A New Weight Loss Adventure December 6, 2009

I can’t believe it has been nearly a year since I last posted on this blog. This year has brought about so many changes. I wish that I could say that they were all good but unfortunately they were not. I gained a significant amount of weight from a prescribed medication, struggled with a new diagnosis of hypothyroidism, lost my brother to cancer, had very precious things stolen from me, and my physical and emotional health was tested. But now it is time to clear the cobwebs off this blog, get back to living, and start crossing things off of my life list.

In the next few weeks I will be writing about my new weight loss adventure, one that is somewhat of an experiment and more of a jumpstart to several changes I will be making in my life in 2010. Stay tuned…this weight loss adventure is one you’ll want to hear about.

Medicinal Hiccup! January 25, 2009

It is no secret now that I suffer from what my doctor has called post-partum depression. But I wonder, when is it no longer considered post-partum and just called depression? My daughter is now two so I figure I should just call it just plain ole depression. But no matter what I call it, it still looms day after day. I have learned to deal with it in my own way although some days are better than others. In DecemberI wrote about being back from hiatus and being ready to get on the weight loss wagon yet again but not long after writing that post I started a new anti-depressant. This “happy pill” came with side effects that have left me about ten plus pounds heavier just since I started taking it on December 16th (and frankly isn’t so happy). YIKES! While I did indulge a couple of times over the holidays I have to say I did quite well with eating. After reading the information that comes with my prescription, I learned that weight gain is indeed a side effect of the medication. This is a major problem for me, one in which I will need to talk with my doctor about.  I can’t be on a medication that causes me to gain weight. That would make all of my hard work seem in vain. Putting weight on doesn’t do much for my self esteem either. It seems counterproductive in my efforts to lift the depression fog. Despite my medicinal hiccup I haven’t given up hope. I will continue fighting my weight loss battle and one way or another, I will succeed! Anyone else off to a mediocre start of living their Best Life in 2009?

Photos from the Show December 20, 2008

Here are photos from the show. Mike Roberts, Cindy Preszler, Stephanie Zoller, & Wendy Erikson are wonderful people. Enjoy!
   
     
   

   

   

Back from Hiatus December 20, 2008

     My weight loss journey took an unexpected hiatus and I will explain more about that at a later date. But I am back and raring to go. Ok, “raring” is a strong word. I know that I need to continue and will do so at my own pace. Losing 4 or more pounds a week like I did in the competition isn’t realistic for me. I hated having to miss the finale but with me and my kids having strep throat, I probably did everyone a favor by not being there. Congrats to Lisa, my driving partner throughout the competition. You deserve the trip to Jamaica.

Argh! I’m Up for Elimination…PLEASE VOTE FOR ME! October 22, 2008

     Unfortunately my percentage of weight loss was not enough this week therefore I am up for elimination. I desperately need your help to stay in the competition. My unbelievable monthly ability to retain more water than is in all the oceans is altering the numbers on the scale even though I’ve had the best two weeks in regards to eating right, exercising often, and not cheating. On Monday during our challenge I fell and injured my knee. They did a wonderful job of editing it out of the show. This setback is rather irritating as I feel like I’ve had one hurdle after another to jump during this competition. I was so upset because I was literally inches away from winning immunity, which I desperately needed, then I came crashing to the ground. 

     I am asking for your help. PLEASE VOTE FOR ME today after 3 pm, Thursday, and before 11 am on Friday. I realize you are very busy but voting as many times as you can on as many computers as you can is crucial. The week I was up for elimination there was a total of 3000 votes among four people. Last elimination there was a total of 8000 votes among four people and we believe that most of those votes were for one person. YIKES! 8000 votes will be tough to compete with but I believe we can do it.

     I ask that you follow the directions below to vote and then PLEASE cut and paste this into a NEW email and send it to everyone you know. If you are talking to someone on the phone, ask them to vote. EVERY vote is important! You are able to vote one time per day PER COMPUTER…so vote on every computer at your home, school, office, and library (and even on your cell phone) every day for the next three days! If you have Facebook and/or MySpace accounts, post it there and invite all of your friends to vote.

To sum it up…

• Vote TODAY (Wednesday) after 3 pm
• Vote THURSDAY all day
• Vote FRIDAY until 11 am

To vote (on every computer you can) click on the following link: http://www.ksdk.com/sales/splash/lose_ton/vote.aspx

     The results will be announced LIVE on Show Me St. Louis (NewsChannel 5) at 3pm. After voting I would love to hear from everyone. Feel free to drop me an email at reller@centurytel.net.  If you would like to follow my weight loss journey and/or follow my efforts to “green” Lincoln County continue reading this blog at www.losingaton.wordpress.com or my other blog at www.greenthelinc.wordpress.com.

     I appreciate your support and look forward to hearing from everyone soon.  Oh and don’t forget to tell everyone you know!

 

 

Yet Another Hurdle to Jump October 20, 2008

     This competition is a microcosm of life. I never know what will be thrown at me next. I have had my fair share of struggles & hurdles to jump just as all of you have. The challenge today was all about “clowning around” which was appropriate given it was in cooperation with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. Unfortunately clowning around took on new meaning for me when I clumsily fell during the challenge and injured my knee.

     Originally the challenge was to be held at the Scottrade Center but due to union rules we were not able to go in the building. Our challenge moved outdoors across the street near the Metrolink station. Wearing our clown noses and hats we ran up and down several large concrete blocks, spun plates on a stick while zigzagging around cones, hula hooped ten times, & sprinted to the finish line. The person with the best time would win four VIP tickets to the circus, a stuffed circus elephant, two programs, and most importantly, immunity. Immunity is what everyone hopes for and is what I was counting on. Lisa and I were the last two to run the course. It was a close race to the very end. Then right at the finish line I came crashing down.

     When I realized what had happened I was overcome by emotion and anger. I imagined this is what it would feel like jumping hurdles in the Olympics, thinking you’ve earned a gold medal, and then you trip on the last hurdle. And poof! Just like that the dream is gone in a flash. Ok…so I am being a little dramatic here but if you know how competitive I am, my response will not surprise you. This competition is much like an Olympic hurdle race in more ways than the literal one. In my earlier posts The Underdog and On the Edge…of Giving UpI wrote about all of the hurdles I’ve had to jump during this competition including my brother nearly passing away due to complications from cancer, struggling with PCOS, and trying to find a balance in being a wife & mother and finding time for myself, among many other things. Today’s events will be added to the list.

     Today’s fall has had profound consequences. Not only did it prevent me from earning the much needed immunity for this week’s weigh-in but it may have lasting affects on how I workout from this point forward. And with the weigh-in looming, I can do nothing right now but lay here with ice on my knee and pour my feelings into this post.

     I am so angered and embarrassed by my performance today. I can deal with losing fair and square but losing like this is a blow to my self-esteem and honestly, there wasn’t much of that to begin with. Add falling (& failing) on TV to the mix and it makes me an emotional mess. For those of you who have been following my blog you know that today’s fall is just adding insult to injury (no pun intended). I was just beginning to find balance in my life, feeling good about my progress, and thinking more positively. And now this.

     Today I received a tetanus shot because of the open wound on my knee, a brace to prevent it from twisting & minimize swelling, and medication.  The doctor said my knee was already beginning to turn purple evidence of a badly bruised knee cap and to look for swelling over the next couple of days. That said, yes, it does hurt but it could have been much worse. I know that life will continue throwing curve balls at me or insist I jump hurdle after endless hurdle but know that my spirit will never waver. I have to trust that God knows what is best for me. In conclusion, I’ve chosen to work through the pain and not lose sight of my goals.

My injured knee three days after falling.

Brooke & Lisa during the Ringling Bros. Challenge

Just Clowing Around

Queen of Emotional Eating October 13, 2008

     Some would call it falling off the wagon, others might say it is just a bump in the road, but I say it is my reality. I have an unhealthy relationship with food. I see myself as the ”Queen of Emotional Eating.” This is a title I do not wear proudly but it is evident I struggle with it daily. Weigh-in weeks are especially hard for me emotionally; we have a challenge on Monday, the weigh-in on Wednesday, and then someone is eliminated on Friday. The pressure of performing well and the stress of not knowing if my hard work was enough to keep me from being eliminated interrupts my progress and has me spiraling (or eating) out of control. Wednesday and Thursday were no exception.

     The emotional damage from this week’s weigh-in and meeting my new trainer hit me with bruit force. All I have wanted to do is eat. And when I eat, I am in some euphoric state difficult to describe. It is like nothing in the world matters to me. So, with great regret I gave into my emotions and indulged Wednesday and Thursday. I ate at IHOP, Ponderosa, & had Chinese food in the course of two days. YIKES! Yes, at the time it felt & tasted so good to eat this high-calorie, fat laden food and to escape my emotional roller coaster momentarily but I have to admit I paid the price. The impact on my blood sugar was profound. I ended up not feeling well at all and regretting my decision. My normal thought process is to “beat” myself up over making such a poor decision and just give up. But rather than throwing in the towel and thinking I’ve just cost myself the competition, I’ve decided tomorrow is a new day. I understand my poor judgement may have consequences that will appear on the scale. In an effort to counter balance the extra calories I’ve eaten I will be adding another hour of cardio to my exercise routine each day for the next seven days and doing more lunges & squats than I ever thought possible.

     I have learned through this competition that eating the things you like in moderation, no matter how many calories they have, is key. Thinking back about what I have eaten in the last two weeks I now believe that I had deprived myself of too many favorite foods for too long. I believe this clouded my judgment and ultimately led to my inability to have self-control. This experience has forced me to reexamine my unhealthy relationship with food. I realize now how destructive this relationship can be to my self-confidence and my goals & dreams. I now have another item to add to my life list; develop a healthier relationship with food and learn to view it as fuel, not as a crutch to get me through the day. My relationship with food will not defeat me!

Sparking People to Live Healthier October 10, 2008

     I have struggled with weight issues throughout my adult life. At my heaviest I weighed 192 pounds, at my lightest about 110 pounds. At 5′1″ that is a lot of weight to carry on a small frame. I’ve been up and down so many times I keep clothes that range in size from size 6 to size 20 in my closet because I never know what size I’m going to be. Over the years I’ve often prayed for someone to help me; someone to show me what & how to eat and someone to give advice based on my health status and lifestyle. I desperately wanted someone to give me the tools necessary to successfully battle the scale and all of the other issues that go along with being heavy like high cholesterol and high blood pressure. I swore to myself that if I heard someone say that I ‘just need to watch what I eat and exercise’ one more time I would scream. Instead I’d just go home and eat, not because I’m hungry but because when I am upset eating seems to make me feel better.  Do I have stupid written on my forehead? I am intelligent enough to know that diet & exercise are the key to losing weight, I was just desperate for a program tailor made for me. A realistic program that wouldn’t cost me a fortune and require an absurd amount of my time. Luckily a friend of mine introduced me to SparkPeople.com.

     SparkPeople.com is a wonderful website. It is their mission to SPARK millions of PEOPLE to reach their goals and live healthier lives. They offer nutrition, health, and fitness tools, support, and resources that are 100% FREE. There you can learn how to eat healthier and exercise regularly for healthy, permanent weight loss. I am amazed at how user friendly it is and the amount of information I have at my fingertips. And people who don’t want to lose weight can still benefit from SparkPeople’s tools, resources and community features. In addition to informative articles and interactive tools, such as fitness trackers and meal plans, members can find support and encouragement from their community of members and experts.

     What I like about SparkPeople.com is that I have a personalized diet (or healthy lifestyle program) complete with meal plans, calorie counter, fitness plans & tracker, recipes, recipe calculator, exercise demos (yes, actual videos to show you the move, its just like having a personal trainer), and the ability to track any type of goal such as my goal of lowering my cholesterol. I have a personalized homepage & blog and can create SparkTeams for people with similar goals and interests or just for my friends. After all having a support system in any endeavor is incredibly important. SparkPeople.com’s diet program is all about burning more calories than you consume and it follows the American heart Association guidelines for a healthy lifestyle. Did I mention that this is completely FREE?!

     I know so many of you can relate to my weight loss struggles and are constantly looking for ways to overcome the obstacles you face in trying to lose weight. That is why I am sharing this wonderful & powerful ”tool” with you. SparkPeople.com can help you reach your goals, as I am living proof of it. Give it a try; I promise you will not be disappointed.

Being Camera Shy while on TV October 9, 2008

     Is it possible to stop hating the way I look in pictures and on camera? Watching myself on TV each week is a nauseating experience and listening to the sound of my voice when being interviewed makes me cringe. I often wonder how anyone can stand to listen to me speak. These feelings aren’t new to me as I have always avoided the camera and public speaking as much as possible. But I truly want to change that. I want to learn to accept how I look and sound and not let it hold me back anymore. The “me” on camera is far different than the me when I think no one is watching. I am normally laid back, talkative, and have a sense of humor. I am often asked why I chose teaching as a career if I am afraid of public speaking. Honestly, I don’t have a good answer for that. When teaching I’m in my element, especially when teaching science. I feel that I am a far better interviewer than interviewee.

     Some of you have noticed and asked why footage of me is not included (or is very limited) in many of the lose a ton segments. The only explanation I have is that I am a horrible interviewee, so much so that editing can’t help my cause. Or maybe I’m not a big enough personality on TV. Usually I am so focused on the challenge or the weigh-in at the moment I don’t have time to really think of something relevant to say while being filmed. Or just maybe they can’t stand the sound of my voice either…just kidding. Any advice for getting over being camera shy would be appreciated. I would love to be like Dana Hendrickson who has interviewed me several times during this competition. She is out-going, fun, down to Earth, and not afraid to take risks. Yes, I realize that television is what she does for a living but nevertheless, her personality on camera reminds me of my personality back when I used to be confident in my abilities.

October 8-Encouraging Weigh-In Results October 9, 2008

     The emotional roller coaster that I’ve been riding nearly derailed last week but somehow, maybe by the grace of God, I have averted disaster and managed to stay on track. I drove to the weigh-in this morning in complete delirium, sleep deprived, worried about my fate and anxious to see if MYhard word had been enough to prevent the emotional mayhem of possible elimination.  I stress the word “my” because I have been losing weight without the help of a trainer, without working out at the gym, and without eating the Seattle Sutton food all provided by KSDK for being in this competition. (If you are wondering why I am not utilizing these perks, read my earlier post titled “On the Edge…of Giving Up” which explains in detail my personal struggles while participating in this competition.)

     While many of my struggles have yet to be resolved, I am taking pride in knowing I’ve lost 6.5 pounds completely on my own; even though the odds were stacked against me. Strangely, as I left the weigh-in, I had the urge to listen to a Rascal Flatts CD that I hadn’t listened to in well over a year. The first song that played was “Stand.” In it they sing, “You feel like a candle in a hurricane, just like a picture with a broken frame. Alone and helpless like you’ve lost your fight, but you’ll be alright.” These words hit so close to home it brought tears to my eyes. Who hasn’t felt the weight of the world on their shoulders at some point in their life? The song continues, “Cause when push comes to shove you taste what you’re made of. You might bend till you break, cause its all you can take. On your knees you look up decide you’ve had enough. You get mad, you get strong, wipe your hands, shake it off. Then you stand.” WOW! It is as if they had a window into my soul when writing this song. It is so relevant to my current situation and, as I believe many of you can relate, relevant to my life as a whole.

     The last part of the song says, “Every time you get up and get back in the race, one more small piece of you starts to fall into place.” For me this statement is spot on; it couldn’t be any more true. This competition has forced me out of my comfort zone, made me look at my life in a whole new way, is helping me reclaim my self-confidence and find a positive self-image. I am more determined than ever to do every last thing on my life list. This competition has made me realize what the scale says really isn’t important in the bigger picture and that life is too short not to take risks, even if you have to embarrass yourself a little on TV.

     In closing, I encourage all of you to start a life list. Write everything you would like to do, try, and see in the short time we have on Earth (no matter how big or small the dream). It was my life list that prompted me to enter this contest despite my lack of self-confidence. I had no idea that making this one decision could profoundly change my life like it has and bring me ever so much closer to reaching my life’s goals & living my dreams.

Sore Muscles from a Short Workout October 2, 2008

When posting earlier that Monday’s rainy workout was a good one, I never imagined I would be so sore from it. I worked muscles I’d forgotten I had. Who would have thought that such simple exercises in a relatively short amount of time could do so much. If you missed the show on Tuesday, click here to watch the video clip from the show. It looks like we aren’t doing much but my sore muscle beg to differ. I plan to add some of these exercises to my daily routine and encourage you to do the same. You WILL feel the difference.

On the Edge…of Giving Up October 1, 2008

     This emotional roller coaster I am on is about to derail. Over the past couple of days my threshold of emotion has been breached and my post-partum depression, which has always been there secretly waiting in the wings, is roaring its ugly head. It all started last Wednesday at the weigh-in when I learned I had not lost enough weight to keep me safe from elimination. For three days I didn’t sleep continually worried about my fate and wondering if it was possible for me to have enough votes to stay. After learning I was safe live on TV Friday, my real life responsibilities rightfully came to the forefront and I quickly realized how selfish I have been with my time. I looked at my children and realized that they had grown tremendously both physically and intellectually during the five weeks of this competition and I missed it ALL! The guilt of focusing what little energy I have each day on working out, making sure I have babysitters for and allotting enough travel time to get to the challenges, group workouts, and weigh-ins, making sure to pick up my food from Seattle Sutton, and keeping up with my other responsibilities as a contestant has taken its toll on me.

     While the concept of Seattle Sutton’s Healthy Eating program is great, it isn’t realistic for me to eat one thing while my family eats something else. Not to mention I have found my intolerance to some of the items containing an abundance of soy (oil, protein, etc.) makes me physically ill and I vomit. So I have had to read through the indredients of every meal and choose only the items that have little or no soy included. Then I try to find healthy substitutes for the things I could not eat. How frustrating!

     As I have stated in earlier posts, living nearly 30 miles from my Club Fitness & trainer is another issue getting me down. Many of the other contestants only live 5-10 minutes from their club & trainer. If I didn’t have children or if my children were much older and able to care for themselves, working out at a club so far away may not be an issue. But when I schedule time with my trainer not only do I have to work around her schedule and the club’s babysitting schedule (no sitters in the afternoon), I have to figure in travel time, making sure the kids have been fed, clothed, and diapered (since they do not allow food & drink in the club’s babysitting area and they will not diaper the children either), and working around any other responsibilities we have. And if that wasn’t enough I was reviewing my budget last night and learned that I had doubled the amount spent on gasoline since the beginning of this competition. Ouch!

     Another issue getting me down is my support system, my husband. If any of you are familiar with the duties of a high school administrator you know that they have a stressful job; a job that requires them to be away from home most evenings of the week. I’m trying to keep that in mind but without him I feel like I am relying on my children, who are toddlers, for emotional support during this competition. We all know that is absurd. There are many times throughout this weight loss journey I’ve needed to share my struggles, needed an enormous amount of encouragement, and wanted to celebrate my triumphs but he never seems to be here. When his is here he goes into father mode, is working on his doctoral project, or is so wiped out from the day he falls asleep in his chair.

     And lastly my weight loss has stalled. I knew going into this competition I would be at a complete disadvantage with having PCOS and not having as much weight to lose as the other contestants. But I didn’t think it would be THIS much of an issue. For those of you who do not know, PCOS is a chronic hormonal disorder that causes a variety of problems including metabolic issues making it difficult to lose & keep off weight. Arrrgh!!!

     So I’ve considered giving up, forgoing my trainer, gym membership, food, and the possibility of winning a trip to Jamaica. Yes, I may sound like “Debby Downer” tonight but right now this IS my reality. What do I do? I don’t want to give up! I WANT to lose weight, I WANT to win this competition and take a much needed vacation to Jamaica, and I WANT to find a balance between making myself healthier and my responsibilities as a wife and mother. I suppose giving up really isn’t an option.

Today’s Group Workout…In the Rain September 29, 2008

This morning was not one of my best mornings. I was so tired I didn’t want to get out of bed much less get out of bed to travel to St. Louis and exercise. I forced myself out of bed, got ready not caring about the fact I would be on TV, grabbed an apple, and headed out the door. Traffic was slow because of the rain but Lisa and I made it to Forest Park without incident. All of us were coming up with excuses why we shouldn’t workout in the rain but ultimately it came down to the fact we didn’t want to get wet. We divided into our two teams and began working at stations doing lunges, planks, up-downs, etc. each for two minutes and running between each one. At the end of the workout we had to run to the top of Art Hill. Those of you who are familiar with Art Hill know that the hill is rather steep and long. I was huffin’ and puffin’ at the top but it felt pretty good. This workout may not seem like much of one but it kept my heart rate up which is key in burning fat. Overall I enjoyed working out in the rain. It reminded me of when I played soccer and playing in the rain as a kid. Today proves that the weather is not a good excuse for not working out. If I can do it, anyone can do it.

The Dreaded On-Air Elimination… September 27, 2008

WOW! What a crazy, emotional day! I got up this morning, worked out, and got ready for the on air elimination at the NewsChannel 5 studios in St. Louis not knowing my fate. With no one to watch the kids, my husband and I toted them along on the one hour and twenty minute trip from our house making sure there was plenty to keep them busy while at the station. Surprisingly I wasn’t nervous. I was actually excited to see all of the “behind the scenes” stuff that goes on at a television station. I’ve always been interested in that sort of thing but just haven’t had the opportunity to pursue it. Being an Earth & Space Science buff, I really wanted to see the weather center but the opportunity never presented itself. It was funny watching Wendy running all over the studio seemingly talking to herself (she was actually talking with the control room who was talking in her ear) and to see Deanne Lane without makeup on and dressed very casually (just as beautiful in person as she is on TV). Another highlight was meeting Alyssa Milano. For those of you who don’t remember she starred on “Who’s the Boss?” and more recently, “Charmed.” She was there promoting her new clothing line “Touch.” She graciously posed with me for a photo and gave me her autograph upon Dana Hendrickson’s suggestion (Thanks Dana!) since I was too embarrassed to bother her. But the best part of this crazy, emotional day was learning that I was safe from elimination! I am so grateful to all of those who voted for me; everyone in Lincoln County, Pike, St. Charles & St. Louis counties, and those from all over the country! Some of you I know, some of you I don’t…I’ve loved hearing from all of you. Thanks for sharing some of your own personal struggles and stories. Knowing that we are all fighting this battle together motivates me more than you’ll ever know. THANKS AGAIN EVERYONE!

Brooke with Alyssa Milano

Brooke & Alyssa Milano

Brooke with Wendy Erikson & Dana Hendrickson of Show Me St. Louis

“Mommy, why are you exercising so much? September 25, 2008

     Kids amaze me at what they understand and can remember at the youngest of ages. My children are no exception. My son, who is amazingly inquisitive, asked me why I was exercising so much. My initial thought was to tell him I was trying to lose weight, which is the ultimate goal of the competition. Luckily my better judgment came about, remembering how what I say and do impacts how he views himself now and will view himself in the future. So I chose to say, “I’m getting my heart healthy.” And as any toddler who doesn’t understand would ask, he asked why. I explained that my heart needs to stay healthy so I can live a long time like his great grandmother. I told him that by making good food choices like eating broccoli, apples, and fish, staying away from junk frood like chips and soda, and exercising everyday that I would have more energy to play with him and his sister.  Now every time he sees me put on my running shoes he asks if we are going to take a walk to get my heart healthy.  It makes me smile.

     My hope is that I instill healthy habits in my children. I don’t ever want them to think that the scale dictates their happiness. I’ve struggled with my own self-image for so long. It has negatively impacted every aspect of my life. It is time for me to break that vicious cycle, adopt a healthier more eco-friendly lifestyle, and teach my kids to embrace the body that God has given us.

Questions & Comments September 25, 2008

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Only Two Pounds but Many Inches September 25, 2008

Losing two pounds may not seem like a lot in two weeks but for me, it really is. After being sick and also dealing with the chronic symptoms of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), losing weight seemed impossible. But I’ve proved it can be done. Two pounds is more of a realistic and healthy weight loss anyway. More importantly I have lost SEVERAL inches! When I get the measurements from the dietician I will gladly post them so you can see for yourself.  Remember, I am up for elimination. I need YOUR HELP to stay in the competition. Vote on Thursday and on Friday (before noon) by clicking on the following link: http://www.ksdk.com/sales/splash/lose_ton/vote.aspx.  Your support is appreciated!

Weigh-In Results…Now I need your help! September 24, 2008

     We weighed in again this morning. Argh! The bad news is that I am in the bottom four and up for elimination. This wasn’t a shocker as I had been very sick with a cold and upper respiratory infection. Then the kids got it. There have been a lot of Kleenex used and many of sleepless nights in this house over the last two weeks.  Real life sometimes gets in the way of my goals…I’m sure you all can relate! The good news is that I’ve lost another two pounds for a total of 10 pounds! 

     Now I need your help! Please vote for me to stay in the competition! Voting has begun and you may vote once per day PER COMPUTER until Friday so vote on every computer in your office, school, home, library, and even on your cell phones & laptops! Please forward this link on and ask your family, friends, & co-workers to vote as well. I appreciate your support and would love to hear back from you all! Here is the link: http://www.ksdk.com/sales/splash/lose_ton/vote.aspx.

Stepping Out of My Comfort Zone September 16, 2008

     Participating in the Show Me St. Louis Lose a Ton Challenge has been a blessing. As a very camera shy person and one that lacks self-confidence, I’ve found this challenge is forcing me outside of my comfort zone. This is exactly why I decided to participate in the first place. On my life list I have a dream of making Lincoln County the first green county in Missouri. I’m thrilled to say that tomorrow I will take the first steps in making this happen. I am meeting with middle and high school students from the Troy R-3 school district who exude leadership skills and a genuine interest in making our community a better place to live. We will discuss the importance of recycling, what we can do to educate others about it, and brainstorm ways to get the community involved.

     I’m nervous about getting up in front of students and other teachers again. Lack of self-confidence is what has prevented me from doing this before now. It has been a very long time but I know with my passion for and knowledge of my subject matter (the environment) I will do great.

     I am passionate about education and truly believe that it is the key to solving many of the environmental issues we face. In an effort to educate others and provide a place for discussion on environmental issues both locally and globally, I have started another blog called “Green the Linc.” You can find it at www.greenthelinc.wordpress.com. Feel free to post comments, concerns, and ideas about ways we can tread lightly on our precious planet.

House of Germs & Our on Camera Workout September 16, 2008

     We, at our home, are living amidst a “House of Germs.” I have been sick since last Wednesday evening. Now my daughter is running fever and appears to have what I am now trying to get over. My son is also showing signs of getting sick. Who’s next? Well if the mission of the “House of Germs” holds true, my husband will be sick next.

     Exercising while ill has been interesting. I did cardio last Friday thinking I could just push my way through it and I did. But I paid a heavy price. I felt even worse after exercising. That setback cost me two more days of laying in bed with little energy to do much else. All I could do while laying there was think about how many calories I wouldn’t be able to burn. Obsessive isn’t it! But this IS a competition and the scale doesn’t care if I am sick or not.  The show must go on and whether or not I’m on it will depend on me getting well and back on my exercise regimine.

     Yesterday I forced myself to go in for the group workout at the Club Fitness in Creve Coeur. And yes, it was filmed for television. It was embarrassing not being able to workout like the other contestants. During my on camera interview, the camera man said that I looked as if I could pass out. While his statement made us all laugh, it was acutally true.

     Good news though, I am feeling ever so slightly better and have resumed my exercise routine. The only difference is I now have to carry massive amount of Kleenex with me. Oh well, it is a small price to pay.

Exercising at Home September 16, 2008

Living in Troy, Missouri, has provided some logistical problems with working out at the gym. The nearest Club Fitness is 30 minutes from my house in North O’Fallon. Throwing things into the mix like my kids, working around our babysitter’s (my mother-in-law) schedule, the babysitting availability at Club Fitness, and my husband’s busy schedule can sometimes make the thought of exercising at the gym overwhelming.

So I have decided on days I am not working with my personal trainer Heather I will workout at home. Taking that pressure off of myself has made an enormous difference in my attitude toward losing weight. I was beginning to resent the process because I felt the focus was more on keeping up with everyone else’s schedule. I’ve determined the key is to make this process work for me and with my schedule. Heather has taught me that I don’t need large pieces of expensive exercise equipment to workout. A few inexpensive pieces I like to use are:

• stability ball
• free weights
• yoga mat
• resistance bands
• balance trainer
• the stepper (or just a step on my stairs)
• a reusable water bottle (a simple way to keep plastic out of landfills)
• and last but not least, my own body weight!

Many of these items can be found at places like Walmart & Target. If you don’t have a treadmill at home find a good place to walk with hills, or at the very least a track at a local school. It is important to make sure you get your heart rate up for an extended period of time which will speed up your metabolism. I load up my two kids in a stroller and walk around my subdivision until I have sweat pouring off my body. That in itself is a great workout.

Keep in mind losing weight is about you. If working out at the gym isn’t an option, working out at home can be the perfect alternative!

Struggling to Find a Balance September 14, 2008

I’m still sick with a cold and upper respiratory infection. My daughter, who is 20 months, is also sick with the same thing and I will probably need to take her to the doctor for antibiotics. My three and a half year old son is still really active but is showing signs of getting sick as well. Argh! I’m so frustrated because I haven’t be able to workout. I tried doing that on Friday but made myself feel worse. The pressure of the contest, not being able workout, feeling horrible, and trying to manage my household is getting to me. Now that I am forced to find time for myself it has totally thrown everything else in my life off balance. Tomorrow we are meeting at Club Fitness for a group workout. Should I go and risk getting everyone else sick? Or do I stay home and miss out on the fun? The stress is making me want a great big, ice cold Coca-Cola and a giant bag of chips (yes, I am an emotional eater) and want to crawl back in bed for the day! Any suggestions or comments are welcome!

Weigh In Results…But Now I’m Sick! September 12, 2008

Wednesday was the first weigh in and I was surprised to see that I had lost 8 pounds. That is 4.85% of my body weight. But I was even more surprised and maybe a little threatened by Elycia who lost 17 pounds. Of course she started out weighing more than I did but I have to say that 17 pounds in two weeks is remarkable.  Even though I am safe for the next next two weeks I feel I need to step up my game and push myself ever so much harder. I’ve been “under the weather” the last couple of days and have spent more time in bed than doing anything else. I forced myself to walk on the treadmill today. Now I’m thinking that was a really bad idea as I now feel worse. My antibiotic is helping some but not enough. I feel like crawling back in bed. I hope that I feel better by Monday morning because we are having a group workout at Club Fitness and it is going to be filmed for TV. Yikes!

Reclaiming My Self-Confidence September 12, 2008

I have a life list. I dream of doing many things but I believe without self-confidence they will never come to fruition. This weight loss journey isn’t just about changing my appearance. This is my chance to conquer my fears, reclaim my self-confidence, and become a better person from the inside out. Participating in this challenge will give me the confidence to achieve, try, and see all of the things on my life list. I will start recycling programs in my county schools and organize an environmental group in Lincoln County. I will skydive, learn to sign & learn a foreign language, stand at the geographical South Pole, and over come my fear of water by white water rafting. I will try sushi, solve the Rubik’s cube, learn to play the piano again, and write a children’s book. I believe anything is possible!

 

I encourage all of you to start a life list today. Write down all of the things you would like to do, see, and try in your life no matter how far out of reach they may seem. Hang it on the refrigerator, the mirror in your bathroom, at the office, or anywhere you can see it throughout the day. It was my life list that encouraged me to apply for this competition. I feel this competition is a stepping stone to crossing things off of my life list. Writing them down is the first step; the next step is determining what is standing in your way and preventing you from living your dreams. JUST REMEMBER, YOU CAN DO IT! In the upcoming weeks I will post about how I am breaking down my barriers and achieving my dreams.

The Underdog September 12, 2008

     It is official. I am the underdog. At 165 pounds I don’t have as much weight to lose as others in the competition but my struggles and desire to lose are just the same.

     My struggle with weight began many years ago. As a happy, confident teenager and young adult I was very active, participating competitively in softball, basketball, and soccer. But in my early twenties I gained 60 pounds in a matter of months and always felt “blah” without any change in my eating habits and activity levels. This weight gain and a diagnosis of the hormonal imbalance Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) changed my life profoundly thus leading me to where I am today, struggling to lose weight.

     PCOS has been the bane of my existence. The symptoms from infertility, excess hair growth, chronic fatigue, weight gain, and depressive & diabetic tendencies seemed insurmountable. Luckily, with the cooperation of my doctors and modern medicine, I was able to conceive two healthy children. But after the birth of my first child, nothing could have prepared me for what happened next. As a result of PCOS I was overcome by post-partum depression and gained 40 pounds in less than two months.

     Fast forward to today…I still suffer from post-partum depression but am learning to deal with it. Exhausted from the demands of marriage, motherhood, and life I’ve become desperate for a change. I am determined to live a more eco-friendly lifestyle, to be fit, strong, and healthy, and to eat foods that are in sync with my body and the planet. The only thing in the way is my lack of self-confidence. Participating in this challenge is forcing me to face my fears of being inf front of the camera and live a healthier lifestyle.

     Can the underdog still win the challenge? Absolutely I say!

Losing a Ton…On TV September 12, 2008

This blog is dedicated to my weight loss journey. A journey that I started two weeks ago when I was chosen as a contestant on St. Louis’s version of the Biggest Loser. Being a contestant in the Show Me St. Louis Lose a Ton Challenge has taken me out of my comfort zone. I am very self-conscious, lack self-confidence, and hate having my picture taken.  So why compete on TV to lose the most weight?  

 

Being heavy has been a barrier to all things in my life. It has drained me of all self confidence and kept me from living up to my full potential. I could give you a long list of reasons why I want to lose weight (for my kids, my health, etc.) all of which are true but for me it is all about completing and crossing things off of my life list, protecting the environment, and living a new eco-friendly lifestyle.

 

Follow me through my weight loss journey as I use the three R’s to help me reach my goals. I will:

 

Reduce the calories & processed foods I eat by only eating foods that are in sync with my body and the planet;

Reuse the information given to me by Club Fitness, my personal trainer, Show Me St. Louis, Seattle Sutton, and you the public as a tool for successful weight loss and maintenance; and

Recycle the excess fat on my body by converting it to energy and burning it through exercise on a daily basis.

 

I’m ready to wage a war against the mirror, to be healthy, fit, and strong, and reclaim my self confidence to break down all barriers in my life and do great things.