I need your thoughts . . .

I've been hearing more chatter lately about meal size and meal times. For example - I've heard it is better to eat a larger breakfast, a middle sized lunch, and a smaller dinner. (Of course, most people I know do exactly the opposite.)

I decided to look around this morning for some articles about meal sizes and times. I found some pretty interesting things.

First - this review of a diet book about 'eating dinner for breakfast'. This sounds pretty interesting. Have any of you read this book? It follows the large breakfast, medium lunch, and small dinner principle.

This article is good as it shows what 300-400 calorie meals look like. Which is very helpful for people who are trying to be smart about their choices and it wakes them up to how many calories they have actually been eating per day. (Weight Watchers did that for me in a big way. When I calculated the number of POINTS I'd been eating per day, it was WAY more than I should have been eating. It makes it easier for me to make better choices now. Something that is a lot of points is really not worth it!)

Here are some random cool tools from CalorieKing.

And here is a great article about habits that prevent weight loss. Some really great tips here.

And then finally - this article about how to force your body to melt fat like butter. I've heard this before as well - that eating the same things at the same time every day will not help you lose weight. That you have to 'switch things up' to 'keep your body guessing.'

What I want to know from all of you is . . . what do YOU think? Have you heard of any studies about meal times and sizes? How do YOU eat your meals? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Have a great Saturday!

Go directly to Jail, do not pass Go, do not collect $200

I have decided, for my sanity, that I will not weigh in this week. This will be the first time I haven't weighed in since I started on March 1st.

Why have I decided this???

1. I know, because of several factors (one something I cannot control) that my weight is up. I don't need the scale to tell me that - I can feel it.
2. This has been a crazy, crazy week and my emotions are already stretched thin. So . . .
3. I am vulnerable and afraid I will bum myself out and blow it big if the scale is mean to me.

The last meeting like this at work was right before I started my journey to a healthier me. Most of the people at this meeting are from all over the world, so I only see them 4 times a year. Several people commented on how good I looked. I want to lose 25 more pounds before the next quarterly meeting - so I have to get my BOOTIE in gear.

Here are my goals for next week:
1. TRACK MY FOOD. I know this is vital to me watching what I eat, it makes me more conscious and I can't believe I let myself get out of the habit.
2. Start the Push Up Challenge over. I absolutely did not have time to work it in this week - as I was at work from 6 in the morning until 11 at night almost every day this week. PLUS - I have a co-worker wanting to do this with Hunkahubby and I - so it is a good reason to start over and do it together.
3. Do other work outs (walking and/or Wii Fit) 3x this week.
4. Get back into drinking water and NOT Sprite Zero which only makes me thirstier.

Those are my goals. And I know I can do it.

And I have to tell you that those of you who have commented on my blog and encouraged me thus far, your words mean so much to me, and I really appreciate all of you. Have a GREAT Friday.

ZZZZZ

I have a quarterly meeting at work this week. Not only was I in charge of organizing it, but Hunkahubby helped me with the food and 'ambience.' All without a babysitter for our 3 munchkins. Needless to say - we are lacking sleep or time this week . . .

So I thought I'd lead you to a link about the effects of sleep or lack of sleep on weight loss.

(Maybe this is my excuse if my weigh-in isn't so great on Friday . . .)

Happy Thursday!

Handing out some love linkage

I first want to update and say that AFTER I did Day 1 of my push-up challenge, I had so much energy, that I grabbed my best buddy from down the street and we walked around the neighborhood for 45 minutes. Woohoo! I was feeling good! I just hope I can keep it up!

And I also wanted to point out that I have been reading a lot of interesting, informative and HELPFUL posts lately - and I wanted to share them with all of you!!

First off - I had to give my Wii Fit some love. Here is a story about a local family that uses the Wii and the Wii Fit to bridge generational gaps!! I love this gaming system just because of that. It is awesome that Grandparents and Grandchildren are finding ways to bond (and get healthier!)

I also found this post by WorkoutMommy very motivational - since I'm on this new push-up kick, I actually got excited about trying out the different planks in this video!

I also absolutely LOVE the message in this post especially the part about the diet mentality vs. the healthy approach. Although I've finally gotten AWAY from the whole 'diet mentality' I still don't think I'm quite where I need to be.

And finally - I want to point you to a list I posted a couple of days ago on my personal blog. It has such great points - that I think you all will enjoy it as well. Be sure to check out #8, #14, #39 and especially #16!!!

Have a great Wednesday!

Day 1 - Push-Up Challenge

Well, I made it through Day One of the Push-Up Challenge. I didn't want to, but I did. And Hunkahubby was right beside me. We were both grumbling, but we did it.

7 push-ups
REST
7 push-ups
REST
5 push-ups
CRY
4 push-ups
BEG FOR IT BE OVER
And then I did 10 before my arms were shaking so bad I couldn't take it anymore.

Hunkahubby isn't speaking to me anymore. (Just kidding!)

REST DAY TOMORROW!!! WOOHOO!!!

Initial push-up test

Well, I did my initial push-up test on Sunday and I managed 10 before I thought I was going to die. (Yeah, pretty sad . . . but it's better than I thought it was going to be!!)

Today I will start in on Day One. Oh boy! LOL

I think my biggest challenge right now is eating on the weekends. It is 'relaxation' time for me, and I get a little too relaxed in my eating habits. One day a week isn't so bad - but it is getting to be a Friday, Saturday, Sunday habit for me. Not good!

But I'm determined to do better this week! I CAN do this. (And thanks to all of you who are helping to remind me of that every day!)

"Doubts and mistrust are the mere panic of timid imagination, which the steadfast heart will conquer, and the large mind transcend." - Helen Keller

What does your waist size say about your health?

The Nutrition Data Blog had a really good article about how your waist size can have an effect on your health. There are some tests you can do to determine what health issues you are at risk for.

I don't even have to take the test to do know that I'm at risk for diabetes, hypertension, heart problems, and cancer. I have a really poor family health history, which is one of the main reasons I decided things needed to change (but I love my family just the same!)

After you have determined your BMI and waist circumference, you can go here to interpret what it means. After going through the steps - I determined that I am at a VERY HIGH risk of health issues, however, in March of this year, that test would have come out EXTREMELY HIGH. So I am thankful that I am now making the right choices and heading in the right direction.

And since we are in the testing mood, please check out this site to determine how many calories you would burn if you rested all day (BMR or RMR). I thought this was very educational - because I know about how many calories I eat a day and we all know that you want to burn more calories than you take in, right? So how many calories do I burn on the days I just sit on my keister??? (Not enough in the land of little to no metabolism!)

This website also has a lot of different tests you can do and very educational tools you can use to improve your health and fitness.

And finally - do you feel like you're stuck in a rut? I've felt that way for a while now - but a great post by the Thinking Woman really smacked me upside the head. I'm now choosing to be thankful and joyful about the life that I have and not get stuck in an emotional rut!

I hope that all of you have a blessed Sunday!

No more excuses!

Well the upstairs room is done. Hunkahubby is finished redecorating. Part of the reason for re-doing the room was to make more space for exercising (the Wii Fit can be dangerous in small spaces). The other reason . . . well . . . Hunkahubby just has to shake things up every now and then. He can't help himself. :-)

So now - I have no more excuses! The room is re-done. There is room to dance around. No part of my body is broken. It is time.

When I started this blog it was primarily to change my eating habits - which I've done a pretty good job of on Weight Watchers. Now - I need to start adding in the fitness end of things. I have a job where I sit on my rear all day long - and then come home and just want to lay on the couch. I need more energy . . . and everyone seems to tell me that expending energy will give me more . . . We shall see . . . :-)

So - I'm going to put this out there. I am going to try the push-up challenge (against my better judgement.)



I am also going to start out with at least 30 minutes of activity 3x per week. This activity will most likely be using the Wii Fit, but it may be walking or riding bikes, or whatever I can fit in, as long as it gets my heart rate up and it is PURPOSEFUL.

Once I've hit that consistently for a month, I will up my goal.

Does that sound reasonable? I start tomorrow. I'll keep you updated.

Weigh-In . . . FINALLY . . .

I've been stuck at 193 for 2 weeks. Mostly due to stress and not making great eating choices several of those days.

But this week, I tried very hard to STICK TO THE PLAN. I got some walking in (not as much as I'd like) and my poor Wii Fit is lonely because my husband decided to re-do the big room upstairs that I use to exercise! But I did make pretty good eating choices all week.

Today I was down 0.4 pounds, and I'll TAKE IT!!! :-)

This isn't easy. And it can be a struggle. But I KNOW - it is so worth it.

So if you are on this journey with me . . . Don't Give Up!!!

Have a great Friday!

I'm still not convinced . . .

Or motivated . . . but I'll get there, I promise.

Sometimes - you just have those weeks where you barely have time to breathe.

Why is it that we don't lose weight just from all the running around and stress?????

Why is it that some of us just get the unbearable urge to EAT when these times come?

And why is it that some people are lucky and actually CAN'T eat when they are stressed and those of us who aren't that way just want to punch them?

Don't you wish that we all could feel like this all the time?
Oh to be a cat.

Someone motivate me please . . .

Several bloggers are taking this 100 push-up challenge. I read through it and it seems so DAUNTING. I have no idea how many push-ups I can actually do (and I'm a little afraid to find out.)

I'm wondering if I can get Hunkahubby to take this challenge with me . . . .




What do you think? Dare I risk it?

Although I know I need to work on my strength - my biggest problem area is my abs (and my chins - but I have yet to find a working exercise for those!!). A fellow blogger posted a great guide for working on your abs.

If you are like me and have already tried every possible ab machine known to man, and all it did was become a place to hang the laundry - well then maybe you should just try this!

Hmmm - and maybe, I could attempt the push-up challenge WHILE working on my abs??

I'm not sure I'm ready for that much commitment just yet! :-)

Have a great Wednesday!

More Stories on the Wii Fit

Yesterday, I spent a lot of time perusing the blogosphere to see what other users have to say about the Wii Fit.

I found a great blog here about a guy who has lost 16 pounds in six weeks (kind of fast, but he IS a guy) using the Wii Fit. He has some great screenshots and information - check it out!

JavaChick posted her review on the WiiFit - and I very much agree with most of what she says. (The Tree Pose, for a beginner like me? HAHAHAHAHAHAHA.)

And here is an older post from a gamer who was determined to HATE the Wii Fit, and just couldn't do it.

Here's a funny post about Wii Fit injuries (okay, for the people who it may have happened to, it probably isn't funny . . .).

And finally - a blog about a guy who is detailing his weight loss journey with the Wii Fit. (He also has several links to other bloggers who are doing the same thing.)

I hope all of you enjoy perusing these links. Me - I am going to get back into DISCIPLINE and eat well and exercise in hopes for a loss on Friday! Wanna join me?

I'll leave you with a new "Yoga pose" created by my oldest daughter . . . I call it the Spiderman.

Happy Tuesday!

Weigh-in Information and Weekend Update

Thanks to all who followed my Wii Fit Adventure. I hope to post more updates as I unlock more games/exercises.

This weekend, my family and I went to Holiday World (a holiday themed amusement park in Santa Claus, Indiana). I didn't have time to post my weigh-in information, but it wasn't exciting.

I didn't lose any weight, and I didn't gain any either.

I'm a little worried about this weekend, because I didn't eat very well. Not that there were a lot of healthy choices!!! :-) I'm going to stay STRICTLY on plan the rest of this week and make sure I exercise for at least 30 minutes every day. That is the best I can do. :-)

How was your weekend? Did you enjoy this gorgeous weather? (Or did you get BURNT like I did?)

Have a great Monday!!!

Wii Fit: The Series, Part V - An Ode from MizFit

I asked MizFit, who has been coveting my Wii Fit since I bought it, to write a post about her thoughts on the system and finish out this series with a BANG. She did NOT let me down.

Enjoy!!

Thoughts on the Wii Fit
by MizFit

I fought it. I scoffed
"Not a gamer" I'd say.
A Wii? What is that?
It would get in the way.

I'm too busy. Don't care.
Then I saw one: WHO KNEW?
That sh** was way cool.
Oh the things it could do!

But still I resisted.
Part money. Part time.
(I've got things to do
I've poems to rhyme!)

Then they launched the Wii Fit
And I knew. Twas for me.
I've got a small secret
One you can not see.

My balance? It sucks.
(and that's being kind)
I try doing yoga.
Then fall. Change my mind.

I'm their target market
(I love fitness and fun!)
I KNOW I'd do yoga
If I just had me one.

My balance? Perfection.
If it I just had.
(that BMI stuff? not sure.
makes me mad).

My birthday approaches
I shall gift to MYSELF
the present of balance
& (*eyeroll*) of HEALTH.

Copyright 2008, MizFit.

__________________________



So that ends my series
On the way cool Wii Fit
And the reasons that all
Couch Potatoes should try it!

This is truly the end
I hope you enjoyed it
If so, go and buy one
And get one for MizFit!

(This series is not an advertisement, these views are the author's and the author is in no way connected to Nintendo.)

Wii Fit: The Series, Part IV - Balance Games

Welcome to Part IV, Wii Fit Balance Games!

This section is also quite fun, even though some of the games are kind of frustrating, because I'm not as 'balanced' as I should be.

This is the Soccer Heading game. A team of Miis kick soccer balls at your HEAD and you try to hit them. The trick is shifting your weight quickly from one side to the other . . . AND dodging things that come toward you that AREN'T soccer balls (like soccer cleats, OUCH!)

One of the things I love about the Wii System in general, is how it is so personalized and you can make your Mii look just like you! You can create Miis for your entire family - and then whenever you play - you'll find 'audience members' you will probably recognize.


For example - this is my husband making a cameo as the soccer coach in the Soccer Heading Balance Game.


The next Wii Balance Game is the Ski Slalom. You have to shift your weight back and forth to go through the colored flags. (I'm not so good at this game yet.)

Here she goes - down the hill!

Here is my oldest daughter attempting to beat my score (won't take much!)

For the next game - it is very important to note this WARNING . . .

Even though your instinct would tell you to JUMP - please don't. I don't think the Wii would like you for it.


The reason for this warning? The Ski Jump!!


For this Balance game, you bend your knees and then when it comes time - you straighten your legs and HOLD STILL. The key to this game is your center of balance while going downhill, and then your stillness and balance while flying through the air. I've gotten pretty good at this one and no one has beaten my score.

There are several other balance games including walking a tightrope, floating your Mii in a Bubble through twists and turns (I STILL haven't gotten all the way through that one), a silly (the kids love it) penguin game that is actually quite difficult, and a table balancing game that reminds me of a certain scene in National Treasure 2. There are a few more I haven't unlocked yet.

I like the Balance Games because they are fun and a good way to wind down after exercising - or just for playing when you have some time to kill.

Stay tuned for the end of the series tomorrow with a special (and humorous) guest post!

(This series is not an advertisement, these views are the author's and the author is in no way connected to Nintendo.)

Wii Fit: The Series, Part III - Strength Training

Welcome to Part III, Wii Fit Strength Training.

My 6-year-old son (with help from other family members) volunteered to model for this section. This is my son who eats like a bird, and probably needs a little bit of strength training before his 4-year-old sister beats him up!



The first thing we learned is that my son's Wii Fit age is 21! And my oldest daughter pointed out, "He can stay home by himself now!" We got a good laugh out of this. I actually wonder at the accuracy of the Wii Fit for children under a certain age - but it is still fun for family activities.

The first strength training exercise is Single Leg Extensions.


Here the trainer shows us how to do the exercise.


And here my children attempt to show us how its done.


And here is the trainer showing us the proper form of the DREADED Push-up and Side Plank Exercise. (I HATE THIS EXERCISE, I'm sure it works, but I HATE IT!)


Here is my son showing us the proper form for a push-up (isn't he cute?).


And here he is attempting to do the side plank. Not too bad!


Here our trusty trainer shows us how to do Torso Twists (MUCH EASIER THAN THE LAST EXERCISE, let me tell you!)


And here, my two oldest children do Torso Twists in sync. Now if I could just get them to stand this close to each other without fighting ALL THE TIME. :-)


Uh-oh, it's the dreaded AB exercises! Personally, I really like the Jack Knife. You lay on the floor with your heels on the Wii Balance Board. When the whistle blows, you make a V with your arms and legs and then you slowly bring yourself back down - as your feet touch the Wii Balance Board, it counts the rep. And because of the whistles, it keeps you from doing them too quickly, and helps you focus on the right muscles. It's a great exercise!!


Show them how it's done, son!


Here is another exercise I hate . . . LUNGES. My knees don't like them very much. But after walking through the Demo with the trainer, I've learned to do them correctly and I don't fall on the floor (very much).


Using the Wii Fit really is a family thing - here HunkaHubby (AKA WonderDad) shows my oldest the proper form for the lunges.


Here is the trainer example of the Rowing Squat.


And one . . .


And a two . . .

So there you have several examples of the Strength Exercises available on the Wii Fit.

Are you convinced?

Tune in tomorrow for Balance Games!

(This series is not an advertisement, these views are the author's and the author is in no way connected to Nintendo.)

Wii Fit: The Series, Part II - Aerobic Exercises

Welcome to Part II - Wii Fit Aerobic Exercises!

The Aerobic Exercises are my second favorite section of the Wii Fit. My oldest daughter helped to model this section. This section includes Hula Hoops, Step Aerobics, and running (so far).


The first aerobic exercise is HULA HOOPS! You stand on the Wii Balance Board and move your hips around in a circle.


Then, you get a challenge - one of the 'helpers' off to the side throws another hula hoop to you and you have to shift your weight to one side to try and catch the hula hoop. The more hula hoops you catch, the more spins are counted and the more points you get.


Here, my daughter has caught several hula hoops and is BURNING IT UP on her score!


Here is an example of a Hula Hoop Score! You go girl!

I have unlocked the Advanced Hula Hoop - where you spin to the right for quite some time and then you spin to the left. It keeps track of how many spins you do on each side and also how steady you are in your waist circles. This one is KILLER. I get sweaty - but it is quite fun!

Another aerobic exercise is step aerobics. This is kind of like "Dance Dance Revolution" or games such as this, where you follow the arrows and feet while keeping to the beat of the music, stepping on and off the Balance Board. This one was confusing to me at first, so I just watched the other Miis (the Wii version of ourselves) and did a much better job. My children don't do so well with this game yet.


Here is a shot of the Miis from the front.


Here is what the screen looks like as you are trying to follow the steps.

I have unlocked the ADVANCED step aerobics and it is really fun. I also unlocked a 'free step' section where you can start it up and then change the channel to watch regular TV. The Wii Remote keeps the beat for you and the Wii Balance Board keeps track of how many steps you do. I did this yesterday and incorporated arm motions, etc. I did this for 15 minutes and my ARMS HURT. Just from doing that!!!


Another aerobic exercise is running. This does not use the balance board, but the remote works kind of like a pedometer. The more you do this, different distances and 'scenery' are unlocked. You have a PACE MII in front of you to help you keep a steady running pace. If you run too fast - you fall down, it's pretty funny.

There is also a 2 person run, where another person can grab a remote and run along with you. The kids usually complain about having to walk - but they LOVE running and trying to beat each other. (I just have to keep them from running into the TV when they get carried away.)


Also - as you run, a little bouncing head of your Mii helps you keep track of how much longer you have to run to get to the finish line.

Pretty cool stuff.

Tomorrow . . . Strength Training!

(This series is not an advertisement, these views are the author's and the author is in no way connected to Nintendo.)

Wii Fit: The Series, Part I - Yoga

Welcome to Part I of my impressions of the Wii Fit! I have to admit that the Yoga exercises are my favorite so far. They are not easy for me, by any means - but the frustrated dancer in me wants to work hard to get these right!

When you choose Yoga, you see the screen with the currently unlocked exercises. What I love about this - is with every exercise you choose, the Wii Fit tells you what muscles you will be working on and what each exercise is supposed to help you accomplish.

You also choose a trainer (either male or female) who walks you through each of the exercises. The best part about this entire system (for me) is focusing on your center of balance for each exercise. The goal is to keep the red dot within the larger yellow circle. When I'm focusing on this - I'm not focusing on the fact that I'm EXERCISING. LOL And it does a great job of making sure you are doing the exercises correctly.

My gorgeous Hunkahubby so nicely volunteered to model some of these exercises for us. :-)


Here he is demonstrating the 'half moon' pose.


The other great thing with the Wii Fit Yoga exercises are the breathing exercises. The large blue circle (shown in the picture) shrinks and grows to illustrate when to inhale and exhale. This was a big help to me, as I often FORGET TO BREATHE when I'm exercising.

This is the Warrior Pose. For this exercise, you try to keep the red bar in the center area, so that your weight is correctly distributed to both legs.



Here is MY Warrior. (I call this picture, 'Warrior Butt'. LOL)



This is the Tree Pose. I love this pose - but I'm not so good at it yet.



But Hunkahubby does it pretty well!!

Well - hopefully this small commentary and accompanying photos has helped some of you see what the Wii Fit - Yoga section has to offer. My body is still aching from early this afternoon, so I know it works for me!

What are your thoughts so far??

Tomorrow - aerobic exercises!

(This series is not an advertisement, these views are the author's and the author is in no way connected to Nintendo.)

Wii Fit: The Series, Introduction

Well, I'm finally getting around to posting pictures and information about the Wii Fit. Each day this week I am going to focus on a different section of the Wii Fit and what it offers. My family so willingly (kind of) offered to test out different parts so that I could take their pictures. :-)

And before you think that I just sat on the couch and took pictures and did not take part in the Fitness myself - well you're WRONG. Saturday, I worked out for 45 minutes and today for 50. Which is UNHEARD OF, for me. I didn't want to stop, I was having so much fun. My heart rate was up, I was sweating, and I wasn't looking at the clock to see when I could finally be done.

I think the Wii Fit has its advantages and disadvantages - but for me, it is a perfect solution for someone who is trying to lose weight but does not enjoy working out in a gym with other sweaty people of different shapes and sizes. The Wii Fit also has charts and graphs and scores so you can compete against your family members and yourself. That is enough to keep the geek in me motivated - at least so far . . .

After you've set up your Wii Fit - you do a Body Test. This measures your center of balance which it explains is very important for good posture and getting the most from your workouts.



The Wii Balance Board weighs you, gives you your BMI and weight, (and very rudely tells you if you're overweight!) and after a few balance tests - tells you your 'Wii Fit age'.



This one wasn't too bad for me - as I will be 33 in December, so it is pretty close to right.

After all of this, you can choose to start doing different exercises. There are four different sections: Balance Games, Yoga, Strength Training, and Aerobic Exercises.

At the beginning, only certain exercises are unlocked - but the more you workout, the more exercises are unlocked, along with different levels of play or duration/reps per exercise. It is a great way to slowly get someone like me into an exercise routine without doing too much at once.

I look forward to showing you each of the four sections this week and hearing what your thoughts are on this system.

Tomorrow: Wii Fit Yoga!! Have a great evening!

(This series is not an advertisement, these views are the author's and the author is in no way connected to Nintendo.)

Another Milestone Reached

I weighed in this morning. I got onto the Weight Watchers website and logged my weight and was greeted with this message:

(image from www.weightwatchers.com)

Woohoo! 25 pounds. I was seriously prepared for just a maintenance week, so I was pleasantly surprised by the scales this morning!

I have been offically "on plan" for 14 weeks. So that's about 1.7 pounds lost per week. Which is just about right. :-)

Here is my cool little chart:

And since we're all about 'full disclosure' here . . . here is a list of my weight over those 14 weeks.
(images from www.weightwatchers.com)

So because I've lost 25 pounds, I suppose it is time for a picture, which Hunkahubby hastily took with my iPhone this morning before I left for work.

Here I am - 25 lbs lighter! Still a long way to go - but I'm getting there!!

This week's goal - using my Wii Fit EVERY DAY!! What are your goals for this week?