Dear Blog...

I've been neglecting you I know. In an ideal world I would be posting every day and telling the world about my interesting eating habits. Isn't it amazing how fascinating Subway sandwiches AREN'T?

It's because of you I've nearly lost 14lbs and for that I am extremely grateful. I think of you every day, but when it comes time to say a little something, I'm so super tired that I can't lift my pinkies to type. Please know that I'm following my diet To.The.TEE, but I'm also SHOULDERING a lot more responsibility than usual because of my husband's poor little SHOULDER (if you didn't get the joke, then you just aren't as cheesy as I am) and I find I have a lot less me-time than usual. For now...know that I love and cherish you and I'm thinking about you all the time. I'll be back soon...I promise.

Love,
Em-Cat

Week 9 Stats, Goals and Life

I know I haven't posted for a few days. It seems every time I turn around life seems to give me lots and lots to do and by the time it's time to post, well I'm laying spread eagle on the couch without the ability to lift my lifeless body a millimeter. Please know that I'm sticking to my goals as much as possible.

I didn't exercise on Friday because I thought it would be a better idea to cuddle in bed with my little J and take it easy that morning. Turns out it was the best decision for me that day because it was (like all of the rest of them) pretty crazy and hectic.

I didn't end up exercising on Saturday either because I had to work that day and for some reason I knew my house wouldn't get clean unless I got up early and worked on it. I tried cleaning as vigorously as possible, so I think I burned more calories cleaning than I would have had I gone to the gym! :-)

Here are my stats for this week:

Height: 63 inches (STILL!)
Weight: 184.4lbs (.6 lbs down from last week and a whopping total of 13.8lbs (Can I just say 14?))
Waist: 34inches (1 inch down from last week 7 inches down total)
Hips: 39 inches (No change from last week and 3 inches down total)
Body Fat: 34.0% (2.5% down from last week and a total of 10.6% down)
BMI: 32.7 (.7 points down from last week and a total of 2 points down)
Dress size: A baggy 14 (yep still need to go shopping)

Here are my goals:

14-1600 Calories per day
Exercise 6 days this week
Drink 1 Gallon of water per day

What I Ate and Craziness

I'm going to start out by asking a question that has nothing to do with dieting and weightloss. Am I raising a little boy or a absolute ball of craziness? I think the answer is a big, fat, bonafide BOTH!

On the weeks when we are travelling and I don't have a baby sitter to leave the cute little bundle of joy with, Robbie and I take turns taking him on our sales calls with us. He gets frustrated with me because he has to sit nicely in a stroller and be a good boy while I try to hoodwink my customers into buying my sugar pills (anyone who knows me, knows I really don't believe that...it just sounded funny). Anyone who knows a 1 year old will attest to the fact that sitting nicely and being super quiet won't fly. When he rides with daddy, he gets to run up and down the isle of the tool truck while Robbie's customers comment on how cute the little boy is and by the way will buy the $20,000 tool he's trying to sell them.

To all the mothers who read this blog: Is it normal that my little boy was a furious ball of screaming craziness during the last few days? Is my little man going to grow up to be a crazed criminal because I can't keep him from screaming wildly and throwing things at my clients who are just trying to be nice to him? Is juvenile delinquency immenent when all my little man wants to do is hit and kick anyone who gets close to him?



The thing is...This little kid has to spend the entire day with me since Robbie can't pick him up or change his diaper. The poor little thing has had to spend the entire past few days with hippies who hate the FDA and believe in aliens. I guess I would completely lose it by the end of the day if I were him. Oh wait...I spend all day with these people...(insert crickets chirping)...


Here's what I ate the last two days:


Tuesday


Breakfast
8oz Skim Milk - 90
1 Scoop Whey Protein - 95
1 Small Banana - 90
Total Breakfast: 275


Snack
1 String Cheese - 80
1 Apple - 90
Total Snack: 170


Lunch
Baja Fresh Baja Ensalada (Chicken) - 310
Total Lunch: 310


Snack
Luna Bar - 180
Total Snack: 180


Dinner
1 Wheat Pancake w/ sugar free syrup - 175
Egg Whites - 50
Turkey Bacon - 76
Fruit - 70
Total Dinner: 371


Total Calories for Tuesday: 1306 (Yikes...what was up with me yesterday? I was too low)
Water for Tuesday: 100 oz (I'm slacking on my gallon goal - I didn't do great with it today either)
Exercise for Tuesday: A morning walk with little J


Wednesday


Breakfast
Subway steak/cheese/egg white/veggie english muffin - 190
Total Breakfast: 190


Lunch
Grilled chicken subway w/ avocado - 370
Apple slices - 35
Total Lunch: 405


Snack
Luna Bar - 180
Total Snack: 180


Dinner
3/4 Turkey Club w/Turkey Bacon on wheat no mayo - 400
Tomato Slices with Cottage Cheese - 78
Total Dinner: 478


Snack
Luna Bar - 180
Total Snack: 180


Total Calories for Wednesday: 1433
Total Water for Wednesday: 100oz
Exercise for Wednesday: Treadmill (I was so tired that it was a miracle I actually got up and went to the gym)

What I ate (uhhhh...I'm losing track of the number)...Um...What I Ate Yesterday and Glimmers of Hope

There have been a few glimmers of hope in these past few weeks. I feel like it's really starting to show. I used to get wolf whistles from every Mexican guy in So. Cal. You know, before the pounds started packing on. Well just the other day as I was walking through a parking lot one says to me, "Well hello...what's your name?" It could be that it was the only phrase he knew in English, that's the phrase most Latinos learn first in English, but I'd like to think that the "Glow" has finally returned. You know the one I'm talking about. The one where when you lose enough weight for it to show a little, and you're so excited about it that even though people don't notice your weight loss, they notice your excitement and beauty.

I have to say that I'm so happy that I'm down almost 14lbs. I feel more comfortable with my body and truly feel like I'm glowing with beauty and happiness. When I look in the mirror in the morning I can see the changes, even though others can't and it makes me walk out that door with the confidence to hold my head up high.

I was at one of my accounts the other day and a customer needed help and all of the employees were busy. I took charge and half way through my helping her, she stopped and said, "What can I do to get that glow? I mean your skin is fantastic." I hooked her up with this collagen/amino acid formula that I've been taking, but secretly I knew that it had mostly to do with my confidence.

So let's give three cheers for loving ourselves enough to make changes. Here's to loving ourselves from the inside out and letting it shine through our countenances!! (Can you tell I re-read this post?)

Here's what I ate yesterday:

Breakfast
8oz Skim Milk - 90
1 Scoop Whey Protein - 95
1 Sm. Banana - 90
Total Breakfast: 275

Snack
1 Slice of Low-Fat MultiGrain Bread - 80
1 T Almond Butter - 90
Total Snack: 170

Lunch
Roasted Chicken Breast Subway w/ Avocado - 370
Apple Slices - 35
Total Lunch: 405

Snack
String Cheese - 80
Apple - 90
Total Snack: 170

Dinner
Grilled Chicken Cafe Rio Salad (No Rice, No Beans, Vinaigrette Dressing, Whole Wheat Tortilla) - 400
Total Dinner: 400

Snack
Skinny Cow - 140
Total Snack: 140

Total Calories: 1560 (Shouldn't have had the Skinny Cow)
Water: 100 oz
Exercise: Weights/Cardio

Week 9 Stats and Goals

Well, it seems like my leveling out has finally ceased and I'm beginning to lose again. I was so surprised to see that I had lost about 3.5 lbs since I weighed in last week. I weighed in yesterday morning so that doesn't include the fact that I had a big ol' cheat day yesterday. I hope I didn't undo my hard work!

Here are my stats from last week:

Height: I'm still 63 inches :-)
Weight: 185.0 lbs (Down 3.4 lbs from last week and a total of 13.2 lbs total)
Waist: 34.5 Inches (Down .5 inches from last week and a total of 6.5 inches)
Hips: 39 Inches (No Change Again and a total of 3 inches down)
Body Fat: 34.7% (1.8 points down from last week and a total of 9.9 points down)
BMI: 32.8 (.6 points down from last week and a total of 1.9 points down)

I'm pretty happy with these stats. It always feels good when you see the results in lbs, but my inches haven't changed that much over the last few weeks. I guess I should be measuring my legs and arms as well. I can imagine that they're shrinking as well.

Here are my goals for next week:

Keep my calories between 14-1500 each day.
Keep on drinking 1 Gallon of Water per day.
Exercise every day...I'm not going to commit to weight training since I'm still going to have to take J on my workouts with me. It's going to have to be pilates or a walk outside with little J in toe.

I'm going to be Blog-Lazy this week.

It has been no picnic trying to be a single mom to two boys! It's been a week since Robbie's surgery and boy am I tired! Robbie can't pick up J or help me around the house, though he does as much as he can. I feel exhausted by the end of the day and the last thing I want to do is sit down and think of all the things I've eaten over the past couple of days. I'm sticking to my goals and definitely staying between 14-1600 calories per day - no change there. I'll keep you posted on my successes and failures throughout the week.

I may not do much with weights this week since I need to take little J on my workouts with me. We usually take an hour long walk around the neighborhood. I love them because we see rabbits and wild chickens and lots and lots of doggies. Plus we get to see the sun come up and what a sight that is! J LOVES to go out in the morning. Once he had his morning drink of milk he goes to the door and says "Ba Ba" (aka Bye Bye). My heart melts and I can't help but get him all bundled up and ready for a ride in the stroller.

Anyhoo...keep comin' back for those updates, but don't worry about being bored to tears by reading what I've eaten. :-)

Love,
Em-Cat (meow!)

Week 8 Stats and Goals

Okay - here it goes. Not much changing going on, but I'm gonna keep on truckin'!

Here are my stats:

Height: 63 Inches (5'3")
Weight 188.4 (Down 1.2 from last week and a total of 9.8 lbs from week one) K8 - I'm talking to you. I have .2 lbs to go to meet my 10lb mark.
Waist: 35 Inches (No change from last week and a total of 6 inches down)
Hips: 39 Inches (No change from last week and a total of 3 inches down)
Body Fat: 36.5% (No change from last week and a total of 8.1% down)
BMI: 33.4 (Down .2 points from last week and a total of 1.3 points)
Dress Size: A baggy 14 (I need to go shopping)

It's easy to look at those stats and feel disheartened, but I have to note that changes are occurring little by little. In fact - yesterday was my cheat day and I didn't totally overdo it. I didn't count my calories, but when I thought back on how I ate it wasn't much different from what I usually eat during the week. My body is acclimating to the changes I've made so far to my diet.

Here are my goals this week:

Eat 1400-1600 Calories per day and add more fiber to my diet
Drink 1 Gallon of Water
Exercise 6 days per week alternating Pilates, Weights and Cardio

Oi...It's been a while

I'm sure all you mom's can relate (especially you single moms), but I feel like I've been going from one thing to the next. I haven't even checked my e-mail since Wednesday...the day Robbie had his surgery. I've had to shoulder all the responsibility in the household and I really don't know how single moms do it...I guess they just do. I feel like I've been running on fumes since Robbie has been laid up. I don't think I've taken a breath until this afternoon when I took a little nap. Life has been so crazy, but know this:

• I have definitely been sticking to my allotted calories over the past few days.
• I have exercised every day (except today (Sunday) of course).
• I did Pilates twice and weights twice and straight cardio twice this week.
• I drank a gallon of water a day every day.

Aside from not posting every day this week, I accomplished all of my goals. The fact is, I feel great and even though I'm losing weight like a snail, I feel like this is all worth it. Despite the ups and downs - I'm sticking with this thing through thick and thin.

I'm going to post my stats and goals tomorrow. Thank you all for the support. I love you!

Heart,
Em-Cat

What I Ate Days 43 and 44 and Exhaustion

Robbie had surgery today and I'm so tired I can't think straight. I think the only thing I'm going to be able to get out is my calories for yesterday and today.

Here's what I ate yesterday (Day 43):

Breakfast
Subway Egg white and Steak Breakfast Muffin Melt - 190
Total Breakfast: 190 Calories

Snack
Kashi Go Lean Roll - 190
Total Snack: 190 Calories

Lunch
Turkey Sandwich with Avocado and Chipotle Mayo - 400
Total Lunch: 400 Calories

Snack
Crackers - 60
Apple - 90
Total Snack: 150 Calories

Dinner
Roasted Chicken - 120 Calories
1/2 order Sweet Potato Fries - 235 Calories
Green Salad w/Raspberry Vinaigrette on the side - 40
Total Dinner: 395 Calories

Snack
Skinny Cow Ice Cream - 140
Total Snack: 140

Total Calories for Day 43: 1465
Total Water for Day 43: 1 Gallon
Exercise for Day 43: Weight Lifting Circuit and 15 min Dreadmill

Here's what I ate today (Day 44):

Breakfast
8oz Rice Milk - 120
1 Scoop Whey Protein - 95
1 Banana - 90
Total Breakfast: 305 Calories

Snack
Kashi Go Lean Roll - 190
Total Snack: 190 Calories

Lunch
Roasted Chicken (Leftover) - 120
1/2 order sweet potato fries - 235
Total Lunch: 355 Calories

Snack
1 String Cheese - 90
1 Light Yogurt - 100
Total Snack: 190 Calories

Dinner
Roasted Chicken Breast Subway with Avocado - 370
Apple Slices - 35
Total Dinner: 405 Calories

Total Calories for Day 44: 1445
Total Water for Day 44: 1 Gallon
Exercise for Day 44: Weight Circuit and Elliptication

What I Ate day 42 and The Facts

Yes it's true. I'm begining to cop the attitude. You know the one where I complain that I work so hard, but the pounds never seem to shed. Blah. Blah. Blah. It's also true that muscles weigh more than fat, but when I look down at that scale I want to see results dagnabit! Deep breaths...deep breaths...slow and steady...slow and steady.

Thank you to all who've commented to make me feel better about my slow weight loss and to stroke my ego a bit.

Here are the facts (that is if you really even care what the facts truly are):

1. My hair and skin look fabulous lately. Robbie even told me I was glowing the other night. (I love it when he sucks up to me...he always gets bonus points and he knows it - dagnabit (I'm really enjoying that word today!)).
2. I don't get so winded when I walk up a hill.
3. I'm getting better at pilates which means my muscles are getting stronger (I am woman - hear me ROAR!).
4. I'm not retaining as much water and my fingers don't look so chubby.
5. I've always hated my chubby fingers.
6. I looked in the mirror today and I felt like I saw a skinnier me.
7. I have a TON of energy and mental clarity.
8. I'm going to confess on this one: I really don't want to lose weight for health purposes. Deep down inside I just want to look smokin' in a bathing suit come summer time, but at this rate - that's probably not going to happen. *Sigh*
9. I'm totally vain and self absorbed. Well - maybe not really, but kind of!?!? I mean I think we all wish we looked like a super model, but since this is a reality blog, I'd just like my butt to look fairly decent in a pair of jeans.

What to do...what to do? I guess just keep trucking along with my diet. I know I'm going to need to change up my routine a bit for the weight to keep falling off, but I don't feel quite ready for that. For now...I'm going to keep on counting...

Here's what I ate today:

Breakfast
8oz Rice Milk - 120
1 Scoop Whey Protein - 95
1 Banana - 90
Total Breakfast: 305 Calories

Lunch
6 inch Chicken Breast Subway w/ Avo - 370
1/2 bag apple slices - 17
Baked Lays - 130
Total Lunch: 517 Calories

Snack
Crackers - 60
Kashi Go Lean Roll - 190
Total Snack: 259 Calories

Dinner
Egg Whites - 50
Turkey Bacon - 76
Whole Wheat Pancakes w/Sugar Free Syrup - 325
1/2 Yogurt - 80
Total Dinner: 531

Total Calories for Day 42: 1612 (Dagnabit...I totally went over today. I wasn't very careful!)
Total Water for Day 42: 1 Gallon
Exercise for Day 42: Buns and Thighs Pilates Workout Video

Week 7 Stats and Goals and Starvation Mode

I worked really hard last week. At least I felt I did. I (mostly) reached my goals with drinking water and exercise, but I had very few changes in my weight and inches. This is really frustrating and make me want to throw it all down the toilet. Do I need to lower my calories? I don't think so, they're pretty low as it is and I want to do this being has healthy as possible. Maybe I need to cut carbs or sugar now or start lifting weights. Maybe I'm just in starvation mode and I need to stick to what I'm doing until my body is forced to start losing weight. What do you guys think?

Here are my stats:

Height: 63 Inches
Weight: 189.6 (No change from last week and a total of 8.6 lbs from week one)
Waist: 35 Inches (No change from last week and a total of 6 inches down from week one)
Hips: 39 Inches (Down 1 Inch from last week and a total of 3 inches down from week one)
Body Fat: 35.3% (Down 1.2% from last week and a total of 9.3% down from week one)
BMI: 33.6 (No change from last week and a total of 1.1 points down from week one)
Dress Size: 14-ish (But getting loser)

My goals for week 7 are:

Calories: 1400-1600 per Day
Water: 1 Gallon per Day
Exercise: 6 Days this week, using weights 3 different times

What I Ate Days 39 and 40

Have I ever told you how much I LOVE your comments? Well they really keep me going. Every so often I'm going to highlight a few of them so I can respond. These are from some of my first posts, just after I had started the blog.

Sondra said:

Good for you Em! You rock. remember that NOTHING FEELS AS GOOD AS THIN, and NOTHING TASTES AS GOOD AS THIN FEELS! You are going to do great and look so hot come summertime.

Sondra – I just have to say that this is my absolute favorite comment. At moments of weakness I repeat this mantra and then I have strength. And I can only hope and pray that I’m going to “look so hot come summertime.” Cross your fingers!

Anonymous said:

You can do anything you set your mind to. I have the faith in you and believe in you, You are a super lady. Love you,

Anonymous – I love you too. I just wish I knew who you were so I could give you a hug.

Phoebe (aka Amy) said:

Well hello love...my little Em CAT. If anyone can do this..you can..why because you are Em CAT. Remember a moment on the lips...life time on the hips.....but most of all know that you are supported loved and remember don't be too hard on your self....you know I love ya! proud of ya

-phebez

Phebez – It’s because of you I’m known as Em-Cat. How can I ever repay you? I will be eternally grateful for your contribution to my identity. My lips and hips are working together to keep the evil calories away.

Cecily said:

Elliptication is my new favorite word. Awesome.

You totally rock. If only we lived closer I would be SO down with doing some elliptication with you!!

Cecily – It’s because of you that I continue to use the word “Elliptication” on this blog. I also made up the terms “Dreadmill” and “GymNAtion” with you in mind. I’ve been toying around with the idea that the weight room could be named “Beefcake Body Shop,” but I’m not sure if I like it. Let me know if you have any suggestions.

K8 TheRiver said:

well...i ate a crispy cream donut. i didn't BUY it but i didn't even try to resist the offer.
but i ran 4 miles today! so maybe it will even out.

K8 – I bet the Crispy Cream was delicious. In fact, every time I see the header of my blog I think… “Mmmm…Doughnut.”

Here's what I ate Friday (Day 39):

Breakfast

8oz Skim Milk - 90

1 Scoop Whey Protein - 95

1 Banana - 90

Total Breakfast: 275 Calories

Lunch

Cafe Rio Grilled Chicken Salad (No Rice-No Beans, Vinaigrette Dressing) - 500

Total Lunch: 500 Calories

Snack

Crackers - 100

Total Snack: 100 Calories

Dinner

Salad - 50

1 Breadstick - 150

Herb Grilled Salmon and Veggies - 510

Total Dinner: 710 Calories

Total Calories for Day 39: 1585

Total Water for Day 39: 1 Gallon

Exercise for Day 39: Elliptication and Dreadmill

Here's What I ate Today (Day 40):

Breakfast

2 Low Cal Breakfast Crescent Rolls - 180

2/3 String Cheese - 60

1/2 Slice Deli Ham - 15

Total Breakfast: 255 Calories

Lunch

Thin Crust Frozen Pizza - 350

Salad (Veggies, Wonton Strips, Galeo's Dressing (It's yummy and really low cal)) - 70

Total Lunch: 420 Calories

Snack

1 Apple - 90

1T Peanut Butter - 105

Total Snack: 195 Calories

Dinner

Grilled Chicken Subway with Avocado - 370

Apple Slices - 35

Total Dinner: 405 Calories

Snack

Skinny Cow Ice Cream - 140

Total Snack: 140 Calories

Total Calories for Day 40: 1415

Total Water for Day 40: 90 oz (I didn't do so well today!)

Exercise for Day 40: None (I pulled a muscle in my back this morning and had to lay down for most of it! Bummer because I've been so good at exercise lately and was really looking forward to it this morning.)

What I Ate Day 38 and I Can't Get @#$(*& Blogger to Work

So I had a nice thing to post today, but blogger is being a super big jerk and acting like it can tell me what I can and can't do. The post I had prepared entailed a lot of cutting and pasting, but for some reason this piece of junk won't let me do it. I may just need to go looking for another outlet for my writing if blogger doesn't work out its kinks. I kind of get sick of the attitude it cops when it doesn't want to let you do something. I know I'm treating it like a person, but hey, it's the 21st Century and the Internet is the new bully.

Anyhoo...here's what I ate today:

Breakfast*
8oz Skim Milk - 90
1 Scoop Whey Protein - 95
1 Sm Banana - 90
Total Breakfast: 275 Calories

*I know I have this for breakfast every morning, but it's delish and easy to know exactly how many calories I'm getting.

Snack
Low Fat Wheat Thins (1/2 serving) - 65
1tsp Almond Butter - 30
Total Snack: 95 Calories

Lunch
Cafe Rio Tortilla Soup (Chicken Broth (80), Chicken (50) Guac (50), Cheese (30), Chips (100), Veggies (5)) - 315
Small Tortilla - 90 Calories
Total Lunch: 405 Calories

Snack
Crackers - 100
String Cheese - 90
Total Snack: 190 Calories

Dinner
Leftover Chicken Burritos - 335 Calories
Total Dinner: 335 Calories

Snack
Skinny Cow Ice Cream - 140
Total Snack: 140 Calories

Total Calories for Day 38: 1440 Calories
Total Water for Day 38: 1 Gallon
Exercise for Day 38: 30 min Dreadmill