Since my last post, I must confess I have not done very well at getting back on track! As a matter of fact, I’ve done horrible at it! Ugh. So frustrating. My sister, who is from New Mexico, is here visiting me and she is an amazing cook, especially when it comes to Southwestern food. Plus, we’ve been so busy doing fun summer stuff, we’ve been eating out a lot and grilling things like hamburgers and hot dogs. My sister makes a mean potato salad, and I must say I indulged in that a little more than I should have…okay, a LOT more than I should have. Then this past weekend I went on a Mom Mastermind’s Tweet up and indulged in dessert a couple of times, not to mention all the other yummy food that was eaten…like Red Lobster and their stinkin’ delicious cheddar bay biscuits!

So come tomorrow, I will be getting back on track with my weight loss efforts. I am going to get up first thing and exercise and I’m going to be doing Phase One of Southbeach. I don’t even want to do a weigh in post on Tuesday for Plus Size Bloggers contest, but I do want to stay in the running if it’s at all possible. I’ve now missed my two weeks weigh in posts, so I can’t miss anymore, and I have to get back on target for losing at least 15 pounds by September 6! I better get busy right!?

How are you all doing with your weight loss efforts? Has summer busyness caused you to get off track too? What do you need to help you get motivated and back on track?

I titled this post Reality Check because it is time for a reality check with my weight loss efforts, eating right and exercise. Basically, I haven’t been keeping track of what I’ve eaten nor have I exercised over the last week or so. I could use the excuse that it’s because my sister is here from New Mexico and we’ve been enjoying some yummy food like homemade salsa and chips (the chips aren’t homemade, but the salsa is) and I haven’t had the time to exercise. But the fact is, those are only excuses. The honest truth is I allowed myself to indulge too much in those yummy foods and haven’t made the time to exercise. As I’ve preached so many times to others, the weight isn’t going to come of by wishing it away. It takes hard work and effort to make a change and it takes determination, planning and perseverance.

Another reason I titled this post Reality Check is because I’ve been upset about the what the scale has been saying the last couple of days. And while I don’t want it to be true, it is. My weight has been bouncing up and up (not down) over the last few days, even topping out at 211!!!! I know some of it’s water weight due to eating too much salt, because I can get on the scale the next day and it be back down to 206. But the honest brutal truth is I know that I’ve not been eating right and exercising like I was.

The third reason I title this post Reality Check is because as of this morning’s weigh in I’ve gained 4 pounds!!! Ugh! How I hate to admit it and I would like to be able to say my scale is jacked up, I’m retaining water, etc., etc., but the hard reality is I haven’t been eating right or exercising.

So, this week’s weigh in is:

208.0

Ugh. So, starting today I’m getting back on track. I started the day with two poached eggs with a little mozzarella cheese sprinkled on top. Then a couple of hours later I had plum and just a few minutes ago I had some cucumber slices with lime juice sprinkled with some spicy seasoning. What a delightfully yummy snack!!! Not to mention healthy! All you do is peel a cucumber; slice it, squirt some fresh lime juice over the slices, then sprinkle some Trecha’s Chile Powder over it. You can find it at Walmart in the Mexican food aisle. It’s a very mild Chile powder so don’t worry about it being too hot or spicy, but mixed with the lime juice it gives your favorite fruits and veggies some added zing. My niece told me that you can do the same thing with apples, watermelon and cantaloupe. What a great way to change up those fruits and veggies. If you find it difficult to get the recommended serving of fruits and veggies into your diet, this  is a great way to do so. When you’re craving potato chips, the cucumbers make a great substitute.

Here’s to a healthy week for me and for you!

Well, here we go! The beginning of the Summer15 Contest hosted by Plus Size Bloggers! In order to qualify for the drawings at the end of the contest, you must post your starting weight today, your ending weight on September 7 and post a Weigh In post every week. You are allowed to miss 2 weeks, but only 2 weeks as accountability helps you stay on target and stick with it.

I must say I’m rather disappointed with my weigh in. I was hoping to be under 200 because I’ve been stuck at the same weight for 3 weeks now. HOWEVER, I do want to do my measurements again because even though the scale isn’t budging everyone is saying that I look thinner. And I feel thinner/smaller, so that is good. I think I’m losing inches, but not weight. Which is frustrating because this contest measures weight loss. But hey, if I lose a size in clothes but it doesn’t show on the scale, I will still be happy. Though it won’t help me win the contest…LOL. Oh well.

So, here is my official weigh in for today…it’s a repeat of the last 3 or 4 weeks, so no real surprise here.

204.0

Not too exciting. I’m sure the scale will move one day again. Hopefully.

My normal weigh in is Wednesdays, then I thought I’d switch it to Friday’s for various reasons. Well, now Plus Size Bloggers is having a new challenge, starting June 15. The challenge is to lose 15 pounds over the summer, beginning June Tuesday, June 15 and ending Monday September 6. Since the challenge begins on a Tuesday, I will make Tuesday’s my weigh in day.

I’m still having a heckuva time getting under 200. Ugh. It’s so frustrating. But, I’m not going to give up, although sometimes I feel like it. But I definitely don’t want to go back to the weight I was, so even if I stay this weight forever, it’s better than the weight I was.

It’s just so hard because I count calories or points, and have tried cutting out the carbs and sugar, and nothing seems to work. I work out and go walking, though I know I could increase that, at least I should be losing a little weight. But no, I’m stuck. I’ve been taking my thyroid supplement and other minerals like Calcium, Potassium, Niacin, Magnesium and fiber too. I drink over 64 oz. of water and tea (unsweetened), so I don’t know.

I’m thinking about getting some more workout DVDs just to help switch things up a bit. I really want the Biggest Loser workout DVDs. Maybe some variety will shake things up a bit.

If you’d like to get in on the challenge, just fill out the registration form at Plus Size Bloggers. See you there!

I think I’ve figured out why my weight has plateaued. I haven’t been eating enough calories. That’s right. According to my current weight, height and age, I should be eating 1200 to 1400 calories a day in order to lose 1 to 2 pounds a week. I’ve been eating only 700 to 1000 a day.

I was talking to a friend of mine who has a B.A. in Exercise Science and we got to talking about diet programs and which one she would recommend and why. We talked about Weight Watchers and low carb diets, and she prefers Weight Watchers over low carb diets because WW is all about making a lifestyle change as opposed to eliminating certain foods. She also mentioned that she doesn’t like low carb diets because they lack fiber.

Then we got to talking about how our bodies function and when you don’t eat enough calories, your body thinks it’s starving so starts to hold onto everything you give it, slowing down your metabolism. Duh. I know this, in the back of  my mind, I know this. She also said when, after eating too few calories, you start eating more again you will probably lose a few pounds because your metabolism will get a boost.

So, once again I’m switching things up…I’m going to continue to count calories and make sure I eat 1200 to 1400 a day. I’m also going to try really hard to eat more fruits and veggies.

I’m really looking forward to this. It will be nice to have a bowl of cheerios again…haha. I’m also going to switch up my exercise some more. I may get one of The Biggest Loser workout videos…but we will see.

Oh, while I have your attention, Plus Size Bloggers has a new challenge for summer called Summer 15. Check it out here!

I don’t know what’s wrong with me, other than I’m getting frustrated at being stuck just over 200 and can’t get below it. I know it was the Holiday weekend, and graduation and my daughter’s 18th birthday, so I didn’t exactly stick to the low carb thing and I definitely didn’t get in much exercise. Although the few days my inlaws were here, we did get out and walk, at least once. But, other than that, I didn’t get any real exercise in.

I did weigh in on Wednesday at an even 204. So I stayed the same, no loss, no gain. Which is pretty good I guess. I’m just so stinking frustrated I can’t get below 200!!! I want it more than anything and I feel like I’m going to sabotage myself soon if something doesn’t happen. I’m so good at encouraging others to stick with it, and I WANT to stick with it, I really do, but lately I’ve been giving in to Fritos, and had a cheeseburger, and earlier I had a bite of my daughter’s Snicker’s bar. Now those few things on their own aren’t too bad. I’ve limited the Fritos to a serving size, the cheeseburger was on a wheat bun, and it was truly only one bite of the Snicker’s bar. Oh I also tried one of those new Pretzel M & M’s. Yes, just one, just to see what they tasted like, and honestly they weren’t as amazing as I imagined. The Snicker’s bar on the other hand, was soooo good! Haha.

I did do Jillian Michael’s 30 Day Shred today with my son, so that was good. I’ve been trying to drink the full 64 oz. of water or tea, but so far have only had half today. I mean over all I haven’t done too bad, calorie wise. I think I’m beating myself up though because I didn’t complete the two weeks of Phase One on South Beach. I did have a nice whole wheat tortilla wrap for lunch today with ham and turkey, cheese, lettuce and mustard. No mayo or anything like that. So, I guess I just need to stop and take a look at the good things I have done and quit looking at the negative. Geez.

How are you all doing at your weight loss efforts? Do you need some encouragement to keep going? I do!

Okay, so I’m a couple days late with my weigh in. Here’s the scoop. Wednesday is my usual weigh in day. I weighed myself, but I didn’t like what it said, lol. It said something stupid like 206.8…I can’t even remember, but I was annoyed. I’ve been staying under 1400 calories a day, walking, and watching my carb intake. I chalked it up to my low thyroid issue. So, that day I went to the natural food store and got some thyroid support supplement. Thursday, my hubby’s parents and I went to Mackinac City and walked around and I think I was retaining water because I had to go to the bathroom like every half hour. Today I weighed myself and came in at 204.0 even! I am pretty happy with that and that seems accurate for my efforts and past record.

I also got some Smooth Move organic tea. Hubby and I have been drinking it the last two nights. I’ve been more regular the last two days but haven’t experienced a huge difference as far that area goes. But, I think it does help me to go every day which is good especially when doing a low carb diet.

So, I’m going to set my weigh in at 204.0, for a total loss of 1.2 pounds. I’m still aggravated it’s taking me so long to get to STINKING ONDERLAND!!!!!!

I can’t believe I haven’t posted my weigh in blog yet! I’ve been so busy with my work at home business and my baby’s senior year of high school, I haven’t had much time. Anyway, this will be short because I’m at my daughter’s house and I’m getting tired.

Soooo, it was not a good week. I had a gain of 0.4 lbs. I know that’s not a lot, but I hate gains. I’ve decided to do Phase 1 of South Beach Diet for two weeks to see if I can get over the hump and FINALLY get into ONDERLAND!!!

So this week’s weight was 205.2. Ugh!

Today’s post is a guest post from Lisa Thompson who writes for Plus Size Survival.

________________________________________________________

I can’t afford to eat healthy.  I don’t have time to go to the gym. My family needs me. I need to get my sleep.  I can’t afford a gym and even if I could, I’m too big and out-of-shape to go.  Eating healthy doesn’t fit into our budget. It doesn’t matter if I lose weight…I’ll still have to wear the same clothes because I don’t have money for new ones. I’ve failed before and I’ll fail again.

How many times have you said one of those phrases to yourself?  If you’re like me, chances are great that one or more of those phrases has been echoing in your mind for a long time.  And the sad truth of the matter is this:  Those excuses are just excuses. While there may be some underlying truth in each of them, most of them are things you can change.

In this series What’s Your Excuse?  Common Excuses That Keep Your From Losing Weight, I am going to focus on 5 of the most common excuses I hear that keep people from losing weight.  I’ll share the things I’ve learned that have turned those excuses around and have helped me shed over 35 pounds.

Common Excuse #1:  I can’t afford to eat healthy.

I recently had a conversation with a friend who told me “I’d love to lose weight, but I can’t afford to eat healthy.”  Although fresh fruits and veggies, lean cuts of meat, and organic items tend to be more expensive than what we think of as junk food, there are plenty of ways to eat healthy without breaking the bank.

1. Make a budget and stick to it!

2. Plan your meals based on what’s on sale.  Go through your local grocery flyer and highlight the items that are on sale for a great price.  Use those items in your weekly meal plan.

3. Eat at least one “meatless” meal a week.  Beans are a great source of protein and fiber, can be prepared in a variety of tasty ways, and are extremely inexpensive.

4.  Buy produce in season.  When you buy “in season” produce, you’ll save money and enjoy the freshest tasting fruits and veggies.  Freeze whatever you can’t use before it spoils.  Frozen fruits and veggies are great in smoothies and sauces.

5. Drink water (and not the bottled kind)!  Beverages often add unnecessary calories to our diet and unnecessary dollars to our budget.  Rather than buying bottled and canned beverages, invest in a water filtration pitcher which can be used over and over and over!  It’s good for you and good for the environment!

6.  Cook at home.  Making meals at home will save you a ton of money over restaurant meals.  If a busy schedule is keeping you from cooking during the week, consider investing in a crockpot (You can pick one up for next to nothing at a local thrift store) or consider bulk cooking on the weekends.  Many meals can be prepared on the weekends, placed in the fridge or freezer til you’re ready to use them, and popped in the microwave or oven when you get home.

7.  Hit the Freezer!  Frozen fruits and vegetables are nearly as healthy as fresh fruits and veggies and can often be purchased for mere pennies when combined with a coupon.

8.  Use coupons!  In the last month, I’ve used coupons to get free frozen vegetables, free cheese, free yogurt, and Kashi Heart to Heart cereal for under $1 a box. (Warning: Do NOT use coupons on items you would not normally buy.  This is a huge waste of money.)

9.  Pack snacks! Frequently our healthy eating (and our budgets) go out the window when we’re hungry.  Taking healthy snacks with you will keep you from hitting the drive-thru or heading to the grocery store when your tummy starts growling.

10. Stock up on these budget-friendly, good-for-you foods:

* Milk
* Eggs
* Canned Tomatoes
* Canned Fish
* Sweet Potatoes
* Beans

Don’t let your excuses keep you from losing weight!

________________________________________________

Be sure to check out Plus Size Survival for lots of great information about exercise equipment, fitness shoes, videos and games that are ideal for getting plus size people off the couch and in to shape.

Are you getting enough minerals in your diet? If not, I highly recommend you do, especially if you’re on any type of diet. The foods you eat usually don’t contain enough of the daily recommended vitamins and minerals you need for a truly healthy body. But which mineral supplements should you take, if any, and why are they important? Here’s what I’ve found out so far from the little bit of research I’ve done on the subject.

Magnesium is important for heart health, proper nerve function, bone health and formation, and muscle relaxation. Magnesium also helps to maintain proper heart rhythm and helps prevent heart spasms known as angina.  Magnesium can also help control high blood pressure and helps to balance out the sodium and potassium levels in your blood. Females over the age of 11 need 280 milligrams per day and males over the age of 19 need 400 milligrams per day. Magnesium can be found in green leafy vegetables, nuts, legumes, and whole grains and even in water. Normally you don’t need to take a magnesium supplement and getting too much can be detrimental to your health, so consult your doctor to determine whether you need additional magnesium or not.

Calcium is the most abundant mineral found in the body and 99% of it is stored in your bones and teeth. The other 1% is used to maintain constant concentrations of calcium in the blood, muscle and intercellular fluids. Both males and females between the ages of 19 to 50 need 1,000 mg a day and males and females over the age of 50 need 1,200 mg per day. Calcium is naturally found in foods like milk, yogurt, cheese, broccoli and kale. Other foods in the US that are often fortified with calcium are grains, tofu, cereal, and fruit juices. Again, check with your doctor before taking any additional dietary supplements.

Potassium is important for the proper function of all cells, tissues and organs. It is crucial to heart function, skeletal health and muscle contraction, and digestive function as well. All meat, fish, most vegetables and some dairy products contain potassium. Both male and female adults need at least 2,000 mg a day and you should consult your doctor before deciding to take additional supplements.

Fiber plays a huge role in proper digestion, heart health, lowering cholesterol levels and lowering the risk of heart attack caused by narrowing of the arteries. Fiber also helps lower the risk of type 2 Diabetes. It is recommended that adults, male and female get at least 20 grams of fiber each day. Fiber is found in foods such as whole grain cereals, breads and pasta, fruits and vegetables, nuts and legumes, but most Americans don’t eat enough of these whole foods. If you’re suffering from symptoms such as constipation, gas, bloating or diarrhea, chances are you’re not getting enough fiber. Talk to your doctor before taking any fiber supplements.

Those are just a few of the important minerals you should be getting every day. The best way to ensure you’re getting an adequate amount in your diet is to shop the perimeter of the store. Buy whole, natural foods as opposed to processed foods that are often high in sodium and lacking in these important  minerals.