Baby It's Cold ... Downstairs

My home gym is in the basement. It's usually a good 10° cooler in the basement gym than it is in the rest of the house. It's great in the summer ... not so great in the winter. 59° is just a tad chilly. But after about 10 minutes of working out, I am warmed up enough that I'm ready for my fan.

Recently in the news, I've noticed quite a few stories pushing the PROS of working out in cooler temperatures, or just being cold in general. This article in Everyday Health  (here) says that 15minutes of shivering can actually equal an hour workout on the bike! An almost identical story (based on the same study) was in Medical News Today. I did a quick Google search and found there had been several articles on this topic published in the last month or so.  So if you are in an area hit by the extreme cold this winter ... look to the positive! Perhaps it will help you shed a bit of weight *Ü*.  Currently my car heater has decided not to work (both the blowing air and the wonderful seat warmers, which I always adored). So as I spent my miserable moments carpooling the kids in the cold, I'll hope I'm shivering off some calories.

Indoors, where I have a little more control,  I keep our thermostat set to 68° during the winter. At times it feels a little cool, and the kids complain a bit (I'm not a Nazi, I'll let them turn it up if they are feeling really chilly). But I've found the cooler temp actually encourages me to go get in a workout ... if simply to warm up! And once I have worked out, 68° feels plenty warm (and if the kids have turned up the heat to 70° or above it feels uncomfortably hot, coming from the cool gym into the warmer upstairs). Everyday Health had another article recently on this topic (Turn Down The Thermostat to Lose Weight ... and on a completely irrelevant note, we have that exact Nest Thermostat pictured in the article. Hubby is a gadget guy and it's a gadget. *Ü* ).  Although this conflicted a bit with another article they posted last summer (Odd Things That Make You Fat ... Too Much A/C).

What do you think is the ideal temperature for working out?

What do you keep your home thermostat set to?

As the weather here was "warmed up" to mid-30s ... I see a lot of exercisers hitting the outdoors again. I'm an indoor exerciser, so the weather doesn't impact me much (although the dark, dreary days can be hard on my mood, I need some sunshine and blue skies!) If you do hit the great outdoors, be careful out there ... enjoy this story (The Joys of Jogging in the Snow), of a couple taking a jog, getting interviewed about how nice the conditions really are ... and then the woman wipes out on camera.

That's MY tip this Tuesday.

Linking up with Lisa and Kristin.

Check them out for more tips, and link up your own!

Are You Ready For Valentine's Day?

The topic for this Motivation Monday is Healthy Valentine Dinners. Whenever I think of Valentine Day dinners, I can't help but remember one many years ago (1994 to be exact) when hubby surprised me with the spread pictured above (I used to scrapbook *Ü*). It was a fairly simple dinner of steak, potatoes and green beans. Depending on how you topped your potato ... I think it was a pretty healthy meal, one that we don't save simply for Valentine's Day.

 Here's a more recent re-creation.
Yummy!

We'll be celebrating our 22nd wedding anniversary this year (in July). Marriage has added FIVE kids and FIFTY pounds (I'm down 30 now, 15 more to go). For the past several years, Valentine's Day has been busy as I volunteer at the elementary running the class party (Valentine Game Ideas). I enjoy it, but it does wear me out (I don't know how teachers do it every day!) I generally haven't been too up for making a romantic or healthy Valentine dinner. Knowing this themed post was coming up, I did bookmark these ideas ...  Lovey Dovey Dinners, Cooking Light Dinners for Two,  ... or if all you are up for making are reservations *Ü*, then check out these Tips1 & Tips2 for staying healthy while eating out. Generally, Valentine's Day itself is so busy, we usually try to celebrate before/after the day itself, when it's a little less stressful. #2 just told me he has a basketball game ... on Valentine's Day? (Part of a President's Day Tournament).

Hubby does usually get me some chocolates ...

 ... this was last year's box. It's empty.

I ate them all (over a few days time).

I thought I'd throw out a couple other Valentine ideas ...

Create a cute card by posing your kid with arm outstretched. After printing, punch two holes and add a sucker for a 3-D effect. My oldest has surprised me by requesting a photo shoot each year!

I call this the "Lazy Mom's Valentine Box" ... it's simply a garbage can (a new, clean one!) ... it can't get any easier than that! Large opening for kids to get the Valentines in and out of as well.

Valentine's Day, like other holidays, can easily derail a diet. 

Keep yourself happy and healthy this year.

Check out the other posts, link up and add your own!

Check out some of the many Monday blog hops 

Katie,  Nikki, Kristy & Barb

The Motivation Monday team
Tiffany/Morgan/Wendy/Alisha/Betty
JenB/Brandi/Jen/Gwen /Theresa

Saturday Spotlight #13

I skipped my Saturday Spotlight last week, as Saturday fell on February 1 and I wanted to recap January that day ... and this week? Well, I just haven't gotten around to getting much reading in myself. As I posted yesterday, it's been quite a week. I think baby boy is finally feeling better, but yesterday was a crappy day (and I mean that in a literal sense, as he was having potty problems). For the reading I did get in this week, SO many of the posts the past few days seemed were reactions to The Biggest Loser (I did my own post on this topic too). 

As I personally don't have a lot to share this week, I thought I'd link you up with bloggers who do similar spotlights, link love and reading recommendations. Since I started doing this, I really notice when I find other bloggers doing it also...

• Success Along the Way posts a "What I'm Reading" list every Friday. Lots of interesting links.
• Strength and Sunshine features a "Blog Posts I Loved This Week" each Friday. 
• The Lean Green Bean's Bean Bytes  ... she's been doing this for a while!
• Healthy Helper's Link Love ... another list of favorites.
• Fitting It All In does a Five Things Friday and "posts I loved" are included there.
• Running With Spoons ... link love on Sundays (also a link up!)
• OliveToRun does a LinksOLoved post
• Daily Moves & Grooves does a Fascinating Friday Links 
• The Fit Knitter does a monthly review of favorite food/fitting (& knitting) links.

I appreciate bloggers who take the time to share stories or articles that they found interesting.  I'm sure those spotlighted enjoy getting links back to their site as well. I know I enjoy hearing about something I might have missed ... or if it is something I have already read, I have an "aha, we're so in-sync" moment with that blogger.

Do you recommend good reads to others out there?

What a Week and Weigh-In #30

No loss this week. Up a couple ounces. Average weight is up slightly too. I actually had a 3.4 pound jump after Superbowl Sunday. Happily it dropped back down the very next day. Yesterday's weigh-in was a nice, new low ... but it didn't stick around for my "official" weigh-in this morning. But overall, fairly steady (superbowl snacking notwithstanding).

It's actually been quite a difficult week! Monday and Tuesday (up until the afternoon) were great. I was back on track after the weekend. Then I got the call ...

#1 son: Mom, ummm, there's been an accident (wailing in the background).

Me: WHAT?

#1 son: It's ok, Keaton is fine ... but he kind of fell out of the truck.

Me: WHAT?

#1: I guess I took off before he was in, and he fell out. He is scraped up pretty bad. Maybe a sprain.

Me: But he's ok? Let me talk to him (some sobbing from #3 son and "I don't want to talk about it"). 

#1: You don't need to come. I'll bring him home.

Call#2: Ma'm, this is the paramedic on scene. We'd like to transport your son to the hospital.

... I quickly made arrangements for a neighbor to pick up the two little ones from elementary school and rushed to the scene. A couple fire trucks, an ambulance, police cars barricading the road. Normally #1 son or I pick up the boys in a church parking lot next to the school, but #1 had been running a little late, so #3 was waiting by the side of the road. He was climbing in (#1 had Daddy's truck, which is raised up and takes a little "climbing" to get in to) when #1 saw a break in traffic and wanted to make a u-turn before more cars came. #3 was NOT ready and as the truck pulled out and swung around, #3 tumbled from the truck into the middle of the road, skidding across the street. Witnesses watching, seeing a young boy tossed from a moving vehicle called 911.

#3 was trundled up on the stretcher, neck brace on ... with his ipod on playing a game of Bejeweled. I'd asked the paramedics to wait the 5 minutes until I got there. Please don't think me callous, but I did want to be sure a trip in the ambulance and afternoon in the ER was really required. #3 (who is an infamous hypochondriac) actually said he was ok and didn't need to go. Other than the abrasions, he didn't seem overly-injured. He had not actually been hit by the truck or another car. He hadn't hit his head or lost consciousness. I did decide to bring him home and watch him there. #1 son received a ticket for having an unrestrained passenger (that is putting it mildly) but I think he felt guilty enough so I didn't chastise him further.

I got #3 home, we washed his leg, put on antibiotic and got him bandaged up and resting. He seemed fine, and was even able to walk without a limp or pain. I picked up #4 and #5 from the neighbors and took #5 to scouts. He got dropped off a bit later ... and went straight to bed and fell asleep (unusual for him). When he woke up, he was complaining of a headache and was running a fever :(

I had the flu in December, and Daddy had the flu last month. We'd both been absolutely miserable and sick for a solid week. So I was a bit worried about my baby boy. Hubby's fever had spiked (actually hitting 105°!) so I was keeping an extra close eye on my little one. He has been sick since then, but hasn't gotten too bad (eating and drinking, fever; but not too high).

My mornings ... usually I'm up, checking email, waking #2 and #3 and hitting the elliptical first thing. These past few mornings I've been checking on baby boy, giving him medication, refreshing his drink and getting him anything else he needs. Then washing and re-bandaging #3's leg ... those "nonstick" sterile pads? They STICK! I miss my usual morning routine.

When I'm stressed ... it affects my eating in one of two ways. Either I just almost unconsciously grab stuff and shove it in my mouth, or I lose my appetite all together. This has been the latter, which I guess is the preferable of the two. So I have done a decent job of keeping calories in check through all this. At this point, I'm feeling a bit run down and I've been feeling some cravings kick in.

So, that was MY week.  For my numbers ... Calories in averaged at 2157, calories out averaged 2827 (goal is 2000 in 3000 out, so not quite there). I actually had a total weekly deficit of 3067 ... almost the 3500 goal. I did still bump up into the 150s ... one of these weeks I'm going to stay under the entire time! I'm going to keep plugging away.

Check in on my Day to Day Doings for further details of each day if you like. I decided to try Jillian Michael's No More Trouble Zones for some resistance training this month. I'm doing it on Mondays and Wednesdays, then my weight workout on Fridays (do I have the energy to do it today? I did NOT want to do NMTZ this past Wednesday, but I did!) I've been getting in my cardio each day as well.

How did you do this past week?

How does stress affect your eating?

 

Check in with the Follow Through Friday gals and recap your week!
Aubrey Leigh//Candra//Jodi//Mel//Val//Cait//Jacquelyn//Jennifer

Also linking up with Fitness Friday at Fitness, Health and Happiness.

Thoughts on The Biggest Loser

I've been on my own weight loss journey for almost eight years now. You would think I would have had some interest in The Biggest Loser during this time, but this year was the first time I ever watched the show. Much of that was simply due to the fact that I only watch TV while working out, and previously, I didn't have a way of watching "live" programming in my home gym. Since discovering Roku/PlayOn, I have been able to watch current shows ... although I'm always behind, as I have to wait for the networks to post the program to their website.

So ... I'm a day late in watching and talking about The Biggest Loser. I'd actually planned on writing up a blog post from the start (even before the controversial conclusion this year that has social media buzzing). So although I already knew  the results, had seen the pictures and heard others opinions, I went ahead and watched the finale yesterday.  My "Thinking Out Loud" topic this fine Thursday will be some of my thoughts on The Biggest Loser (coming from someone who has never watched it before) ... the entire season, not just the end result.

• Comparison & Competition: At first I was a little put off by the entire concept. We are taught NOT to compare ourselves to others. Weight loss is an individual process. I realize this is pretty essential to the "game" but it's still a little difficult to get over the negative aspect of competition to lose weight. Really the only person I want to beat or compare myself against is me.
• Challenges: I've always liked the challenges in "Survivor" ... but some of these Biggest Loser challenges just rubbed me a little wrong. I wasn't sure why "chance" was included (rolling the dice to determine how many buckets of water the team could carry), why not just let them compete fairly? Forcing them to eat candy and unhealthy foods? The equipment auction was actually interesting ... equipment/gadgets are great, motivating and helpful, but not absolutely necessary.
• Commercialization: I realize the show is sponsored and endorsements help pay the costs, but the pushing of products was eye-rolling for me. All the commercial interruptions too (especially there in the finale!) ... I was very happy I had it recorded so I could fast forward through all the breaks.
• The Caffeine Controversy: Before the big finale fiasco, there was the caffeine controversy (remember that?). On one hand, I wondered if it was just an attempt to get a popular player (Reuben) back on the show. My other thought was "is this tacit endorsement of caffeine pills" by the show as a whole? If the pills were considered "cheating" enough to take such action ... does that imply that they do actually help someone lose weight?
• Therapy: Not that I thought the trainers gave bad advice or anything, but when the trainers would sit down and talk with the contestants and delve into their backgrounds and such, I would wonder if they had a background in psychology. The show did bring in physicians, dieticians and make-over experts ... perhaps they should have a trained professional to analyze and offer therapy.
• Food, Fitness & Numbers: If you follow my blog, you know I'm a numbers gal. I would have liked to have a little more information on how many calories the contestants were eating (if they WERE tracking, I would assume so but I don't know), exercise estimates for their workouts (did they have a body media or other tracker, I thought I saw something on their arm). Were trainers and contestants allowed to crunch numbers? I'm assuming they weren't allowed to step on a scale other than the official weigh-in. I would just like to have more info on some of the background details. The day to day stuff interests the OCD in me.
• Sizes & Makeovers: I had to wonder at the sizes spouted during the show. When Rachel put on the size 8 jeans. They showed a picture of her wearing them and she looked a lot smaller than when she put them on in the show. I personally felt smaller than Rachel at that point (we are similar in height/weight at that point) and I still was wearing a size 10. At the finale when Chelsea said her dress was a size 6 ... again, doing a little of that comparison I said I should not do... I don't fit into a size 6 although I feel similar (even smaller) in size/shape.  It was fun to see the changes in the makeovers though. Even with my weight loss, I still don't feel comfortable in form fitting clothes, belts, bright colors or sleeveless shirts. I could absolutely sympathize with Marie and the hair cutting. I would feel the same way (that said, she did look great!). I laughed a little as Chelsea went back to no bangs after the makeover show. The change in David ... wow!
• Travel & The Utah Connection: It was so much fun to see the contestants come to Utah and to the Olympic Oval, which is just minutes away from my home (My Olympic Oval Experience). We're lucky to have such a nice venue accessible.  But this episode also re-enforced my fears about vacation and travel. I'm such a homebody and need to stay "on the ranch" so to speak.

Back the the show's conclusion. In the second to the last episode, Rachel was favored by far as the triathlon winner. If she had NOT won that automatic spot ... she would have been eliminated that week as she only lost one pound, less than any other contestant. I had wondered if she "threw" that week (I wasn't sure how the final weigh-in worked, if it was a total loss, or a loss from that show to the finale ... as I said, I hadn't ever watched the show before).

Rachel had been seen as a favorite to win for weeks ... but I wondered. Going against David and Bobby, who had both shown HUGE losses from one weigh-in to the next in previous shows and who still had weight left to lose. Rachel didn't  (Jay had been in a similar situation). I really wondered HOW Rachel could possibly win ... I guess I (and everyone) saw that she still could, but... The number cruncher in me wonders at what weight she could have still won (and if that would have still been an underweight number). Anyone with better math skills than me want to crunch some numbers?

Anyway ... will I watch "The Biggest Loser" again? Probably. It is amazing to see the transformations take place. It will be interesting to see the ramifications of this season's finale and how that impacts the show in the future.

... I think I'll also consider finishing up the season as an NSV.  I was on my elliptical working out for every moment watching The Biggest Loser. I don't mind pressing pause and coming back to my episode (I don't watch it all in one sitting ...er, standing/stepping). What will I watch now ...

**Update ... just thought I'd post a link to a more recent interview where Rachel has put on a few pounds and looks healthier (Biggest Loser Update) and it will be interesting to continue to check in. Good luck to Rachel! 

My Steps Was Counted

Yesterday started great, ended ... not so great. I got up and got in my first session on my elliptical. Then I got the kidlets to school (carpool x2, middle school and elementary) and then stopped off at zumba. As I mentioned a few weeks ago (I Hope You Dance) this is a fairly low-key class ... not that I have anything to compare it to, but everyone else seems to get mega calorie burns. But it's close, convenient and free, and I do get in quite a few steps and it's a decent, different workout from my usual elliptical/treadmill/bike. I am actually looking forward to it each week at this point. My HRM and Fitbit were over 100 calories different on their estimations ... you know I'm a bit OCD about my numbers.

For the past three Tuesdays, I've hit 10K by 10 a.m. 

That actually used to be one of my goals. I don't hit it very often anymore, as the mornings are often busy with other things, but on Tuesdays ... with 20 minutes on the elliptical and then an hour of zumba, I do.

I joined Gym Pact (now just Pact) at the start of this year, when they incorporated auto-syncs with Fitbit (10,000 steps count as a workout). I had stayed away from Pact previously, knowing I usually did smaller, 20 minute workouts, and that I'd probably forget to log in and out to register my workouts. But 10,000 steps a day? I can do that no problem! Yesterday, I was happy to see my sync register so quickly. I do have to laugh a little at the grammar, as "Fitbit steps" is substituted for the normal "workout" wording. My steps WAS counted ...

It was a good thing I did get my workout in early (I still did additional elliptical, treadmill and bike later in the day) as the afternoon and evening ... well let's just say they did NOT go according to plan. I've got my baby boy home today with a fever. It kicked in last night. Both hubby and I have had the horrible flu (I think mine was the seasonal, his the H1N1) which laid us low for a solid week. I'm sure hoping baby boy doesn't have either version. That was one thing. There was also an accident involving #3 after school during pickup. He's ok, but really banged up and bruised but we're lucky it wasn't worse. Between the two issues, I really had a hard time focusing last night! Luckily, instead of stress-eating, I lost my appetite completely.

Not sure how today will go ... #5 is home sick. My folks are running out to watch him while I go to the middle school for a college/career class for #2. I'll make a quick run to the store for additional bandages/supplies for #3 while they are around. But this does perhaps open up my evening, which previously had been booked with a basketball game (that #3 is now not up for playing) and a basketball event (Junior Jazz Player Appearance, which #5 is too sick to attend). 

Checking in with Weigh-In Wednesday, weight was actually down this morning (about at last Friday's weigh-in weight, which is nice after the 3.5 gain after Superbowl Sunday's smorgasbord) ... check back in on Friday for a full week recap and my official weekly weigh-in.

How is YOUR week going?

Walking with Walgreens

Do you have a Walgreens near you? As part of their balance rewards program, you can earn $$ rewards just for walking! A while back, I did a Reaping the Rewards post, mentioning the various programs out there that offer incentives for activity (if you wanted a little something more than weight loss and better health *Ü*). Since then I've been updating with my experiences with the different programs (Everymove Update, Achievemint Update). I originally signed up for the Walgreens balance rewards and linked up my Fitbit last summer, so I've had a bit of time to work with it.

Unlike some of the other programs, the Walgreens rewards are fairly limited. They only sync with Fitbit, BodyMedia, Wirthings and Omron. You can input activity and weigh-ins manually ... but it's SO much easier when it links and syncs automatically. You can just set it up and forget about it and start earning.

There are limitations to the Walgreens walking program. You can only earn 1000 points per month from your steps. I usually hit it a few days into the month. That's equal to $1. You do need to get to 5000 points ($5) before you can redeem anything. If you hang onto your points though, they do gain additional value ...

So ... it's not a HUGE reward. You can earn about $12 credit through steps each year. This does need to be used toward a Walgreens purchase. I can see why Walgreens is offering this return. Before I heard about the walking rewards, I didn't really pay any attention to their balance rewards program. Now, being linked up, I do check out their ad and have made some purchases, earning additional rewards that way. Just before Christmas, I redeemed 30,000 points (9000 of those had been earned through walking and weigh-ins) and got $35 off my purchase. I was pretty happy with that.

So if you have a Walgreens nearby (they have decent online deals often with free shipping over $25 if you don't) and you have a Fitbit/BodyMedia/Wirthings/Omron, or are willing to enter your activity yourself, it's a rewards program worth checking out. Walgreens Balance Rewards (I'm in no way associated with Walgreens other than simply shopping there occasionally and earning my rewards).

Linking up with Lisa and Kristin for Tips and Tricks Tuesday! I also stumbled up another Walgreens Rewards Walking article. Check it out for even more info and another recommendation. Then go get off the computer and get walking! *Ü*

Motivation Monday - It's the Eating

The theme for today's Motivation Monday is "Healthy Treats" ... now admittedly, the "food" portion of this whole "weight loss/be healthy" lifestyle is my challenge. Prior to 2006, both the eating right and the exercise were pretty much non-existent in my life.  Then, it happened. I never actually "dieted" but did have some stress-induced non-eating for a couple weeks. I started walking, then added weights and got down to my goal weight quick and easy. And while exercise became an integral part of my life from then on ... the eating? I've never mastered the eating. So even though I stayed active, the weight crept back on over the years. 

Ah ... the eating. Part of the problem for me is that I'm just SO picky (Eating Issues). Always have been. So as I look through the magazines and blogs and people tout their "healthy" meals, recipes and snacks ...  nothin.  So I'll check out all the offerings and bookmark some to try for the hubs and kids, but 99% of them aren't going to work for me. 

I just have to try to control the calories at least. MFP has been a big help with keeping track of it all. I'm trying to make "healthier" choices and I am doing better than I was before (at least the 30 pound loss since I started my food diary would seem to reflect that).

It was NOT a good weekend though. TOM was visiting with a vengeance and some cravings kicked in. Superbowl Sunday we had our smorgasbord ...steak, chicken, mashed potatoes and Superbowl sugar cookies for dessert.  

NOT a healthy treat! *Ü*
But yummy ... I only make these once a year.

Yes ... weight is UP this morning.

Getting back on track... we'll see how quickly I can reverse the effects.

As far as actual healthy snacks ...

I'm pretty basic. No recipes or anything. I'll usually grab a banana or some grapes. Or these (pictured above) prepared apple slices. Why not just a whole apple? Well, I do keep some of those on hand too, but these "crunch pack" apple slices are just easier to eat, so they get eaten more often. They are a staple in our home. They are great for lunches (they don't brown) and there is less waste (you can just grab a couple slices if that's all you want). Mozzarella cheese is a quick, individually proportioned, easy to grab snack too. I prefer the Babybel, but the kids like the "string" cheese. Many magazines and websites tout the health benefits of chocolate milk after a workout ... I don't indulge in it often, but sometimes it does just hit the spot. My kids are picky, they ONLY like the TruMoo brand (which has less sugar than the other brands, so I guess that's a good thing).  

Link up with the Motivation Monday team
Tiffany/Morgan/Wendy/Alisha/Betty
JenB/Brandi/Jen/Gwen /Theresa

What are YOUR food challenges?

Do you have any healthy treats to share?

Visit the other blogs, and join in yourself! 

... also linking up with some of the many other Monday blog hops out there. 

Katie,  Nikki, Kristy & Barb

You don't have to stick with the theme "Healthy Snacks" theme to join in here, but if you wanted a "writer's prompt" so to speak, check out the upcoming topics (here).  Be thinking of your favorite cardio, favorite resistance training, top tips for weight loss, progress pictures, inspirations ... blog hops are a great way to interact with other bloggers on this same journey! The link-up doesn't close for a few more days, so you still have time to join in the fun! *Ü*

January Recap

Time to look back at the month, at 2014 thus far ...  after my Disappointing December it was nice to feel physically able to get back to exercise.  Hit my goals (see right sidebar) 17 out of the 31 days.  It's just hard to get in enough exercise with the demands of the weekends (Friday schedule shifts, Saturday basketball games, church on Sunday). I'm pretty happy with this.

A closer look at the cardio ...

I dropped my elliptical requirements from 100 minutes (had it set to this for 2013) to 60 minutes. This is simply MY designated number, a pretty random pick. Admittedly, since changing my "streaks" requirement, I have NOT hit 100 minutes on the elliptical nearly as often ... but I have gotten more marks on my "Mile" and "Bike" and I think mixing it up a bit is a good thing.  But back to just 60 minutes on the elliptical a day ... I should be able to get quite a streak for that, maybe even an entire month. Didn't make it in January though ... maybe February (it IS a short month after all). Shall we call that a goal for next month?

On the days I did a different activity (zumba, cardio dvd, wii fit, ping pong) or something that didn't quite make it onto one of the other streaks boards (say 30-40 minutes of elliptical) I marked it here. If you layer and look at all the streaks, you'll see I did workout every day.

Here's another calendar.

All activity at a glance!

  Strength Training

 

I was happy with my strength training results. At the end of the year, I decided to switch my "weights" days to Friday. I was a little worried that I might not get them in, but I did good this month. True, I missed the first Friday (but DID do them Monday, December 30 so I did get them in that week).  There was a "Jillian January" challenge going on ... I didn't officially join it, but I had it there in the back of my mind and felt pretty good about what I got done.  My first day back, I did my final workout of Ripped in 30 (I had been doing it before I got sick and had the one final workout left). Then I did 30DS for the rest of the month ... the first week I did one day of each level. Then I did one week of each level. I tried Jillian's "Yoga Meltdown" once. Not sure what I'm planning for February (repeat Ripped? No More Trouble Zones or Shred it with Weights?) ... I had better decide by Monday!

For food ... staying under 2000 calories shouldn't be such a challenge, but it's all about the food choices. The empty calories add up quick. Some days I was just barely over, other days ... over by quite a bit. I felt like I did pretty good (for me) on my "Feeling Fruity" streak. Some yummy grapefruit helped out with that this month.

Intake vs Burn

 Had some cross-over and touching a times ...

Need to do better keeping those lines apart.

I'd like to bump up the exercise average just a bit.

Get the eating average under 2000.

Looking back, on January 1, I weighed in at 153.9. Yesterday morning, January 31 ... 148.7. So that's a drop of 5.2 pounds for the month. I'll take it! I was 153.3 at the start of December though, so it doesn't look as impressive when I take that into consideration. I am quite happy with where I'm at though. I'm feeling good about myself most of the time, although I know there is still oodles of room for improvement. I'll continue to work toward losing a little more, dropping body fat, but I'm not obsessed with hitting my goal weight (135) as much as I am not going back above 150.

How was your January?

January 2014 Daily Doings

• 0101 (Wednesday) NEW YEARS DAY. Ok Day. Weight 153.9. Fitbit Steps 10998. Total Burn 2271. Calories in 2300. Calories out 559. Exercise: 60minElliptical. We slept in and had a relaxing morning (I did get a workout or two in) then headed up to Maga's for her annual Pastry Wreath. It is a delectable dish that I'm not sure of the calorie count at all, but I'm sure it's up there! Already had quite an increase on the scale ... I blame the ChexMix from last night (sugar,butter,cornsyrup poured over the cereal ... it's addictive and so easy to just keep eating all night). Did get in another workout before bed, but even with double the actual exercise of yesterday, my other activity didn't add up to much, so my Fitbit burn/adjustment was less than yesterday.
• 0102 (Thursday) Good Day. Weight 154.5. Fitbit Steps 23577. Total Burn 2951. Calories in 1400. Calories out 1239. Exercise: 100minElliptical. 1.5mileTrack. Oh dear ... the weight is UP. I think that motivated/mortified me enough to have a good day today. I actually totally planned on giving Jillian a try, but I did get caught up in blogging/computer stuff that took up a little too much time. Just trying to get caught up so I don't feel behind going into the new year. But did get in my elliptical, and in the evening, when #2 had his game at the gym with the track above, I took my shoes and did a little jogging while we waited for his game to begin (then I went down to man the video camera. I would have liked to jog the whole time, but oh well). I was about 50 calories shy of "official" goal, but I'm gonna say this was a GOT TO GOAL day!
• 0103 (Friday) Ok Day. Weight 151.6. Fitbit Steps 16170. Total Burn 2506. Calories in 2100. Calories out 807. Exercise: 60minElliptical. I really wanted to get to some weights today, I had the energy and the desire, but not the time. Had to run to several stores for party prep purchases. The boys (2&3) went to the high school in the evening to watch the basketball games there.
• 0104 (Saturday) Bad Day. Weight 151.7. Fitbit Steps 16537. Total Burn 2642. Calories in 2800. Calories out 943. Exercise: 60minElliptical. Got up and got in some cardio before starting on the party prep and cleaning the house. We had the baptism for #5, then had the family over to the house after. We broke out the chocolate fountain and had chicken salad on croissants, chips and a veggie tray. Yes, I indulged. SO glad to have this done and over with though!
• 0105 (Sunday) Bad Day. Weight 152.2. Fitbit Steps 13284. Total Burn 2404. Calories in 2550. Calories out 712. Exercise: 60minElliptical. Last year out church time was 11:00-2:00. This year it switches to 1:00-4:00. The family hates it, but I actually don't mind. I thought we were switching to the 9:00-12:00, which most people prefer, but I wasn't willing to give up my Sunday sleep in. This does make for a relaxing morning where I can get in a couple workouts and still do our big Sunday Circle breakfast. It does interfere with naps ... there's not really time for that, but that's not all bad.
• 0106 (Monday) Good Day. Weight 151.4. Fitbit Steps 29179. Total Burn 3259. Calories in 2600. Calories out 1570. Exercise: 100minElliptical, 60min/3.5miles Treadmill, 38min/10miles Bike, Ripped in 30 Level 4.  So happy and excited to get back to the routine! Felt good today, although running a whole mile was tough (first time since being sick). Back on carpool duty, hit Sam'sClub on the way home from dropping off the munchkins to school. Had Papa Murphy Monday, and I did partake of some pizza (white sauce and cheese, had them leave the toppings off half of hubby's chicken garlic) and I made homemade oreos. It had been a while! There were no leftovers. Played Apples to Apples as a family.
• 0107 (Tuesday) Good Day. Weight 152.0. Fitbit Steps 26821. Total Burn 3265. Calories in 2000. Calories out 1563. Exercise: 100minElliptical, 1mile Treadmill, 8mile Bike, 30Ds Level 1. In addition to exercise, I did my volunteer shift and the elementary school and did some grocery shopping. Lots of running kids places after school (scouts, playdate, basketball practice and an interview for a school assignment). I was quite ready for bed at 10:00! 
• 0108 (Wednesday) Good Day. Weight 151.9. Fitbit Steps 25469. Total Burn 3022. Calories in 2200. Calories out 1314. Exercise: 100minElliptical, 30min/1.5mileTreadmill, 30DS Level 2. I was feeling a little worn down from my workouts, I figured it would be a good day to get my nails done. I still got in my exercise and errands (drycleaning, grocery shopping). #3 had a basketball game in the evening. I got in a little walking (around the gym) while we were waiting for the game to start. They won.
• 0109 (Thursday) Good Day. Weight 151.7. Fitbit Steps 26059. Total Burn 3088. Calories in 1550. Calories out 1388. Exercise: 100minElliptical, 8milesBike, 1mileTreadmill, 30DS Level 3. Didn't have a lot on deck during the day (got my exercise in) but the afternoon was rather packed. #4 did NOT want to go to basketball practice, so I let it slide. The older boys had basketball at the church, #3 had practice and #2 had a game (they won). Really tried to control the calories today.
• 0110 (Friday) Ok Day. Weight 150.1. Fitbit Steps 19037. Total Burn 2767. Calories in 2300. Calories out 1076. Exercise: 60minElliptical, 10milesBike, 1mileTreadmill, 60minWeights & 10minHula. Friday schedules are screwed up. Normally I sleep in a little, as the middle schoolers have late start, but #2 had a 6:30 basketball practice. I had to go back to the school to pick him up after dropping off the elementary kids, then back again to drop the middle kids off. Three trips to the middle school by 10am. I stopped at the store on the way home for groceries/prescription refill. Got in some exercise before the elementary early out. Hubby and I went out (it's been a while since our last "date") to Red Robin for an early dinner. Got there just in time to beat the rush.
• 0111 (Saturday) Bad Day. Weight 151.1. Fitbit Steps 19236. Total Burn 2671. Calories in 2800. Calories out 975. Exercise: 60minElliptical, 30min/2.5milesTrack. Hubby and some of the boys went out to Kneaders for breakfast, I figured I'd resist temptation (and #4, fellow homebody didn't want to go either and I couldn't leave him home alone) but then grabbed some cold cereal that I'm betting added up to what I would have eaten had I gone with the guys. #5 had his basketball game at 12:00. I took my shoes and jogged the track during their practice portion, and during the two quarters he wasn't in. When he was playing I ran down and got some video highlights. It was a very disrupted run, but I figure I got about 2.5 miles in. I DID resist stopping for donuts, even though we drove right past the shop. I was controlling calories ok, and had a couple more basketball games (for #4 and #2, Daddy took #3 to his which overlapped with the two I was watching). Wins all around today. But Daddy and the boys had gone to Chick-fila and I indulged in some chicken nuggets. Then Daddy made malts and I did partake. High calories that my track time and elliptical exercise couldn't combat.
• 0112 (Sunday) Bad Day. Weight 153.1. Fitbit Steps 12301. Total Burn 2344. Calories in 2900. Calories out 632. Exercise: 60minElliptical. Slow Sunday ... sleep in and church take out a chunk of time. Sunday circles in the morning, and everyone was clamoring for homemade oreos, so I made them. And ate them. They are so yummy!
• 0113 (Monday) Good Day. Weight 153.9. Fitbit Steps 30447. Total Burn 3346. Calories in 1900. Calories out 1641. Exercise: 90minElliptical, 60min/4.25miles Treadmill, 30minBike, 30DS Level 1.  Back to the routine, and I was ready to be back. Weight was up. Got in all my exercise and kept calories under control. Hit 30K and got a footrub from hubby.
• 0114 (Tuesday) Good Day. Weight 152.7. Fitbit Steps 22498. Total Burn 3034. Calories in 2500. Calories out 1332. Exercise: 60minElliptical, 30minBike, 30DS Level 1, 50min Zumba. Our church was offering a free Zumba class. I've never done a class, and I've never done Zumba. This was way out of my comfort zone, but I did it. It was just ok though. The instructor wasn't great. It was free and I guess you get what you pay for. Did my volunteering at the elementary. We'd had so much fun playing games with Grandparents on New Years, I was thinking we should make it a monthly (or weekly) activity. We had my folks over tonight. I made haystacks for dinner and we played games. Hubby isn't feeling well though. Flu?
• 0115 (Wednesday) Good Day. Weight 152.0. Fitbit Steps 22973. Total Burn 2913. Calories in 1400. Calories out 1211. Exercise: 70minElliptical, 1mileTreadmill, 30DS Level 1.  Hubby attempted to go to work, but realized he couldn't fight the flu. He came back home and was down for the day. His medication wore off, but he was sleeping (fitfully). I guess I should have awakened him to take some ibuprofen, because his temperature spiked to 105°. With medicine and cool cloths we were able to get it down. Gonna keep medication on a schedule until we're sure it's passed. With hubby home, I didn't get in quite as much cardio. I'm still counting it as a "good" day, as I only missed my burn goal by 87 and I did keep intake in check. #3 had a game in the evening. It was a little rough, he got a bad bloody nose. I was just glad when it was over (we won).
•  0116 (Thursday) Good Day. Weight 151.6. Fitbit Steps 23900. Total Burn 3157. Calories in 1700. Calories out 1463. Exercise: 80minElliptical, 30minBike, 1mileTreadmill (jog, 12min), JM Yoga Meltdown. Not a great night, I wanted to be sure hubby got his medication on schedule (around 3am), so I was awake before that and couldn't get back to sleep after. He is still down today but doesn't seem as bad as yesterday. Got in my exercise and a quick grocery store run. Hubby and #1 son did a derby in the evening (hubby didn't feel he could cancel).  #4 had practice but he didn't want to go and I didn't feel like forcing him. He says he doesn't want to play basketball on a team anymore :(  #3 had church ball and #2 had a game. It was across town, which caused me a bit of anxiety. I do NOT like driving on freeways or in the dark, but at least the traffic wasn't too bad and the roads were clear. But these 9:00 games are just too late!
• 0117 (Friday) Pretty Good Day. Weight 149.9. Fitbit Steps 20365. Total Burn 2921. Calories in 1650. Calories out 1217. Exercise: 80minElliptical, 30minBike, Treadmill Mile, 60minWeights. #2 had 6:30 basketball practice, then I had to grab him at 8:30, then back to the school at 9:30 (dropping off the elementary kids in between, although #4 stayed home sick, even though he sure didn't seem very sick later in the day). Busy morning! Then early out for the elementary. But I did get in my cardio and weights. Hubby went to work today, but came home exhausted. #2 and #3 went to the high school games in the evening. I'm always glad when it ends and I can collect the kids and call it a night.  Didn't quite get to goal, but kept calories in check. Happy to be under 150!
• 0118 (Saturday) OK Day. Weight 149.5. Fitbit Steps 12427. Total Burn 2240. Calories in 1950. Calories out 553. Exercise: 20minElliptical, 1mileTrack. Wasn't feeling 100% today, not sure why. I totally slept in (till about 8:30) and then went and watched the boys play basketball (see the highlights HERE, my boys are 11, 2 & 14). Glad I was able to see the entire game and get video. I then hit the elliptical, but felt wiped after just 10 minutes (so I stopped). Had #5's game at 1:00 and did get in a little jogging around the track, but not much (we were running late and then he played 3 of the 4 quarters). #4 had a game but he has been not wanting to play, so I didn't force him. Games for #3 and #2 later in the day. Then we met family at a local pizza joint (I have a white sauce/cheese "pizza" ... it's basically breadsticks). Did 10 more minutes on the elliptical to end the day.
• 0119 (Sunday) OK Day. Weight 149.6. Fitbit Steps 10949. Total Burn 2231. Calories in 2200. Calories out 535. Exercise: 60minElliptical. Got up and got in an elliptical session, felt better than yesterday so I did 20 minutes. Made breakfast, another elliptical, then church. French dip after church, and then cookie press cookies for dessert. Used my snowflake disk I got for Christmas. Ate too many cookies and probably will the next few days until they are gone ...
• 0120 (Monday) Pretty Good Day. Weight 151.1. Fitbit Steps 24420. Total Burn 2993. Calories in 2500. Calories out 1297. Exercise: 100minElliptical, 2mile/24minTreadmill, 30minBike, 30DS Level 2, 10minWiiFit. The boys were out for the MLK holiday. I slept in a bit,  hubby and the boys had to put up flags for boy scouts. Hubby picked up donuts (as an incentive for the boys) then had leftovers ... which he brought home. Donuts are deadly. I did eat. I got in oodles of exercise but ate back all my calories.
• 0121 (Tuesday) Pretty Good Day. Weight 152.1. Fitbit Steps 27431. Total Burn 3250. Calories in 2600. Calories out 1548. Exercise: 80minElliptical, 60minZumba, 1mile/12min Treadmill, 30minBike, 30DS Level 2. Today feels like a Monday, since yesterday wasn't the usual routine. Back to getting up at 6:00. I went ahead and went to Zumba again. I was able to hit 10K by 10am ... I used to do that regularly, but it has been a looooong time. Had my volunteer shift at the school, hit the store for some groceries and made dinner (chicken pillows). Daddy took the two little boys to scout Pack meeting. #1 went to watch his school basketball game and #2 went ice skating (at the Olympic Oval with friends). Just me and #3 home in the evening (he WANTED to go to the high school basketball game, but it was at the opposing school which has its complications).
• 0122 (Wednesday) Good Day. Weight 152.3. Fitbit Steps 27007. Total Burn 3201. Calories in 1700. Calories out 1469. Exercise: 80minElliptical, 1mileTreadmill, 30minBike, 30DS Level 2. Even though "technically" I've stayed under calories the past few days, weight has gone up. Not sure if it's incorrect counting on exercise or eating (or both), or just I'm not going to lose when eating 2500+ calories (even if I exercise) or if it's the types of foods (empty calories). Anyway, I was motivated enough to day that I really kept the eating in control. Decent food choices and kept calories down. It was actually a crazy frustrating day! I started on the laundry only to find out the dryer is not working. I asked a neighbor if I could "borrow" her dryer, and when I got back from dropping it off, the garage door went of the rail. This has happened before and I've been able to fix it, but it sure was difficult this time. I had to manually release the door and then I couldn't get it to reconnect. Finally I worked it out. When my neighbor called to let me know my clothes were done, the phone wasn't working! It rang, I could see who it was ala caller id, but I couldn't hear her, she couldn't hear me ... this had happened a few times in the past day or so but it always was the same number so I thought that ONE person was the problem, but it was the phone. So I spent some time chatting with customer service, got disconnected, and ended up just trying the ol "turn it off and turn it back on again" approach (resetting our PhonePower server) and that seemed to reset things ... the phone started ringing off the hook after that!  So anyway, NOT a great day but I'm glad I didn't resort to any emotional eating, instead working off some frustrations in exercise. Threw in a lasagna for dinner (homemade, but I make multiples and freeze them for easy dinners in the future) and then took #3 to his basketball game. They like us to get them there a little early, and then the game before went over. I tried to non-nonchalantly walk back and forth (most people are watching the game, right? They probably thought I was just a nervous parent pacing away) ... but I got in 2500 steps. The boys lost and #3 had a tough time keeping emotions in check. I wish he could just remember that in an hour it doesn't matter! If he makes a big deal of things (crying, getting mad) THAT will make people remember! Good sportsmanship is most important, you're a winner even if you don't win that particular game ... 
• 0123 (Thursday) Good Day. Weight 150.8. Fitbit Steps 26915. Total Burn 3031. Calories in 1350. Calories out 1346. Exercise: 80minElliptical, Treadmill Mile, 30minBike, 20minZumba. A negative net day, I don't do those often! Early out for the elementary. Just really kept calories in check and had a busy evening so I didn't get dinner in. Got in my cardio during the day, including trying out WiiZumba. Didn't get in any strength today (which was actually on plan). #3 had practice, #2 had a game ... they lost, first loss in this league.
• 0124 (Friday) Pretty Good Day. Weight 149.1. Fitbit Steps 15740. Total Burn 2561. Calories in 1900. Calories out 870. Exercise: 60minElliptical, Treadmill Mile, 60minWeights.  Could have slept in today as the kids didn't have school (teacher prep day for the end of the quarter) but #2 had 6:30 practice. Oh well, good to get up and started on the day. I was happy with weigh-in. I felt like I was on chauffeur duty in the morning though ... running the kid to/from practice, to the store for some new shoes, to his friend's house to hang out. I had #1 drive #3 to the high school when it was game time (watching the high school games) but then had to pick up the boys in the evening. Didn't get to goal, but an hour of weights (very few steps) does make that hard.
• 0125 (Saturday) Pretty Good Day. Weight 148.9. Fitbit Steps 19348. Total Burn 2639. Calories in 2150. Calories out 951. Exercise 60minElliptical, Track (2 miles). Did "French Toast Friday" yesterday, and "Saturday Circles" (pancakes) this morning. Yummy, but a pretty big (caloric) breakfast cuts into calories for the day. There had been a church game on the schedule but it got postponed. Bummer. #5 had his game at noon, I jogged during the practice portion and the one quarter he was on the bench, got in about 4000 steps. I wasn't feeling 100% and just told myself to walk, but I did end up jogging a good portion of the time. #4 had his game, and he actually went to it. They lost though. Pictures after. #3 had his game, overlapping with #2's game, so Daddy and I switched off. Two more losses ... and #3, I'm seriously wondering if we need to get him into counseling to get some anger management/coping skills. He isn't handling these games well. Daddy is ready to pull him from basketball completely and I'm pretty close. 
• 0126 (Sunday) Bad Day. Weight 149.0. Fitbit Steps 11534. Total Burn 2330. Calories in 2450. Calories out 657. Exercise: 40min Elliptical. 10minWiiFit. Nice to sleep in! Did our usual Sunday Circles (Belgian waffles) and had church. Hubby bought a new computer for the family yesterday and that made some changes needed. I worked all afternoon so we could switch desks in the kids homework room Hubby wasn't very happy to be moving furniture at 9:00 at night, but I needed to get the big stuff moved, then I can hopefully complete the cleanup and organizational stuff tomorrow. Still a ton of stuff to do, it will impact my Monday, but hubby and I have tickets to a show, so it was going to be impacted anyway. It was fun going through a bunch of the old photos and school stuff from the kids. They enjoyed the walk down memory lane too. Food was over ... I wouldn't have made toasted cheese sandwiches for myself, but everyone wanted one, and they did look yummy as I made them, so I did have a half. Also made brownies (I like to make a big batch and package them up for lunch treats) ... but also ate a little. 
• 0127 (Monday) Ok Day. Weight 151.5. Fitbit Steps 15959. Total Burn 2571. Calories in 2400. Calories out 898. Exercise: 40minElliptical. BUSY day today! I got in an elliptical first thing, then got the kids off to school and stopped at the store. Jumped on the elliptical gain ... and then didn't make it back down the rest of the day. Attacked my chaos from the room rearranging, dropped some stuff at DI (also grabbed a couple chairs there, returning the kitchen chairs to the table there). More cleanup while the repairman came for the dryer and fixed it! Yea, now I can do laundry (did some laundry). Hubby and I had tickets to "The Foreigner" at HCT, 4:00 matinee ... so sat for a couple of hours there. Then my folks came over for dinner and games. I was pretty wiped out by end of day. Food choices were not the best. Didn't eat much the first half of the day, splurged on some treats during the show and had some Papa Murphy's pizza (thin crust, white sauce, cheese) for dinner. 
• 0128 (Tuesday) Good Day. Weight 150.2. Fitbit Steps 28486. Total Burn 3235. Calories in 2000. Calories out 1567. Exercise: 100minElliptical, 60minZumba, Treadmill Mile, 30DS Level 3. Got my elliptical in first thing, then got the kids off to school. Went to Zumba at the church, still not uber impressed with my burn, but it's close, free and fits in my schedule. Got 10K by 10 a.m. again. Continued to get in workouts, as well as laundry catchup, continued cleaning and carpools.  Tuesday is also my volunteer day in #4's class at the elementary school. Spaghetti for dinner, although hubby didn't get home until late. Felt a little off in the evening, but I think it's just TOM time coming up. Really tried not to go overboard with calories and kept them in control. 
• 0129 (Wednesday) Good Day. Weight 149.3. Fitbit Steps 26392. Total Burn 3113. Calories in 1800. Calories out 1427. Exercise: 80minElliptical, 24min/2miles Treadmill, 30min/8miles Bike, 30DS Level 3. Happy to see the weight adjust after a good day. Got in some grocery shopping after kid carpools. I'm back on double duty carpool in the afternoons, as #1 son's school schedule has changed (he was picking up the middle school kids on his way home but not anymore).  Basketball game for #3 in the evening. Another loss, still some emotion but he handled it a bit better. The boys actually did a great job coming back from a first half where they couldn't get a basket (well, they had one point in the first quarter!) 
• 0130 (Thursday) Good Day. Weight 149.3. Fitbit Steps 29803. Total Burn 3285. Calories in 1900. Calories out 1602. Exercise: 80minElliptical, 60min/4.25miles Treadmill (mile/intervals/incline), 30min/8mile Bike. Also tried a Zumba DVD (The Firm/Latin Dance) but gave up after 10 minutes ... just couldn't follow the moves and my heart rate wasn't going up at all. Grabbed a few groceries after dropping off the kidlets, and then made chicken and wild rice soup. It makes a lot, so I took some to a neighbor as well. Stopped in for a bit to watch the three boys play a game at the church, then took #2 to his game. An easy in for them. Grabbed #3 from practice on the way home (#1 had taken him after the church game ended). TOM is here and it's annoying. Some cramping and such (luckily I don't usually have much trouble with that as I know so many women do).   
• 0131 (Friday) Ok Day. Weight 148.7. Fitbit Steps 19354. Total Burn 2825. Calories in 2100. Calories out 1140. Exercise: 80minElliptical, Treadmill Mile, 30min/8mile Bike, 60min Weights. Early morning basketball practice for #2, then carpools getting the kids to school. . #5 wasn't feeling well so I let him stay home from school. He wasn't too bad, but did have some potty problems that would have been an issue at school. Late start for the middle school, early out at the elementary (still had to go grab #4).  Still got in workouts ok, but not quite to goal. A little over on calories ... Friday French Toast for dinner. TOM is here with a vengeance this month!