The first gain is the hardest...

For the first time since I started trying to lose weight I have gained. Now, I am not surprised. I have been horrible this week :( I have had horrible PMS, cravings, feeling hungry and counting every single thing that went in my mouth (Insert That's what she said joke). I am not sure what happened this week to really set me off, but regardless it did. Now, before you think I am going back to my old ways - let me digress - I AM NOT. I was sad when I saw the gain, but I know it is part of this journey. I am not going to give up! I have one week left of my Diet Bet and I am going to win. I am tracking every single thing, upping my water intake and moving more! 

This past week was a fun week! We were snowed in, we stayed up late and watched movies. I made healthy snacks, but may not have stayed in my portion control. That is key for me. Watching my portions. For some reason I struggle with that. I have been an over eater for 10+ years now. It is going to change, but like everything, not over night.  Let's be honest though. There are no magic secrets, the basic principal to weight loss is simple. Eat less, move more.

Something so simple, is so hard for me (and others). But I am doing it. Even with minor hiccups. I am doing this. Take a minute and let me know how your week has been? Are you on track? Any tips for stopping the cravings and having more discipline? 

I wrote a little bit more about it on Skinny Meg today, if you want to check it out.

My update on this week

For those of you who don't read Skinny Meg (not sure why anyone wouldn't) below is the update she posted yesterday (that I wrote) about how this past week has been. Let me recap, I am getting ready to start, my hormones cause me to need to eat, the scale isn't moving as much as I want it to and it so stinking cold here! Negative temperatures this week - The beach vacation in April is looking better and better. (76 days)

I am going grocery shopping tonight to get ready for the upcoming snow storm and just to get it over with. So later today I have to meal plan. If you have any go to meals, send them to me. Easy, yummy and low points please!

Have a safe and warm weekend!

My post :

Isn't it funny how things work out? I have been having inner turmoil about what to write this week. Before I got my email from Meg asking us to send it a scale/weigh in pic, I had debated sugar coating the last few days. But sugar coating doesn't help me or you, so the truth it is...

I have been nothing short of a hot mess the past few days. After my Weight Watcher's weigh in on Sunday I allowed myself my favorite fast food treat - Taco Bell. Now, I counted EVERYTHING and I wasn't over points - but those 29 points were not used in the healthiest way. Monday, I was a human garbage disposal. I was over 3 points. Tuesday when I got home early (snow dismissal) I had the munchies. I had a bowl of cereal and then a few tortilla chips. I didn't need those snacks and I could have used the points better. I am not sure what exactly is my issue but I have to stop with the useless snacking. (now, this may be TMI) I am getting ready to start  in 4 days, every month during this time I really have food struggles. I am not sure if it is really hormonal or all in my head, but the constant hunger pains around this time never fail. Any one else struggle with this?

I sat down to watch Biggest Loser Tuesday night. (It was Makeover Night). The tears started and never stopped. I could relate to something in everyone's story. Especially Marie. She went on the show to lose weight to start a family. Justin and I want to start a family, I owe my health to my unborn children, my husband and myself. I had to give myself a check. I have stayed in my points for the week. A loss is a loss. The scale is moving!  The weight isn't going to fall completely off in a few days. This is a struggle, every day isn't going to be perfect. But, the positive, I didn't fall off the wagon, I didn't go buy a bag of Snickers and wine (and eat them all in one setting). And for all of that I am proud of myself. 

I was excited to show you all that I have lost 9.6lbs in the past two weeks. My DietBet goal is 12. I am on track to do this and it is partly because of y'alls support! I can't get over how much being held accountable really does help motivate me and help me keep on track. Surprisingly blogging has been huge for me! I have started blogging every day and many of you have came over daily and offered support! I can't think you enough for that!! I wish weight loss was easier. I really do wish there was a magic pill that would take off the 100lbs I have to lose, give me a six pack and thighs that don't touch. It is much easier putting on the weight than taking it off. But taking it off feels so much better!!

Today, I was smart. I packed my Progressive soup, Special K Crackers, Laughing Cow, water and fruit - ready for lunch and snacks... Then we were gifted Chick-fil-a for lunch. I was so excited not to see those crispy little nuggets on a tray - because those, those are my favorite. I did eat a wrap (no dressing) 340 calories, not horrible..... What is horrible is the chocolate chip cookie I ate - my goodness it was good and the 8oz of sweet tea. Now, I am not calling today a failure - actually it hasn't been bad. I am on track with my points and my dinner is pre-planned so I will be good there - my cheat of a cookie and tea didn't put me over. So I am feeling pretty well with my choices today.

In other news, I caught up on Biggest Loser last night. I wasn't sad about who went home this week. I just don't have the connection with that contest that I do with others... That show inspires me, I know I don't have the resources and time that the contestants have while they're on the show - but I love watching and and hearing the weight loss stories.
 Marie's story, well I totally relate. She started doing the Biggest Loser to lose weight to have a baby. One of my main reasons to start this weight loss journey again.  Do you watch? Who are you hoping is the Biggest Loser?


We are expecting warmer temperatures this weekend. Finally we are out of the negatives! We have to clean out our garage. Since we moved in our house in September our garage has been a catch all - a place where boxes of unorganized stuff goes to die. I am hoping to get a handle on it some of the chaos this weekend!

Weekends are usually harder for me to stay on track. We typically eat and snack on whatever we want. That will have to change this weekend! I will let you know how that goes!

Thanks for everyone that has stopped by or sent well wishes, your support and interest is exactly why I decided to sign up for this Challenge! Have a great weekend!

Day 1

If you are visiting from Skinny Meg's blog, welcome! Thanks for visiting! I am so excited to lose this weight once and for all!!

For those of you who are regulars, Hi Mom, let me recap what I am doing. I am participating in Skinny Meg's Diet Bet Challenge. I have until Feb 4th to lose 12lbs - that is 4% of my weight. If I do that I at least get my money back I invested with a chance of winning more! Weekly I will write into Meg, tell her what I am struggling with, how the changes are coming and let everyone know if I have lost any weight!

Blog wise - I am going to post daily, but I will do a weekly recap for Meg and post it here as well. I hope that you will stick around after the 4 weeks and watch as I completely transform :)

My goals for the next 4 weeks are simple -

Eat better
Eat less
Move more
Sit less

Sunday, the 12th I am joining Weight Watchers again. It works, if I do it. I am ready to do it. Exercise will be at home until it warms up, then I will start running again. I refuse to run when it is negative outside. I have an eliptical an Jillian videos that I will use until the weather warms up. I also o Yin Yoga every other Sunday evening - but that is more for relaxation :)  I am excited.

Last night as I was trying to find an outfit to wear for my pictures to send in to Meg, I was trying to find an outfit that showed how big I was, but still looked cute. I usually try to hide everything, wear Spanx and suck it in. It was very hard to take the pictures that I shared with her/you. But I want this to be an honest journey (yeah, I put lotion on my extra dry legs and painted my nails before I took them - I wanted to look some what decent). I am excited to share it!

So if you are reading this, let me know about you. Where can I read about your journey? What tips do you have for me? Any advice? Encouragement? I can't wait to hear from you.

It is ON!

I have made a commitment. Justin is on board. I am ready... I AM GOING TO DO THIS!!

I have been a long time follower of Skinny Meg. She keeps the weight loss stuff real and doesn't sugar coat it. Her love of helping others, helping herself and being healthy shines in each of her blog post. (If you aren't familiar with her story you need to check out her blog - she is a mother of a beautiful little girl, Twilight Sparkle, and expecting Baby Boy in a few short months, wife, work outside the home mom and has an amazing work out plan, dedication and makes great health choices. She has also lost a lot of weight and is in amazing shape! And she has did it all the healthy way and kept it up while being pregnant!) I have been debating joining her DietBet challenge but couldn't make myself commit.

Yesterday Meg posted this on her blog - My second DietBet starts tomorrow! You still have time to join and weigh in, but I'm also looking for a few people who need an extra push. I want to do a weekly tracking of your progress while doing the bet, you would need to submit before/after pictures and measurements to me by tomorrow. You would also need to be willing to share what you're doing to reach your goals and BE HONEST about how well you are keeping it up. I think it's great for others to see real women and how they achieve success. I'm looking for around 3 people so if you are interested please email me today at skinnymeg@ymail.com with a short blurb on WHY you want to be featured.

I knew it was now or never. I emailed her and continuously checked my email last night hoping to hear from her. This morning when Meg emailed me I was excited. For the first time in a long time I am excited to lose the weight. (not try, I am going to lose it!) So I am going to be posting pictures, of my current, progress and end. The diet bet goes till February 4th. I have to lose 4% of my weight. To say I am nervous is an understatement. I am going to be honest, share it all over the next almost month and hope that encouragement and support of my fellow bloggers keep me motivated. (and the support of my wonderful friends and family). But just maybe I could motivate someone else - I mean if I can do it, so can you!!

Tomorrow comes the pictures, measurements and all the goods! I am excited to start this journey! I am excited for you to help me :) I am excited to possibly help someone else!

Let's do this!!