Don't Ever Give Up!

Weeellll, here we are again my loyal followers.  I am back in business again!  The highest weight loss reported was last February, which was 30 pounds.  I got my bloodwork done in June and everything was perfect.  I had improved dramatically and needed no meds at the time.  Sooooo, I thought cool and being the carbohydrate addict that I am, quickly went off the wagon.  The good thing is that to this day, I rarely eat anything white, as in potatoes, pasta, rice and bread.  For this, I am very pleased with myself.

As I sit here tonight, I am at 7 pounds form the 30.  So, yes, all of you mathematicians out there...I have gained 23 pounds back.  I have been so upset with myself and so avoiding blogging again, but over the past week I have really wanted to get back with the program.  As many of you know, my personal swimsuit season is right around the corner and I do not want to look like a whale laying on the beach in sunny Florida!

I have lost 5 pounds in the past week.  I have walked a couple of times around the neighborhood and down yard work.  It is a start :)

The most compelling thing that I want to say is that how bad I feel about disappointing all of my followers who have taken that step toward healthy living and weight loss.  I was talking to a friend of mine the other day, an Activity Director colleague, and it is because of this blog that she started her own exercise and dieting program.  I felt happy that I had influenced a person's life, but totally embarrassed that I had not only let myself down, but I had let her down as well.  I am so sorry for that Marybeth!

That is it for today!  I will be working out after school on Tuesday if any of you Spartans want to join me in the Fitness Center??

Short Update

I lost 2 pounds this week and worked out a couple of times.  I went back on good carbs yesterday, but I am going to try no carbs again during the week.  I think I will try this for awhile and see what kind of results I have.  To be continued...

Restart!!

Well, after a couple of trips and some time away, I am starting the 2 week Phase 1 of the South Beach Diet today!  This is the phase with no carbs for 2 weeks.

To date, I have lost and maintained a weight loss of 17 pounds,  Yes, I have gained 13 back of what I had lost.  I guess I now know how careful I will have to be when I go off of the strict guidelines of the South Beach Diet.  I haven't totally lost it!  I have just been eating too many of the right kind of carbs and not exercising at all.

I am starting a 2-3 day exercise routine with a friend at my work and hopefully, this will motivate me.  It is also going to be nice to take the dog for a walk now that the weather is starting to improve.

I appreciate all of your support and I will keep you updated!

Update Coming Soon!

Obviously, I have been away from blogging for over a month now.  I will have an update on the progress over the weekend, but I will let you know that I have gained a few pounds.  Not the end of the world...just too much going on in my life and I have always dealt with problems with food, so now I am learning to re-train myself.


Talk to you soon and I am still 2 sizes down and over 25 pounds!

Plateau!

It is has happened...boo hiss.  I am stuck at 30!  I am getting a little depressed so I thought I would blog this morning.  The weather sucks and I am not losing.  I also think I have Seasonal Affective Disorder...seriously.  Sad to say that I didn't even really enjoy the sun for the past 2 days because I can still see the piles of snow.  This isn't helping the weight loss when I really need to push it. 

What is the plan?  First, cut out some carbs and up the protein.  Second, exercise at class on Monday and Tuesday and for another 2 times throughout the week.  Third, go tanning to get a base for Florida and hopefully, relieve some of the depression.  I just need to feel warm!

I could really use some encouragement people...so give me some love!  I need to lose 5-6 pounds by February 28 to stay on track.

Update:  Jim continues, but I think he has also reached a plateau himself.  My mom, having spent the last 3 weeks in Florida, has increased her loss to 18!  Way to go mom!

A Changed Woman!

This week I started taking 2 fitness classes.  On Monday, I had a very energetic Zumba workout and on Tuesday a Cardio/Core workout.  By the second night, I was questioning why I would take 2 classes and why I would do them back to back.  I feel like if they were spread out that I would make excuses not to go to one of them.  I actually feel fine and have no major aches or pains.  I did both workouts to the best of my ability and did not waver.  Is this really Julie Harb typing this into the blog?  Yep, it is!

I, sometimes, feel like I am on some reality show and that my blog is being published nationwide for all to see.  If that were the case, I would say, GREAT!  If I can make this much change in my life in a few short months, I know others can do the same.  If I have helped any of you along my journey, I am thankful! 

As of this morning, I have lost 31 pounds in less than 16 weeks.  I had a blood test on Monday, given free by the RiteAid Wellness Program.  The blood test showed overall cholesterol and glucose levels.  I am happy to report the results...my glucose is now down 30 points and is in the normal range and my total cholesterol has dropped 20 points.  I am going to be excited to see the full workup in April with my doctor.  My triglycerides were the worst and I am sure that with this low carb, whole wheat carb diet, those levels have dropped as well.

This is my story and I AM STICKING TO IT!

A Couple of Pictures

The Homecoming picture above was taken in the fall of 2009 and the other picture was taken last weekend at the Senate Lock-In at school. 

I couldn't get the picture to rotate in the blog, but I think that you can see a difference.

Starting the 2 exercise classes this week!