tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40661533018626318852011-08-01T11:45:34.085-07:00My high school jeans fit now!Madame Curhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17325782434136007484noreply@blogger.comBlogger351100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4066153301862631885.post-54803203135987240032010-10-18T07:38:00.000-07:002010-10-19T09:49:10.061-07:00

I've decided to put down some goals for this week. If this helps, I will make it a habit. Workout at least 20 minutes each day this week, working up to 30 minutes. Do Yoga everyday! This is the calming, breathing sort of Yoga and will be aside my regular workout. Drink only 2 mugs of coffee each day. Drink in the morning so as not to effect sleep. Eat well and eat enough! Allow myself a low

Madame Curhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17325782434136007484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4066153301862631885.post-46174421386650899692010-10-18T05:51:00.000-07:002010-10-18T05:55:05.440-07:00

Today I am feeling firsthand why it is so direly important that I take better care of myself. I only made it through 20 minutes of working out. After eating around 1000 calories each day for 3 days and not exercising for 2 weeks, believe me, I feel it. I am still considering this a step in the right direction and after a good night of sleep and eating regularly for a few days, I will feel

Madame Curhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17325782434136007484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4066153301862631885.post-87441909861220999892010-10-17T17:33:00.000-07:002010-10-17T17:43:53.127-07:00

I have not been taking care of myself. My calories have been fluctuating in an unhealthy way with days of overeating followed by a few days of under eating to try to compensate. Exercise has been hedged out by stressful activities that only make the cycle worse. I am dull, I am tired, while climbing stairs yesterday I thought my legs would not carry me. I finally started doing some light Yoga

Madame Curhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17325782434136007484noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4066153301862631885.post-91213725661461504962010-10-13T16:41:00.000-07:002010-10-13T16:45:49.015-07:00

I was reading Shane G. today and thinking that it was so amazing that he can balance this whole weight loss game with other responsibilities like school. College makes me want to eat my arm off. Seriously, it is so difficult for me to control the stresses of school and find the mind, energy, and motivation it takes to control what I eat and how I exercise.I fear I am on a slippery

Madame Curhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17325782434136007484noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4066153301862631885.post-30134721830813926312010-09-16T05:28:00.000-07:002010-09-16T05:29:52.114-07:00

Feeling good about myself has been a challenge for me my entire life. You know, just feeling good about who I am and how I look right now with no preconceived, externally influenced conditions. I realized this fully just yesterday, and I realized it because I looked in the mirror and realized how much I like myself right now.I am not a petite woman by any stretch. I am six foot tall and of big

Madame Curhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17325782434136007484noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4066153301862631885.post-39951657262321114882010-09-10T07:34:00.000-07:002010-09-10T07:45:14.794-07:00

It may be a bit early, but I’ve already made egg nog. I followed the low fat, low cal recipe below.Lite Egg Nog5 Cups Light Vanilla Soy Milk or Skim Milk 1 Small Packet of Instant Fat Free, No Sugar Added Vanilla Pudding6 t No-Calorie Sweetener1 T Rum Extract1/2 t NutmegBlend all ingredients on high in blender. Allow to chill overnight. Can be served with shot of rum added, but don't forget to

Madame Curhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17325782434136007484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4066153301862631885.post-13559745784678443302010-09-08T06:43:00.000-07:002010-09-08T06:46:13.973-07:00

My appetite has been ridiculous lately! Too many nights I’ve found myself around 500 calories over. Nothing is happening on the scales, but I really need to rein this in a bit. I think I may have brought this on by attempting to cut calories too much and upping my exercise at the same time. I need to figure out what the magic range is and stick with it. I am even considering visiting a

Madame Curhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17325782434136007484noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4066153301862631885.post-71538039738223874242010-09-07T05:58:00.000-07:002010-09-07T06:10:08.099-07:00

I do not believe in things just falling into place. I believe in forcing the pieces to fit. I just cannot seem to figure out how to make all the “healthy lifestyle” pieces come together and stay that way. For days or weeks all the food pieces will work in my favor, but exercise will not be happening like it should. At other times, all the exercise pieces will fit, but the food pieces will be

Madame Curhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17325782434136007484noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4066153301862631885.post-64918620964375887472010-08-30T06:44:00.000-07:002010-08-30T07:29:12.648-07:00

I am still working on getting it right. In weeks past I posted about how controlled my calories were. This past week, my exercise has been regular and intense, but my eating has been, well, more than it should. No binging, nothing too out of control. I think that trying to cut back on calories may have backfired. Nut butter is something that I am going to have to keep out of the house for a

Madame Curhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17325782434136007484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4066153301862631885.post-75547682353804155132010-08-19T06:33:00.000-07:002010-08-19T06:35:42.402-07:00

Duly inspired by Patrick, I planned a run at 5 AM this morning. However, the inspiration of the Sand Man overpowered Patrick’s good example and that run never happened. It is probably for the best because it has been a constant rain since I awoke this morning at 6. I have run in the wet, I have run in the cold, but I think wet and cold would have been overwhelming at 5 AM. (Should that be “

Madame Curhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17325782434136007484noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4066153301862631885.post-52523053259830716092010-08-18T09:15:00.000-07:002010-08-18T09:16:29.095-07:00

I have finished the C25K program, but I am still working on perfecting my time. I run about 3 miles in 30 minutes, sometimes more like 2.75 miles, so my time could use some work. I take walk breaks sometimes for 2 to 3 minutes when I really feel like I need to. I am still very happy with the distance I am able to cover and how good I feel running. Loosening up on myself and being a bit more

Madame Curhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17325782434136007484noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4066153301862631885.post-50843710687212940252010-08-16T08:37:00.000-07:002010-08-16T08:41:28.103-07:00

I have been hovering right around 10 pounds from my goal for a while now. This has been mostly due to my satisfaction with being this weight. I feel good! I feel really good, most days! That feeling of jumping out of the bed in the morning, even when I didn’t sleep so well the night before, is my favorite part of being healthier... but I digress.My goal weight became my goal because it is the

Madame Curhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17325782434136007484noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4066153301862631885.post-29338362516818973562010-08-12T07:58:00.000-07:002010-08-12T08:01:28.975-07:00

I think I am coming out of my funk. This week has been a toughie, but I am nearly soaring today.I am fortunate that I am not a true binger. However, I do have some tendencies in that direction. I have to be careful around the sweets because those are the old eats that I miss most. I am learning new ways, primarily using fruit, to get my sweet fix without heading back to old habits.The binge

Madame Curhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17325782434136007484noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4066153301862631885.post-58960897217722336162010-08-10T20:02:00.000-07:002010-08-10T20:06:38.075-07:00

Earlier in the day I changed into running clothes and began stoking myself up for a run that I wasn’t feeling up to; this seemed to help. After my 5 minute warm-up walk, I took off and as I looked down my path I figured it would be awesome to run around the neighboring baseball field. This baseball diamond is surrounded by uneven ground and has totally wiped me out in the past. Running on

Madame Curhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17325782434136007484noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4066153301862631885.post-50488614888182273812010-08-10T12:01:00.000-07:002010-08-10T12:13:17.692-07:00

I want to send a big Thank You out to my friend Big Clyde at The Clydesdale Project. To be honest with you all, I have not been feeling it this week at all. My diet has been healthy and within my calorie allowance, but the exercise has not been coming easily. Right now, due largely to inspiration from Clyde, I am wearing running clothes and will be heading out later this evening for my C25K

Madame Curhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17325782434136007484noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4066153301862631885.post-45239478998760944792010-08-06T15:36:00.001-07:002010-08-06T17:14:02.783-07:00

OMG! I found Truwhip! This may not seem like a big deal. It is to me because when I began losing weight, my kids still wanted sweet treats from time to time. Low sugar cakes topped with an icing made of fruity yogurt and Lite Cool Whip became a dessert that I could share with the kids. As clean eating became more of a priority and the knowledge I was garnering began trickling into the

Madame Curhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17325782434136007484noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4066153301862631885.post-14326262620086909732010-08-03T04:35:00.000-07:002010-08-02T18:53:59.037-07:00

I have been making my own yogurt!!! Yes, all those exclamation marks are at the end of that sentence because this excites me!! Making my own yogurt saves money, ensures that I am eating clean, and, I don’t know, it just feels so dang quaint. You can make your own plain yogurt, too. You need:Crock pot slow cooker8 cups of milk (anything but ultra pasteurized; I use skim milk)Yogurt starter (

Madame Curhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17325782434136007484noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4066153301862631885.post-29528417939960047622010-08-02T08:27:00.000-07:002010-08-02T08:45:51.452-07:00

Life has not been a bowl of cherries. Well, actually I’ve been eating so many fresh cherries that removing all those pits have stained my fingers and left me in dire need of fresh manicure, but Life has been full change and difficulties. I always feel like a whiny child when I write stuff like this. Adults are supposed to be accustomed to life being difficult and unfair and act accordingly

Madame Curhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17325782434136007484noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4066153301862631885.post-52976391234245288872010-03-28T05:30:00.001-07:002010-03-28T06:00:31.684-07:00

Dang, it's been a while. I've made loads of progress since my last post. I am controlling calories, but not as afraid of food as I was when I was last blogging. It seems that at that time losing so much weight made me terrified of gaining it all back. I am no longer afraid, but I am wise about the habits I cultivate. I am working out more than ever and feeling great because of it. I am also still

Madame Curhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17325782434136007484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4066153301862631885.post-6469247836319357832010-02-18T15:45:00.001-08:002010-02-18T15:51:46.985-08:00

I now own new running shoes. Spending money is sort of a commitment for me. If I pay for something, I am motivated to use it. I know I can do this. There is a casual marathon that takes place in late summer in a city near where I live. As soon as the snow melts, I will begin preparing. Well, actually preparation has already begun; that’s what the new shoes and online research is all about.

Madame Curhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17325782434136007484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4066153301862631885.post-19124913862483844942010-02-17T15:08:00.000-08:002010-02-17T15:10:47.971-08:00

Today was a victory that I am only now fully appreciating. This morning I awoke feeling awful. I have been feeling badly for a few days and blaming it on bad sleep. However, when I checked my blood pressure per doctor’s orders my heart rate was below 50. My pressure was something like 111/60, but the low heart rate was what concerned me. For the last few days my heart rate has been around 56

Madame Curhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17325782434136007484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4066153301862631885.post-34719140587312326442010-02-16T14:29:00.000-08:002010-02-16T14:32:38.924-08:00

Due to snow, it looks as if this evening’s meeting at church will be canceled. These meetings are supposed to be similar to Weight Watchers and all who are “interested in nutrition, exercise, and healthy living are welcome.” I am really looking forward to beginning a program that will keep me ramped up to lose these last lingering 20 pounds.Last week I added jump training to my daily work out.

Madame Curhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17325782434136007484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4066153301862631885.post-20531463883592722662010-02-15T14:40:00.000-08:002010-02-15T14:48:14.862-08:00

I have lost to date 70 pounds. My scale has refused to budge for 4 weeks or so. I need to lose just 20 more pounds to be considered within my healthy weight range for my height. It comes down to this. I am redoubling my efforts. I am determined. I am even joining a group similar to Weight Watchers at my church. Let’s see where this takes us.Before work out:Slices of apple salted and

Madame Curhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17325782434136007484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4066153301862631885.post-49690296270819998262010-02-13T19:00:00.000-08:002010-02-13T19:12:13.964-08:00

I am currently visiting my parents, so I am in the land of comfort food. I am staying on track as much as possible and just finished a rather awesome work out (if I do say so myself). Days like this when I am not able to eat the way I usually do actually motivate me. I return to exercise with a renewed vigor charged up to work off the excess calories I've consumed. I always go home ready to eat

Madame Curhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17325782434136007484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4066153301862631885.post-85995796421992396882010-02-11T05:29:00.000-08:002010-02-11T05:33:23.882-08:00

Before workout:1/2 frozen banana – 100 caloriesThis morning I did 2 segments from The Shred Level 2 and 2 segments from level 3 plus the warm-up and cool-down. It is snowing here, so I suppose I had better get happy about DVD workouts for a little longer.Breakfast:Breakfast cookie – 300 caloriesThis is my current favorite made using 1/3 cup of whole oats, teaspoon of natural peanut butter,

Madame Curhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17325782434136007484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4066153301862631885.post-65012993267491686542010-02-09T14:15:00.000-08:002010-02-09T14:19:39.491-08:00

Yesterday I visited the doctor for a checkup. The results of my blood work are not back, but according to the doc I am radiating good health. They sort of treat me like a rock star when I go in and this makes me think that not many at-risk patients choose to lose weight. I even talked the doctor into weaning me from my hypertension medication. We’ll see how that goes, but for now, my dosage

Madame Curhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17325782434136007484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4066153301862631885.post-66867406582535589352010-02-05T16:37:00.000-08:002010-02-05T16:44:01.699-08:00

I Shredded today and although I am feeling somewhat ill, I pushed myself and felt good about my performance afterward. Last night I watched The Biggest Loser for the first time. I don’t have TV, so I downloaded episodes on Hulu. All I can say is, wow, they are making a ton of money from this show! I have not had TV for like 10 years or so therefore I’ve missed this whole “reality television”

Madame Curhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17325782434136007484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4066153301862631885.post-75394312771401281342010-02-04T14:23:00.000-08:002010-02-04T14:28:38.586-08:00

This morning I did level 2 of The Shred again. Today I did butt-kicks (basically running in place) during the cardio portions of the routine. I wanted to see if I could sustain a “run” for the full two minutes, and I did, every time. I would think that propelling oneself forward is probably more difficult than running in place, but I am trying to work up the courage to do this in public. As

Madame Curhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17325782434136007484noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4066153301862631885.post-31900353292210653112010-02-03T15:10:00.000-08:002010-02-03T15:18:39.272-08:00

Yesterday must have been a day of evaluation and refocus for many within the weight loss blogosphere. After writing about my desire for fresh motivation and reevaluation, I read many similar posts by various bloggers. For some, I think the New Year’s resolutions are beginning to chaff and wane. For others, I think this will be something we will be doing again and again for the rest of our

Madame Curhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17325782434136007484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4066153301862631885.post-79063538994019339232010-02-03T04:16:00.000-08:002010-02-03T04:23:16.469-08:00

Last night I made a healthy, delicious soup for the fam. I served it along with sushi that I had brought home. The recipe came from The PDQ (Pretty Darn Quick) Vegetarian Cookbook.I think that I’ve mentioned that I am only now learning to cook. My husband, who was the primary cook until moving for his new career (we will join him soon), would say this is “mixing” not cooking. But, this is

Madame Curhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17325782434136007484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4066153301862631885.post-59062349058891786032010-02-02T14:51:00.001-08:002010-02-02T15:27:12.299-08:00

I have been thinking today about motivation and focus. I did not lose 70 pounds by eating frozen pizza and sneaking chocolates. I need to refocus my attention on the goal of being healthy and use that aim to motivate me. I can do more. I have been busy today, so I do not have the meal breakdown, but I did stay within my “number” today and I fit in my 40 minute workout this evening because I

Madame Curhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17325782434136007484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4066153301862631885.post-42724685674575519292010-02-01T14:17:00.000-08:002010-02-03T15:20:38.438-08:00

I have been tempted to try the Green Monsters, but I don’t own a food processor or blender. Well, actually I do have a very small, maybe two cup size, mini food processor that I use for dicing veggies. This led to my morning adventure of Green Oats.Oh, my! They were green! But, very tasty. I made mine using 1/3 cup of old fashion oats, substantial dash of cinnamon, smaller dash of nutmeg,

Madame Curhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17325782434136007484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4066153301862631885.post-71959869436010991802010-01-31T15:19:00.000-08:002010-01-31T15:38:18.884-08:00

My post yesterday may have made me appear to be a neurotic calorie counter on the verge of an eating disorder. I know a few people in my life who appear to be naturally skinny who wish that I would fall into such healthy habits that I could just eat and not think about it. This may be a nice thought, but I have been overweight for most of my life, so I doubt such a thing as healthy eating

Madame Curhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17325782434136007484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4066153301862631885.post-45420195264114765282010-01-31T08:00:00.000-08:002010-01-31T08:04:21.117-08:00

I had another post planned, but I am doing this one in response to the Anti-Jared’s Obese entry.When I decided to lose weight I did not feel ugly nor did I suffer from low self-esteem. I knew I was a big person, but my family is made up of big, tall people. I was actually fairly active and felt that as long as my body did what I wanted it to, everything was fine. Now I am only in my early

Madame Curhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17325782434136007484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4066153301862631885.post-80182548641598848082010-01-30T14:48:00.000-08:002010-02-03T15:21:03.063-08:00

I’ve lost 60 pounds, almost 70, since May of last year! I need more exclamation marks!!!! This has been great and far easier than I ever would have imagined, but I need motivation to keep me on track. This blog is part of that motivation.I have fallen into the habit of reading many of the numerous blogs out there devoted to the weight loss journey. (Yes, I just called it a “journey.” How very

Madame Curhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17325782434136007484noreply@blogger.com0