Everyone Struggles

 So, Andrea's video this week shows how she has been struggling.  I was with her yesterday and she was disappointed in her progress.  She was also disappointed with her coaches.  She said they don't really have good advice to help her for her body.  Nothing specialized for her.  She said all they basically say is, eat more vegetables.  I understand that there really isn't a huge secret and eating more vegetables is a big part of the process.  I was going to give her a bunch of ideas to help her out, snack ideas, meal ideas, and tips to make her more successful.  Are there any tips that you guys can add to help me out?!  Thanks!!

 Andrea - Week 2

Andrea isn't the only one struggling.  I have only been to the gym once in the last couple/few weeks.  I really don't know why.  I've just felt like sleeping more!  I've gained weight, too!  My weight gain was something like 10 lbs at my last visit.  Not to sound like I'm making excuses (which I am) but I really do believe that my weight fluctuates during the day.  All my appointments have been in the morning and the last one was in the afternoon.  My next one is in the morning again, so, we will see what happens.  I've also been having high blood pressure this pregnancy.  I had high blood pressure when I was pregnant with my son, too.  I sure hope that goes away after this baby is born!

Andrea's Getting Fit!

Check out one of my best friends, Andrea!!  She was chosen to be apart of a local Get Fit Challenge.  I'm so excited for her!  Excited that she was chosen and excited that she is working for herself to be healthier.  She is so brave to put herself on TV and and admit to everyone that she is overweight.  That takes a lot of guts!!  To be honest, I've never looked at her and thought of her as overweight... but maybe that's because I've always been so worried about how I look that I don't look at my friends in that way.

Here is the link to the first segment that was on TV.  Andrea Week 1

Andrea just got married last May.  She had a beautiful and fun wedding.  She has two little girls and is getting ready to move into a new house.  She is one busy mama, but I know she will succeed because she is a really strong woman, with more confidence than just about anyone I know.  I will try to keep you updated on her progress.  I figured it would be good to post about the success of another since I'm not losing weight.

Speaking of, I had an appointment yesterday and I'm back to what I was at my first appointment.  I feel like I've gained weight in the last 8 weeks!  It's hard to believe I'm already about 1/2 way through!!  I can't decide if I'm lucky or not that this baby will be born in the summer.  Will I be able to get out a lot and go for walks and whatnot or will I be stuck inside with a baby all summer?  I want to get the garden going, but will I be able to get into it and weed?  I'd like to say I will and that the vegetables I get from the garden will be great to have when I'm on maternity leave.  I really wish I had some squash or green beans or fresh grape tomatoes right now.... and I really hope our carrots this year turn out as delicious as they did last year!  The year before, they were kinda duds.  Today it is fffrrreeezzzing outside!!!  I'm excited for spring and summer just to get away from this frigidness!!

Ironman Challenge

My gym is putting on an Ironman Triathlon Challenge -and you have an entire month to complete it!!  Why hadn't I thought of doing something like this for myself before?!  They have their challenge starting February 1st and you have until the 28th to complete all three events (swim, bike, run).  You can do the events in whatever order you want, all you do is track your progress on their bulletin board.

Here are the Distances:

Swim 2.4 miles
(35 laps = 1 mile.  Can attend Water Aerobics class - 1/2 mile per class)

Bike 112 miles
(Can use Elliptical or Arc Trainer or Group Ride cycling class - 10 miles per class)

Run/Walk 26.2 miles
(Can attend 60 minute Group Step/Kick/Groove class -3 miles per class)

I'm still trying to decide if this would be too much for me.  I want to keep fit and workout but I don't want to overdo it.  I still have a little bit of time to decide.  If I don't do the challenge through the gym, I will still do the challenge, but it will be on my own.  I will chart my progress but will give myself more time to complete it.  I think it will be fun!  Let me know if you want to join in on the Ironman Challenge!!

Pregnancy Weight Gain

After stopping Take Shape for Life, I kinda went out of control and so did my body.  I immediately gained about 10 lbs and then continued to put some weight back on.  I did not go through the transition the program has set in place.  This weight gain I am going to call my "pre-pregnancy weight gain".  This weight I am not going to worry about until after this baby comes and I can get to work on getting rid of it.

I will consider my "pregnancy weight gain" the weight I gain from my first Dr.'s appointment to my delivery or last Dr.'s appointment.  According to the pregnancy book I received from my Dr.'s office at my first appointment, "Your Pregnancy Week by Week", the recommended weight gain for an overweight mother-to-be is 15 to 25 pounds.  I am going to work hard to stay in that range.  To help keep track of this, I have set it up on the side area of this blog.  From my first appointment to the second appointment, I actually went down 2 lbs.  My next appointment is in about a week and a half.  We will see what the scale says then, I will be 18 weeks 5 days at that appointment.

Worst weight gain for me was when I was pregnant with my oldest.  I was in college and lived on campus.  Our cafeteria on campus was buffet style, you pay for a meal then eat whatever you want.  Let me tell you, I took full advantage of it.  I also went out to eat, ate at Panera Bread at least once a week, went through the drive thru at Taco Bell and Burger King all the time.  The sad thing is, during my pregnancy, I also had a part time job at a gym, with a free membership.  I never took advantage of the membership after I got pregnant.  I gained about 80 pounds during that pregnancy.  Some of that was water weight, I had so much edema!

I was a little more cautious about gaining too much weight when I got pregnant with the twins.  I gained about 35 pounds during my pregnancy with them.  What sticks out in my mind is when they tried putting in my spinal for the C-section.  He had such a hard time.  Partially because I couldn't bend over my humongous belly, but a lot of the reason (which he clearly pointed out) was because he had a lot of tissue to try to work through.  It was a really painful process.  A lot of the reason I don't want to gain much weight this time is because I want that process to go more smoothly.

Mama's Workin' out

I stumbled across a Knocked-Up Fitness Blog.  I've only been able to look into a little but #1 it seems really popular (so, I'm sure a bunch of you already know what I'm talking about) and #2 I was a little excited that she has her own DVD's (just what I need, another workout DVD).  Amazon sells the Workout Video, I might consider buying it.  Maybe if I can stick to going to the gym a few times a week and start getting out the Wii Fit, I will consider it.... actually, I think I might have a pregnancy workout DVD somewhere in a pile of dust... I'll have to check that out!

My sister, Molly, has, thankfully, gotten me to the gym.  She's trying to lose a little weight and offers to meet me there a few times a week.  There have been several days that the only reason I went is because I knew she would be there.  It's been nice though.  I've walked on the treadmill, usually at 2% incline and 3mph for however long... usually around 25-30 minutes.  I've also used the elliptical, I always bump up the resistance to about a 6 or 7 (I think) and go at an average speed.  Molly and I also use the Expresso bikes (which as most of you know, I LOVE).  The competitor in me always has to beat her... by as much as possible.  Last time, I think it was well over a minute.  I'm pretty sure she doesn't know we are racing, but last time I said, "I beat ya!:  She was like, "Yep, you sure did."   ...lmao!

No one wants to know the details of my diet... lets just say, I've made 2 chocolate cakes in the last couple weeks... you know, the extremely moist, homemade kind with delicious homemade frosting.  YUM!  I will say though, that my family has helped me enjoy them. :)

I'm going to have to get a pic taken.  I didn't really take pics with my other pregnancies... I think I had one taken of me with my first and maybe a couple taken with the twins, one at the baby shower, and one right before I went in to deliver them.  I would like to see in pictures how my body is changing.  I sure can tell from how my clothes are fitting, my jeans are almost unwearable, so, I wear yoga pants all the time (you know, the ones I've never actually done yoga in).  I think the biggest reason why I've never had pictures taken is because I don't get that cute little pregnant belly.  I don't feel like I've ever actually looked pregnant, just more overweight than 9 months prior.  Maybe if I take pictures throughout this time, I will see my belly turning into a pregnant belly instead. 

Happy New Year!

It's a new year ...and it's going to be a busy one!!

My appointment the other day went well, it was a typical in and out visit. My weight was actually down 2 lbs, my Dr. did mention it but didn't really comment. I was actually surprised because it's not like I've done anything to make that happen... especially after the holidays! The only thing I can think of is I hadn't had much to eat that morning before the appointment. My blood pressure was a little elevated. It was 130/80, which for me is high. I was a little worried about that, but I'll just keep track of it. I figured that is another reason I need to get to the gym!

After my appointment I did go to the gym. I walked on the treadmill for 30 minutes at 3mph (if I remember correctly). I didn't think until the last 7 minutes to put the incline up a little, so, I put it up to 2%. It was a pretty easy pace. In fact, I played SongPop on my kindle the whole time! It definitely made the 30 minutes fly by! I tried to read a little but it was kinda hard for me to walk and read. After the treadmill, I went on the recumbent bike for 30 minutes. That was quite a bit harder for me. First off, I was kneeing myself in the belly, so I had to pedal with my knees out to the side a little. Then, I had to talk myself into the last 10 minutes. I think I almost over did it. It was a little uncomfortable for me. My belly was in the way... I'm only 14 1/2 weeks pregnant but this baby moved into a 2 bedroom apartment and has definitely spread out! haha! Today, my sister and I met at the gym again.  She got there before me and was on the elliptical, so I got on the one next to her. I was only on it a few minutes and she wanted to go on the bikes. We both went to the Expresso bikes and went on the same path. The system picks it up and it has it on the computer so we can see where the other is on our screens (kinda fun that way). The path Molly chose was a little over 4 miles. Of course I beat her!!... by about a minute! I don't know if she knew we were racing or not... but I'm convinced I'd beat her even if she did know! haha We are going to meet again on Friday. It's kinda nice having someone to "show up for" ...I might not have gone today if I didn't know she'd be there waiting.

Yesterday, Jeremy and I spent a lot of time decluttering and cleaning, again. This time was our U-room (utility room, where our washer/dryer is). We cleaned out cupboards and threw old junk, the counter, and a little in the closet. I'm glad he's in the decluttering mood, because after awhile, I get sick of it... but if he's doing it, I do it.

You will be happy to hear, I've been a water drinking champion! I started adding a couple slices of an orange to my bottle. I figured people do it with lemon, I'd try it with an orange. I love it! I takes, what sometimes can be, the drab taste of plain ol' water and gives it a little zest. I use the same couple slices for the whole day, and I still get a little flavor, even after a fourth refill. You should try it!

Today, I packed food for work. I have a can of Progresso soup, Chicken Tuscany (looks really good), a bag of vegetables that I'll steam in the microwave. I like the ones that don't have pasta in them. This is one of my favorites.

I also brought 2 grapefruit (had one already when I got here). I bought a box of grapefruit from FFA so I've got to get them eaten before they get bad. I brought an apple and a little container of peanut butter. Also, admittedly, I brought some homemade cookies I made yesterday. I was so hungry for them! They are "Grandma's Cookies" ...my favorite cookie ever, the cookies my grandma made all the time. The baby wanted them... lol :)

Cleaning Machine

This weekend Jeremy and I have spent the whole weekend cleaning/organizing/decluttering our house ... oddly enough, at this moment, you would think we never lifted a finger!  When we get into our cleaning mode... our kids go into destructive overdrive!!  I know that underneath this mess is progress, though.  We managed to get several loads of laundry washed/dried/folded/put away (I hate Jeremy's folding but right now I'm not going to complain.)  We went through all the kids toys and threw away a big box full of broken and old toys.  I cleared off one of our dressers.  Went through all the junk that had piled up on our ironing board.  Did dishes, and more dishes ...and still doing dishes.... when we are all home, we dirty a lot of dishes!  We vacuumed... a few times.  So, we are that much closer to getting one of those homes in a magazine a home that is welcoming to a baby.

Friday morning I met my sister at the gym, as promised.  Although, it had snowed and I was trying to drive there in my car (stupidly) that needs new tires.  It took me an hour and 45 minutes to drive to Sioux City, this drive usually takes me an hour.  You might wonder why I drive an hour to go to the gym... well I work about 5 minutes away from the gym... I commute an hour to work, it has it's ups and downs but for the most part, I don't mind.  So, by the time I got to the gym I had about 10 minutes to do a quick workout before I had to get ready for work.  Molly was on the elliptical, so I hopped on the one next to her.  I bumped up the resistance to about a 6 or 7 and went on for 10 minutes, while watching Home Improvement (love that show!)  It was kinda neat, because I used to be a "regular", but lately I haven't been at all! ...BUT... I saw a girl in the locker room that is also a "regular" and we talked a little, like I hadn't missed the last 2 months (or more)... it gave me a good feeling, I guess I better get back into the being a "regular" mode ...I even considered renting a locker, so I didn't have to haul all my stuff back and fourth... during the summer, I'd keep it in my car, but in the winter, it would freeze, so, I have to bring it in the house and take the chance that the girls will get into it all... I know, it sounds so minor... but it is a pain.

That morning, on my way to the gym, I had a Slim Fast shake.  I figure they are similar to the Medifast shake, has more calories but has all the "good stuff" that a body needs.  In my lunch bag, I took one of these Breakfast on the go! ...they are good and have pretty good protein, plus they are portioned out into little pouches so I can just throw one in my bag and not have to worry about eating an entire package or something. 

I also had a grapefruit... which to be honest, I didn't get to eating, because I was so busy at work and it's the kind of fruit that takes awhile to eat (for me at least).  I also had a fiber one bar, which I ate on my way home ...I figure it will offset the extra Iron I am taking... haha.  Plus, I think they are pretty good.  I ate lunch from the cafeteria ...a chicken fillet sandwich (breaded) and augraten vegetables.  I know I didn't make the best choices, but to be honest, nothing I saw down there really sounded or looked good.  If I had been thinking, I'd have thrown in the Progresso soup I bought specifically to take for lunch, but I forgot about it.  For some reason, PB&J's have sounded really good to me, and cereal, too ...so, I've had quite a bit of that, too.  Tomorrow is my 2nd Dr's appointment, so we'll see how I've done this month in the weight gain category.

A friend of mine started a running club, called Jog Wild.  A couple people asked her about putting on a 5K in our small town.  She asked the rest of the people in the group what we all thought.  I think it sounds like fun!  Her and I are both pregnant and due in June ...so, we will probably be more in the planning and organizing.  We are looking at Memorial Day weekend, so both of us will be rather, eh, swollen!

I will have time in between my appointment and when I have to get to work, so I'll go to the gym again tomorrow... I have to get a plan together for what I'll have for supper.