December 6, 2013

Well that did not help my diet much haha! Thanksgiving really wouldn't have hurt my weight goal too much, but I stopped exercising for a whole week too. Yah, bad girl. My excuse is that it got really cold outside and I had another brief time of feeling possible pregnancy symptoms of queeziness that was probably just a sickness bug. So I gave myself a break and the last time I checked I was at 188. That was two days ago so maybe it has improved since then. I have rededicated myself to exercising in the morning and I tried out the 30 day Shred by Jillian Michael's which is a good strength training work out that lasts only 20 minutes. It left me so sore I was walking like a zombie with leg braces. Proof that this is something I need to work on. I might add that to my daily routine. Cardio in the morning, Strength during the baby's nap, and I am going back to recording the food I eat. I don't really understand why I keep slacking on that one but it is time to bump it up. I am also saying my prayers and reading my scriptures daily as well, so I am hoping that the Lord will help me stay motivated with this goal. I have still made a good step forward losing about 8lbs. Maybe this month I can get to 180, but you know I am going to shoot for better than that! I am still going to lose the baby weight before my Birthday! Let's get down to business!

November 27, 2013- Thanksgiving Eve

186 lbs! But this is also the hard part. I have 3 days to reach my goal for the month of 185, which is 1 lb away! This is going to be tough because two of those days are Thanksgiving days where I could eat just about anything and go back a pound. So the trick is not to go overboard and don't stress about it. The tough part is I haven't had sugar in a while and Thanksgiving is the one day I am allowed. I would sure like to have some, but if it ruins everything. I would hate that. Self tips: very little potatoes, all the turkey and veggies I want. Enjoy the sugar, but only one slice (assuming it's pie). Alright everyone I am 1/3 done with my goal! I can do this!

November 18, 2013

187 lbs people. That means I have almost lost 10 lbs! 20 more to go and I am pre-baby weight! Thank to Jillian Michael's Burn Fat Boost Metabolism workout that kicks my butt everyday and makes me feel like an active person. I think it's starting to show and I have been doing it for almost a month. just a reminder that my goal is to lose 30 lbs by my birthday, March 22nd. So I have about 4 months to finish 20 lbs. If I keep doing 5 every moth though...I think I can do it! *Note to self about losing weight after my next baby -If you are nursing drink TONS of water -Go easy on dinners -Go easy on sugar -Start slow then kick it in gear at 4-5 months, that's when I stopped feeling so wobbly. -Green bean spaghetti and other such alternatives are delicious! -Take time to play with the babies. It makes the rest of the day feel more fulfilling for everyone. *Note to self when I am pregnant to keep weight off -Pay attention to cravings and find out how to fulfill them with healthy things -Try some daily yoga and walking -No butter/easy on sugar -I PROMISE this will pass and you will feel in control again -Working out will make me less emotional Healthy Alternatives to Use *Spaghetti green bean spaghetti *Macaroni and cheese broccoli & cheese soup *Lasagna 1/4 mixed with salad *Ranch lemon juice *Eggs Poached or boiled *Bread Lettuce *Butter Avacado Cool huh?

November 4, 2013

Hey everyone! So I am almost at 190 right now. This is the part I really have to start pushing because that's a number I haven't seen in a while and I think that will be great to see for me to stay motivated. i think I can make it happen today. I ate a good breakfast and I have made a bet with my husband that I can't have sugar this month in exception for Thanksgiving with moderation. If I fail I have to eat a habanero pepper in his presence. That's pretty good incentive right? Ha ha! Man it's tough though. Already I am noticing again how easy it is to dip your finger into a bowl of frosting, or batter that someone is making. It's quite a challenge to get out of that habit. My husband is also very kind to me because he thinks he can make up exceptions for me like "dark chocolate is okay if you only eat one." He is so cute and I wish he were right but if you bend a little in the beginning you brake down fast of your goals. So I am staying strong. One fun snack I found on Pinterest that my sister tried is apple slices and cucumber slices with lemon juice all over. It's refreshing, zesty, and mixes things up for my curious taste buds. I love it. I also made fruit water with the same stuff as a detox and it is so nice to drink in the morning and after my workout. Keep track of me people! I'm changing! Forgot to mention that I have been doing Jillian Michael's Banish Fat Boost Metabolism circuit training workout on YouTube for going on 2 weeks every morning. It's 50 min and a bucket of sweat. I am feeling more balanced and confident. My body feels firmer and responds better when I challenge it. That sounds funny but when I was prego and postpartum my hips were all achy and elastic, and I was careful about round ligaments etc. This made me walk like an old lady. Well that's far behind me now, as least until I am ready for the next baby and it feels GOOD!

October 21, 2013

My weight has been a bit up and down these past two weeks and I realize that although I have been learning a lot of fantastic tips in my research to lose weight I am wasting my time sitting. Time that I should be spending getting my heart rate up, making healthy food. I want to be a champion. I want to be proud of myself again and I am going to need help. I am going to try hard to workout with my baby in tow and truly run for my babies. I am going to put my hair up and let the sweat drip. I am going to let the pain happen. I am not wasting time anymore. I am going to make a difference and a sacrifice and I am going to try my hardest to make the time I have with my baby and husband my reward to be earned! I want to be able to eat without fear because I am making good choices. This is my pledge. I have done it before and I will do it again. I am putting away my scale today. I am not going to step on it for a week and when I do I will have lost 5 lbs. I am serious now. I pledge it on my sweat and tears. GO!

October 7 2013

I lost five lbs last month....YYYYYYYYEEEEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSSSS!
Goal number two 5 lbs this month.

September 23, 2013

Okay there are a lot of special occasions coming up that might encourager me to lose track and splurge waaaay too much on calories. For example tonight we are going to an expensive restaurant to celebrate my best friend's anniversary. SO! I have done some research ahead of time to keep myself a little in check. So I went to Pinterest: My new favorite well on knowledge, and I found some great tips.

1. Drink before you eat (sometimes we mix up our need for liquids with our need for food)
2. Eat with your eyes. (Notice what you eat and love every bite because food is good!)
3. Chew slower (( More time to enjoy and digest)
4. Don't go all out on the appetizer (It's usually oily or bad carbs)
5. Have an apple before you go. (That way you can bring home any food you are not hungry for)
6. De stress yourself (Isn't that why you give up on your goals? Stress? Time? So calm down!)
7. For emotional eaters (Imagine something you love to do) weird tip but if all you need is a picker upper. Use your mind instead of your mouth! Cool huh?! And it works!

There is a lot more, but these ones hit me as things that would help me. Try it!

September 18th, 2013

It's been a while since I have been on here, but basically I have lost 2 lbs with my new calorie awareness diet. I use a website called Calorie Lookup http://calorielookup.com/ . It helps me keep track of what I have eaten and it makes me more aware of the stuff I shouldn't be. For example did you know 1 tbs of butter is 100 cal? I know you must be thinking "duh, cuz it's butter!" but that hasn't stopped anyone from using it now has it? I love butter, but after I learned about this I was like...mmm peaches & cinnamon sound better. Did you know a peach is only 48 calories? Yah! Skip the butter and eat two peaches instead with a few calories to spare. I'm willing to bet you will be more full too! Bottom line is I am learning a lot and I still have days when I could do better. Like the other day I had my favorite fattening pasta from Cheesecake Factory, but if I keep things burning the way I have been I am not going to regret a little splurge day. Especially with my darling husband! Oh one more thing. I am going to try jogging in the morning with my baby now. I stopped early today because she looked sleepy, but I finally feel more comfortable with the idea and I think my body is finally healed from childbirth. My hips were never quite the same for a while. But now when I run I feel like I can really take off now. How happy!

September 7, 2013

I have already lost one pound in the 3 days I have been watching how many calories I eat. If you are smart about trying to feel full and still be counting those suckers protein really does feel like the way to go. I am considering buying some of that Whey protein powder shakes that my brother tells me about a good deal.  i think this might finally be the thing I should have been going for from the start. :)

September 7, 2013- I don't know why I said November last time. I'm waaay off.

I found an interesting blog on how to lose 30lbs in 30 days. I am going to try to follow it the best I can but knowing my luck I might lose 5 lbs. Hey at least it would be SOME progress. It says to eat a lot of lean protien, no carbs past 4, and drink ALOT of water. It also has an exercise routine for the week mapped out:

Monday- Upper body (pushups, curls, rows, back curls, 2 min run)
repeated 3 times no rests
Tuesday -Lower body (squats, lunges, 1min run, sit ups, reverse sit ups 1min plank)
 repeated 3 times no rests
Wednesday- Cardio - My running day or P90X
We can assume no rests
Repeat and rest Saturday and Sunday.
 
Cool! I will have a go.

November 4, 2013- A New Goal

Okay kids here is the deal. I haven't lost any weight at all and I am already in the middle of the deadline I have set for myself. Therefore I am starting again, but this time I am going for the Ulitmate goal I have always wanted to reach. I want to lose 55lbs by my birthday on March 22. That will make me 140 lbs total. So you are probably thinking..."Okay silly girl if you can't even lose one pound in a month in a half how are you going to lose 55 lbs in 7-8months?" Well I am doing the research here and I figured out that my BMI is over 30 (Obese, which seems wierd because I honestly don't think I look it.) And if I consume only 1,240 calories a day, this should be possible according to this website. So i am going to start this thing over and primarily focuse on what I consume. Don't worry. "Amber will run" but for now lets try to wait out the summer and stick to indoor cardio stuff. I am not giving up here folks. I am just trying again. Please keep reading my updates and posting comments. I need them.

 (http://caloriecount.about.com/tools/calories-goal?metric=0&start_weight=195&weight=140&calculate=1&gender=female&age=23&feet=5&inches=3&activity_level=2&goal_date_month=3&goal_date_day=22&goal_date_year=2014&x=83&y=16)

FYI this week I ran on Monday, did some crunches on Tuesday and today I am going to try doing some P90X. Bytheway, some of these things are hard to do when your baby is napping.. :)

Day 35 & 36

Saturday I ran so many errands I felt like I was going to crash. Grocery shopping can be quite the workout too. Yesterday I also did P90X again. I love doing it. It feels like jogging when it;s too hot outside. No results to report still. I also got another F in nutrition yesterday when I ate a bowl of ice cream. I have no excuse . It was yummy.

I just got a job to be a nanny! I am so excited to start. betcha that will make me lose weight so long as I hold off on the little hot dogs and macaroni that everyone feeds their kids these days!

Day 33

Just did one of the cardio P90X workouts. It felt great!

Day 31 &32

Yesterday I did unofficial exercise because the baby was really fussy and I had my work cut out trying to bounce and dance and sway to make her happy. Today I need to exercise today though because I have been eating out of boredom and not very healthy. Stay on target!

Day 30? Lets just say 30.

I ran yesterday and the day before. Today I am working in it amd believe me I am going to try, but I am so excited for the heat to calm down. I am so anxious about it and you know running helps when I am anxious. So I am definitely doing what I said I would do. I just wish I could lose 30 lbs...Oh my gosh...I just thought of something...What if I am pregnant? That would make me keep on weight right? I'm on the pill though. But I have heard sometimes...Oh boy I better check!

Day ...hang on... fri, sat, sun, mon, tues...3 days later than my last entry? Oops....

Okay so here is the update. The last time I blogged I had just chopped down a tree...As an extension of that day's entry my darling husband took me on a romantic date to Tempe Park and we walked for about an hour together. See?! That is the kind of living that keeps people skinny! Making it a part of your lifestyle and not even worrying about if you exercised or not! I need to practice that.
Since then I tried working out early in the morning, when the baby is still sleeping, Michael has gone to work, and the house is clean. It kinda worked. I get my heart rate up pretty good if I dance instead of jog in place. I have also made an effort to eat better, but my first month is almost officially up and I have only lost one stinkin' pound!! So the question is...how dedicated am I willing to be? It sounds like I need to be constantly focused on this project if any results are going to show. Guess all I can do is keep it up, but I might have to just take the heat and keep running. Sounds like an awful idea...Jeesh let's see what I can do first.

Day 23

Yesterday I ran very well because it was finally cool outside. I have been eating better as well. Today I am forfeiting my run because I had fun with my darlin husband chopping down my Mother-in-law's tree. My arms are very sore and I got a little blister becauseI forgot to wear gloves the first half hour we were at it. Now THAT is my type of exercise!

Day 22

HELP! I just ate two slices of pizza. It's too hot outside to run, but I have to do SOMETHING or I will go crazy. I need to hold on to my goal or I will never get it. Especially in the three month period I gave myself. I need to start again. I am sure every dieter says that. I guess I wouldn't have to start over if I didn't keep puttering out tho. Alright guys. Here we go again. I am going to wake up early to workout and find alternatives for unhealthy food. I will even keep score in a notebook or something for how many times I give in. That will make me more aware of how many times I do. The key to change is being aware of the problem. Let's see what this experiment will yield? I am soooo running tonight or I am going to go crazy!!!! AAaaaah!

20& 21

I tried out the workout that I designed the other day. The 10 min run indoors is kind of a hard part. Especially since running in place feels so ridiculous and it is much harder for me to get my heart rate up than if I was actually launching forward, so I tried doing burpies. This is a pretty good alternative because it makes my thighs really burn from jumps and recoils. I am also working REALLY hard on eating better, but frankly I think I am going to get pretty hungry if I am going to lose the weight I want. I know that sounds like a red flag to those who are educated about dieting, but I am still trying to learn about the healthy choices that satisfy me without having to eat two bags of cut celery before I feels full for lunch. This is harder than it looks. Good news though. I lost ONE pound. Jeesh! This is not easy stuff.

Day 19

On Saturday I ran again, this time with my sister Haley. That was nice because I don't get a lot of one on one time with some of my sisters sometimes. It was a bit short though because Haley started hurting really bad in her back, and she had been excited to run much more than even I had planned to. She is no wimp. I haven't checked on her yet. I will today. Like I said I am starting my diet alot better today. It's always easier to start on a Monday and I am going to do that workout I have been planning on. Let's see how it feels...

Day 17 & 18

The other day I decided to switch things up and do some hard core...ab exercises instead of run. I probably should have done more, but it feels good to work out other muscle groups sometimes. I practically spoiled it all by going out to a delicious Chinese dinner with my mother-in-law who just got back from vacationing in Indiana.
Yesterday I am ashamed to say I did NOTHING! I feel fat for it too. Even though one day isn't going to kill anyone. It's starting to feel like a downward spiral. Especially since I haven't lost anything, but not gained either. It's just not an easy thing to go running in the morning when I have the baby to look after, mid-day when it is SUPER hot, and afternoon when I only have so much time to spend with my darlin husband before he goes to bed at 8. So I have had to rethink all of this. I am going to redesign this whole project. I will still run, but I am going to do it in the early morning (more time in the day) and in my house (not hot),. The trouble is making sure I follow through because it is so easy to sit on the couch when every sit up puts you face to face with it. So here is the new workout I am going to try out.

100 crunches
20 squats
20 push-ups
10 eagles
100 supermans
10 min run
REPEAT thrice

Does that sound like a good enough workout? I will try it out. Ususally I would put jumping jacks in there too, but I still pee. One more thing. No meat this week and no white bread. We are going to kick this darn thing in gear!

Day 16

Let's just say not only do run for my baby...today I ran GOOD!

Day 15

Yesterday I jogged one lap but it was hot so I decided to pump some iron to make up for it.  Which consisted of using my brother's eight pound weights.

Today I took a break because I had a bad dream that my baby was going to get shots from the doctor.  A few hours later I got a phone call confirming an appointment to do just that.  I always have a hard time watching my baby get shots because she is not old enough to understand what's going on.  I cried more that she did.  So my darling husband took us out to DQ and later we ordered pizza and watched funny youtube videos.  I was so grateful.  Running starts again tomorrow.

13 &14

I forgot to blog on Saturday and Sunday, so here is the update On Saturday we did a final clean up for my Brother-in-law's family when they get back from Utah. We moved everything, cleaned the carpets, and did dishes, and took care of the baby all day. We were so tired and it was so late that I decided this clean up job counted as sufficient workout. We also spent the night because my baby was already asleep and we were bushed. Sunday I never workout more than basic house cleaning, but I decided that this week was too full of junk food because unfortunately I have not lost any weight. Therefore I have concluded that I need to pay more attention to my dieting. You can't outrun a bad diet! Here we go week 3!

Day 12

It's Friday! I ran early and pumped weights so I would have time for a date with my darin husband! See ya!

Day 11

Today is Thursday. Pretty much my favorite day besides Friday because it's the day before Friday. I got another F on nutrition because I ate very fatty chicken wings. Not fatty because they are wings instead of something healthier. I felt like I was biting into BBQ FAT! So I am devoting my lovely weekend to fruits and veggies and I promise to hold to it like I have been to running at least for a few days. What good is running if you just eat fat? Also I did not go running today, but I did do 15 min of some pretty hard cardiovascular-ity on my carpet. I know it sounds like I am losing hold on my journey to do 3 months of solid running. Therefore I rededicate myself to that endeavor as well. I will not give up!!1 lb fat

Day 10

You know how sometimes you will watch a movie about apples and how good they taste and you just have to have one after that? We me and my darlin husband Michael were watching  "Stranger Than Fiction" and there is a whole scene where the girl is talking about how good it is to eat a warm gooey cookie and milk at the end of a hard day. Honestly we paused it right there, made cookies and basically ate them for lunch. So I go an F on nutrition yesterday, but I still ran really good. I think it;s important to enjoy life once in a while though. Let's face it. Sometimes a cookie is all that's keeping the world from crumbling sometimes...like a cookie.

Day 9

Yesterday I ran up and down my block again. And by that I mean 2 laps. That might nit sound like much but it is a very long street in front of our house and it is quite a challenge to get from stop sign to stop sign without giving out. I feel like I am starting to run faster though. Not long still, but a bit stronger. If this is the progress I have made in just over a week I cannot wait to see how I feel in another week!-

Day 7&8

I finally got to try that wrap! We didn't really weight or measure me though before and after, but let me tell ya I feel more tone around my tummy. How cool! Okay I promise to weight myself today because  I am dying to learn if I have been making progress. I intend to run as usual today, but again I am not sure when. Mondays are always full of things I could not do during the weekend. Lets tackle week two!Here are some  pictures I found on Pinterest that I like a lot! The Reason I Chose 3 months as my Goal and A Funny Picture Incentive.

Day 6

Yesterday I had decided to take my running down a notch for a little recovery from my last run. I am very sore from last time, but once I got going I ran about as hard as I did last time on my block. That just means more progress! I think I will set a goal that in two weeks I will run 2 laps without walking once. Usually I walk at least half of one lap to catch my breath. Next time I won't need to! I am so glad I started blogging because it makes me feel like I have a partner that I have to be accountable to. Thank you to whoever reads this because it is another incentive to continue. Today I get to try that wrap I was talking about earlier. Let's see how much results I get. Just know that even if I didn't get much out of this whole thing physically my brain feels soo much better. Running is a good therapy for worry-warts like me. Although I may not have improved my life situation in any solid way, I feel better coming home to it after a run.
I just did an 8 min ab workout in place of my running today so that I get some more core muscle going on. Flat tummy here I come! Tomorrow is Sunday so I am taking a break to set goals and recuperate. I might blog some thoughts, but if not you are not missing a thing. 1 week complete!

P.S. I don't run with any Ipod but this is my favorite jogging/jumping jack song. It's a good tempo!
Jump- Van Halen

Day 5

I realize that I am reporting about the day before more than on the present day, so know that when the post's name is "Day 5" I am reporting on Day 6. Just thought I would clear that up. Well congratulate me because yesterday I ran about two miles with my Dad. He is headed of to India and Thailand for two weeks for work and this was a really good opportunity for me to catch up with him. And when I say "catch up" I mean verbally because I could not keep up with him for more than a lap. He is such a great example to me because I think five years ago he shattered his ankle in our front yard and has not only made a full recovery, but is back out in the heat running again. I love him so much. I think I might have overdone it a bit in the heat though because I had a headache and a red face for most of the rest of the day. I'll have to be more careful. From what I can tell I haven't lost poundage yet, but not so much of my post pregnancy tummy jiggles, so I still feel successful. I think I am going to try jogging when we get home from our Friday night date, but I did work really hard cleaning the house and trying to add some design to the place. Maybe I burned some calories there too? Wishful thinking I'm sure, but don't worry! I'm still going! P.S. Bought fruits and veggies. Now I have to eat them in place of stuff I would usually eat. Ha!

Day 4

Well yesterday was a tough day because I spent two hours on the phone trying to figure out how to change some of my insurance information. I was on hold for a very long time and got very sick of answering machines. My dear husband saw me crying and just took me out. I needed out of the house sooo bad. It was too dark to run outside when I got back so I ended up doing a lot of bunny hops anf jogging in place. Best I could do that day. Today I am going to try to do one of those lemon water cleanses. And soon I am going to try one of those wraps  with one of my friends that make you lose weight too! Can't wait!

Day 3

Today is day three of my project to lose 30 lbs in three months. To be honest i need a new battery for my scale but the last time I checked my weight I was about 195. I don't care if I tell you that because obviously it is going to change. I just don't know how much progress I have made yet. Unfortunately yesterday would have also been an excellent day to run, but I got stuck helping a sister of mine with homework. I don't feel too bad though because earlier my darling husband Michael held me feet and urged me to do 20 more sit ups than I otherwise would have done and I am good and sore. Today I will try running again, but I have to wait for Michael to come home so someone can watch the baby for a few minutes.
I am still adjusting to this whole waiting thing. My baby is taking her mid day nap and I am stuck here wondering how I can help my husband make more money, how I can be productive, or clean an already clean house. I even took the time to get pretty today and I feel kind of stuck here. I can't wait to run. I always feel better. I think I will post something that motivates me on this blog as a therapy for my current state of mind

.One of my favorites- No Limbs

This man always makes me laugh and feel inspired to keep going.

Day 1 & 2

My name is Amber Thurber! I just had a baby 3 months ago and I love her so very much! Before we learned I was pregnant with her I was told that the chances of me having a baby without medical intervention was very small. I was told I needed to lose weight and this would help with the chances. True to my doctors advice I went on to lose 50 lbs that year and voila! I have the most beautiful baby girl ever, but I gained 30 lbs back. That's not too bad, but I am astounded at what I was able to achieve and I want to do it again. I am going to do all I can (healthily) to lose 30 lbs or more in 3 months. I am using this blog as my motivation to keep going every day and post things that help me in my journey to feel like a success. This is day 2. Yesterday (Day1) I went running in the rain after some of the hottest weather Arizona ever had and it felt GREAT! I am going to do things like that everyday. Today I am going to try to run and do sit ups. Wish it were as cool today as it was yesterday. The heat presents quite a challenge. I'm going to have to revamp my diet too. All I have right now is tortillas, pasta, and eggs. Not the best start. That will be my goal to finish this week. Restock my fridge with fruits and veggies! That will be fun.
Here we go!