metamorphoSIS

Alyse - Day Fourty Three

Thu, 06 Mar 2008 14:29:29 GMT

Well...Thats it!!!! As of today, I have lost thirty pounds! This is big for me, because it's an even thirty, but also because it marks a place that I haven't been in a REALLY LONG time (probably about 7 years). Also, I took measurements yesterday, and I have lost a total of 19 inches! 1 around my calf, 2 around my arm, 3 around my thigh, 3 around my chest, 5 around my waist, and 5 around my hips.

Sarah - Day 43

Thu, 06 Mar 2008 13:01:40 GMT

Alyse and I were talking on the phone yesterday (for over an hour! hehe) about how we're doing. I'll let her tell you how much she's lost in lbs and inches since September. WOW!

I was telling her that my dance class teacher told us that March is the last month for our class to meet twice a week. She said we should set new goals and really kick butt in March. So I thought about it and I decided to stick to my original goal for the class which was to drop under 200lbs. But I also decided, since I was giving in too much, to not have any fast food for the whole month.

So far I haven't and it really isn't that hard. When I tell myself "I can't have that" then if I think "oooh I want this or that" I think "nope, not this month" and I move on. In that same vein Alyse and I were discussing how I feel a bit detached from this whole challenge/program. I think the reason is because my new life choices are becoming habit. I'm finding it more normal without giving it any thought so nothing has been so monumental that I feel like I need to blog about it.

So everything is working. The scale was down another 1.5lbs from yesterday. I had gone up over the weekend. That seems to be my trend. I'll go down down down over 3 or 4 days, then back up a pound or two, level off for 2 or 3 days then BAM down 1.5 or 2 lbs. I'm starting to think that's just the pattern in which I'm going to loose. I'm totally cool with that.

Alyse, don't worry; I won't be falling off any wagons. :) I got it together now!

I’m so excited for us!! WE’RE DOING IT!!!

Alyse - Day Fourty One

Wed, 05 Mar 2008 03:45:02 GMT

Buddy and I went for a walk today, and I ran a little. My stuff was giggling and bouncing all over the place, but I did it anyway.....it was kind of fun!

Alyse - Day Thirty Seven

Fri, 29 Feb 2008 17:49:40 GMT

Holy crap !!!! I donated blood last week, and got my cholesterol level back yesterday. It was 150 !!! Six months ago it was 219. I am sooooo excited !

I did the coolest thing today....I rode my bike 7.5 miles. The most I have ever been was 5.5....I can't believe I can do that.

Alyse - Day Thirty Six

Thu, 28 Feb 2008 16:19:05 GMT

I think your idea about goal weights is good, Sarah. Once you get below 200, ten pounds at a time. I will probably do the same when I get there. I am so glad that you are doing better...I have been a little worried that you might fall off the wagon. Mostly I was worried, because I don't feel strong enough yet to pull you back on the wagon...hahaha

I was dreaming last night about running a foot race. I used to race all the time when I was a kid...I was fast too, almost unbeatable. But, I don't really run now...mostly because I am fat, but also because my boobs are really big and it hurts to run. I got some really good sport bras the other day though, and now that I am more fit, I think I will try to sprint a little next time I am out for a walk.

Sarah - Day 35

Wed, 27 Feb 2008 20:46:29 GMT

My last blog had a couple of points I'd like to follow up on.

What happened to the lady who ate fruits and veggies and skipped the cupcake the other day?

I found her. ;)

Today is the last day of my bad week. I WILL be under 207 by next Monday.

DONE! I did it! I moved on past my bad week without beating myself up so much as to knock myself off the weight loss wagon and now I'm proudly down another 2 1/2 pounds.

In the last 7 years 206 was my lowest. That was about a year ago. In the last 7 years 235 was my highest. That was about 2 years ago. Today? 204.5. THAT is the lowest in 7 years. Wow. I'm blown away every day that this is working. What I'm doing is actually working.

I've had some bad days, hell even a bad week there, but still it just hasn't been too hard. When your mind is made up, it isn't hard and every day gets easier. I'm not obsessing over what I'm eating any more and it's getting easier to just grab something good for me and eat it without thinking it to death.

I like this feeling. A lot. 5 more pounds will put me under 200. I hope to burn these 5 lbs off quick. Then a new chapter begins. I'm going to take that new chapter 10 pounds at a time though. If I focus on my over all goal I might get discouraged because it seems so far away. But under 200? THAT'S CLOSE!

Alyse-Day Thirty One

Sat, 23 Feb 2008 09:07:59 GMT

I have lost a total of 28 pounds since the accual beginning of my journey. I am so incredibly excited about it, because I haven't ever done this before. I had a huge weight loss once about twelve years ago, but I was using a diet pill, and as soon as I quit taking it, I started to gain the weight back. This is the first time I really get it...I mean, I feel like I know what I am doing. I am responding to accual hunger, and I am feeding my body the things that will fuel it in a healthy way. Now when I have a meal, I also feel the need to move around to burn it off. Even if it is just a quick walk, or some housework that needs to be done. I feel like a light bulb has been turned on in my brain, and I really get how it all works and what it is all about. I am not really feeling like I am having food cravings much either. Other than being genuinely hungry, and wanting something healthy. There is no going back....this is for real !!!

My sister and I were talking the other day in depth about what our issues are, and why we are fat. We had both been thinking about it for a while, because of Jillian on the show talking about this not being a permanent change unless you figure out what the roots to the disfunction are. I think we both determined what our reasons and issues are. The thing is, my issues are all old, and things that I have dealt with already. But, I am incredibly butt-headed, and rebellious, and just generally a non-conformist. What happened to me is that when I lost all that weight, (it was something like 75 or 80 pounds) and then gained it all back, I was so angry. I stuffed it and buried it, and then I turned heel and convinced myself that I was just fine. I was fat and fine and happy about it. Did I mention that as well as a general discontent with the norm, I also have an uncanny ability to lie to myself. I like to call me "the Queen of Denial"....just ask my sister. So basically for the last ten years or so, I have been fine with myself, and I have a pretty healthy self-esteem. Even now that I am doing this I feel good about myself and the way I look, even though I still have a lot of weight to lose. I guess the point I am trying to make is that I don't think a person's motivation to lose weight has anything to do with how they feel about themselves. This is contrary to what I have always thought. You see ladies mostly, always down on themselves and talking about being fat and gotta go on a diet. It makes me crazy. Hell, I have even had people project their bad self-image on me many times. "You must be on a diet.", or "What are you doing to lose weight?" I don't even know why I am saying all of this. I guess I just wanted to put my thoughts out there. Maybe it will help motivate somebody, or help somebody figure out their own issues. I guess I just wish that everybody could feel good about the way they look, the way I do. If you want to lose weight, fine, but don't do it because you think you are fat and ugly....do it because you want to be healthy.

Sarah - Day 27

Tue, 19 Feb 2008 19:49:54 GMT

I still haven’t found the energy and motivation I had a couple of weeks ago. I’m not real sure where it went. Regardless I weighed in this morning to find that I am back down to 207 which has been my lowest in the last 27 days.

I’ve eaten terribly though so I’m not really sure what that is about. I keep expecting to see a huge number any day now. Part of me is kinda unhappy that it is still 207 when I’ve eaten so badly because now it gives me justification to eat that way.

I’m sitting here right now wanting to go have fried chicken, okra and gravy again. At my calculation that one meal is more calories I should have in a day and way over the fat percentage. I’m telling myself I can have it and just work out hard tonight when I get home.

What happened to the lady who ate fruits and veggies and skipped the cupcake the other day? I liked her. She was in control and happy and excited.

Okay I’ve decided, just now, as I’m writing this to choose something else today instead of 1600+ calories of fried evil. They say journaling is good for you. I guess it just worked instantly here.

Alyse on the other hand… ROCKIN IT OUT! 8 Freakin Pounds. 248!!! That’s FANTASTIC!

You keep me inspired despite my downfalls. I’m gonna keep fighting. Today is the last day of my bad week. I WILL be under 207 by next Monday.

Alyse - Day Twenty Three

Sat, 16 Feb 2008 02:14:11 GMT

Ok, I have a few comments about Valentine's Day. Of course, I knew it was coming, and I debated with myself rather or not to buy candy for my kids and hubby. Also, rather or not to tell Buddy not to buy me candy. I decided however, to go on with the festivities as usual. My thought was, that this is life, and I can not put myself in a box, and never expose myself to such delectable things as chocolate. So, my idea was to see if I could accually have some self-control for once in my life. Well, the verdict is I can. I bought candy for my family like a week ago, and could easily have sneaked a few without anyone's knowledge....but I didn't have one piece !!!! Also, Buddy brought home a box of candy for me yesterday, and I had a couple yesterday, and a couple today....but that is it ! HOORAY, I do have control. However, I feel really bad, because my daughter didn't do so well. She ate a lot of her candy last night, and called me at work upset. She had done so well all week, but lost it with the candy. She wanted to know if she could throw it away, or give it to Buddy or something. Poor baby. I told her it would be ok, and not to let that one screw up ruin her whole week....she was still doing well, and one bad day does not a bad week make !!! She gave her candy to Buddy.

So, all of you out there who got candy yesterday, don't let it ruin your momentum...if you can have a few and still stay on track, GOOD FOR YOU. If you messed up and gorged, IT IS NOT THE END OF THE WORLD. Just pick yourself up, and move on !!!

By the way, I can now ride my bike for over a mile and a half without stopping to rest !!!! YES !!!!

Sarah - Day 23

Fri, 15 Feb 2008 21:02:04 GMT

I have a few little quirky delights. I'll spare you some of the weirder ones, but the one that is relevant today is that I love it when my horoscope is spot on. I'm not a big horoscope reader but when I feel like I need a little insight sometimes I'll read one. If it matches then I feel very "YEA! RIGHT ON!" and if it doesn't then I think "Oh well, maybe next time."

Well today my friends is maybe the most spot on horoscope I have ever read.

You are too hard on yourself, dear Sagittarius. If things have not gone exactly as you had planned over the last few days, there’s no sense berating yourself for it. As long as you did the best that you could, then what’s the problem? Likely you have experienced a delay, not a cancellation. All signs indicate that your goals will come to fruition, though it may take longer than you had anticipated.

Wow. Exactly. I've had kind of a crappy week. I've talked to Alyse about it off and on several times this week. My weight has been up and my eating has been off and I don't feel like I've given my workouts 100%. But this horoscope mirrors exactly what Alyse has been telling me and it makes me feel better. I WILL reach my goals, eventually. Don't stress out about it. Just keep plugging away.

Okay. I can do that.

Sarah - Day 20

Tue, 12 Feb 2008 15:05:56 GMT

250!?! Holy cow man. I am CRAZY proud of you!!! WAY more than I can express. I love the comment you got on that too. The smiley is super cute. I can't wait until we are celebrating 225 for you and scoffing at the 250. SOON!!!

I've had a questionable past few days. All 3 days (Sat, Sun, Mon) I've made a bad food choice for one of my meals. Yesterday's choice left me feeling sickly though and I'm actually happy about that because it has taken away the desire to eat that way again.

Today I'm back on track and I don't think I'll have too much problem again.

I was really proud of myself on Sunday though because I went to a baby shower and picked up all the fresh fruit and veggie for snacks instead of a cupcake.

Also despite some of my bad food choices, I did go to my aerobics dance class on Saturday and followed it up with some hearty yard work. Then yesterday I took the dogs for a 45 minute walk. They were thrilled.

Tonight I plan on breaking out Jillian's Power Sculpt DVD and getting in a good strength work out.

Feeling kinda poopy about parts of the last 3 days but also feeling confident that I can rock it out the rest of this week like I did last week and hopefully be under 207 by next Monday's weigh in!

Alyse - Day Nineteen

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 18:31:12 GMT

AWESOME!!!!! I haven't been 250 in quite some time....It will only go down from here.

Alyse - Day Sixteen

Sat, 09 Feb 2008 01:34:32 GMT

Today, I was sitting in a restaurant....having a salad ....and my daughter asked me if I could name the best time in my life. Not just the best day, but the best few weeks or couple of months when I was the most happy or felt the best about myself. I thought it over for a minute, and the answer is RIGHT NOW!!!!

The other night, I went to work, and walked in with a Subway sandwich and a bottle of water. The ladies there were greeting me, and I them. One of them said, "How have you been doing?" I said, "I'm great, I've been biking and walking and stuff, and I feel really good." She said, "Are you trying to lose weight?" Without thinking, I said, "No, I'm just having fun." She looked at me like I was kinda nuts, and the conversation went elsewhere. Later I was thinking about this, and it made me laugh that most people aren't going to get the difference between "being on a diet" and changing your life. I have always gotten the difference, but always had doubt that I could ever achieve such a thing. Sarah is right in her last blog, I feel different than I have ever felt before, and I KNOW I am doing it right this time. I HAVE NO DOUBT! Also, I know this is the first time that both of us have been in the same state of readiness at the same time. It's kind of like a married couple that both smoke, and want to quit, but can't ever get to the same mental state at the same time. We have been each other's inspiration, and each other's crutch, but never in sinc UNTIL NOW!!!!!!

Sarah - Day 16

Fri, 08 Feb 2008 19:44:29 GMT

I have learned so much this week.

Anything less than 1200 calories is BAD.
How those calories break down into carbs, fats and proteins.
Too much salt makes you hold water weight.
Lemons clean that extra salt out of your body.

Now some of this most people know, and I can't say I haven't heard some of them before but this week the puzzle pieces are coming together. Alyse and I have worked out how many calories we should be consuming, what it means and how to do it. Up until this week we we're both floundering, it seemed and not finding cohesive information.

Now we know and we have plans. We're sticking to them and we're losing weight! Both of us have lost weight this week. Since Monday I've lost 2.5lbs and Alyse has lost 1.5lbs.

We've been having long phone conversations about the above mentioned all week. We've also been having fun with thoughts about shopping for "skinny" clothes and new swimsuits for this coming summer. We've discussed buying cheap clothes through this long transition. We don't want to spend a lot of money on items we might only wear for 6 months.

I also had another FUN thought earlier today. I used to run when I was a kid. FAST. I was a sprint runner all through my school days and although I wasn't breaking records I was pretty quick. I've missed that. I miss hauling ass and wondering if my legs can keep up. I look forward to running like that again, even if it isn't as quick as when I was a kid, it'll be a lot quicker and safer than in the condition I'm in now. I'm ready to sprint!

We are JAZZED. The momentum is not fading like it always has in the past. We feel educated and confident and we're beginning to grasp that this is it. This is what it feels like when you hear people say "One day I just got it and started to make the change."

We're there, finally, and I can’t explain what it feels like to not have that little voice of doubt in my head telling me I’ll fall off the wagon in a few weeks. No, I won’t. It is for real this time. I feel it to my core. The excitement that I feel knowing I will be comfortable in my skin, healthy and active once again is overwhelming. I can envision being what I’ve wanted to be for so long. But it isn’t a hope or dream anymore, it’s just a fact and I feel like all I have to do is just follow this tunnel in front of me and one day I’ll wake up and I’ll be 135lbs.

Alyse - Day Fourteen

Thu, 07 Feb 2008 03:21:04 GMT

I have been exercising like crazy, and my calories have been awesome !!!! I was telling Sarah earlier on the phone that I feel like something has crossed over in me. I have never counted calories before, and I am certain that in the past when I have dieted, I was not getting enough. Duh, I was shutting down my metabolism, which wasn't that great to begin with. Now, I feel great, I am getting enough food, and fuel for my body to do what I want to do. I AM ENERGIZED, and I have been using that food to do all sorts of things. Walking, Biking, Cardio dvd, Yoga....and the cool thing is, I still have enough energy to cook and clean and go to work and have sex . This is awesome. I don't think I have ever felt this good before. GO ME !!!!

Sarah - Day 12

Mon, 04 Feb 2008 16:14:07 GMT

I've been busy too! My weekend was fabulous. The weather was fantastic here too. 8 to 9 miles!! WOW!! Great job! :D Those calorie numbers sound fantastic too. Man we are rocking it out!

I went ahead and weighed yesterday and was down another 1/2 lb from a few days before. I weighed myself again this morning, as Monday is supposed to be the official weigh in day and it was the same. So my 210lbs is for real!! Just 15 more to go in 2 months. DOABLE.

So Friday night I was going over my weekly food log and the calorie numbers and felt really good about it all. Then Saturday morning I went to my aerobic dance class (Fit or Bust) and the scale screamed hatred at me. I was PISSED. I almost cried. It said I was 1lb heavier than when I started that class 4 weeks ago. So the instructor looked at my numbers and said my fat percentages were too high and I should actually only be eating 1200 calories. At first I thought "Good LORD. I've done so much to cut it down to what it is. How the hell am I going to bring it down to 1200?!?"

I didn't want to participate in the class after that. I was soooo mad. At everything. But I stayed, and danced and by the end of it I was happy again but bummed about my numbers. So she said "Weigh again" and I did. On 2 different scales and they both read the same as each other but 4lbs less than before the class!!! SO, in a nutshell, the first reading was wrong. Way wrong. So not only did I lose another lb by that class's records, I also lost 1 more fat %. I also re-measured and was down 2 inches. 1 on my hip and 1 on my bust. :D

So after that, I got back in the car with honey to head home and I felt GOOD. Really good. I had already had a great breakfast and had good ideas about what to eat for lunch and dinner. When I got home I did the math on those and ate exactly as much as I should.

Looooong story short, my food, numbers and weight this weekend have been spot on. I feel fantastic. I can't believe I pulled through. THIS is a breakthrough I've never hit before. My mind is made up. I'm doing this for real this time.

When I think about having a big nasty hamburger or fried chicken, although it sounds REALLY good, I'm terrified of how many calories, fat and salt it will be. I won't dare eat it because then my numbers for the day will be toast.

Having to report that stuff to someone REALLY is helping.

I WILL be less than 200lbs before this is over. It's only 10 more lbs. :D:D:D

Alyse - Day Ten and Eleven

Mon, 04 Feb 2008 05:13:34 GMT

I have been way to busy the last couple of days to blog...the weather has been beautiful !!!! We have walked, and ridden our bikes a total of 8 or 9 miles in the last two days. Also, my calories have been between 1600-1800 for the last four days. I haven't even had time to look at that biggest loser dvd yet hahahahah I'll wait for the weather to be bad.

Sarah - Day 9

Sat, 02 Feb 2008 05:31:58 GMT

YES!! You are doing it!! That recipe looks good too. I'll have to make some of that next week. :)

My week was awesome too! I ate really good all week and lost those 2lbs earlier in the week. I also bought the Cardio Max and Power Sculpt dvd's Jillian and Bob put out. I came right home tonight and put the cardio one in and did the warm up plus the first lvl 20 minute workout and then 5 minute cool down. I was so happy I just did it!

Tomorrow I get to go back to my aerobic dance class and then on Sunday I plan on doing one of the dvd's again.

I am super pumped about this challenge and the fact that I'm actually sticking with the right choices!

Alyse - Day Nine

Sat, 02 Feb 2008 02:26:27 GMT

This has been another really good day! I lost weight today, and my food has been great, and I walked this afternoon...YES. The recipe for that lentle soup is:

1/2 pound of dry lentles

1/2 cup of wild rice

3or4 green onions with tops

1 small bell pepper (your color choice)

1or2 cloves of garlic

2 Tbs. ground cumin

1 Tbs. salt

6 cups of water or chicken broth

Dice vegetables and combine all ingredients in a pot.

Bring to a boil, and then simmer covered for about 1 hour.

YUMMY

Alyse - Day Eight

Fri, 01 Feb 2008 03:50:10 GMT

I had a great day !!! I didn't sleep much, but I got a lot done. Finally got to the store to buy my good food. I swear it was like I bought one of everything in the produce section. I also got some dry beans and wild rice and stuff like that. This afternoon I made some soup with the lentles and wild rice that was really good, and I will put my recipe up sometime tomorrow.....I don't have much time now. I also bought "The Biggest Loser" cardio max workout DVD. I'm gonna check it out later tonight at work. I ate really good today, and counted my calories...so far I'm at like 1300, with one meal and probably one snack to go. Since I work nights, my cutoff time to start a new day happens when I go to bed at 6 am. I am taking more of that soup and some grape tomatoes, grapes and blueberries to work with me. My calories will probably end up around 1700 - 1800 when I am finished. I feel thin today, and will probably weigh tomorrow !!! See Ya

Photo Album: Visual Journey

Mon, 25 Feb 2008 13:16:06 GMT

Visual Journey

Alyse on the phone to Sarah on day 1!

Alyse Southpark

Sarah on the phone to Alyse on day 1!

Sarah Southpark

Peace!

Halloween 2007

2/23/08

Here I come...

Closer closer...

Heeeeeeeee!

More Photos...

Custom List: Alyse's Goals

Fri, 15 Feb 2008 03:49:12 GMT

Alyse's Goals

To do some sort of physical activity everyday.
To be a better example for both of my daughters.
To make myself eat something healthy at least four times a day.
To prove to myself that I really am worth all of this.

Custom List: Sarah's Goals

Fri, 15 Feb 2008 03:48:22 GMT

Sarah's Goals

Eliminate fast food.
Establish a solid workout routine.
My short term goal weight is 195.
My long term goal weight is 140.