Weigh In - Week 4

Last week's weight - 208.2lbs

This week's weight - 205.4lbs

Okay! I lost 2.8lbs this week! Damn the 0.2lbs that would have made it three. lol! I'm glad to say that the month of January has been a successful one in terms of exercising and eating right. I've tried as much as possible to create a balance a I think very little food fills me up. I also load up on more fruits and vegetables when I feel like snacking or heading for the sabotaging delights. :-) How was your January?

I previously told you guys about my expensive gym membership and my plan of going twice a day at least thrice a week to maximize its use as much as I can. It would be great if someone joins me in this venture. Not only would our metabolisms be elevated twice but, the rewards on the scale would be so worth it ;-). 

February, here we come. 

What are your plans for February?

Twice A Day Challenge.

I've been good with my food and exercise this week. Except yesterday's workout was mainly low intensity due to the nagging headache and body aches. I just needed at least 30 minutes of exercise to feel that I had put in some extra activity in my day. :-)

Anyways, my membership at the gym expires at the end of the month and I was thinking of paying for a 6month membership which costs about $585. Unfortunately, since I don't have that much I tried convincing my Dad to help me with some of the money so I can focus on my health. He agreed on one condition; I workout twice a day! I was almost tempted to say no but then I realized, "maybe I can do this". I could do cardio in the morning and resistance exercises in the evening or the other way around. Besides, I've gotten to far to let money be a setback, especially when the condition has to do with weight loss.

So, I've decided that in the month of February, I'm going to challenge myself to workout twice a day at least three times a week and then do my once a day routine twice. That totals to five days a week. What do you  folks think? Your opinions really matter.

Weigh In - Week 3

Last week's weight - 210.2lbs

This week's weight - 208.2lbs

I lost 2lbs this week! It feels really good too. This is just the motivation I need to keep exercising and eating right. 

Y'all have a great day. ;-)

Remembering the Past.

Last April, I put up a post on Facebook and my other blog about the love lives of the plus sized (or fat, whatever). It was an emotional post for me since I used myself as an example. Here is what I had to say.

THE PLUS SIZED GIRL + ROMANCE = A STRANGE MIX?

"I have, on numerous occasions seen the end of what seemed like, healthy growing relationships for one single reason... Wait for it... My weight! I’m sure many of you would begin to shake your heads in disagreement or even, try to find other reasons why those relationships never lasted.

I’ve never been a skinny girl. I’ve always had what the typical Ghanaian would call BODY. So, it saddens me to realise that guys that get involved with me actually envision a slimmer version of me and try to force me into being that “ideal” woman they fantasise about. The last guy I “fell” in love with would sometimes look at me and make snide remarks about how fat I was and how I needed to lose the extra flesh. And that was after I had lost some weight!

Oh! And there was this guy I had adored since secondary school who told me he had feelings for me via phone. The problem: He hadn’t seen me for years. And when we finally met? He just vanished into thin air after calling me to say that he was “still” interested me. Still? Was my look so repulsive that he had to use the word “still”? Geez... These among many other experiences got me asking myself, “is there a law of nature that forbids plus sized women to find real love”? I know you guys are going to reply by saying that there are men who find plus sized women attractive but, do you think women want a man who likes them because of their size or, one who likes them in spite of their size?

There were times in the past when I would cry myself to sleep and, not eat till my Dad practically begged me to stop the stupidity. You are beautiful, he said. All you need to do is exercise and eat right and you’d be a knockout. Then I would go out for a walk and the guys in the area would start calling me names like “Obolo”, “Obiggie” et al. I’m sure you know how that ended. The worst state of depression ever known to man... having a low self-esteem.

Today, people see me as the flirtatious and sexy plus size woman who has an overdose of confidence. If only they knew how much work it took to get there. A friend once said to me “Enyo, if you can love your flaws, people will follow suit”. That was my moment. I decided to fix what I could. First line of action, lose weight. And I did lose, 35 pounds to be exact. I still have more to lose but, I also love to look at myself in the mirror every morning and say “Damn girl, you’re one hot mama”.

I did digress a little but, I had to so my questions would make sense... So, like I asked, do you guys find the thought of dating a plus sized woman repulsive? Are u dating a plus sized woman? Would you put pressure on your woman to lose weight? Are you embarrassed to be seen with a plus sized lady in public?"

Looking back, I realize that it took a lot of hard work to build my self-esteem. I hated the fact that I was fat and hearing someone else say it made me feel even worse. I thank God that I was able to get up and do something about my weight. I may not be at my goal weight now but I weigh less than I did two years ago and I'm grateful for that. Here's to a year of more pounds falling off.

Weigh In - Week 2

So after 6 days of exercising and eating healthy, let's see what's in store for me on the scale.

Last week's weight - 211.8lbs

This week's weight - 210.2lbs

I lost 1.6lbs this week! Yayy! This means I'm on the right track. I'm gonna work harder this week and eat healthier to ensure another loss like this. I just can't wait to leave the 200s and enter Onederland (again!). 

I hope everyone sees a loss this week. I can't wait to read about it. :-)

Is Smiling During Exercise A Must?

Yesterday evening, after an hour of brisk walking on the treadmill, I proceeded to the stairclimber for a quick five minute workout. Guess I wanted something extra before heading for the weights.

Anyways, as I was working out, this guy kept signaling at me with his palms; as if to ask why. I ignored him till I was done and then I went to him and this was the conversation.

Me: I didn't get what you were trying to say on the machine.

Guy: Why did you have a pained look on your face?

Me: Seriously? Isn't it obvious?

Guy: Well, you don't have to put on that look.

Geez! Perhaps I should put up a mirror on every machine I use so I can see my facial expressions. Is this what we have to put up with? Is smiling a must? I'm trying to amp the intensity of my workouts and this imbecile (forgive me) is interested in my facial expression.

On another note, I've been good so far. I have exercised thrice this week and my eating has been good too. I now take a good lunch and have either cereal ( the good kind) or salads for dinner. How has your week been so far?

Feeling Good Pain...

Yes. I meant the stairclimber. In my last two previous posts I mentioned that I was going to try to spend 20 minutes on that mean machine. The first time I tried I lasted for seven minutes. Well, yesterday evening I tried again and managed to stay on for 10 minutes. Isn't that a positive progression? :-)

Anyways, yesterday was a good one at the gym. I spent 10 minutes on the stairclimber, 30 minutes on the bike and 25 minutes on the treadmill and it was time for kick-cardio class. I wasn't sure I wanted to do another hour but decided to go anyways. Boy! am I glad I did. The class kicked butt but I ended up exercising various parts of my body and felt so tired afterwards. That's what I call feeling good pain. :-)

The diet was okay. I ate well and didn't even have time for snacks. I also drank a lot of water and ended up going to the bathroom several times at work. I didn't seeing that my urine was as clear as water. That's always a great sign that you are giving your body enough water.

Hopefully, today will be even better. Hope you all had a great day yesterday.

Weigh In - Week 1

I was so scared to get on the scale today. Even though I had been working out, my dinner choices and eating times weren't the best. I finally mustered the courage to step on the scale.

Last week's weight - 213lbs

This week's weight - 211.8lbs.

OMG! I lost 1.2lbs! To me that's a great loss and I'm going to make all the right choices this week to ensure another loss. I plan on trying the stairclimber this evening at the gym. Hopefully, I'll spend more than 7minutes on it. ;-).





I Was Tagged!!! :-)

Yayy! I was delighted when Kate from Losing for Good tagged me. Thanks. Now, apparently there are some rules I must follow so, let's get down to business.

Here are the rules:
1. Post these rules.
2. You must post 11 random things yourself.
3. Answer the questions the tag­ger set for you in their post.
4. Create 11 new ques­tions for the peo­ple you tag to answer.
5. Go to their blog and tell them that you've tagged them.
6. No stuff in the tag­ging sec­tion about ‘you are tagged if you are read­ing this.’ blah blah blah, you actually have to tag 11 peeps!

So, let's start with 11 random things about myself.

1. I love to sing. I've been told I sound goood too. Thank God!
2. I love to cook and experiment with food
3. I am an excellent listener
4. I have a limited amount of patience when it comes to unnecessary stupidity.
5. I love movies and serials.
6. My first job was at a video store. I just loveeeed it!
7. The ability to forgive is my weakness and strength.
8. I have a thing for David Baldacci and Jackie Collins. Their books are absolute page-turners.
9.I can't stand people who waste unnecessary time at ATMs. It drives me nuts.
10. I had my first kiss at the age of 24, and I'm dating the guy I kissed.
11. The treadmill is my favorite exercise equipment to use in the gym. I use it almost everyday.

Now that I've told you 11 not-so-interesting things about myself, let's answer Kate's questions for me.

1) If you had a million dollars, what would you do with it?

I would buy a house and a car. Then, I would invest the rest of the money to make more. It is after this that I would start thinking of more things I could do such as give to charity, etc.

2) If you had a sensory disability,would you rather be blind or deaf? Why?

I wouldn't chose any my dear. It's even depressing to think of having a sensory disability.

3) What's your favorite vegetable?

That would definitely be cabbage. I can eat it with everything.

4) How do you de-stress from your day?

A glass of wine and a good movie.

5) Do you believe in God(s)?

Absolutely! I believe in the Almighty God.

 6) If there was a fire and you had time to grab one thing from your life, what would it be?

My photo album. Too many precious memories that can't be recreated are in there.

7) What is one thing you love about yourself?

I love the fact that I am a forgiving person. I can't imagine holding grudges for a long time.

8) Who is your favorite musical artist and why?

That's hard! I have so many but for now I'll choose Joss Stone. She's got soul! Her music really helps me relax.

9) What is the most scared you've ever been?

When my thesis supervisor refused to look at my work because my department had switched him as my supervisor and only changed their minds when the other professor showed disinterest in my work. I thought I wasn't going to get a Master's Degree and started wailing like someone had died. It was horrifying. Thank God he changed his mind.

10) If you were a color of nail polish, what color would you be and why?

Cool Blue. It's such a calm colour that gives a serene atmosphere.

11) What is your ideal weather?

A cool day with no sun or rain.

Turns out that all the people I could have tagged have already been tagged :-(. Maybe next time.

Have a great Sunday.

The Stairclimber Workout Is Crazyyyy!!!

Whoa! I can feel my abs being worked out already? After three minutes? I think I have found a new friend at the gym; the stairclimber. After 5 minutes I was already sweating and I was beginning to feel the muscles in my thighs, calves and butt being worked on. Wow! I'm in love ;-). Why didn't I use this machine earlier?

Anyways, I lasted on the machine for only 7mins (lol!) and I was off to do thirty minutes on the exercise bike where I rode a 7k. Then it was off to kettlebell exercises and bicep curls as well as shoulder extensions. But seriously, I'm gonna try doing at least 20minutes on the stairclimber twice a week.

Yesterday's workout was cool. I feel a bit sore in my arms though (the stairclimber has handles that work out the arms too). However I'm still working on better dinner choices. Some of you guys suggested that I try a salad for dinner and I think that's what I'm gonna do.

As  I sign off, I would like to thank all my new followers for joining me on my journey for good health. I hope I'm able to share experiences and thoughts that you'd find insightful.

Have a great weekend.

Does The Number Matter?

Seriously? Like, am I really asking that question? Doesn't it get frustrating when you are doing all the right things and the number doesn't change for the better? We all get the same lines:

"You must be gaining muscle"

"Increase workout time or intensity"

They think it's that easy. The skinny ones who eat all the pizzas and still manage to lose a pound (My big sister). If only they knew....

It's strange that even though I have lost inches, it does bother me when the number on the scale does not move in the right direction. Are you with me on this?

Anyways, on the workout front I did another 5k walk last nite. Then I did some back extensions and ab crunches. As far as the food goes, everything is usually great till dinnertime. The quantity of food I consume is alright. It's the timing that bothers me. I get home from the gym at 8pm and eat between then and 8:30pm. That's so wrong, but not for long though.

I've decided to start packing dinner as a late lunch to work. That way I can just sip a hot mug of green tea when I get home and not feel so bad afterwards. And don't worry, I don't have trouble with sleeping after drinking green tea :-).

Not Messing Around

There was no way I was going to miss tonight's gym session! Just no way! I have a slight cold so my appetite's been crazy all day. Had three cups of green tea in the morning and some apples for lunch and off I was to the gym at 5pm.

Did a 5k walk on the treadmill in 58 minutes and burnt 600+ calories (can't remember the exact figure). It felt good to see my sweat-drenched T-shirt afterwards :-).

Anyways, dinner was a noodle and vegetable stir-fry. Needed to  make up for lost calories and, I don't want to wake up in the middle of the night as a result of hunger.

Day 4 down, 362 to go.

Bulge Patrol!

I was just looking at some pictures that I took with friends yesterday. Everything was looking great till I came across a particular picture that horrified me. I could see my muffin top in the photo. Aarrrghhh! I always hide those very well. Anyways, seeing that made me realise that I've got a lot of work to do so I'm adding a few more goals to my goal list.

1. Do at least one type of ab exercise daily. I hate these eh.... :-)

2. Drink more herbal teas and less processed drinks. Yes, that includes diet coke.

3. Avoid highly refined carbs (pastries, polished white rice, white bread etc.)

Any other goals you want to share? What did you change in your diet and exercise patterns to ensure that you lose weight?

A Great Start!

After a nasty case of stomach flu yesterday, I was so sure that all the waste in my digestive system had been dealt with. I therefore decided to use the little energy I had to work out. So, my morning started with 30 minutes on the treadmill and 500 jumps with my skipping rope.

I think I will concentrate on my diet since exercising has never really been the problem for me. Let's see how my eating goes today.

It's A New Dawn...

Let me start off by wishing every single one of you a Happy New Year. I'm sure we all have a list of things we want to do this year. In my previous post I stated my goals for the year.

I've also given my blog a new look. Hope you like it. :-)

Here's to a year of great achievements.