Good Monday morning, y’all. ::yawns & passes around cups of skinny lattes:: I hope everyone had a wonderful week & weekend!
Last week, I made the commitment to be more hard-core about my diet. It’s slowly, slowly paying off but I discovered Nutrisystem’s app for the iTouch or iPhone or iWhatever through their website & started logging my food on there. Makes it SO MUCH EASIER because their food is right there & I just plug it all in. You know how people always say to write down what you eat & it holds you accountable? So true.
But with weather like this, it’s hard to get outside & work out, or even hop on the elliptical in the room over the garage (where it is also blistering hot):
By the way, that was taken after 5pm. AFTER 5PM. Goodbye, evening walk for the day. Thankfully, it looks like we’ll get a break around Thursday out of the high 90′s & be back outside after work.
I’ve been having a “rough go” of it diet-wise the past few weeks. Some weight gain, some plateaus, some general “blah” feelings about it & learning to balance happiness while not equating it with food consumption. As in, being happy does not give me license to pound back a bag of pretzel M&M’s. For those of us that struggle with weight our entire lives, or even after an event, we know how hard it is. So many of y’all have told me that you find me inspiring, which is so mind-blowing to me. But thank you. Because while I never dream to be inspiring MYSELF, I do dream of McFatty Monday as a whole to be inspiring to others the way it motivates me.
& so I thought I’d do a new segment – other McFatty’s (said with love) that are inspiring. Others that are changing their lives. They’ll get a little interview, or maybe do a video. Before & after pictures. & without further delay, please meet Alena of Charmingly Chandler, our
Featured McFatty.
1. What weight loss/get fit program are you following? Why did you choose it?
I am on Nutrisystem, closing in on the end of the 2nd month (I’d love to keep doing it through the end the of summer, but funds and such). Truthfully I chose it after seeing you and how amazing the results were. It was the best decision for me to lose weight!
2. Rude Question of the Day. How much weight have you lost?
18 pounds! Of course I always gain a pound or two on the weekends. I’m hoping to reach an even 20 by Friday!!
3. What is your favorite part about weight loss so far?
How I look from the side. Is that vain or what?! Like when I walk by a mirror and I glance over I am always excited and happy! Oh and that most of my skinny jeans go up and button and there’s not (much of) a muffin top!
4. What is the hardest part about staying motivated?
Making food for Cody and not eating it. That was SO HARD. I was really really strict the first month, but I’ve been more lax this month because I knew I’d quit if I didn’t. Thus the cheating on the weekends! I still don’t eat CRAP on the weekends, but we go out to eat and I’ll eat more/worse than the weekdays. Oh and giving up Milo’s Tea.
5. If you were stranded on an island, what person object food would you like to be stranded with?
Do I have a way to cook this food? Steak. I’m sure ever vegan/vegetarian reading just cringed. But now more than ever I crave steak. Forget pizza!!
6. Cats or Dogs?
Dogs.
7. Now say something motivational.
You can dooo it! But seriously. Life it too short to be sad every time you get dressed or look at family pictures. You should be happy with how you look. If you need to push yourself to look at the mirror and like what you see…then that’s what you need to do. So chop chop! Get to it!
Alena, you are awesome. So…WHAT IS INSPIRING ABOUT YOU & YOUR JOURNEY?! Tell me. BRAG ABOUT YOURSELF. Tell me what you’ve done that’s amazing, that you have never done before, that you’re proud of.
Mine: I realized the other day that even for my wedding, this is the most weight I have EVER lost at one time. Which means I can lose weight. I’ve said it before, but this is HUGE for my mental makeover on weightloss & getting fit. Next week? We talk about working out, running, & tutus. Oh, indeed.
required disclaimer: i am being supplied with nutrisystem food by nutrisystem, free of cost to me. sweet, right? but i assure you, i began nutrisystem on my own in january, spent my own money for 4 months, & fully endorse the program. i’m just thankful that they’ll be helping me out on my last leg of the journey! to join me on the Nutrisystem program and to receive a special offer, call 1-877-704-0597 or click here.
I have struggled with my self-image my entire life. Even when I was in high school and I thought I was fat. (Pssssh. I would LOVE to be that weight again!) But getting married, being in college, having 2 babies, etc has taken it's toll on my body. My biggest motivator is my kids. I want them to look at me and be proud of what I am doing. I want to be an example for them to eat healthy and exercise and to make this a lifestyle not just means to an end. So far, I'm down 8 pounds and I don't have any plans of slowing down anytime soon!
It's disgustingly hot here in NY too – so hard to get motivated to get moving! I'm hoping for some cooler days ahead – I miss my outdoor time.
I think my before/after pics help me along a lot. Sometimes I forget just how different I look! But my self image is still not the greatest, unfortunately.
I lost another pound this week which puts me at exactly 95 pounds lost. That's almost the weight of my two kids combined!
http://goobergrapemonkeyman.blogspot.com
My biggest motivator, as of tomorrow, I have 1 year old therefore I have 0 excuses. Which means even though it was 78 degrees at 6am this morning my feet hit the pavement and I ran. I am trying really hard to not wake up in 10 years with a handful of extra lbs gained per pregnancy and find myself in loose loud prints and colors hiding my fupa thinking its ok because "I am mom". Being a mom does not mean being frumpy or ashamed of your body. To me being a mom means being an inspiration to our kids and if I avoid mirrors because I do not like the reflection well lets just say there is nothing inspirational about my thoughts, words or actions.
Here's my mcfatty post for the week.
http://www.thereelfamilyblog.com/2010/06/where-mc…
ps.
thank you BA for being my inspiration and holding me accountable every week. You are a rockstar!
I've noticed lately that I use the weather as an excuse not to exercise a LOT – too hot, too cold, too windy…for me, it is time to look for solutions, not excuses!
This McFatty Monday series has made me take stock of my progress a week at a time, which makes the journey back to pre-pregnancy jeans seem much easier.
http://lifelessseriously.wordpress.com/2010/06/28…
I suck. No really, I do.
http://www.ajdplusthree.com/2010/06/work-in-progr…
i know that i need to start off slowly or i know i will quit. which means i'm using more of my flex points but i think for right now i need to "cheat" a little. i want to do this and make it last!
i can't wait to show my before and after! but, for now i'm still hiding behind the lense!
http://mama23bears.blogspot.com/2010/06/mckfatty-…
Aw, I love Alena and you, too B! I need to join the McFatty ranks because I'm gaining weight now that I've cut back on nursing. I'm thinking next week will be my FIRST McFatty Monday post. EEEEEK
Newbie linking up! Here's my post:
http://arecordofrose.blogspot.com/2010/06/mcfatty…
well, i forgot to weigh myself this morning… really, i forgot.
it's been insanely hot here too, but i can't really blame my lack of motivation on that… life is kind of stressing me out these days – and it's just hard to focus on me, with so much going on around me.
i think i might be signing up for weight watchers online… i've done it in the past, and it was an incredible tool to help me stay focused, and i think i need that right now…
thanks for posting today – keep up the good work…
I finally got back on the wagon and have lost 6 pounds this last week wooohoo! I too used a food tracker app which made all the difference in the world. 10-14 more pounds to go
http://ourlifewithjake.blogspot.com
I saw myself in a picture from vacation a few years ago and decided to sign up for a triathlon to lose weight. I decided to have a salad a day and treats only once a week. I lost 25 lbs.! I was so proud of myself. Then, the following winter, my dad had a heart attack, which motivated me to further change the way I ate and keep doing those races. When I got pregnant (my DD is the same age as Harrison), I put on 40 lbs. A lot of people, including my doctor, thought I would not lose it quickly (she only wanted me to gain 25 lbs! WTF). I signed up for a tri on June 18th and tada – I am currently 5 lbs. under my pre pregnancy weight. To which I say to all the naysayers – suck it!
You've inspired me to do this – http://runningbetweentweets.com/ – it starts today. Wish me luck.
My inspiration comes from finding out I am worth the time it takes to be healthy. Ok, so don't hate me, but I need to put on weight. However, I am an emotional eater who loves carbs and really has a crappy diet. I've had a lot of weight fluctuations, so I'm just trying to find a balance, eat an actually healthy diet, and be ok with how I look. Even us thin people are insecure when we look in the mirror!
Morning!!!
LOVE the new Featured McFatty idea, BA! You're always so clever…
Hope you don't mind – I created a McFatty Link Up at my site… Please, anyone who would like to, visit and link up! I just felt like it was such an awesome way to get all of our McFatty updates some more exposure!
Have a great day everyone!
http://itsjustmeheidid.blogspot.com/2010/06/mcfat…
I've been struggling to excercise as it gets hotter too. So I decided to start the 100 push-up/200 sit-up/200 squat challenge to keep me motivated!
I'm inspired because I swear my arms are already starting to look more toned after 1 week! Could be all in my head though.
http://thejbuzz.tumblr.com/
Sweetie (B), you're doing a fantastic job, and you should totally be thrilled with the progress you've made. And with everything you've gone through and the crazy heat, I know it's tough to keep that motivation going (I get sweaty and exhausted just going to check the mail!) But the awesome thing is that you're happy, and with all of the weight you've lost, you are a brand new woman who has far fewer pounds between her and her goal than the woman you were in January. You can do it!
Alena, congrats on the fantastic weight loss! And I totally second the steak…carnivores unite
And as for me…I'm pretty proud of the way that I've been able to lose weight. I had zero funds for weight loss meals, and I had the hardest time squeezing workouts into my schedule while working full time at home and taking care of two kiddies, so I give myself props for still managing to find a healthy way to lose the weight and (hopefully) keep it off for good. I hope that these lifestyle changes I'm making will help me live a healthier life in general, and allow me to be the kind of role model I want to be for my girls.
Thanks D-o-double-g! I am just hoping I don't have a fat relapse! My focus is going to shift to attempting to maintain with out my perfect portioned meals color coded to tell me when to eat! lol
http://charminglychandler.com/2010/06/hello-skinn…
What a great idea!
Alena, you look absolutely incredible. I love what you said about life being too short to be sad about what we look like. Thank you for sharing a bit of your story!
As for me…I'm on my way to eliminating comfort eating (well, I'm working on it!). I tried yoga almost two years ago on a whim, and it's helped me love my body more than I ever have and get in the best shape my husband has ever seen me in (we've known each other for 7 years.) And now? I'm on a way to becoming a yoga teacher.
After our little guy was born I found myself sitting at 210 pounds and I couldn't shake it. Instead of sitting there and feeling bad about my body, I decided to suck it up and join Jenny Craig. At my first weigh in I was 206 lbs. On Saturday I weighed in and was at 191. Holy crap! I've lost 15 lbs. and am so close to my goal of 180, which is the lowest I weighed in college. After that, 150. I don't even know when I weighed 150. I actually had to go out and buy new pants over the weekend and my husband comments everyday on how thin I'm looking. This alone makes everything worth it. I'm hoping that eventually, my son will see past pictures of me and not be able to recognize his Mommy because I'm so much skinnier!
unfortunately that's not out of the ordinarily hot for the midwest. which sux b/c i can't take jackson for walks either. so my exercise routine has yet again become non existant. ugh.
but i do have to toot my own horn about losing weight. like, i've done it. and i've been able to lose weight before, even when i was working out and eating healthy, i never felt like i saw results. so god knows how i'm doin it, but i'm tootin about it!
http://talesfromthepoobox.wordpress.com/2010/06/2…
I made the decision in early April to post a picture of myself on my blog and scream my weight to the top of the world. Yup…I was 205. And yup…that was 25 pounds ago. I have lost 25 pounds. That feels great. I’ve done it by logging ALL of my food and working out at least 3 times a week. My caloric intake each day is no more than 1,200 calories…and I actually don’t feel hungry.
I’ve fallen off the wagon too, in the last couple of weeks, so today marks a new day. 15 pounds to go to make my goal…so let’s get started!
you ARE inspiring- as a woman and a mom. And, I've discovered that pretzel M&M's are the devil! sooo good
I've lost over 60 pounds since McFatty Monday started 25 weeks ago! I am under my wedding weight (which was my original goal) and I lowered my goal to 160..I haven't been 160 since high school.
I gained 85 pounds when I was pregnant and was still 50 pounds over my pre-pg weight when my daughter turned 9 months old and McFatty Monday started. This has been very motivating for me!!
http://matahouse.blogspot.com/2010/06/mcfatty-mon…
After a poopy McFatty week, I'm in need of a little inspiration. Considering posting a 'before' pic…but am I brave enough?? hmmm…
Link to my post is above..
have a great week all!
Great job Alena!
I don't have much to brag about right now, but I hope to run my first 5k in September and am going to do it in a tutu for Tutus for Tanner, too! My C25K program officially starts next week to have me in 5K shape in time for the race.
It has been really hot out lately…I'm still pushing myself to go on a walk but not the 2 mile walks I usually go on! TOO HOT! And I am not a happy person when I'm all gross and sweaty.
But Alena, you look fabulous!! Great job!!
Great post! Alena, you look smoking!
I didn't have time to write a post for today, so I will have mine up tomorrow.
Like you, Blair, I know that I can loose the weight, because I have before. It is all about getting my priorities straight and making time to get it done. No more excuses!
On another note, pretzel m&ms are the shit. Seriously, why were they not thought of earlier!?
Shoot, I tried the "it's too hot today" excuse to not run. Except it really is just an excuse for me, because it's only 73 here. Hey, that's sweltering for the Pacific NW!!! :0
Check out Joy Unexpected… she's lost a ton of weight and is doing fantastic:
http://www.joyunexpected.com/archives/2010/06/a_c…
Gosh I love this!!!
I am soooo soo soo determined to loose the extra 20 lbs that I need to be happy! Crazy that 20 pounds determines happiness. Maybe it doesnt, but I need to see first, just to be sure!
I have finally admitted to myself that I STILL have PPD after 18 months, started meds and am looking for the new and improved me.
I know excercise will really boost my happy. And I need to do it. For me.
I have an interesting elimination-because-of-breast-feeding-an-allergy-kid-for-2-years diet.
I'd love to be a mcfatty!
I'm the skinnest I've been since highschool right now. (which isnt that skinny… so lets just say lightest..) right…
Blair – Love your blog and am going to become a regular visitor for McFatty MOndays. My youngest of 3 babies was born just over 7 years ago so my extra weight isn't from that (although I did work hard and lost 45 lbs after he arrived).
For some reason when my dad was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer almost 2 years ago I avoided exercising and while he went through chemo I gained around 40 lbs. I am now heavier than I've ever been. I'll be 42 next month and want to find the motivation in myself to get healthy.
I would love to wear cute clothes also – but mostly I'd like to be proud of myself and how I look and not worry about my kids being embarrassed by me.
Alena's story is inspiring – as is yours – and I look forward to stopping back for more great success stories!
Cate
Oh I love this idea!!!
http://marblesrolling.blogspot.com/2010/06/mcfatt…