A beginning – albeit rather boring
I have been overweight my entire life. Since probally around the age of 7. Slowly the weight has packed on. In the past 12 years I have gained over 100 lbs. Wow I can’t believe I’m admitting that so openly. It is the truth though. First the weight was slow. Then I became pregnant, and actually lost weight! It’s been 6 years since I gave birth. In that time i had gained 50 pounds. That’s a lot of weight when you actually think of it in terms of how much blubber that really is. 40 of those pounds were when I quit smoking in ‘07. (Yes I did start smoking again last October-November.) The shock of the weight was to much.
Since then I’ve lost 21 pounds. In a year. Not good enough. So about 6 weeks ago my husband got us a family membership at the local gym. I gotta admit I was scared and skeptical. I just knew I’d go in there and that only tiny women in spandex would be working out. The truth is there are tiny women. There are also average women, big women, medium women and pretty much every size you can imagine. We had a fitness evaluation where the gyms owner measure our bmi. Mine was 44% OUCH! I wanted to cry. Good news was on the horizon though. Being huge doesn’t mean we’re the only ones with high BMI’s – Apparently skinny women can have one just as high by starving themself and not properly working out.
So here we are 6 weeks later. I am losing on average 2 lbs a week. I am relearning how to eat. I am doing 30 minutes of cardio 5 days a week ( ok ok sometimes I’m good and sometimes I’m not!) Along with 3 days worth of weight training and abs training. So I am gonna start blogging everything I suffer through. Everything I rejoice upon. My hopes and fears. Believe me it’s not easy losing weight – a lot of factors are there that people don’t realize. I also will put down tips and tricks. How I eat healthier without sacrifice. Where I cheat – which is also known as a reward – and why. Just the basics of a someone who has been fat their life… becoming skinny. Along with my why’s and how’s.
Add comment October 28, 2008 mazzyllene
Walking the walk and actually enjoying it
So I have to do cardiovascular workouts 5 days a week. I hate doing this at the gym. It’s boring. I’m bored easily! So I decided that I could walk 30 minutes every afternoon with my kids. We spend quality time together, and it’s healthy for all of us. Plus it’s a lot more fun that way! No way near boring. Think of it as the ultimate multi task. I also know that this means when my friend comes to visit I’ll be far more prepared for the walks she LOVES to take. That will make us both a lot happier.
They say it takes 21 days to form a new habit. 6 months to make it part of your lifestyle. WEll it’s been 21 days and I must say it IS becoming normal for me to do this stuff. So my waistline tells me.
I’ve decided that once I’ve lost 25 pounds I will have some cheesecake. Just so super yummy. Thanksgiving and Christmas are on their way, and with them comes fudge and fruitcake. Colony Street Bakery fruitcake.. the only good one out there! So I’m gonna have to figure out how to work those in as well…. Maybe super strict vegetarian days with 1-2 days a week of yummies. I’ve already decided Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Years are strictly off diet within reason. I mean I’m not gonna devour an entire pumpkin pie or anything. I will enjoy a slice though! New Years I will drink excessively. Champagne and I get along nicely. Anyways – Gym tomorrow. Work on my biceps and shoulders I believe it is… Evil preachers bench. I’ll update you on any more progress!
Add comment November 3, 2008 mazzyllene
PCOS Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
I figure that explaining this health issue might help someone out. Even if it’s just 1 person.
They don’t know why some women have this disorder. They do know it has to do with irregular cycles. Women who have this have multiple cyst on their ovarys. Looks similar to a pearl necklace in ultrasound. 10% of women are estimated to be affected by this. They only learned of it in the 1990’s and while not curable it is easily treated. I honestly advise any women who have 2 or more of they symptoms to ask their doctor to check for this disorder. My GYN is a wonderful doctor, but I had to ask him before he saw the connection.
Symptoms vary woman to woman, but can include many things.
Irregular or non existent menstrual cycles.
Signs of excessive androgens (male hormones) This can be noticed by male hair patterns. Facial hair, male pattern baldness, belly hair, etc…
Ovaries with multiple cyst. My ovaries actually hurt sometimes.
Infertility – You betcha.
Obesity – Not just being overweight but the inability to lose the weight.
Skin Tags – small excessive growths of skin in the underarm and neck
Prediabetes or type 2 diabetes – the problems with your ovaries can actually impair your bodies insulin use.
Acanthosis nigricans - This is the medical term for darkened, velvety skin on the nape of your neck, armpits, inner thighs, vulva or under your breasts.
Ok now we know how to tell if we have this, but what might happen if we leave it untreated.
Conditions related to PCOS
High Blood Pressure
High Cholesterol
Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis
Sleep Apnea
Diabetes
Heart Disease
“In polycystic ovary syndrome, your body produces an excess of androgens, and your ratio of LH to FSH is often abnormally high. The process of ovaries releasing eggs (ovulation) occurs less frequently than normal (oligo-ovulation), or the ovaries don’t release eggs at all (anovulation). In the absence of ovulation, the menstrual cycle is irregular or absent.
Doctors don’t know the cause of polycystic ovary syndrome, but research suggests a link to excess insulin, the hormone produced in the pancreas that allows cells to use sugar (glucose), your body’s primary energy supply. By several mechanisms, excess insulin is thought to boost androgen production by your ovaries. Studies also indicate that genetic factors may play a role in PCOS.” Quote taken from the Mayo Clinic website.
If you suspect you might have this once again I urge ask your doctor. It involves only a few simple test, and an ultrasound. Then you can begin treatment. Which is once again… Simple. I just take birth control pills. Femcon FE to be exact. Yes you might be told no more simple carbs, but you can enjoy complex carbs. Which we really all should be eating anyways. Exercise becomes a part of your life. It’s important. If you don’t have diabetes then it helps keep it away. If you do it helps you manage.
I compiled my information from the mayo clinic’s website, and what my doctor told me. Along with what other women I know have been told. I make no claims that this is accurate. Sooo do your own research if this sounds like something you might have. 
Add comment November 2, 2008 mazzyllene
Halloween – That says it all! And a super easy recipe to boot
Halloween… sigh.. I am thankful that my kids are loving and considerate. They keep trying to give me candy. I just wish they didn’t want me to weight like 5000 pounds! So.. in proper foresight I decided to skip my 4pm and 7pm meals, and save 600 calories for just a few pieces candy. A popcorn ball, 1 twizzler stick, 1 dark chocolate 3 musketeers mint thingy, and 1 reeses peanut butter cup. It was yummers. I did not gain any weight back, and I also felt that I went above and beyond while taking my kids trick or treating by keeping a fast pace while we walked and side stepping while we stood. Gotta keep that heart rate up! =)
When we returned home we took back over passing out candy ( my niece politely came down to pass out so my husband could enjoy the trick or treating as well.) So I take over the candy bowl. In full She-Devil regalia! I make a rather nice She-Devil. See… we managed to buy one of those massive walk through inflatable haunted houses for 50 bucks. So we set our yard up so the kids walked down a wee path and through the haunted house. Then down the front walk. So my year old hid right outside the haunted house and scared people. I then gave them crying and if you cried you got bonus candy! Next they had to make it past my husband… One girl in her teens ran away and possibly left a dent in her daddy’s truck screaming GO GO GO. But it was great – Kids loved the decorations. Such a fun night!
I promised recipes. So I’m going to start with something simple, easy and cheap. Perfect for.. oh Halloween night perhaps? Or any night that you don’t have time for a time consuming meal.
Mushroom Spaghetti
1 package whole wheat spaghetti noodles
1 jar chunky spaghetti sauce (I use the Wal-mart store brand.)
1 can mushrooms – drained
Cook spaghetti noodles according to package directions. Drain. Next add chunky sauce and mushrooms. Stir together. Serve.
I told you it was simple, easy and cheap! Feel free to make changes. Make your own spaghetti sauce. Use fresh mushrooms – YUM. Just stick with that whole wheat pasta and none of the greasy meat. Oh! A little cheese never hurt someone. Yes a lot of cheese will, but moderation is a wonderful word.
Add comment November 1, 2008 mazzyllene
Results
So today I went to the gym. Did some of my strength training and my abs. I do abs 3 times a week, and strength training 3 days a week (different areas each day.) I’ve already noticed myself getting stronger and needing to up my weights. Great feeling! It’s hard to work out at first. My arms burn. I see other people lifting far more than I can, and I feel like such a wussy! BUT I know that in a years time I will be one of those people.
I lost 2 more pounds this last week. Since starting the gym, and my new way of eating I have lost a total of 10 pounds in 5 weeks. 2 pounds a week is awesome. My husband told me today that he can actually see the fact that I am losing weight.
Although… I must say… My clothes is getting loser. Don’t get me wrong.. I’m thrilled. I just hate being in public and my undies decide to start sliding down my bum. *blush* Nobody warned me of that sorta thing! LOL I am holding off on buying any clothing. I love clothes.. a lot. I just don’t see the purpose in spending 100’s of dollars every month for clothes that won’t fit me by the time I go shopping again. My mom told me I’d best learn how to sew. So I can take up waist on some of my clothing. I suppose that’s a rather good suggestion. So how do I learn how to sew? I don’t even know how to turn the sewing machine on!
I have this fear of people treating me different as I lose weight. My husband for example. I worry that he’ll become more romantic(in the literal buying me flowers sorta way,) and that I’ll know it’s about my body. I shouldn’t think that, but I do. Anyone else ever have these asinine thoughts? If so – How did you make them go away? Time I suppose, but if I figure it out. I’ll let you know!
Oh… My husband and I went to Burger King tonight. I ate apple “frys” and a Veggie Burger. I actually like veggie burgers. 380 calories – yes this is over my 300 per meal, but for an actual hamburger type meal. Who cares? The apples added 25 calories. Diet Coke 0 Calories. So for going to Burger King I only consumed 405 calories. Not bad I say. I also had missed a meal today so I don’t feel overly guily about that slice of cheese I had snuck on there. I told you i cheat, but I’m cheating and losing weight. So I am perfectly content. Sigh.. Life is good.
Add comment October 29, 2008 mazzyllene
Eating better…. and missing cheesecake
1500 calories spread over 5 meals… So 300 calories a meal. That’s it. I think my 10 lb dog eats more than I do. I know my 6 year old does. SO! I had to learn how to eat that little and get the most out of my food. HINT! 100 calorie snack packs are your friend. Love them and they will love you. I also eat sugar free pudding and lowfat yogurt. Brown rice and whole wheat everything. Sound dreary? Honestly though I ENJOY what I eat. Sure I gave up my bi weekly cheesecake, and yes I still crave cheesecake. In face you might get sick of hearing about how much I want some cheesecake. So I have other things. A small piece of chocolate daily – worked into my diet. A candy bar once again worked into my diet. YES! you can have candy and lose weight. Hallelujah!
Now for how I manage to enjoy food, and not cheat…well not cheat to the point of no return. I eat a whole wheat bagel every moring. The ones made by Lander’s. And yes I do eat cream cheese on it. The real stuff, not that neufactchel stuff that is gross. Did I spell that right even? Ok so it’s a bit high on Sat. fat, but that’s ok I’ll cut back there later on. Important thing is I enjoy my food, and keep myself at my goal intake. That’s around 7 am by 10 am it’s actually time to eat again. That’s right… every 3 hours I eat something. It’s not so bad being hungry when I think, ” Oh it’s just a hour till I eat. I can handle that.” Guess what? I do handle the wait. Sometimes I have a bowl of cereal or sometimes I’ll eat some fruit. That’s the beauty of eating this way. Very versatile. I’m not denied much, but I am learning to substitute the healthier options in because they are more filling. I eat those weight watchers frozen meals and deserts. Well worth it. They taste pretty decent, fill me up, and are so easy. Not to mention only about 2USD a meal. Cheaper than the chef salad at your favorite fast food restraunt. Oh and salad… Salad is wonderful. You can eat a huge salad. Assuming you don’t drench it in fattening salad dressing or have so much cheese, croutons and bacon bits that it’s hard to find the lettuce. Meat.. I do eat some meat. I just keep it minimal. Except I have a weakness for BBQ’ed hamburgers. It’s true.. I allow myself those sometimes. Hey… it’s not as bad as cheesecake! Anyways back on track.. Meat. Grilled chicken is also your friend and will love you to pieces. Seriously I can’t even begin to list all the ways you can fix chicken and actually like what you taste. So I’ll add recipes in from time to time so you can find out for yourself. Trust me – It’ll be yummy.
1 comment October 28, 2008 mazzyllene
