Me: on another diet

Yeah, so I'm dieting again. This time, (crosses fingers) I am doing a little better than before. Amen to breastfeeding. Which I'm probably going to be doing until Camden starts kindergarten... Anyway, I am doing much like I did before when I lost a little over 20 pounds- watching portions, having mustard instead of mayo, lots of fresh fruit, only diet sodas, etc. I am allowing myself about 1500 calories per day, sometimes less sometimes more. I still need to maintain a good diet since Cam nurses ALOT. Which is ok with me, because I am losing it quicker than I thought I could. Why didn't I start this when he was 7 weeks old instead of 7 months old? Oh yeah- postpartum depression. Anyway... I normally wouldn't post my starting weight being the internet and all. But, what the hell? So here goes:

my highest non-pregnant weight- 258 (after my appendix surgery)
9 months pregnant weight- 270
weight when I started dieting- 231
weight now- 211.6

Yep, that's right! I have lost 19.4 pounds since April 15th (58.4 since I delivered Cam). It has been crazy- trying to count calories in addition to fitting in a 2 to 3 mile walk every day. The calorie counting has been pretty easy, thanks to an app called Lose It on my phone. The walks are another matter- it's stray angry dog city out here. But, I'm managing thanks to walking with some friends and a wooden sword from Medieval Times! Seriously though, I am so close to being under 200 it's crazy! I am pretty stoked especially since A) I havent weighed this amount since Chloe was 6 months old and B) I am at the smallest size Lane Bryant sells which means I can finally start shopping for clothes somewhere else! Yeehaw! Not that their clothes aren't cute, I'm just tired of that being one of the only places I can shop. I would dress totally different if my options for clothing weren't so limited. Plus, those fat girl clothes are expensive! All that extra fabric... So, wish me luck. I hope to be chosen for the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue next Summer. Not really.

OMG Ashley look at your butt... and stomach, and thighs, and double chin and...!

I am sitting here drinking a Coke while a Dove chocolate melts in my mouth and I know that the good times of giving into the cravings are over. Besides, the three C's- chocolate, cheese, and Coke make Camden fart. I had seriously cut down on them when I discovered they made him gassy, but eventually the cravings won me over. But, now that he had his 3 month birthday today, it's TIME! Time to eat healthier and guzzle even more water than I normally do. I try and eat somewhat healthy but I am so nowhere near perfect. I am lucky that I am nursing because it burns so many calories and I feel like if I had tried harder that I could have lost more weight by now. Thankfully I lost every single pound I gained during my pregnancy which is nice, however it's definitely distributed differently. Honestly I don't know how the scale has the same number because my face is puffy, I have a fat belly, and of course there's my boobage, which I swear needs it's own zip code. I am gonna start slowly partly because I am not sure how many calories I should eat and because I don't have time to read labels and count calories like I did before. My plan is to eat healthy, normal portions and not go for seconds. I will allow myself to "cheat" but not everyday like I have been. I am also gonna double my water intake which is already pretty high. For exercise, I am gonna put on my Reebok Easy Tone shoes and do the treadmill while Camden swings or looks at his mobile or something! I may even try and keep them on while I do chores and whatnot. I won't wear them in public though- they are fugly! I am pretty sure that lugging the car seat and carrying around a 13 pound baby will help me in the weights area. I am gonna see how things go on this "plan" of mine for a few months and if I am not showing marked improvement I'm gonna have to join a gym and consult with a trainer. I don't think I was ever meant to be teeny tiny and although I love sports and am pretty athletic I am never gonna be a gym rat, a runner, or a slave to exercise. Life is pretty busy and as long as I try and stay healthy that is what's important. And, first and foremost is my family so I really don't want anything to get in the way of that. I wanna enjoy the last year Chandler is in our home and I want to be able to spoil my last baby as long as he'll let me. Anyway- I guess I am telling you guys this so I can get advice and/or words of encouragement along the way. Wish me luck!

Blog Post #499!

Holy cow, I just noticed that I am 1 away from 500, DANG! WOW! SERIOUSLY! That's alot of talking and writing.

Tonight, I am gonna do one of my all-in-one posts, just because I feel this overwhelming urge to blog. Not really. Just sounded good. So, here's what's up:

I haven't started decorating for Christmas yet. If you know me, this is a shocker! I just haven't had the chance, I am just getting things running smooth since our trip and today was so windy, that the outside decorations were a no go. I will decorate by Monday morning. I have put myself on a deadline! I have 6 Christmas trees that are itching to be decorated. Yep, 6 of them.

Coco got "fixed" today. I never thought I would ever see that dog this calm. She is not doing so hot. She still won't eat or drink and she is very lethargic, even though her surgery was over 12 hours ago. Daisy is beside herself without her buddy. I finally had to put their kennels nose to nose so they could look at each other. Daisy seems so worried about Coco which is sweet. The funniest thing is Coco's buster collar, which keeps getting hooked on things like door frames and laundry baskets. The next 2 weeks are gonna be interesting.

My beautiful new boots came in the mail today. Cheers! But, they don't freaking fit!! I am bummed beyond belief. And, I am not even sure how big the extended calf of the boot was. Because the only thing stopping me from trying them on is called a BUNION! Oh man, I was ticked. That is putting it mildly. I was already creating lovely outfits in my brain, but it just wasn't meant to be. I'll just stare at chicks in knee boots and daydream. Hopefully no one gets the wrong message.

I am super excited about this weekend. My sweet little nephew Jonah is getting blessed on Sunday. So, I will be heading to Austin to see him and his Mommy and Daddy on their special day. I can't wait to see how much he's grown. I kinda feel bad about church though. I haven't been to my new ward in over 2 weeks and Sunday will make it 3. Hopefully no one forgot my name! I am really enjoying the friendships I have made and the people I have met so far. If anyone from FW 3rd is reading: I'll be back! Promise!

I am halfway through Eclipse, and I am enjoying the books more than I thought I would. I really love to read and there aren't too many books I won't read. I had heard these books were cheesy and teenagery, but so am I! Sure, there are some far-fetched parts and there have been some dull moments, but so far they are good. I am gonna go see Twilight tomorrow evening, and I am looking forward to it. And, I have promised my boys that I will start the Harry Potter books next. I have read the first book, back in 2001. Which seems forever ago, so I will be starting all over again soon.

I have moved from the fat ladies department (as my mom likes to call it) to the not fat ladies department at Dillards. I was actually able to fit into a size 14 dress tonight. Granted, I couldn't breathe or feel my breasts, but still. I have been shopping at Lane Bryant for years, so it's nice to have other options, even an XL. I was feeling pretty ick about dieting and stuff, but tonight recharged my weight loss batteries. I have a new goal of size 8 by next Summer, help me!

And, last but not least. I have been approached by a website about posting an article about popular toys for the holidays. So, if you see an article pop up in the next few days, don't be alarmed. It's just a guest blogger. And, I am getting paid. Pretty cool huh?

So, there you have it. Today's pot of blogger soup. Come back and see me real soon, ya hear?

FREE Chocolate!!

Awhile back I blogged about my love of the new Chex Mix Bars, maybe you remember? Well, imagine my surprise when I was contacted by this chick who does PR for Chex and she offered me 3 free boxes of Chex Mix turtle flavor bars to give away! Yeah, I'll take those. As a bonus I got my very own box. So, I am doing every one's favorite: a no-strings attached GIVEAWAY! Three of my lovely readers will win their very own box, to eat, share, save, or whatever you feel like doing with them.... Personally, I eat them when I am craving a candy bar. I also give them to the kids as a snack either after school or to take to school. Plus, they have WHOLE GRAINS! So, what are you waiting for? Hurry! Enter, as often as you'd like. I will pick a winner sometime Sunday. So, you have til Sunday morning. Winner will be notified via a blog post and an email from moi! Good luck!

In less than 2 months!

I did this little collage just to show the change in my face. I am shocked at the difference in my chubby cheeks. The first picture was taken 9/24/08 and the second one was taken 11/12/08. Go Ash!

 

*yes, you have seen the 2nd photo before, but I am wearing the same sweater as I am in the first. So, I'll probably always wear it for before and afters, at least until it no longer stays on...

Holy Freakin' Cow!

Although at this rate, it's gonna be holy freakin' some other animal that's not fat...

So, I am super excited. And rightfully so. Because, I just did my weekly weigh-in and I have lost 20 pounds! I never would have believed it possible that I could lose 5 pounds, let alone 20! This helps motivate me so much, I have been in a slump lately and I was scared I wouldn't be able to keep this up. But, after this morning I am truckin' on. I know I still have a loooong way to go, but I am super stoked. Seriously, I am gonna have a cheesy smile on my face all day long!
Just wanted to share. Yay me!

Blogger Stew

I could do three different posts about three separate things I feel like blogging about, but it's my blog and I'll do what I want. I'm doin' them all-in-one.


First order of business, the weekly weigh in. This week I was just as lazy as last week. Due to being really busy and having two messed up knees. I played my behind off in softball last Monday and I am still paying the price. We don't have a game tomorrow, so I have one whole week to keep them iced and wrapped, and hopefully get all healed up. I found out tonight that we are gonna sign our team up for the Winter league, which is cool. I can get in two days of exercise for sure each week that way. It also means I am gonna have to put up the Nike's and get honest to goodness real softball cleats. I am gonna try and find a pair that matches my pink glove. Anyway, back to the point. I am down 14.5 pounds! I am addicted to Lean Cuisines and Coke Zero. End of point.

Second order of business, blogging. I just want to say I really like my blog, ALOT! It is fun and a little addictive. I look at it often. I can't imagine ever not blogging. Everytime I go somewhere, I take pictures, just in case I blog about what I'm doing. I even take pictures of food in restaurants. You should see the pictures on my computer. There are photos of Cokes, food, etc. I love when people read my blog. I love it even more when people comment. Makes all the picture taking and typing worth it. Not sure why it matters, but it does. I guess it's an ego thing. I know some people could care less about comments. Not me, I totally care.

And, last but not least, church. I let my mind wander today during sacrament. I know, I know. Anyway, as I was letting my thoughts float around, I was pondering things about church that stump me and sometimes make me laugh. Like, how I always manage to get the hardest chunk of bread and the teeniest cup of water at sacrament. Or, people who sit in the same place every week, and would almost rather go home than sit somewhere different. And, why is it always so flippin' loud in the back? Why do the same kids always get up and down 22 times each and every week? And, could it get any colder in the chapel? Is it ok to speed on your way to church just so you can partake of the sacrament? And on and on... I usually always listen and I definitely always learn something amazing, but today I wasn't on my game.

Ok, the end.

1 Dozen Pounds

Once again it's time for my weekly diet post.

This week was really tough, especially in the food department. Due to a serious case of PMS, I had the munchies BAD! I managed to stay under 1800 calories each day, but it sure wasn't easy. Exercise was once again minimal. I have been walking with a girl in my neighborhood and between the two of us we managed to have too much going on to put forth the effort. We did walk three days, but once we stopped to watch a deer and twice we went after school with the kids and they were only slightly distracting.
Which is why I am gonna start the Couch to 5K program on Monday. Supposedly if you follow it exactly you can be 5K ready in 3 months. Now, while I won't be entering any races, I am curious to see if I am up to the challenge. I am also looking to start weight training again. This time I will be doing it on my own as opposed to having a trainer. I have had 2 trainers the last few years, one was major 80's complete with Jane Fonda leotard. The other was a giant power lifter who had me lifting lots of heavy weights. Jane only had me do 10 minutes of cardio a day and power lifter told me to eat alot* and he wanted me taking supplements. I only lost 5 pounds with Jane and zero with the power lifter. This time I am gonna research it and develop my own program.
And, while I did eat more than normal I am still making healthier choices. I attempted to cook healthier meals for my family as well. When I first started this "program" I was eating what they were, just skipping the starchy side dishes and pasta. Instead opting for meats and veggies. This week I tried two new meals: turkey burgers with sweet potato fries, great burger, AWFUL fries. And the other was a chicken fajita salad. It was so good, (pats self on back)! I will definitely make it again. I also discovered a new snack, Chex Mix Bars. They are made with whole grains and are only 140 calories a bar. You get the chocolate you're craving minus the calories of a candy bar.
And, now what you've probably already know from the title of this post: I have now lost 12 pounds! Yay me! And, in case you are interested, here's my salad "recipe". I use the term recipe loosely, simply because it was thrown together, but still yummy. And, best of all, it is simple to make.


**Ashley's Amazingly Yummy and Hopefully Healthy Chicken Fajita Salad**

1 package pre-cooked and seasoned chicken fajita meat sauteed with 1/2 an onion (in olive oil)
1 can kidney beans, drained (heat as well)
iceberg and romaine lettuce
shredded cheese (I used sharp cheddar made with 2% milk)
tomato
avocado
light sour cream
salsa
baked Tostitos

After heating up the chicken and onion, I just arranged the lettuce, tomato, and chips on a plate and added a few chicken strips and onions, 1 and 1/2 tbsp. each of kidney beans, shredded cheese, and salsa. Then I tossed on a few avocado chunks, and 1 tsp. of sour cream and voila! Dinner is served. It was super good and very filling.

*p.s. never tell a food addict to eat alot, it will have a negative effect.

Weekly Weigh-In

It's been a whole week already? This week has been interesting, to say the least. Exercise has been minimal, mainly due to alot of laziness and a little boredom. Add in a few shin splints and you get the picture. But, I have tried to make up for it by parking waaaayyyy away from every store I go to and we must have walked the length of the mall 4 times yesterday, because we were lost, so surely that helped. I have had the urge to snack more this week, I blame PMS but who knows? I allowed myself a cheat weekend, crazy I know... My family is no different than alot of families in that we eat out on the weekends more. I try to cook a few nights a week and the others we kinda have "every man for himself". Which means- sandwiches, cereal, or a TV dinner on nights we are busy, like softball, football, etc. Which brings me back to the point, I let myself eat things I haven't had in over a month. A Whataburger Jr (half order of small fries), thin crust supreme pizza (1 & 1/2 slices), and the worst of all.... a hot dog. This better be PMS, because I don't want the last three days of eating to become a habit. Which is exactly how I got this way in the first place. I am still reading and following labels to the letter. If it's not low-cal, I split the recommended serving size in half. I am charting calories like crazy, and NEVER go over 1800. My BMR (basal metabolic rate = the amount of calories you burn even if you were totally sedentary) is 1800, so I figure I for sure won't gain if I stay under it. So, I am happy to report... that I finally HIT 10 POUNDS OFF!! And, I looked up my "happy weight", yes there is a formula to figure this up, and I need to lose exactly 100 more to be there. (Check yours here) Sounds daunting, but I am determined. Several items of clothing are baggy now, which definitely helps. Darn it, I may have to buy NEW clothes? Bummer.... Here's hoping for a good diet/weight report next Sunday.

P.S. I definitely recommend reading labels and most especially checking calories of your fave restaurant food online. I looked at several places I used to frequent and some of the combo meals were over 1,000 calories each. Which explains alot. And, just so you know, on the days I cheated, I had minimal food the rest of the day, like lots of fruit to make up for the cheat.

More talk, less body

Seeing as it's been a week since my last diet post, I thought I'd provide a little update. The good news is: I am thisclose to being in the double digits in weight loss. The bad new is: it took a nasty case of food poisoning to get me there. Yuck huh? Basically I have been eating anywhere from 1200 to 1800 calories per day, depending on my hunger and activity level. I know how many calories EVERY food I eat has, even tic tacs. If not, I don't eat it. I have eaten bread twice this week, once was toast, after "the incident"- which I will touch on later. I haven't had a regular Coke in 11 days. Seriously! I like Diet Coke now, believe it or not. As for my eating, I am pretty much eating only chicken, fish, fruits, and veggies. A couple of times I have had a Happy Meal with a cheeseburger, apples, and a Diet Coke. I was craving red meat, so sue me. Although, if the cheeseburger at Mickey D's actually contains red meat is debatable. So far, I haven't missed any one food too much. I have allowed myself to have stuff I love (queso and chocolate), but only in moderation. If I know I am gonna eat out, I eat very light that whole day. I know how many calories I can have, so I try really hard to stay under that number. I have checked every restaurant we frequent, and now know what is best to eat.

Which brings me to "the incident." Jon and I try and do a lunch date once a week, and Friday was no exception. I had been craving grilled salmon, and at Saltgrass it's AMAZING! So, we went there for our lunch date. Let's just say, I won't be craving grilled salmon for a very long time. So, there you have it. The end of week two. Cross your fingers and pray that I can keep it up. I feel so determined. Not to mention giddy. I am 1 pound away from a number I haven't seen in several years.

Me: On a Diet

I'm not really starving... but I think I may be starving. I am trying so hard. At first I wasn't gonna blog about this because I didn't wanna jinx myself and my efforts. But, I figured what do I have to lose? It's not like I am gonna be a babe tomorrow or anything. I have a long road ahead of me. I have started this journey many times. I have even tried out for The Biggest Loser- twice. But, this time it feels different. For starters, this time I am praying. For strength, courage, and that I can have a clear and open mind about what my body needs to function properly. It sure doesn't need Ding Dongs and Coke. Plus, I am relying on faith, because as the saying goes it can move mountains. Surely it can help me get a smaller butt. Basically I have been eating smaller portions, and incorporating more fruits and veggies. I didn't even have a piece of bread for 5 whole days. That's a big deal. Then there's that lovely, fizzy, brown deliciousness- Coca Cola. That has been the hardest. The headaches the first 5 days were excruciating, from lack of caffeine. I have been guzzling water and am developing a taste for Diet Coke. That hurt to type by the way... I never thought I'd be able to give up the regular. I have exercised in some way, shape, or form every day for the past 7 days. And, while I won't tell you how much I currently weigh or what I have lost, I will give you a hint. I probably weigh more than you and I have lost the equivalent of a bag of sugar. I'll let you decide which size I am referring to. I am praying that I will be successful this go round, and here's hoping I have many more weight loss triumphs to share. Wish me luck!

Whomever said...

nothing tastes as good as thin feels obviously never ate:

Blue Bell ice cream

Steak with garlic butter

A cheeseburger

PF Changs

Cheesecake

Chocolate of any kind

Fajita Chicken Chimicangas

Cheese, specifically sharp or liquefied

Homemade french fries

Warm rolls with cinnamon butter

Brownies

Babe's Chicken Fried Steak

I really could make this list go on and on.... but I won't. Instead I'll just fill you in. I feel this overwhelming urge to drop as much weight as humanly possible in 26 days. But, I obviously can't say no to FOOD! Seeing my siblings again for the first time in years is making me want to call a plastic surgeon. Going to Hurricane Harbor didn't help either. Alas, I'll still be a chubby girl. Hi, my name is Ashley and I am a food-a-holic.