Sunday Weigh-In 013

204.4 :)

This week I've been doing a lot of thinking about my methods and the way I keep track of my weight. I wouldn't say it's an obsession (yet) but every morning (this past week) I've weighed myself and tracked it on My Fitness Pal. Every day was a different weight and every day I struggled to comprehend the difference whether it was a loss or a gain. It made me realize that I want to switch to a monthly weigh-in instead of a weekly one. At least in the sense of documenting because I feel a weekly weigh-in makes my weigh-ins seem less important. 

Throughout the month I want to focus on health and wellness and beauty (which can include fashion and the like). I want to focus on things that make me happy and keep me motivated. While seeing the difference on the scale is encouraging, I feel it hinders readers from truly understanding who I am. I'm not just a weight-loss blog tracking "health" by the scale. I feel the scale is an important tool to help keep things in perspective for me but I don't believe it should be the end all, be all to my weight or health journey.

I hope with this change that you, dear reader, will learn more about me. I am open to answering any questions you may have and I hope that this change will help my readers relate to me more. 

I hope you all had a wonderful week. 

Until next time, keep smiling!

Sunday Weigh-In 012

Oh hey!

I know, I've neglected my "blog world" for an entire week! Every attempt to write an entry this week ended with me falling asleep. Work has been tough, long hours in the sun and entertaining children no-less! I feel that August will mostly be weekend posts but I digress. At least I'm posting and at least I'm still dedicated to my cause - getting healthy! I have to be honest though, Wednesday I didn't work out. Throughout the week I like to exercise Monday-Saturday. On Monday, Wednesday, Friday, I use my 5k trainer and if I have enough energy I stay at the YMCA and get some extra cardio in. On Tuesday, Thursday I train at Fitness Together and on Saturdays I do my hike/walk. This past Wednesday I got home with full intention on continuing my 5k training. I sat on my couch at 5pm and woke up at 8pm. That's how exhausted I was this week. My schedule at work right now also messes up my mid-morning and mid-afternoon snack so by the time I get home I'm starving. It's been difficult because when I'm really hungry I tend to nibble on things I shouldn't while I'm preparing dinner. I'm still a work in progress but at least I'm working.

I'm just going to end this post with some pictures from my relaxing Sunday. Another five day work week and a birthday party on Saturday. Let's do this!

Until next time, keep smiling! 

Sunday Weigh-In 011

This is going to sound like I'm not giving myself enough credit but I think my scale is broken. I weigh myself almost every day - morning and evening. It sounds a bit obsessive but it's become a habit. All week I've been weighing in at 209-210. It kept fluctuating which is perfectly fine. However, I stepped on the scale this morning and it registered 209.4. I forgot to grab my camera so I came back and then the scale registered at 206.6. I jumped off the scale and went back on and again, 206.6. I think I got off and back on the scale about five times until I decided that the number I was looking at was correct. 

It's really surreal to have come all this way. I look at the banner on my blog and the scale reads 219.2 and I can't believe that in 11 weeks I've managed to get under 210. It's been such an uphill battle and I know it's only going to get more difficult from here. Losing weight has become a meaningful project for me in the hopes of bettering myself. For the longest time, I've managed to start and stop so many projects. I never kept focus and I always lost interest. For eleven weeks I've managed to continue to count my calories, attend training twice a week, and go to the gym or run/walk around my neighborhood three times a week. Although my body is exhausted and sometimes my legs refuse to move - I make them and I realize that I am still here, I am still ALIVE. I am continuing to make my body do amazing things because I physically can. Everything hurts and nothing is easy - I learned this on Tuesday when I was asked to do a push up with my legs on a stability ball. It was difficult. I felt weak, I felt humiliated because I just couldn't do it. The stability ball had gotten the best of me but twenty minutes later, I did 12 push ups on that stability ball. 

Officially 206.6 lbs.

In the upcoming weeks, my body is going to be exhausted. Between being in the sun for half my day due to work and exercising, I can see physical exhaustion coming on. In order to counteract it, I plan on resting when I need to, eating better, and planning better. This past week I slacked and didn't create a menu so on Thursday night, with 1,000 calories left over I made an awful dinner. I had no energy to cook. Today, on my "lazy Sunday," I made my menu for the week and I plan on shopping in a bit. 

As for Taylor, I think she's going to be sleeping all day. 

Until next time, keep smiling! 

Sunday Weigh-in 010

Week ten people! I am on week ten. This week's weigh in isn't the best since it's a gain but I decided that I can't be upset if the scale goes up. It's going to happen from time to time so I can't make myself upset over it. It's not fair to my mind or body.

THIS IS OKAY, KRISTEN!

This week was especially difficult for me. I was disheartened on Friday when I realized how sad I've felt all week. I felt heavy and unmotivated which is weird because the scale was slightly lower and I found myself exercising every day this week. Training for my 5k is becoming more difficult by the day and I don't know if it has anything to do with how fatigued my body felt this week. However, what I did learn this week is that I need to give my body a rest. Last Sunday, I ran/walked around my neighborhood even though I wasn't suppose to train that day.

This Sunday I decided to take a break. I went to brunch with my family and then headed out to Balboa Park with my friend, Victoria. It was a great way for me to clear my head and refocus for the week. August is going to be really busy at work and I'm not looking forward to the tiredness I am going to feel this month.

Victoria enjoying the sun (or lack of underneath the trees).

Me staring into the sun. The sun is a great way to instantly make yourself feel better. It seems to refresh me and help me refocus myself. There's nothing better than enjoying what nature has to offer. 

Listening to planes overhead. Never forgetting that we're in the middle of a city. 

Rex watching us paint. 

The relaxation I enjoyed today put a lot of things into perspective. My friend Victoria has such an amazing way with words and I am so happy to have someone like her in my life. Sometimes when you're feeling down about life, or your goals, it's great to be able to openly talk about it with someone who can help give insight. Victoria understands my lack of motivation and the fact that I'm upset because I'm not noticing changes right now. However, she helped me realize that I am changing in ways that aren't obvious right now. We discussed my eating habits and the fact that I track calories. She also reminded me that I'm working out everyday. These are things I know and sometimes deny but they're true! I am working hard, harder than I ever have before. 

Until next time, keep smiling! 

Sunday Weigh-In 009

I'm going to make this post short and sweet today. I am feeling really great this week. I finally got over my cold and I had a great work week. I worked out every day and I tracked everything I ate. It was pretty much flawless week. On Friday and Saturday I went out and had a few drinks. Prior to going out, I made sure that I ran or walked - at least burning 400 calories each time. 

My trainer, Palani, and I had a really great talk on Thursday. I finally had a chance to work out with him again. I was paired with a new client and Palani used me as an example to help motivate his new client. I felt like I accomplished a lot since March but whenever I hear it from my trainers, I feel it 10 times more. Especially when they use me as an example. My favorite story he told was how much attitude I had when I first started working out with him. Overtime exercising became easy and now he's pushing me to do more. Needless to say, I'm loving it! 

This week I started a "0 to 5k" training program. Running has never been my "thing." It's always been difficult for me. I didn't really understand how to pace my breathing and I always felt heavy running. However, the app, 5k Runner, I downloaded has been super helpful to me. In fact, I've been kind of bad cause I've used it on days that weren't my "training" days. Today I did a walk/run with my dog Junior and I almost ran the whole first 5 minutes of warm-up. I was so proud of myself. 

This was my walk/run on Friday. Local Natives definitely helped me move my butt!

Now it's time for my Sunday weigh-in result. I am very excited for this because I worked hard all week. 

209.8! I cannot tell you how ecstatic I am about that!

I know the number isn't always the "end all, be all" in weight-loss but I've been noticing changes in my body, changes in my mind, and changes in the way I'm able to be motivated. I'm just so happy these days because it doesn't take much to get me out of the house to walk or run or go to the gym. I'm very proud of myself. I have no other words for it! 

#nothingsgonnaknockthisgirldown

Until next time, keep smiling! 

Sunday Weigh-in 008

It is officially week 8! I am well on my way to getting past the 210's. This week was a little rough because on Tuesday right before training I fell asleep in my car. I felt like I was hit by a truck of exhaustion. I don't know if I was exhausted from work or from the emotional turmoil I've been going through lately... all I knew was that I was tired. I dragged myself into the gym and trained for my hour. I burned a good amount of calories and I felt great. When I got home, I went to sleep early and woke up the next morning feeling a tad congested. Wednesday was hot! I had to go explore Belmont Park and the San Diego Zoo for work and when I returned to the office at noon, I wanted to pass out. I felt sick - I was congested, my eyes burned, my head hurt. It was horrible. I went home from work sick and slept all afternoon and well into the evening. Thursday I went to work but dragged again. I went home before training so I could make dinner. Friday and Saturday were about recovery for me. I wanted to work out - believe me, I did - but I was exhausted. I could barely keep my eyes open and my whole body hurt. I felt terrible as I sat on the couch and watched tv. I managed to stay well under my calorie count despite being sick. I'm hoping this week goes by better since I'm feeling better right now. I'm still a tad congested but overall, I'm feeling good. 

Here's my weigh-in for today (I'm changing my weigh-ins to Sunday since my menu planning starts on Sunday now): 

211.2! I'm ALMOST THERE! This week means EVERYTHING to me!

Over the week, I kept track of what I ate and I made changes to anything I chose not to eat or had to change. I really loved making the menu and having it on my fridge every morning. I didn't have to guess what to eat and I felt more in control of my food intake. 

I'm a bit frustrated that I got sick this week. I do my best to be healthy, I upped my intake of water, I ate more fruits and vegetables. It's frustrating to deal with being sick on top of trying to maintain my healthy lifestyle. 

Any tips for avoiding sickness? Or at least making it last a shorter amount of time? 

Until next time, keep smiling! 

Monday Weigh-in 006

I'm back! It took me an entire weekend to reorganize my thoughts and to figure out a personal situation, but alas everything is back on track. I believe it takes a strong person to admit their faults and to want to change those faults. A lot of people walk around and think they don't need any improvements, which can be very liberating but it can also confine you to the status-quo. I believe that there is always room for improvement which is why I believe in weight-loss, healthy living, and overall improvement of body and mind. Eventually, I would like to share my journey to this point in my life but that will need some time to piece together and make comprehensive. 


While the weekend was very draining, I managed to come out on top. I ate as best I could considering the circumstances and took a personal day on Sunday to take care of my body. I don't drink very often but this past Saturday I partook in some festivities with some friends. It definitely took my mind off things and made me realize what was important. 


The results from a week of watching what I eat and exercising gave me this result: 

It's 3lbs. less than last week. I'm hoping I can maintain this for the next week or even lose 3 more pounds! 

I am currently working on running because I want another outlet. I was very proud of myself the other day. I ran for almost two minutes straight. I wanted to stop because I just feel really heavy trying to run and it was painful but I kept moving. On Thursday, my trainer, Dustin (this week), forced me to move my butt. I told him, "I can't" and he said, "It's all in your head." Boy, was he right! 


My ability to exercise is all in my head. When I think I can't, in reality, I can. I just need to keep reminding myself. I got this far and I'm so close to my first goal weight of 210. I would love to get out of the 210's and leave them behind. 


I gotta keep moving forward. 


Until next time, keep smiling. 

Monday Weigh-In 005

Down two more pounds! GOOD BYE!

Wow, I can't believe it's already week five. It's been five weeks since my first weigh-in and honestly, there hasn't been much movement on the scale. However, there has been some movement in my butt! I've been trying to be active at least five days out of the week. Today I didn't want to go to the gym. San Diego has been beautiful lately - the sun is out and the wind is blowing - it's the best of both worlds. I asked my coworker if she would like to join me on the Balboa Park trail and she agreed. I was excited because I've been thinking about the stairs we climbed and I've been wanting to try them again. Balboa Park isn't the safest place to be alone so it's really important to go in a group. Last Wednesday, I went with a group of my coworkers. Cathy had us running a little and let me tell you, I was struggling but I managed to run 1/4th of what we did. Now THAT'S an accomplishment! This time, Cathy and I just walked the hills with her brother. It was very relaxing and after they left - I went back to the stairs! I ended up burning 477 calories in an hour. 

The girls running ahead.

Rex trying to keep up with Yavana's son! 

Beautiful view of Balboa Park museums. 

Here, Cathy is warning us that the best is yet to come!

The infamous stairs! 

And up we go. These stairs are killer - they're almost NEVER ENDING!

Thank you California Conservation Corps! 

It's been really important for me to get out of the house and be active. I may be losing weight at a slower rate but I'm happy that I feel more motivated to go work out. I'm still logging my food and keeping track of my calorie intake. This has been CRUCIAL to my weight loss. If I miss a day, I feel like I've cheated on myself. While I understand the need to have a "cheat" day - I feel for me, it's more important to just have one "cheat" meal a week. It'll keep me sane but it will also keep my calories on track. 

Do you have a cheat day or a cheat meal? Share your cheat! 

Thanks to everyone who has been commenting and supporting. It's been amazing to talk to everyone. Keep in touch! 

Until next time, keep smiling! 

Kristen 

Monday Weigh-In 004

Well, I gained a pound. I'm not shocked or upset because for every action there is a reaction. Actually, in this case, it's more of a for every "non-action" there is a "non-reaction". I didn't really work out last week (Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday were workout days) and unfortunately, my body needs to be in constant motion or it tends to retain everything I eat and drink. 

Here's where I get a bit optimistic. It's not 220. I would like to say now that I am making a promise to myself to stay out of the 220's. When I weighed 220, I wasn't happy. My body felt heavy and sluggish. I'm not saying that negative two pounds is making all the difference but in my defense, I feel two pounds lighter. Plus, the other day at my personal training I did mountain climbers for a whole minute! Yeah, I couldn't do that two pounds ago... so there's that! 

This weekend was a fun-packed weekend. Constant movement and constant... hmm... food intake! My dad, sister and her boyfriend, went to Small Bar in University Heights for breakfast. It's not your typical brunch spot but I wanted a mimosa darn it! 

Great beer on tap! Plus, on a Friday or Saturday night it's a great atmosphere. However, it lives up to it's name. 

Beer list and bar.

For this brunch, you get a drink with your meal (there are a couple choices but the ones I can remember off-hand are mimosas, beer, or Bloody Mary). I went with the "Life on Mars" for my brunch. Soyrizo isn't the "healthiest" of items but it sure is yummy! 

My mimosa and my dad's beer (Sculpin, yum!)

It was hot in this corner... but even more so with that mimosa (I don't drink very often these days). 

  Karina ordered the French Toast. 

 My delicious omelette...

Destroyed!

I was really full after brunch so when I got home, I just rested while I waited for Jessica to get ready for the San Diego County Fair. The fair was awesome and it was such a fun day. Lots of walking, talking, eating, and shopping was had. Now, I'm not saying I gained a pound in a day but look at this... 

I was bad... Don't tell my trainer!

Oh well - on Sunday, food won. But what a great victory it was! Anyway, I'm going to save the San Diego County Fair for another post.

Until then, keep smiling! And don't be hard on yourself. Some Sundays you're going to look like me up there with a plate of cheese fries... and that's okay! Forgive yourself and move on. I know I have! 

Monday Weigh-In 003

It's time for my Monday weigh-in. I'm a little nervous due to the weekend that I had. My sister had her graduation BBQ on Friday, I spent time with my friend, Alex, on Saturday, and then Father's Day was on Sunday. I really dread weekends because I'm unable to follow my routine. During the week it's easy because I'm at work but once the weekend rolls around I sleep later and I eat at odd hours. It's something I really want to work on and with that said, it's something I will definitely make a better effort of doing. 

Me, my sister, Karina, and my friend, Alex at Slaters 50/50 located at Liberty Station, San Diego for Father's Day

Top: Forever 21+, 1X

Skirt: Target, XL

Belt: H&M, L

Sandals: Target, 9

Lately, I've been really tired. I did manage to work out on Saturday. I joined my coworker at her friend, Kelly's, workout class, Leash Your Fitness. It was a great way to work out with my dog, Junior! He was such a great sport and allowed all the other dogs to treat him like the "new" guy. I enjoyed the workout because it involved a bit of running (something I'm terrible at) and I burned over 500 calories! Not bad for an hour. 

Back to what I was saying - I've been tired lately and I don't know why. Today I was suppose to go to the gym but I ended up going home. I tried working out in the pool but that got boring and I decided to sit in the hot tub. I'm hoping to get more sleep tonight so that I'll feel refreshed tomorrow. Any tips of gaining more energy? My diet hasn't changed... I'm not sure what's going on. 

Well, to end the post here's my weigh-in. It's a pound less and I can be happy about that, especially after a weekend of disastrous eating. 

And there you have it. I hope YOU had a wonderful weekend. 

Until next time, keep smiling! 

Kristen