My New Dress

Megan and I went antique shopping on Saturday in American Fork, and I found this vintage dress at Mona Lisa's. I love it and it fits like a glove! Sorry the pics are small, if I make them any bigger, I get pixel-y. I got a ton of compliments at church and everyone wanted to know where I got it. Even the sweet old ward clerk (in his 70s) came up to me and told me how nice I looked and how my hair and dress were 'just beautiful'. They had a green one at the store, too, just in my size. I may have to go back...

The back

The front (ok, I could have sucked in a bit more)

Now I just need a picture with the shoes so you can see the full effect... :)

Day 22

30 Day Shred

Day 22 - Check!

I can't believe I'm already on Day 22. Today wasn't as bad as Thursday. I still struggle with some moves, especially the last abs movement. I can't seem to do it right, it hurts my arm and shoulder and I don't even feel my abs working since I'm struggling just staying up on my side. I need to work on it. Maybe I'll ask Emma what I'm doing wrong. I'm probably just week. But hello! I can do some push ups without even dying! Success.

Today is going to be a good day. I have no plans so far, and I'm loving it. I think a nice drive, perhaps. But then I remember it's Memorial Day weekend...Maybe a picnic in the park, who knows. All I know is that it is going to be beautiful!

For my goal, I need to lose 3 pounds in 2 days. Fail.

Oh, Jillian...

Last night during Workout 21, Jillian told me that I should be starting to see my 6-pack by now. Ha.
First, I need to get rid of the fat that is lying on top of this so-called 6-pack. Second, I know I'm still not eating right, which means more fat around my midsection.

So when I went grocery shopping yesterday I bought a lot of healthy things. I realize that my issue is that I buy way too much food. It all may be good and healthy, but I just don't eat it all. I end up tossing out half of the grapes, a bag of spinach, slimey carrots, old eggs, sour yogurts, etc. (I do not eat anything past the expiration date. Especially milk. It's a mental thing, I guess. Mom would try to trick us sometimes and fill up the empty milk gallon with powdered milk. HELLO! I can tell the difference between skim and powdered milk!) So anyway, I need to eat what I have! I was talking to my mom last night, and she was saying that Macey's is so close, I could just get fresh food daily. I can walk (extra exercise points!) and just buy what I need for the day. So true. So I might try that this week...(after I use up all of the food I bought last night).

Smooooth

I just shaved my legs using my new quintuple (5) blade razor. Ahhhmazing. Finish off with some cocoa butter lotion = heavenly. (I also no longer buy shaving gel. I shave almost every day and it's just too expensive. So I use the 88 cents Suave or White Rain hair conditioner as my shaving gel. I like it even more than gel, anyway, so it's perfect! And way cheaper!)

I wear skirts/dresses 6 days a week. (Well 95% of the time. Once every few weeks I throw in a pair of nice dress pants for work...) So smooth legs are important....Since I sit behind a desk all day...Whatever. I enjoy the smoothness, and if they are prickly I feel grubby all day. So there. A new razor was a good purchase. Plus, I can't justify spending $15 on cartridges. I know it's an 'investment', but I'd rather just buy a brand new razor. (It comes with an extra cartridge anyway, and it's only $7 or so).

Soon they are going to have 20-blade razors. Just you wait. And I'm sure I'll buy that one, too.

Day 21

30 Day Shred

Day 21 - Check

I think I just went to hell and back in 30 minutes.

Day 20

30 Day Shred

Day 20 - Check (I think that the 30 days have dragged out to be more like 40 days...)

Yesterday I felt 100% better! I went to my friends' house to watch the finale of American Idol (GO LEE!!), which is two hours long. I don't care so much about any of the singers or the extra shows because seriously, all I wanted to know was who won. So instead of sitting on my bottom for two hours, I left around 7:30 to go home and work out, and then went back to my friends' house for the last 10 minutes. Then we played the Wii Fit for about an hour and half. It's so fun and we kept laughing and laughing. I am totally an amateur. Hello, I thought I was great at the hula hoop! It was great...except when they showed me what my BMI was. That was definitely not fun to see.

Ok, drum roll please...I actually enjoyed working out last night. Maybe it was because it was the last workout on Level 2, or maybe because I hadn't worked out in almost a week. But the burn and sweat felt good!! And I kept up with Jillian and did all of the moves. No cheating, I swear! (Ok, I had to take a few seconds' rest when I was doing the last round of abs. It's killer).

Today feels like a Friday. I wish it were. This week has been draaaaagging. But, I'm in a great mood today. I straightened my hair (AKA it looks decent and not a straggly rat's nest like it does on most days), and I just feel good. And it's gorgeous outside. And I slept well last night. (I've been thinking about doing the PTA [physical therapy assisting] program at my school, and I had some weird dreams about that. A sign? Who knows.) But anyway, it's going to be a great day.

I work on Memorial Day, which isn't too fun, BUT I get my pay, plus holiday pay. So who's complaining? I had no plans , anyway. And I'll be done at 4, so I'll still have all evening to do whatever!

Bumming Around

Man, I haven't worked out since last Thursday. I missed Friday, Saturday, and yesterday!! I still feel sick. I got into my workout clothes last night, ready to work out, but then opted to take a hot bath and go straight to bed. So I slept in my workout clothes, planning to work out this morning instead. Still no go. I don't know what I have - if it's the stomach flu, if I just ate something bad, or if it's just mental! Haha. I've been lying around all weekend for the most part. I did feel better on Saturday and I thought that I was all better, and I went to work's graduation at the Provo Tabernacle. And I fulfilled one of my dreams... I got to play the organ!! I played after most people were out of the room, but the organ sounds amazing in that room (pictures to come). Next goal: to play the organ in the Conference Center!
I also saw Ironman 2 this weekend. I liked it better than the first. And that's all I really have to say about it. Haha. It was enjoyable and action-packed and entertaining. Very loud, though. I think I may have taken a few years off of my hearing when I grow old.

PS: Dear HGTV, I would love to win your Dream/Green Home Giveaway. And that's it.

Sicko

I am so sick. I don't know if I'll be working out tonight... I just want to take some medicine and curl up in a ball and fall asleep. At least it hasn't been too crazy at work today. But man. I can hardly function! And I hate to leave work early, I always feel like such a bum (and it's be less money and I don't want to take any more PTO right now...)

I'm going to the school's graduation ceremony tomorrow, I better feel good by then! Emma is playing the organ for it (Pomp and Circumstance over and over and over and over again....)

And it's Friday night, I have no plans, so it's good that I'm sick now, right?

Day 19

30 Day Shred

Day 19 - Check

Last night I did workout number 19. It wasn't too bad. Jillian doesn't allow breaks or anything (or, if you really have to take a break, it can be, at the longest, 5 seconds). I take these breaks. Sometimes it's just 2 or 3 seconds, but it helps me! I also sip water throughout the workout. My mouth gets so dry and I just need hydration! Yes, I know. It's only 30 minutes of intensity, you don't get breaks for that short of a time. Yeah yeah. 3 seconds here and there won't ruin my workout. I haven't checked my weight in a couple of days (probably because I know I haven't made the best food decisions lately...) Maybe I'll check tomorrow.

I have to work out tonight for number 20. I'm feeling pretty sick this morning. I found a Wendy's 2-cracker packet of saltines in my desk drawer and ate those to see if they would help. They tasted disgusting - I think they sprinkled them with sugar instead of salt. Or my tastebuds are just acting funny...haha.

I've been talking to my neighbor a lot lately and he knows everyone in the neighborhood. I don't know anyone! So my goal is to get to know some people. Like the old man next door that weeds my flowers. I found out he is Portuguese, grew up in Yugoslavia, and was a Nazi who worked in concentration camps during World War II. I would love to talk to him and hear his stories. Although the neighbor says he's kind of hard to understand. I've only said 'hi' and 'thank you' to him in the past 4 years! Except for the time I was digging up dirt to plant flowers. Then he came out and started doing it for me and said "This is a man's job. Next time, a man should do this for you".
I also found out that the house three doors down is Provo City housing, where abused women and children go when they need a safe place to stay. So maybe it would be nice to visit the families there (they move new people in and out every few months, I heard). So it's time to step out of my comfort zone and get to know more people!

Day 18

30 Day Shred

Day 18 - Check

Last night was workout number 18. This time I put on some Michael Buble' and Dianna Krall, instead of the hip-hop/R+B music that I've been listening to. It wasn't too bad, and it kept me calm, even when I was out of breath and dying. I felt as light as a feather when I was doing something they call double jump rope. (Just a lot higher of a jump, and your arms swing around twice instead of once. AKA - moving your arms a lot faster and jumping a lot higher). Well, light as a feather for the first round anyway. The second round...not so much. But I still felt good! And I'm stronger. When I flex I'm still embarrassed, but at least now I actually have something to flex.

I've been watching American Idol off and on this season, but Lee has been my favorite since the way beginning. And now he's one of the top two! So don't forget to vote for my man next Tuesday. :)

I saw Letters to Juliet last weekend. It was pretty cute. It makes me want to go to Italy sooo bad. And fall in love. And make some great friends while I'm there so I will always be welcomed back. And go for drives in the countryside (or mountainside...maybe it's time to do Nebo Loop again!) Can life really be like the movies? Can I make it that way? I need an exciting job where I can travel and enjoy lots of different cultures and meet lots of new people, and just have tons of great experiences. So if you find one, please let me know. I would like it. I used to want to work for National Geographic - writing articles or taking pictures and they just pay for my travel. Seriously. Or start my own non-profit organization. I would love to go help others, and I know I would needs funds, etc. But looking online at different organizations, I don't want to pay $2500+ (not including airfare, food, etc). And the Peace Corps is a long commitment, too. So who knows. I'm still young. I have time. I am just impatient.

Speaking of impatient, the talks on Sunday were about that. Everyone did a great job, and I realized that, man! I'm impatitient about a lot of stuff! I need to work on that...

My Dream Home

I love HGTV. It always gives me great ideas and makes me want to buy/build my dream home. While I'm watching it, I plan: (I get so giddy thinking about this!)
Dark brown, wide plank (not too shiny) wood floors throughout the house. A farmhouse sink in the kitchen with black concrete counter tops. An island with a small sink in the kitchen. Stainless steel appliances. A double oven. A gas stove. Colors consisting of grays and whites and blues (and some yellows thrown in there) throughout the house. A big claw foot tub (with a separate shower), and wainscoting around the walls of the bathroom. Plenty of bedrooms for all of my children (the number is 7 right now, but we'll see how I feel after baby number 1), and of course a room or two for all of my guests. A wrought iron canopy bed in my room with white bedding and lots of pillows. A baby grand piano. Lots of windows for natural light. Enough bathrooms (4? Who knows...) A mud room with pegs for coats and cubbyholes for boots and shoes. The house will be white and have a wrap-around porch (with 4 or 5 rocking chairs, of course) and old fashioned lanterns will hang down from the ceiling of it. A 3 car garage (perhaps one for my boat...?) An American flag on my porch, waving in the wind. A long driveway. Lovely landscaping. A beautiful vegetable garden. Fruit trees. 10+ acres of land. And the land will lead right to the ocean! 2 dogs and 1 cat. A beautiful detached barn for storage and whatever else (maybe a bride will want to have her reception in a country barn, who knows! And I'll let her use it for free, because I'll be so blessed with all of this other stuff!!) Somewhere in New England, or at least on the east coast. Snow in winter, sun in the summer. And lots of crunchy leaves in the fall.

Man, what a dream! Now where's my sugar daddy?

Day 17

30 Day Shred

Day 17 - Check

Last night was number 17. My bed was waaay too comfortable yesterday morning to get up. Sometimes it just happens, ok? You lie there and you just...can't......move. I pushed snooze about 8 times. It was great. I've been going to bed around 1 AM this past weekend, so I needed some extra minutes to snooze.

The workout last night wasn't awful. But not awesome, either. I keep huffing and puffing. Looking back, Level One seems like a dream. Jumping jacks? No problem. Regular sit ups? Easy peasy. Punches? A breeze.

I dread the day when Level 2 ends. I can't imagine what Level 3 will be like.

Day 16

30 Day Shred

Day 16 - Check

It's Saturday morning. I went to bed at midnight, and of course I woke up at 6 AM. I sat around for a little, read some of Elza's running magazine, read an Ensign article, and decided that I couldn't put off the workout any longer. Seriously, I just like to get it over with! Then I don't have to think about it all day...which is nice. Sometimes I have to leave my friends' houses earlier than I want, just so I can still work out and get a decent amount sleep.

I saw a movie last night...no soda or popcorn, but water and...hot tomales! My moment of weakness. I had a small, individual bag in my hand at the gas station...and then opted it for the big box. Good news - I didn't eat the whole box. Bad news - I still ate way too many. I least I downed them with some water, right? Haha, the good and the bad. Seriously though, what's my problem? Why didn't I just settle with the small bag? Selfishness because I didn't want to share a small bag? I was hoarding the box through the whole movie! I think I shared maybe 5 cinnamon candies. No more big boxes of candy at movies. Or ever. Not even on road trips.

I want to go here. It's Antelope Island on Salt Lake. Tons of trails, beachy parts, wildlife, and it looks just beautiful! I read it in the running magazine this morning. (Who would have thought I'd ever pick up that magazine.) So one of these upcoming Saturday mornings I am heading up. With a friend. You're welcome to come with me.

PS: I love Elder Holland's talk from April's conference, 'Place No More for the Enemy of My Soul'. Read it here. One of my favorites.

Day 15

30 Day Shred

Day 15 - Check

Yeehaw, half way point!

Man, oh man. Five more days of Circuit 2. I can do it. I'm already nervous for Circuit 3, though.

I am still struggling with this level. I know it's getting easier and easier every time, but I still about die each time.

I need to keep drinking water! I was doing really well earlier this week, but have fallen behind.

Good News: Eh. I woke up and worked out...obviously.

Bad News: My weight. But I don't really care right now. It goes up and down within a 2 pound range. I just need it to keep declining...

And now I'm off to fill up my water bottle!

Day 14

30 Day Shred

Day 14 - Check

Almost half way done!!

I worked out tonight instead of this morning. (I pushed snooze at 5:15 and I must have accidentally turned off my alarm also.) It was fun - I got to work out with Elza. Distracting, but so good to have someone next to you to laugh with and to huff and puff with. Those strength moves kill me! And I love listening to music, it totally pumps me up. It's nice to have no one living below me, so they can't hear the pounding of my feet or the loud music!
I ended up not buying an elliptical last Friday. It felt weird - I think the stride was too wide, and it made my hips feel all out of place. The one I love is the same one that Emma has, so for now I'll keep using hers, but I'm sure I'll end up with one of my own sooner than later. I love it, and it's so quiet. It's still a really good deal, just double the price of the other one...Maybe in a month or so...Go big or go home, right?
Some ladies at work say they can already see a difference, and that I'm "melting away". Haha, I wish. I can't tell yet, but it's still encouraging to hear them say that. It makes me feel good (duh, of course it does) and they motivate me. They didn't even ask me if I wanted anything from Wendy's when they went there yesterday!

Good News: I feel stronger every day and just feel GOOD! Plus, all of this water is totally helping my complexion... :) And a (non-grubby) guy called me gorgeous yesterday. What more can a girl ask for? It made me smile all day long! (See how easy it is to make a lady's day?!)

Bad News: Nothing too bad today. I did have some ice cream tonight after dinner, which wouldn't be too bad, but I wasn't hungry at ALL. So that's not good. And I'll probably have heartburn tonight... Oh well. My own fault.

Day 13

30 Day Shred

Day 13 - Check

I had the hardest time getting up this morning. My bed felt extra comfortable and I was warm and I just wanted to sleep. BUT I got up anyway. Once I'm up and put in my contacts and get dressed, I go straight to the family room, turn on the iPOD, and push play on the DVD player. I mute Jillian and just watch and follow what she does. Seriously, music can make such a difference! I hope when people go on The Biggest Loser or other weight loss shows they are able to blast music, and not just listen to the trainers yell at them (although it's mostly motivational, I'm sure.)

Level 2 is still a pain. But it's getting better and better each time... Hello, if the girls in the video are struggling, I can struggle in a major way, too!

Good News: My weight was lower than yesterday (not the lowest, but I'll take it!) I've also been going to bed earlier (around 10) instead of around 11 or midnight. Bodies need sleep, too!

Bad News: Nothing too bad today. I ended up not working out last night. Buuuut, I don't feel too bad. I'm just proud that I got up this morning. Yesterday was a slip up, but that's it. Usually once I mess up I will just quit because I feel like I've ruined making it a habit, but I'm just happy I got up this morning. It's so worth it!

Day 12

30 Day Shred

Day 12 - Check

I worked out last night, which I consider my Day 12. Level 2 is rough for me. This morning was supposed to be my Day 13, and tonight Day 14. I woke up at 5:15, and decided that my body ached too much to work out this morning. So this evening I will do Day 13, and make up another workout sometime this week. Maybe tomorrow, maybe Friday, who knows. Only my shoulders are hurting, and I know it's because of the strengthening moves. I am weak!

Bad News: I weighed myself and I was not too excited about that number. What happened to yesterday's number?

Good News: I drank 90 ounces of water yesterday. Amazing. (Could the bad news be because of all of that water? Let's say yes).

Goals

I've decided to set a goal every week while doing the 30 Day Shred and trying to be healthier. Last week I was careful to only eat when I was hungry, and to stop eating when I was full. I was also watching my portions.

This week is going to be all about the H2O. I'm not the biggest fan of water. Sometimes I add flavored powder like Crystal Light or Benefiber. I might do that a few times in the next 7 days, but I'm going to try harder to drink just plain old water. Sometimes it will be 10 at night and I realize that I didn't have any water all day! Not good.

I also need to be better with soda. I don't have it all of the time (maybe once a week, or less) but there's always room for improvement. No more bubbly in my tummy (tummbly?).

We'll see how it goes!

Day 11...

30 Day Shred

Day 11 - Check

I didn't work out on Friday. Or Saturday. And I don't work out on Sundays (unless you count walking around BYU campus to get to church.)

So I should be on Day 13 today. To make up for the lost workouts, I will be doing double duty early this week. So I worked out this morning, but I'll also be working out tonight. And tomorrow I'll do the same thing. And then I'll be all caught up! I have no excuse for why I didn't work out on those days. Just my laziness.

Level 2. Holy. Moly. I was dying. I felt like it was all cardio. The strength training, the abs, etc. I could never catch my breath! I would start the movement late, and I would end early, while taking 5 second breaks in there somewhere, too. I know it will get easier every time. But man!

Good News: I weighed myself this morning. I am 1.8 lbs lighter than last Monday. I have been making more of a conscious effort this week to eat only when I'm hungry, and to stop when I'm full. And I know it's made a difference. It's all about portions! I can have a small brownie for a dessert. Or lots of carrots if I want. Or if I'm craving chocolate, I just make some hot chocolate, or have a pudding (they have 60 calorie cups!) If I deprive myself I know I will go crazy and binge. Seriously. I had an epiphany this week! I always knew it, but I never applied it.

Bad News: I am already dreading the workout tonight. But at the end of the 30 minutes (including warm up and cool down), I can't believe it's already over! And it's so worth it...

Oh Man

Elza just texted me - "level 2 is a b****".

And that was all.

Ooooh man....

Day 10

30 Day Shred

Day 10 - Check

Last night was Day 10 of my workout. Starting today, I'm on to Circuit 2. I feel good, but I am a bit wary of what Jillian might make us do next. I guess I'll find out tonight!

I am also going to Shape Up today to look at ellipticals. I really like that one from my earlier post, but I'll look at others, too. I just don't want it to be wobbly at all, so who knows. An upgrade might be needed. I'll try them all out. Like John and Emma say, "Go big or go home".

Last night's workout was good - I didn't struggle, and I did 10 push ups. (The last couple may not have been that great, but I still count them...) There are some moves that I still struggle with, but for the most part, I'm ready to move on. After the 30 days, I can just start over again! I think I'm going to start doing the Banish Fat, Boost Metabolism DVD, though. We'll see how it goes. That one just about kills me every time. And with all of the little breaks I take, it could probably be whittled down from 45 minutes to 30 minutes...

Day 9 Continuted...

30 Day Shred

Day 9 (from yesterday) - Check

Elza and I did our workout last night. I feel like I didn't do too well, only because I kept getting distracted and was laughing so hard. I think it might be better if we work out separately...

Megan's mom took us out to Olive Garden for a late lunch/early dinner. I thought I'd be 'good' and have the grilled chicken with asparagus and broccoli. Which I did. It was great. I also had half a bowl of minestrone soup, salad, and one breadstick. And then came the desserts. Man oh man. We ate around 3:00, and I haven't eaten since. I was STUFFED. I should have stopped eating when I wasn't hungry anymore, but it was so good! Seriously...no self control.

Day 9

30 Day Shred

Day 8 - Check (last night)
Day 9 - no check...yet (but there will be)!

My cousin Noah from Pennsylvania is here visiting and is sleeping on my couch, so I'm definitely not getting up at 5:15 to go jump around in the living room right in front of him. (Hello, I know he's family, but he's an athlete and plays basketball all the time and is in great shape. I can't even do jumping jacks without getting out of breath, and my dinky weights that I use? Psh. I don't need to embarrass myself even more). Plus, who wants to wake up a sleeping 22 year old? So I'll be doing The Shred in the evenings this week. It will be nice to sleep in a little longer. (Hopefully it won't become a habit)!

Bad News: I have an addiction to checking my weight. Every day. I said on Monday that I'd only do it once on Monday, and then I'd wait until next Monday to check. Well, I checked the scale Monday, and yesterday. And today. Emma said to bring my scale over to her house and we'll have 'official' weigh ins on Mondays. That would help, but then again, we still have two more scales in the house.

Good News: My lowest weight this morning. In two years. It's not really a drastic difference or number, and I don't see much of a difference, but it's so motivating to see those numbers going down!

More Good News

A few months ago a bought a skirt from Target without trying it on. I assumed it would fit nicely. Nope, too tight. I never wore it...until today.

It fits way better. It's not exactly loose on me, but it sure isn't skin tight anymore. :) I'm happy, I'll take it.

The next goal is for it to be way too big. :)

Day 8

30 Day Shred

Day 8 - slight check (will be a 'check' by the end of the day)!

Yesterday I started getting a sore throat, and I hardly slept a wink last night. I kept tossing and turning and my throat was killing me. When I woke up this morning my stomach wasn't happy, my throat was on fire, and my nose was stuffy. But I got dressed in my workout gear and started the DVD anyway. I only got through the warm up before I turned it off. So this morning I took it easy, but when I get home from work, it'll definitely be shred time.

Good news: I bought some new athletic socks (from Old Navy, of all places!) I love them. I was going to buy some exercise pants, too, but decided I can find them cheaper somewhere else. (Walmart, perhaps?) It's not like I need to look good while I work out, especially since I'm staying at home and doing videos.

More good news: I'm buying an elliptical. I am getting a great, great deal. It's a Proform 480 LE. Found here. I'm going to my friend's store (Shape Up) on Friday to try it out (I'm pretty sure I'll love it, but you never know), buy it, and then he's going to deliver it to my house next Wednesday. I'm so excited! I was going to do The Firm DVD's in the evenings, but have decided to do the elliptical at night instead. Pop in a movie, listen to music (it has the iPOD plug in), look at a magazine, etc!

Bad new: I gave in and checked my weight this morning. Which I promised myself I would only do on Mondays.

Good news: My weight was down.

Snacks (aka lunch) for work today: yogurt (already gone), apple, carrots, and granola bar.
I eat breakfast every morning, but I only work until 3, and I don't like eating lunch at my desk. So I just bring easy snacks. And when I get home, I make dinner around 4 or so, and then have a snack later. (The new rule: No eating after 7). Well, that's the ideal day, anyway. It doesn't always happen like that. C'est la vie.

Day 7

30 Day Shred

Day 7 - Check

Yesterday (Sunday) was my rest day, and I took a 3 hour nap. It was lovely. Although tossing and turning until midnight was not so nice. I wasn't tired, but I knew I would feel it this morning. Naps are great, but they mess up my sleeping cycle.

This morning wasn't so bad. I can't believe I only have 3 more days of this circuit. It's getting easier every time, so I know it's working. I am a little nervous to move to the next cycle; I've never done any of the routines past circuit one!

I think I'll start checking my weight once a week (every Monday) instead of every day. People say not to do it every day (I don't care, it's what I like to do,) but I'll try it this week. It'll be hard...we have 3 scales in our bathroom! (One for me, one for Megan, and one for Elza!) Crazy girls, I know...

How Change Happens

You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself in any direction you choose.
You're on your own. And you know what you know.
And YOU are the one who'll decide where to go.

-Dr. Seuss
Oh, the Places You'll Go!

I was reading a diet book today, and here are 10 tips they give to make changes happen:

1. Learn about the problem you're facing and how to overcome it. (Weight is gained when excess calories are consumed, and modern foods tend to be calorie-concentrated.)
2. Find out why you have gained weight and what will correct it. (You've been eating more calories than you burn.)
3. Analyze your past habits and determine how they should be changed. (You need to eat fewer calories.)
4. Gather reliable information. (reading this book!)
5. Rely on the support of others.
6. Include your family and friends. (Recruit an accountable partner - someone you will allow to be openly honest with you.) Thank you, Emma.
7. Think positive. You can do this! (Don't let yourself feel deprived when you choose not to eat calorie-concentrated foods. Be glad you have options. Millions of people have no options regarding what they eat. You're one of the lucky ones. You get to choose.)
8. Give yourself small rewards for making good choices. (I think if I reach one of my small goals by June 1, I will treat myself with a pedicure, or a movie, etc.)
9. Create safe havens at home and at work. (Don't surround yourself with temptations.)
10. Make good choices in the supermarket. (Then it's easy to make good choices at mealtime.)

I love numbers 7, 8 and 10.

Here's a question: How different would your life be if you were at your ideal weight?

I have so many different answers, but I am going to keep this question in my head whenever I don't feel like working out, or when I see that slice of cake, or when I feel like giving up because the numbers on the scale aren't going down.

I can do it! I'm going to reach my immediate goal of 1** pounds by June 1st!

Day 6

30 Day Shred

Day 6 - Check

Today's workout went well. It's getting easier and easier every time. I was able to do some push ups, too!

Dear Taste Buds: Please stop liking sweet things. Especially chocolate.

I checked my weight and I still went up. I thought I was eating a lot better (with a few slip ups), but no. I know it helps when I write things down, and I lose weight that way, but I just haven't been doing it! So obviously I'm still eating pretty bad. NO MORE! I've just got to stick with writing everything down. I have this awesome diet journal that you write down what you eat, when you eat it, along with calories, carbs, fiber, protein, and fat percentages for the day. Emma says just to do what I eat, because I'll get tired of writing all of that information down. This week I'll try it her way. I just make up excuses, too. Like that I ran out of apples. And my celery has gone bad because I didn't eat it fast enough. Same with the salad. And instead of eating all of my yogurts individually, I made a yogurt pie! Oh man...I think I'll start writing down what I eat on this blog, too. I think that will help. Today has already been shot (another excuse), but I'll start tomorrow.

Dumb (but oh so good) pizza and ice cream last night.............(Can I please have a cheat day?)