From Fat Mama To PHAT Mama

My Journey With ACE - Two Weeks Down!

2012-06-27T15:40:00.001-04:00

Yesterday marked the end of my second week on ACE. During these last two weeks, I couldn't be happier with how great it's made me feel. Though my weight loss is much slower compared to some others who take it, I believe I know the reason why now. It seems that limiting my calories to only 1200 is a little bit too low for my body to lose weight.

After speaking to some others who struggled with weight loss, I was directed to this Calorie Counter which gave me a BMR of 1716, a TDEE of 2060 and a daily goal to reach about 1500 calories per day to lose weight. Since I was only eating a maximum of 1200 calories, my body was in fact in starvation mode and trying to hold on to everything instead of letting it go. So, I am modifying my diet a little bit more and getting ready to add some major movement to my lifestyle. (more on that in another post)

However, even though my weight is not disappearing as quickly as some, I am happy with ACE and will continue taking it simply because it makes me feel so great!

I will post weights and measurements at the end of week 3.

For more information on how you can try ACE, please visit
http://www.facebook.com/ACEdToPerfection

View my complete Food Diary HERE.

/Pro Form Get Your Booty Firm Giveaway - Ends 7/11

2012-06-25T00:00:00.000-04:00

My Journey With ACE - Days 8 & 9

2012-06-21T12:52:00.001-04:00

Since beginning my journey with ACE 9 days ago, I continue to feel wonderful and sleep great. I do struggle with having no appetite and sometimes find myself going for too long without eating anything to the point of feeling light headed and kinda sick. This is because I normally have reactive hypoglycemia, so I am trying to make it a point to eat small amounts throughout the day. My goal is to eat at least 1200 calories every day, which is a little hard to do when most 'diet' or healthy foods do not contain a lot of calories and I am never hungry.

But, I can't complain at all. Not being hungry and having to work at eating enough calories is not much to complain about considering I am trying to lose weight, eh? I still cannot see any results in the mirror or even in the way my clothes fit, but I am trying to be patient. Losing weight has always been a very hard struggle for me. For some reason, my body just wants to hang on to those pounds and fights me every step of the way.

It is time for me to kick it up a notch and start moving more. I don't lead a very active life because I work from home and am on the computer for up to 10-12 hours every day. Between my own work and the freelance work I do, it is a lot of sitting. I've got to get up and moving a lot more in order to increase the effects of the ACE. I know this is a fact, and so I am going to begin walking at least one mile every day. I'm going to start out slow and work up to two miles a day and then go from there. I now live in an area where walking is possible and I have no excuse for not doing it.

My daughter, who has been taking ACE along with me, has lost two pounds during her first week. I am still staying away from the scale until next Tuesday, when I will do my measurements again and TOM will be gone for another month.

I look at everyone else who is taking ACE and sharing their results and I am torn between jealousy and encouragement, lol. I'm not a very patient person and like to see results right away, but I have to remember that everyone is different and my body will adjust to this new energy and metabolism and eating style in it's own way. Eventually I will be able to see the results that I so look forward to. Till then, I will keep on doing what I know is right and good for my body.

View my complete Food Diary HERE.

My Journey With ACE - One Week & Two Inches Down

2012-06-20T12:43:00.002-04:00

I'm so glad that I decided to take the plunge and try ACE! As of yesterday, which was my 7th day taking 2 capsules a day, I am down one inch around my hips and one inch around my waist! I did not weigh myself because TOM is here, but a two inch loss in a week is pretty incredible for me and I'm very happy with that!

I continue to feel better than I have in a very long time. I am still able to sleep like a baby and have not had any nights with Restless Leg (Body) Syndrome since beginning ACE. THAT in itself is a miracle. I cannot even begin to tell you what it is like to suffer from that and be plagued by the twitching and 'electrified' feeling when you are trying to sleep every night.

Yesterday I took the children to the park and we had a good time there. I wasn't exhausted when we got back and was able to get right back to work.

If you have never tried ACE, I highly recommend it! For more info you can visit my Facebook Fan Page or leave a comment and I'll get right back to you! I've got sample available - just $3 shipped for two capsules! You seriously won't regret it!

View my complete Food Diary HERE.

My Journey With Ace - Days 5 & 6

2012-06-18T10:41:00.001-04:00

Saturday was my fifth day on ACE and I was feeling kind of bad. A little bit light-headed and sick. I was not really expecting that since I had been feeling so good for the last few days since starting ACE. However, I did determine the reason for feeling so horrible.

I had been neglecting going to MyFitnessPal.com, where I usually track my calorie intake since starting ACE. So, I decided to head over there and calculate my last few day's worth of nutritional intake. Low and behold, I had not even been reaching 800 calories a day! No wonder I felt so awful! For four days I felt great on that little amount of calories, but by day 5.. not so good.

See, I try to stay away from all refined sugars and most carbohydrates. I am hypoglycemic and they just make me feel awful. However, since I don't have much of an appetite anymore, what I was eating, though high in protein and good for me, did not contain enough calories for a healthy diet.

And so, I have decided to add more carbohydrates to my diet in the form of fruits and grains. This way, though my appetite is still reduced, I will be able to reach at least 1000 - 1200 calories every day. I'm still staying away from refined sugars as much as possible, though. That stuff is just bad.

On Sunday, I took a day off of ACE. Surprisingly enough, I was still not very hungry all day. I ate normally and drank my water as usual. My energy level was fine and I still slept very well. I managed about 1200 calories for the day.

I purchased a new scale since mine is so bi-polar, but will not use it until my TOM is up. TOM always messes with my body, so it's best just to step away from the scale during that time, hehe.

So, almost one week down and going strong! Looking forward to the end of the month to see my results!

View my complete Food Diary HERE.

My Journey With ACE - Days 3 & 4

2012-06-15T11:51:00.001-04:00

Today is day 4 on ACE and I am feeling great. Yesterday I took my second ACE capsule a little later in the day, around noon and I didn't get that very tired feeling in the early evening like I usually do. I stayed up late watching movies with my DD16 and didn't get to sleep until almost 3am. But, this was not because of the ACE, it was just because my DD and I needed some bonding time. I was still able to get up before 9am without feeling like a truck ran me over, lol.

Even though I was up very late last night, I had no desire to snack. Once I had dinner (chicken and vegetables, no rice) I was full and I didn't need any other food the rest of the night. I'm still trying to get a whole 100 oz. of water in every day, but haven't succeeded yet. Close but no cigar, hehe.

I sneaked a peek at the scale today... Down 5 pounds! I almost think it's a mistake. I want to go buy another scale and make sure that it's right. lol.

Here are some things that I have noticed about myself since I started taking ACE on Tuesday:

I sleep like a baby. This is HUGE for me since I have suffered from Restless Leg (BODY) Syndrome and Insomnia for years and NEVER got a restful sleep.
I am able to wake up feeling refreshed and ready for the day instead of groggy and feeling like I was run over by a truck during the night.
My appetite is nowhere near what it used to be. I have an Atkins Shake for breakfast, a light lunch and a normal size dinner without seconds or dessert.
I have no desire for late night snacks.
My craving for coffee all day long has diminished. I have maybe two cups per day now when it used to be 6-8 cups per day.
I am in a better mood in general. Probably because I've been able to sleep!
I feel much more focused. Again, probably because I have been getting enough rest.
I have a lot more energy. I would start exercising, but I have pulled my stomach muscles wrestling with my DD16 and it hurts too much to think about.
I am not in as much pain as I normally am. I have spent the last 11 years in pain every day. Some days it is almost impossible to move. Arthritis, injuries, etc. have taken their toll on my body and nothing seems to help, especially when there are storms. I have not been quite as stiff and sore these last few days.

This is a pretty good list of positives that I've discovered just from taking ACE for 4 days! Pretty awesome, huh? I'm telling ya, if you haven't tried this stuff.. it's great. If you want to, let me know. I've got sample packs or I could take your order for a month's supply. You won't believe the difference in how you feel!

View my complete Food Diary HERE.

Booty Firm Dance Equipment Free Blogger Event Begins 6/25 and ends 7/11

2012-06-14T11:28:00.001-04:00

Sponsored by Mom Blog Society and ProForm

This giveaway will be open to the US

Giveaway will run from

6/6/25 12:01 est - 7/11 12:01 est

Details: One winner will receive a Booty Firm machine with 3 dance DVD's and the blog
Free link choice is Facebook
Co Host Spot Available.
By completing this form, you are agreeing to have your giveaway post provided to you posted in full with links intact. You are agree to have your post live on time! There will be no exceptions to this rule. We will check all links within 8 hrs of the event start time. Those not having their post up and live will be removed without warning.
To join this Free Event Sign Up Here!

View my complete Food Diary HERE.

My Journey With ACE - Day 2

2012-06-14T10:59:00.001-04:00

So, yesterday was my second day on ACE. Again, I felt very energized and not at all sluggish, like I usually do. It was an amazing change from the way I usually feel. My appetite was almost non-existent until dinner-time and even then, I ate a normal-sized portion, left food on my plate and was not starving later on. No more late night munchies for me.

I did end up feeling very tired at around 4pm and fell asleep on the couch for about two hours. However, when I woke up, I did not have that sick, out-of-it feeling that I normally would if I took a nap during the day.

I went to bed at around midnight and was able to sleep through the night again without any problem. No Restlessness, no nothing! This morning I was awake before the alarm at 7am and feel great! No grogginess, no sluggishness, just refreshed and ready for the day! I could SO get used to this! I can't even remember when the last time was that I could sleep normally and felt like a human being instead of like I was dragging around a 1,000 lb weight all day.

Today, I am going to take my second capsule around noon and see if that helps with the tired feeling I felt yesterday that led to my nap. It is all a learning process in the beginning anyway, to see what times work the best, how many capsules I need and what variations make me feel the best.

All I can say is so far, so good! I'm very happy with how I feel on ACE.

View my complete Food Diary HERE.

My Journey With ACE - Day 1

2012-06-13T10:22:00.001-04:00

Well, yesterday was my very first day on ACE. Not only was I more energized and focused, I also noticed a significant difference in my appetite. I kind of had to force myself to eat lunch, which was nothing much.. just an Atkins shake, but had a normal dinner that I was not able to finish. Still, I believe I reached 1200 calories.

I drank lots of water, but didn't make it to 100oz. like I planned. Will work on that more today. Another thing I noticed was that I did not crave my coffee all day like I usually do. I only had one cup yesterday morning and the rest of the day was water, water, water. That is a good thing.

One more thing that I noticed is that I slept like a baby last night.. something that is very rare for me because of my severe Insomnia and Restless Leg Syndrome. If that is a side effect of taking ACE, I will take it for the rest of my life! I woke up today feeling refreshed and well-rested. I can't even remember when that happened last!

My 'before' measurements are as follows:

Waist: 38"
Hips: 46"
Chest: 38"
L Arm: 14"
R Arm: 15"
Both Thighs: 28"
L Calf: 17"
R Calf: 17.5"

Starting weight: 210

Right now, and one of my biggest wake up calls that led me to begin this journey again, NONE of my size 14 pants fit. None of them. I absolutely refuse to purchase clothes in a bigger size, so I am forced to wear pants of the 'stretchy waist'. This is going to change.

Today is Day #2 and I have already taken 1 ACE pill, drank 16oz of water, had my morning cup of coffee and will now work on the rest of my water for the day. I feel great, very energized and am off to clean the house.

If you want to know more about ACE, see my website at:
http://www.carrie.lovemyace.com

And be sure to Like my Fan Page at:
https://www.facebook.com/ACEdToPerfection

View my complete Food Diary HERE.

What Is My Motivation? What Is Yours?

2012-06-08T06:11:00.001-04:00

I've been thinking a lot about motivation and persistence the last few days. I started searching through some of the blogs that I used to frequent daily to give and receive motivation during our weight loss challenges and I was sorry to see that many, in fact most, of them are now gone or abandoned.

On most of those blogs, their last posts were not ones of success. I wonder if they ever made it. Or, did they give up? And if they did, WHY did they give up? They were putting so much effort into what they were doing in order to get healthier and have better lives.

I never really gave up on myself when I quit blogging here. Even though I have gained so much weight in the last six months or so, I wasn't consciously thinking, "What the hell, it doesn't matter. I'll never succeed anyway." or anything like that. The fact of the matter is, my life just kind of exploded all around me and I was consumed with survival in general and in taking care of my children.

During that time it was virtually impossible to live a healthy lifestyle. We lost everything we had, were virtually homeless and I had to hurry and scramble to get things put back to some semblance of normalcy. I wasn't really able to concentrate on what we were eating, so long as we had something - anything - to eat. And, I spent up to 80 hours a week on the computer once we got settled working, working and working some more to get to the place we are now.

With God's help, we are now exactly where we need to be, blessed beyond measure and doing better than we have ever done before. And when I say WE, I mean myself and my five children. In that case and in this, I believe that survival was my motivation. As for persistence, let's just say I am jam-packed with that. I may have times during which I throw myself a pity party, say 'I give up' and have a good cry, but then I find that it is impossible for me to stay in that state of mind. And so I start again.

I've done more do-overs than anyone on the planet, I believe. :)

Why do I want to lose weight? Why am I starting over instead of saying the hell with it and snuggling down into my size 16 jeans for good? Because that just isn't me! Inside this body is someone who NEEDS to be healthy. Not that you can't be in a size 16 and be healthy, but it isn't healthy for me. I look bad, I feel worse and I know that I can be better.

With everything else in my life so great, my health now needs to fall in line. I have 65 pounds to lose in order to reach my goal weight. I am going to ditch it. I AM going to ditch it.

View my complete Food Diary HERE.

A Whole Year of Life Changes in 2012

2012-06-07T04:40:00.001-04:00

2012 has been one of the best time periods in my life, ever. I have started fresh by saying goodbye to a relationship that had left me emotionally drained and wounded, physically sick and financially destitute. I moved my children and I to Florida, basically homeless, to await my tax return with which I bought my very first home, hooked up my internet and began working from home full time again. This is our fourth month in our new home and things are settled down now and I was able to step back for a moment and assess where exactly I am now.

The first thing I noticed was the damage all the stress and upheaval did to my physical body and my health. Any weight loss I had seen during my months of blogging here had gone to pot and I am now in worse physical condition than I have been in a very long time. I feel horrible physically, even though I am so much better emotionally and financially. It is time to make another change.

I am coming up on my 37th birthday and I want to enjoy all of my new accomplishments to the fullest. This means that I am going to have to take some drastic steps to ensure that I consistently work my way back to a healthy lifestyle.

Right now, I feel sick every day. I am in pain every day. I have no energy and no strength. I feel worse than I have ever felt in my life. I don't want to feel this way anymore.

And so I have resurrected this blog and my determination to lose weight, get fit and be a much health conscious person from now on. I am going to eat healthier, move more and do everything I can to ensure that I am around for my children for a long, long time to come.

A few weeks ago, I won a free sample of ACE on a Facebook Fan Page Giveaway. I received them in the mail a few days later and put off taking them for probably a week. I guess I was afraid of taking 'diet & energy' pills. I'm someone who usually has adverse reactions to medications, pills, etc. and I was a little wary. But, eventually, I did take them and I did see a difference in those two days. I had more energy and felt pretty good.

After much consideration, I decided to not just sign up as a Preferred Customer, but to join as a Distributor and enjoy the benefits of helping others to lose weight and have more energy as well. To kick off my business and my new lifestyle, I am going to be hosting a 90 Day Challenge called 'Our Time Is Now'. For 90 days, I and those who join me will be dedicated to takeing ACE every day, drinking 1/2 our body weight in water, being more conscious about our food choices and moving in one form or another EVERY day.

Our Time Is Now 90 Day Challenge will begin on July 1st (my birthday) and run through November 1st, 2012. There will be motivation, inspiration, friendship, sharing and even prizes for those who accomplish their goals or help inspire others to reach their goals.

If you would like to join me on this challenge, please visit my ACE Facebook Fan Page, Like it and send me a message to let me know you are in. You do not have to be a blogger to join, I will be setting up a private facebook group for everyone to share their progress and questions.

I, personally, will be blogging my progress here as well.

I am excited to begin this new chapter in my life and even more excited to be sharing it with others who are ready to change their lives as well. I look forward to hearing from you!

View my complete Food Diary HERE.

Where Have I Been?

2011-07-24T09:48:00.001-04:00

Have you ever noticed how expensive healthy foods can be? Seriously.

Things have been pretty tight around here financially for the last few weeks. I have really had to put a huge limit on our family budget in order to make ends meet. And one of the areas in which we had to cut back in order to pay our most basic bills was that of the grocery bill.

I don't know if you know this or not, but we are a family of seven. That is a lot of mouths to feed. And the difference between a monthly grocery shopping trip in which you buy for quantity instead of quality can mean saving a couple hundred dollars, at least. Isn't that sad?

It disgusted me so much, that I have not logged my calories or even weighed myself during these last few weeks. I just didn't have the heart. I can tell that I've gained some weight by the fit of my clothing. I can tell that eating less healthy foods has put me back in other ways as well. Such as in water retention and increase of pain.

I could have bought less food and put the family on a diet, but that would not be fair to them. They require much more calories than I do and putting severe limits on what my children are allowed to eat and how much just wasn't in the cards. So, I took the hit. It is very hard to stay within a 1200 calorie range with a lack of healthy, fresh foods to choose from.

BUT, the food did last longer and nobody went hungry. I did notice something else, as well. My tastes for these foods have changed and I am sorely missing fresh fruits and vegetables. My body does not like all this processed, salted food. I feel horrible.

Anyway, for those who have noticed my absence.... That is where I have been. That's where I am now. For the moment. I'm trying to work up the nerve to actually weigh in without getting discouraged. It saddens me that in order to eat healthier, fresher foods you must have it within your budget to do so.

View my complete Food Diary HERE.

Slimmer This Summer - Week Two Completed

2011-06-20T16:09:00.002-04:00

Well, we have come to the end of our second week in the Slimmer This Summer Challenge. Yesterday I weighed in at 188, which is a loss of 1lb. for the week.

However, I succumbed to a piece of The Man's birthday cake last night as well as a 1/2 bowl of his noodles and when I stepped on the scale this morning, it said I gained 3 lbs since yesterday. Obviously the white stuff has got me again in the form of water weight gain. I hate that my body is so susceptible to flour, salt, etc. I have noticed, though, that fruit and whole grains do not affect me in that way at all. For example.. I ate a small bowl of spaghetti earlier in the week. Within an hour I had fallen into a practical coma. This happens whenever I eat refined sugar or white flour. But, I can eat fruit, even bananas, which are loaded with natural sugar and do not feel any adverse effects. I eat a bowl of quick cooking oats every evening and it does not affect me at all except that it keeps me from having Restless. (Don't know why, but it works!)

So, this week, I am going to stay away from all white foods. No potatoes or pasta or anything with refined sugar. I will continue to eat fruits and vegetables regardless of their carb count. And, we will see what happens.

I also haven't worked out in a few days. And I can feel that I need to get back on track with that. I don't feel all that bad about taking a few days off as I did so because my body was just not feeling capable of performing anything strenuous for those days. Old injuries acting up, etc. I did reach my goal of 210 minutes of exercise per week, though.

I am off to visit everyone's blog and check on our group's progress now! Let's kick some serious butt this week!

View my complete Food Diary HERE.

Slimmer This Summer - Days 8-12

2011-06-17T11:19:00.003-04:00

Wow, are we really 12 days into this challenge already? Amazing. We should be well on our way to developing or reinforcing our new, healthy habits!

I've been very busy this last week and haven't had time to update or blog hop much, but I've been doing well sticking to my goals. I have been consistent in staying hydrated and logging my calories & exercise on MFP. I've done some type of exercise 6 out of 7 days consistently, even if I did take a few extra days off of the 30 Day Shred. I am finding that all the shoulder work is not very good for me and on level 2, it is hard to modify planks to accommodate a shoulder injury. I'm still doing it, though. Just taking more rest days so I probably will not be done in 30 days. I will do the actual 30 Days of the Shred, just not consecutively. I do other workout DVDs or ride Bertha the Geriatric Stationary Bike or find a workout on YouTube to do on the days I don't do the Shred so I can stick to my goal of 30 minutes of exercise per day 6 days per week.

I've been trying to stay off the scale till Sunday, when I weigh in so as not to drive myself crazy. And so, this week has been going pretty well, thankfully!

View my complete Food Diary HERE.

Slimmer This Summer - Day 6 & 7

2011-06-12T12:25:00.002-04:00

Whew. Yesterday was a tough one for me. I was pretty down about my slow progress as I had gained two pounds during the week since starting this challenge. However as you can see from THIS POST, things turned around pretty well!

So, here is my progress report.

My beginning stats were:

Weight: 191 lbs.

Measurements:
Waist: 35", Hips: 42.25", Chest: 35", Thigh: 27", Upper Arm: 13.5".

After one week my weight is: 189 lbs.

And my measurements are:
Waist: 34.5" , Hips: 41", Chest: 34", Thigh: 27", Upper Arm: 13"

For a total of 2 lbs. and 3.25" for the week !

View my complete Food Diary HERE.

Week Five Completed - Weigh In

2011-06-12T10:41:00.005-04:00

Finally, I'm seeing some progress! After my mini-meltdown yesterday, I stepped on the scale to see 189 !! That is a four pound loss! Whoohoooo!

And I took my measurements this morning and they are:
Waist: 34.5"
Hips: 41"
Chest: 34"
Thigh: 27"
Upper Arm: 13"

That is a loss of 3.75" from June 2nd and a total loss of 6lbs & 7" since May 16th!

I normally don't weigh in till Mondays, but I just had to share! Thank you to everyone who stopped by and left me encouraging comments yesterday. I really appreciate it!

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

View my complete Food Diary HERE.

Believe It Or Not, Even I Get Discouraged

2011-06-11T13:06:00.002-04:00

Forgive me for this rant / vent / pity party post, but I am only human and yes, believe it or not, even I get discouraged.

I've been diligently logging every morsel I put in my mouth, measuring portions, exercising every day in one shape or form for over 6 weeks now. And yet, I've only lost two pounds. I just don't get it. I really don't get it.

I'm still wearing the same clothes, still weighing in the same and look no different at all. I don't feel much different, either. I still have the same aches and pains, some more than others due to the added activities. I don't cheat, I don't splurge, I just keep plugging away doing the things that I'm told are the healthy ways to get healthier.

I admit I could eat more fruits and veggies. But, other than that.. I don't know where I am going wrong. I could eat the way I used to eat and stay at this same weight that I'm at now. Without all the counting calories and working my butt off. So, why keep at it? I almost feel like a gambling addict with a bunch of scratch tickets. Maybe THIS week will show some progress. Nope. Maybe THIS week? Nope. Unable to quit because I think that success may be just around the next corner (at the next weigh-in). But, slowly losing hope and berating myself for wasting so much time to get nothing accomplished.

View my complete Food Diary HERE.

Slimmer This Summer - Day 5

2011-06-11T09:49:00.003-04:00

I did not intentionally skip breakfast and lunch today. I got up at 7:30am and had my coffee, but by 11am I was so tired I went back to bed till 2pm! Then we had to do some errands and by the time we came home it was time to cook dinner.

Needless to say, I ended up being awake till after 2am, but I didn't do too bad calorie-wise. I did 60 minutes at 10mph on Bertha as well. I swear, she needs a new seat because MY seat is feeling pretty bruised this morning. Even with putting pillows under my arse !

View my complete Food Diary HERE.

Slimmer This Summer - Day 4

2011-06-09T23:29:00.003-04:00

I'm feeling really good about today. I made lots of good food choices, which was much easier since I went grocery shopping yesterday. I spread out my meals throughout the day and didn't let myself get ravenous. So, food-wise, I think I did pretty well.

I also did 60 minutes on Bertha, my new (old) exercise bike. 45 minutes at 5mph and the last 15 minutes at 10 mph. Then I did Day 9, Level 1 of The 30 Day Shred. I did not raise my arm above my head and I think that by not being in so much pain from doing that, I was able to handle the rest of it much better. I'm a little sore in the shoulder, but I'm headed off to take a hot shower and rub it down with Icy Hot.

I'm praying that I can actually sleep tonight.

Your Food Diary For:

Breakfast	Calories	Carbs	Fat	Protein	Sodium	Sugar
Coffee-Mate ( French Vanilla) Sugar Free - Coffee Creamer Liquid, 2 tbsp	30	4	2	0	10	0
Coffee - Brewed from grounds, 2 cup (8 fl oz)	5	0	0	1	9	0
Kellogg's - Special K - Red Berries Cereal, 1 cup	110	27	0	2	190	9
Skim - Milk, 8 oz	80	11	0	8	120	11
Add Food Quick Tools Quick add calories Remember meal Copy yesterday Copy from date Copy to date Copy from which date? Wednesday, June 8 Tuesday, June 7 Monday, June 6 Sunday, June 5 Saturday, June 4 Friday, June 3 Thursday, June 2 Copy to which date? Sunday, June 12 Saturday, June 11 Tomorrow Today Yesterday Tuesday, June 7 Monday, June 6	225	42	2	11	329	20
Lunch
Hellman's Light Mayonnaise - Mayonaise, 2 Tbsp	80	0	9	0	230	0
Buddig - Deli Cuts Honey Roasted Turkey Breast, 6 slices	70	3	2	9	460	3
Healthy Life - 100% Whole Grain Wheat Bread. Sugar Free 40 Calories, 2 slice	80	16	1	4	150	0
Generic - Cracker Chips Special K Sea Salt, 7.5 chips	28	0	0	0	0	0
Add Food Quick Tools Quick add calories Remember meal Copy yesterday Copy from date Copy to date Copy from which date? Wednesday, June 8 Tuesday, June 7 Monday, June 6 Sunday, June 5 Saturday, June 4 Friday, June 3 Thursday, June 2 Copy to which date? Sunday, June 12 Saturday, June 11 Tomorrow Today Yesterday Tuesday, June 7 Monday, June 6	258	19	12	13	840	3
Dinner
Hellman's Light Mayonnaise - Mayonaise, 2 Tbsp	80	0	9	0	230	0
Generic - Onion Raw Chopped 1/2 Cup, 0.25 cup	16	4	0	0	1	2
80/20 Ground Chuck - Hamburger, 3 oz.(112g)	203	0	16	15	56	0
General - Iceburg Lettuce, 1.5 cup (72g)	15	3	0	2	11	2
Add Food Quick Tools Quick add calories Remember meal Copy yesterday Copy from date Copy to date Copy from which date? Wednesday, June 8 Tuesday, June 7 Monday, June 6 Sunday, June 5 Saturday, June 4 Friday, June 3 Thursday, June 2 Copy to which date? Sunday, June 12 Saturday, June 11 Tomorrow Today Yesterday Tuesday, June 7 Monday, June 6	314	7	25	17	298	4
Snacks
Dannon Light & Fit 4oz (113g) - Nonfat Yogurt - Raspberry, 1 container - 4 oz.	60	10	0	3	50	7
Krogers - Low Sodium Rice Cakes, 1 cake	30	7	0	1	20	0
Kellog's Special K - Raspberry Cheesecake Cereal Bar, 1 bar	90	17	2	1	75	7
Kroger - 100% Whole Grain Oats (Quick Cooking), 1/2 cup uncooked	150	27	3	6	0	1
Smart Balance - Light Extra Virgin Olive Oil, 1 tbsp (14g)	50	0	5	0	70	0
Maple Grove Farms - Sugar Free Low Calorie Butter Flavored Syrup, 1/4 cup	30	11	0	0	100	0
Add Food Quick Tools Quick add calories Remember meal Copy yesterday Copy from date Copy to date Copy from which date? Wednesday, June 8 Tuesday, June 7 Monday, June 6 Sunday, June 5 Saturday, June 4 Friday, June 3 Thursday, June 2 Copy to which date? Sunday, June 12 Saturday, June 11 Tomorrow Today Yesterday Tuesday, June 7 Monday, June 6	410	72	10	11	315	15

Totals	1,207	140	49	52	1,782	42
Your Daily Goal	2,160	297	72	81	2,500	43
Remaining	953	157	23	29	718	1
	Calories	Carbs	Fat	Protein	Sodium	Sugar
	*You've earned 960 extra calories from exercise today

If every day were like today... You'd weigh 175.8 lbs in 5 weeks

Water Consumption 11

View my complete Food Diary HERE.

30 Day Shred Day 9 Level 1

2011-06-09T11:30:00.001-04:00

I am one day behind in the 30 Day Shred. But, only because I was so busy yesterday with the family and I did get a lot of movement in with the hiking and fishing, etc. I burned just as many calories as I would have with the Shred, so I'm not sweating it at all. I will just continue on today with Day 9 on Level 1.

I have to admit, this workout is HARD for me. Even now, after more than a week into it. Not all of it, just the jumping and raising my right arm above my head. I've done a lot of modifying it to accommodate for my injuries. In the beginning, I really tried not do do that, but you know what? I need to do what is best for my own body and the pain that I was in and am in if I push those injuries too hard is just wrong for me.

The modifications that I have made are that I do wall pushups instead of floor pushups now because my shoulder just cannot handle that much stress at this point. I only do the arm raises above my head until I feel 'that you are pushing too hard' feeling that I know will lead to severe pain that is not a good 'burn', then I do other arm exercises with the weights during the strength training circuits. And no matter what Jillian says about jumping jacks, I have a leg with a steel rod from knee to ankle and after the first 30 or so it lets me know that it is not what it used to be pre-accident, so I run in place during the rest of the jumping jacks. I don't slow down, nor do I take breaks. I just have to modify for my body's abilities. No excuses.

I had a couple days of not 'over eating', but eating over my initial calorie goal of 1200. This is due to bad planning on my part and I am sitting down today and planning out the rest of this week's meals in advance. I find that on days when I am very busy running around instead of being at home, I go too long between meals and snacks and then eat more in one meal than I should because I am ravenous! No more. Planning, planning, planning. Something to work on.

I am extremely over-tired this week as I've been dealing with a lack of sleep due to Restless Leg Syndrome. Or in my case, Restless Body Syndrome. I've been trying to find ways to help it, such as taking Melatonin, Potassium and Magnesium, even doing half an hour of stretching exercises before going to bed. However, so far.... no luck. It's been every night for over a week now and it's really catching up to me. Lack of sleep tends to cause me to be overly emotional, cranky, sad and just plain miserable. I hope that I figure out a way to get some needed rest soon. The Melatonin worked for the first week and I got so much rest, I felt awesome. The second week, it quit working. So now I've upped my dose to 6mg and it's still not working. *sigh* More experiments on that to come.

I also just want to say a group "Great Job, Ladies" to everyone who is in this challenge with me! You are all doing wonderfully and I'll be stopping by your blogs soon to leave my mark!

View my complete Food Diary HERE.

Slimmer This Summer - Day 3

2011-06-08T23:36:00.000-04:00

Today was such a full day. Grocery shopping, which takes HOURS if The Man goes - and he always does. Then home for lunch and off to the Creek to hiking / fishing / swimming. I'm exhausted. And all I caught were a million sunnies and blue-gills not even worth keeping. I swear, I'm going to give up on fishing in this state!

When I did eat today, I had huge meals. Basically, because I let myself go for so long between meals. I definitely have to start planning better. Definitely.

It was also my youngest daughter's 15th birthday. However, I skipped the cake. And the ice cream. *sigh* I really wanted a piece too. Oh well, there are four more birthdays coming up before the end of July.

I did something today that made my family laugh at me.... I bought a stationery bike. Now, you may wonder why this would be so amusing to my family. I got it for a measly $5 ! How could I pass up a deal like that? I mean, I can't afford to buy a new one, or even a used one that they advertise in the paper for close to full asking price. And I've been wanting one forever.. since I hate JUMPING so much and would love to be able to get some cardio in without my knees feeling like they are going to snap.... So, I did it! What do you think?

OK, so it's a little bit old. Probably my age, he he. But, she still works! Just needs a little bit of oil in her joints!

Any-whooooo... that's about it for today. I did not get to do my 30 Day Shred with Jillian today. So, tomorrow will have to be my Day 9. I just couldn't fit it in, even if it is only 30 minutes. And now it's almost tomorrow anyway, so. Pfffft. I was out in the sun for five hours today. Havin' fun with the family. NOT gonna sweat it.

Here's what I ate today:

View my complete Food Diary HERE.

Slimmer This Summer - Day 2

2011-06-07T22:20:00.001-04:00

Day 2 is almost complete for the Slimmer This Summer Challenge! I got up and did my 30 Day Shred early today instead of after 9pm like usual. I have to admit, that it did help with my energy level all day. I actually didn't have access to a DVD player, so since I already have level 1 memorized, I just locked myself in a room and went at it hard. It went so much better! I timed my circuits and counted my reps and ended up working out longer and harder than I would have listening to the DVD. Of course, I start level 2 in two days, so I will be back to watching the DVD till I have that level memorized. I am also going to do 20 minutes of stretching exercises before bed. I'm hoping that will help with my Restless Leg (BODY!) Syndrome. On that note, I've begun taking Potassium and Magnesium every day as well as taking 6mg of Melatonin at bedtime.

Today was errand day.. well... one of them. And we ate out at the Chinese Restaurant. I still managed to stay within my calorie range, so I'm pretty happy about that. I think there may have been extra salt in what is listed though, because I feel awfully 'puffy' tonight.

Tomorrow will be another busy day. Grocery shopping - I'm trying to plan the next week or two's meals and snacks to better stay within my ranges. Fishing / Swimming / Hiking with the family and The Man wants to go night fishing after that, just me and him. Dear Lord, give me energy and strength!

Starting Weigh In: Plus Size Bloggers Tracking Challenge: Bye Bye Booties!

2011-06-07T01:07:00.000-04:00

My starting weight for this challenge is 191. I was right about the water weight yesterday as this morning I was back down from 193. That was after drinking like 16 8-oz. glasses of water yesterday and getting up four times during the night to pee!

So, anyway... I found yet another challenge. Nothing like keeping my motivation and accountability up, right? Besides, it gives me even more people to encourage, which is what I so totally enjoy !

The goal for this challenge is to lose 15 pounds in 12 weeks. Totally doable, right? Sheesh, the way my weight fluctuates, who knows at this point, right? But, I'm in. That would make my goal weight for this challenge, which ends on August 29th, 176 lbs.

Off we go!

Week Four Completed

2011-06-06T10:08:00.000-04:00

I refuse to let this scale beat me! I will not allow it to determine my mood for the rest of the day, week or even minute!

Today I am up 2 pounds. Now, I know that I have been eating right, exercising every day and drinking my water. I've been doing everything right. However, I do feel that PMS-y feeling coming on and since I have been exercising every day, I know that my muscles are storing up water for recovery. Therefore, I am NOT going to worry about these lousy two pounds. There is no way that it is actual fat that I've gained. It's just water and it will go away by my next weigh-in.

That being said. My DD14 and I did my measurements the other day and here are the results:

My Starting Measurements as of May 16th were:

Bust: 38
Chest: 35
Waist: 35.5
Hips 44.5
Thigh: 27.5
Calves: 17.5
Upper Arms: 14

And My Measurements Now are:

Bust: 38
Chest: 35
Waist: 35
Hips: 42.25
Thigh: 27
Calves: 17.5
Upper Arms: 13.5

For a total of 3.25" lost.

Not too shabby. Makes me feel better about those pesky 2 lbs. Grrrr...

So, to recap.. my Starting Weight was 195 and I am at 193 now. By my next weigh-in, TOM should be gone or on his way out the door, so I will look forward to then.

Today I am on Day 7 of Level 1 of the 30 Day Shred. I really needed yesterday's resting period. My shoulder feels a little bit better though after doing some more jumping jacks, push ups and arm raises, we shall see..... I'm going to keep on keeping on, though.

Slimmer This Summer - June 6th - August 28th

2011-06-05T13:49:00.000-04:00

If you have been reading my blog or know me from MyFitnessPal.com , you already know that when it comes to motivation, encouragement and support, I'm all about it. While blog hopping today I came across another Blogger Support Group doing a 12 week challenge called Slimmer This Summer.

I am so in!

Here are my goals for these next 84 Days:

In the next 12 weeks I would like to lose a total of 18 lbs. That would bring my weight down to 173 and averages out to 1.5 lb.s per week.
In the next 12 weeks I will continue to drink at least 80 oz. of water per day.
In the next 12 weeks I will continue on with working out for a minimum of 30 minutes per day, Monday through Saturday. Sunday will continue to be my Rest Day.
My beginning measurements are: Waist: 35", Hips: 42.25", Chest: 35", Thigh: 27", Upper Arm: 13.5". My beginning weight is 191 lbs.
During the next 12 weeks I will continue to track my caloric intake, exercise and water consumption at www.MyFitnessPal.com and post it here regularly for those who are not members of My Fitness Pal.
During the next 12 weeks and beyond I will continue to support and encourage others in the Slimmer This Summer Challenge!

From Fat Mama To PHAT Mama

My Journey With ACE - Two Weeks Down!

/Pro Form Get Your Booty Firm Giveaway - Ends 7/11

My Journey With ACE - Days 8 & 9

My Journey With ACE - One Week & Two Inches Down

My Journey With Ace - Days 5 & 6

My Journey With ACE - Days 3 & 4

Booty Firm Dance Equipment Free Blogger Event Begins 6/25 and ends 7/11

My Journey With ACE - Day 2

My Journey With ACE - Day 1

What Is My Motivation? What Is Yours?

A Whole Year of Life Changes in 2012

Where Have I Been?

Slimmer This Summer - Week Two Completed

Slimmer This Summer - Days 8-12

Slimmer This Summer - Day 6 & 7

Week Five Completed - Weigh In

Believe It Or Not, Even I Get Discouraged

Slimmer This Summer - Day 5

Slimmer This Summer - Day 4

Your Food Diary For:

Water Consumption 11

Today's Food Notes

30 Day Shred Day 9 Level 1

Slimmer This Summer - Day 3

Slimmer This Summer - Day 2

Starting Weigh In: Plus Size Bloggers Tracking Challenge: Bye Bye Booties!

Week Four Completed

Slimmer This Summer - June 6th - August 28th