Just Heather
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Mamavation Monday: Girly Week Edition
Mar 28, 2011 | Filed Under: Living Large

I did it, friends! I’ve made it to round 2 as a Mamavation finalist. Now, it’s all up to the votes! The two winners will receive support & equipment for their weight loss. They will document their journey and need the help & support of friends & family to make it through the intense bootcamp.

I’ve asked my friend Liz to be my Fit Friend—the changes she has made in her own life over the last year have been a real inspiration. I am so honored that she has agreed to be my cheerleader on this journey. I have also already registered for a 5K—if I am selected to the program, it is a requirement after graduation. I didn’t want to wait, though, because if I am not selected it would be too easy to get lazy on this.

I’ve never been a runner (or even wanted to be!) but I do want to make positive changes in our family fitness, and drop the weight. This whole physical fitness thing is completely new to me. I was a lifeguard as a teen, so there was plenty of swimming back then. And, I went pretty much everywhere on roller blades in college.

But, I haven’t been on them since my first pregnancy—14 years ago! That’s one of my goals this year. I even had my roller blades fixed earlier this week. (It took 5 minutes and 50¢—such a dumb procrastination!) When it warms up, I’m going to hit the neighborhood trails on a regular basis. Before it cooled off again, I’d started walking in the evenings. I’d like to make that a regular routine once spring decides to stay awhile.

I suppose it’s all in training for the 5K I’ll be running in June. I’ve selected Outrun the Sun (I’m not a morning person, yo.) at Ft. Harrison and have already corralled several friends to enter the race with me on the Indy Mamavation Support Team. Some will be walking, some will be running, but they’re all there to support me & kick start their own journey to better health & fitness.

I’m doing so much better on that front. I’m working out every day, including more fruits & veggies in our diet, eating breakfast and cutting out the not so good stuff. I haven’t had a soda in 2 weeks now—and I don’t miss it in the least! I feel like I’m starting over with the weight loss, though.

It had been dropping slowly since I started, but I’ve had a rough week. I’ve pretty much gained back everything I had lost so far. The good news is it’s all, ahem, water weight and should be gone by the end of the week. I’m still down 1/2 a pound from my starting weight, and I’m feeling pretty good. My body is more toned, my clothes look better and I’m much more confident than I was 3 weeks ago.

Which means the process is a huge success already!

Starting Weigh-In: 195 pounds
Today’s Weigh-In: 194.5 pounds
This Week’s Weight Loss: 0 (gained 1.5 pounds—boo!)
Total Weight Loss: .5 pound

Today’s Mamavation Monday Topic: Where will your feet take your this year? Any plans for a big hike, race, or just a lot of walking?

This post is sponsored by Earth Footwear and by writing this I’m entered into a giveaway hosted by Mamavation and sponsored by Earth Footwear.

Read the comments.
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Mamavation Monday: Baby Steps Edition
Mar 21, 2011 | Filed Under: 40x40, Living Large

When I started on this weight loss journey, I decided I would focus on making small, lifestyle changes rather than a complete overhaul—it gives me a chance to step into it and make real progress rather than diving head first into something I will fail. At the beginning of this year, I cut back on the soda. Then, I cut back a little bit more. So, when I gave it up altogether last week, I barely noticed. It’s been a week since I’ve had any, and I honestly don’t miss it.

It’s been the same with everything else—I started with 30 jumping jacks in my circuits, moved up to 50, then 60 and now I’m doing 65 per set. As for my snacking habits, I’ve cut back a lot. Both in the amount and frequency of snacks. I’m also trying to make better choices. I love salty snacks—Mike-Sell’s Zesty Barbecue chips are my downfall. But, I also love sweet snacks—hello, Reese’s!

I’m an equal opportunity snacker.

Slowly, I’m replacing my favorites with healthy options. Rather than down half a bag of chips in the middle of the day (which, I would have finished later that night!), I’ve been going with celery & peanut butter—crunchy & salty all the same. Of course, I still enjoy a chocolate treat in my bubble bath at night, but instead of grabbing a piece of candy for an afternoon pick-me-up, I’m munching on apples. Oh, Granny Smith—I do love you!

The key is keeping the right snacks on hand & avoiding the rest. I’ve got a pantry full of popcorn & fruit right now, instead of chips & candy. That means when I reach for a snack, it’s going to be a little better for me. Combine that with daily exercise, and I’m really pleased with my progress so far. I haven’t lost much weight, but I’m building muscle at the same time. My pants fit more loosely, my body is noticeably more toned and I just feel good about all of it.

That’s progress—one baby step at a time.

How to nominate me for Mamavation:

Tweet (early & often!): Hey @bookieboo! I want @JustHeather to be the next #Mamavation Mom. She has my support! http://bit.ly/aorv3Y

Facebook: Share why you think I would be a good Mamavation Mom on their Facebook wall.


Starting Weigh-In: 195 pounds
Today’s Weigh-In: 193 pounds
This Week’s Weight Loss: 1 pound
Total Weight Loss: 2 pounds

Today’s Mamavation Monday Topic: Are you a sweet or savory snacker? What do you look for in a healthy snack?

This post is sponsored by Orville Redenbacher’s Gourmet Popping Corn and by writing this I’m entered into a giveaway hosted by Mamavation and sponsored by Orville Redenbacher’s Gourmet Popping Corn.

Read the comments.
12
Mamavation Monday: Courageous Beginnings Edition
Mar 14, 2011 | Filed Under: 40x40, Living Large

One of the things on my list I’ve decided to tackle this year is losing weight. Number 4 on the 40×40 list is to get down to my “ideal” weight, which basically means a healthy BMI. I’ve got 40 pounds to go—look, another 40×40! But, that’s down 6 already from the last time I actually stepped on a scale.

Last year, I made an effort to eat healthier meals—less frying, (slightly) more veggies—but I still ate a lot of crap. Part of it was/is addiction—those Reese’s eggs are just so dang yummy—but part of it was fear. I’ve always joked that if I gave up my [number redacted] calorie-a-day Sunkist habit, I’d waste away to practically nothing. But, what if it’s not true?

What if it’s even harder than the incredibly difficult journey I already imagine?

This year, I made a tough decision on the soda issue—though I didn’t cut it out completely. I no longer keep it on hand around the house, which means the steady stream is gone. As is the addiction. I do allow myself to order soda when we’re out to dinner, and I occasionally buy myself the coveted Sunkist when I’m out & about. But, it’s no longer a daily habit.

The Sunkist bottle is no longer an accessory I carry around with me from morning to bedtime. (And, that doesn’t even touch the one I keep on my bedside table.) Now, I carry a glass of water everywhere I go. Upstairs, there’s a plastic cup on my nightstand. Downstairs, a drinking glass filled with water. In the car? A water bottle I can barely keep full.

It’s working—last week, I passed up an available Sunkist for water because that sounded more appealing—but I know I have to take it a step further, if I want to reach my goals. The ultimate goal will have me down several sizes—which is another fear. I’m half scared, half excited about this part. Where will I get the money to replace my clothes once I’ve lost even more? And, yet…shopping!! It means I’ll get to officially finish #25 too—an all new wardrobe definitely qualifies as an overhaul.

So, bravery it is—I’m doing this. But, I’ve decided I can’t do it alone if I want to get serious about it. I need the support of my family & friends. And, if I’m going to ask for your help, it means being completely open & honest. The numbers shall be revealed. The daily Sunkist habit? Totaled over 1000 calories. Yes, I meant to type all 3 zeros. And, yes, that was my daily intake.

Now, even when I do allow myself to indulge, it stops around 200 calories. I think. I just haven’t been counting. I so often eat, drink, indulge without a thought to what it means. I don’t exercise—not since my dance classed moved. I don’t run—it’s just never been an interest. And, I don’t reach the weight loss goals I set for myself.

Because I don’t really work for them. This time, it’s official—I’m going to step up, work hard and actually work out. Yes, I said that. I’ve been working out with Fit Mom Training for a week now—it’s amazing what those little bursts of time can do for your body. I’m down around a pound so far and feeling better than ever. But, I’m not spending hours at the gym or a ton of money on fitness equipment.

My workouts so far have consisted of jumping jacks, pushups, crunches, squats and a host of other at home (and free!) exercises. The circuits she has assigned each day work for me because I can throw in 15-20 minutes when I get home from school dropoff, before my shower. I can add in 15-20 minutes in the evening, before my nightly bubble bath. According to my Wii Fit, I’m getting in 45-60 minutes each day, in short bursts when I have the time.

Plus, I’m turning to my friends & family (and Bookie Boo!) to help motivate me & keep me accountable. I’m going to post the numbers (and fatty Mii) each week. I’m hoping we can all watch both of us shrink as we go along. The girls love watching me on the Wii Fit, and I’m so thrilled to provide that example for them.

They’re the how and why I’m going to be successful this time. Because, I can’t tell my girls to eat healthy and go outside & play, when I’m stuffing my face with junk & sitting on my rear all day long. I can’t teach them that the sacrifices we have to make for our gluten free lifestyle will keep us healthy, when I’m not otherwise healthy myself.

What I can do is make real, positive changes in my life.

I can workout. I can run. I can play Just Dance without getting winded! I just can’t do it all alone. Luckily, I won’t have to. The hubby has committed to doing this all with me. Whatever Mamavation throws at me? It’s his assignment too. That’s both parents in this family pushing hard for change. We can show our girls what it means to really work for something.

I can show my online network that the support we provide to one another—through one-liners, emails, Skype chats—has real, powerful meaning. I can show my friends that if I can do this, they can too. Because we’ll be in it together—each tweet, each friend, each family member will be right there with me. I’m applying to be the next Mamavation Mom and joining the Sistahood.

Can I count on your support?

How to nominate me for Mamavation:

Tweet (early & often!): Hey @bookieboo! I want @JustHeather to be the next #Mamavation Mom. She has my support! http://bit.ly/aorv3Y

Facebook: Share why you think I would be a good Mamavation Mom on their Facebook wall.

Starting Weigh-In: 195 pounds
Today’s Weigh-In: 194 pounds
Total Weight Loss: 1 pound

Today’s Mamavation Monday Topic: What time of day works best for you to be active? How do you make sure you stick to those planned workouts?

This post is sponsored by SEARS FitStudio and by writing this I’m entered into a giveaway hosted by Mamavation and sponsored by Sears.

Read the comments.
0
11 Things to Do in 2011
Mar 08, 2011 | Filed Under: 40x40

I enjoyed last year’s 10 things to do in 2010, over traditional New Year’s resolutions. So, I wanted to come up with 11 this year. Duh. But I got so bogged down with a 13th birthday party, school stuff, work things and general busyness that everything else got shoved aside. Which is exactly why I need this list in the first place.

One thing we are doing this year is a monthly family fun day—we’re only a couple months in, but it’s a pretty big success! The girls are loving it, and I’m utilizing freebies & Groupon to keep it within budget. But, that’s not about me—and this is all about me.

Over my birthday weekend, I took a look at my 40×40 list—I’ve crossed off 15 items so far, blogged about 13 and made progress on 2-3 more. Next year, I turn 35. That puts me “halfway” to 40, since I started this list around age 30. I want to be halfway through my list, too. Which means I need to finish 5 items in the next 11 months and 26 days.

And, that puts me halfway to 10, so I’ll just round it out for 2011, even if we are a few months into the year already.

  1. Plan a monthly family fun activity—it doesn’t matter if the house is clean or the girls are good all week. Once each month? We do something together. Just the 5 of us.
  2. Get a tattoo. Kahuna plans to film this one, I believe, so it should provide some quality entertainment for everyone, while crossing off #3 on my list.
  3. Start roller blading again. This should go along nicely with my Mamavation efforts, cross off #6 on my list and help me work towards my weight loss goals for #4. Three birds, one stone. Or, something like that.
  4. Replace my VHS movies with DVD. I’ve got some Amazon certificates & birthday money to finally get #13 knocked off.
  5. Go to the Harvest Moon Festival. Every year, I say we should go to this festival in the next town. Every year, I say maybe next year. This marks year #10 for us living here and it’s #17 on my list, so I think it will be our October Family Fun event.
  6. Officially launch The Cosmo Moms. This project was an idea the hubby & I had over a year ago, and it’s a fun project for MFJ and me to work on together.
  7. Attend an Indians game. This might work as a Family Fun event, plus it helps me get a little closer to #27 on the big list.
  8. Plant flowers. Every year I buy a package of wildflower seeds for the girls to plant in the backyard. Every year the big patch under our living room windows remains barren. This year, it’s written down on an official list. Now, I have to do it.
  9. Start scrapbooking again. That’s a little too vague, but tackling my wedding album (#2) & baby albums (#11) would be a little too much for someone who hasn’t cropped in years. I think I’ll start with finishing the mostly done vacation album and/or holiday traditions book. At the very least, I want to do the old/new wedding page I’ve had in mind since our renewal ceremony last year.
  10. Build a snowman with my girls. I can’t control the weather, though, so I’m giving myself a pass if I can’t get #24 finished in 2011. First big snow next winter, though? My butt is out in the cold.
  11. Go to a drive-in theater. It didn’t make my 40×40, but it probably should have! There’s one near the in-laws’ lake house, so it will be another motivator to get us up there more often.