No regrets

So, this morning, as I do mid-week every week, I got on the scale to see if there was any progress with my weight loss. When I stepped on the scale I couldn't believe my eyes. I GAINED 2 pounds. I was deflated. My head spinning wondering what went wrong and how could this even be possible. I sat on the side of my bed and just checked out for a moment. What was happening?

Last week I lost .4 pounds and the week previous I lost 2 pounds. In the past I would have just thrown my hands up in the air and said I quit. But this time I am doing everything I can to stay committed to this change. So, I decided to reflect on my current situation. What am I doing differently?

Most of the morning was spent remembering what I did these last three weeks that were so different then was done the first two weeks I decided to do the "Dottie Project". Three things that have changed I could name right off the bat...

1) late night snacks/eating out
2) no real eating schedule
3) more exercising

I will start with exercise. I upped my Jazzercise outings to more than 3 times a week. I have also been very committed to a 30 day challenge that has focused on squats, crunches, pushups, and planks. All of these involve cardio and strength training. I can see changes in my body, such as more muscle strength ....especially upper body. Muscle weighs more than fat. So, while I am changing my body, the weight loss may be affected by this.

Next, no real eating schedule. I now I don't have a job, I can eat anytime I need to. But, even without a job, I find it difficult to plan my eating schedule around my schedule. (taking dad to appointments, musical rehearsals, church rehearsals, jazzercise classes, and challenges) a most of the week I have to fit in eating wherever I can. This could mean eating breakfast at 8, a snack sometimes between 10-12. If I get a snack. Lunch could be anywhere between 2-3 and poss a snack at 6.., dinner by 9:30-10. I need to readjust my schedule to something more normal. Eating so late makes for a very hard for a body to process the food before going to bed. This could also be affecting my weight loss.

And finally, eating out/late night snacks. Snacking late at night is an absolute no no! Yet, I find that after I finish up my challenges I want something to eat. Before I would look back at my day and say, I didn't eat that much, I can have some nuts, or chicken. But really what I should o is drink water or go to bed. It's not rocket science...but I always go for the food. This has to end.

Eating out isn't a no no, but I would normally not eat out more than once a week. The last week I have eaten out 2 times with a third soon to come. I thought if I worked out more it would make a difference. But, I have a feeling all the sodium most places put in their food...may be the demise of my weight loss.

One more thing that comes to mind is my water intake. Water, water, water! Don't forget to drink half your body weight in water. (totally have not faithfully done that). Its amazing what water can do.

All this to say, I'm still in the process of figuring this out. There is no such thing as the perfect plan...but, if I can still learn, I can be successful.

Here's to a better future for all of us.

Much love!

So far....

Well, since being on my own with this meal plan..I've had my ups and downs. While I am still losing weight, the progress has slowed immensely.

My previously recorded weight was 304.0 two weeks ago.

Here are the results from last week and this week.

Starting weight week of 3/9: 304
Week of 3/16: 302
Total loss for the week: 2 pounds

Week of 3/23: 301.6
Total loss for the week: .4 pounds

Total weight loss: 13.4 pounds.

Now mind you I have been doing a lot of strength training this week and last, so some of this could be muscle...however, I have also been more lax with my water, and I did have a lot of dairy and a candy bar this week. (stress eat much). I have also quit logging what I eat.

I am going to have to remove temptations from my sight. The plan is to get in the fridge and remove all temptation. Also to add one to two more days of cardio, and to start logging food on my fitness pal.

All in all, I don't consider this .4 pound loss a failure as it is still a step in the right direction....I am proud of where I have come from, and where I am headed. No doubt, I am moving onward and upward. 😊

Have a blessed day!

Much love.

Three month results (update 5/14)

So I am posting my jazzercise shirt result pics...

Three months ago (2/14/14) I posted the following pic.



I was 315 pounds. And just finished my second jazzercise class.

Below is a pic I took on 3/14 after my jazzercise class. (honestly I've lost track as to how many I've been too). I now weight 304 pounds.



My sister in law wanted a side pic... So here it is.



I can see some changes...how about you?

Below are a few pictures I took today (4/17). 3 months into this and current weight is 297. I believe my slow weight loss is due to the muscle I am gaining in my workouts and challenges. :). I'm ok with this as long as I am healthy and happy. Let me know if you see any changes. I know I sure can!!!







5/14 pics and weight

Today I weighed in at 292. I have had a rough month and haven't really worked out into weeks. Started back up again this week and will keep you updated on how things go as often as possible. I don't see much of a change from last month, but I'm still going down. Only 112 pounds to my all time goal. And only 12 pounds to my first goal. Yay!





Anyway, I will blog later about other fun stuff.. Just wanted to share this with you while it was on my mind.

Much love!

Woohoo!!!

Just had to share.

Starting weight 315.4
Last weeks weight 308.4
Down 7 pounds

This weeks weight 304.0
Down 4.4 pounds

A total of 11.4 pounds in 2 weeks!

Next week I will try on my Jazzercise shirt again. Curious to see if anything has changed.

I feel really good since changing my diet. No sugar, minimal caffiene, lots of water. Works!!! I'm not kidding friends. I have learned so much the last two weeks. Coconut oil is my best friend. And smaller portions are really just as satisfying as shoveling food into my face. Starting tomorrow I'm on my own. I can still use the meal plan as a guideline, however, I will be responsible for planning my own meals going forward. I am scared and excited. I can not wait to see where this,will go, going forward.

Friends, I appreciate each one of you. You have inspired me to be a better person, inwardly and outwardly. You inspire me to prove to myself and to you that I am capable of more than I could ever imagine for myself. You inspire me to live strong..and fearless..and you give me liberty to say and do what I need to say. All in all you have,without even saying the words, given me all of the encouragement I need to live my life on the next level. THANK YOU!!!

With that being said, let's get out there and move our butts. It's time to dance!!!!

Holy crap!!! Where does the time go.

Some of you might be wondering what happed to lil' ol' me. To be honest I have been very busy with job searches, interviews, and auditions. Oh. And doing this new eating thing. Who knew coconut oil could do so much?

Did you know that if you swish a teaspoon of coconut oil in your mouth for 20 minutes every day that after a week you will notice the following: no more stinky breath, whiter teeth, shinier teeth, less gum pain, and also has been known to repair tooth decay. ( so people claim ) I have tried it for two days now and have noticed that my teeth look slightly whiter. Its called oil pulling. Sounds so weird. But surprisingly easy to do. The first day I tried it I kept spitting out oil uncontrollably because I had too much in my mouth. It was rather embarrassing. Luckily no one saw me as I continuously wiped coconut oil drool off my chin. Day two I was smarter. I took a teaspoon and leveled it out. Put it in my mouth and swished. When I noticed things were getting out of control, I took a small baggy an spat a little into it. The key is not to swallow. Its awkward at first, but honestly not as awkward as other things I've tried.

Also, Coconut oil, if ingested will help burn fat. Holy Crap!!! Totally eating a jar of it today! A tablespoon with your meal is suggested. I have yet to try this, because ewww for one, and two it looks and tastes different. I have only cooked with it. And I must say, it does brig a different flavor to some foods. I now love cooking spinach in it. Ah-maz-Ing!

There are many other benefits to coconut oil that I have yet to explore. When I do I will share with you.


Now, as you all know, I have been looking for employment for a while now. Still no secure job yet, but I've been on 4 interviews and feel like sometime soon I be back in the world of the gainfully employed. Yay? I have a meeting Monday morning with the unemployment office. So, hopefully I will find out when they will pay me for being a slacker. It should be interesting. I'm not sure what I need to bring for our meeting, as the note basically just gave me a date, place, and time. So, yep.

Thirdly, auditions. Last weekend I auditioned for two different theater groups. One canceled their second day of their auditions due to weather and rescheduled for today. So I will not hear back on that until mid week this coming week on that venue. However I was asked to sing in the ensemble for"Hello Dolly." by the other theater group...and I accepted. My policy is, never turn down an opportunity to sing, and get your face out there. You can't be known in the theater world if you don't do theater. And it will also help me with choreography. (which I am less than good at).

In other news, I am doing a 30 day challenge and jazzercising. The fun part of that is that I know how far my body will go..at least I'm learning. And, though it is disappointing not to finish something you've started, there are people out there cheering you on to see you succeed. You who have done that for me, are so much more inspiring then you will ever know. I love each one of you for your encouragement. Thank you. I just hope I can return the favor sometime.

Much love!!!