'm going to try for lower calories throughout this week. I know the baby shower on saturday might mean food, and the engagement party that evening definitely means food...so I'm going to make a deal with myself. Or more a plan for the week...Here is my plan guys, hopefully writing it here will keep me accountable. Aside from these basics, I'm also going to try to up my water intake and include a piece of fruit in afternoons at work. I'm usually crap with fruit. And also, since boyfriend's parents are away from Thursday - Sunday, I'm going to try to cook more this coming weekend instead of eating out...I'm thinking chicken breasts haha...lots of chicken breasts.

Tuesday: Run, Keep calories below 1300
Wednesday: Run, Keep calories below 1300
Thursday: Run, Keep calories below 1300 (my cooking night as well, so I'm going to make this chicken breast, pear, parmesan and prosciutto salad)
Friday: Keep calories below 1500
Saturday: Run, ACTUALLY COUNT CALORIES and keep below 1800
Sunday: Keep calories below 1500

I haven't weighed myself in weeks and honestly am scared to step on the scale. This week I'm forcing myself to up my gym workouts and go on my lunch break 3-4 times a week plus ice skating and an ice skating power class with a friend once a week.

Really hoping to drop 5-10 pounds this month.

Hello everyone!

So this morning I was 158.1 lbs which puts this weeks weight loss at 1.3 lbs! Wowsa! I think it's because I was coming down off a bad week, but still it's nice to see the loss. Trying to think of my weight now as not something I've returned to, but what it is NOW - I know that's confusing! I guess I keep thinking "well, I'm 158 lbs...but I USED to be 149 lbs" but I think that's a negative outlook to take so I'm trying not to think like that.

My shoes arrived! Unfortunately they are a bit small =/. They fit but they are a bit tight. I'm kinda worried that if I did wear them out and about my feet would be killing. Still don't want to admit defeat and send them back though haha. We'll see. But I've given up on Japanese shoe sizes, my UK 7 feet are too big for this country apparently...

I did do a bit of shopping last weekend. I bought lots of new clothes, which I'm super happy about. I'll try and get pics soon, but there's a LOT! Bought some black genie pants, you know the super loose pants that looks like a long skirt? Yeah, I LOVE them! They're so comfy. My work friends said "kawaii" over and over ("cute") so I'm happy I got validation! I also bought some pants/leggings with a crazy blue print. It's something I usually would think is a bit loud for me...but I liked them so thought why not rock this? Been meaning to get more ballsy with my style! I also got a pair of navy shorts that have material over them so it looks like a mini skirt. I also bought a stripey blue/black/white top, a white print top (crazy pattern I can't explain) and a black vest top with jewels on the sleeves. So I'm happy with my new haul!

Just watched Game of Thrones...I feel SO emotionally drained. Like oh my goose, what was that?! Can't believe it. Can I get a hug?!

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Missy K - Zumba is great!! It's so fun and works up a sweat. It's just dancing but it's easy to follow and get your heart rate going. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to inject some fun into their workouts. Girl please, you're supposed to get wasted at a hen party!! Glad you had a wonderful weekend, you look amazing in both pictures. I've yet to see friends get married where I think "yeah, this is amazing to see." I have seen 2 of my friends get married, 1 has ended in divorce and the other I dunno - just didn't get that fuzzy feeling haha! But still very happy they're still together!

rainbow - Foods all over the world have nutritional information on them. Even in Japan! So I'm 99% sure you won't have a problem calorie counting. Well, enjoy getting to know your new home! Don't worry too much. Try and balance exercise to maintain your weight! Huge congrats on no alcohol! That's awesome.
I think if you stick with your plan you'll lose weight - but if you don't lose weight it's probably because you're not eating enough if you're running all those times. Make sure you don't over do it with the running, ice your legs and stretch loads. But good luck!! I hope you see results =)

Bippity - Welcome back! What's your plan of action?

jmko - Yeah it can be a bummer at times, just try your best to keep your cool and know that this isn't a over night process unfortunately! I would go to a doctor. You may not be wearing the correct shoes for running, it can really mess up your knees/shins if you don't wear the right shoes! It can be a bit of an investment but it prevents injuries. Sorry you're in pain, I know injuries suck especially if you're on a roll. The important thing is to REST! And ice the knee in 10 minute intervals (10 on, 10 off) 3 or 4 times. It will hurt like a bee but it will reduce the swelling. So don't run if it's still a problem. Enjoy your trip!!

Thanks for the compliments everyone! Well, yesterday was sort of back on track… I ate my goal of 5 servings of fruits/veggies and went for my run, but later at night DS was crying and fussing non-stop and I was still hungry and I ended up eating an extra meal (somewhere around 450 calories). This morning when I jumped on the scale it was 135.0! I was so disappointed. Trying not to let it get to me.

Bippity– Keep at it!

Jmko – Oh man, so sorry about your knee! I hope it heals quickly. Congrats on the size 4!!! That’s amazing! I don’t know if I’ll ever be that small, good for you! I cook a lot also, and make most things from scratch. I use my kitchen scale to weigh all ingredients and use calorie counting websites (my favorite is http://nutritiondata.self.com/) to calculate calorie counts. Fruits and veggies are easy to count (for example, an apple has only .52 calories per gram, so this morning my 188 gram apple has 98 calories [188 * .52 = 97.76]). There’s a little bit of basic math involved, but nothing too difficult.

Stripe – I think your plan looks pretty solid! And I think it’s smart to give yourself a little more calories for Saturday, what with all the events. How did Tuesday go? Did you stay within your limit and run (trying to help keep you accountable!)? for the 64 kg, I truly feel your pain! I really really do.

Shaunalynn – Welcome, and good luck!

Rie – Great job on the 1.3! Booo on the small shoes! Have you tried using a shoe stretcher? They’re kind of a thing of the past (my grandparents use them) but they do work if you can find one. Get on with your stylish self! Be bold! Wear what makes you happy. I’ve seen a ton of reactions to the GoT Red Wedding online, for you! Don’t worry, the story is far from over!

So it looks like it’s going to be another beautiful sunny day today. Today is a rest day from C25K, and even though running felt awesome yesterday I know I definitely need to rest today. I might go out later today and try on some baby carriers, but other than that I’m going to stay home and veg the f### out! What with all the weekend festivities, then yesterday the fam and I went out for lunch with some friends, I’m till pooped!

OH! I almost forgot to tell you. Yesterday I signed up for my first 5K race! I’m sooooo excited! It’s local so I won’t have to travel more than 15 minutes and is on July 14. I’m in the middle of C25K week 5, so I should be ready by then. Even if I can’t run it straight without walking it’ll be ok, it’s not an ultra competitive one, and the proceeds go towards prostate cancer research.

I’m trying to tweak my plan so that it works for me again and I can start losing. I often graze all day and that can leave me feeling hungry, or at least not full at the end of the night, so I’m going to try to “assign” calorie counts to my meals throughout the day in an attempt to help myself feel full:

Breakfast ~ 350 cal
Lunch ~ 400 cal
Dinner ~ 600 cal
Snacks ~ 350 cal

I hope that helps. I’m trying to be solution oriented instead of problem oriented, but I’m starting to get really frustrated! I really really want to lose more!

Anyway, have a great day everyone!

Rie Sweet, what a haul, I am jealous of your shopping! I so want to shop at the moment, I want to be buying oversized sweaters and leggingpants at the moment because the temperatures have really dropped and that is what I feel like wearing! Sad about the shoes, maybe they will give a bit if you wear them around? And yes, GoT - OMG, I just sat there staring at the screen after it was over, I watched the whole of the credits (which I never do), I just just in shock! I knew food would have nutritional info, I just assume that in Canada it might be easier since it's actually listed in calories rather than kilojoules.. hrm. Either way, I WILL keep doing what I'm doing. I need to tell myself that. Forget the fact I've already been researching restaurants and stuff... I am so food addicted! I don't think I can be eating too little - I think my weekends are definitely making up for any of that at the moment haha. I think right now it's more about staying steady for me.

Missy Awesome news on the 5k! That will be such an awesome thing to do, I want to do one too haha! I am looking for one I can do in Vancouver because it's really not quite the season for them here right now. Ah sorry for your small gain as well, I'm sure it's momentary, mine certainly was! I didn't run...but I did do 16 mins on the rowing machine and 16 on the stationary bike. The weather was horrible and I got home later than normal so it was a bit darker. Luckily boyfriend's dad has those two machines in the house! I don't love using them, but at least it's something! And calories were in check! Tuesday goal achieved!

~WEDNESDAY. I feel like I do almost have to take this one day at a time at the moment. As I was telling Missy, I achieved Tuesday, sort of, I didn't run like I said I would, but did 32 minutes split across my boyfriend's dad's rowing machine and stationary bike. I do not love those machines, I get so bored and I feel like I'm kind of too small for them (arms don't quite reach the bike handles, rowing machine handles are huge for my hands) but at least it's something!

I stayed within my 1300 calories, just under which is all good AND I remembered to drink water. Only three glasses throughout the day but that is a vast improvement on none.

Today I am slightly annoyed because I had planned to have peanut butter and banana mini sandwich for breakfast and I left my small measured out serving of peanut butter who-knows-where at home. I thought I put it in my bag, but it's not there. I have soup for lunch and I'll probably have a coffee and a pear later on this afternoon. Tonight I WILL run, even though some muscle in my groin/leg to hip joint is sore (something to do with rowing or cycling I'm guessing). Even if I have to walk a little more, I will be out there and I will be doing it!

I am a little nervous about this engagement party on the weekend as even though the hosts have said there is no real dress code, it's still a party, at night, that is being semi catered and is celebrating an engagement. It's not me I'm worried about, it's my boyfriend. He's taking the whole "no dress code" thing too seriously and is literally telling me he's just going to wear his jeans (very worn, not in the best condition) and probably a tshirt and sweater. Usually I don't care what he wears, and even as I'm typing this I'm thinking "why do I care?" but I feel like he might feel a little weird, even though they're all his friends, wearing old jeans and sneakers while others are most likely wearing at least dressy pants and a shirt... some in suits! Sorry for the rambling, I know there isn't anything I can do.

Edited to add: I forgot to say that my weight came back down to 62.9kg (138.6 pounds). I think I need to make sure I put the scale in the same place ALWAYS because it can vary by 2kg depending on what part of the floor it's on!

HellllllllllllllllllOOOOOOOOOOOooooooo! *Echo* Anybody out there??

Stripe - Good for you for making do with the equipment available. I actually like the rowing machine! Hmm, my DH is an ultra casual guy too (in fact he only owns one nice sweater and it's because I bought it for him to wear in a family picture this past Christmas!). Could you maybe talk your BF into wearing a pair of khakis? They're a little more dressy, but still pretty comfy.

Well, although my run yesterday felt fantastic, my eating was horrible. I ate like a normal person for breakfast, then around lunch time DH and I went out to run some errands, and afterward we went to Chili's. I knew I was eating too much, but when I looked up the calories afterward the total was around 1930!!! For ONE meal!!! Holy dog poop bat man, that's more than I eat in a day! Needless to say, I hardly ate anything the rest of the day except a piece of fruit, cup of tea, and about 70 calories worth of dark chocolate (which I definitely didn't need, but I've developed something of a sweet tooth). I made the executive decision to not step on the scale today and just wait until my weekly WI tomorrow morning. Hopefully any sodium gain (re: salty tortilla chips) will have dissipated by then.