Sara's Week #5: May 27- May 2 Goals and Weigh In

Steve-o,
.... Haha. I say this is our throw away week! I knew there would be one here and there because that is absolutely life but that does not mean we are quitters!

I ate pretty healthy this week. Went to Famous Dave's for dinner with the band and had some yummy grilled salmon with broccoli and grilled pineapple. Soooo gooood! Eating out doesn't have to ruin your diet and it can still taste good. Someone once told me a good piece of advice:
When you eat out, choose something just a little healthier than what you might normally get. That's it. And you're making progress. Instead of the crispy chicken BBQ salad, I opted for the salmon and it was sooooo good! Both delicious but one will make my body happier. :)
Realistically, you will likely enjoy whatever you eat at a restaurant whether it is healthy or really bad for you (and likely you will go away feeling sick if you choose the less healthy route). They are there to cook good food in general right? So focus on the less fattening meals at restaurants. You won't be disappointed in the food and you will be happier with yourself. Don't forget that this is a lifestyle change. Don't try to struggle against who you want to be. Take charge and eat what you really want to be eating for you to feel your best. It takes practice but I promise it WILL get easier. It takes time to break long-term habits but it is 100% doable with repeated practice. You can reach a point where you won't crave those unhealthy things. You will want to eat relatively healthy 90% of the time and then enjoy a treat here or there if you want (and those treats are extra good since you don't have them all the time).
Does that help at all? So try choosing something that is a bit more healthy than you would normally get. Try to eat at restaurants that have a healthier options if you have the choice (ie: KFC is not going to have many healthy options if any whereas a sub shop or even a restaurant for take-out has healthier options).

Weigh In: 127.2 (up some)

Goals
1- Complete 1 task off of To-Do list every day- I think I did this pretty well. This week was a bit crazy and a bunch of things got added to the list but I was constantly checking things off the list too.
2- Continue marathon training- EPIC FAIL; mulligan
So I didn't run at all this week. I started out sick and just recovered enough to start running right when I went out of town and I forgot my stuff! Sheesh. Dumb.
3- Practice band for 15 minutes per day- CHECK! I had to... and I did fabulous this weekend because of that goal! It really helped!

Ummm.... are we to freaking 1 month?! Did that not go by faster than ridiculous!? It's time for measurements!! You going to measure?

Goals for Sara's Week #5: May 27- May 2

1- Redo measurements!
2- Start back up on the marathon training
3-... Work is so crazy. I have to make a big decision with this. I'll post about this after I have made the decision public. ;)

Huzzah! Back on the bus kids!

The little things

You said you wanted me to find and post more inspirational posters.  Here's the first of many that I've already downloaded.  I'll keep on posting them sporadically and based on this quote I'm going to take off my shoes get rid of the pebbles this week.

Hit a wall, need to go over.

Oh Holy LOOSER! Not you...Me!

So this week was tremendously bad.   We had some team members from one of our vendors come into town for a few days and it killed my whole routine.  At the same time Aspen is feeling pretty sad right now and I've been easily talked into way over-eating, and way too many suites.  The one thing that I can says is that at least I'm still off of the soda.  My goals for my last post were:

Goal 1. I will loose at least 3 pounds this week (benchmark = 230).

             - I actually gained weight this week.  Back at 233.  No Bueno, not happy with it. :(

G2. I will have at least 6 meals this week that contain only whole foods.  The remaining meals will be less processed and will follow the guidelines of the FoodLoversDiet for a fat-loss plate.

             - I did well Monday and Tuesday.  The rest of the week was crap.  Had business meals at both Brio and Flemmings and boxed lunches brought in from caterers.   I tried to stay somewhat healthy but I am was weak sauce.

G4. This week for exercise I'm going to use my pedometer to track my walking for a minimum of 5 days.  It is my goal to reach no less than 3000 steps per day.  This is the equivalent of approximately 2 miles using my normal stride length and will be a bit of a stretch for me. (Sad, I know).

             - I did well here until Wednesday and then I lost my pedometer.  One day I even went almost 9000 steps.  That felt good but not sure what to do without "my precious".  I may have to break down and buy another one.

G5. I will read and study a minimum of 1 chapter in my scriptures during 6 days this week.  I want to keep this goal active until I hit it regularly.

             - I had already worked about 49 hours by Thursday and then did another 10 on Friday.  When I got home, I pretty much crashed most nights.   I only read my scriptures twice.  What a sad sad week :(

G6. I will say at least 2 personal prayers on my knees every day.  I think I need to hit this one using the kneeling position before I take it off too.

             - Trying to be honest with you Sara and with myself but I am disgusted to report that I didn't say a single personal prayer on my knees this week.  There was one day (Thursday) that I didn't even say my bedtime prayer.   Maybe I'll get lucky and Heavenly Father will show up and tell me to repent like he did Ether...No, shouldn't hold my breath eh?....probably right.

Anywho, I'm trying so hard not to be discouraged but this week was brutal on any efficacy building.  So, I just have one goal this week.  Just one.  Here it is:

Week #5 Goals - May 26th -June 2nd

Goal 1:  I will NOT get discouraged this week and blow everything I've worked for over the last month or so.   Be active, Be active, Be active at least 5 days this week and Eat better, Eat better, Eat better 7 days this week.

Needs: I am going on a business trip to Orlando Florida soon and it shows every sign of being a HARD week to keep things up.   I need just ONE idea for how to pass on any unhealthy foods while I'm there.

Sara's Week #4: May 20- May 25 Goals and Weigh In

This Week!
Weigh In: 127.6 lbs (No Change)

1- Organize for 15 minutes per day- I DID IT! Got some of the office, kitchen and bedroom.
2- Continue Half Marathon Training per schedule (Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri, Sat)- I did all but Saturday because I have a respiratory illness and want to recover so I can keep going next week. Maybe running at night in the rain was NOT a wise decision. ;)
3- Do at least 3 Italian Lessons- I DID IT!  Plus I got the audio CDs in my car so I can practice while I drive.


Granted I did a couple of these all today but I got it done all the same!

Half Marathon Progress:
5/13: 3 miles @ 13:40 min/mile
5/14: 2 miles @ 11:40 min/mile
5/16: 3 miles @ 11:12 min/mile
5/17: 3.6 miles @ 11:53 min/mile (my run in the rain)

Izzy is no longer welcome to go with me. ;)
Something that helped me remember what I needed to do was to have it scheduled in my phone so I would get an alert and it would remind me to organize or do my Italian lesson.

Other Wins:
I went to the store and got me some fresh produce and almond milk so now I can have my protein shakes again. Yippee!
I finished my book "Are We There Yet?" AMAZING book. You need to read it. Let me know when you want to borrow it..... I said 'when'....not 'if'.  ;D
My clothes are fitting better! Wahoo! My love handles are saying their last goodbyes! My legs are getting more defined. This is happening much quicker than I expected! My skin is looking much healthier.... people aren't lying! I really think it is the sweat coming out of my pores that just cleanses and detoxes my skin.... weird but awesome!

Things I won't do next week.... eat 2 bags of candy or buy cookies and cream ice cream. Ooops... I blame it on the marathon training. tee hee. =D But NO MORE. I felt gross after I ate it. I'll buy my Dreyers fruit bars instead for something sweet.

Week #4 Goals:
1- Do 1 thing on my To-Do List every day. ( I have a loooong list that NEEDS to get done!)
2- Continue Marathon Training
3- Practice band stuff for 15 minutes every day. I need to learn this crap! I got a comp on Sat.

Trick for this week. I am going out of town Fri early until Monday morning so I need a plan if I am going to do this thing

Mon- run 4 miles
Tues- run 3 miles
Wed- rest/ stretch and strengthen
Thurs- run 3 miles
Fri- run 2 miles or cross + strengthen if hotel gym
Sat- 4 miles
Sun- rest/ stretch and strengthen (maybe)

I will ask the hotel if they have an exercise room and do it at nights. If not, I will just run around the hotel or take someone with me.
I think I am going to look into a treadmill so I can do it at home at night. I don't want to get sick or taken.

Needs: Send me "what's up"s throughout the week! Find us some more motivational posters!

Sara's Half Marathon Training

Now that's dedication.... after work, 3.6 miles, torrential downpour, in the dark, crashin through puddles, mascara runnin' down my face, an extra 5 pounds of water soaked into my clothes and holding my humongous flashlight as a weapon. I'm in it to win it! Huzzah!

Sara's Week #3: May 13- May 18 Goals and Weigh In

Last week I accomplished my goals! Woot Woot!

I ran 5 days last week. Here are my stats:

5/6/13: 2.01 miles 9.43 min/mile
5/7/13: 2.04 miles 13:57 min/mile (sick)
5/9/13: 1.99 miles 11:34 min/mile
5/10/13: 2.71 miles 10:50 min/mile
5/11/13: 2.55 miles 13:32 min/mile
(I use MapMyRun app. It's cool)

I also organized my movie towers and got rid of some movies I don't need! Clean! They look nice. Bazinga!

5/12/13
Weigh in: 127.6 lbs (no change)

Goals for next week:
1- Organize for 15 minutes per day (Living Room then Office)
2- Continue Half Marathon Training per schedule (Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri, Sat)
3- Do at least 3 Italian Lessons- Tues, Thurs, Sat

I will continue to be aware of my fluid intake and try to eat healthy in general (less junk and processed).
Onward and Upward!! Let's do this Week 3!

Steve's Goals for week#3 May 13th - 19th

So two new updates to report:

First off, I did yoga for the first time EVER this week.  There was a beginning yoga class offered through work so I thought I'd give it a try for the meditation piece of it that was being offered.  I actually REALLY liked it.  I'm afraid that I'm turning into a hippy because of all the whole foods and yoga in my life.  What's next?  Greek yogurt on everything?  HA HA! (That will NEVER happen).   Anywho, the meditation part was my favorite and some of it actually hurt (either during or the next day) but it was a good alternative and stretching is important, so Yay me!

The other item that I think is cool is that I now have a pedometer.  It's crazy to me how much more sedentary I am compared to some of my co-workers that also have them.   It's making me wonder how they move so much more than me at work (although my output and productivity is higher!), HA!  I'm hoping to incorporate my new toy into this weeks goals.

Goal Review for Last Week

Goal Review
R1. I will loose another 2-5 pounds this week (benchmark = 232)
     So, I was within my goal loss target range and that feels pretty good.  233 was my final weight.   Keep that up and I'll be back into my speedo in no time!  HA HA HA!
R2. I will not have any sweet treats this week and will have at least 4 salads at lunch times, 2 cucumbers, 1 entire bag of baby carrots, and only whole fruits (with some protein on the side) for my snacks this week.
     I was too specific on this goal.  Specific is good but not that specific.  We didn't even have 2 cucumbers in the house this week.   I did do really well though. I didn't have any sweet treats until Sunday (it was Mothers Day).  I also did eat a ton of veggies and A cucumber, and a few fruits.  Bottom line is that while I didn't hit the specifics of this goal, I nailed the spirit of what I wanted to accomplish. 
R3. I will not drink any carbonated beverages or beverages that contain high-fructose corn syrup this week.  NONE!   I will also try to take Sara's blog post into account and have the average 1.3 liters per day of water that I should be drinking.  (I'm gonna need a catheter I think!)
     I did SOOOOO awesome on this one.  I didn't have a single carbonated beverage (even when they were offered to me).  I thought this would be the hardest but it wasn't.  It was easy.
R4. I will will do a bicept and tricept workout with my 10lb weights OR a 30 minute walk at least 5 days this week.
     I did this four days this week and then on the 5th day I did a bunch of work outside and helped Marty and Camille move so I counted that as my activity as well.   This one is still hard for me.  Super hard.  Sometimes it hurts just to do little things and I pay for it for days after.
R5. I will read and study a minimum of 1 chapter in my scriptures during 6 days this week.  I want to keep this one until I hit it regularly.
     GRRRR!  I didn't come even close this time.  I only did three days.  Half and I'm really bugged by it.  Not sure how to do better at this unless I maybe schedule it into my day (like an appointment with Heavenly Father) or something.   I really like when I read and study, I just don't think to do it except when it's super inconvenient (like while I'm driving to the grocery store).  HELP!
R6. I will say at least 2 personal prayers on my knees every day.  I think I need to hit this one using the kneeling position before I take it off.
     This one is staying on again.   I pray frequently but I need to be on my knees.  The quality is better and it feels more sacred.  I'm berating myself a bit for this.  No matter how good my physical goals are going, I need to always hit my spiritual, and mental ones.

New Goals for week#2 May 13th - 19th

Goal 1. I will loose at least 3 pounds this week (benchmark = 230). Man it would feel good to be under 230.  I don't think I've been that low in a couple of years.
G2. I will have at least 6 meals this week that contain only whole foods.  The remaining meals will be less processed and will follow the guidelines of the FoodLoversDiet for a fat-loss plate.
G4. This week for exercise I'm going to use my pedometer to track my walking for a minimum of 5 days.  It is my goal to reach no less than 3000 steps per day.  This is the equivalent of approximately 2 miles using my normal stride length and will be a bit of a stretch for me. (Sad, I know).
G5. I will read and study a minimum of 1 chapter in my scriptures during 6 days this week.  I want to keep this goal active until I hit it regularly.
G6. I will say at least 2 personal prayers on my knees every day.  I think I need to hit this one using the kneeling position before I take it off too.

-Needs: I'd like to know what you do to read your scriptures daily when you're having a super busy period.  How do you make it a priority?  What are some ideas you have?   I can find many in conference talks and ironically in the scriptures, but I want to get your take on it.   

Do you need anything from me?  You seem to be doing awesome but I'm here to help any way that I can.   Let me know!

I squeezed in my 2 miles before band today. I'm proud of myself for not just blowing it off because of my time crunch. I'm making this happen!

Steve Week#2 May 6th - 12th Goals and Weigh-In

"Don't Stumble Over Something Behind You!"   I love this.  I was just telling Aspen that I was a little upset with myself that I didn't accomplish all of my goals.  They seemed so simple.   But this is helpful.  Just move forward.  Forget about the past and come up with attainable goals for this week.  We can do this!

Quick update on my goals for last week:

Result 1. I will do a minimum of 30 minutes of activities that increase my heart rate 5 days this week.
    -This one was hard.  I only did activities 3 times this week.  I felt like junk this week VERY tired (went to bed early a LOT) and my body hurt.  It honestly kept me from doing well here.  I didn't feel like I could even do a 30 minute walk.  I like to make fun of Sara because she says to "do curls with cans o' potatoes!"  but I had the complete realization that she's right (enjoy this chica cause I probably won't say it very often - no matter how true it is o,_,o )   I can and should just do something even if it's not something as simple as walking. I have two 10 lb weights and I should use them.  See this weeks goals below.
R2. I will re-commit to the "FoodLoversDiet" because it encourages frequent meals, portion control, whole foods, and is diabetic friendly.  
     -  It was stupid to have this as a goal because I wasn't prepared.  We didn't have hardly any fruits/veggies in the house this week and it made it hard.  I was able to squeak out two days where I ate very close to the diet specs and tried to minimize how bad I was on several other days.   I'm going to keep this as a goal for this week and we're going to do way better.  Aspen bought me some whole foods, some cheeses for protein  a variety of beans for my salads, some cucumbers, tomatoes etc.  Should be much better.
R3. I will loose 2-5 pounds this week
     -  This one, I'm happy to report was achieved.  I'm now at 237 which is 4 lbs lower than my last week weigh in.  Yay me!  Not sure how it happened but as long as it wasn't a result of uncontrolled diabetes then I'm cool with it!)  
R4. I will limit myself to no more than 24oz of soda each day (I know this sounds wussy but I LOVE my soda and this will be a stretch goal for me).  I will also attempt to drink much less soda than this most days.
     -  This one was hard too.  I did pretty well though.  I only went over my 24oz limit on two days.  One because of a family party (Hello it's Cinco-de-Mayo!) and the other because of a communication error between Aspen and I.  Anywho,  I also had a call from a health nurse that I've been assigned to talk to at work.  We were talking about things and she said ZERO soda and sugary drinks from now on.  She wasn't cool with limiting it to like one can even.   SO, to recap, Ben reccomended that I get off soda pop, Sara has recommended that I get off soda pop, Aspen has recommended that I get off soda pop, my Dad has recommended that I get off soda pop, Mayor Bloomberg in NYC has recommended that I get off soda pop, the documentary "Super Size Me" has recommended that I get off soda pop.  Everyone says, "hey idiot!  take a hint and get off soda pop!".  Well ok world.  I'm gonna.  Now.  It's even the subject of one of my short term goals this week (see below).
R5. I will read and study a minimum of 1 chapter in my scriptures during 6 days this week
     -  I didn't get 6 days but I did do 4 days.  No excuses.  I should have done better.
R6. I will say at least 2 personal prayers on my knees every day
     - I did say at least 2 personal prayers a day this week but Aspen made fun of me one night for praying on my knees, I guess the way I did it looked weird, so I stopped kneeling.  I liked it better though.  There's something about kneeling that makes it more formal and makes you really think about what you're saying....
R7. I will work no more than 50 hours this week

     - I nailed this one.  I only worked for a few hours on two nights this week.  So I was only at about 45 hours this week.  This was a good improvement and I still felt productive.

NOTE:  I was going to do all my measurements and post them each week but, first off, it's a lot of work and I obviously am a lazy person or I wouldn't be in this mess.  Secondly, I'm not sure that would drive me that much.  SO, instead, I'm going to just post them monthly but I'll weigh in each week.  Coolio?  Is that all fair and stuff?

New Goals for week#2 May 6th - 12th

Goal 1. I will loose another 2-5 pounds this week (benchmark = 232)

G2. I will not have any sweet treats this week and will have at least 4 salads at lunch times, 2 cucumbers, 1 entire bag of baby carrots, and only whole fruits (with some protein on the side) for my snacks this week.

G3. I will not drink any carbonated beverages or beverages that contain high-fructose corn syrup this week.  NONE!   I will also try to take Sara's blog post into account and have the average 1.3 liters per day of water that I should be drinking.  (I'm gonna need a catheter I think!)

G4. I will will do a bicept and tricept workout with my 10lb weights OR a 30 minute walk at least 5 days this week.

G5. I will read and study a minimum of 1 chapter in my scriptures during 6 days this week.  I want to keep this one until I hit it regularly.

G6. I will say at least 2 personal prayers on my knees every day.  I think I need to hit this one using the kneeling position before I take it off.

Wish me luck!  I'm trying to recruit Aspen onto the blog posting as well.  So far she's been hesitant because she doesn't want to post her stats.  I told her that she can just put her goals on so we'll see what happens.  Do it pansy!  DO IT! :)

-Needs:  So, I was told to only take my Glipizide and Metformin (SP) with meals but this has been hard for me. Is it bad to take them without food?  Pharmacist Sara PharmD, this is your cue for a comment.  GO!

Sara's Week #2: May 6- May 11 Goals and Weigh In

Last week went pretty well and went by fast.
I accomplished my goals. Wahoo!

Wt: 127.6 (down 2.2 lbs) <-- Hmmm... maybe drinking water really does work well. This is also surprising because I ran out of my synthroid since last week so I hadn't had it for a week. I was dragging bad. I could hardly stay awake at work. I'm better now. =D

For this next week:
It's gonna be a biggie....
I have decided to train for a half marathon in August. The Beautiful Bountiful Half Marathon
Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!

1. So I will be running 2 to 2.5 miles 5 days this next week and stretching and strengthening the other days.
2. Organize the Movie Towers.... dun dun dun. 

I like having 2 goals for the week: 1 food/fitness related and 1 mental/spiritual
It is doable!

Sara Update

.... why am I the only one posting?
I hear crickets. ;)

 I have been drinking 6 cups of fluids per day. It hasn't been extremely difficult but it has really helped me think about drinking water more so I am consuming more than I usually do. Win! I just got a new water bottle for work that will make it easier to drink more.... none of those screwy on lid junk bottles. I got me a camelback!
Plus I got a waterbottle with a filter for my upstairs bathroom. I would drink more if it didn't taste so nasty so I decided it was time. :)
I will finish up my measurements tomorrow. 
My goals next week are going to involve running. I want to start so I can get to my goal faster than next july.
On the mental side of goals, I gave my house a good deep cleaning in a few areas so I want to keep on organizing and deep cleaning small areas at a time. A clean/uncluttered house makes me happy and feel more organized.

What have you been working on!?
Totally text me any time you need help! That's a great idea.
I have some awesome motivational thoughts that I will post on here so you can refer to them anytime and I will keep adding some. I didn't think about that.
:)
Onward to Glory