Pulling back the mask...just a little bit

I have been pretty secretive about my identity on this blog {still can't believe I posted pictures..even if they were faceless!} and am still hesitant to go all out with my identity.

I am not sure what is holding me back from sharing everything, but if figure a little here and a little there is the way to go. So, moving slowly but surely I decided to throw my name out there.

So...hi blog world, you can call me Jan. Nice to meet you!

I ♥ MFD

I know that I do better when I track my food intake and exercise. Granted, I always have an idea as to where I am, but it's always good to know, not just have an idea. I have gone back to using MyFoodDiary on a daily basis rather than only using it when I feel like it.

{this was my food intake yesterday. no protein shakes...oops.}

I love being able to look back over the weeks, months and years {yes, I have been using this site for years...it's just that good!} and see my progress, not-so-good times, and plan from there. It's a great tool...I just need to take full advantage of it!

Do you have a favorite calorie counter site?

It's nearly here

I don't know why I am such crap when it comes to setting and keeping goals, but it's something that has never come easy to me.

That being said, I am trying to make a change in that area.

In seven short months I will be 30 years old. My goal is to have my weight out of the 2's and into the 1's by my 30th birthday.

I am working on putting together a plan, on paper (OK, probably a spreadsheet☺), to keep me on track to achieving this goal.

Sharing it here will be one more way I can be help accountable...so hold me accountable, 'kay?

Balls!

Protein balls, that is.

Protein shakes have always been hard for me to do, so I've looked into other ways to get my protein powder in. The latest discovery, Protein Balls.

I halved the recipe since it was my first try and they turned out pretty good, although a bit drier than the ones in their picture.

Protein Peanut Butter Balls

2 scoops chocolate whey protein powder

1/4 cup honey

3/4 cup raw oats

1 cup peanut butter

Mix all these ingredients in a large bowl.

Form into small 1" balls and place on a baking sheet.

Place in oven at 375 degrees for 5-10 minutes.

Any other ideas?

I might melt

Got a 5K coming up this weekend (one little goal to check of my list) and have wanted to 'train' a bit outside.

See, I've been doing most of my movin' on a treadmill, inside. Outside it's in the 90's...not my kinda weather, for exercising at least.

So, I know 5K really isn't that far, but in the hotty-hot sun, it's a bit brutal.

I've got to get some outside exercise fit in somewhere in the next few days just to prep myself. Better down some extra H2O too!

Steppin'

I read somewhere that the average number of steps one takes is around 10,000 steps.

I got a little curious and thought it'd be neat to see how many steps I put in per day. I picked up a nifty little pedometer at Target to get me started. I know it isn't top of the line, but I just wanted to get an idea as to where I am .

I figure I can use this as a little motivational tool...you know, try to outdo my steps from the day before and everything. So, how many steps do you think I'll clock tomorrow??

Stalling

I've quit posting because I've quit making progress...and I am sick of it. I've thought of activity after activity that I can do to get some exercise, but I just can't seem to get on board and stick with any of them.

• I did some ocean swimming while on vacation and loved it, so I thought I'd take up swimming at the gym when I got home. Got a swim cap and everything...yet to even try it out.


• Groupon had a great deal for Bikram Yoga classes (which I've thought about doing, but never done) so I bought the classes, along with a yoga mat and yoga pants. Still not attended a class or used the yoga mat.

I could go on and on, but I don't see the point. I have to quit dwelling on the downside and just get moving on something!

Any motivational tips or tools that any of you have found helpful?

It'll be the death of me

Asparagus, that is.

I made some last night as part of our green themed, St. Patty's Day dinner and brought some leftovers for lunch.

First bite was of asparagus, and I have been fighting it for the past 20 minutes. Man, this stuff is really doing a number on me!

It's hard to have certain food that you like so much, but just don't jive with the band.

What is your fav food that you can no longer tolerate?

Frump

Even though it's only been a pound or two loss here and there for the past little bit, I am starting to notice a difference in the way my clothes fit.

There is one part of me that is jumping for joy at the sign of progress, but there is also the side of me that doesn't like the way my clothes are currently fitting. I feel a little on the frumpy side, but don't want to buy a bunch of new clothes that will only fit for a little while.

So, I remember the part of me that feels ecstatic by my loss and just roll with it. ☺

Doing dotFit

My gym had an awesome deal for the month of February for dotFit, so just had to take advantage of it.

Any dotFit users out there? I usually use MyFoodDiary, but at this great discount ($30 up front and then it's free as long as I have a Gold's Gym membership), I couldn't pass it up.

I am supposed to meet with one of their trainers this week to get everything set up.

Wish me luck!

Ah, too tight!

For the first time in what seems like FOREVER I made myself a protein shake for breakfast. I mixed the following up in my trusty ol' Magic Bullet:

• 1 1/2 scoops of Designer Whey Chocolate Peanut Caramel protein powder
• 1/2 cup light Silk chocolate milk
• 1 teaspoon reduced fat peanut butter

The problem was...I couldn't keep it down. My Doc stays to use such a small amount of liquid to keep it thick, thus keeping you full, but it was too thick for me to pass.

I was sipping it on my way to work and had to pull over part way there because I was about to lose it. I gave it a little time and then starting sipping again...even slower and it was OK, but a little uncomfy.

I am always SO tight in the mornings. Do any of you have this problem?

I have returned.

I took a hiatus from blogging for a bit. Okay, it was more of an extended vacation, but I am back...I hope for the long haul, and I plan to stick with it.

I know that going at this weight loss thing on my own just doesn't work for me. I've been overwhelmed with work, school, and just life in general and I am barely keeping my head above water. I've realized that I need to have outside support and influences to keep my motivation going...at least for now.

I've recommitted myself to following my exercise/eating/supplement guidelines in hopes of seeing a better result. Now I've just GOT to stick to it. I might need some support...help me, won't you? ☺