Fitness Friday {week 18}

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Only ONE more week to go!

How did Week 18 go?

Pretty well.  I snacked well, but didn't eat as much fruit as I planned.  I really want to venture out on our fruit this summer.  Hoping to do better with this now that our Farmer's Market is open.

Was I active?

We walked some.  I also stayed active with my kiddos at recess.  I am contemplating starting the couch to 5k program.  We'll see! With summer coming, I know I'll actually have energy to get moving again.

Weight Loss?

No.  I actually had a gain of 0.8 this week.  Doesn't surprise me with all of our festivities we had last weekend with Derby and my little brother's college graduation. I'm down 15 lbs. from starting weight and I am now 4 pounds away from my goal weight.

Measurements?

I lost 0.25" from my thighs this week! Whoo hoo!

Waist: 28" (down 4" from starting measurement)
Thigh: 19.75" (down 3" from starting measurement)

Week 19 Goal?

Do 3 sets of stairs each day.

(See my list of weekly goals here.)

Now grab the button and link-up your Fitness Friday posts to share about your fitness journey! Only one week to go!

Fitness Friday {week 17}

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Only TWO more weeks to go!

How did Week 17 go?

Hmmmm.  I did okay.  I tend to get busy with my week and forget about my goal. ;) I do have to say one huge accomplishment this week was skipping the fries at Wendy's and ordering one of their new sweet potatoes.  It was really good.  Maybe not quite french fry good...but it was good!

Was I active?

We took a couple walks.  I wrestled to keep my 5 1/2 month old on the changing table each time I changed her.  I gave her a bath on my own one night.  I played kickball a couple days with my 4th graders at recess.  It's the little things that I count as being active these days! ;)

I also did a few random sets of squats this week.  It makes Adeline laugh when I do them in front of her and count them out loud.  That's motivation right there!

Weight Loss?

Yes...down 1 more! (down 15.8 lbs. from starting weight) I am now just 3.2 pounds away from my goal weight

Measurements?

I lost 0.25" from my thigh this week! Could the random sets of squats really have been that helpful? Exciting!

Waist: 28" (down 4" from starting measurement)
Thigh: 20" (down 2.75" from starting measurement)

Week 18 Goal?

Eat 2-4 servings of fruit each day.

(See my list of weekly goals here.)

Now grab the button and link-up your Fitness Friday posts to share about your fitness journey! Only two more weeks to go!!

Fitness Friday {week 16}

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How did Week 16 go?

How are we here again already?! We only have three more weeks of this challenge!! Crazy!

I did my jumping jacks just a couple days out of the week.  (Some is better than none, right?) We also took a couple family walks this week, which feels awesome to do.  I also feel like I ate pretty healthy, minus a few splurges due to teacher appreciation week! I am still holding strong at almost completely having soft drinks out of my diet! I only consume them once or twice a week now.  HUGE accomplishment! Now that I don't drink them often, I can even feel a difference when I do consume them...and it's a gross feeling that includes a headache.

Was I active?

It was great to be active again this week. I get out for summer break on May 18th and can't wait to start a fitness routine again with the time and energy I will have! I also did some research this past weekend to determine how many calories I am burning while pushing Adeline in the stroller on walks.  I was shocked by how little calories it burns...but every little bit counts! If you are interested in determining how many calories you burn based on your weight when doing an activity here is the math:

1) Determine your weight in kg (1 kg=2.2 lbs.)
2) Determine the MET of the activity (you can google this)
-For example: the MET of pushing a stroller is 2.5
3) Go back in your mind to high school math, plug the numbers into the formula below, and do the math!

calories burned= duration in minutes x [(MET x 3.5 x weight in kg) / 200]

Weight Loss?

Yes...down 0.6 more! (down 14.8 lbs. from starting weight) I am now just 4.2 pounds away from my goal weight! (This was close this week...I feel like I've maybe hit a weight loss plateau.)  It's been a battle here lately due to many reasons.  My supply has been up and down while nursing...which has cause me to change my calorie intake up and down.  Some days I feel like I'm consuming more than enough and my supply is great, so I lower my calories.  Then I will lower my calories and it seems like it was the wrong choice either weight-loss wise or supply wise.  There are also some days that Adeline is nursing less time at a feeding which I think changes things up a bit too.  So many factors!!

Measurements?

Still steady at these numbers.  I think it's going to take getting more active again to make a change here.

Waist: 28" (down 4" from starting measurement)
Thigh: 20.25" (down 2.5" from starting measurement)

Week 17 Goal?

Eat 3-5 servings of baked, steamed, or raw veggies.

(See my list of weekly goals here.)

Now grab the button and link-up your Fitness Friday posts to share about your fitness journey! If you don't have time to write a post and link-up, comment below with your success this week!

Fitness Friday! {week 15}

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How did Week 15 go?

Pretty well! I lowered my calories due to my weight loss and it seems to have boosted my loss again.  I feel like these last few pounds may be difficult...we will see! We ate pretty healthy at home.  I had success cooking a freezer meal that I just threw into the crock pot...so easy! We are continuing to work on eliminating the junk in our pantry and replace it with natural, "real" food.  We are doing awesome at our house at cutting out the sodas...which I am so proud of us for doing!

Was I active?

We actually went on a few family walks this week! It felt great to get out and about again.  My schedule is so hectic right now, it's hard to fit activity in.  Every little bit counts!

Weight Loss?

Yes...down 1 more! (down 14.2 lbs. from starting weight) I am now just 4.8 pounds away from my goal weight! (I had an error last week...I really only lost .2 pounds once I did a second check on my weight on Friday.  My weight fluctuated so much last week!

Measurements?

Still steady at these numbers.  I think it's going to take getting more active again to make a change here.

Waist: 28" (down 4" from starting measurement)
Thigh: 20.25" (down 2.5" from starting measurement)

Week 16 Goal?

50 jumping jacks each day.

(See my list of weekly goals here.)

Now grab the button and link-up your Fitness Friday posts to share about your fitness journey! And if you have a moment...take some time to visit the links below and spread the love by encouraging these other awesome ladies that are joining in!

Fitness Friday {week 14}

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How did Week 14 go?

Oops....we didn't do well the walks! We did go and do a lot...which meant walking around and Adeline having time in the stroller, but nothing structured or intentional as far as walks go.

Was I active?


I so want to get back into working out.  Right now, it's just not happening.  I know if I would just get going again, it would become habit.  Sigh...

Weight Loss?

Yes...down 1 more! (down 14 lbs. from starting weight) I am now just 5--yes, 5!!--pounds away from my goal weight!

Measurements?

Change in my waist, but not my thighs.

Waist: 28" (down 4" from starting measurement)
Thigh: 20.25" (down 2.5" from starting measurement)

Week 15 Goal?

Cook only light or healthy meals.  We will see how that goes! ;)

(See my list of weekly goals here.)

Now grab the button and link-up your Fitness Friday posts to share about your fitness journey! And if you have a moment...take some time to visit the links below and spread the love by encouraging these other awesome ladies that are joining in!

Fitness Friday {week 13}

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How did Week 13 go?


I did well with my goal this week.  I have been taking a cup of 1% or skim milk every morning to drink with my breakfast.  I also have been snacking a lot on the Weight Watchers string cheese.  I really think the dairy intake is helping with my weightloss!

Was I active?

Yikes...nope.  I have had no spare time in the evenings.  And when I get a moment to breathe right now, I prefer to just sit and relax.  Just being honest!

Weight Loss?

Yes...down 1 more! (down 13 lbs. from starting weight) I am now just 6 pounds away from my goal weight!

Measurements?

No change in waist this week, but a .25 inch loss in thighs.

Waist: 28.5" (down 3.5" from starting measurement)
Thigh: 20.25" (down 2.5" from starting measurement)

Week 14 Goal?

Take a walk each day.  It's my Spring Break week next week, so this should be easy to do! I can't wait!

(See my list of weekly goals here.)

Now grab the button and link-up your Fitness Friday posts to share about your fitness journey! And if you have a moment...take some time to visit the links below and spread the love by encouraging these other awesome ladies that are joining in!

Fitness Friday {week 10}

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We are over halfway there!!

How did Week 9 go?

My goal this week was to only snack from the healthy list found here.  When I made these goals, I underestimated how busy my life would be when going back to work.  Needless to say, I didn't focus on just snacks from this list.  However, I did snacking more on cheese and veggies.  Pretty healthy.

Was I active?

We had gorgeous weather her this past week so my activity was in the form of taking walks with Adeline, Justin and Boone...love it!

Friday-
Saturday-30 minutes of vigorous cleaning (have I mentioned that I love that this can be counted as cardio?!)
Sunday-20 minute walk pushing Adeline
Monday-
Tuesday-30 minute walk pushing Adeline
Wednesday-20 minute walk pushing Adeline
Thursday-

Weight Loss?

Yes...down 1.2 more pounds! (down 9.2 lbs from starting weight)

Measurements?

Down in my waist this week by a 1/2"!

Waist: 29 1/4" (down 2 3/4" from starting measurement)
Thigh: 21" (down 1 3/4" from starting measurement)

Week 11 Goal?

20 push-ups each day!

Ha! I have to laugh at this because when writing these goals, I would have never imagined I could do around 70 push-ups...20 seemed like a lofty goal! But thanks to the encouragement from Natalie to do the 100 push-up challenge, I have improved greatly with my ability to do push-ups.  Find that fitness challenge here.  Seriously, you'll be amazed at how fast you gain in your push-up count!

(See my list of weekly goals here.)


Now grab the button and link-up your Fitness Friday posts to share about your fitness journey! And if you have a moment...take some time to visit the links below and spread the love by encouraging these other awesome ladies that are joining in!

I haven't had the time to personally comment on your blogs here lately, but I am seeing your awesome work....keep it up!! You inspire me...that's for sure! :) I'm so glad many of you are finding encouragement in this weekly challenge!

Fitness Friday {week 9}

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Wow! We've been at this for over 2 months now! Well this week was a whirlwind (as they all have been since going back to work).  However, we had parent teacher conferences on Tuesday night.  And my sweet little girl (who is 4 months old today!! post to come later!) decided she wanted to start getting up quite a bit during the night. And instead of going right back down after eating...she now likes to grunt and moan quite a bit before going back to sleep.  This has all made for one tired/zombie-ish mommy! Working out hit the back burner!

How did Week 9 go?

My goal this week was to limit starches. I did pretty well with this.  However, I did forget one night and had french fries (have you noticed yet how they are my weakness?).  I also would eat something occasionally during the week and think, "oh, wait, should I be eating this?" All I know, is that my diet definitely is improving through these weekly goals...that's success right there.

Was I active?

One day out of seven.  Enough said.  I'm determined to get back at it, though.  I really do still enjoy working out when I have the time and energy.

Friday-
Saturday-
Sunday-
Monday-
Tuesday-
Wednesday-
Thursday-Circuit Training (16 minutes); push-ups (74--I'm currently on day 3 of the 4th week of the push-up challenge)

Weight Loss?

Yes...down 1 more pound! (down 8 lbs from starting weight)

Measurements?

Down in my thighs this week by 1/4"!
Down in my waist this week by 1/4"!

Waist: 29 3/4" (down 2 1/4" from starting measurement)
Thigh: 21" (down 1 3/4" from starting measurement)

Week 10 Goal?

Only snack off the healthy list found here.

(See my list of weekly goals here.)

Now grab the button and link-up your Fitness Friday posts to share about your fitness journey! And if you have a moment...take some time to visit the links below and spread the love by encouraging these other awesome ladies that are joining in!

Fitness Friday {week 8}

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This week went just okay. I made good choices as far as much lunches go...but also ate a lot of fries this week.  I was really tired this week due to increasing work demands and just didn't have it in me to work-out.

How did Week 8 go?

My goal this week was to do three sets of 60 second planks each day. I did planks each day....but not 3 sets each day.  Something is better than nothing!

Was I active?

This was probably my worst week of the challenge so far for exercising.  The thing is, I wanted to...I just decided time with my baby girl was much more important when I came home from work each day! :)

Friday-
Saturday-Circuit training (10 minutes); cleaning (60 minutes); 62 push-ups; planks
Sunday-
Monday-10 minute walk pushing stroller
Tuesday-
Wednesday-67 push-ups; squats
Thursday-

Weight Loss?

Yes...down 1.2 more pounds! (down 7 lbs from starting weight)

Measurements?

Down in my thighs this week by 1/4"!

Waist: 30" (down 2" from starting measurement) -- same
Thigh: 21 1/4" (down 1 1/2" from starting measurement)

Week 9 Goal?

No starches (white potatoes and white bread mainly).

(See my list of weekly goals here.)

Now grab the button and link-up your Fitness Friday posts to share about your fitness journey! And if you have a moment...take some time to visit the links below and spread the love by encouraging these other awesome ladies that are joining in!

Fitness Friday {week 7}

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I would say this week was a success simply because my husband commented on my "hot legs" throughout the week! ha! My legs have never been a personal asset of mine.  They have always been muscular, but have always been a bit larger than the rest of my body...and not as toned as I would like. (I like to think I can compare myself to the gorgeous Kardashian women with their legs and booties. ;) Anywho...my husband is always saying sweet things to me about my body, but that comment is a new one...and one that has definitely pushed me to continue this journey even on the more challenging days!

How did Week 6 go?

My goal this week was to not eat sweets.  I didn't do so hot with that.  Between hubby wanting chocolate chip cookies on Fat Tuesday and caving to try a new Pinterest "Dole Pineapple Whip Float" copycat recipe from Disney World, success was lacking! I did eat less sweets than normal though.  I have gotten out of the habit of having to add something sweet to my lunch each day when I pack it.

As far as this week in general, I did feel like we started to get more of our groove down with me going back to work.  We ate at home more than my first week back and I had energy to go to the grocery and plan out healthy purchases!  Slowly but surely we'll get back on track :)... and then summer will hit meaning we can go back to the way things were when I was home on maternity leave...whoo hoo!!

Was I active?

Well 3/7 days isn't my best record...but it's not bad considering we had a long, lazy 3 day weekend and it's my second week back to work.

Friday-
Saturday-
Sunday-
Monday-Circuit training (17 minutes); 15 minute walk pushing stroller; 37 push-ups; 1 min 15 sec plank
Tuesday-Circuit training (20 minutes); 48 push-ups; 2 min 15 sec plank
Wednesday-
Thursday-Circuit training (20 minutes); 53 push-ups

Weight Loss?

Yes...down 2.2 more pounds! (down 5.8 lbs from starting weight)

And since I only worked out 3 out of the 7 days and went over my calorie limit a few days, I'm contributing it mainly to the fact that Adeline is now eating two more times during the night right now.  Oh, and maybe running around my school like a crazy person up and down stairs, etc. trying to catch back up to being gone for 3 1/2 months! ;)

Measurements?

Waist: 30" (down 2" from starting measurement) -- same
Thigh: 21 1/2" (down 1 1/4" from starting measurement)

Week 8 Goal?

Do three sets of planks for 60 seconds each, each day.

(See my list of weekly goals here.)

Now grab the button and link-up your Fitness Friday posts to share about your fitness journey! And if you have a moment...take some time to visit the links below and spread the love by encouraging these other awesome ladies that are joining in!

Fitness Friday! {week 6}

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Just as I imagined....this week threw me for a huge loop! I started back to work after about 14 weeks on maternity leave.  Wowzer! It's gone more smooth than I imagined as far as emotionally (thank you, Lord, for answered prayers!)  However, my body has felt it for sure! My diet has been messed up...quick lunches...quick, easy dinners.  I only worked out once this work week, I am sleep-deprived, and my stress level is up with all the new demands.

How did Week 6 go?

My goal this week was to not snack after 8 pm.  I did just okay with this goal.  I did snack a couple nights after 8 pm...not sure if it was stress-related or if I'm just a bit more hungry right now because Adeline has picked up her nighttime feedings again...she's added 2 feedings during the night.  (Something else we're working on!)

Was I active?

Ugh...somewhat, but definitely not like in previous weeks! I have upped my number of push-ups due to the challenge and my plank time is getting longer...so that was an accomplishment! (But honestly, now that I look at it...I worked out 4 out of 7 days this past week...I need to give myself more credit!)

How do you working mamas do it?! Please share!

Friday- Circuit training (30 minutes); 27 push-ups; 1 min 15 sec plank
Saturday-30 minute run training (20 minutes); 1 min 30 sec plank
Sunday-Rest day
Monday-30 minute run training (10 minutes); Circuit training (10 minutes); 28 push-ups; 1 min 45 sec plank
Tuesday-
Wednesday-
Thursday-Circuit training (20 minutes); 39 push-ups!!; 2 min 5 sec plank

Weight Loss?

Nope...gained a little less than a pound back this week.

Measurements?

Same as last week (no changes).

Waist: 30" (down 2" from starting measurement)
Thigh: 21 3/4" (down 3/4" from starting measurement)

Week 7 Goal?

No sweets. Yikes.

(See my list of weekly goals here.)

Now grab the button, and link-up your Fitness Friday posts to share about your fitness journey!

Fitness Friday {week 5}

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Well we are over a fourth of the way through the 19 weeks! Can you believe it? You all are really inspiring and encouraging me! I had another pretty good week, overall.

I am nervous because this upcoming week will be my first week back to work since maternity leave started back in early November.  It will be a tremendous transitional week for all of us here in our home...so we will see what it does to my activity level.  The great thing is that the rest of the Friday Fitnesses will take me up to my last full week of teaching before Summer...that should help keep me motivated.  Any advice on working with a baby and remaining active would be greatly appreciated!

How did Week 5 go?

My goal this week was to drink only water throughout the day after breakfast.  Um, I have to be honest and say that I failed miserably at this goal.  We had our first date night...we shared a coke zero at the movies.  Adeline and I had a play date and I caved and drank caffeine free Diet coke.  There are other times as well throughout the week that I caved too.  Boo.  Oh well.  I did stay away from caffeine besides the little bit in my morning hot black tea.  That seemed to really help out my sweet girl with her spitting up.  So I feel like I did accomplish something...staying almost completely away from caffeine.  I honestly can say I really don't need or crave caffeine at all anymore. That's so freeing being as I was a caffeine-addict about a year ago before I found out I was pregnant.

Was I active?

I am really getting into this workout thing! I am loving it.  It just makes me feel so great about myself and gives me so much energy.  I have had to get past the worry of making sure I get 30 minutes in...sometimes it's just not feasible with Adeline's napping these days.  I have learned this week that even if I just take 15 minutes, there are tremendous pay-offs.

I was starting to get a bit bored with the postnatal bootcamp and tried out quite a few of the Pinterest interval training finds that are floating around...loved them! (Find my Health and Fitness board here.)

Thanks to Natalie's encouragement and motivation, I have also started the 100 push-up challenge (I started being able to do 2 push-ups and have already worked up to 20!) and the 10 day plank challenge (which I am tweaking a bit) along with her.  Whew! :)

Friday-Postnatal Bootcamp (two intervals+core workout)
Saturday-Rest day
Sunday-Pinterest circuit training (30 minutes)
Monday-Push-ups (16) and Plank (15 seconds)
Tuesday-Pinterest cardio; Plank (1 minute 25 seconds)
Wednesday-Pinterest circuit training (15 minutes); Push-ups (20); Plank (1 minute)
Thursday-

Weight Loss?

I did lost weight again this week! (Um and I even went over my calorie goal on our date night by 700 calories...crazy!!) I am now at 125.4 (down 3.6 lbs. from my starting weight)!


Measurements?

Results here too...whoo hoo!!

Waist: 30" (down 2" from starting measurement)
Thigh: 21 3/4" (down 3/4" from starting measurement)

Week 6 Goal?

No snacking after 8 pm.  This will be tough since we often grab a snack while we are watching TV at night but I also know that's when I creep closer and closer to going over my calories for the day.

(See my list of weekly goals here.)

Now grab the button, and link-up your Fitness Friday posts to share about your fitness journey!

Fitness Friday {week 4}

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How in the world is another week already behind us?! I had another great week of being active. I can tell my body is getting into better shape which really excites me.  I'm also excited to continue to follow along with you all and encourage so many of you on MFP, as well as get such encouragement myself! My mom and Justin have even decided to start using the app!

How did Week 4 go?

My goal this week was to not eat french fries.  Well I messed up the very first day of this week and ate fries.  I was putting one of the last ones in my mouth and said "oh no".  Of course, Justin was confused because I forgot to tell him my goal for the week at that point.  I finished the order and moved on. :) I am happy to report I didn't have any more this week.  I plan on continuing to limit my french fry intake.  They are my favorite and will only be consumed as a treat...not as a run-of-the-mill side!

Was I active?

I am so excited to report that I was active 6 out of the 7 days this week for 30 minutes a day for five of those and more on the other two!

Friday-Postnatal Bootcamp (two intervals--cardio + toning)
Saturday-Rest day
Sunday-Postnatal Bootcamp (two intervals--cardio + toning)
Monday-Postnatal Bootcamps (two intervals--just cardio); 90 minutes of cleaning
Tuesday-Postnatal Bootcamp (two intervals--cardio + toning)
Wednesday-Postnatal Bootcamp (two intervals--just cardio)
Thursday-Tami's home bootcamp; 30 minutes of walking with Adeline in the moby (she adds about 12 lbs. of resistence!)

I am so excited that working out is becoming a habit and something I look forward to! (Not the actual working out...but the feeling I get from it and the benefits I'm noticing with my body!) I also was successful in using working out as a mood-lifter and anger/anxiety eliminator this weekend.  What a freeing feeling to know that something so healthy for my body is also helping my mind and emotions become more healthy as well.  Another great thing to report is that I have upped my weights in my toning!

Weight Loss?

I did lose weight this week even though I went over my calories two days! I am now at 126.8 (down 2.2 lbs. from my starting weight)!


Measurements?

They stayed the same this week.

Waist: 31" (down 1" from starting measurement)
Thigh: 22" (down .5" from starting measurement)

Week 4 Goal?

Drink only water throughout the day after breakfast.  I'm looking forward to working hard on this goal...although I will miss the occasional Diet Coke for sure!

(See my list of weekly goals here.)

Now grab the button, and link-up your Fitness Friday posts to share about your fitness journey!

Fitness Friday {week 3}

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This week I really got going on working out and getting moving! I also have seen my first big results this week, which is making me so excited to continue this journey! And yay for 10 of you linking up last week! Let's continue to spread the word and encourage, encourage, encourage!

How did Week 3 go?

My goal this week was to drink hot tea or coffee in the morning instead of soda.  Well I started off well and then Adeline changed my goal. :) Even though I was drinking decaf, I think the coffee was hurting her little belly, so I switched to just drink water in the morning.  This ends up being better anyway to add to my water intake which is important since I'm BF and working out.  I am happy to say I did this each morning! This is another goal I will continue!

Was I active?

I am so excited to report that I was active 5 out of the 7 days this week! That is my new activity goal and I met it, yay!

Friday-Calisthenics and cleaning
Saturday-Postnatal Bootcamp (two intervals)
Sunday-Rest day
Monday-No activity--sick
Tuesday-Postnatal Bootcamp (two intervals)
Wednesday-Cleaning out basement with Adeline in-tow in Moby
Thursday-Postnatal Bootcamp (two intervals)

I did determine what it is about working out that can get me motivated on a day I don't want to do it...the mood-lifter it brings! Seriously, I am in such a better and more positive mood on days that I work-out.  Because of this, I would love, love to be able to get up early enough when I go back to work to work-out before going in.  I don't know that that will happen with also having to get Adeline ready.  However, I know it would make a tremendous difference in my mood going back to work until summer.  We will see if I can get there!

Weight Loss?

I made it back up to 129 after a dip the first week.  Now I am down from 129 to 128.6.  A little progress, but progress, nonetheless.  This is an area that is definitely going much, much slower than I anticipated, but I am just being really cautious with breastfeeding.  I saw my supply start to go down a bit early in the week, so I upped my calories a little more.  Really, as long as I'm getting more fit and toned, I'm okay with the weight-loss portion of this going very slow.


Measurements?

Waist: 31" (down 1" from starting measurement)
Thigh: 22" (down .5" from starting measurement)

That is more exciting to me than weight-loss!!

Week 4 Goal?

No french fries.  I cringed typing this...it will be so hard...I'd choose french fries over ice cream any day!

(See my list of weekly goals here.)

Now grab the button, and link-up your Fitness Friday posts to share about your fitness journey!

Fitness Friday {week 2}

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This week I was excited to connect with many of you on MyFitnessPal.  What a fun way to stay accountable for my food choices and activity level! If you are using this app or website, my username is caitg19...I would love to be friends with you on there!

How did Week 2 go?

My goal this week was move every day.  We were on vacation in Florida this week where the temps were a-mazing! Among my exercises were walking almost every morning or when we went to the beach as well as some calisthenics and playing tennis.  I am continuing this even though my goal for the upcoming week is different.

Was I active?


This came easy this week since it was the goal for the week! I started a postnatal workout DVD today that I'm excited to use!

Weight Loss?

I stayed the same this week.  I'm sure it's because I was on vacation and ate quite a bit!


Measurements?

Waist: down a 1/2 inch to 31.5"
Thigh:  same as starting measurement (I'm hoping this will change with upping my workout intensity this week!)

Week 2 Goal?

Drink hot tea or coffee in the morning instead of soda...I'm looking forward to using our new Keurig to help with this goal!

Now grab the button, link-up, and share your Fitness Friday posts to share about your fitness journey!

Fitness Friday {week 1}

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I was so happy to see many of you all get excited over Fitness Friday! I know a lot of us share the common goals of getting fit and becoming more healthy.  It was so neat to read your goals and see how you adapted my ideas to fit your own needs! I'm looking forward to following your journeys over the next few months! If you are just now joining, feel free to start linking up this week! We would love to have you join!

How did Week 1 go?

My goal this week was counting calories.  I did a good job this week meeting my goal thanks to my app, MyFitnessPal (which you can also use online if you don't have a smart phone with apps).  I already feel so much more knowledgeable about food choices based on seeing my calories each day this past week.  This is definitely something I plan on continuing as it held me very accountable on my food choices! I was even surprised to see that on some days, I was a few calories away from my goal calories, which encouraged me to smart wisely in order to make sure I am getting the amount of calories I need each day.  Also, seeing my calories throughout the day allowed me to make wise choices overall.

Was I active?

I do have to say, that after reading many of your goals, I realized that the eating portion of getting healthy is a lot more natural and easy for me than being active.  I really want to work more over the next few months on becoming more active than I had originally planned when starting Fitness Friday.  I did start working on taking more walks.  This week's plan? More strength and toning exercises! (I have some plans pinned on Pinterest.)

Weight Loss?

I weighed myself a few times throughout the week and actually lost about a pound and a half instead of just a pound.  I do want to be careful with this since I'm breastfeeding and don't want to mess that up.  This is another reason I want to watch my calories so closely.

Week 2 Goal?

Move every day...I'm on it!

Now grab the button, link-up, and share your Fitness Friday posts to share about your fitness journey!

Fitness Friday--Starts Today!

*If you previously grabbed the button for this link-up, please delete it and grab it again...there was a mistake that is now fixed. Thanks!*

Today starts the first week of Fitness Friday following the Week 1 goal! You can find all the details about Fitness Friday here and how you can join in if you would like! If interested, post your starting stats (find mine here) and get started with your first week! I'll be back next Friday to share my stats and how I did with Week 1!

Week 1 Goal- Track calories

(I'm using the "MyFitnessPal" app which gives you the amount of calories to consume based on how many pounds you want to lose each week to reach your set goal weight.  It also ups your calories if you work out and input your activity, plus it allows you to edit your calories for each day.  I added 500 calories a day to what it gave me since I'm breastfeeding.)

Want to join? Grab the button below and link-up!

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Fitness Friday!

Now that Adeline is 8 weeks old and I have gotten the okay from my doctor to work-out again, I wanted to start on some fitness goals.  This includes losing some weight, toning up, and adopting some overall healthy-living habits!

When I started my research, I wanted to make sure to find information on losing weight in a healthy way so that my milk supply isn't bothered since Adeline is exclusively breastfed.  In order to do this, research shows you should wait until about 2 months and lose less than 1.5 pounds a week.

Now I'm not beating myself up and I'm being realistic...I had a baby just 8 weeks ago, I realize that.  However, I just don't want things to get out of hand from this point and I want Adeline to see that her mom has healthy habits and a positive body-image once she's old enough to know these things.

I've never been one for making resolutions and sticking with them.  Long-term goals just don't work well for me, so I want this to be about short-term, immediate-gratification goals.


What is my plan?


I want to lose 19 pounds in 19 weeks as well as become more healthy overall.  This will include tracking my very gradual weight-lose, toning up process, and healthy living goal-achieving.  This also means losing 1 pound per week.  (Why 19 weeks? Just so happens that gets me to my goal weight, losing a pound a week.  I found it neat that 19 is my favorite number--my anniversary is July 19th, my birthday is March 19th, and Adeline's birthday is November 9th (another 9!) Each Friday, I will update with my measurements for the week and how my goal for the week went.

The fun part? I would love for you to be involved! What's better for accountability than doing this with other people following along? If you would like to join me...great! However, even if that aspect doesn't happen, I plan on updating you each Friday on how I'm doing.

Starting Stats:

(For reference, I'm 5'2".)

Weight: 129 lbs.
BMI: 23.6 (upper part of "normal weight" level)
Waist measurement: 32" (top number for a "healthy waistline)
Thigh measurement: 22.5" (measured at largest part of thigh)

Goal Stats:

Weight: 110 lbs.
BMI:  20.1 (bottom part of "normal weight" level)
Waist measurement: Middle of "healthy waistline" range--middle 20s or so
Thigh measurement:  No specific measurement, but I want my thighs to not touch when standing and look less "flabby" if you know what I mean. ;)


Weekly Goals (to be accomplished each day of the week):

Week 1- Track Calories
Week 2- Move every day
Week 3- Coffee or hot tea each morning instead of soda
Week 4- No french fries
Week 5- Drink only water throughout the day after breakfast
Week 6- No snacking after 8 pm
Week 7- No sweets
Week 8- Do three sets of planks for 60 seconds each
Week 9- No starches (white potatoes, white breads, etc.)
Week 10- Only snack off the healthy list
Week 11- 20 push-ups each day
Week 12- Eat a salad each day (no creamy dressing)
Week 13- Eat 2-3 servings of low fat dairy each day
Week 14- Take a walk each day
Week 15- Cook only "light or healthy" meals
Week 16- 50 jumping jacks each day
Week 17- Eat 3-5 servings of baked, steamed, or raw veggies
Week 18- Eat 2-4 servings of fruit
Week 19- Do 3 sets of stairs each day


How can you get involved?

Track your own progress over the next 19 weeks and link-up! If you are interested in linking up, let me know in the comment section below.  If you can't commit to 19 weeks, that's fine, just join-in when you can! If your goals will take you more or less time, join in for what works for you! If you would just like to maintain your weight, great! Keep us updated with how you're going with achieving the weekly goals.  If you would like to change the weekly goals to fit your personal needs, that's fine too! And finally, if you're currently pregnant, join us for the weekly goals portion of this and adapt as you see fit.  

If you are interested, grab the button below or in my sidebar!

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Resources:

I am using the "MyFitnessPal" app to track my daily calories and activity.
BMI calculator
Waist measurements
Breastfeeding and weight-loss  


Join me, starting tomorrow, for a chance to link-up your beginning stats!