Raby Bay Club Champs 2013

Life has been a whirlwind of ups and downs, changes and challenges. I have only recently started to think about my old blog and decided to check it out today, wouldn’t you know the last post was on May 22, 2011…. I can’t even describe how fast the time has flown.

As far as fitness goes I am still trying to find my way. I have recently found a treatment that brings some relief from the IT band group of pain I have been working through. Bowen therapy, it works, it’s easy, it doesn’t hurt like the f’in foam roller devil. Now I just need to find another therapist as my guy has decided to go west for the winter, yes I said winter in May…. I have been living in Australia for the past 18 months.

I have been able to maintain a 30-35 lb weight loss since my big loss of 80 lbs. I am happy about that but I would like to crack the crust on how to get back down again and be able to maintain that loss in a healthy manner. Not that the weight loss wasn’t healthy the last time it is that the weight gain was caused by a slip back in to unhealthy habits.  I am vulnerable to stress eating and using food as a distraction. Trying to use old episodes of Gossip Girl as a distraction right now, just have to make sure I am on my bike on the windtrainer not on the couch.

We have moved to one of the most beautiful places on the planet, Australia. I will say that life is different when you move somewhere to live not just come to visit.  The realities of leaving friends and family sink in. I take quite a long time to connect to people so it was hard to leave the friendships I had cultivated. Australians I must say are quick to welcome you once you break the ice, especially triathlete types.

I have only done one triathlon since being here and that was a sub sprint. It was weird that everyone thought it was my first ever and I was such a newbie. I had this completely different life in Canada with some little successes in running races, mini triathlons but now I was back to being overweight and slow with no cred… Could it be a good thing? One thing I am not is a quitter. I was often the slowest person on the group rides with Impact Multisport, but they never made me feel bad. Why can’t I give it a go here? Early mornings perhaps, yuck 5 am wake ups.

There have been a few messages from the cosmos that I need to get my proverbial shit together. My beloved Dad passed away very suddenly of a massive stroke, no warning at all. Still working on that one. A friend recently passed away at a very young age and it has given me more pause to think about what is important. A perfect body is not something I have ever really been obsessed with but I would like to have a very functional one that moves well in space and wears clothes comfortably. Not too much to ask? I would also like to be able to run comfortably again but if that is not in the cards right now there is surely more activities that I can do with ease.

This is my 40th year and it seems a bit trite but I would like to have a few things sorted out by the end of it. Healthy body, career direction (that’s another long story), harmonious family life.

wi My proud Papa

Proud Mom

XOXO Betty Girl

cycling, family, fitness, goals, triathlon, weight loss

Mark and Me last fall, looking happy

Well this week I have been a bit sick and had to miss two days of work due to runny nose, headache, watery eyes, and then a weird rash on my face and hands…. I am feeling better today and even went for a run/walk with the dogs on the way back from dropping the car off for servicing.

I have been using myfitnesspal dutifully for 5 days in a row. I have lost 2.2 lbs midway through the week. I have been eating healthy foods, mostly vegetarian, lots of beans, some veg juices. I found that adding a 1/2 of an apple and a 1/4 of a lemon to the mix made it much more palatable.

I am going to have  testing done today using the MegGem system. I don’t know much about it but I hear they use it on the Biggest Loser and it gives you a # for your resting metabolic rate. I will write an update about it after. My friend Lisa has a new program called Real Solutions weight loss management and she in doing the testing. I have also joined a group of work buddies in a facebook support group to encourage each other towards our goals. So the support is in place, now lets get on with the show.

Here is to new beginnings again.

xoxo Betty

fitness, goals, nutrition, Uncategorized, weight loss goals, health, meal plans, nutrition, weight loss

There are some really important things that I would like to be fit for this year. I would like to race the WCOC Oliver Olympic triathlon again and show it whose boss!!, get some family photos done by the awesome Heidi and I have my 20 year grad reunion this summer. What the heck where did 20 years go?

I trying to figure out what kind of “program” or method to use to get myself on track…. Should I become vegan, vegetarian, do U weightloss again, Weight Watchers, exercise like a fiend? Or should I modify all of the ideas and try to just be healthy, oh so easily said. I have been spinning and swimming all fall and winter but my running has been seriously lacking. If only I would to my phyiso routine and deal with my sore IT band.  I just have to suck it up and do it right!

myfitnesspal is a great website that a friend of mine (shout out Andrea) recommended a while ago and another friend (shout out Shelly) is using currently. It is a great website that helps you set a daily caloric goal for your basal metabolic rate BMR that will allow you to lose weight, the really wicked part is: if you exercise you log the time, intensity, type of exercise and it ADDS CALORIES to the daily total. In effect you are earning calories by exercising. A good way of looking at it, because often when you are trying to lose weight you add exercise and restrict food, counter productive ;(

I have set a goal to be down a certain amount of weight by May 16 which is 2 months away and the weekend of my race, which I need to sign up for still. Time to commit, in more ways than one

Love and Peace to all.

Betty

fitness, goals, ponderings, running, swimming, triathlon, weight loss body image, fitness, goals, swimming, triathlon, weight loss

This is me in grade 9 baby

I had a great week 2 of my new attitude and new weight loss goal.

Monday: Spinning 60 min

Tuesday: Running 30 min with dogs, Swimming 60 min with Masters club

Wednesday: Rest day working 12 hours

Thursday: Running 30 min at dark o’ clock, work 12 hours, Swimming 60  min with Master SO TIRED!

Friday: Rest day working 12 hours

Saturday: Cycling outside 40 km rode to OK falls via Maclean Creek Rd. 2 hours of riding (harsh headwind)

Sunday: Running 45 min didn’t feel too bad.

My eating was great while I was on the U turn plan and then for a couple of days after too. Come Friday I ate healthy all day and then at night a gave in to soft serve ice cream and apple pie. After our killer ride I gave in to sourdough bread and spinach dip but managed to have only one slice of pizza and a huge salad.

The key is to regroup from the small indiscretions and move forward with a plan. I was down to 178 which still leaves me 10 to lose in 3 weeks. I wonder what I will have to do to lose this weight. Obviously I am doing enough exercise! Just keep eating well and maybe kick up the intensity of the workouts. I don’t know…

Keep on keep’n on.

Cheers

Betty

cycling, fitness, goals, nutrition, running, swimming, triathlon, weight loss diet, fitness, goals, health, running, triathlon, weight loss rewards

Geocaching and having a giggle. Haven't tried geocaching? Google it, It's super fun.

I took things up a notch this week. I am using a system called U-turn from u weight loss, it consists of a kinda yucky shake (they warned me it would be yucky) sort of tastes like I might imagine infant formula tastes. I am also taking their kickstart product which is a supplement that helps the body flush toxins. I have to admit my energy has been much improved. I have also been much more diligent about taking my calcium, omega, vit D, and fiber as well. Is it annoying to take these supplements? Yes in a way but it is much more annoying to have no energy, be depressed and worry that an airplane seatbelt might not fit.

I don’t think that I will be taking these things forever. I will find the right balance of vitamins, minerals, supplements that work for me health wise, financially, time management.

My eating has been right on track. I am following the U turn recipes to a T. I am following a certain schedule and calorie level for the week and then I will gradually increase my calories over the next month to six weeks until I am at a maintenance level. Hopefully my weight will stabilize and I will be able to eat a normal, healthy amount of food while being active. I really am loving these recipes. I am running the risk of turning in to a chicken again so I am balancing it out with some shrimp too.

Exercise has been off the hook!

Monday: Spinning

Tuesday:Masters swimming (didn’t really like it but I did it)

Wednesday: Working days, walked to work

Thursday: Spinning at noon (testing day,hard!) Met with Olly and set up some triathlon coaching.

Friday: Rest day, thank goodness because I worked nights last night and tonight too

Saturday: 90 min swim with the tri group (never, ever thought I could keep swimming that long)

Sunday: 45 min  run with Mark, good a bit achy but not too bad once warmed up, geocaching with the girls FUN!

This chick is gonna be busy. I am going to have to make friends with 5:30 am to get my short run in during the week. I do not like getting up earlier than 6:00.

I am hoping to be at my new goal weight by the end of Feb. I lost 7 lbs the first week which I am sure was lot of water weight but at least it is off my body. I am going to weigh in tomorrow so I will let you know.

cycling, fitness, goals, nutrition, running, triathlon, weight loss body image, diet, fitness, nutrition, triathlon, weight loss

I found a neat program online called Weight Mirror.  I usually try not to get hung up on thinking about what I might look like but I couldn’t resist. You upload a before photo, preferably a full length with a neutral background. I usually do not have very good luck with these types of things but this was really easy and satisfying.

Here is a before and hopeful after. Before is about 190 ish and the after is about 160 ish. Inspiring.

beauty, fitness, goals, weight loss blogging, body image, diet, fitness, goals, weight loss

I am trying a new product called U-turn from uweightloss. This is the clinic I have been going to for the past year and a bit. I have had great success with the program. Food  logging, coaching, healthy homemade meal plans, natropathic supplements, step counting. Alas I have hit a plateau. I am trying U-turn and I think it will work, it involves a very filling supplement smoothie for snacks several times per day, three higher protein meals, and  a detox supplement.

I have adjusted my goal weight to be 168 which will give me 80 lbs lost, you can do the math to figure out my highest weight I think that will also help me mentally. My original goal was 160 which I think that I will eventually reach, especially if I keep up with the triathlon training. But for now 80 lbs gone will be a great achievement. Then I can get my tattoo, I have only been blabbing about it for 6 months or so. I think I might get three small stars on my left inner wrist and 5 stars on my right foot. That will be a star for each 10 lb lost and the three stars can represent my hubby and my two girls as well, reminding me to be a good example for them.

goals, nutrition, triathlon, weight loss, weight loss rewards blogging, diet, family, meal plans, nutrition, star tattoos, tattoo, weight loss, weight loss rewards

WHY NOT BE HAPPY

I have been close to my weight loss goal for months now. It has gotten really hard to lose weight and keep it off at this point. I exercise 3-5 times per week and for the most part follow my eating plan. But it is not budging or only does when I am really really strict.

Should I just decide to be happy and keep up with the exercise and see what happens. Being concerned about the numbers is kind of dragging me down. I am a very competitive person who does not like to cheat. So I have set a goal and I want to complete it. Is the goal dragging me down though. When I weigh myself it can either make or break my day and that is a bad thing. I should just BE HAPPY.

Where do i go from here. Right now the dogs are prancing around the house,chewing slippers, and barking at Jehovah`s Witnesses walking down the street. They need to go for walkies, I need to go for walkies.

goals, ponderings, weight loss blogging, body image, fitness, nutrition, weight loss

So my first goal was a bit side swiped by three long 12 hour night shifts. Golly the overnights and lack of sleep really mess with my metabolism. That being said…

Jan 15th I was down 4.25 lbs

My goal being 5lbs so not too bad at all. During that goal time I went down 3 and then up 4 and then down another 4. These ups and downs are driving me crazy. Water weight I suppose. Oh well moving in the right direction!

My second goal was to be down 10 lbs total (so 5.75 more)  from my new starting weight by Feb 1. I have 2 weeks and I should be able to do it. I am swimming 2-3 times per week, spinning 2 times per week, maybe a run or two in there as well. Go away weight.

I am trying a new vegan smoothie for breakfast that my friend Carly recommended. It is quite good, a bit sweet with the stevia content but I mixed in some frozen berries to cut the sweetness and it goes down well. We will see how it goes.

Vega health food optimizer

goals, nutrition, weight loss goals, nutrition, weight loss

I think it is easy to get mired up in a grand long-term goal. I have set a couple of simple short-term goals that I will succeed with.

#1 Lose 5 lbs by Jan 15th…3.75 lbs gone so far

#2 Lose a total of 10 lbs by Feb 1st.

The first goal will get me back to where I was before the season of feasting but I think it is better to look at it  as a success than getting back to where I was before I “failed”. I am already feeling so much happier with a little bit of success.

More goals to come.

What is a short-term goal you want to make?

goals, organizing, weight loss goals, weight loss