S Club Mama

I was reading Ephesians 2 this morning and got through to chapter 10 when I was hit with conviction. "For we are God's masterpiece.  He has created us anew in Christ Jesus,  so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago." This small, still voice inside said, "and those good things are not measured by your weight or pant size." Whoa! That voice (the Holy Spirit for those unfamiliar) stopped me in my tracks. I've been upset lately about pants being tighter (thanks Thanksgiving dinner and my lack of self-control, which is an issue but one I'm working on) and scale numbers being higher. But in reality, does it matter? Sure, God wants us to take care of our bodies and respect the place His Spirit dwells (if you've accepted Christ as your Savior). We are not called to be gluttonous or lazy or to sacrifice our health, but we are also not judged on our size or weight or muscle tone or athletic accomplishments. We are judged by our sins a...

When I started running in 2010, I developed a dream of running a marathon. I didn't know how long a marathon was. Then I realized the training wasn't going to work out...and besides, my 30 minute runs (which I worked up to after several weeks of short runs starting at 4 minutes long) weren't very fun. What a drag. Running. I disliked it a lot. But I saw results. Pounds didn't fall off but they did come off. By October 2010, I had dropped 50 pounds and in September had completed a half marathon. What a rush! I found running to be imperative to my days - I was happier than I'd ever been. Not because I had lost weight (although that was icing on the cake) but because God was working in my heart to transform me into who He wanted me to be. Today, I have regained 10-15 of those pounds and dropped them again, along with 10 or so extra pounds. A large part, due to my joy of running. I find it amazing what God has made my body capable of. Today I ran 18 miles on a tread...

I saw a preview for The Biggest Loser where the contestants had to stand in a temptation room filled with food goodies for something like four hours a day. Sometimes I feel like I live in that temptation room. We are forever baking something or another either for small group or MOPS or dinner guests or because our children watch Super Why and that episode was about carrot applesauce cake. Then there's our pantry cupboard that is filled with candy that we use as incentives (bribes) for our children. I'll be honest. My palate naturally gravitates toward salty, crisp snacks like chips. Chips are expensive, ergo we don't buy chips. Good for me. Candy is cheap, ergo we buy candy. Bad for me. And when I focus on not eating the candy or baked goods, that's when I gobble it down. It's like driving. I was taught in Driver's Ed back in the day that if you focus on something, you'll naturally gravitate toward it whilst controlling a giant vehicle (or a not-so-giant...

If you've never heard of Jessica Heights, please check out her blog! She is very encouraging and so is her new ebook: 100 Pound Loser (How I Ate What I Wanted, Had Four Babies, and Finally Took Control of My Weight - And You Can Too!). What a mouthful that title is BUT there are a lot of helpful encouragement in this book for anyone who wants to take control of their weight. Tis the season to begin your weight loss goals, right? I know I did in January 2010, but please don't let this season discourage you as we all hold on to those extra pounds from the holidays. It's hard to pass up on the pumpkin pie or pecan pie or cheesecake or sugar cookies or any of the other endless goodies shoved in your face by well-meaning neighbors and family. One of my favorite parts of 100 Pound Loser is where Jessica tells a secret: she eats what she wants! If she has a craving, she eats that thing! She has found that if she doesn't, she'll skim on other food items looking for som...

I'm not doing so hot at this. I've gone from needing to lose the last 10-15 pounds to 15-20 pounds. I guess that's what happens when you move, put off exercise, and eat all the yummy brownies & rice krispie treats that friends bring by! Oops. So I'm up about 5 pounds from 2 weeks ago  (remember I didn't weigh in last week).  I'm sitting around 149.  I'm not very happy about that.  However, tonight I have two volleyball games to kick off my exercising this week. Then I am hoping to NOT miss a planned workout this week. I'm going to start going to the nearby gym since Big A sent "our" treadmill back home with my MIL (and ladies who have asked; we didn't ask if she wanted to sell it but seriously it's over 10 years old and not very good). BUT another one of my not-so-secret tips is : get back on the horse (read this guest post if you missed my other not-so-secret tips). If you eat a whole pan of brownies, pint of ice cream, or ski...

Emmi from Mommy's Free Time and Jennifer from Life with the Lebedas have teamed up to start a 'Slim Me Down' WEEKLY Challenge . Each week they'll be weighing in, talking about our successes, struggles and goals. They'll be posting new recipes to try, websites to check out and support each other through the journey. While I have completed most of my weight-loss goals (for those of you who are new here, I lost 50 pounds in the last year via running and Biggest Loser DVDs...mostly running), I'm still not to my goal weight. So maybe this will help me shed the last 5-15 pounds (I'm not 100% on where I'd like to stop...but the Wii says I still have 15 pounds until my goal BMI). Starting weight: 144.6 Goal: 2 pounds in 2 weeks  (I like to take it slow) So follow the button or links and go link up because it's so much easier to lose weight when you have people  holding you accountable.

Biggest Loser Season 10 is very much under way - lots of people have already been sent home, new challenges have been done, mid-week weigh-ins have made their appearance. There's always some new twist each season, of course. BL is such an inspiring show for so many, me included. The staggering amount of weight lost in a relatively short amount of time, the commitment to be away from family and obligations for months, the stories of overcoming adversities - it all takes a toll on the audience. However, many of us don't take that inspiration beyond saying "oh wow" while eating a bowl of ice cream on our couch. In this past year, I got tired of being that person watching BL while stuffing myself full of crap. I got tired of feeling like I was on the path straight to being on this reality show for obese people. I was obese, unhappy with myself (not unhappy with life), and tired. Tired of feeling tired. Tired of fighting with my clothes when I had to get out of my sw...

Tonight while watching Biggest Loser (last week's episode via hulu so please don't think I've seen this week's episode & ruin it for me, thanks lol), I told Big A my overall weight loss goal (to hit 129 lbs). I think he about pooped his pants. haha I don't think he expected me to want to lose a lot more than I already have. I know that I feel better than I did even months ago. I know that I look better than I did even months ago. I know that I'm healthier than I was even months ago. But I have more to do. I have more weight to lose. I have a healthier me waiting for me yet. I haven't told anyone my goal yet. I didn't really have a goal until I dug deeper into my head. I want to lose 37 more pounds (or 40 to even it out). The Wii Fit Plus told me a long time ago (and keeps reminding me) that 129 would be an ideal weight for me. When I started using that, I thought that was impossible to reach. But I started out this journey (not to sound too B...

so my wedding dress may not fit exactly like it did on August 5, 2006 but it does fit. Can I just say I don't mind (and my hubby doesn't either) that it fits...more snugly in *ahem* certain top areas? Although I am glad the full skirt helps cover up some tummy parts that will be the last jiggly area to go (if ever). And just wait until I try it on again, it'll look even better!

20 pounds! That's right, folks. Since July {since Squirt's appearance}, I have lost {over} 20 pounds! I actually hit the two-zero mark last week, but thought some of it would reappear with my weekend in Wyoming {eating out, being sick, not working out}. No reappearance here! I still lost .7 since last week. Not bad considering. I've also done it. I count calories. I will not do it forever {no ma'am}. I want to be aware of what I'm consuming; how much I'm really eating. Today is day 2 {of the many numerous times I've tried doing this}. Yesterday, I didn't even hit the 1,100 mark. I thought I ate a lot more. And maybe I did when I wasn't writing it down. I could see how this could help people lose. You think "I really want chips" and then you see that 16 = 140 calories. Considering a small orange is between 25-45 {my mind went blank on the right number}, that's a lot. I did indulge myself in to 1/2 oz of chocolate {1/2 an Easter cross} an...

My MIL (finally) gave us her clothes hanger ... shoot, I mean, treadmill. It's old but I'm hoping it will help me shed some of this oh so stubborn weight. There's just one thing - I really hate running. BUT I'm hoping to have a long relationship with it, preferably with some love mixed in there.

Not really - my butt is still very much present and accounted for (haha). However, I have been working out a LOT lately. From Monday - Friday, I had worked out 7 hours. I haven't gotten anything done because we were gone until supper time (and I think that's partially why I am SO tired). I've been using the Biggest Loser DVDs I got for Christmas ( Boot Camp & Yoga ) and a friend let me borrow her Cardio Max (BL, too). I tried that the other day & it whomped (is that a word?) my butt, but I liked it. And then my aerobics class meets twice a day and I try to do at least a half an hour a day on the Wii Fit Plus. I like to use that to jog or free step. For as much as my body feels I've been working out (I am SORE); that scale has not significantly moved (and we had a Valentine's Day dinner last night at church so I'm fairly sure if I had lost anything, it was gained back haha). I do feel my body gaining muscle (which is cool). I feel stronger and more flex...

Tip of the Week: Although it's cold in many states right now, try to park your car at least halfway through the parking lot. This may mean a slightly longer walk to the store but dress in layers and you (and your family) will be just fine (just know, this is a tip for me because I whine when my husband parks too far away haha). Big A got me 2 workout DVDs for Christmas: Biggest Loser Weight Loss Yoga & Biggest Loser Boot Camp. He's been working out with me when he comes home from work and on his days off, too. It's great motivation for me to get myself going. He also got me a StayBall (weighted exercise ball) that came with a 30 minute Core Strength DVD. Yesterday, I did the Boot Camp and StayBall DVDs during nap time. Squirt was awake for about 20 minutes of the BC so I had to stop a few minutes to lay him down. But I was feeling pretty good about my workouts. I've been doing them most every day. I think I've not done a workout maybe 3 times since Christmas. T...

That scale just won't budge. I'll admit I haven't followed my diet/exercise plan to a T, but darn I've been trying. Sometimes it's just so hard to want to get up and go for a walk with the kids. I'm just tired. But the good news is that I tried on my old jeans and they fit. Tightly, but I got them buttoned! Which is weird because I tried them on just a week or so ago and they weren't close to buttoning. Think my fat is dispersing itself elsewhere? lol I don't know if I'm going to make this 20 pound mark by the holidays. It may take me longer. I'm going to keep trying, though.

It's Week 5 for Natalie's Holiday Slim Down. I'm in a 2 pound slump. And it's no one's fault but my own, of course. I'm just not watching what I eat or eating too large of portions. I just really love carbs: pastas, potatoes, crackers...yum, yum! So my goals for this week are: 1. Walk our "new" route three times & the "old" route once 2. Yoga at least 4 times this week 3. 3-4 tall glasses of water each day 4. Encourage myself as much as possible We signed up for our walk/run - $18 registration fee per person so we're not backing out! I'm very excited about this. Last week, I walked with the boys (once - boo) 2.5 miles so I know I can make it. I mean, I had both boys with me and during the actual event, I'll only have Squirt. The group goal for this week is to not eat sweets for a straight 48 hours. I'm planning on doing this on Wednesday and Thursday. We have a wedding Friday and birthday party on Saturday. I'm excite...

first smiles first haircuts and the world premiere of...Moose, the Science Kid (please excuse the singing...I know it's hard on the ears)! I was also pleasantly surprised to step on the scale today after a Yoga workout with Bob . I have to check again but I'm pretty sure it says I've lost 2 pounds SINCE SUNDAY! I'll update you on that soon. And I'll tell ya that yoga was hard work, especially with Moose freaking out. If I do anything seen on tv, he tries to stop me by pulling on my shirt or pulling me (which is hard when you're trying to do yoga which involves a lot of balance). It was good, though, and I worked through him until he started to crawl under me during downward dog (so funny). Also, check out my WHRRL slideshow on the sidebar or HERE . Want to go to SITScation? Check out the details HERE .

How did I do this week? Um....yeah. Not too bad, I guess, but let's look at it by my goals. 1. Start my Slim Fast diet. One drink for breakfast, one for lunch plus half a sandwich or other small meal, and a healthy dinner. Add in 2 very small, healthy snacks. This went fairly well until the weekend. Yeah. The dinner out at Applebee's, the puppy chow my husband made and the wedding we attended (with a candy table) really didn't help. But I'll do better. I know that one of the worst things you can do as you try to lose weight is beat yourself up over mistakes. 2. Take a walk 4 days a week AND do some kind of in-home workout 4 days a week. If it's too hot to walk outside, then I can substitute the in-home workout (and vice versa). I started off fairly well with an :08 Pilates workout Monday, chasing after Moose at the mall and giving him a shoulder ride for about 10 minutes on Tuesday, and carrying Squirt around the fair for about an hour on Thursday. But not really my...

Natalie from Natalie's Sentiments has started a new blog called Holiday Slim Down: 15 Pounds in 15 Weeks. Now, I know I have more than 15 pounds to lose. Honestly? I could lose about 40-50 pounds and still be healthy. Of course, I won't and can't lose this all at once (wouldn't that be great?). But 30 pounds in 15 weeks wouldn't be bad: 2 pounds per week. However, I will give myself some grace and say I want to lose 20+ pounds by Christmas. My goals for this week: 1. Start my Slim Fast diet. One drink for breakfast, one for lunch plus half a sandwich or other small meal, and a healthy dinner. Add in 2 very small, healthy snacks. 2. Take a walk 4 days a week AND do some kind of in-home workout 4 days a week. If it's too hot to walk outside, then I can substitute the in-home workout (and vice versa). 3. Pick out a goal outfit. Anybody want to join? Head on over to the holiday slim down home blog and read the welcome post. I'm ready to get started!

I was just watching GMA & apparently people everywhere (tabloids & such) are commenting about Cheryl Burke's weight. They think she's fat!!! Are you serious? She said herself on the show that she's a size 4, same as last season, but that she has gained weight. A.whole.5.pounds. Woo! 5 pounds. If that makes her fat, I can't be more glad that I'm NOT a celebrity. What would they have thought about my pregnancy and the fact that over a year after my son was born, I still have at least 10 pounds of baby weight still packed on?! Geez, people are unbelievable. I searched it on Google, and there are forums talking about her being pregnant (at least 4 months) and how she's fat (or at the very least, more curvy). If that's what she looks like 4 months pregnant (which she is NOT), I want that kind of pregnancy. What kind of message are we sending our children and ourselves?? That you need to be UNDER size 4 to be skinny? That you can't pack on 5 pounds wi...

I will admit, I am a compulsive snacker. It's not really that I'm bored even, but I really am hungry every few hours. I don't want a lot of snacks, I just want something filling. However, I'm sure that has added up the 2 pound weight gain (double boo, one for each pound). Now I'm trying not to obsess, but it's hard. I think about just not eating at all, but I know that would last until tomorrow when I wake up. So do you have any snack ideas that are low calorie (as in 100 or less?) but still filling??? I really need some guidance here.