Just Keepin' On

Does your life seem like a big ball of twine that gets patted around on the floor by that playful, fluffy kitty?? Mine does.
Each Monday I set out to write down and track my weekly fitness goals. Each Sunday, my brain begins ticking as to what I want on my plate for the following week. The same ole, same ole...
Monday: Spin Class {morning} 60 Day SlimDown/ Core Firming Sequence Method {evening}Tuesday: Power {weight lifting}Wednesday: Spin Class {morning} 60 Day SlimDown/ Core Firming Sequence Method {evening}Thursday: Morning RunFriday: Morning Run {Good Friday!} 60 Day SlimDown/ Core Firming Sequence Method Saturday: RunSunday: Easter!
And there we have it, Folks. It all looks so sweet and simple laid out in black and white, but there are times that this weekly schedule is the hardest thing to keep in line. I love the after feeling, I even love the pain during {sometimes}, but the hardest part right now is setting aside this time for me, realizing it's importance, and not putting something like sleep or studying in front of it.
Life changes are hard, and yet, prioritizing seems even harder. What about You? How are you incorporating your fitness into a busy schedule this week??
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How Does Stress Affect Your Workout?

Have you ever experienced long term stress? Ever had a project that felt as if it took a millenium to complete? Yeah, I'm there. Even though I'm only two weeks or so from completing my thesis, I look back and realized that over the last 6 months I've been extremely stressed out. And, sadly, by being stressed, I've neglected many workouts.
I'm not sure why it happens. I love working out. My days and moods are always better after I workout, I just tend to let everything else take priority over it. 
And yet, I hope to soon turn that type of thinking around. I recently purchased a book, Zen and the Art of Running, and in it the author discusses the idea of attachments. Attachments being the ideas/views we place on things/thoughts. According to the book, when I talk myself into staying in bed simply because I think it feels more comfortable than going for a run, well, then, I've attached an idea of my bed compared to my run. It's a way of breaking old thought patterns that impact motivation, and simply taking life as it is rather than fluffying it all up with my ideas. It's an amazing theory, one of which has been around for thousands of years, and I'm sure it will take more than just a read for me to really get it down. But, I'm trying. 
I have two races coming up in May and June that I'd love to run in. I'm a little anxious that I don't have enough time to train for them, but they're both fairly short and when it comes down to it, I can run on spit and pure desire, and repair the slight banged up muscles/soft tissue later. 
So, what about You? How does stress affect your workouts? Do you use it as motivation or does it sap your desire and strength as in my case? And, what ways are you working on in regards to stress? I'd love to hear your tips and stories, Link Up below!
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I've Said It Before And I'll Say It Again, SparkPeople Rocks My Socks Off

When you go back to the basics, it all seems to make sense. And that's why I'm taking it back to SparkPeople.com  to make a difference in my life. 
After having Maddie I removed 65 pounds from this body; the same size as my 8 year old. Wow, you say. Yeah, wow I say! It's still hard for me to believe, but when I glance in the mirror, I realize it's still {partly} a reality. 
Around October I experienced some stress, I stopped running due to the colder weather, and overall I was simply lost in my fitness routine. In January I started working on my thesis, and I've come to learn that when I'm super stressed, I can't seem to focus on anything except on that particular stressor. I should have never gotten out of a routine, but I did. I should have never emotionally eaten, but I did. And now, several pounds later, I'm still stressed, still eating, and yet still wanting to make a change in my life. And that's the point, the simple desire to make something different.
Like I said, I went back to what I knew worked before: 1. joining other people on this journey, 2. running. :) It's not always easy, but it's definitely still worth doing.
So this weeks workouts:Monday: Spin ClassTuesday: Weight TrainingWednesday: Spin ClassThursday: Slim in 6Friday: RunningSaturday: Walk/Run @ GreenwaySunday: Walk with Family
What about you? What goals have you set for this week? 

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How To Stay Motivated: Your Workouts

Every Monday, for months now, I've been writing up a fitness post. Some days it's about weight loss, about my weekly goals, while other days I actually try to share some news. Today, it's about motivation and what I've learned along the way.

1. Being A Buddy:
I always chat with strangers, you never know who you might meet or what new bond you might build. That being said, you hop on a treadmill next to me, I'll 99% of the time wish you a, "good morning!" And if I drift in next to you to apply makeup after my workout in the dressing room, I'm almost certain we'll start up a small chat. And that's where I met Heather. We had chatted a few times and then last week she invited me to a spin and weight training class. 5:30 a.m. classes that is. :)

I decided to give it a go. With Spring approaching I really needed something to boost my workouts and really get me back into things. And, it just so happened when I mentioned I'd be going to spin class, another friend of mine, whom I've worked out with before, decided to join me as well.

There is nothing better than a work out partner, except for on those days you'd rather work out alone {as a mom, I sometimes cherish my alone times}.

2. Writing It Down: 

Heather, as I mentioned before, is full of great ideas. She explained to me how she uses a calender to record her success and that each day she works out, she gets a sticker, and after a certain amount of stickers, she gets a new...{fill in the blank here}. What an awesome idea!!!!

And, I agree, if you write it down, you're more likely to stick with it. So, I did. I have Monday - Wednesday documented for the month. These three days I'll be at the gym, bright and early. The other two days, well, I need more help on those. Any suggestions?? I'll have Maddie with me before and after work on those days so make sure it's kid friendly.

3. Connecting To Others:

I've also come across some great fitness
blogs . It seems when we surround ourselves by a group of people, we tend to follow along in that group. So, decide who you want to follow/lead and surround yourself with those people...pretty simple.

So, what about You? What motivates You to keep pushing along and moving through??

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Cut The Fluff With McFatty Mondays: Slim in 6

I'm so excited to announce that I'll be doing a review of  Lindsay Brin's 60 Day SlimDown System as well as offering a 30% off coupon code to my readers. I've just set it up so keep a lookout in the up-coming weeks!

And yet, this week I'm focused on Slim in 6 by BeachBody. I started off with the Shape It Up, the first of three series. It consisted of 24 minutes of constant movement. The pace was smooth yet challenging. I did noticed a deal of knee pain while doing the variations of squats but I'll just need to focus on form and keeping those knees in good alignment. Within those 24 minutes I burned 198 calories, ramping my heart rate up to 155 bpm during some of the movements.

Now, compared to my most recent workout DVD, 30 Day Shred, this workout didnt require as much jumping nor high impact movements. I did not use any weights yet got a great upper body workout with constant arm movements and push ups. There is also a nice ab workout to move you into the cool down.

Overall, I feel this is a great beginners workout, even one that's challenging to someone who's been working out (cardio wise) for a year now. This workout is definitely something I need at the moment, a plan that focuses on strength training as well as cardio, yet doesn't crash me out after one workout.

The idea is to continue with this DVD for week 1 then move on to the next series starting week 2. I look forward to the challenge. :)

And what about You? Have you tried Slim in 6? Have a success story to share? I'd love to hear your fitness goals as well as how your workouts are going. Link up below to share your story!


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Cut The Fluff With McFatty Mondays: 2010

So, the end is upon us.

I began running in Feb. of this year and even though I've greatly slacked off within the last two months, I feel as if it's certainly apart of my identity. Two important gifts I received this year are: a treadmill and scale. Yep, you know that cool, it-weighs-everything-even-water-weight scale? I got one!

I'm almost afraid to step on the thing though, worried it will begin yelling at me, "Fat ass! Fat ass! What were you thinking when you ate that last damn donut??!!!" Ok, I'm sure it wont be that extreme but you know what I mean...I'm not looking forward to stepping up on it (tomorrow). As I mentioned these last two months have not been my most productive and I've honestly put on close to 10 pounds...and I feel it.

However, I'm looking forward to finding my balance through nutrition and fitness and, again, trudging through the days, burning off the calories, and becoming stronger as I do. It may not always be fun, but it's important. I want to be healthy. I want to be limber and strong. I want to remove this excess fat and baggage.

So, I'm raising my H20 to the fitness freak working out next to me and toasting all the others who will put fitness and health as a major priority for 2011. Here's to you, Friends!!

McFatty Mondays: MIA

Wow, I've been MIA for a bit. This is my last week of school this semester and it consists of a take home final that has pretty much kicked me in the butt. It's dealing with statistical significance within studies, and seriously, I get anxiety simply by looking at it.


Woe is me...


Anyway, I have missed my routine and workouts, dearly. I gotta/am gonna get back into the swing of it all, hopefully, after today.


Anyway, I hope you are all well. What winter workouts do you have planned around this time of year???

Cut the Fluff With McFatty Mondays: You On A Diet (Continues)

So, last week I mentioned I had started reading, You On A Diet, and, it's becomming a pretty big hit, in my opinion. :)

I just googled the title and found this link: www.realage.com/the-you-docs/you-on-a-diet/ It looks great, check it out, and let me know what new tips you've learned!

So, back to the book, it seems, our body first uses fat to store up our glycogen supply (sugar stored in the mucles for fast use) and then sugar/fat is stored as fat (which becomes the backup storage system for engergy). It takes the body roughly 30 minutes to use the glycogen held within the mucles, and it's only then that the body turns to stored fat to burn as energy. So, that's where we get that most awesome guideline of 30 minutes of exercise to maintain weight while weight loss requires 60 minutes a day.

Now, before you start throwing a hissy that there is simply no way you can incorporate 60 minutes of exercise into your day, take a moment to also realize that muscle requires more energy simply to maintain than does say, oh, fat. So, it's a good idea to build muscles that requires fuel through out the day as well as cardio and/or aerobic exercise that will also burn sugar/fat.

Simply put, tone your muscles & they will use stored sugar/fat, don't tone your muscles, they will simply make room for more fat. I'd rather do the first. I'M GONNA DO THE FIRST!

Starting today, I'm bringing back my morning workout (when I can). I understand life is hectic and that working out may not always be my first priority and I'm willing to make adjustments when need be, but NEVER is there a time when I can't work out in some way/form indefinitly.

And that's the difference. Do you want it? Are you willing to do what you need to get it? I am.

Goals:

93 ounces of water a day

4 workout days this week

aiming for a 2000 weekly calorie burn

maintain blood sugar levels through small snacks

do NOT over eat and experience reactive hypoglycemia

incorporate morning workouts, whether it be pilates or 30 Day Shred

make the difference...

Fitness: My Week In Preview

Below is my week in preview, fitness wise. And check out tomorrow's Cut The Fluff w/ McFatty Monday to see what new goals I've listed!

CARDIOVASCULAR EXERCISE FOR THE WEEK OF 10/17/2010 - 10/23/2010


EXERCISE MINUTES CALORIES BURNED
Walk 15 min/mile 40 min. 263 cal.
Walk 17 min/mile 47 min. 274 cal.
Run to gym, weight training, run to work, walk 112 min. 707 cal.
Walk with Maddie 60 min. 378 cal.


weekly minutes = 259 weekly calorie burn = 1622

weekly goal = 2000

Cut the Fluff With McFatty Mondays: You On A Diet

I picked up a new book this week, You On A Diet. Sorry there is no link, I'm writing this in a mad rush before having to get ready for work.

Anyway, it's a concept that our bodies want to be a healthy weight, not an anorexic weight, but healthy with a healthy fat percentage, and, if we eat healthy foods then our bodies will tell us when to eat. Ok, that's probably really over simplified, but you get the idea.

This book goes into great detail explaining how different types of food reacts in the body and what the body must do to use it all. It also discusses the fact that our bodies have not changed since the caveman era, and yet through agriculture, the way we eat certainly has.

Rather than focusing on the scale, this book explains that for a woman, a healthy waist size is 32 1/2 inches and below. Which, actually, I'm pretty much there, but I'm still not satisfied with my body. There is a 2 week food list as well an exercise plan listed in the book. And how much exercise do they recommend a day? A 30 min. walk daily with weight training (without weights).

So, if you're interested in understanding how your body works, breaking through some dieting myths, and enjoying a new, realistic, life style change, I'd recommend picking up this book. Oh, and one last thing, the authors claim you can drop 2 inches around your waist by following their plan, for 2 weeks. Interesting. :)

My goals for this week:

~ 93 ounces of water a day

~ 4 work out days

~ listening to my body in regards to hunger...is it physical or phsychological.

Fit Meal Monday

I am all about trying to eat healthier which includes serving healthy meals to my fam. as well. So, when I came across Fit Meal Monday , I happly clapped myself into list making mode and set out to think up some healthy meals for this week.

My main focus this week will be including more fish into our diets, which actually just means adding it in once this week. :) It's a process and I'm still learning...

Monday:

fish (Cod) lightly rubbed w/ olive oil, seasoned, and skillet cooked

brown rice

turnip greens

apple slices

Tuesday:

turkey breast, sliced

wild rice

baked sweet potatoes

Wednesday:

chicken breast, grilled with seasoning, cut up in salad.

Thursday:

blacked eyed peas

green beans

wheat bread

steamed kale

Friday:

Speghetti with ground beef

whole wheat speghetti

stewed tomatoes and veggies

I can't wait to link up and read other great ideas!!

Cut The Fluff With Mcfatty Mondays: Hypoglycemia

Hi there, I'm Toni, and I'm hypoglycemic. That's right folks, I'm finally admitting that I do have a particular body type that does, indeed, need a bit of sweet tweaking to keep it running smoothly.

I discovered my hypoglycemia when I was a teenager, actually after I had my first child, and was officially diagnosis a couple of years later by my doctor. My mom was a diabetic so she quickly recognized my symptoms of low blood sugar and gave me sound advice on avoiding sugary foods...I must admit, I've never kept myself from any type of food, at any time, for any reason...until now. :)

Since I'm a huge advocate for education, I've recently begun researching hypoglycemia and the ways in which to live with this bodily response. And, the first and foremost advice out there...avoid sugar. Ok, I gotcha, now what? Well, I'm still learning.

So, this week I'll be documenting my food and drinks to see if I actually do have the will power to remove sugar and caffeine from my diet. Yeah, I was actually saddened to see the caffeine as listed as a no-no. That one will probably be the hardest to break.

And, thanks to BeingMrsJones , I'm now gonna try and inhale 93 ounces of water a day. Wow, talk about potty breaks, people! Check here to see how many ounces you should be drinking, and then gasp and fall over cause you so know you wont hit that goal any time soon. Nah, I'm kidding, I have faith in you...YOU CAN DO IT!

And now back to me...

I worked out 2 times last week, which sucks. I burned a bit over 1,000 calories from those two sessions, which was good, but I definitely plan on a bit more this week. And, speaking of working out, my goals this week are: to see 3 hours of cardio/weight training workouts, to include fruits and veggies into my snacks and meals, and to consume an ungodly amount of water, as well as to continue to educate myself on ways to live with an over-reactive pancreas.

I hope your days are lovely; continue to sweat and look awesome in your workout clothes, for I will be doing the same. :)

Cutting The Fluff With McFatty Mondays

I am currently a member of The Rush and so far I've enjoyed my experience. I did 4 sessions with a trainer and have decided that my most fav. Christmas wish this year will be 12 - 1 hr. sessions. I figure I could spread them out 1 session a week for like 3 months! :)

Anyway, as a member, there is also a website that offers fitness plans to help design the perfect program. I signed up today and I've set myself up with two months of fitness plans. I'm super-psyched!

This previous week found me stressing over parent/teacher conference forms as well as a midterm so I honestly got NO workout time in. I was pretty bummed out about it, as you can see here . But, no worries, today is a new day. :)

Oh, and, I got a new kick on the nutrition level, this site recommends I eat 1954 calories a day, putting me 500 calories under what my body burns daily, as well as my workouts (weight training 3 x's a week, & running 4 x's a week) should really help to move my metabolism.

And, lets take a moment...my half-marathon that I'd planned to run this November is full. I went to sign up a week or so ago and, sadly, saw I had missed the window of opportunity. It's ok, though, I'll keep training, and I'll run one next year. I know it! :)

Ok, back to my post...

Nutritional Challenge:

~ Get in 64 ounces of water a day

~ count calories daily, remaining within caloric range

~ include at least one fruit and vegtable with lunch and dinner

~ snack only on fresh fruits and/or vegtables

Fitness Challenge:

~ 3 hours of exercise this week

~ follow fitness plan

~ possibly break out the 30 Day Shred for enjoyment :)

Side note: because my weight seems to fluctuate so often, I'm going to be using BMI and fat % to dertermine body changes.

BMI: 30.4

fat %: 34.2

My Day Sucks When I Don't Work-Out

I get so tired of my mood being so easily influenced by the day to day activities: driving, chatting, reading, and not working-out.

It's been 6 days since I worked out. I know, how pathetic is that, there are people out there that will say, "oh, yeah, well it's been 266 days since I've worked out and you don't hear me complaining!" I know. I don't.

I'm a bit obbessed.

And yet I feel so bummed and depressed about it all. Ok, maybe not literally depressed but bummed definitly.

I actually saw my relection yesterday and felt as if my belly had grown and expanded another 6 inches in a week. Seriously. I felt fat. Instantly. I knew it wasn't possible but because I hadn't been to the gym in days I was "scared" into thinking I had gained it all back.

And then I started contemplating: do I work out in fear of gaining weight back, do I really believe I can continue to lose weight, am I controled by my weight loss? These are serious questions...to some.

I want to find a balance between food and exercise. I don't want to live in an existance of extreme workouts and fatigue. I want to maintain a healthy weight loss, building muscle, and educating myself along the way on nutritional choices.

Is the, "I want" gonna get me through? I don't know. But I do know that being able to figure out what I want is an important step. :)

McFatty Monday Once Again!

McFatty Monday is here again, folks!

Last week found me with three visits to the gym, one of which was with my trainer. She killed, I tell ya, absolutely killed me! And yet, I'm still here :) Anyway, my hamstrings have still not recovered, and, I must admit, I'm a little scared to go back in there today.

I hate squats and lunges with big metal bars, upside-down crunches while holding medicine balls over my head...hate it! But I love feeling how strong I can be, and how far I can push myself.

The scale still isn't moving for me. I'm sure if I could have made it to the gym 5 days this week it would have, but seriously people, my life is a bit dramatic/traumatic at the moment. I'm hoping things quiet down for a bit and we can all get into a good routine.

My plan this week is to get in two more sessions with Kayla, get my own workout plan established, and hit the gym all 5 days this week, well, I may have to exclude Wednesday which is class night, but I could make up for it on Saturday or Sunday. Ok, sounds like a great plan!

I hope everyone is enjoying their workouts and successes!

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McFatty Mondays: Labor Day

Good Day, Readers!

I hope everyone has had a great weekend and that those of you who have today off (Labor Day) have great plans from spending time with family to simply being lazy and relaxing around the house. I fall into the second category there. :)

So, this past week went well, I think, or at least the scale says so. Still holding strong @ 181. The kids and I took a quick jog around one of our local parks yesterday. Maddie rode in the jogging stroller and Jeremy rode his bike.

Overall, I must admit I'm trying to find my balance since school has started back. I'm wanting to work out in the morning and then spend another hour or so in the afternoon on studying. My focus is shifting a bit from obessessed workout freak to a I only have two classes left til my Master's is finished and I so want to make them count, kind of girl.

And, at the moment, I'm actually pretty exhausted. Maddie lost her last paci last night and had a terrible time of sleeping. She's back to sleep and I thought I'd use this time to study and then I realized it was Monday and needed to post. :)

Anyway, *yawns*, I plan on bringing in more of the elliptical this week. I'm only striving for 100 calorie burn a day which is so minimal it's more or less simply breathing but I needed something so that if I didn't get a run in then I'm not beating myself up over it. I'll have to cut down on caloroies this week, but so be it. Other than that, I'd like to get a long run in on Sunday, making between 7 and 8 miles.

I hope everyone has grand plans and great successes this week!

Week 11: Feelin' Pretty Good...

Week 11 of the BABProject and McFatty Mondays finds me sitting exactly where I was last week. However, I did try something different this past week, eating 1,000 calories by lunch and then reserving another 1,000 for dinner/snacks. I must admit, when I did eat my 2,000 a day, I didn't experience those famished, low blood sugar episodes that I usually do, and, I think the best way to lose weight is to be able to trick the body that you're not starving yet still lower daily calories. So, I'm gonna keep at this for another week or so and see if the scale moves. On a side note, my heart monitor shows me burning over 2,500 a day so cutting out 500 per day should make a difference.

In the area of workouts, I got that great run in last Sunday, burning over 900 calories which helped to push this week's calorie burn to over 1900 calories. Yesterday, however, I didn't get my long run in due to family plans and a quad muscle injury from when earlier in the week I did massive squats and I'm still paying for it, however, I did get an hour workout on the eliptical, burning over 700 calories, so that's worth something.

And now on to the bragging part, I went out Saturday and bought a new outfit, and, I bought a size 14 pants that I haven't been in to in years...I mean years. :) Below are a few pics of me and Maddie Sunday morning before church. I couldn't believe how good I actually looked. I'm actually proud and happy with my body image at the moment, however, I'm still striving for more, but for right now, I'm pretty good. :)

and as you can see, motherhood is never ending, not even when you're trying to get a quick pic in. :)

and so Maddie and I took one together...

Overall I'm still learning, working, & training but today I'm happy. I may not be where I plan on being, but I'm moving in the right direction, :)

Workout Schedule:

Monday: morning - 35 minute elliptical

Tuesday: morning - 35 minute elliptical

Wednesday: morning - 35 minute elliptical

Thursday: morning - 35 minute elliptical

Friday: morning - 35 minute ellitpical

Saturday: rest day!

Sunday: 8 mile run

McFatty Mondays & BABP: Week 10

And, here we are again. Wow, I'm pretty bummed about this past week. I had set out to work out every day and honestly, I think I got two days in. Sad. But, what can ya do but write it off as a bad week and move on.

So, on we go....

I did pick up a heart monitor and enjoyed wearing it this weekend to track how many calories I burned. In a 4 hour period I had burned over 800 calories with 10 minutes of an elipitical work out thrown in there, other than that, it was a pretty lazy day. I also got a great run in Sunday, 6 miles burning 930 calories. And, by the time I got home from the gym, I'd burned over 1,100 calories. After that the fam. and I went out for sushi. :)

The one aspect that does bum me out is that I've been at this project going on 10 weeks now, over two months, and I'm still sitting pretty close as to where I was when I began it. I must admit, these past three weeks have been pretty blah...Maddie was so sick and my overall attitude was pretty depressed. I've made some changes though, and I hope this will help with my motivation and feelings. I think I'm gonna have to go back to the ole "it doesn't matter how I feel, it's just gotta be something I do."

And, on a really exciting note, I'm goning to be featuring a guest blogger in the next few days. I am super excited about all the info she'll be sharing, and if you, a reader, would like to share your expertice, please contact me and we'll make it happen. :)

SW: 186

LW: 181

CW: 181

Work out schedule:

Monday: 20 min. eliptical

Tuesday: 30 min. run

Wednesday: 20 min. eliptical (school starts!)

Thursday: 30 min. run

Friday: swim

Saturday: Rest Day!

Sunday: 7 mile run

BABProject & McFatty Mondays: Checking In!

I'm not sure what week I'm on, I think this was to be the finish of week 6, which means this week will be 7. Wow, things are a bit blurry @ the moment. :)

This past week included the completion of the 2009-2010 school year (work), a minor injury picked up from my 30DayShred (not complaining too much on this one, though), and a trip to see family. I had planned on completing my 2nd week of my running program: FAIL. I was also thinking I'd get 3 days of Shred in: FAIL. Oh, and Sunday was to be my long run day: DOUBLE FAIL.

But, I am in no way taken out, life comes and goes, I make choices, and now I choose to get back on track. :)

This week I'd like to look @ my fitness as well as my nutriton.

My Goals:

drink 64 ounces of water a day

eat 3 vegtables and fruits a day

enjoy 1800 to 2000 cal. a day

3 days of Shred

6 days of total exercise

try and figure out a way to burn 400 to 500 cal. a day, or equal 2500 cal. burn a week

and try to squeeze in a day for swimming.

My workout schedule:

Monday: 30 Day Shred, 45 min. walk

Tuesday: 45 min. run/walk

Wednesday: 30 Day Shred, 45 min. walk

Thursday: 45 min. run/walk

Friday: 30 Day Shred, 45 min. walk

Saturday: REST DAY!

Sunday:4 - 5 mile run

This week is in-service at work which means I'll be working from 8:00 to 4:00. I'll have more time to get a work out in during the morning, as well as a 60 min. lunch break where I can do a 45 min. walk. Ohhhhhhhh, I am gonna be stinky. :( I could also hit the gym after work since Daddy will have Maddie this week, but I'll be missing them both, so we'll just have to see on that one.

Enjoy your week & make it happen!!

Counting Calories: MyPyramid.gov

So, calorie counting has got to be the hardest thing for me to do. And, it's not just important for me to count them in regards to losing weight, it's even more so that I know I'm eating enough calories for the day.


I checked out http://www.mypyramid.gov/, and I was surprised to see that it takes 2500 calories for me to maintain my weight, at my current fitness level. I was trying to maintain a 1300 to 1600 calorie diet when in actuality, I was starving myself. I need to consume 2,000 calories a day, 500 less than what my body needs to ensure a safe, one pound a week of weight loss. And, if I throw in another 500 calories burned a day through exercises then I've added another pound of weight loss for the week. Humm, well, 500 calories a day is hard to burn, but I'm trying. :)


And, again, as I stated before, I need to count calories to make sure I'm eating enough, it seems yesterday, by lunch, I would have only consumed 600 calories if I'd gone only by what felt satisfying to me. I actually had to eat another 400 calories just to get enough fuel to last me through the day and my workout. No wonder I feel exhausted by 8:00 pm, I was seriously starving to death. And, in hopes of not being in starvation mode anymore, my weight should make a change. :)


So, yesterday, I maintained 2,000 calories and felt much better. I had no blood sugar crashes, but was still exhausted come bedtime. :) And, I've just been given advice on trying, "paleo eating" to help with the hunger I experienced last night. Oh, and speaking of yesterday, I am a pound lighter today than I started off with. Did the calories make a difference? Only the week will tell!