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!
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- Brooke with Alyssa Milano
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- Brooke & Alyssa Milano
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- 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
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.
