My End of the Summer Slimdown Challenge

Well, it’s time to update on the Slimdown Summer Challenge!

I know we only have a little ways to go to finish this challenge, and I feel awful for starting something and not finishing strong, but I’m bowing out.

Believe me when I say I’m more disappointed in myself than any of you could ever be! L

When you said to tell how we feel this week, Rochelle, I didn’t think I’d be quitting a challenge so close to ending it…

For a few months now, I’ve been asking God what it will take to get my relationship back to the point where I can truly say that I’m in love with my Savior, that I desire to get to know Him, and that I yearn to spend time with Him. And I kept feeling like I needed to turn off my computer.  I need to get the distractions out of my way much like taking a tempting cake out of sight. It’ll be hard, but I am so looking forward to getting back on track with the Lord.

And it’s not that I’m giving up on losing weight, but I do believe I need to put it into perspective. I need to figure out why I keep giving up on myself when I get to a certain weight.

But most of all I need to be listening to what God wants to tell me. And as much as I love to read about everyone’s journey and how everyone and their dog is doing on Facebook, I need to get back to God and His Word.

I do want to mention 2 bloggers who have helped me see the wisdom in this choice. One is Kimberlyn, from Minding my Weigh. She had been off the grid for a few months before coming back and letting everyone know that she’s fine and was going through a difficult family situation. But what really got me thinking is how she had been reading a book (that I had just read!) and how it had really spoken to her. It was Lysa TerKeurst’s book Made to Crave.  Why didn’t it speak to me in that way? Probably because I didn’t take time to study it, but just read it!

Another blogger had not been writing for a while as well. Keelie from JUST REAL. And just the other day she mentioned starting a new First Place 4 Health Bible Study. Well, I had just downloaded a book (Give God a Year) from Carole Lewis, she’s the National Director for First Place 4 Health and I have ordered one of the Bible Studies (which will be here in a few weeks). I really want to be studying God’s Word and using these books as a guide to a healthier lifestyle mind, body, soul and emotions. And the 2 key words in the Give God a Year book are PRAY and OBEY.

 Now, some may say this is a coincidence that I happened to read these blog posts by Keelie and Kimberlyn now, but I think its God showing me that I’m not alone. And I’m not alone even if I’m not blogging with all of you wonderful people out there. And I don’t need the blogging world to keep me accountable, but rather I need to be accountable to God first!

So, I’m going to take a break from blogging. I’d love to keep in touch though and I will be keeping up with some of your blogs. A lot of you have really been a great source of encouragement to me! Thank you for that!

So, I hope I'll be back in a few weeks or months to tell you what God has been teaching me in regards to my overall health. I hope to be telling you that I have a thriving relationship with Him and that, by the way, I've lost a few pounds!

Thanks for understanding!

Casey

Summer Slimdown Week 11

Well, I'm happy to say, my birthday week went by without a gain! Whew!!!
AND
I was/am being successful at exercising 6/7 days.
Also I ordered some books on weight loss, fitness etc. Can't wait to get them...
But I will share what I ordered on my next post, which will hopefully not be this short. Sorry!

Week 11 - (begin August 12) - TELL US HOW ARE YOU FEELING AND SHOW YOUR WEIGHT LOSS IN FOOD

Gotta run,
Casey

A craft I made for my sister

Summer Slimdown Week 9

Weigh-in:

Last week:254.8 lb
This week: 253.3 lbs
Lost:  - 1.5 lbs

So thankful I had a loss!

Warning: This is going to be a short post!

My week went fairly well. I went from Monday to Friday, I knew Saturday and Sunday would be hard, because we had 2 invites and I didn't want to stress over it. But 5 days was good!

Once again I didn't get much exercise in.:(
One cardio session 45 minutes
One Volleyball night 60 minutes
One Walk about 30 minutes

Next week Rochelle has this challenge for us:

Week 10 - (begin August 5) - SET A FITNESS/WEIGHT LOSS GOAL FOR YOURSELF (and post pics/measurements if doing so)
Let's surprise ourselves....we can do more than we think. This week is about telling each other what fitness goals we have for ourselves, because in a week or two I'll be asking everyone (myself included) to aim to surpass those goals. Same goes for weight loss. What do you want to lose this week (think outside the box - maybe it's not just weight)? And tell us why!

OK - Fitness will be 45 minutes of exercise on 6/7 days. Difficult, yes! Impossible, no!
Weight Loss will be maintain this week. C'mon people, it's my birthday week! :) I will not binge. I will not overeat. I will enjoy my piece of cake and party food, but I will limit myself!

Have a great week!
Casey

Summer Slimdown Week 8

Week 8
Face your fitness fear!

No change on the scale, I'm sad to say. But not really surprised.

I'm at 254.8 again and still.

I don't even know what my fitness fear is. Maybe it's success! Why else would I be avoiding it?

What threw me off this week was that my kids had their winter break extended. I can't even go to the bathroom anymore without someone pounding on the door or even just walking right in. I'm going to have to start setting some bounderies.

Have you ever felt that anything you do, or atempt to do is destined to fail? That's how I'm feeling right now.

I did succeed in my 5k this week. Julie was hosting a virtual one and I actually thought I had failed that too when I couldn't get my walk in on Wednesday, but then she extended her entries til Sunday and so this morning at 6:30 I got up and walked and walked.

There's proof!! Funny looking cell phone pic!

I walked my 5k in 59 minutes. Very slow, yes, but I did it!
And I did go to exercise class on Monday night and played some volleyball yesterday. Fun!

Other than that... too many cupcakes around this week.

I will be happy to start the next challenge tomorrow, since I actually forgot about it this morning:(

Week 9 - (begin July 29) - NO SUGAR (unless it's all natural) AND NO SNACKING AFTER DINNER

Have a great week!
Casey

Summer Slimdown Weeks 6 and 7

Weeks 6 and 7!

Groan!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

These last 2 weeks have been awful in terms of weight loss!

Last I updated was a 4.6lbs loss and I knew I'd gain some back because that was a detox week. But I gained back.

I'm at 254.8 again and I am SO ashamed!

I did ok on the vegetarian week, but I had not tracked for detox week and didn't for vegetarian week either. Which was my first mistake! The second one was I was really craving carbs. I think I do better on a low carb diet than a no beef diet.

Last weeks challenge was to commit to a 5K. As we have none at the moment in my neck of the woods, I'll be doing one all by myself, hopefully on Wednesday morning. I'll post my time when I've done it, so hold me accountable, ok!

Since my kids are on winter break, my scheduled exercise time has gone out the window, and I'm having a hard time getting back on track. Tonight I'll be going back to my exercise class (she's been on break for 2 weeks as well.) and if my husband doesn't want to do anything special on his birthday night (wednesday) I'll go play Volleyball for an hour.

Speaking of Birthdays!!! My daughter turned 12 last Wednesday, and will be having a second party on Thursday (she had a small on last wednesday). My husband's birthday is this Wednesday Thankfully he doesn't like sweets! Actually one of the only desserts he likes is flan, so I'll make him that! And my birthday is 2 weeks after his. And unfortunatly, I like sweets! I'll have to come up with a plan!

This weeks challenge was to face a fitness fear. I don't know about this one. I already tried Zumba... I'll have to give this some thought.

So, ladies, I'm back on track today. It's been rough. And I hate the consequences, but it's turning around!

Have a great week!
Casey

Summer Slimdawn week 5

Fifth Week down!!

Weight:
Last week: 251.7 lbs
This week: 247.1 lbs

YEAH! Out of the 250’s.

I managed to lose more than the required 2 lbs this week.  I Lost 4.6lbs!

Like I said  last week, I did a detox, which was not 7 days but rather 5 days since we went away for the weekend.

First day was only fruit. Now don’t get me wrong, I like fruit, but it was hard to do that exclusively. I was surprised that I didn’t feel like I was starving though. Every day you can eat as much cabbage soup as you want. It’s actually very good and you can put in lots of different veggies, just stay away from starch filled ones like potatoes. And since I didn’t prepare for this I didn’t have soup on the first day.

Second day was only veggies. I really enjoyed a baked potato first thing in the morning (which I wrapped in foil and put in the crockpot the night before. It was perfect. Thank you Pinterest!)

Third day was fruit and veggies, but no bananas and no potatoes. Getting a little more difficult, but still didn’t feel like I was starving.

Fourth day, at first I loved the milk and banana idea, but like they predicted, I didn’t even eat the allowed 8 bananas. And of course, there’s the soup. I dreamt about food after this day.  I felt guilty while sleep ing because I kept thinking it was real and I was cheating on my diet.

Day 5 beef and tomatoes. And soup once again!!!

Days 6 and 7 were thankfully eliminated because we spent the weekend at a hotel. It was a spur of the moment decision, so I couldn’t do any planning. But that’s ok.

I had always thought I should try this detox, but in reality I don’t know how much it actually worked on detoxing me. Yes I did lose 4.6 lbs, but I’m not sure that at least half of that won’t be back on by nexrt weigh in.

I only got in 2 exercise sessions in this week. Once 45 minutes and once 60 minutes. A few walks, but nothing very intense. We went for a long walk yesterday and played volleyball with the kids this morning, and although it was quite cold out, I worked up quite a sweat.

And for this week, Rochelle has given us a challenge I don’t know if I even want to succeed at! It’s VEGETARIAN WEEK!

I love beef!!! And I don’t like fish! But my family likes fish, so they will be happy! OK, Rochelle, I’m gonna try! But I’ll tell you now, it’s gonna be from Monday to Saturday, because we are planning on hosting a Barbeque on Sunday. But even that will be amazing!

Oh, and here are the pic’s. I put last months pic’s up again. Can you see a difference?

Have a great week!
Casey

June weigh in

July Weigh in

Week 4 Summer Sizzle Slimdown Challenge

Fourth week down!

Weight:
Last week: 250.2 lbs
This week: 251.7 lbs

This is crazy! All these ups and downs. Ok, I don't mind the downs!
There was a day last week where I was actually in the 240's.

These last few days have been alot of eating out. Not at restaurants, but at other peoples homes. Very yummy, but not helping with the weight loss.
Once again, I didn't get in as much exercise as planned, but I did get 45 minutes or more on 3 days, and that was ok with me!

Water! That part of the challenge was actually not so bad. I kept filling my 500ml water bottle and I got more than 3 liters on most days.  It was good, and I'm hoping to make that a habit.

So, I only posted 1 recipe, and my pictures aren't that great. Sorry. But I can't wait to try some of the recipies I found on the other challengers sites!

The challenge for this coming week: Lose 2 pounds this week! OK, that's not going to be easy!
But, I don't know if what I'm doing is considered cheating, but... I've been wanting to do a detox week and have started today. Of course this promises a few pounds of weight loss, but I'm looking for the headache relief, "abundance of energy and an improved disposition!"
I will definitly let you know how this goes!


Have a great week!
Casey

Spinach Filled Chicken Breast

Spinach Filled Chicken Breast

4 skinless, boneless chicken breast (4oz each)

Garlic, minced

1 cup shredded cheese

1 bag frozen spinach (10oz)

Farmer sausage (I used about 100gr sausage)

2 Tbsp low fat cream cheese (about 30gr)

Salt and pepper, to taste

1. Trim fat off the chicken breasts. Make a pocket in each, slicing the breast like you are making a pita. Do not cut all the way through to the other side!

2. In a bowl, combine the spinach, cheese, garlic and salt and  pepper. Spoon spinach mixture into pockets in the chicken.

3. Close the chicken pockets with toothpicks. Or wooden skewers!

4. Season with paprika and salt.

7. Place the chicken breasts in a shallow pan. Bake in the oven for 40 minutes. At about 375 degrees F.

8. Remove from the oven. Let chicken rest in the pan for 5-10 minutes.

9. Serve and enjoy.

4 servings.   Each serving has 305 calories. (according to MyFitnessPal.com)

 These were pretty loaded.

I've also made them prettier, but never took a picture! :)

My 7 year old son actually requests this meal. He says it's his favorite, and all my kids are happy when I serve it. Who knew?!

Summer Sizzle Slimdown Challenge Week 3

Third week down!

Weight:
Last week: 251.7 lbs
This week: 250.2 lbs (Usually weigh in on Friday, but this is my Wednesday weight)

The tracking has been going well. I made a side challenge with 2 friends that we would track - and stay on track - for at least 10 out of 14 days. (One of the Ladies does not track weekends, so that's why we didn't go for 100%)

I was planning on getting more exercise in this week, and life happened! I got 2.5 hours in, and that included
45 MINUTES OF ZUMBA!!!
which was, of course, this weeks New Exercise Challenge!
And, as planned, I did the dvd at home. REALLY made an effort to do all the exercises. I rarely laugh out loud, but I did that Wednesday morning. Thankful I was not in a class, thankful I don't have a full length mirror in the living room. Thankful I don't have neighbors looking in my windows. And thankful that those 45 minutes were over. I am so uncoordinated on my feet.
I may do it again, but probably not something I'll do regularly.

So this Weeks Mini-Challenge is to drink 3 liters of Water a day.
Since it's getting cooler down here (officially winter now!) I've not been drinking as much water as I should/could be. So, this week, bottom's up!


Have a great week!
Casey

SSSC week 2

Second week down!

Weight:
Last week: 250.4 lbs
This week: 251.7 lbs - a gain, groan:(

I've been tracking fairly regulary, which is so good! I'm glad Rochelle got us doing that first thing because I do believe it to be an important part in weight loss!I've gotten more fruit in this week, yummy oranges and grapefruit are in season here now! And I've been drinking more water, since it wasn;t as cold here as last week!

This weeks challenge was 6 hours of exercise. I didn't quite make it because I was still having intense headaches until Tuesday. So, I got in 4 hours and 20 minutes, walking, pilates, aerobics and volleyball.
Wednesday I decided to go no sugar, no flour for a few days to see if my headaches would ease up, and I think they did. So I'm looking to make that a more permanent thing.

This next week is New Exercise Challenge!
I recently aquired a Zumba dvd, and I've been saving it for this week :) In the privacy of my home I'm going to be making a fool of myself, I'll let you know how it goes!

Also, keep tracking, and I'm going to go for 6 hours of exercise again! Hopefully I can make it this week!

All the best to my fellow Challenge Takers!
Have a great week!
Casey

Summer sizzle slimdown challenge week 1

First week down!

Weight:
Last week: 250.4 lbs
This week: 250.4 lbs - no change!

I pretty much got the tracking down again. It's been difficult, but I don't hate doing it. I just forget. I was over my daily calories once according to MFP. My personal challenge will be to eat more fruit and veggies now. And drink more water! Both those things are hard for me once it gets colder. Which it has been here!
I'm looking forward to this next weeks challenge so I'll get moving more.

I've had a rough week. I'm not making excuses - but all 4 of my kids have been sick at least one day this past week. My husband was out of town for 4 days and I had a migrane for 2 days (I often have headaches, though this has been my second migrane). My house has been neglected, but I'm so glad I have someone come in to help me. And now that my kids (and I) are better, we are keeping up with the clutter.

Here's hoping for a better week, with lots of water, fruit and movement!

Casey

Another challenge: Summer Sizzle Slimdown!

Hey people!
It's been a while...
I first must apolagize to Maren for abandoning the Ready for Summer challenge. Travel, illness computer breakdown, and then there was the lack of umph. Sorry!
But that didn't keep me from signing up for a new challenge... the Summer Sizzle Slimdown Challenge. Here in the southern hemispere we're getting out sweaters out and are putting another log in the fireplace, but we'll find the sizzle!!
Thanks Rochelle for hosting the challenge and letting me join even though I'm late!
Looking forward to meeting new friends, and reconnecting with some old ones!

http://buttfatblog.blogspot.com/

Here's the rules! And my update!
1. PICTURES ARE WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS -

2. MEASUREMENTS -Update on June 3, July 1, August 5, Sept 2.
Upper Arms - 15"
Calf - 18"
Thigh - 27.5"
Waist - 46"
Hips - 52"
Bust - 48.5"
Neck - 15"

3. WEIGHT - weekly updates!
06/04/2012 - 250.4lbs


WEEKLY CHALLENGES

Week 1 - (begin June 3) - WRITE IT ALL DOWN
I'll be using MyFitnessPal, anyone like to add me, I'm Caseys279.

Week 2 - (begin June 10) - SIX HOURS OF EXERCISE

Week 3 - (begin June 17) - TRY A NEW FITNESS ACTIVITY OR PIECE OF EQUIPMENT

Week 4 - (begin June 24) - 100 oz OF WATER AND SHARE A FAVORITE HEALTHY RECIPE

Week 5 - (begin July 1) - LOSE 2 lbs THIS WEEK (and post pics/measurements if doing so)

Week 6 - (begin July 8) - VEGETARIAN WEEK

Week 7 - (begin July 15) - COMMIT TO AND SIGN UP FOR A 5K

Week 8 - (begin July 22) - EMBRACE A FITNESS FEAR

Week 9 - (begin July 29) - NO SUGAR (unless it's all natural) AND NO SNACKING AFTER DINNER

Week 10 - (begin August 5) - SET A FITNESS/WEIGHT LOSS GOAL FOR YOURSELF (and post pics/measurements if doing so)

Week 11 - (begin August 12) - TELL US HOW ARE YOU FEELING AND SHOW YOUR WEIGHT LOSS IN FOOD

Week 12 - (begin August 19) - SURPASS YOUR FITNESS/WEIGHT GOALS FROM WEEK 10

Week 13 - (begin August 26) - LOW CARB WEEK & NO EATING OUT

Challenge ends Sept 2 - Final Weigh-in, Measurements, Pictures and Thoughts....

I'm back and Ready for Summer Challenge Update

Good morning!
I'm back!!
My last few posts were done at my parents house about 2 weeks ago. Well, I've had my new computer for a week now, but I tell you, it wasn't easy getting back into the swing of things.
I feel like access to a computer was keeping me accountable.
So whats been happening?
Well, the exercise sure didn't happen so much and my eating healthy... not so good either.

Weight:

Date	Kg	Lbs
3/24/12	117,1	258,1
3/31/12	116,5	256,8
4/07/12	118	260,1
4/14/12	115	253,5
4/21/12	113,2	250,4
4/28/12	115,2	253,9
5/5/12	115	253,5

Since I havn’t been updating for a few weeks, I’m just going to review my week 4 goals and then jump right over to week 7’s goals.

Now for the week 4 goals:

Weight: I’m hoping for a 2 lb loss this week. I did have a great loss that week but right now, I’m at a 5 lbs loss for the overall challenge.

Exercise: Same as last week, 5 days out of 7. And if the mosquitoes retreat, I’ll go back to the C25K training. The last few weeks the exercise has been lacking. Lots of stuff going on!

Nutrition: Same as last week. Low carb. Avoid sugar, flour, starch! Did really well with that for that week!

NSV: Same pants! And same sewing machine! AND the boys closet needs cleaning and decluttering! No to the pants and the sewing machine! Grrrr. But I did a bit of decluttering!

Week 7 goals:

Weight: 250 is the number I’m aiming for this week!! I’ve been there, I know I can do it!

Exercise: Once again 5/7

Nutrition: I want to go back to low carbing. I felt so good without the sugar and starch, but I did miss eating potatoes. I’m back to tracking my calories too!

NSV: Study more on nutrition! Finish reading Made to Crave. Deep clean one room!

The mini-challenge this week is to write a letter to my future self. That’s something I’m really scared to do. I’ll try to get that done on within the next few days – I’ve gotta think!!

I went to see a lady about Weight Watchers last week. She had participated in Germany when she lived there and had successfully lost weight. I had joined WW when I lived in Canada years ago.  But we have no such meetings here. I’d love if we could have something like that here. Well, I went to just talk to her about the program and we decided we would meet every two weeks. We’ll weigh in weekly and just hold each other accountable and she’ll be telling me about WW’s. I find counting points a little weird after just counting calories, but I’m trying.  

Another thing, I went to a Ladies Retreat this past weekend. My third language is Spanish and I love hearing Bible teaching in Spanish more than in German actually (which is my second language). It was all about finding the beauty within, forgiveness and being a woman of virtue. Beautiful speakers. One of them was actually the former First Lady! I had a great time.AND I’m so glad to be home again!

Still without

Well, I'm back at my parents house, trying to do some of my computer stuff. What a hassle!
I will have a new computer next week, and I'm happy for that, but it does mean less accountability, less tracking, less reading.
So maybe this will be the week I get my sewing machine set up?!

No computer at home

trying to post from my parents computer. :(
Mine is in the shop, hopefully to get repaired and not replaced (though that'd be fine, too, except the cost!)
Hoping for it to be done this afternoon!

No computer at home!

Hi!
Would love to update, but I am so lost without my own computer!
Hoping it will be ready by this afternoon so I can read all my favorite posts again.
And post a little something...
Casey

Ready for Summer challenge #4

Goals for week 3

Weight: I’d like next week to show my weight at 255lbs. That’s a 5 lbs loss for a week, but remember, I’m already down a few from my last weigh in! Aim high!! I did it!! I lost 6.6 lbs. That puts me in a new category. I am no longer morbidly obese, just plain old obese now! (I hate that word!)

NSV: I’m going to try on that size 20 pair of jeans I have again. Also, I’d like to set up my sewing machine and start sewing again. Nope, the jeans don’t fit. YET! That’s ok, it will happen! And the sewing machine… nope! Maybe next week!

Exercise: C25K week 2 still needs to be done. Also on alternate days I’d like to do the 30 day shred. I want at least 5 days of exercise crossed off this week! No C25K training this week due to rain – muddy roads – and then mosquitoes. I just focused on getting some workouts done at home and did 5/7!

Nutrition: This one is going to be hard! I’ve decided to go low-carb for 2 weeks. I’ll be avoiding flour and sugar and starchy foods. Wish me luck!! Not as hard as I thought. I’ve just finished 7 days of low-carbing and I guess once I made the decision, I could stick to it. Going for week 2 now!

Mini-Challenge: Visit every challenge participant. I think I got around 20 or 25. That’s a lot of challengers! Sometimes I decided to do my workout instead. J

Weight:

Ready for Summer Challenge, beginning weight

Date	Kg	Lbs
3/24/12	117,1	258,1
3/31/12	116,5	256,8
4/07/12	118	260,1
4/14/12	115	253,5

Now for the week 4 goals:

Weight: I’m hoping for a 2 lb loss this week.

Exercise: Same as last week, 5 days out of 7. And if the mosquitoes retreat, I’ll go back to the C25K training.

Nutrition: Same as last week. Low carb. Avoid sugar, flour, starch!

NSV: Same pants! And same sewing machine! AND the boys closet needs cleaning and decluttering!

Hasta la próxima! Have a great week, and make good choices!

Casey