Today I officially became

a member of the gym! Yes, I did it! I am now a member of Galter Life Center - it's an awesome workout facility - if you live in Chicago you should check it out. I am so excited. I hope this excitement sticks with me. At various stages in my life I have fallen into different social groups...neighborhood kids group, mall rat, bar fly...I wonder if gym addict will be the next great group I align myself with?!

There are so many great classes offered at this gym and they are all included with my monthly payment (oh and there is NOT a contract to sign! - bonus!) Yoga, Pilates, Waterobics, Kickboxing, Zumba, Centergy, Groove and so many more! I am excited that I have a few friends who workout at this gym - I will be emailing them today to find out what classes they take and plan to join in on some of their classes. I also have a friend who is a personal trainer there...so she will be making sure I lose my ass!

I have a bunch of guest passes - so if you are in Chicago and want to check it out let me know - you can be my special guest :)

I faced what I didn't want to see today...

and although I am not very happy about the results...I was expecting much worse. The scale said I was up 0.4 pounds today. I can live with that - and will live even better without that! This is a new week. I have a lot of good lessons to learn from last week.

I wish I had more to say today, but I don't. If anyone reading this blog is on the Core program and has some great recipes to share please do :)

I have to run and get some guitar practicing in before class tonight.

Ciao!

Utoh! Looks like my butt is winning today!

Hello Readers...

This week has continued to be a struggle. I think in part due to a lack of planning and grocery shopping. I went to the grocery store today and stocked up and fruits and veggies and some good low point snack and Fiber One :) Let's hope this helps.

I looked further into the gym I want to join and the reg $276 fee is on special for $99 until Sept 30th...so, if I sign my new client I am going to reward myself with being able to join this gym. Please send me good thoughts. I have a good friend moving to town who is seriously considering joining with me - which would be awesome! The more people I know there the more accountable I am going to feel to attend classes and workout.

I am struggle to go or not to go weigh-in tomorrow. I did the Wii Fit tonight and the scale seemed to increase....again!!! I know your weight can fluctuate up to 2 lbs in one day...perhaps I will Wii Fit and see how I am doing before heading to WW tomorrow.

A few bad days...

I knew it was bound to happen sooner or later. I have the ability to really hit the ground running - go full steam ahead...and then get sidetracked by the taunting shortcut. The past few days have been full of lots of delicious treats. Ice cream, yummy Belgian beer, cheese, etc... Oh boy...not good my friends.

So, I am asking you...aside from the WW meetings, Wii Fit, visual weight loss tracking system, water system and this blog...what else can I do to make myself more accountable? I need some suggestions friends. I learned today that the gym I want to join is possibly waiving their membership fee...if that is that case I am there to sign up tomorrow. I really want to join this gym - I think it is one of the best in Chicago. If you aren't familiar with it check it out http://galterlifecenter.org/general/about.html I have a few friends who are members and one who is personal trainer there. I really like their approach to health, the facility is very nice and the people are not pretentious. The cost is a bit more than what comfortably fits into our budget, but I think it would be funds well spent. Do you have a gym in Chicago that you love going to? If so, tell me about it :)

A few great websites...

As I am continue on my journey to a healthy lifestyle I have come across a few great websites. I thought I would use today's blog to share them with my readers.

http://www.dwlz.com/restaurants.html - a great site for anyone on WW - this site lists almost any restaurant you can think of along with point values for their menu items!

http://www.livestrong.com/thedailyplate/users/myplate/?when=2008-09-10 - this great tracking site that monitors your caloric intake, cholesterol, fat, etc

http://www.sparkpeople.com/myspark/loginpage.asp?whereFrom=nutrition.asp - this site is also wonderful for tracking your meals and it also will provide you with sample menus

If you have any great sites that you want to share - feel free!

Down 2.2 more pounds!

Just a quick update today - I had some scheduling conflicts and couldn't attend my regular meeting today. However, I did call the 800 number for WW and they told me I could stop in between 10:30am and 3:30pm at my meeting center to weigh in. I am happy to report the scale was down 2.2 pounds! That brings my total to 3.8 pounds gone :) My goal is to hit my first 5 pounds of weight loss next week. I feel very optimistic that I can do it.

The lingering cold and not giving into temptation

Tomorrow is my second weigh-in...wish me well. This has been a harder week than last. It was hard to stay on track fighting this cold. I am proud to tell you that I did practice very good self-restraint this week. Here are two examples.

First, we ordered Chinese food for dinner Sunday night. I am sure there are plenty of healthy items I could have ordered. Given my picky palate, I stuck with the orange chicken. Yes, I know deep friend. However, I ate approx 1/4 of the order and pitched the rest. I didn't want to be tempted. Upon further reflection I should have given it to one of the local homeless guys. That would have been a better choice. I will remember for next time.

Second example - tonight I had a meeting with a potential new client at Hot Chocolate. If you aren't familiar with the restaurant take a look - http://www.hotchocolatechicago.com/. I only had two glasses of water. It was tough. My potential client had some yummy pretzels and cheese and a small dessert and fancy drink. I just tried to remain focused on our meeting and drinking my water.

So, I am going to continue to celebrate those little victories that I wrote about way back when. Everyday is a new opportunity to make better choices and live a healthier, longer life.

Family Genes

Today is the 11 year anniversary of my granddad's death. It is hard to not reflect on him in all that I do today. When I sat down to write tonight's blog I wasn't sure what I was going to write about, but it was apparent that I should tell you all a little about him. My granddad was a BIG man...he was tall, heavy and very strong. He did a lot of manual labor. He owned and operated a dairy farm and was a coal miner. He was the father of 5 and granddad of many. My granddad loved our family. Our family shared many meals around his kitchen table. I say his table because he always sat at the head of the table. He was a man who didn't waste. When would finish what we wanted from our breakfast, lunch and dinner plates and all of the plates would be passed to him. He would eat what he wanted off of your discarded plate and the rest would go into a bucket to help feed the animals. My granddad ate three large meals a day. He was a healthy man. He didn't have blood pressure or cholesterol issues. I think one of the main reasons he was able to be a large, healthy man was because he ate very little food filled with additves and/or preservatives. He and my lil gram canned their own fruits and vegetables and raised their own chickens, pigs and cows. They ate off the land. They ate healthy meals filled with nutrients. Yes, my lil gram cooked with lard and she probably still does. All foods were consumed in moderation and were nutritionally balanced.

I went to a new PCP this week. I was totally turned off by her. Each thing I wanted to discuss with her she reminded me I was overweight. Well Doc, I know I am overweight. I asked for a referral to a nutritionist and she blew me off. However, she didn't blow off my friend who wanted to pursue weight loss surgery with her. Needless to say I am not going to be seeing her again.

I realize I am rambling here...let me wrap it up. At the end of the day, if you are healthy and are able to live a very active life, but you weigh more than the suggested weight for your height - who gives a shit?! If I had half the energy as my granddad did and if I ate off the land like he did I believe I would not be on WW today.

My mother in law sent my husband and I a great book - Animal, Vegetable, Miracle. If you haven't read it I encourage you to.

A new hobby to keep my fingers busy...

I think eating when you are bored and emotional eating are tightly intertwined. So, to break this bad cycle...lord give me the strength and not the chocolate...I have picked up a new hobby. I have always wanted to learn how to play the acoustic guitar. My husband, being the sweet man he is, tucked that away in his memory bank and pulled it out this past Christmas. As one of my gifts he gifted me guitar lessons. I finally signed up for them and started class last Monday. This gift is proving to be two-fold. Whenever I feel like snacking perhaps...I go over and grab the six string and practice my two cords until I have some deep grooves in my finger tips. After I have spent some time practicing if I feel like I am hungry then and only then do allow myself to indulge. By indulge I mean...eat a Kashi bar, have some almonds or a 1 point chocolate WW snack cake.

For those of you who know my husband you know he is the musically gifted one in our family. I have a hard time keeping the tune bucket upright. However, I am proud to tell you that my practicing is paying off :) This evening my husband told me he could hear marked improvement in my playing.

I also plan to start painting more, perhaps picking up those knitting needles and who knows what else. I do love crafty things - if anyone has a great craft idea to keep my hands busy let me know. Also, we have started spending a lot of time playing board games again :) I love board games. There aren't a ton out there that I know of for two players - but we are logging many hours playing Scrabble, Yahtzee, Trivial Pursuit and Sequence.

Feeling a bit craptacular today...

I wanted to be sure to log on and post a short blog today - I really appreciate all the readers/comments on my blog. They really keep me going. I am so surprised to see comments from people I don't even know - I think that's awesome!

Unfortunately there is a little sick bug travelling around our house and it has hit me. I am down for the count...sore throat, fever, sore body, etc.. One thing I am still keeping up is my fluid intake.

I will be sure to post more about my happenings soon. Look forward to a blog on a new hobby I picked up and some great 1 point WW snacks :)

Be well all.

The Scale says...

- 1.6 pounds! Today was my one weekiversary at WW. I went to the morning meeting in hopes of reconnecting with my old Saturday leader Lisa. However, Lisa was not there as she is on her honeymoon. I am conflicted. I really didn't care for the attendees of today's meeting. Many are lifetime members and while I lift my hat off to them...I need other rotund people I can relate to. So, I may have to bid Lisa goodbye and continue with Maggie's 4pm Wed. meeting. I felt an immediate connection with the people there last week. For me, having that connection at a meeting is very important. It makes me more accountable to keep attending.

Back to this week's loss - I have to be honest and say that I was hoping for more, but given the week and travel we did and eating out as many times as we did over the weekend - I am stretching my arm out and patting my own back. Kudos to me! I look forward to seeing my progress on the scales next week.

Water, Water, Water

Ahh...the good stuff that covers most of the earth and an essential part of survival has become an essential part of my daily routine. I admit...today was kind of a sucky day. I was in the dumps for most the day...I just didn't feel like dealing with the world or myself. I kicked around the idea of going for that 3 mile walk and didn't even make it out the front door...the Wii Fit and I did not bond today nor did I pick up the dumb bells. At the end of the day as I reflect upon the choices I made...the only really good thing that stands out is that I drank my water...well at least 3 bottles. I have to tell you that I am not enjoying my frequent trips to the potty. I love to sleep and having to get up a few times in the depths of my slumber totally irritates me. One thing I totally am enjoying is the look of my skin :) Wow...I totally see a difference..the little blemishes that used to be on my face are no more! I have to keep celebrating the little victories - I don't want to become discouraged. Tomorrow is my first weigh-in. I am a little nervous. Wish me well! I'll be sure to update tomorrow.

Wii Fit

I have been trying to do various types of exercise daily. Those include the weight lifting routine my husband put together for me, walking (which hasn't been going as well as I would like it to...for some reason we are experiencing a lot of rain in Chicago) and working out using the Wii Fit. I have to admit I have a pinch of computer/video game nerd in me. However, even if you have never spent hour upon hour trying to solve the Legend of Zelda or to bet the devil in Guitar Hero...you may find yourself addicted to Wii Fit. Like all the other Wii games it is so interactive. I at least do the body test every day. The test weighs you, measures your BMI and gives a few different tests to determine you Wii Fit age. When I first started doing the body test I was assessed at 17 years beyond my age! No shit. I was not happy. The balance board even sounds like it is sighing when I step on to get measured. However, I have become determined to lower my Wii Fit age daily. I am proud to report that today I was assessed at my actual age!!!! I was so happy :) Now my goal is to be even younger than I actually am. Reverse aging...hmmm not there is an idea I can get behind!

First weekend away on the program...

This weekend we went to Cincinnati to visit my in-laws and some friends. Travels always make it a bit challenging to stay on any program. You are out of our controlled environment and nothing is routine. However, instead of making myself crazy about how I was going to stay on this week's path, I decided it best to try to go with the flow and perhaps take a few detours. After all, isn't that what life is all about - learning to take the route that you sometimes didn't plan and enjoying the journey more than the just the destination. I think i did a good job - I tried to make good choices when we dined out = 4 times over the past 3 days. I went as far as to tell myself today that I could order whatever I wanted for brunch, but that I could only consume half of what was served to me. It worked well -and to be honest I felt totally satisfied :) Tomorrow is my one week anniversary of my commitment to living a healthier life. I am amazed at how different I feel in only a weeks time. I am can't wait to see how I feel two weeks, two months, two years from now!

I joined Weight Watchers today...again...

Hello! Well, it's day three since the big snap and all is going well. I woke up with a horrible sinus headache (steak knife stabbing through the center of my right eye) pain today...and I was supposed to go to the 9:30am WW meeting. I was actually looking forward to going and reconnecting with my old WW leader. Well, my sinus issues got the best of me and after a few doses of advil, sinus meds and sinus nasal spray it was back to bed for this lovely lady. To my surprise when I awoke a few hours later I felt great. So, the first thing I did was jump online and see when the next WW meeting was for today - 4pm. Great!

I left the house at 3:30 and got to the meeting in plenty of time to register. I am kinda a pro at the registering process...having done it too many times. The meeting itself was ok - a few crazies in the bunch, but I think that is always to be expected. The leader, Maggie, was a nice lady and told us about her quest to lose her 30lbs. Way to go...but I need a leader who has had to lose more than that Maggie. I need someone I can relate to. Next week it is back to Lisa.

I learned an awesome thing at the meeting today. I am totally excited and want to share it with everyone. WW is rolling out a program called Lose for Good, a campaign created to empower people to get healthier while also giving back to others in need. The program addresses two global epidemics -- obesity(1) and chronic hunger and malnutrition(2). For every pound lost by Weight Watchers Members during a six-week period, beginning September 7 and ending October 18, Weight Watchers will donate the cost of one pound of food -- up to one million dollars. The funds will go to two hunger-fighting organizations: Share Our Strength, which works to make sure no child in America grows up hungry, and Action Against Hunger, which provides immediate and long-term solutions for hunger to people around the world. These organizations will use the funds to enhance existing programs.

Here are some startling statistics they shared with us -

(1) There are 1.6 billion overweight people in the world, World Health Organization
(2) There were 862 million people in the world in 2007 that were underfed, Bread for the World

So my friend, if you are thinking of joining WW now is the time. Not only will you be doing a world of good for yourself, but you will be helping others. If you know me - you know that is nothing I feel better about than helping my fellow brothers and sisters. If you are in Chicago and want to join - please be my guest and attend a meeting me. We will both receive these cool eco-friendly shopping bags that are screened with Lose for Good on them. Awesome! I really want one - so I hope someone out there tags along with me!!!

Day two...

So day one wasn't too bad. The hardest part was drinking the four bottles of water. I was up and down all night going to the bathroom - hopefully my body will adjust to the ample hydration and I won't be having to get up so much. I was exhausted this morning.

My husband is truly a super duper guy. Last he showed me a bunch of different exercise to do with the hand weights to work on my arms. He made me a check list and even videoed me during each exercise so I would remember what to do. Sorry folks, those vids won't be posted here..lol. He is also going to be my walking partner. This past May we walked in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer and trained side by side the entire time. So, in true super trooper form - he is going to walk my daily 3 mile loop with me. Standing O for this guy!

I did the Wii Fit last night - it was ok - I really dislike how long it take to load the next task. But, it will work for now. I will do it again today.

I have committed to going back to WW. My first meeting is tomorrow am at 9: 30 - wish me well! I found a very inspiring blog - feel free to check it out - http://www.freewebs.com/mistyhaines/index.htm.

I have also told a few more people about this blog...why not? I suppose the more that know the more accountable I will be all around.

Here is picture of my husband and I in front of our favorite Chicago landmark during the AWBC.

Have a great day everyone! I'm on 1/2 way done with water bottle 3 - hopefully I will sleep more soundly tonight.

September 1st...the day I snapped!

Hello all!

I am not sure at this point who I am even writing to. After all, no one aside from myself and my husband know this blog exists. I am not really sure why I have chosen blogging as the outlet to keep me on track and record the progress of my disappearing ass, but I have. It will be one of many tools I use to keep myself accountable for my food consumption and exercise progress. I will most likely create a few poster boards to be displayed in the house to track my progress, I will use a rewards system of some sort and take some time everyday to track my progress on the Wii Fit. I am even strongly considering joining WW as another point of accountability.

If you don't know me...let me tell you a bit about myself. I have always been a voluptuous gal. I like to think of myself as a Voluptuous Vixen even. I have never felt uncomfortable in my skin. I have never felt out of place, ashamed of or discriminated against due to my size. To be honest...I have always been a gal who loves herself and thinks she is quite the looker. I have noticed as thirty has reared its ugly head and I am on my way to 32 - my magic age (I'll tell you more about that later) - I just don't have the energy I once did. I have also noticed that by golly they were right...weight is starting to cling to my middle section...and I have to tell you ... I am not digging that.

I've often wonder what causes people to snap?! You know...what really makes them wake up one day and say this is it! I have been thinking a lot about healthy living lately and the long term benefits of a healthy lifestyle. My parents are in very poor health and they are young. It makes me so sad that it is highly likely that one day our little Krass kids will not know my parents. My stepfather is 61 and is living a nursing home for the remainder of his life. My mother...I swear is a walking stroke or heart attack. One day the combination of her lack of sleep, poor nutrition and stress level is going to get the best of her. I preach to her all the time how I really want her to take care of herself - how I need a mom and my kids will need a Grandma. Literally I have talked to the parental wall and it pretty much flips me off every time. I started thinking..perhaps instead of preaching to her - I need to start leading my example. Talk is cheap it has been said. I need to be committed to a healthy lifestyle for me, my husband and our family. If I am an example to others of the benefits of a healthy life great- if not, I have helped myself and my family and I can't think of anything more important. So, today is the day. I am embarking on this journey to lose my ass. I am sure there will be plenty of bumps in the road...but I want to stay on the horse this time. I am up for the challenge. I am holding the reins and ready to ride full force into the storm. I'm not afraid of failing...I'm welcoming the challenge.

So far I have kicked off the day with an Activa vanilla yogurt, a banana, two Special K waffles with peanut butter and a little bit of syrup, a small piece of sharp cheese and water. Ahhh one of the things I like least in life water. I love to swim and to shower and bathe, but to drink this tasteless funky juice...I don't like it so much. I have a plan though. Don't you worry. I took 4 16oz water bottle and numbered them 1-4. From the time I wake up until I go to sleep at night I will have to consume these four bottles and refill and drink again the next day. I will keep updated on this progress.

As far as my exercise regime is concerned...to start off I will be walking 3 miles a day and doing some at home weights. I will also be doing the Wii Fit for 30 minutes a day. Yes, of course I will keep you posted on that one too.

Well, wish me well. I don't guarantee a smooth ride...however, I promise it is going to be interesting, humorous, a bit painful at times and hopefully inspiring at some point to someone (even if it is just to little ole me...or little round me ;) )