Ask and ye shall receive....

It's funny you mention divorce along with the weight loss because the one thing I fear is that people are going to look at me and think... "poor thing is so depressed, she's not eating and she's losing weight". WRONG... she is working her butt off and eating right. Don't get me wrong, being single again is definetly a motivator but the actual weight loss has nothing to do with getting a divorce. I'm not saying you think that, I know you know that I'm working hard...but I think a lot of people will assume that.

As far as what I'm eating and doing to stay motivated. It's really simple actually. I eat pretty much anything I want, I just write it all down and track the calories. I eat no more than 1200 during the week and no more than 1500 on the weekends. I have found that I'm naturally eating healthier though because I want to be able to still eat when I'm hungry, therefore in order to stay under, I have to eat healthy. I could eat chocolate cake everyday, but then I would be starving. I don't know how to explain it but it has finally clicked... food is nothing more than nourishment anymore. I don't daydream about food like I used to. Don't get me wrong, if I see a box of Krispy Kremes in the kitchen at work... the thought may cross my mind... but I simply tell myself no. I can either give in to that one moment of weakness or I can triumph and take pride over the fact that I didn't go for it. The longer that I've gone the easier it has gotten. There were donuts in the kitchen this morning and the thought to eat one never even crossed my mind. That stuff only makes me feel sad and depressed... I have enough going on that makes me sad and depressed... why add to it?

I've been eating lots of fruit and veggies. I've been taking my lunch everyday. I make myself drink 100 oz of water a day. It's not an option. I drink 1 on the way to work, 1 at lunch, 1 on the way home and 2 when I get home. I've just had to make it a habit. I've emptied my house of all junk food... other than Brayden's one box of Little Debbies that I let him have. They are HIS... I even wrote his name on them.

Something else that I have been doing is skipping breakfast... now I know that goes against everything everyone else says... but hey it's working for me. I find if I eat breakfast that I get really hungry around 10 or so and go hunting down sweets. Instead, I just wait until 10 to eat my first thing for the day. I have a cup of coffee when I first get to work and that keeps me satisfied until that time. I either eat a banana or yogurt and then I don't eat again until lunchtime. For lunch, I eat a Lean Cuisine or Smart One and then eat a tomato and cucumber with Fat Free Zesty Italian dressing... so good. I usually can't eat it all. I then make myself wait until at least 3 to eat again... even if I get hungry before then, I just pop a piece a gum, chug some water and tell myself no! I usually eat a 100 calorie pack of cookies, or some kind of Smart Ones dessert at 3. I leave work each day with about 600 calories left. That' s more than enough for dinner, including dinner at a fast food place. I make myself wait until atleast 6:30 for dinner. Dinner lately has consisted of Ramen noodles, or a huge bowl of sauteed squash. We have fast food about once a week, even pizza. If you stick to burgers w/o mayo or chicken, you can usually get away for less than 500 calories. Thin crust pizza isn't too bad either if you can stick to just 2 pieces. I try to save atleast 100 calories for "dessert". Sometimes dessert is 1/2 cup of ice cream, sometimes it's a big square of dark bakers chocolate. To be honest, most days I ended up about 100 calories under what I should be getting, that's not good either... I really try to make myself get all 1200 in. I never thought I'd be having to make myself eat.

The first 2 weeks were hard...but I made myself do it. It has gotten so much easier. It's become second nature.

As for exercise, again I just make myself do it. It helps that I have someone to do it with. She counts on me to show up every night and I count on her. Unless something urgent comes up, everyone in my life has learned that at 7:30 every night, Traci will be walking. Even Brayden has accepted... he complains, but he knows that no matter what, we are going, so he might as well suck it up and go along. It's been so hot lately that I've been going to the gym instead. On the rare occasion that I can't go, I bought a Pilates DVD and I do it instead. I took a free Pilates class a few weeks ago and OMG... I hurt in places that I've never hurt before. I like it because it gives you long lean muscles instead of bulky muscles. Speaking of, I only use machines at the gym... resistance training is much better for women vs. weights. You get to tone without adding bulk...I've been doing it about 3 times a week and haven't bulked up... just toned up.

The most important thing that I have done is finally gotten into my head that I HAVE to take care of me and that it's ok to put me first sometimes. I don't care if Brayden is tired of eating vegetables and hates not having soda in the house. Guess what, after a few weeks he quit whining about not having cokes and cookies and he's actually learned to enjoy some new foods. He loves squash now. I don't care if he doesn't want to put down the Playstation to go walking for 45 minutes, this isn't about him. I say that but actually it is about him too, one of the biggest things I can do for him is to teach him at this early age, how to be healthy, to get him in the habit of exercising. He will thank me one day. I want to be around for him 20 years from now. I want to be able to run and play with him. I'm doing this for both of us and I can't allow myself to feel selfish just because he doesn't always like it. I spent the last 10 years taking care of everyone but me and look where it got me... fat and alone!!

Ok, so that was kind of quick and dirty and more of a rambling than an organized post... but hopefully it has made you think and given you some motivation. Tiffany this is one of the hardest things I have ever done, but at the same time.. it's absolutely the best I have felt about myself in a long time. I was so tired of looking at everyone else and being jealous because they were doing it and I just couldn't. Well I'm on the other side now and it feels great. You CAN do this!

I love you girl!!

Hello Stranger...Me..Not You All!!!

I am SO glad the two of you didn't pretty much drop of the face of the earth like I did. If it weren't for the fact of you two sticking it out and posting I wouldn't have this guilty feeling in the pit of my stomach right now!! I got in a bad spot...you know that one...where nothing goes right (in your mind) and you are NOT motivated anymore. Well for the most part I am out of it now...though I am kind of having a blah moment right now. (More to come on the blah moment to come...)



Yesterday I didn't eat so great but I did walk 2.5 miles last night...I even added in a few "sprints". (Talk about dying...)



Today I have eaten fairly well - could have been better: 6 ritz crackers, charbroiled chicken sandwich from Chick-Fil-A, fruit cup from Chick-Fil-A, light yogurt and 3 pieces of peppermint (I could not resist! I love peppermint! LOL!) I went at lunch and did weights. I am not trying to work TOO hard on them as I do not want to bulk but slenderize and help speed up this weight loss. I am going to go to the gym at lunch on Tuesdays and Thursdays and do weights. Monday, Wednesday and Friday go to the gym for Cardio. Then on Saturdays...SOME form of exercise even if it is only 30minutes. This past Saturday I went and walked 2 miles. As a little side note...that fruit cup from Chick-Fil-A was like the BEST I have ever had! YUM YUM!



OH I tired to do that Map My Walk link...my street does not show up on there yet so oh well! I tried...very cool link tho'!



I will say...my mouth literally dropped open when I read your comment to Susan re: Size 16!!!! AWESOME GIRL!!! WOOHOO!! Susan your weight loss has been awesome, too! Only to think .... had I just STUCK with mine I would be seeing great results by now, too. SO that is why I am feeling kind of blah...that and the pic I just saw of myself taken a couple of weeks ago...oh Lord...eye opener for sure.

UPDATE: So the above I actually started typing on Tuesday. I ended up being out of work yesterday (and didn't eat well...) because she was sick and had to take her to the doctor (tonsilitis). I am still kind of blah. I just read your Weigh-In Wednesday Traci...I am not afraid to admit...I AM SO JEALOUS!! :-) Eight pounds to One-derland!!! WOW! Happy for you though girl! You deserve it!!! My mom saw your pics on my space and was like we need to do what she is doing MINUS the Big-D. :-) <--Sorry had to. Really though Big D or not you have really done a great job. So pointers please...give us a post on what motivates you and how you make yourself stick to it, etc. What kind of foods you do and do not allow yourself to eat and how often you exercise. I know you posted all this already but TIFFANY NEEDS MOTIVATION!!! You would think surprising my man would be motivation enough...but it hasn't...at first yes but now no. Well I gotta get ready for work....blah, blah, blah. I am supposed to do weights at lunch today but we will see...right now I am ALREADY not feeling motivated. Arghhhh....

Weigh-In Wednesday: Traci

Down 2 more lbs for a total of 25lbs!!

Only 8 more lbs before I meet my first mini-goal of being below 200 by my birthday. That gives me 24 days to lose 8 lbs... no problem!!!

HAPPY LOSING!

Weigh-In

Okay guys..I couldn't way in b/c my scale broke and I am broke right now (hmmm..a bunch of broke things) so I can't buy a new one at the moment..have to wait til friday. I can tell I have lost some though, my pants are falling off my butt, which is a good thing and my bra is too big. However, I wish it would fall off my stomach.
The sugar free double chocolate jello puddings are YUMMY! Also, if you have a publix grocery store in your area there brand diet sweet tea is awesome and 0 points.
Way to go Traci. Keep up the good work!
Tiff....our challenge is still on..right?!

Weigh-In Wednesday: Traci

Down 3 lbs for a total of 23 lbs lost!!

Weigh-In Wednesday: Traci

Down 2 more for a total of 20 lbs!

Just wanted to let you all know that I'll be placing a Mary Kay order on Friday. I am offering 25% to those that pay when your order is placed.

I accept cash, check and credit cards.

To check out the latest products, you can logon on to http://www.marykay.com/

**DO NOT place your order through the site**

Please send your orders to traci.douthit@sbcglobal.net by 5pm Thursday. I can pick up your money and I will deliver your product once it arrives.

If you live more than 30 miles from me, I will ship to you; however there will be a $6 shipping charge added to your order.

Thank you!!!

Weigh-In Wednesday: Traci

DOWN 2 MORE!! WOO HOO

I'M FINALLY ON A ROLL (AND NOT A BIG FAT BUTTERY ONE)

I THINK I POSTED MY ORIGINAL STARTING WEIGHT AT 230, BUT IN REALITY MY HIGHEST ALL TIME WEIGHT WAS 232, BUT I LOST 2 OF THOSE BEFORE I STARTED WEIGHT WATCHERS.

SO MY TOTAL LOSS IS 18LBS!!

ONLY 6 WEEKS UNTIL MY BDAY AND HOPEFULLY THAT MEANS 12 MORE LBS DOWN.

I'M SHOOTING FOR 15 THOUGH SO THAT I CAN BE UNDER 200! I HAVEN'T BEEN THERE IN YEARS!

All About Me!!

Love Life

• 
  
  I am married to my hero...love of my life...My Coastie!


• 
  
  He is currently deployed...I am missing him like crazy!


• 
  
  He can drive me nuts and make me laugh at the same time!


• 
  
  LOVE YOU BABY!!

Family Life

• 
  
  I am a mom to a wonderful 9 year old daughter!


• 
  
  She is my joy, my heartbeat and my love!


• 
  
  I have two younger brothers that I adore!


• 
  
  I love my parents and family and wouldn't trade them!


• 
  
  I am a mom to our two dogs - Storm & Tyson!


• 
  
  Oh did I mention our hermit crab Pearl..she is 1 year old!!

Home Life

• 
  
  I grew up in Madison and much of my family still lives there.


• 
  
  We bought a house over 3 years ago in Brandon (Reservoir Area)!


• 
  
  We don't plan on moving for a really long time!!!

Friends

• 
  
  My friends are my rock(s)!


• 
  
  There is a saying if you go to the grave with five good friends you have accomplished something!


• 
  
  I must be doing good because I have 6 very close friends!


• 
  
  They each bring out the best in me and cause me to smile everyday!


• 
  
  I know that I can always count on all of them and they know they can count on me!


• 
  
  I speak to each of the just about everyday...or at least every other day!


• 
  
  They all like each other and it makes me happy to know how well we can all get along together!!

Goals & Ambitions

• 
  
  To lose at least 50lbs before my hubby comes home!


• 
  
  To finish nursing school!


• 
  
  Travel the world!!

Favorite Things

• 
  
  My Family!


• 
  
  My Friends!


• 
  
  Beach Time!


• 
  
  Traveling


• 
  
  The Rain


• 
  
  Snuggling With My Hubby


• 
  
  Playing Games With My Daughter


• 
  
  A Good Laugh!


• 
  
  A Book I just can't put down


• 
  
  Comedy


• 
  
  Romance


• 
  
  Sunrise!


• 
  
  Sand between my toes!


• 
  
  That God allowed me another day!


• 
  
  Everything God has given me!

I am going to surround myself with more positive people, make better decisions in my health, love, friendships, work and spiritual life! I am just the girl next door...and that is all I want to be!

Wednesday: Traci

Total Calories - 1233
Total Water - 68oz
Total Exercise - 2 miles

Weigh-In Wednesday: Traci

DOWN 2 lbs...

I quit posting my food log, but I am going to keep posting my total calories, water and exercise.

I did good this weekend.. that's when I usually struggle but I made myself stick to it and when I felt like cheating and I just tried to picture the new skinny me and popped a piece of gum in my mouth.

WOW

Wow..way to go Traci! I am proud of you! That is such a great feeling! I am glad you like the grapes. I LOVE THEM in the summer, that and watermelon! Lately I have been cutting up yellow and red bell pepper in strips and snaking on them. In the morning I eat a reduce-fat, whole grain eggo waffle with reduced fat peanut butter. It is only 3 points and is pretty filling. I also tried the weight watchers fruit creamp pops. The berry and orange. They are soo good. The orange tastes like a dreamsicle. Well Ladies..have a great weekend and good luck..the weekends are hardest for me too. I am proud of you guys..keep up the good work!

Traci's Food Log - Friday

2 Pieces of Low Cal toast with Natural Peanut Butter - 170
2 Reeses Mini Cup - 86
2 Fajita tacos without the tortilla - 260 (high estimate based on others on the net)

1/2 c Refried Beans - 118

1/2 c Mexican Rice - 130

Total Calories - 764
Total Water - 56
Total Exercise - walked 2 miles

TGIF

Congratulations Susan... that's AWESOME!!! BTW, I tried the frozen grapes and they are really good.

Well I had a "non-scale victory" today (that's WW meeting lingo). I have a pair of jeans that have become really tight since I first purchased them last year. I haven't been able to wear them for about 5 months... well guess what I wore to work today... my jeans!! I was so excited. I didn't even have to suck it in to button them. It's amazing what a difference a measily 12 lbs makes!!

Good luck this weekend... it's always my most difficult time when it comes to snacking and eating stuff I shouldn't. I'm really going to do it this weekend!!

Weigh-In

So.. I weighed this morning and I am at 185. Yay! Congrats to you ladies as well. Keep up the good work! Here is a web-site that has a calorie calculator. http://www.self.com/fitness/calculators You just select the activity you did and fill in the info and it counts the calories burned. I use it all the time. Also, the past two weeks I have been parking at the end of parking rows and walking to a store entrance, as well as, taking the stairs instead of an elevator. I have lost an extra pound each week from it. Until next time....happy loosing!

Map your walk...

I found this really cool website called Map My Walk, it allows you to map the route that you walk. For instance when I walk my neighborhood I estimate the miles based on the same drive in my car... but this is much more accurate. For instance, I've estimated my walk to be about 2 miles... but it's actually only 1.6 miles. I've been going to the trail lately and it has markers so that makes it pretty easy, but it's good to know that next time I walk in the neighborhood that I'll know how much I'm really doing. Check out my route...

Traci's Food Log - Thursday

2 Pieces of Low Cal toast with Natural Peanut Butter - 170
Grilled Chicken Breast - 110
Squash cooked in 1T oil - 85
2 Reeses Mini Cup - 86
10 Frozen Grapes - 34
100 Calorie Pack Cookies - 100
Bowl of cereal with 1% milk - 270
Cream of Broccoli Soup - 150
Cheese Stick - 50



Total Calories - 1055
Total Water - 56
Total Exercise - walked 2 miles

Weigh-In Wednesday: Traci

Considering I gained 3lbs during my little trip to MS, I'm happy to be down, even if it is just one lb. since my last weigh-in 2 weeks ago. I've done really good this week, so hopefully next weeks weigh-in at least 3 lbs.

Traci's Food Log - Wednesday

B - Coffee - 30
B - Strawberries w/ 2 packets of sugar - 94
L - Baked Sweet Potato with 1 T butter - 131
L - Dinner Salad with 1 oz of dressing - 257
S -Banana Recipe that claimed to be low cal but after I made it and figured it up it was 200 calories. It wasn't that good either...but I ate it anyway. :)
D - 1/2 of a Tostino's Pizza - 360
S - Cheese Stick - 50

Total Calories - 1122
Total Water - 48
Total Exercise - None :(

Traci's Food Log - Tuesday

B - WW Yogurt -70
S - Cereal Straws - 75
L - Ramen Noodles - 300
S - Strawberries w/T of sugar- 61
S - 1/2 c Chocolate ICe Cream - 100
S - Banana - 70
D - Soup - 120
S - Cereal w/ 1% Milk - 180

Total Calories - 976
Total Water - 56 oz
Total Exercise - walked 2 miles