I am a food dealer...

That's right-I am a food pusher.  It is in my genetic make up to get others to eat food they don't really want.  I liken it to be a drug dealer...I would be the shady character standing outside of the Weight Watchers meeting with a thing of cookies.  It is true.  When I was a tween-I figured out a way to get people to do things I wanted them to-feed them.  I started small with left over Halloween candy, then I got big time.  Making my own, chocolate chunk cookies-throwing in extra butter flavored Crisco for the extra special something.  They were so good, that I could literally get grades changed with a tin of those bad boys.  Through the years, I have perfected the art.  Learning to make bigger better desserts-cupcakes anyone?  How do you think I snagged Dennis? 

But, I got busted for it today-big time.  Instead of working out at lunch and eating a healthy salad.  I tried to use peer pressure to get my co-workers to try the new Pie Restaurant.  Yes, I admit it.  I tried my best, telling them that it was our last chance to get together before the holiday, etc. 

Thankfully, after Kristen was on board, she jumped off.  She said, "No, Amber!  I am going to walk on the treadmill instead."  Then Tamillo who didn't really want to go anyway, also bailed. 

Needless to say, I went and worked out and ate a healthy salad.  I am glad I lost this battle.  I feel better and know it was the right choice. 

I am giving up my food pushing ways...small steps, but I am getting there.

Okay-I am doing it.

Let me first say-Thank you for the peer pressure.  :0)  That is why I started this whole blog thing. 

So, I haven't been very good lately.  I did push the stroller and take a walk on Sunday, but let's be honest-that is not enough.  My Mom has generously donated her treadmill to my cause, we just have to pick it up (3 hour drive).  I know that will help.  My friend Kristen has also let me borrow her Jillian Shred it DVD, which I will be doing tonight after I put Carson down.  I will let you know how it goes. 

Spark People

I'm a Weight Watchers drop out-again.  I just cannot justify paying $17.95 a month to track my calories and fitness when there are so many free sites.  As such, I joined SparkPeople.com and I love it.  I really like that it will allow me to map my walking/jogging route and tell me the distance and calories burned.  Plus, instead of points I can track real calories.  That is great for me to work off of a real number. 

Anway, I worked out last night.  I jogged/walked outside for 30 minutes.  Carson had a melt down and I just needed some air so Dennis made dinner while I exercised.  I am still pretty set on getting a treadmill, but have yet to get Dennis on board.  I will keep you all posted.  Friday, I will update my weight loss.  :0)  I need a few more days of activity. 

What a weekend

So, this weekend our good friends the Thompson's came down from Michigan for a visit.  We introduced little Carson to his future wife and in-laws.  It went very well. ;0)

We also went to the Cheesecake Factory.  I'd love to tell you I was good and ate sensibly.  But that would be a bold faced lie.  I ate Bang Bang Shrimp and Chicken (half of a huge plate, boxed the other half) and a piece of peanutbutter/hocolate cake cheesecake.  It is an amazing burst of flavor in my mouth...heavenly really.  I have tried the sugar free kind before and to be very honest-it sucks.  It sucks really badly. I usually enjoy sugar free snacks, but not that one.

So, aside from my confession.  I wanted to give a shout out to Momma Thompson.  She had a baby 13 months ago and looks amazing.  It was really a big motivator to me because I want to be able to look cute and wear normal clothes-not the tents I have been hiding under for the last few years.  So, thanks Betsy for showing me that moms can still be cute and I can do it.  I am getting back on track.  Starting today! 

Run, run, run

I have been doing pretty well with the running thing.  I am averaging a walk/run combination of about 2.15 miles during my lunches (twice so far this week).  That is really good for me considering-I have been out of it for a while.  More than anything I love the feeling I have once I have completed my 30 minutes.  Usually at the end of the 30 minutes-I wish I had more time.  It is a huge de-stresser for me.  So, with the help of Dennis I am definitely going to be making more time for my favorite pass time.  Shocked?  Running and working out is my favorite thing to do when I have time.  I am finding that balancing being a wife, motherhood, working, and homeownership has really sucked up most of my free time and sleeping time.  Hopefully, things will start to calm down and I can commit to working out more.

Anyway, I am down more weight!  I am so excited to see the results of my lifestyle change. 

A failed weekend...

Last week went really well.  I was exercising and eating really well.  Unfortunately, I went home to the region for a visit.  While my eating wasn't terrible, it certainly wasn't great.  Additionally, I did not work out.  I know I just have to get right back up and keep going.  So, I started tracking my food on WW and am going to commit to doing that everyday this week for every meal and working out for at least 30 minutes everyday. 

In other news, we took Carson to the doctor and he is doing very well.  He's incredibly healthy and happy.  I want to lose the weight for my son.  He's already super active and I want to be able to keep up with him. 

I am back on track this week.  I usually weigh myself everyday, but I think I am going to start doing it once a week again.  That way it doesn't control me so much. Here's to a great week ahead!

The results are in...

I am free of diabetes!  YAHOO!  However, since I am high risk I now will have to take the test once a year.  Either way, I am happy to be in the clear.

So, I walked last night with my amazing husband, who had dinner waiting for me at home.  That was a very nice and healthy surprise.  I didn't think I would make it working out because of my sugar crash yesterday, but we walked for 30 minutes.  It wasn't much, but still better than nothing and was nice to get Carson and the dogs some fresh air. 

My friend at work JT has been helping me build a little workout plan so that I can prepare to run the Mini.  Running the Mini or a mini-marathon has been a goal of mine for a while now.  I think 2011 is going to be my year to accomplish this.  Back in the day I would run in 5ks and it always felt amazing at the end.  I can only imagine what it would feel like to complete a half marathon.  In addition, to losing the 50lbs I want to run in a mini-marathon this spring.  I will be documenting my progress. 

The motivational pictures...

From the back-I think it might be worse. 

Skinny me...this is me at about 125-130lbs. This is what I would like to look like again.

2 Hour test

Last night after getting some upsetting news about a situation with our shower.  I thought I wasn't going to have the time or motivation to go for a walk.  Personally, I think the devil puts these little road blocks up to get me worked up and avoid meeting my goals.  Instead, Dennis watched Carson (thanks-babe) and I took each dog for a 20 minute jog/walk.  Total of 40 minutes of cardio.  Guess what?  I felt better.  My stress level decreased and I was in a much better place mentally.  After we went through Carson's nightly routine and spent some time getting things organized-I did 3 sets of 10 sit ups and 2 sets of 10 "my-style" push ups.  It might not be much, but it is better. 

My glucose test this morning was not pretty.  In fact, it was awful.  I thought I was going to be sick and was exhausted afterward.  I went home took a nap and then decided to come back into work.  I feel like garbage and hate doing this, but understand it is the only way we can confirm my current diabetic status.  Big prayers that I am diabetes free. 

Thanks for all the comments!  I love it.  :0)

To start things off...

Fat and happy.  That pretty much sums up my life for the last 3.5 years.  I love my husband dearly, but I have really put the weight on since I met him.  Normally, this wouldn't be an issue.  However, as most of you know I had our first son in April.  What most of you don't know, is that I had gestational diabetes.  For some women this isn't a big deal, they cool it with the ice cream, Oreos, cake, etc.  For me, it was a bigger deal that involved diet change, exercise increase, and medication.  This was the start of my wakeup call.  I was bigger than ever before-ate whatever I wanted and made myself sick and put my son in danger because I have an eating problem.  Not the kind we normally talk about or hear about...I over eat-constantly.  I love carbs, ice cream, sugar, anything.  It is bad-real bad.  I sneak in fancy coffees because "hey its coffee" (loaded with sugary mint syrup and whip cream.)  My mouth is watering...see I have a problem?  I also love grocery shopping.  I look at all of the food and dream about what I could make or what would it taste like...a moment on the lips, just a bite, or a small piece for me.  Who would have though Kroger could be like a crack house? 

Back to my point...having GD was the start of a wakeup call for both Dennis and I.  We realized my problem was out of control.  After I had Carson, I immediately lost 40lbs.  I have managed to keep that off, but still have about 65lbs to go.  The sick part is I had lost 50lbs before.  I was thin, I ran almost everyday, I ate reasonably.  Then I fell off the ice cream truck-oops, I mean wagon.  The real wake up call is posted below..a picture from my dear friend, Jen Slack-Miller's wedding.  I literally cried when I saw it and made my husband take it off of Facebook.  I couldn't stand the sight of myself.  So, Dennis and I came up with a bet.  I am very competitive and unusually motivated by vacations. So, below is the bet. 

Lose 50lbs by April 9th, 2011-trip to Vegas.  If I lose he goes without me. 

I know this is aggressive, but I have it to lose and will have a healthy BMI if I can meet this goal.  By the way, tomorrow I take my glucose test to see if I still have Diabetes...I get to do this for the rest of my life once a year-I think I learned my lesson. 

I know this might be a little annoying, but accountability (and lets be honest humor) is vital and with the support of my friends and family I think this is achievable.  Please, also note-I want no sympathy nor do I want any sort of compassion.  I did this to myself and I am going to fix it. 

*The picture will have to be posted later...I made Dennis take it down.  You can see the other ones of me in the orange dress on my FB.  Hard to miss..