This has been a busy but good week. I had a friend get married on Friday evening, and last night we went out to Funky Town for another friend's birthday last night.
I have never been to Funky Town and I was incredibly hesitant to go! It looks super sketchy from the outside. But it was actually really really fun. A lot of people were dressed up and there were people from every single age group and walk of life. The people watching was fantastic! We had a table in the room to the side of the dance floor. It was nice because in that area the music wasn't so loud you couldn't talk, but you could still go in the other room and dance. The décor is hilarious. But we had a great time!
I did a good job of getting to the gym this week. I've been actually getting up early and going in the morning! I did go one evening when a friend met me, I absolutely love being able to take someone in with me. It just motivates you that much more. I have been frustrated for so long now with not seeing any results, so my goals are to increase the intensity of my workouts, and really concentrate on what I'm eating and making sure that I track my calories. Those are the things that I was doing when I was most successful.
Going to work on a grocery list tonight and shop tomorrow!
Sunday, May 5, 2013
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
New Gym
So I made the very tough decision to switch gyms. I know it doesn't seem like a very big deal, but it is for me.
I never, ever, ever thought I was someone who would join a gym in the first place. I mean that was where fit people went, lol. I was always way too embarrassed. So when I did join last year, I was thrilled to find that I didn't feel uncomfortable. There were people of all body shapes and physical abilities. The owner of the gym was great and always friendly. As we know, I had problems with the personal trainer and he went above and beyond to set me with a new trainer.
So why did I switch?
My gym membership itself wasn't crazy expensive, but when you add in a trainer weekly for almost a year, I have spent a LOT of money at the gym. What irritates me about this, is that some of that money still goes back to my old trainer.
When I used to work out with my trainer, he never had a plan, we just walked around the gym and used machines. He didn't personalize anything for me, and he was always distracted. When I work out with my new trainer, she always has a plan before I get there. She spends time outside of the gym texting me, working on a plan for me, and she always has unique things for us to do that she has seriously put thought into. So it really irritates me that she works so hard, and my old trainer makes money off it. The entire reason I work with her is because he couldn't do his job in the first place.
Sooooo, when Planet Fitness opened in Blue Springs awhile back, I had a hard time even thinking about them with their pizza nights and bagel mornings. But the more I struggle financially, I decided to look into them with their $10 a month membership. You can't beat that price. Everything is nice and new and taken care of. I know this may be petty, but I felt gross at my old gym when they would have the doors open and it was all muggy and sweaty. I don't mind sweating while I work out, but I don't want to walk in feeling gross. Underneath the machines was always really filthy, etc... So, I enjoy the air conditioning and cleanliness of Planet Fitness.
I do miss having a track, and having the free space of the aerobics room at my old gym. But you have to give up some things for the others I suppose. They do have some circuits which I like, because you don't really have to plan your workout. Today I did the total body circuit which takes 30 minutes. It was tough!
I ended up doing the $20 a month membership which comes with some extras, you can go to any location, you can use the massage beds and tanning (which I will never use), but the biggest thing was that you can bring in a guest as many times as you want. So far, it is really helping me because I have been taking a friend almost every day. Since I have someone I've committed to meet, I definitely get up and get to the gym where most days I would talk myself out of going and put it off. It also makes the workout go by much faster when you have someone with you.
So, that for me is the biggest plus. I am excited and I think it will be really good for me and hopefully I can start seeing some real results!
If anyone wants to come with me, just let me know!!!
I never, ever, ever thought I was someone who would join a gym in the first place. I mean that was where fit people went, lol. I was always way too embarrassed. So when I did join last year, I was thrilled to find that I didn't feel uncomfortable. There were people of all body shapes and physical abilities. The owner of the gym was great and always friendly. As we know, I had problems with the personal trainer and he went above and beyond to set me with a new trainer.
So why did I switch?
My gym membership itself wasn't crazy expensive, but when you add in a trainer weekly for almost a year, I have spent a LOT of money at the gym. What irritates me about this, is that some of that money still goes back to my old trainer.
When I used to work out with my trainer, he never had a plan, we just walked around the gym and used machines. He didn't personalize anything for me, and he was always distracted. When I work out with my new trainer, she always has a plan before I get there. She spends time outside of the gym texting me, working on a plan for me, and she always has unique things for us to do that she has seriously put thought into. So it really irritates me that she works so hard, and my old trainer makes money off it. The entire reason I work with her is because he couldn't do his job in the first place.
Sooooo, when Planet Fitness opened in Blue Springs awhile back, I had a hard time even thinking about them with their pizza nights and bagel mornings. But the more I struggle financially, I decided to look into them with their $10 a month membership. You can't beat that price. Everything is nice and new and taken care of. I know this may be petty, but I felt gross at my old gym when they would have the doors open and it was all muggy and sweaty. I don't mind sweating while I work out, but I don't want to walk in feeling gross. Underneath the machines was always really filthy, etc... So, I enjoy the air conditioning and cleanliness of Planet Fitness.
I do miss having a track, and having the free space of the aerobics room at my old gym. But you have to give up some things for the others I suppose. They do have some circuits which I like, because you don't really have to plan your workout. Today I did the total body circuit which takes 30 minutes. It was tough!
I ended up doing the $20 a month membership which comes with some extras, you can go to any location, you can use the massage beds and tanning (which I will never use), but the biggest thing was that you can bring in a guest as many times as you want. So far, it is really helping me because I have been taking a friend almost every day. Since I have someone I've committed to meet, I definitely get up and get to the gym where most days I would talk myself out of going and put it off. It also makes the workout go by much faster when you have someone with you.
So, that for me is the biggest plus. I am excited and I think it will be really good for me and hopefully I can start seeing some real results!
If anyone wants to come with me, just let me know!!!
Monday, April 22, 2013
Post Vacation!
I am seriously terrible at updating my blog! Lots has been going on since the New Year!
As I was approaching my one year anniversary of my heart attack, I was really getting a lot of anxiety. I think doing the news stories and talking about it so much just really got me freaked out again. I started having a lot of anxiety attacks and was feeling like something was wrong again.
So, I've been working on different methods of managing my anxiety. I actually did a stress test at the hospital and got positive results, and that helped a lot!
A stress test is not the most fun thing to do! It took about four hours. I arrived at the hospital (fasting) and put an IV in your arm and inject you with some fluid. You have to sit for about 30 minutes and wait for it to go through, then they do a scan of your chest. You lay in this machine (not totally closed in, thank goodness) for 14 minutes without moving. FUN! So my anxiety was really high then! Then they took me over to the cardiac area and they hook you up to all the heart monitors and you run on the treadmill. You have to get your heart rate super high (and they aren't used to people so young, so it was harder to get mine up) and you run on the treadmill. Every 3 minutes the treadmill speed increases and it inclines. So by the time I got my heart rate high enough I was like climbing a mountain. Then while you are running, they inject you with fluid and then you have to do two more scans so they can check for any blockages.
But all of the results were good! So that was a HUGE relief to my anxiety. We also switched my anxiety medication and I think that helped.
I went on vacation this past week and that was nice and relaxing as well! However, I have been pigging out and now I have to get back into a healthy eating routine!
I did switch gyms... I will write more about that tomorrow!
As I was approaching my one year anniversary of my heart attack, I was really getting a lot of anxiety. I think doing the news stories and talking about it so much just really got me freaked out again. I started having a lot of anxiety attacks and was feeling like something was wrong again.
So, I've been working on different methods of managing my anxiety. I actually did a stress test at the hospital and got positive results, and that helped a lot!
A stress test is not the most fun thing to do! It took about four hours. I arrived at the hospital (fasting) and put an IV in your arm and inject you with some fluid. You have to sit for about 30 minutes and wait for it to go through, then they do a scan of your chest. You lay in this machine (not totally closed in, thank goodness) for 14 minutes without moving. FUN! So my anxiety was really high then! Then they took me over to the cardiac area and they hook you up to all the heart monitors and you run on the treadmill. You have to get your heart rate super high (and they aren't used to people so young, so it was harder to get mine up) and you run on the treadmill. Every 3 minutes the treadmill speed increases and it inclines. So by the time I got my heart rate high enough I was like climbing a mountain. Then while you are running, they inject you with fluid and then you have to do two more scans so they can check for any blockages.
But all of the results were good! So that was a HUGE relief to my anxiety. We also switched my anxiety medication and I think that helped.
I went on vacation this past week and that was nice and relaxing as well! However, I have been pigging out and now I have to get back into a healthy eating routine!
I did switch gyms... I will write more about that tomorrow!
Monday, February 25, 2013
Good Check-Up!
I had my one year check up last Monday. They did an ECG and everything was good! I don't have to go back for a year, and I got to quit taking another medication. So that was all good.
It's been very snowy here in the Midwest. I'm tucked in under my blankets awaiting the second storm. I still made it to the gym this afternoon, I didn't do anything more than cardio though because the snow was starting. And of course it stopped as soon as I got home. But at least I got that in.
I downloaded this great new app on my phone. It's called Way of Life and it helps you track habits that you want to change. On the free version you can track 3 different ones. So I'm tracking exercise, not eating candy, and being on time to work. So far I'm doing good on the exercise, and candy. I am not a big candy eater at all, but there is always sweets and candy at work and it is hard to resist. So my goal is to stay away from all of that. I don't buy it at home so it isn't a temptation there. But I like the app because it keeps me motivated and helps me track how many days. They say that it takes 21 days to change a habit, so that is how I am tracking it.
Speaking of tracking, I left my fitbit on my work pants and it went through the washer and dryer. :( But, they are sending me a new one so that is awesome!
I'm not very interesting at the moment, so that's all I've got for now!
It's been very snowy here in the Midwest. I'm tucked in under my blankets awaiting the second storm. I still made it to the gym this afternoon, I didn't do anything more than cardio though because the snow was starting. And of course it stopped as soon as I got home. But at least I got that in.
I downloaded this great new app on my phone. It's called Way of Life and it helps you track habits that you want to change. On the free version you can track 3 different ones. So I'm tracking exercise, not eating candy, and being on time to work. So far I'm doing good on the exercise, and candy. I am not a big candy eater at all, but there is always sweets and candy at work and it is hard to resist. So my goal is to stay away from all of that. I don't buy it at home so it isn't a temptation there. But I like the app because it keeps me motivated and helps me track how many days. They say that it takes 21 days to change a habit, so that is how I am tracking it.
Speaking of tracking, I left my fitbit on my work pants and it went through the washer and dryer. :( But, they are sending me a new one so that is awesome!
I'm not very interesting at the moment, so that's all I've got for now!
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Happy Valentine's Day!
Happy Valentine's Day everyone! This week has been really busy at work! Hard to imagine in the jewelry industry, I know. :)
More temptations sitting around with the chocolate holiday! I've been trying to avoid all the sweets, but it is so hard!
I have a few trips to look forward to, so that definitely helps keep me motivated at the gym. My hardest struggle with the gym is getting there in the mornings. It's easy for me to go after work, but I always feel so much better when I go in the mornings. If I wait, I feel like it is hanging over my head all day and then my evenings are so crowded! It's easy if I have someone to meet, like my trainer, but on the other days it is so easy to talk myself out of it.
I had several news stories this past month. It was an emotional week thinking of everything that happened a year ago. But overall, I think things are good. I have my one year check up with the cardiologist this Monday, so hopefully he says the same thing! The news stories turned out okay, I liked one better than the other. ST. Mary's hospital is also doing an article on me in one of their health magazines. If I can, I will post it on here.
Well I hope everyone had a wonderful Valentine's Day!
More temptations sitting around with the chocolate holiday! I've been trying to avoid all the sweets, but it is so hard!
I have a few trips to look forward to, so that definitely helps keep me motivated at the gym. My hardest struggle with the gym is getting there in the mornings. It's easy for me to go after work, but I always feel so much better when I go in the mornings. If I wait, I feel like it is hanging over my head all day and then my evenings are so crowded! It's easy if I have someone to meet, like my trainer, but on the other days it is so easy to talk myself out of it.
I had several news stories this past month. It was an emotional week thinking of everything that happened a year ago. But overall, I think things are good. I have my one year check up with the cardiologist this Monday, so hopefully he says the same thing! The news stories turned out okay, I liked one better than the other. ST. Mary's hospital is also doing an article on me in one of their health magazines. If I can, I will post it on here.
Well I hope everyone had a wonderful Valentine's Day!
Thursday, January 31, 2013
National Go Red Day!
Tomorrow is National Go Red for Women Day! Break out your red and show your support for women who battle heart disease.
Last year on Go Red Friday, I had a heart attack. This year I think I'll just stick with wearing red.
It's so crazy to think that it has been a year. Sometimes it feels like yesterday, and other times it feels like years ago.
As I reflect on the past year, it's important to keep myself motivated. I thought I would have been further along with my goals by now, but I just have to look at the positive changes that I've made and continue to make more of them.
Fox 4 did a story on me yesterday. I had no notice, so I did not look my best. A portion aired tonight at 5 and the main story will air Wednesday morning on the 9 am show. The interviewed the doctor that performed my surgery and saved my life. I stayed around and watched him show the video of my heart during my heart attack and then after. It was kind of emotional to see, but definitely interesting. There was kind of this gray mass and that was where my plaque was bursting, causing the heart attack. Then immediately after, you could see the heart beating and the blood just flowing through as normal. Crazy stuff.
Sometimes people look at me with pity, and I've had my moments where I have felt it on myself too. But really, if everything can continue to go the way it is now, and I can just continue getting healthier and hopefully not have anymore problems, then everything will be just fine. There are so many worse things that could happen and so many more debilitating diseases.
Going through this past year, I think I have passed through all the stages of grief. But I'm alive and I'm happy. I have a great support system. And this year is going to be so much better than the last!!!
Last year on Go Red Friday, I had a heart attack. This year I think I'll just stick with wearing red.
It's so crazy to think that it has been a year. Sometimes it feels like yesterday, and other times it feels like years ago.
As I reflect on the past year, it's important to keep myself motivated. I thought I would have been further along with my goals by now, but I just have to look at the positive changes that I've made and continue to make more of them.
Fox 4 did a story on me yesterday. I had no notice, so I did not look my best. A portion aired tonight at 5 and the main story will air Wednesday morning on the 9 am show. The interviewed the doctor that performed my surgery and saved my life. I stayed around and watched him show the video of my heart during my heart attack and then after. It was kind of emotional to see, but definitely interesting. There was kind of this gray mass and that was where my plaque was bursting, causing the heart attack. Then immediately after, you could see the heart beating and the blood just flowing through as normal. Crazy stuff.
Sometimes people look at me with pity, and I've had my moments where I have felt it on myself too. But really, if everything can continue to go the way it is now, and I can just continue getting healthier and hopefully not have anymore problems, then everything will be just fine. There are so many worse things that could happen and so many more debilitating diseases.
Going through this past year, I think I have passed through all the stages of grief. But I'm alive and I'm happy. I have a great support system. And this year is going to be so much better than the last!!!
Monday, January 21, 2013
Approaching One Year....
It is so crazy to think that it has almost been a year since I had my heart attack. At times it feels like yesterday, and at others it feels like years ago.
Since I wrote my last post, I have been working hard to get back on track and I am feeling better about the direction I'm headed in. I've been planning more meals and making better choices. And I've actually been getting to the gym more frequently!
Last week was a stressful week. My boyfriend found a stray puppy at his office and I took on trying to find it a home. Jason's secretary took it the first night. She was awesome and took it to the vet, got it supplies, and got it shots. Then I took it the next night and Sandi Jane was NOT happy. She isn't used to that puppy energy and it kept biting her little rolls. lol. So I was in a huge rush to try and find it a home. After some family members passed on her, I took to the internet. I posted it on Fox 4's facebook page and it was amazing. Over 200 people shared her. Out of all the comments I got, there were only a few that were real. And I didn't just want to give her to someone who wanted a free puppy, I wanted to be sure it was a good home. And I found one! I felt so good about how it turned out. My heart was happy.
WHEW. Glad I got this year's good deed out of the way in January. :) Kidding!
I can't stand the way people treat animals. I am pretty sure somebody dumped her and it makes me so sad. How could someone do that to these innocent animals. I know it happens all the time, it's terrible. If Jason and I ever do decide to get a second dog, I definitely want to adopt from the shelter. It was a crazy experience. But it also made me realize I am not ready for a puppy right now. Although, I do kind of miss her now that she is gone. lol
My trainer weighed and took measurements this morning. We are going to do it again in 6 weeks and there WILL be POSITIVE changes! I have been working with her for 6 months now, and I have not seen the changes I should. And it's not because of her lack of effort, it's because of mine. No more excuses.
On Saturday I did a photo shoot for the American Heart Association. I will be a part of their "survivor" gallery. The picture and my story will be featured with some others when you walk into their office, and it's also part of a traveling exhibit.
February is Heart Month. Make sure you get your red ready for Feb. 1st!
Heart disease is the number one killer of both men and women, it kills more people than ALL cancers combined. Take care of yourselves and spread the word!
Since I wrote my last post, I have been working hard to get back on track and I am feeling better about the direction I'm headed in. I've been planning more meals and making better choices. And I've actually been getting to the gym more frequently!
Last week was a stressful week. My boyfriend found a stray puppy at his office and I took on trying to find it a home. Jason's secretary took it the first night. She was awesome and took it to the vet, got it supplies, and got it shots. Then I took it the next night and Sandi Jane was NOT happy. She isn't used to that puppy energy and it kept biting her little rolls. lol. So I was in a huge rush to try and find it a home. After some family members passed on her, I took to the internet. I posted it on Fox 4's facebook page and it was amazing. Over 200 people shared her. Out of all the comments I got, there were only a few that were real. And I didn't just want to give her to someone who wanted a free puppy, I wanted to be sure it was a good home. And I found one! I felt so good about how it turned out. My heart was happy.
WHEW. Glad I got this year's good deed out of the way in January. :) Kidding!
I can't stand the way people treat animals. I am pretty sure somebody dumped her and it makes me so sad. How could someone do that to these innocent animals. I know it happens all the time, it's terrible. If Jason and I ever do decide to get a second dog, I definitely want to adopt from the shelter. It was a crazy experience. But it also made me realize I am not ready for a puppy right now. Although, I do kind of miss her now that she is gone. lol
My trainer weighed and took measurements this morning. We are going to do it again in 6 weeks and there WILL be POSITIVE changes! I have been working with her for 6 months now, and I have not seen the changes I should. And it's not because of her lack of effort, it's because of mine. No more excuses.
On Saturday I did a photo shoot for the American Heart Association. I will be a part of their "survivor" gallery. The picture and my story will be featured with some others when you walk into their office, and it's also part of a traveling exhibit.
February is Heart Month. Make sure you get your red ready for Feb. 1st!
Heart disease is the number one killer of both men and women, it kills more people than ALL cancers combined. Take care of yourselves and spread the word!
Monday, January 7, 2013
New year
Happy new year everyone! I am sorry for my lack of posting, the month of December is a big blur for me working retail.
I would be lying if i denied that I am happy the holidays are over. When I actually got to stop and enjoy them they were wonderful. I am very blessed.
I wish I could say I made better choices in the month of December, but I did not do very well. At work we have chocolates that sit out all day every day and everyone was always bringing in goodies. I had very little self control. I also did not get to the gym nearly enough.
So new year, fresh start. I am looking for motivation everywhere I can find it. I am pretty disappointed with my lack of weight loss over the last year, but all I can do is move forward and keep going. I am still working out with my trainer and trying to work on the mental part of losing weight and changing habits as well.
I just got back from Las Vegas last night, we had a great trip. Back to work tomorrow! I caught all this crud that is going around so I am pumping myself full of vitamins and have to get up and go work out with my trainer in the morning.
2012 was by far the worst year of my life for lots of reasons, mostly my heart attack. Hopefully 2013 cane a year of positive changes and lots of good health and happiness to us all!
I would be lying if i denied that I am happy the holidays are over. When I actually got to stop and enjoy them they were wonderful. I am very blessed.
I wish I could say I made better choices in the month of December, but I did not do very well. At work we have chocolates that sit out all day every day and everyone was always bringing in goodies. I had very little self control. I also did not get to the gym nearly enough.
So new year, fresh start. I am looking for motivation everywhere I can find it. I am pretty disappointed with my lack of weight loss over the last year, but all I can do is move forward and keep going. I am still working out with my trainer and trying to work on the mental part of losing weight and changing habits as well.
I just got back from Las Vegas last night, we had a great trip. Back to work tomorrow! I caught all this crud that is going around so I am pumping myself full of vitamins and have to get up and go work out with my trainer in the morning.
2012 was by far the worst year of my life for lots of reasons, mostly my heart attack. Hopefully 2013 cane a year of positive changes and lots of good health and happiness to us all!
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Time to be Thankful
So everyone on facebook is putting what they are thankful for each day. I decided I would just make one solid list on here. And these are in no particular order.
1. I am thankful for my parents. They have always provided a very supportive environment for me and been a fan of everything I did. They are always there for me and encourage me in everything I decide to try. And yes, they do spoil their only child, but I'm not complaining :).
2. I am thankful for Jason. I don't know what I did to deserve him, but I'll take it. He is so hard working and always there for me and pushing me to push myself harder and follow anything I want to do. He is funny and loving and makes every single day better. (well most days, I mean some days he can be annoying :) ).
3. My friends. I have the best friends. I may not have a ton, but the ones I have are quality. When I was in the hospital, they were there for me and helped cheer me up and they are all supportive of the journey I've been taking and only want to see me succeed. They are fun and always making me laugh. Even the ones that are far away, I know are still rooting me on and always a phone call away for support.
4. My dog(s). Sandi makes me happy every single day. She is always happy to see me and makes me get out and go for walks and play with her. She is the best cuddler in the world and the best listener. I don't know how people live without dogs. My parents dogs also make me extremely happy and I am currently plotting on how steal them away. I also have great dogs where I work, and they are way happier to see me than my co-workers ever are. :)
5. My Job. Today everyone should be thankful that they just have one. But I actually have one that I enjoy. I have great co-workers. We laugh and play pranks and I don't mind going to work. Everyone at work was extremely supportive when I had my heart attack. They always encourage me. I was also extremely lucky to have a job that was so understand and worked with my cardiac rehab schedule and only wanted me to get better.
6. The rest of my family. From grandparents to aunts and uncles (there aren't a ton) I am very thankful for all of their love and support. My Aunt Marilyn in particular has been extremely encouraging on my healthier journey and always makes me want to succeed. She encouraged me with seeing a trainer again and helped get me started when I was lagging.
7. Jason's family. They are always there for us too, and help us out all the time. They help watch Sandi and in so many other ways. It's nice to know that if my parents couldn't be there for me, I could call his and they would be there in a heartbeat.
8. My trainer. She is so supportive and pushes me harder than I would ever push myself. I am always pleasantly suprised when I accomplish the things she asks me to do, because I would never venture that far on my own, but she knows I can do it.
9. A great place to workout. I love Blue Springs Fitness. My whole life I was too terrified to join a gym. I always thought everyone would be thin and fit and judge me for not being that way. I have not once felt judged. Everyone is friendly and says hello. The owner is great and when he read my blog, sent me the nicest and most encouraging e-mail. It's things like that that keep me going and make me believe that I can be successful.
10. My lifestyle change. I don't think I am ready to say that I am grateful for having a heart attack. But I am grateful for being healthy now and feeling so much better. The way I felt a year ago and the way I feel now is night and day difference. Exercising and eating healthy has made such a positive change in my life, and I guess it had to take something so negative to kick me into gear. (But let's not do that again, k?)
There are so many things that I am thankful for. I have a very blessed life and have been so fortunate.
1. I am thankful for my parents. They have always provided a very supportive environment for me and been a fan of everything I did. They are always there for me and encourage me in everything I decide to try. And yes, they do spoil their only child, but I'm not complaining :).
2. I am thankful for Jason. I don't know what I did to deserve him, but I'll take it. He is so hard working and always there for me and pushing me to push myself harder and follow anything I want to do. He is funny and loving and makes every single day better. (well most days, I mean some days he can be annoying :) ).
3. My friends. I have the best friends. I may not have a ton, but the ones I have are quality. When I was in the hospital, they were there for me and helped cheer me up and they are all supportive of the journey I've been taking and only want to see me succeed. They are fun and always making me laugh. Even the ones that are far away, I know are still rooting me on and always a phone call away for support.
4. My dog(s). Sandi makes me happy every single day. She is always happy to see me and makes me get out and go for walks and play with her. She is the best cuddler in the world and the best listener. I don't know how people live without dogs. My parents dogs also make me extremely happy and I am currently plotting on how steal them away. I also have great dogs where I work, and they are way happier to see me than my co-workers ever are. :)
5. My Job. Today everyone should be thankful that they just have one. But I actually have one that I enjoy. I have great co-workers. We laugh and play pranks and I don't mind going to work. Everyone at work was extremely supportive when I had my heart attack. They always encourage me. I was also extremely lucky to have a job that was so understand and worked with my cardiac rehab schedule and only wanted me to get better.
6. The rest of my family. From grandparents to aunts and uncles (there aren't a ton) I am very thankful for all of their love and support. My Aunt Marilyn in particular has been extremely encouraging on my healthier journey and always makes me want to succeed. She encouraged me with seeing a trainer again and helped get me started when I was lagging.
7. Jason's family. They are always there for us too, and help us out all the time. They help watch Sandi and in so many other ways. It's nice to know that if my parents couldn't be there for me, I could call his and they would be there in a heartbeat.
8. My trainer. She is so supportive and pushes me harder than I would ever push myself. I am always pleasantly suprised when I accomplish the things she asks me to do, because I would never venture that far on my own, but she knows I can do it.
9. A great place to workout. I love Blue Springs Fitness. My whole life I was too terrified to join a gym. I always thought everyone would be thin and fit and judge me for not being that way. I have not once felt judged. Everyone is friendly and says hello. The owner is great and when he read my blog, sent me the nicest and most encouraging e-mail. It's things like that that keep me going and make me believe that I can be successful.
10. My lifestyle change. I don't think I am ready to say that I am grateful for having a heart attack. But I am grateful for being healthy now and feeling so much better. The way I felt a year ago and the way I feel now is night and day difference. Exercising and eating healthy has made such a positive change in my life, and I guess it had to take something so negative to kick me into gear. (But let's not do that again, k?)
There are so many things that I am thankful for. I have a very blessed life and have been so fortunate.
Thursday, November 1, 2012
No Repeats
Rosie O'Donnell was on the Dr. Oz Show recently talking about her heart attack and they said something that really kicked my butt into gear this week. They said that women who have had a heart attack are incredibly likely to have a second one within five years.
I do NOT want that to be!
I have to fight, fight, fight, every day to be healthy and make healthy decisions and work out and I do not want to be back in that hospital bed. No excuses.
Halloween has been hard. We have had candy at work and I bought candy for the house and we only had three trick or treaters. I was so bummed! So now I have tons of leftovers. I am sending it to work with Jason and putting it at my housewarming party, hopefully it will get eaten up!
I worked out with my trainer on Monday. She always makes me want to do better too. And she texts me during the week to check up on me which makes me keep going because I don't want to tell her that I didn't work out. So today I went and did another workout that she wrote for me.
I have a new guilty pleasure, the Vampire Diaries. I take my iPad to the gym and watch it while I'm jogging on the treadmill. It helps the time go by, you just have to be careful to keep your speed up and not get too involved in the show. lol.
I found a few yummy new recipes. I made this delicious funfetti cake dip. I found the recipe on pinterest. It was so good! Even Jason ate tons of it, and he normally doesn't like the "healthy" recipes I make. But funfetti cake has always been my favorite. Here is the recipe. (I'm going to make it again for my housewarming party)
I got this from a great blog, Eat Yourself Skinny. http://www.eat-yourself-skinny.com/2012/06/funfetti-dip.html
I do NOT want that to be!
I have to fight, fight, fight, every day to be healthy and make healthy decisions and work out and I do not want to be back in that hospital bed. No excuses.
Halloween has been hard. We have had candy at work and I bought candy for the house and we only had three trick or treaters. I was so bummed! So now I have tons of leftovers. I am sending it to work with Jason and putting it at my housewarming party, hopefully it will get eaten up!
I worked out with my trainer on Monday. She always makes me want to do better too. And she texts me during the week to check up on me which makes me keep going because I don't want to tell her that I didn't work out. So today I went and did another workout that she wrote for me.
I have a new guilty pleasure, the Vampire Diaries. I take my iPad to the gym and watch it while I'm jogging on the treadmill. It helps the time go by, you just have to be careful to keep your speed up and not get too involved in the show. lol.
I found a few yummy new recipes. I made this delicious funfetti cake dip. I found the recipe on pinterest. It was so good! Even Jason ate tons of it, and he normally doesn't like the "healthy" recipes I make. But funfetti cake has always been my favorite. Here is the recipe. (I'm going to make it again for my housewarming party)
I got this from a great blog, Eat Yourself Skinny. http://www.eat-yourself-skinny.com/2012/06/funfetti-dip.html
Servings: 24
Serving Size: 1/4 cup
Calories: 105
Fat: 2 g
Carbs: 20.2 g
Fiber: 0.3 g
Protein: 1.4 g
Here are your ingredients:
1 (18.9 oz) box Funfetti cake mix
2 cups fat-free plain yogurt
1 cup lite Cool Whip
Fat-free animal crackers
In a large bowl, mix together cake mix, plain yogurt and Cool Whip until completely combined and you see no more lumps. Cover with plastic wrap and allow to chill for about 4 hours. Garnish with additional sprinkles if desired and serve with animal crackers, enjoy!
Very Very Good! Everyone have a great weekend!
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Baseball Leg
Life seems to be so crazy these past few weeks! Jason & I moved, which has been such a task. We are finally settled in our new house and Sandi is thrilled to finally have her own yard. Everything is put away and clean, now if only it would stay that way!
With moving, (excuses excuses), I didn't make it to the gym much. Then on Sunday, we went and cleaned out our old place. We scrubbed and cleaned for almost 8 hours! Everyone who knows me knows that I am a HUGE klutz. My trainer always works on balance with me and it is much needed. Well, I really don't know what I did on Sunday but I must have bumped my knee at some point. I knew it hurt, and when i got up on the counter to put in some lightbulbs it REALLY hurt, but I still didn't pay any attention. Well Sunday night I was back at home, grabbing some clothes out of the truck when I looked down and saw that my leg was HUGE! I dropped everything and ran inside yelling at jason because I was freaking out. lol
Here is what it looked like when I first noticed it:
HUGE! So I texted a friend of mine who is a nurse and she told me to watch it closely. (Thanks Shalan!)
So anyways, I iced it all night and it was better the next morning. It is still a good size bump and a really gnarly looking bruise, but it is waaaay better. (I did call the cardiologist and check in to make sure it wasn't a blood clot and none of them were worried). My medications make me swell and bruise much easier!
But because of my leg, I couldn't work out the first few days of the week. But I went back this morning and we worked hard. I love working out with my trainer. She is just so encouraging and supportive, she is easy to talk to and be honest with and she always makes me want to do better.
So now, I have to force myself to get up before work tomorrow and go. I know I need to get in the habit of going to the gym in the mornings because with the holidays coming, I know I will come up with excuse after excuse because of working long hours, etc... But I just have to make it part of my routine and do it! Like my trainer was saying this morning, this isn't just to lose weight, this is for my life. I have to tell myself that every.single.day.
Lots of other things going on that seem to be stressful, but just gotta keep going. The Kansas City Star article was good. I thought they picked a picture where I was squinting and it only made me want to lose weight even more, lol...but it was good.
I'll end with a funny! (I'm sure my trainer would not approve of this method!)
With moving, (excuses excuses), I didn't make it to the gym much. Then on Sunday, we went and cleaned out our old place. We scrubbed and cleaned for almost 8 hours! Everyone who knows me knows that I am a HUGE klutz. My trainer always works on balance with me and it is much needed. Well, I really don't know what I did on Sunday but I must have bumped my knee at some point. I knew it hurt, and when i got up on the counter to put in some lightbulbs it REALLY hurt, but I still didn't pay any attention. Well Sunday night I was back at home, grabbing some clothes out of the truck when I looked down and saw that my leg was HUGE! I dropped everything and ran inside yelling at jason because I was freaking out. lol
Here is what it looked like when I first noticed it:
So anyways, I iced it all night and it was better the next morning. It is still a good size bump and a really gnarly looking bruise, but it is waaaay better. (I did call the cardiologist and check in to make sure it wasn't a blood clot and none of them were worried). My medications make me swell and bruise much easier!
But because of my leg, I couldn't work out the first few days of the week. But I went back this morning and we worked hard. I love working out with my trainer. She is just so encouraging and supportive, she is easy to talk to and be honest with and she always makes me want to do better.
So now, I have to force myself to get up before work tomorrow and go. I know I need to get in the habit of going to the gym in the mornings because with the holidays coming, I know I will come up with excuse after excuse because of working long hours, etc... But I just have to make it part of my routine and do it! Like my trainer was saying this morning, this isn't just to lose weight, this is for my life. I have to tell myself that every.single.day.
Lots of other things going on that seem to be stressful, but just gotta keep going. The Kansas City Star article was good. I thought they picked a picture where I was squinting and it only made me want to lose weight even more, lol...but it was good.
I'll end with a funny! (I'm sure my trainer would not approve of this method!)
Friday, October 12, 2012
FitBit
I got my fitbit in the mail yesterday, so far I really like it!
I got the Ultra Fitbit in pink (duh!)
So what is it? You wear it all day long (I clip it on my bra strap and don't even feel it) and it counts your steps, stairs you climb, all of your activity, your calorie burn etc.... It logs it all onto www.fitbit.com, where you can also track what you eat, workouts if you don't wear your fitbit etc... What I really like about it, is that I can sync it with myfitnesspal since I am already familiar with that website and use it frequently. It syncs my calories and what I'm eating and works together.
The coolest part for me so far is that it tracks your sleep! It let me know what percentage I slept last night, it said I woke up 21 times! I'm curious to see if that is normal or what my routine ends up being. It told me I was in bed for a little over 8 hours and got 6 hours 52 minutes of actual sleep. I find that so fascinating. They give you a wrist thing to wear it on at night and I didn't even feel it.
The reason I bought it was I had a customer tell me about how she has lost 40 pounds using this, so I thought I would give it a try.
I do have a heart rate monitor that I use when I work out, which is great for your calories and making sure you are working at your target heart rate, but it is more invasive to wear and you have to wear a big watch to go with it.
The fitbit automatically syncs anytime it is near my computer.
So hopefully it helps me out on this journey...I'm excited to see. You have this little flower that grows during the day with your activity, and it motivating.
I haven't been to the gym much this week. We have been packing to move, ugh! Soooo ready to be in the new house and setlled.
Don't forget to pick up the Kansas City Star this Sunday and check out my story in the Star Magazine. :)
I got the Ultra Fitbit in pink (duh!)
The coolest part for me so far is that it tracks your sleep! It let me know what percentage I slept last night, it said I woke up 21 times! I'm curious to see if that is normal or what my routine ends up being. It told me I was in bed for a little over 8 hours and got 6 hours 52 minutes of actual sleep. I find that so fascinating. They give you a wrist thing to wear it on at night and I didn't even feel it.
The reason I bought it was I had a customer tell me about how she has lost 40 pounds using this, so I thought I would give it a try.
I do have a heart rate monitor that I use when I work out, which is great for your calories and making sure you are working at your target heart rate, but it is more invasive to wear and you have to wear a big watch to go with it.
The fitbit automatically syncs anytime it is near my computer.
So hopefully it helps me out on this journey...I'm excited to see. You have this little flower that grows during the day with your activity, and it motivating.
I haven't been to the gym much this week. We have been packing to move, ugh! Soooo ready to be in the new house and setlled.
Don't forget to pick up the Kansas City Star this Sunday and check out my story in the Star Magazine. :)
Saturday, October 6, 2012
Hard Day
This week I am beating myself up a bit. One of my good friends found out that her 9 year old daughter has high cholesterol. She is a super healthy, thin, active little girl. So they are making changes in their food, etc... Here I am giving all this great advice, and recommending things. How much of those am I still following? Probably less than half.
It is just so hard for me! I've gained back some of the weight that I lost. I just have NO SELF CONTROL. The other day I went to Chipotle and the whole time I'm telling myself, no chips and guac, no chips and guac. I get up to the checkout and what comes out of my mouth "chips and guac please."
I set my alarm for 6:15 every morning to get up and go to the gym. How often do I get up and go? Only when I have to meet my trainer. Granted, I still go in the evenings. But every week it seems like I have an excuse to miss days.
I really wish I could work out with my trainer 3 days a week, but I just can't afford to do more than 1 day. I can barely afford that, but know that it is necessory for my health so I just make it a priority.
I just need to get my motivation back. If Jason would wake me every day and say hey babe let's go the gym together. I would totally jump up and go. But most mornings he is up and gone way before I'm even out of bed. It's not his fault, I just wish I had someone to really push me.
Speaking of Jason. This week he told me he has lost 18 pounds. Doing what? Oh just thinking about it apparently! lol.
Okay I'm done being down on myself. Just gotta keep trying. I ordered a Fitbit this week. I will write how that goes.
Positive thoughts, positive thoughts....
It is just so hard for me! I've gained back some of the weight that I lost. I just have NO SELF CONTROL. The other day I went to Chipotle and the whole time I'm telling myself, no chips and guac, no chips and guac. I get up to the checkout and what comes out of my mouth "chips and guac please."
I set my alarm for 6:15 every morning to get up and go to the gym. How often do I get up and go? Only when I have to meet my trainer. Granted, I still go in the evenings. But every week it seems like I have an excuse to miss days.
I really wish I could work out with my trainer 3 days a week, but I just can't afford to do more than 1 day. I can barely afford that, but know that it is necessory for my health so I just make it a priority.
I just need to get my motivation back. If Jason would wake me every day and say hey babe let's go the gym together. I would totally jump up and go. But most mornings he is up and gone way before I'm even out of bed. It's not his fault, I just wish I had someone to really push me.
Speaking of Jason. This week he told me he has lost 18 pounds. Doing what? Oh just thinking about it apparently! lol.
Okay I'm done being down on myself. Just gotta keep trying. I ordered a Fitbit this week. I will write how that goes.
Positive thoughts, positive thoughts....
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Zumbaaaa
Today is an incredibly boring day at work. I have a cold and all I want to do is go home and sleep!
I tried my first Zumba class last night. I know that I looked like an idiot, but it was a lot of fun. I can not move my hips at all and moving my feet, hips, and arms at the same time is an impossible task. But as long as you keep moving, that's what important. I was always afraid that a class like would be intimidating. But there were people there of ALL sizes and ages. It was really fun. I probably wouldn't have tried it if I hadn't gotten a friend to go with me, so thanks Trisha!
I worked out with my trainer on Monday and I am still sore! Not terribly, just a little in the legs. She has me to do so much balance and core training. We do a lot on the Bosu ball and Yoga ball. So instead of just lifting weight, I am standing on the bosu ball trying to balance myself AND lift weights at the same time. Yikes. But I'm always impressed with myself when I do it.
We did squats on Monday, on the bosu ball, holding weights.
But balance is DEFINITELY something I could use some improvement on.
I went to a really fun wedding on Saturday night, so I was also still lagging a little from having too much fun. It was so beautiful and it was like a college reunion. We danced and danced and stayed up way past my bedtime.
A week or so ago, I went to my first American Heart Association meeting for Go Red for Women. It is a really great organization and I would encourage anyone who is interested in a healthier lifestyle to visit their site for all kinds of great tips. www.goredforwomen.org.
I also talked to my work and this year on Red Friday (February 1st), since it is National Go Red for Women Day, my work is going to donate a percentage of sales to the AHA and we are going to do different promotions. This will also be 1 year to the weekend that I had my heart attack. Wasn't it very good of me to have it on Red Friday? lol.
Don't forget to follow me on Twitter. Heartjourney86
And pick up the Kansas City Star on Sunday, October 14 and look for a story on me in the Star Magazine.
I tried my first Zumba class last night. I know that I looked like an idiot, but it was a lot of fun. I can not move my hips at all and moving my feet, hips, and arms at the same time is an impossible task. But as long as you keep moving, that's what important. I was always afraid that a class like would be intimidating. But there were people there of ALL sizes and ages. It was really fun. I probably wouldn't have tried it if I hadn't gotten a friend to go with me, so thanks Trisha!
I worked out with my trainer on Monday and I am still sore! Not terribly, just a little in the legs. She has me to do so much balance and core training. We do a lot on the Bosu ball and Yoga ball. So instead of just lifting weight, I am standing on the bosu ball trying to balance myself AND lift weights at the same time. Yikes. But I'm always impressed with myself when I do it.
We did squats on Monday, on the bosu ball, holding weights.
I went to a really fun wedding on Saturday night, so I was also still lagging a little from having too much fun. It was so beautiful and it was like a college reunion. We danced and danced and stayed up way past my bedtime.
A week or so ago, I went to my first American Heart Association meeting for Go Red for Women. It is a really great organization and I would encourage anyone who is interested in a healthier lifestyle to visit their site for all kinds of great tips. www.goredforwomen.org.
I also talked to my work and this year on Red Friday (February 1st), since it is National Go Red for Women Day, my work is going to donate a percentage of sales to the AHA and we are going to do different promotions. This will also be 1 year to the weekend that I had my heart attack. Wasn't it very good of me to have it on Red Friday? lol.
Don't forget to follow me on Twitter. Heartjourney86
And pick up the Kansas City Star on Sunday, October 14 and look for a story on me in the Star Magazine.
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Sunday Funday
This week has been better. I still could have made some better decisions, but I made it to the gym and did the workouts my trainer gave me, and I finally feel like I am maybe starting to see some muscle definition come back.
It is so amazing how quickly you can get off track. I mean I had a freaking heart attack just over six months ago, and to see how quickly I can slip back into my old lifestyle is amazing. So I'm getting back on track. Working out with trainer helps sooooo much because I have someone else motivating me, and I don't want to go back and give her a bad report card!
So this week before I went to the grocery store, I made a list of meals I wanted for the next week or so. I need to get back to cooking more!
Sunday breakfast has always been mine and Jason's thing. It is our favorite meal and we usually go out. We used to go to the Big Biscuit every Sunday, but after my heart attack we have only been there maybe twice because they don't have many healthy options. So now if we go out we usually go to First Watch or somewhere like that. Yummmmm. But this morning I decided to cook at home. I made oatmeal pancakes and egg whites. It wasn't bad. Don't get me wrong, it was no buttermilk pancake. But even Jason cleaned his plate. Normally I don't use syrup, but I did use a little bit of sugar free this morning to help offset the oatmeal, lol.
This afternoon we went to the royals game. It was such a beautiful day for it. And tonight we grilled out. So double yum.
We are moving in a few weeks, so I constantly feel like I should be cleaning or packing or something productive, but I have been so exhausted all week since I got back from my work trip. Right now I'm sitting in my office with crap all around me, lol.
So here's to hopefully an even better week. Maybe I'll be brave enough to weigh myself in the morning. :)
It is so amazing how quickly you can get off track. I mean I had a freaking heart attack just over six months ago, and to see how quickly I can slip back into my old lifestyle is amazing. So I'm getting back on track. Working out with trainer helps sooooo much because I have someone else motivating me, and I don't want to go back and give her a bad report card!
So this week before I went to the grocery store, I made a list of meals I wanted for the next week or so. I need to get back to cooking more!
Sunday breakfast has always been mine and Jason's thing. It is our favorite meal and we usually go out. We used to go to the Big Biscuit every Sunday, but after my heart attack we have only been there maybe twice because they don't have many healthy options. So now if we go out we usually go to First Watch or somewhere like that. Yummmmm. But this morning I decided to cook at home. I made oatmeal pancakes and egg whites. It wasn't bad. Don't get me wrong, it was no buttermilk pancake. But even Jason cleaned his plate. Normally I don't use syrup, but I did use a little bit of sugar free this morning to help offset the oatmeal, lol.
This afternoon we went to the royals game. It was such a beautiful day for it. And tonight we grilled out. So double yum.
We are moving in a few weeks, so I constantly feel like I should be cleaning or packing or something productive, but I have been so exhausted all week since I got back from my work trip. Right now I'm sitting in my office with crap all around me, lol.
So here's to hopefully an even better week. Maybe I'll be brave enough to weigh myself in the morning. :)
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Quickie
I will write more later, but for a quick update, I wanted to let everyone know that I finally got on board with Twitter. So if you would like to follow me, you can do so @heartjourney86
I am doing an interview with the Kansas City Star tonight, so I will also let you know when that will be up.
Things are still going great with my new trainer, can't say enough positive things about her. I was out of town all weekend, and I have got some catching up to do this week!
Oh and today only - you can help save lives with just a few clicks!
ANYTIME today, click on www.facebook.com/KCLiveTV and click “LIKE.” For every new Facebook fan they get today only, NBC will donate $5 do the American Heart Association, up to $2,000.
And a funny....
I am doing an interview with the Kansas City Star tonight, so I will also let you know when that will be up.
Things are still going great with my new trainer, can't say enough positive things about her. I was out of town all weekend, and I have got some catching up to do this week!
Oh and today only - you can help save lives with just a few clicks!
ANYTIME today, click on www.facebook.com/KCLiveTV and click “LIKE.” For every new Facebook fan they get today only, NBC will donate $5 do the American Heart Association, up to $2,000.
And a funny....
Monday, August 20, 2012
Six Months & Then Some
Ugh. I haven't wanted to write in a while, because, honestly I have not been doing so hot with eating and working out.
I had my six month checkup with the doctor a few weeks ago, and it went really well. He took me off one of my blood pressure medications because I was getting light headed. So that's good! I see him again in six months, I would LOVE to have to call him before then and get off of some of my other meds. He is making me prick myself and take my blood sugar a few times a week, because he wants to know if it gets too low. So it's an icky thing for a good purpose, and hopefully won't have to do that too long.
So, after my checkup, I had a big reality check with the fact that I had not lost nearly as much weight as I had anticipated losing in six months. The doctor was happy because I was still losing, but I really wanted to have a bigger victory than that. So, after talking with my Aunt, and getting re-motivated, I decided to start working out with a personal trainer again. This time I just wanted to once a week to keep me on track, and have them give some workouts to do the other days on my own.
I decided I wanted to give personal training another go. I wanted a trainer who I could depend on and who would motivate me and help me achieve my goals. I talked with the owner of the gym I go to (Blue Springs Fitness) and he set me up with an AMAZING new trainer.
I worked out with new trainer this morning and I LOVE her. I felt like my workout was much more catered to me, she was really interested in all of my medical history, and seemed like she really knew her stuff. I don't know if it's a male/female change but I found some major differences between the person I used to work out with and am really happy.
I feel like her concern is getting me healthy and keeping me that way. She understands and wants me to make a lifestyle change and not a temporary diet. She also explained the importance of eating plenty of calories so that you are fueling your body.
Also I don't have a ton of time to spend at the gym. So she is like, you can get a lot done in a smaller amount of time, its just about maximizing it and doing things that get you the best results. I really feel like trainer awesome (her nickname) and I are going to have some great results.
So my energy is coming back and I'm gaining more momentum. Let me tell you though, after not really working out much for several weeks and eating junk food, I noticed a huge difference. My clothes were tighter, I gained weight, I didn't have as much energy, and when I worked out this morning, it totally kicked my butt. I had to stop a few times and say hold on, which I never had to do before. It's amazing how quickly you can get out of shape if you stop your regimen.
Another important thing that I think my male trainer had a harder time with, and this trainer understands, is the emotional side of everything I'm going through and losing weight. It's a very big undertaking and a very emotional journey to lose weight. Add in my heart attack and everything I've been through, it is hard. I'm ready and willing to fight for this, but I need people around me who are going to encourage and support not just the physical journey.
Food is an emotional thing for me, and lately with lots of stress in my life, (trying to find a place to move, death of one of my boyfriend's family members, etc) I turn to food. I don't feel like going to gym, and I feel like eating more. I know this is bad, and I completely beat myself up about it. But I don't think trainer ass understands that this is something that people go through sometimes and its so hard.
They were all excuses and I used them not to eat healthy and workout - but I have to get back on track. So why not start today?
I had my six month checkup with the doctor a few weeks ago, and it went really well. He took me off one of my blood pressure medications because I was getting light headed. So that's good! I see him again in six months, I would LOVE to have to call him before then and get off of some of my other meds. He is making me prick myself and take my blood sugar a few times a week, because he wants to know if it gets too low. So it's an icky thing for a good purpose, and hopefully won't have to do that too long.
So, after my checkup, I had a big reality check with the fact that I had not lost nearly as much weight as I had anticipated losing in six months. The doctor was happy because I was still losing, but I really wanted to have a bigger victory than that. So, after talking with my Aunt, and getting re-motivated, I decided to start working out with a personal trainer again. This time I just wanted to once a week to keep me on track, and have them give some workouts to do the other days on my own.
I decided I wanted to give personal training another go. I wanted a trainer who I could depend on and who would motivate me and help me achieve my goals. I talked with the owner of the gym I go to (Blue Springs Fitness) and he set me up with an AMAZING new trainer.
I worked out with new trainer this morning and I LOVE her. I felt like my workout was much more catered to me, she was really interested in all of my medical history, and seemed like she really knew her stuff. I don't know if it's a male/female change but I found some major differences between the person I used to work out with and am really happy.
I feel like her concern is getting me healthy and keeping me that way. She understands and wants me to make a lifestyle change and not a temporary diet. She also explained the importance of eating plenty of calories so that you are fueling your body.
Also I don't have a ton of time to spend at the gym. So she is like, you can get a lot done in a smaller amount of time, its just about maximizing it and doing things that get you the best results. I really feel like trainer awesome (her nickname) and I are going to have some great results.
So my energy is coming back and I'm gaining more momentum. Let me tell you though, after not really working out much for several weeks and eating junk food, I noticed a huge difference. My clothes were tighter, I gained weight, I didn't have as much energy, and when I worked out this morning, it totally kicked my butt. I had to stop a few times and say hold on, which I never had to do before. It's amazing how quickly you can get out of shape if you stop your regimen.
Another important thing that I think my male trainer had a harder time with, and this trainer understands, is the emotional side of everything I'm going through and losing weight. It's a very big undertaking and a very emotional journey to lose weight. Add in my heart attack and everything I've been through, it is hard. I'm ready and willing to fight for this, but I need people around me who are going to encourage and support not just the physical journey.
Food is an emotional thing for me, and lately with lots of stress in my life, (trying to find a place to move, death of one of my boyfriend's family members, etc) I turn to food. I don't feel like going to gym, and I feel like eating more. I know this is bad, and I completely beat myself up about it. But I don't think trainer ass understands that this is something that people go through sometimes and its so hard.
They were all excuses and I used them not to eat healthy and workout - but I have to get back on track. So why not start today?
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Need to get my steam back
I apologize for my failure to blog lately. I've been wanting to hit some milestones before I wrote again, but that hasn't happened yet. These past few weeks since I got back from Florida have been hard. The further away I get from my heart attack the harder it is to keep up with everything.
I'm still going to the gym but I am having a hard time getting up and going in the mornings before work, so then I feel guilty all day and like there is something I have to do, which there is. So then I go deter work, but by the time I get home it's after 7 or 8 and I don't really feel like cooking dinner, so we have been eating out more often.
I really wanted to hit 26 pounds by my 26th birthday, and disappointingly that did not happen, but I've just got to stick with it and get my motivation back up.
My birthday was good. It was really fun. We went to the new aquarium at crown center and it was neat. Not something I need to see over and over again, but nice to see none the less. We ate lunch at my favorite pizza place and then Jason took me out for my favorite Mexican for dinner. I have not eaten very healthy this week. We went out last night with friends and it was really fun, although I think I am too old to stay out that late. I did not feel very well today.
Well hopefully I will have some good weight loss news soon, I see the doctor for my checkup in a few weeks, too!
Monday, June 18, 2012
Vacation
Back from a Florida vacation! It was a blast, we went for my Aunt's wedding and it all turned out amazing.
I finished up my personal training last week before I left. Overall, I would grade it a solid C. My last day was supposed to be the Friday before I left, but I showed up and my trainer never did. I didn't hear from him until about noon that day after I had texted him a few times, and he said we would reschedule for Monday, and then he was going to give me two free sessions because he canceled on me so many times. So we worked out Monday and that was good. Then he canceled on me both Tuesday & Wednesday mornings. So, those sessions didn't really work out. I would say over the whole 12 sessions I paid for, he probably canceled and rescheduled at least 5 times. I don't really mind rescheduling, but there were several times I showed up and didn't hear from him until well after designated times. Other times, I would get a text right before I was leaving the house to go.
I really like him as a person, and I really like the way he markets his company and the workouts were great. I just think he has some things to work out. I found it incredibly frustrating trying to get together with him. He just had his first baby, and I'm not denying that that is hard, but new dads aren't calling in to work everyday all over the country. I have to work 4-5 hours to pay for 1 hour of his time. I was also a little frustrated, because a lot during our sessions he would be on his phone or texting. There was also one time, I showed up for my session and he was training another person at the same time. He offers group sessions, but I was paying for individual and so I paid him the full price for that session and did not get all the attention. Now, there was one time when I requested that someone else work out with us, It was a woman I had really been wanting to meet and that was great. I just felt weird about not even being warned and just expecting that it was okay. I was pretty shocked when I showed up. Like I said, for almost $50 an hour, I just feel that all of your attention should be on who you are training. I certainly don't get paid $50/hour.
So, since he canceled Wednesday, I decided to do weights on my own and I did really well! I even went into what I call the big boy weight room and did squats on the machines. I was pretty sore the next day, but it was good that I knew what to do with the machines and how to do them safely. That was my main goal from training was to learn how to use the gym and feel confident on my own. So, that goal was definitely accomplished.
Now to vacation time....
It was wonderful. The weather was great. The wedding was perfect. It was really fun. My grandparents live in Naples, FL, so my Aunt decided to get married there at the Ritz Carlton. We left Thursday morning and came back Sunday.
I ate so much more than I have been. My stomach was not happy. I felt really bad one day and I know it was because I was putting all this junk in my body again. My body is so confused, junk, healthy, junk. LOL. It reminded me of how I used to feel all the time, and I did not like it.
So now its back to healthy menu and back to the gym. Somehow I still managed to lose 2.5 lbs last week. We'll see if it catches up to me this week.
The wedding was so fun. They got married on the terrace at the Ritz and it was beautiful. Right when they said I do, thunder cracked and a downpour began but at least we got the ceremony through before that! We then went into a private dining room and ate a huge meal. It was delicious! Halfway through the fire alarm went off and the entire Ritz had to evacuate! It was lots to laugh about. It was so great to see my Aunt so happy!
Here are some pictures from the trip!
I finished up my personal training last week before I left. Overall, I would grade it a solid C. My last day was supposed to be the Friday before I left, but I showed up and my trainer never did. I didn't hear from him until about noon that day after I had texted him a few times, and he said we would reschedule for Monday, and then he was going to give me two free sessions because he canceled on me so many times. So we worked out Monday and that was good. Then he canceled on me both Tuesday & Wednesday mornings. So, those sessions didn't really work out. I would say over the whole 12 sessions I paid for, he probably canceled and rescheduled at least 5 times. I don't really mind rescheduling, but there were several times I showed up and didn't hear from him until well after designated times. Other times, I would get a text right before I was leaving the house to go.
I really like him as a person, and I really like the way he markets his company and the workouts were great. I just think he has some things to work out. I found it incredibly frustrating trying to get together with him. He just had his first baby, and I'm not denying that that is hard, but new dads aren't calling in to work everyday all over the country. I have to work 4-5 hours to pay for 1 hour of his time. I was also a little frustrated, because a lot during our sessions he would be on his phone or texting. There was also one time, I showed up for my session and he was training another person at the same time. He offers group sessions, but I was paying for individual and so I paid him the full price for that session and did not get all the attention. Now, there was one time when I requested that someone else work out with us, It was a woman I had really been wanting to meet and that was great. I just felt weird about not even being warned and just expecting that it was okay. I was pretty shocked when I showed up. Like I said, for almost $50 an hour, I just feel that all of your attention should be on who you are training. I certainly don't get paid $50/hour.
So, since he canceled Wednesday, I decided to do weights on my own and I did really well! I even went into what I call the big boy weight room and did squats on the machines. I was pretty sore the next day, but it was good that I knew what to do with the machines and how to do them safely. That was my main goal from training was to learn how to use the gym and feel confident on my own. So, that goal was definitely accomplished.
Now to vacation time....
It was wonderful. The weather was great. The wedding was perfect. It was really fun. My grandparents live in Naples, FL, so my Aunt decided to get married there at the Ritz Carlton. We left Thursday morning and came back Sunday.
I ate so much more than I have been. My stomach was not happy. I felt really bad one day and I know it was because I was putting all this junk in my body again. My body is so confused, junk, healthy, junk. LOL. It reminded me of how I used to feel all the time, and I did not like it.
So now its back to healthy menu and back to the gym. Somehow I still managed to lose 2.5 lbs last week. We'll see if it catches up to me this week.
The wedding was so fun. They got married on the terrace at the Ritz and it was beautiful. Right when they said I do, thunder cracked and a downpour began but at least we got the ceremony through before that! We then went into a private dining room and ate a huge meal. It was delicious! Halfway through the fire alarm went off and the entire Ritz had to evacuate! It was lots to laugh about. It was so great to see my Aunt so happy!
Here are some pictures from the trip!
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Pumping & Squeezing
Yesterday was a big day! I had my echo cardiogram which I was nervous about because it is the test that will tell me if there was any damage from my heart attack and if my heart is doing okay.
They just called with the results and everything is good! She said my heart is pumping and squeezing as it should and there are no valve issues! Woo hoo! That is a HUGE relief.
I also chatted with the nurse a little bit, because lately I have been getting light headed every now and then when I stand up. It kept happening a week or so ago and I took my blood pressure and it was 100/68. I asked her if that was low and she said its right on the borderline, if it drops into the 90s I definitely need to call. But she said that since I'm losing weight, etc...we may need to adjust my meds and lower them. So that would be amazing because one of my main goals is to get off a lot of these medications!
After I did that yesterday, I went to the gym to workout with my trainer. This is my last week. I'm a little nervous because after this week I will be totally on my own. Up until now I have constantly had someone to be held accountable to, from rehab to training. But now its just me, so gotta keep it up!
I worked out with someone yesterday who is super motivating though! She works with my trainer and writes a blog as well, her journey is really inspiring. You can read it at http://gfitkc.com/category/real-life-loser/. It was nice to be able to chat and it really made the workout fly by. She has completely changed her life as well with how she eats and working out, so it makes me feel like yeah I can do this too!
Last night I made a really yummy salsa recipe that my Mom sent me. I'll copy it below. I also made my own tortilla chips which was SUPER easy. I just bought some corn tortillas, lightly brushed them with extra virgin olive oil, cut them into eighths and lightly salted them, then I baked them at 350 degrees for about 10-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them though, because they burn quickly! Even Jason approved.
I just got two dresses in the mail to try on for my Aunt's wedding, they are two different sizes, so I'm hoping one of them works! It's always fun to buy new clothes (if they fit!).
So until I go to Florida, I'm trying to be more strict with myself. It's been awhile now since I've really lost weight. My trainer researched my meds and there is one we think is not helping the cause, but we also talked about how even though I'm doing cardio 5-6 days a week, I may not be getting my heart rate high enough. I was taking my Ipad and reading while I worked out but I think that was slowing me down. So I'm trying to work a little harder.
I also have not been being as good with food as I should. I definitely still eat waaaay better, and I probably shouldn't be so hard on myself. When I eat something not so great, I beat myself up about it, so I just need to be better with portion control. But I went to the store Friday night and planned out some meals for this week.
I've been looking for a way to show weight I've lost without posting pictures of myself (sorry, still insecure here) and I finally found an idea I liked on pinterest, so I'm copying it! The funny thing is, the images on pinterest had the glass things mostly filled so I bought big ones and once I filled them, I was like oh, I probably could have gone with slightly smaller. But its nice motivation to see and want to move the glass beads from one to the other (one direction only!). So here's where I sit currently.
.JPG)
Here is the salsa recipe and the link where it came from! She has other things on her blog that look yummy too!
You can change ingredients as desires, I didn't put Cilantro in mine.
They just called with the results and everything is good! She said my heart is pumping and squeezing as it should and there are no valve issues! Woo hoo! That is a HUGE relief.
I also chatted with the nurse a little bit, because lately I have been getting light headed every now and then when I stand up. It kept happening a week or so ago and I took my blood pressure and it was 100/68. I asked her if that was low and she said its right on the borderline, if it drops into the 90s I definitely need to call. But she said that since I'm losing weight, etc...we may need to adjust my meds and lower them. So that would be amazing because one of my main goals is to get off a lot of these medications!
After I did that yesterday, I went to the gym to workout with my trainer. This is my last week. I'm a little nervous because after this week I will be totally on my own. Up until now I have constantly had someone to be held accountable to, from rehab to training. But now its just me, so gotta keep it up!
I worked out with someone yesterday who is super motivating though! She works with my trainer and writes a blog as well, her journey is really inspiring. You can read it at http://gfitkc.com/category/real-life-loser/. It was nice to be able to chat and it really made the workout fly by. She has completely changed her life as well with how she eats and working out, so it makes me feel like yeah I can do this too!
Last night I made a really yummy salsa recipe that my Mom sent me. I'll copy it below. I also made my own tortilla chips which was SUPER easy. I just bought some corn tortillas, lightly brushed them with extra virgin olive oil, cut them into eighths and lightly salted them, then I baked them at 350 degrees for about 10-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them though, because they burn quickly! Even Jason approved.
I just got two dresses in the mail to try on for my Aunt's wedding, they are two different sizes, so I'm hoping one of them works! It's always fun to buy new clothes (if they fit!).
So until I go to Florida, I'm trying to be more strict with myself. It's been awhile now since I've really lost weight. My trainer researched my meds and there is one we think is not helping the cause, but we also talked about how even though I'm doing cardio 5-6 days a week, I may not be getting my heart rate high enough. I was taking my Ipad and reading while I worked out but I think that was slowing me down. So I'm trying to work a little harder.
I also have not been being as good with food as I should. I definitely still eat waaaay better, and I probably shouldn't be so hard on myself. When I eat something not so great, I beat myself up about it, so I just need to be better with portion control. But I went to the store Friday night and planned out some meals for this week.
I've been looking for a way to show weight I've lost without posting pictures of myself (sorry, still insecure here) and I finally found an idea I liked on pinterest, so I'm copying it! The funny thing is, the images on pinterest had the glass things mostly filled so I bought big ones and once I filled them, I was like oh, I probably could have gone with slightly smaller. But its nice motivation to see and want to move the glass beads from one to the other (one direction only!). So here's where I sit currently.
.JPG)
Here is the salsa recipe and the link where it came from! She has other things on her blog that look yummy too!
Ingredients
- 1 can (28 Ounce) Whole Tomatoes With Juice
- 2 cans (10 Ounce) Rotel (diced Tomatoes And Green Chilies)
- 1/4 cup Chopped Onion
- 1 clove Garlic, Minced
- 1 whole Jalapeno, Quartered And Sliced Thin
- 1/4 teaspoon Sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Ground Cumin
- 1/2 cup Cilantro (more To Taste!)
- 1/2 whole Lime Juice
Preparation Instructions
Note:
this is a very large batch. Recommend using a 12-cup food processor, or
you can process the ingredients in batches and then mix everything
together in
a large mixing bowl.
Combine
whole tomatoes, Rotel, onion, jalapeno, garlic, sugar, salt, cumin,
lime juice, and cilantro in a blender or food processor. Pulse until you
get the
salsa to the consistency you'd like---I do about 10 to 15 pulses. Test seasonings with a tortilla chip and adjust as needed.
Refrigerate salsa for at least an hour. Serve with tortilla chips or cheese nachos.
Posted by Ree on January 27 2010
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