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Today's post is about resistance bands, mainly because I'm going to be reviewing a set on my other blog Rotties Reviews (www.rottiesreviews.blogspot.com). Sorry for the shameless plug snuck in there but you gotta try.
So, Im getting these bands from Urban Fit, and to be honest, I had to google what they are for and what they do. I have learned that they basically are used for strength training and to tone your muscles. I have been doing all cardio since I started this journey to get fit and decided to give these a whirl just to mix it up a little bit. I have heard before that its good to change it up between cardio and strength training and after googling resistance band exercises I feel like these may be something I can do. I found a site which I am going to list here in a second, that has 6 different exercises using resistance bands. When you google "resistance band exercises" there are a plethora of YouTube videos and the like. All of them very fit looking muscular people doing these incredible exercises. I'm looking at these people that look like they go to the gym 5 to 7 days a week and thinking "Who are you kidding?" Seriously they need to show some of us fat people doing beginner exercises so we can be motivated. Hmmmm maybe I see a YouTube video star in myself in the future lol.
I found this one site http://www.realsimple.com/health/fitness-exercise/workouts/resistance-band-exercises that does look like something I can attempt. Of course I'm going to hide in my bedroom with the door shut the few times first so no one can see me. I look like a fool enough on my own when I trip over my two feet. I can just imagine letting go of one of these bands and having it snap back and hit me in the butt or worse. I'll injure my pride in private thank you very much. When I get the bands and test them out, I'll give you all my review and let you know if its something you should try. I was thinking of getting a couple of 5lb dumbells but I think this might be easier and definitely more portable. I can pack these in my suitcase when I go on trips like that big wedding I'm heading to in June.
Anyway thats my informative post for today, but I will be blogging again tomorrow as it is weigh in day. Im excited to see how I'm doing as I started supplements and a (ICK) colon clease. Boyyyyy does THAT work hahahaha. I will leave you with that happy little visual.
Xoxoxoxoxo
Rottie
Saturday, March 21, 2015
Sunday, March 15, 2015
Haven't posted in over a week
I'm sure not many are really following this anyway but I felt like I should at least do a check in for those that actually are. I'm here, I'm still doing this, I have not given up. Just wanted to put that out there in case anyone thought that is why I have been MIA.
Truth is, there isn't that much to report so I've been quiet. The last post I made was about not trusting the old scale I had been, and I have to say that I was absolutely correct. Next time I got on it, it weighed me back at the weight before the loss so I had to take back those four pounds I had thought and hoped I lost. So I now need to save up some cash to get a nice digital one that doesn't lie and give me false hope lol.
But,... In the 11 days that I have been absent from the blogging scene, I have lost those four pounds! I'm certain of it. The scale has been consistent the last four weigh ins and has not fluctuated. I take that as I am back to a nine pound loss. The big thing though is I realize how poorly I was eating before. Before I started this journey, I thought I was eating ok. Not the best because I knew I had been steadily gaining weight but not bad either. Now though, I know I was eating A LOT of fat, most likely saturated fat, salt, and just junk. More than once a week my lunch would be not one but two hot pockets, and two bags of chips! Or 2 packages of Top Ramen with cheese or egg and meat in it. Breakfast was the normal omelet I eat now on every other day but those other days the cereal I had was not one serving, it was closer to three. So I probably was consuming upwards of 2500 calories a day.
Measuring and the MyFitnessPal app have been my lifesavers. I realize now how much I over indulged and what exactly a serving is. I read labels, I measure and I make calculated decisions as to what I am going to eat that day. Also I realize now how important even a small amount of exercise is. Walking at a leisurely pace for half an hour burns about 150 calories. That's a cup of low fat yogurt and a piece of fruit or a bowl of cereal. More exercise burns more calories so if I want to over indulge occasionally I know I need to step the exercise game up a little to compensate. If I don't, I know I am going to go over my caloric goal for the day and sometimes I just do that. I try not to make it a habit of over indulging but when I do, I don't guilt myself anymore like I used to.
I feel better about myself. I feel like I am moving in a positive direction even if the scale doesn't drop dramatically or even at all. I have started making healthy decisions and to be honest, its not that hard. I don't feel deprived or like I'm missing something. I have upped my fruits and veggies, I have eliminated the chips and the hot pockets and the junk food. I have also cut my sherbet by two thirds. I had half a cup the other day and it was just way too sweet for me. I love my sherbet I always have but I can't eat the sweet anymore. A cup of Yoplait light in the evening is much more satisfying these days. Who would think I would ever think that way?
So, in conclusion, its not depriving yourself or making huge drops on the scale. Its changing old habits and developing new healthier ones. Once you can do that, the weight will fall off on its own. Don't get discouraged and don't beat yourself up because you gave in and ate that piece of chocolate or that slice of pie. Celebrate the little victories each day and keep moving forward. We will all get there in time.
Rottie
Truth is, there isn't that much to report so I've been quiet. The last post I made was about not trusting the old scale I had been, and I have to say that I was absolutely correct. Next time I got on it, it weighed me back at the weight before the loss so I had to take back those four pounds I had thought and hoped I lost. So I now need to save up some cash to get a nice digital one that doesn't lie and give me false hope lol.
But,... In the 11 days that I have been absent from the blogging scene, I have lost those four pounds! I'm certain of it. The scale has been consistent the last four weigh ins and has not fluctuated. I take that as I am back to a nine pound loss. The big thing though is I realize how poorly I was eating before. Before I started this journey, I thought I was eating ok. Not the best because I knew I had been steadily gaining weight but not bad either. Now though, I know I was eating A LOT of fat, most likely saturated fat, salt, and just junk. More than once a week my lunch would be not one but two hot pockets, and two bags of chips! Or 2 packages of Top Ramen with cheese or egg and meat in it. Breakfast was the normal omelet I eat now on every other day but those other days the cereal I had was not one serving, it was closer to three. So I probably was consuming upwards of 2500 calories a day.
Measuring and the MyFitnessPal app have been my lifesavers. I realize now how much I over indulged and what exactly a serving is. I read labels, I measure and I make calculated decisions as to what I am going to eat that day. Also I realize now how important even a small amount of exercise is. Walking at a leisurely pace for half an hour burns about 150 calories. That's a cup of low fat yogurt and a piece of fruit or a bowl of cereal. More exercise burns more calories so if I want to over indulge occasionally I know I need to step the exercise game up a little to compensate. If I don't, I know I am going to go over my caloric goal for the day and sometimes I just do that. I try not to make it a habit of over indulging but when I do, I don't guilt myself anymore like I used to.
I feel better about myself. I feel like I am moving in a positive direction even if the scale doesn't drop dramatically or even at all. I have started making healthy decisions and to be honest, its not that hard. I don't feel deprived or like I'm missing something. I have upped my fruits and veggies, I have eliminated the chips and the hot pockets and the junk food. I have also cut my sherbet by two thirds. I had half a cup the other day and it was just way too sweet for me. I love my sherbet I always have but I can't eat the sweet anymore. A cup of Yoplait light in the evening is much more satisfying these days. Who would think I would ever think that way?
So, in conclusion, its not depriving yourself or making huge drops on the scale. Its changing old habits and developing new healthier ones. Once you can do that, the weight will fall off on its own. Don't get discouraged and don't beat yourself up because you gave in and ate that piece of chocolate or that slice of pie. Celebrate the little victories each day and keep moving forward. We will all get there in time.
Rottie
Tuesday, March 3, 2015
Not holding my breath but I think the dam broke finally
Im flying pretty high this morning. I actually jumped off and on the scale 4 times to make sure the reading didn't change! Looks like I have dropped an amazing 5 lbs since the last weigh in. I still am not sure if the scale is right but I figure next weigh in, if its the same or lower then yes it is and I really finally broke that plateau.
Pretty amazing feeling because that means a total of 9 pounds since I started this on the 28th of January. I mean in the sense of long term its nothing, I have such a long way to go but I'm not measuring the long run. I'm taking this one day at a time so in that respect this is pretty damn good. If I keep this up, I will be able to get back into those jeans that are stuffed in the bottom of my drawer and then maybe even the ones in the closet that I haven't even looked at in 2 years. Today's weigh in has given me hope again and given me back my drive and motivation to stick with it.
Next weigh in is on Saturday so we will know for sure then. I have to fight the urge not to jump on the scale every time I go into the bathroom between now and Sunday but I can do it. Thinking of trying some of those protein drinks and appetite supression pills to help but I'm kind of on the fence. I want to do this right, by eating right and exercising but that other stuff is awfully tempting. I guess I will play it by ear and take it one step at a time.
Rottie
Pretty amazing feeling because that means a total of 9 pounds since I started this on the 28th of January. I mean in the sense of long term its nothing, I have such a long way to go but I'm not measuring the long run. I'm taking this one day at a time so in that respect this is pretty damn good. If I keep this up, I will be able to get back into those jeans that are stuffed in the bottom of my drawer and then maybe even the ones in the closet that I haven't even looked at in 2 years. Today's weigh in has given me hope again and given me back my drive and motivation to stick with it.
Next weigh in is on Saturday so we will know for sure then. I have to fight the urge not to jump on the scale every time I go into the bathroom between now and Sunday but I can do it. Thinking of trying some of those protein drinks and appetite supression pills to help but I'm kind of on the fence. I want to do this right, by eating right and exercising but that other stuff is awfully tempting. I guess I will play it by ear and take it one step at a time.
Rottie
Sunday, March 1, 2015
SO FRUSTRATED RIGHT NOW!!!
The picture above kinda says it all doesn't it?
It pretty much sums up how I am feeling right about now. I got on the scale yesterday morning and AGAIN no change. I don't understand it. I have been exercising, drinking my water, watching my food intake and not one pound shed in over a week. I know I know, baby steps, don't lose sight of the big picture, it will come off yada yada yada. I have been telling myself all those encouraging affirmations this week but its very hard not to just chuck the scale in the garbage and give up. I should be happy that I lost 4 pounds this week and that I am improving my diet. But I'm not happy because I feel like I should have lost at least one more pound this month. Why am I being so hard on myself and not celebrating my success? I know it didn't take a few months to put all this weight on so why am I obsessed with it just falling off? Grrr so frustrating!
If anyone out there that is reading this has any encouragment or been there done that stories, please comment down below and give me a sign that I need to keep pushing on. I mean I'm not giving up, thats stupid but I just feel so angry at myself right now. I'd love to hear from someone.
Rottie
Wednesday, February 25, 2015
Even a little exercise counts!
First off, I need to wish my beautiful grandson Isaiah a 7th birthday! He has been such an important part of my life and one of the reason's I am determined to be healthier and live longer.
Ok, that being said, on to exercise. I have come to see how important some type of daily exercise is when you are attempting to get healthier. It strengthens your muscles, it increases your blood flow, lowers your blood pressure, and really just makes you feel good once you are done. I am no fitness guru and I don't go to the gym or spend an hour doing aerobics or elliptical or even bike ride. Right now, my exercise routine is fairly simple. I WALK. Yep, thats it! No expensive gym membership where I would die if anyone saw me in leggings. No exercise equipment clogging my spare room or bedroom either. Just my old sneakers and whatever I have handy to throw on.
Best part is I can do it outside, or I can do laps in my bedroom if the weather is bad and they both count. I don't even have to do the full half hour in one session if I don't want to. With my back bothering me I am finding that I have to break it into two or three sessions but I am getting it done. Today so far I have walked at a moderate pace for 31 minutes and according to My Fitness Pal I have burned a total of 342 calories. I am pretty happy with that. The main goal is to just get moving. If you can't do half an hour, start with 15 minutes or heck start with 10 minutes if that is all you can do. You can and will build your stamina as you go along. My goals are 1) to work up to an hour a day of walking and then 2) to be able to run and do jumping jacks and sit ups and other things I can't do at the moment. I'm taking it in baby steps though. One day at a time.
Another important thing is water. You need it for hydration and it helps to curb your appetite. I have a 22 ounce plastic glass that I keep near me as much as possible. Each glass of that is almost 3 8 oz glasses of water. I can usually do at least 2 and sometimes 3 glasses which is 44 to 66 ounces of water a day. Bad side of this is I'm running to the john about every 30 minutes but hey, thats exercise too lol.
I'm learning that going over my sodium limit is almost a daily occurrence and that 2300 mg of salt adds up pretty dang fast. I had 2 maple sausage links, 1 scrambled egg and 12 tater tots for breakfast today and I'm already at half my limit. Yeah, I know I need to work on the breakfast thing but my hubby made me the breakfast and he doesn't do it every day. Usually its a bowl of raisin bran, rice crispies, or 2 packets of plain oatmeal. I have to really read labels and look up food before I eat it if I want to stay within my restrictions.
So that is it for today boys and girls :) Get up get moving drink your water and read your labels.
Until next time
Rottie
Ok, that being said, on to exercise. I have come to see how important some type of daily exercise is when you are attempting to get healthier. It strengthens your muscles, it increases your blood flow, lowers your blood pressure, and really just makes you feel good once you are done. I am no fitness guru and I don't go to the gym or spend an hour doing aerobics or elliptical or even bike ride. Right now, my exercise routine is fairly simple. I WALK. Yep, thats it! No expensive gym membership where I would die if anyone saw me in leggings. No exercise equipment clogging my spare room or bedroom either. Just my old sneakers and whatever I have handy to throw on.
Best part is I can do it outside, or I can do laps in my bedroom if the weather is bad and they both count. I don't even have to do the full half hour in one session if I don't want to. With my back bothering me I am finding that I have to break it into two or three sessions but I am getting it done. Today so far I have walked at a moderate pace for 31 minutes and according to My Fitness Pal I have burned a total of 342 calories. I am pretty happy with that. The main goal is to just get moving. If you can't do half an hour, start with 15 minutes or heck start with 10 minutes if that is all you can do. You can and will build your stamina as you go along. My goals are 1) to work up to an hour a day of walking and then 2) to be able to run and do jumping jacks and sit ups and other things I can't do at the moment. I'm taking it in baby steps though. One day at a time.
Another important thing is water. You need it for hydration and it helps to curb your appetite. I have a 22 ounce plastic glass that I keep near me as much as possible. Each glass of that is almost 3 8 oz glasses of water. I can usually do at least 2 and sometimes 3 glasses which is 44 to 66 ounces of water a day. Bad side of this is I'm running to the john about every 30 minutes but hey, thats exercise too lol.
I'm learning that going over my sodium limit is almost a daily occurrence and that 2300 mg of salt adds up pretty dang fast. I had 2 maple sausage links, 1 scrambled egg and 12 tater tots for breakfast today and I'm already at half my limit. Yeah, I know I need to work on the breakfast thing but my hubby made me the breakfast and he doesn't do it every day. Usually its a bowl of raisin bran, rice crispies, or 2 packets of plain oatmeal. I have to really read labels and look up food before I eat it if I want to stay within my restrictions.
So that is it for today boys and girls :) Get up get moving drink your water and read your labels.
Until next time
Rottie
Tuesday, February 24, 2015
Tuesday Weigh In, Dun Dun Dunnnnnnn
Nothing to report today, what a surprise!
I figured as much due to the lack of being able to do any type of exercise and the tempting See's candy that I dipped into. I mean I can look at this two ways either DAMMIT I didn't lose anything since the last weigh in, or...YAY I didn't gain anything since the last weigh in. I choose to take the attitude of the latter. I didn't gain and that's a good thing.
I am really frustrated at this back issue. Again today it's stiff, sore, and uncooperative. I need to get back on the exercise train and fast. Part of me is saying to just get up and do it. Walking around for 30 minutes won't burn a ton of calories but it will burn some and work some muscles. Part of me is saying if I do and I screw my back up more, I'm back to square one and off my feet. I don't know, maybe I'll find some happy medium in between the two.
And on the Sees Candy front, I'm really tempted to toss the flipping box in the trash and be done with it!. I tried placing it in the living room near hubby but that was rejected. He is diabetic so he dosen't want the temptress near him either but that dosen't stop him from raiding the box in our room. Maybe I'll just oooooppps drop it on the floor and then I have to throw it away. Other than that candy, I am doing well on my eating and I am pretty proud of myself. Its been about a month now since I went to the doctor and I have really been sticking to the plan. Maybe I really can do it this time around.
Until next time
Rottie
I figured as much due to the lack of being able to do any type of exercise and the tempting See's candy that I dipped into. I mean I can look at this two ways either DAMMIT I didn't lose anything since the last weigh in, or...YAY I didn't gain anything since the last weigh in. I choose to take the attitude of the latter. I didn't gain and that's a good thing.
I am really frustrated at this back issue. Again today it's stiff, sore, and uncooperative. I need to get back on the exercise train and fast. Part of me is saying to just get up and do it. Walking around for 30 minutes won't burn a ton of calories but it will burn some and work some muscles. Part of me is saying if I do and I screw my back up more, I'm back to square one and off my feet. I don't know, maybe I'll find some happy medium in between the two.
And on the Sees Candy front, I'm really tempted to toss the flipping box in the trash and be done with it!. I tried placing it in the living room near hubby but that was rejected. He is diabetic so he dosen't want the temptress near him either but that dosen't stop him from raiding the box in our room. Maybe I'll just oooooppps drop it on the floor and then I have to throw it away. Other than that candy, I am doing well on my eating and I am pretty proud of myself. Its been about a month now since I went to the doctor and I have really been sticking to the plan. Maybe I really can do it this time around.
Until next time
Rottie
Monday, February 23, 2015
Kind of feeling meh
Today is Monday, February 23,2015 and tomorrow I am going to weigh in again. I threw my back so I didn't get my exercise in for Saturday or Sunday. Funny, it used to be such a big deal for me to get off my ass and do anything and now without exercising for two days I kind of feel lost. Besides that, tomorrow is my weigh in day and I'm afraid that it won't show any weight loss.
I've been pretty good with my eating but not perfect. Somehow being perfect on this has become important. I feel I need to be perfect in order to succeed at this even though it isn't the point. The point of this is to get healthy and along the way drop pounds and I need to accept that there will be days where I don't eat 100% healthy or I go over my calories of the day. It dosen't make me a bad person, it makes me human. But as easy as that was to type, the reality is I don't usually feel that way. I feel like if I stray I am weak and if I am weak I am a failure. I'm going to have to figure out a way to get over that issue. If any of you have struggled with that and have an answer I'd love to hear it.
So yeah, one day I ate 4 pieces of the See's chocolate that I got for Valentine's Day. The first time I had eaten any of it since receiving it actually. I had it sealed on my dresser until my husband decided to open it so he could have the scotch mallow inside. I didn't even touch it for days after it was opened but finally gave in to a small craving I had. At the end of the day I hadn't gone over my calories for that day but I still felt like I shouldn't have given in to the urge because I shouldn't have been so weak.
This weight loss journey is turning into a bit more than just a need to get healthy and drop pounds. Its becoming a bit of a self exploration of my psyche as well. I am becoming aware of some of the issues I have with food and with myself.
The issue of being perfect is a real one. I have always needed the approval of others because if others approve me, then I must not be as bad of a person as I believe I am. My validation of my own self worth seems to be reliant of what others think of me. Is that right? No, I shouldn't have to have other's approval or liking of me to have self worth. It's all tied into first my childhood with my parents and later in my marriage to an alcoholic who both mentally and physically abused me. I know I have a lot of issues that I need to tackle and they start with learning to love myself for me and finding out who I really am. I hope as I blog and move along this path of health and well being some of those things will be resolved and I will be a better stronger person.
Again, thanks for reading and please take care of yourself.
Rottie
Temptress thy name is Chocolate
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