New Year, New Me

Happy New Year!  Can you believe it's 2016 already?  Time flies.  This year, I'm determined to make it a great one.  Since finding out I had hypothyroidism, I gained a few extra pounds despite going to the gym 4 or 5 days a week.  I tried to eat healthier but I still wasn't losing any weight.  At least I didn't really gain much, only 4 pounds over the holidays.  I lost inches from working out even though my weight stayed even.

This is crazy!  At least I only gained 4 pounds.

Over the holiday break, I decided that I was going to make a lifestyle change.  I've never weighed this much, so I need to make a change.  I've gained about 30 pounds in the last two years.  Thanks to working out, at least I lost some inches despite the scale not changing.  Well they said losing weight is 80% diet and 20% exercise.  I have the exercise down thanks to having a personal trainer for the last year.  My contract ran out the end of December but I know what I need to be doing in the gym now.  I'll just have to push myself harder than I normally would on my own.  Maybe I can find myself a gym buddy to keep me motivated!


I'm going to exercise at least 3 times a week, hopefully more than that.  I'm also going mostly paleo or some may say primal, at least for now.  I've done a lot of research about hypothyroidism and because it's also associated with autoimmune diseases, many people have felt better and lost weight on gluten-free diets.  I decided to go paleo to kick start my diet.  I'll eventually allow some gluten-free grains back into my diet, but I want to see some results before I do that.

I started my lifestyle change on January 4th, 2016.  So far I've lost some of my holiday weight gain and I've had no grains whatsoever.  I think I could have lost more, but I had many lattes from Starbucks last week (I know - not so healthy).  This week I'm cutting out all dairy products to see what the effects will be.  I had many salads last week from Salata, Chick-fil-a, and Chipotle.  I learned how to make seared Ahi Tuna at home - so good!  I had apples or banana chips as snacks....but I had quite a bit of peanut butter with my apple.  I know the peanut butter isn't paleo, but it was so good.  I'm cutting out the peanut butter this week too.  I'm kind of playing trial and error with this diet.  That's why I said I'm doing mostly paleo.  I want to see how my body responds to different foods and adjust accordingly.

Last week's menu (1/4/16)
Breakfast - apples and peanut butter OR Advocare White Chocolate Peppermint Shake (not paleo)
Lunch - salads from Salata, Chipotle, Chickfila (no cheese, no croutons, no sour cream) OR Chicken Protein Plate from Zoe's Kitchen (no slaw sub roasted veggies).
Dinner - Seared Ahi Tuna, arugula mix, avocado, and sweet potato fries.
Snacks - apples (sometimes with peanut butter), banana chips, lots of 2 pump whole milk Chestnut Praline Grande lattes no whip no topping from Starbucks
Dessert (if needed) - dark chocolate, Dibs (almond milk ice cream covered in chocolate)

This week's menu (1/11/16)
Breakfast - Cantaloupe, hard boiled egg, apples
Lunch - not sure yet.  probably similar to last week.
Dinner - Chicken, side of homemade bbq sauce (for light dipping only), green beans and sweet potatoes. OR soft boiled eggs, paleo granola with almond milk.
Snacks - Cantaloupe, apples, banana chips, carrots

I'm on a mission to be in the best shape of my life and I will find a way to make it happen.

So for those of you who may just be starting or looking into a paleo/primal lifestyle or gluten free lifestyle, here's some information that may help you.

http://primalpalate.com/menus/30-day-paleomeal-plan/

I found the following information on SavingDinner.com

• Similarities between paleo and primal lifestyles include:
• • Eating tons of veggies
• • Eating lots of protein
• • Avoiding grains
• • Eliminating gluten
• • Doing away with corn
• • Avoiding high fructose corn syrup
• • Avoiding sugar
• • Eliminating processed foods
• • Enjoying the occasional wine and beer
• • Exercising regularly

I am by no means an expert, nor am I strictly following any of these diets.  My purpose is to find a lifestyle in which I feel my best and I'm at my idea weight.  In December, before the holidays, my BMI was 32.8, which categorizes me as Obese.  Ugh.  Hate that word.  "Normal Weight" BMI is 18.5-24.9.  So my goal is to hit in between those numbers.

Hypothyroidism and the Weight Struggle

November 1st, 2015

Since my last post about getting back on track, I only half way got back on track.  We all do this sometimes, we say we will start tomorrow, then things come up, events happen, excuses come or we just plain get distracted by life and months later, we are still in the same place.  It's been a stressful few months.  I work full-time, I'm taking 3 college classes and I workout.  Sometimes it's difficult trying to juggle everything.  I signed up for a personal trainer in Jan 2015 because of that.  It forces me to go to the gym and get in a tough workout.  My trainer is great, I feel stronger, I'm lifting heavier, he gets my heart rate going.  My sessions end the end of December and to save money, I'm going to try working out on my own, or finding a gym partner to hold me accountable.  I love working out, but hate cardio.  Because of this, when I lift weights, I give myself little rest in between sets to keep my heart rate up.  Currently, I lift weights 3 times a week, but I want to step it up to 4 days a week.  I do at least 20 to 30 minutes of cardio when I'm at the gym.  I recently started doing the air stepper or stair machine.  They make me work harder than any of the other cardio machines.   Currently I don't last very long, but I'm working on getting better.  Even with all my working out, I haven't lost anything, in fact I've probably gained a few pounds.  Sometimes this can be very disheartening and discouraging.  Even after trying many different diets and still losing nothing, I just couldn't figure out what I was doing wrong.

I made my yearly physical appointment in early September, not thinking anything of it, and I got a startling result from the bloodwork.  I had hypothyroidism.  I wasn't sure what this was, but I had heard about it.  My TSH number is a little over 6.  My doctor prescribed me 50 mg of Synthroid and told me to return in 6 to 8 weeks.  My follow up appointment is this coming Thursday.

So what is hypothyroidism?  It's a gland in your throat that isn't working probably.  When hypo, it makes you sleepy, gives you brain fog, you can gain weight unexpectedly because it slows your metabolism down.  When I read this, I was like wow! I wish I had figured this out sooner.  Two years ago, I gained 20 pounds in a month when I wasn't doing anything that different than what I normally did and I've been struggling to lose the weight since.  I've done research on this, but I can still do a lot more research.  From my readings, I would like my TSH level to be between 1 and 2.  I also read that autoimmune conditions like hashimoto's can cause hypothyroidism.  Once you have this condition, you will always have it.  Now I'm working on figuring out how to lose weight with this condition.  I've read that going gluten free has worked for many people.  I'm not opposed to trying that.

Tomorrow I put myself on a strict diet.  I need guidelines for myself so it will be easier to follow.  No grains except for small amounts of brown rice and oatmeal.  No soda.  No refined sugars.  No cake, candy or cookies.  No fried foods.  Limit dairy products.  So what can I have?  Meat, vegetables, fruits, oatmeal, brown rice, protein shakes, Spark, black coffee and water.  Sounds kinda bland, but I can use spices and Pinterest to make things more exciting.

Wish me luck!  I'll let you know how everything does.  I'm determined to get in better shape.

Getting Back on Track!

Me after 2 months of Crossfit.
5'6" 176 lbs.  Sept 2013

Wow, it's been over a year since I've posted anything. Probably because I've been trying to figure out how to lose the 20 pounds that I gained.

So as most of you know, I've been trying to get into awesome shape for a while now.  I was doing pretty well, I even got into pretty good shape while doing crossfit for a few months.  I had to quit crossfit because my knees were always killing me.  I think all the lunges did me in, otherwise, I love the sense of community, the new people I met and how hard I pushed myself even though I was nervous before every workout.

When I stopped crossfit, I stopped all fitness activity, not because I didn't like exercising but I'd tell myself to rest my knees, or that I should focus on my college classes.  "I'm too busy with work and school", was my typical excuse.  Well let's just say, I didn't change my eating habits, that plus no exercise....equaled a 20 lb weight gain.  Ugh!  I was mortified, I'm still mad at myself for letting it happen.  I was doing so well and then boom!  It felt like I gained the weight over night.  At least I stopped myself from gaining any more weight.  Now I need to find a way to get back into better shape.  I wouldn't say that I'm huge or anything, but I'm definitely not happy about the size I am right now.  I don't feel comfortable in my own skin.

Me at 19 years old.  5'6" 140 lbs.
May 2002

I'm 5'6".  In high school, I weighed around 140 lbs, and a size 10/12.  I've never been tiny, I have curves that aren't going anywhere, and I'm totally fine with that.  Looking back, I think I looked pretty skinny and in shape, although I remember thinking back then that I needed to lose weight.  Funny how our perceptions of ourselves change.


Well this past January 2015, I signed up for a personal trainer.  I was doing well, losing inches, and gaining speed.  Although I didn't lose any weight.  I feel in somewhat better shape, but still not where I want to be.  Right now, I weigh 197 lbs.....20 pounds heavier than when I stopped crossfit.

Weeks 1, 2 and 3.  Feb 2015.
With a personal trainer and using Visalus.

I tried Visalus shakes and supplements for a about a month or so.  I just couldn't keep it up.  I felt like I had no energy.  They wanted you to have a shake for breakfast and for lunch, then a normal dinner and maybe a snack or two if you were really hungry.  Well I was ALWAYS hungry.  I did see little improvements though, I got down to 191 lbs but that didn't last very long.  Below is my progress after 3 weeks of intense workouts 3 times a week and using the Visalus program.  I think you can see the most difference in my back.  The shake flavor tasted great and I still used it for breakfast until I ran out.

Weeks 1, 2 and 3.  Feb 2015,
with a personal trainer and using Visalus.

They say losing weight is 80% diet and 20% exercise.  I think I'm proof of that!  I kicked up and worked super hard in the gym, but I only slightly changed my diet.  I have a sugar tooth and I like snacking.  Big no nos.  So I need to make a life style change.  I also need to get into the gym more often.  I've been slacking a bit on that too.  LA Fitness let my last trainer go, whom I really liked, but I was stuck in a contract for another 6 months so I had to switch trainers.  Shyrell, my original trainer, focused a lot of lighter weights and cardio.  I hate cardio but I was getting faster at running.  My new trainer, Rick, is focused more on heavy lifting and only 15 seconds of rest in between sets.

So I'm back from vacation and gotta get focused on getting into awesome shape......

Week 5: My first time trying Crossfit

Before Trying Crossfit
So I start Crossfit tonight and I'm scared!!!  The owner of Clutch Crossfit has a saying "Decide you want it, more than you are afraid of it".  I love this saying and I'm totally gonna roll with it.  I'm definitely afraid of starting crossfit - puking, not making it through a workout, too out of shape to do it, heavy weights, fast paced, hard as sh*t.....but I think the benefits could outweigh me being a chicken.  If you want something bad enough, nothing will stop you from having it.  I'm going to step outside of my comfort zone - ie the gym - and push myself to try something new.  Like I said, I'm on a mission!!

My Stats
Weight 7/10/2013: 1_2.5 lbs
      (I'll reveal my weight in September along with my after weight and pics.  I am aleady 7 lbs down since I came back from the Smoky Mountains.)
Height: 5'6"

Measurements
Neck: 13.5" (6/23/13)
Waist: 33" (6/23/13)
Hips: 40" (6/23/13)

After my first time at Crossfit

Boy, it sure did knock me flat. I gave it my all though. I was huffin and puffin.  Our onramp class was 5 people - 4 girls and a guy. Im kinda glad it was smaller because we get more focus from the coach. 

Here is what we did:
Warm up - with the regular crossfitters, kinda like cardio with stretching and lunges/squats...more like a gym workout!

WOD 1 - 10 squats, run, 15 squats, run. repeat.
I hate running, I wish I loved it. Maybe I hate it because I'm no good at it. Well I don't really have a choice whether I run or not so maybe ill learn to like it. I had to spit half way through. You know that feeling, where your mouth feels like its filled with thick spit. I know I know, it's gross but true. Maybe I need more water??  My friend did an extra round with me to keep me going, how awesome is she!
 

Then they gave 3 of us medicine balls and when we did squats, our butta had to touch the ball.  2 of the girls had boxes to squat down too.
WOD 2 - squats for 20 sec, rest 10 sec. repeat for 4 mins.
We had to count how many we did each time. We were suppose to be consistent. My first I got in 10, but then the rest were more like 5 or 6 squats.  Brutle. After this WOD, I felt light headed. The coach said that was normal because your body is adjusting to these crazy workouts. Btw, did I mention how cool the coaches are??  Super chill and nice and encouraging. I love it. Ways to improve your squat.

Next they gave us each Kkttle bells, I got 15lbs. They showed us what to do, we practiced it in steps, then did the following WOD/warm-up....are these considered WODs?
WOD 3 - 20 sec Kettle bell swings, rest 10 sec. repeat.
It was semi-easy at first, I think my form was pretty good. By the end it was pretty tough. Again, we had to count. My high was 8, my low was 6.  

After all of that, we were spent!!!  I was totally knocked flat, sweaty from head to toe.  They showed us how to use foam rollers to to loosen us up.  They said it would help with the soreness.  I've seen my friend, Chivo, use these before.  Now I know why he used them!!  I need to invest in one ASAP.

The Day After
The class was crazy hard, but I pushed through.  At the end, I was proud of myself for trying this and I'm ready to go back for more...even though I'm still a little scared.  I've been kinda bummed lately because of a breakup but I noticed that I've been in a good mood since crossfit.  I like that type of side effect!!  My body progressively got more sore as the day after went on!  My legs are the worst.  Sitting down and stairs are my enemy right now.  Crossfit again tonight, how will I make it through all the squats!?  Funny, but I'm already looking up crossfit and how to do certain techniques.  Chivo always talked about looking up crossfit videos and articles, but now I understand.


 

Week 3 on JNL program.

Week 3 and still going strong!

So it's week three on the Jennifer Nicole Lee fitness model program.  Last week went great, I lost another 1lb.  I followed the workout plan to a T.  I'm feeling great. I was sore last week after my workouts, but it was a good sore.  So far I've stuck to my workout plan this week, switching up the type of exercises I do so my body won't get use to them.

My diet has been pretty good but still not fitness model good.  I haven't planned as much as I should have.  I went grocery shopping this Sunday and picked up some nice healthy food for this week.  To make things easier, I picked up some EAS carb control protein shakes for my snacks so I won't have to make anything.  Gotta work smarter not harder.  I need to figure out an easy protein for evenings, or maybe I should start meal prepping.  Make some lean meat for a few days, that way when I get home from the gym and I'm too tired to cook, I can just heat up and eat.

Checking out Crossfit
 

I really want to get in shape by my friends wedding, the end of September 2013.  That's 3 months away, and should be enough time to really see a difference, as long as I I think I will see results from the JNL plan but I was thinking of trying crossfit too.  My ex (miss him a bunch) is really into crossfit, so I've heard all about it and I've seen the results of it.  He even gave me a PVC pipe to practice crossfit moves on, which I'll finally actually use!  I've looked online to find out more information about crossfit, and man, crossfit athletes seem to be in great all around shape.  While I'm scared about trying crossfit because I don't think I'm in good enough shape to do it, I've seen testimonials about people, maybe in worse shape than myself that do crossfit and have seen great results.  I'm on a mission, so no pain no gain, right?  I am going to take a chance and try out crossfit for a while.  I've found a 'box' close to my house that seems pretty cool.  I'm hoping I can get one of my friends to come check it out with me.  I know they have concerns about getting to bulky, but I think that really only happens if you want that to happen.  Anyways, it's always easier to start a new program with someone, even if they don't continue along with me.

I'll let you know how things go.  :)