The Next Time You Eat That Donut...

It's been awhile. I'd like to say that I've been too successful in my weight loss to write, but that's not the case. The fact is, I'm tired. I'm working full time, I'm on my feet a lot, and when I get home, I eat and rest. Therefore, I'm still losing, but it's at a very slow pace, because I'm not trying hard to make it happen. Until today I had stopped tracking, stopped exercising and wasn't getting enough sleep.


That all changed today at the weekly weigh in. I lost .6. So if the scale measures in tenths, that's 3/5 of a pound. I can do so much better than this. I was happy to have a lost, considering what I've eaten lately, but it was admitting that I ate donuts that made me realize I've really fallen off the wagon lately. When I confessed I ate them, I may not have shown it, but I was ashamed. At the time I ate the donuts, I was back to the old Tamara. I didn't just have one, I looked around, made sure no one was coming and grabbed a second one. By the way, these were provided courtesy of my work. That first donut went down too quickly. It was soft, gooey, and perfect. I didn't even bother to calculate the points on these donuts until now.  One medium size glazed donut is 7 pp. Remember I had two of them. That's 14. I get 26 daily points. I ate over half my daily allowance. What's even more disturbing is the nutritional breakdown. I did some Googling and according to one site I found one donut has 255 whopping calories and 12 grams of fat among other things. Eek!

I had the nerve to scoff at the person who had only taken half of a donut. Me! What am I, some expert just because I've lost 33.6 pounds? Absolutely not! Today's meeting was about questioning if the points in something you want is worth it. If I had actually taken the time to look up this info before I consumed TWO donuts, I honestly think I would have allowed myself half of one. I love donuts. It only takes a few bites to satisfy whatever craving it is I have. I wish I could explain what came over me. Maybe the fact that they were free gave me that excuse. I haven't purchased any, so that tells you right there that I didn't want them bad enough. 


A coworker of mine recently told me that she's using me as a motivator to help achieve her weight loss goals. The girl is going to gym for 3-4 hours at a time! She's eating better. It's already showing. There is no freaking way that I'm going to be an inspiration to anyone if I'm sitting back popping donuts like they're crack. It's time to light that fire under my butt again. Anyone have a match?

Feeling Effects of NOT Being Active (Plus Weight Loss Progression Photos)

I've been working very hard. I worked at H&R Block this past tax season where I was mostly on my feet as I was a receptionist, but there was a chair where I could sit, too. At my current job, there is no chair in which to sit. I'm a cashier, and I am constantly moving, reaching, bending, talking, etc. I'm very exhausted at the end of my shift, and most nights when I come home I don't get to sit down right away unless I use the toilet, lol. I have an 8 year old that needs my attention, there is cooking to do, and maybe some cleaning as well. After that's all done, and I've gotten my child to bed, I play on the internet for awhile and go to bed-late. I get maybe 6 hours of sleep, wake up a few minutes later than I intended, so I'm rushing to get myself ready for work and my child ready for school. 


Now I'm sick. I have a nasty cold with some chest and nasal congestion, sinus headache and a cough. I feel miserable, yet the show must go on. I HAVE to go to work, because I don't get paid time off yet. This is the 3rd time in the last month I've gotten sick. I've had tummy issues twice, and now this. I think I know why-lack of exercise. 


Sure, there is repetitious movement in my job, but it's not enough to get my heart rate going. I need Zumba, step aerobics or kick boxing. So the question is, when can I fit that in my busy schedule? The answer is in the morning. Many years ago I worked out in the morning before having to be at work at 4 am! I remember feeling so energetic, and the need for coffee was not there. I was able to push through my day and was able to fall asleep easily at night. There is no reason-absolutely none-that I can't get myself up in the morning and do some kind of activity for at least 30 minutes. Exercise has many benefits, the obvious being weight loss, but it releases endorphins which make you feel really good, kind of like chocolate does. :-) Another benefit is it makes your immune system stronger. You can fight off those infections more easily, or if you do get sick you're not down and out as long as most. I've found this to be true for me personally. When I exercise on a regular basis, I'm less stressed, sleep better, I don't get sick often, and in general feel happier.


Tomorrow I start my activity commitment. I am committing to at least 5 days a week of activity, whether it be Zumba, kickboxing, walking, or even skating. I have to do at least 30 minutes when I exercise, and would like to build up to an hour. I'd like to fit that in before I work. If I'm off work, I want to work out in the morning, and then again in the afternoon and evening. Ideally I could continue to lose weight on Weight Watchers without exercise if I follow the program to the letter, but for maximum results, and for my health I want to exercise. 


Below you can see how almost 33 pounds off of my body looks. Notice how my posture improved. I'm standing up straighter. A few people have said I look taller. Is it the heels? Is it the fact that I'm up close, or is it the fact that I have more confidence now? Do you think there's just a little sass in there too? You're damn right there is!