Weigh in Wednesday

It's that time of the week again, and because it's also a new month, I've got measurements for you too.

This weeks weigh in?

Yup.  All four of those were taken within a couple minutes of each other. WTF? So, I'm going with 216.4 I suppose. Just average it out, right? It's a small loss, and small is better than nothing, right?

And here are this months measurements compared to last months.

 

that's bust, under bust, waist, tummy (at belly button), hips, thighs, biceps.

And this months photos? I can't tell a difference in, but here they are, I'll put January and March up:

I really have no idea what I'm doing, I just hope that something works... and soon! lol I think that the stair climbing I've added has done some good. I lost well over an inch in one thigh... although a little weird that its only in one. My arms have gotten bigger, even though I'm not doing anything to do that to them... so that's a little confusing. My hips dropped an inch... so much that I re-measured three times, just to be sure. Bu apparently my boobs got bigger? Ugh, I need those puppies to get just a tad smaller. Please.  And thank you.  Amen.

In Monday's post, I mentioned breaking down my gaols into monthly smaller goals. I need to lose about 8 pounds this month to get back on track for my 30 by 30 campaign. And in order to reach my 18# goal by the time we leave for Vegas.  Momma needs money to spend at Tiffany's. I also need to figure out how to get rid of that Shar Pei on my back... blech... 

I also set a goal to workout 30 mins a day, for at least 4 days a week. I've started back on my yoga videos (again, I know) and also am doing a couple of IG challenges. These are my photos from #MarchYogaWithJoJo up until today... 

Anywho- Congrats to one of my favorite bloggers and IGer's Valarie at Fab Chick Gets Fit... She hit 10K followers on IG overnight! WHOOT! Check her out and give her a follow!

I also wanted to say thank you to everyone that posted kind words on last weeks post.  I'll be able to elaborate soon, but each thought was felt and appreciated. THANK YOU!

Since it's Wednesday, it's linkup day... Heather and Ashlee here...

And hopefully Nina this afternoon.
Have a great week y'all and make it count... It's almost tank top season!

March Madness... in my world

Hey there and Happy March! I wanted to put in writing what my goals are fort his month. Maybe, just maybe, if I do that then I'll be more accountable?

I'm currently (as of weight in Wednesday on 2/26) down 9.6 pounds since January 2nd.  February has been terrible for me and I'm basically a month behind weight loss wise.  The scale literally hasn't moved. I still have so much further to go, but know that it's the little things I need to look forward to, rather than long term. So... Here it is.

March Goals:

Weight loss of 8 pounds. (that's averaging 2 pounds a week)

4 flights of stairs a day (currently doing a minimum of 3 each day)

Work out at least 30 mins a day, 4 times a week. (I'm setting a realistic number here)

Complete #MarchYogaWithJoJo (Challenge Yoga pose a day)

Meal prep and actually eat what you cook (this is the hardest for me at dinner time)

March includes birthday prep for my son's birthday on April 3rd and it also includes Spring break for my boys.  They'll be off for a week, and my oldest is going to his Dad's in Colorado. I'll be able to take a week off of cooking dinner since they probably won't be here, so that might save my diet.  HOWEVER, St. Patrick's day also falls during that week, and that may or may not mean that a Pub Crawl is in play... 

While discussing meal prep- Do any of you have any ideas about calories and what your bodies need? I know what my Loseit App suggests,  and what my FitBit app says, but I'm not so sure it's what I actually need. I've been trying to stay at or under for two months now. This week, I've gone over, but I did it on purpose. Not just because I had too many cheat meals. I decided to up my calories this week and see what kind of a difference it makes with my metabolism.

I know that there are several factors to take into consideration when figuring out how many calories you should consume.  And I have done the research, but I guess I just don't understand it?  I have an 8-5 job that basically consists of me sitting at a desk that whole time, so I know that I am not near as active as I should be.  However, I have recently made the conscience decision to climb the stairs at work (up to an apartment) any time I leave my desk to go to the bathroom (or kitchen). That ups my active time, and if  I stick with my March goals, I'll be able to add much more active time too.  What bothers me, is that the yoga video I do doesn't keep my FitBit active enough to count as very active minutes. (You can read my review of the FitBit Force here) I can input the activity, but again, I really have no exact way of knowing what I'm burning or how my heart rate is. Looks like I'll have to make a secondary investment into a heart rate monitor/calorie counter for that.

Weigh in Wednesday

Well here it is folks... 

The same as last week. :-/ this number is a little frustrating since I did so well this week food wise, and also started my yoga back. My goal was to keep on losing about 1-2# a week, so that I can drop another 18# by vacation. But I don't really see that happening. Oh well. 

I did manage to get my exercise in this morning for the #stopandgivemethirty IG challenge this month.

As you can see, I've planned my month out already.  I'm doing flights of stairs M-F (cause I only have stairs at work) and increasing my one flight a day, until I hit 10. We're going to Vegas in April, and there are LOTS OF STAIRS.  I want to be in much better shape than years past, so that I don't get worn out and have to stop for breath.  

I'm also doing yoga daily.  As you can see, I'm alternating between the two DVD's I have every day, just so I don't get too relaxed in the one.  The Target video I have has 5 different videos on it, and while I only do one of the five, the others require blocks or straps and I don't have any of those... yet. 

The goal for the challenge is to get in at least 30 minutes of activity a day, for 30 days.  There are two additional days built in to the challenge for those of us that just can't get to it one day, or quite frankly, just don't want to. Wish me luck! 

I also want to wish my little sister a Very Happy Sweet 16th Birthday today! HAPPY BIRTHDAY DES!!

And this is my face today... I've ran off and forgot to put contacts in or grab my glasses... So while I can see the computer screen, I can't see very far from my face... DANGGIT

Anyway, linking up with Ashley and Heather once again this week... 

Everyone have a great week and try to make it count! 

Weigh in Wednesday

It's Wednesday again, and you know what to do! Grab a button, link up, and get that weight down!

This weeks number?

I've spent a couple weeks cheating on my diet.  I'm still trying to make sure i log every little thing that goes into my mouth, even if I have to guesstimate.  I've gone over my calories for the past two weeks, and quite frankly, I've been lazy.  I've also enjoyed just about every little calorie I put in my body! lol I'm jumping back on track this week, and so far, I'm doing okay. I meal prepped on Friday night...

and I'm ready to go! There are were 15 meals in that fridge and there is NO EXCUSE to go off track.  I've even got healthy snacks going on too! These are my new (easy) favorite:

But this is my favorite to make at home, right before bed...

That's dark chocolate covered, frozen banana slices, with some fat free cool whip.  YUMMY!!

We've gotten more snow this year than we have previously, which has resulted in more snow days than normal.  I'm lucky enough that sometimes the boys stay with their grandparents the night before in preparation, or Darrell has (most of) the day off and can keep them.  Today, I am home with them.

That's a one hour time lapse on Sunday ya'll...

I was a little worried that I'd go off track today, but I've actually don't really well... and even gotten in a one hour yoga session.

 

This girl feels SOOOO much better now.

Also, do you remember the last NSV I had? Well, here's the "uncovered" photo of the same pants...

Still gross... but it's so much better. :)

And because this is the funniest thing I have seen in a while... Enjoy!

Here's to another healthy week, ladies and gents! Lets make this year count!

Monday, Monday

Happy Monday y'all. Hope your weekend was all our was cracked up to be! Our weekend was rather uneventful. I spent some major time with my oldest boy, Ayden. It's rare I get one on one time with either of them, so it was a nice change.

We watched Calamity Jane like me and my granny used to do...

Then I even let him bring his sleeping bag in and camp out next to my bed.

Jillian kicked my ass Saturday with Yoga Meltdown... literally. My ass and left hip are killing me

I did more food prep and stuff on Sunday.

Baked chicken fajitas were amazing. And not too terrible for you, even after you add a whole wheat tortilla, sour cream, cheese and salsa. Here's the recipe, but I forgot to take a pic.

 Oven Baked fajita Ingredients: 
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips 
2 Tbsp vegetable oil 
2 tsp chili powder 
1 1/2 tsp cumin 
1/2 tsp garlic powder 
1/2 tsp dried oregano 
1/4 tsp seasoned salt 
1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel) 
1 medium onion, sliced 
1/2 red bell pepper, cut into strips 
1/2 green bell pepper, cut into strips 
Directions: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Place chicken strips in a greased 13×9 baking dish. In a small bowl combine the oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, dried oregano, and salt. Drizzle the spice mixture over the chicken and stir to coat. Next add the tomatoes, peppers, and onions to the dish and stir to combine. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are done

Also made some baked chicken with the new Weber's Grill Spice I got free in the mail from Marlboro. Yes, I quit smoking, but I still log in for my free stuff, yo!

I skipped the Jillian challenge Sunday... she hurt me way too much Saturday, so I just stuck with my plain old yoga video. Anything is better than nothing, and her version is just not what I want. Lol

Today starts back the school weeks again. I'm really hoping getting back in a normal routine helps get my kids under control... Sheesh! Also hoping that you teachers that have been off this whole time are rested up, too. My kids will be back in rare form, I'm sure.

My honey is sick this weekend, so it's a good thing he had Sunday and today off work.  He's at home sleeping and recuperating, I'm assuming.  Poor thing. lol

How was your weekend and whats on the agenda this week?

Weigh In Wednesday- 2014!!

It's that time of week again, and while I know it's actually Thursday, I'm weighing in.

*Dang Holidays*

Today starts a new year for me and I'm ready to make a change for the good.  Here's what I'm doing:

I've started back on my Zeal for Life regiment starting today. Wild Berry Zeal Wellness first thing of a morning for my vitamins and energy (better than coffee!) Then a protein shake made of the Zeal Vanilla Protein Powder, a 1/4 cup frozen blueberries, 1/4 frozen strawberries, 1/2 banana, 1/2 cup unsweetened Almond Milk and some ice. YUMMY! This concoction )along with the morning Wellness drink) give me about 330 calories to start the day.

They also have a supplement called "Burn". It says it a "blend of thermogenic fat burners, a natural carb blocker and appetite suppressant. Taken before each meal these powerful ingredients will accelerate your metabolism to burn more calories, reduce your hunger and block the absorption of the carbohydrates that you do eat... " Now, I'm not condoning the use of "supplements" but the rest of the program is very healthy... Wellness is JUST vitamins and minerals that you need, Protein Powder is all natural and stuff that everyone is doing to assist in their healthy lifestyles.  I personally love the program and am excited to get back on it.

I've also signed up for the Resolution Revolution with Jess over at The Girl Who Thought Too Much.

It's a great group of ladies that all want to be healthier for themselves and have an awesome list of goals.  We've got a Facebook group to ask questions, set goals and to make ourselves accountable. She's sending us member shirts, some samples and some great info throughout the month of January. We've already gotten our first motivation email with workouts and recipes, and she's a great inspiration through her own testimony.  You can check out her weight loss journey HERE.

I'm also doing the Jillian Michaels DVD Challenge with several wonderful blogging/IG ladies.  Its 30 days of Jillian (Eek!) on IG and a prize of $150.00 is up for grabs to the favorite loser! It starts today and runs through Feb 2nd and I'm determined to at least DO the challenge.  Winning would be a plus, but its about principal.  Check out the blogs or IG for Holly, Jennifer, Kim, or Melanie for more info if you're interested. Workouts start tonight, and I've purchased the 30 Day Shred and her Yoga Video to help me. I'll also probably do some of my other Yoga video as well, mostly because I love yoga and I figure I'll hate Jillian's yoga. lol My user name on IG is NickoleM123 if you wanna be friends and do the challenge together... Come keep up with me!

I did a shit ton of food prep for the week last night.  Baked Chicken, steamed green beans, steamed carrots, steamed broccoli, and brown rice.

10 meals, all around 175-250 calories. I'm putting my daily caloric intake around 1500, as recommended by my LoseIt App that I have on my phone. I love this app for keeping up with everything from food to exercise. NickoleM123 is my user name on there... Friend me! You input your weight, goal weight, height and age and it calculates your calories based on how you want to lose the weight.  2# per week being the maximum, because that is a healthy rate to lose it. I love looking into my fridge and seeing these meals all tucked away. I also boiled some eggs, and got fresh veggies cleaned and cut for snacks as well.

I'm telling y'all it's a new year and a new me. :) Here's to 2014 and everyone achieving their goals!

Finish the Sentence... Christmas Edition!

This is officially my first link up... and I'm not real sure that I'm doing it right, or that I'm even allowed, but here it is! If anyone reads this and would like to do the same, click go on over to Holly's page and follow the instructions! 

1. My favorite Christmas was....

When I was little, I used to wait restlessly on Santa to come! One year, my sister and I woke around 3 in the morning, but knew better than to wake our parents.  We decided to play Nintendo until everyone got up... somewhere around 5, my dad comes trotting down the hallway, in his tighty-whiteys and yelled at my sister and I, "If I hear that thing go "whoop, whoop" one more time, I'm going to "whoop, whoop" all over your ass!"  Needless to say, we went back to bed and didn't wake again until around 10!

2. The worst Christmas I had...

I'm not sure I've ever had one.  Holidays were always hard for me because I had divorced parents that had remarried. There were always so many people to see, lots of people I didn't get to see, and lots of time spent making everyone else happy.

3. That one gift that made me scratch my head and say, "Hmmmm" was...

A bible from my grandmother, with my name spelt completely wrong.  And she thought it was right. 

4. One year I....

Received a fur (ish) vest from a grandmother... Absolutely hideous.  It had four or five kinds of fur, and it just wasn't me.  My mother re gifted it and it was done.
The very next year, I received the exact same vest from a "secret sister" at church... MIND. BLOWN.

5. I think the worst gift to give is....

Nothing. If I have nothing to purchase for a person, they at least get a card. Something homemade. Something. Anything.

6. At Christmastime I typically....

Freak out... I'm always worried about everyone but me. I've got to learn to loosen up.

7. Typically, family Christmas....

Is CRAZY.  So many people, so many families, so much running. 

8. If I could change one thing about the Holiday season....

It would last longer.  Each holiday should be at least two days long.  Some of us need more than a day to make it everywhere, others need the second day to recuperate from the one day!

9. It is so hard to buy for....

My honey.  Always. No matter who he is! (Luckily there has only been two)

10. My favorite Christmas tradition is...

Opening presents in my OWN home ON Christmas morning. I purchased my first home last year and it was SOOOO nice to wake up and let my kids open their presents in their very own house and then not have to load them up immediately to move to the next place. 

11. Santa, baby, bring me...

YOGA GEAR! I've became addicted to yoga this year. I need my very own mat and video, so that I can give my sisters back.   A subscription to Yogaglo.com would be handy too! :-)

Back in the Saddle

So... I'm proud of myself. I got in the floor lat night and I did yoga again.  I feel like a beginner again, but I did it.  And I slept like a baby (other than the occasional night sweat that I'm getting used to). I got up this morning and did it again, although, not as well as last night.
I don't quite understand it, really. I  would think that after a good nights rest, I'd be more able to do the yoga moves.  Not true. I snap, crackle and pop like I've been stowed away in a box for a year or two. I was afraid I'd wake Darrell with all my joint noise this morning! Oh well, its done, and I feel better about it.
I wish I felt better in general though.  Apparently I'm coming down with something. Chest is heavy, head is foggy and I've got a cough.  And it's a nasty one. Blah... Started a mucus/cough med, so I'm hoping it helps. If not, I'll be down for the count.  I don't get sick often, but when I do, I do it right! lol
For now, the two yoga sessions make me feel better about myself.  I'll shoot for a third tonight, and maybe a fourth tomorrow (if I'm not completely shot down with my sickness). Wish me luck y'all...

I do yoga...

Daily.

Twice.

And I LOVE it.

Hello, my name is Niki and I'm a yoga-holic.

I never thought I'd love working out as much as I have the past 3 and a half weeks. Yeah, its just yoga. But its YOGA! It may not look like much more than stretching, but IT IS so much more than that. Its breathing, it toning, it concentrating and centering. I'm more centered than I've ever been, my back pain is the least amount I've had in years (finally this week) and like I said in my previous post, I've lost 5 inches. AND!! Today, I got my first in person comment about how I look as though I've slimmed up. From my boss. Who is male. Holy crap y'all! I'm stoked!

I started with a video that my sister got for free with her yoga mat that she just HAD to have to tan on in the back yard, of course. She brought it, I did it for a week, I decided I liked it, then I fizzled out.

Then, my honey and I decided to have a contest on who could lose the most weight while he's away for his new job training. I took off running, as did he. He lost 3# his first week, I gained 2#. WTF? I took a weekend off from my calorie counting, but kept with the yoga. Then back on track on Monday with calories again. I lost a couple pounds, but not like I was hoping. But last week, after being discouraged about the numbers on the scale, I decided to check my numbers on the tape. 5" last week. Its wonderful.

Yoga is my friend. And I love it.