Almost There

I  can't believe how quickly these weeks are going. I was looking at some before and after pictures and I am shocked at how different they are. Since it happens so slowly it is hard to see the difference, but over the last 6 months I have lost 40 lbs and I feel great. A work out everyday is making me feel and look great. I was so nervous about starting this program, and now I am so grateful for it. It has made a big difference in my life.

my legs! ouch!

I accidentally published this on my food blog this morning, lol. :)...
I have been hitting the gym hard this week but this weekend takes the cake...we cancelled our skiing trip to go and help my parents pack up their house to move. Hauling boxes and furniture up and down stairs at 9,000 ft. altitude has been kicking my rear!! We are having a great time, though, and my girls have been terrific workers!

Not sure what to say....

I have been at a loss as to what to post this week.  I knew that I would not get my group points this week because I HATE fish (yes I know that it is healthy but I just can't do it.)  I started off so strong in this competition and for some reason my body just does not want to lose weight.  I really have been doing everything that I am suppose to (except eat fish) and it came off really fast in the beginning then just STOPPED.  It has actually got me more down then I thought.  One or two weeks of not losing is one thing, but four weeks?  Anyway, I am posting to say way to go for those of you that have made this work for them.  I am starting a seven day cleanse tomorrow to see if it can jump start my body and get back on track before this whole thing ends.  I hope that everyone has a wonderful New Year!!!!!

Fishy Fish

I had a bit of a hard time with the fish this week, which was unexpected because generally I like fish. I bought some frozen flounder filets at Walmart and we had some with rice on Tuesday and I could hardly stomach it. This fish had a super fishy taste. Ever since I learned that the really fishy flavor of fish is a sign of how old it is, I imagine that I'm eating rotten fish, especially with something like flounder that is supposed to have a mild taste. I guess that's what happens when you buy frozen fish from Walmart in the middle of winter in Colorado. No hope of getting fresh fish here at this time of year. I shoulda stuck with canned tuna.

On the plus side I learned how to make fish tacos for dinner tonight to try and disguise the gross fishy taste. I've never had fish tacos before and they were really yummy, aside from the fish part. The cabbage and onions in lime juice in a heated corn tortilla were delicious, but only sort of hid the fish.

I've been sick for the first half of this week so that made eating less easier. Plus I didn't go out of town or do anything exciting food-wise for New Years. I'm hoping for a good number on the scale tomorrow morning!

new year!

I hope everyone had a great holiday season! I'm so excited for the new year. There are so many health and weight loss goals I want to accomplish! This compitition has really given me some much needed confidence and I know now that with a little hard work that I can acheive those goals (especialy the 5k in June!) Wish me luck!

ONE MORE DAY

Some of you know this and some of you may not - I have been doing my own challenge involving weight loss and fitness for the last year. I 'officially' began on December 28, 2011. (CRAZY to start right over the Holidays, knowing I would have exactly one year to complete the challenge....but I knew I HAD TO START so I would stop gaining and get on the road to health.)

I had an unhealthy BMI (more than 30) and I was given exactly one year to get it to a healthy number (below 25). I put my money on the virtual table, and off I went. IF I complete the challenge I win back my money plus some extra! I knew I wanted to lose the weight anyway, so why not get paid to do it?

Well, this journey has had more ups and downs than I anticipated! The LAST time I lost this much weight (after baby #3) it came off a little quicker and without so much heartache. HOWEVER, I had to remember, this time around I am a little older and my stress levels are much higher. So...I was in it to win it and I was not giving up....but there were days I really wanted to give up! I have had a much harder year emotionally than I ever could have anticipated, and the list goes on and on with all the road blocks and rough spots I have had in this journey.

I stuck with it and was so excited to learn that THIS competition would help bring me down the home stretch of my own personal challenge. I have been so grateful for the help and support during a difficult time of year to lose weight (the Holidays) and had the encouragement and advice from such good friends along the way!

I am sorry to say this last week I have barely even thought about the competition. I have been so focused on finishing my BMI challenge and 'what if I don't make it' worries!!! I am still keeping track of points and doing the challenges of the week, but my mind has been in this other place. I have been nervous, scared, frustrated, sad, etc. as I anticipate the 'last' weigh in.

My year ended on Dec. 28, 2012. I will be verified at an official weigh in tomorrow morning around 11am. I can not even tell you how nervous I am. I venture to say I haven't lost anything this week just because my stomach (and entire body) has been in such knots for the last 7 days!!

Suffice it to say I won't be able to eat much today due to nerves and butterflies floating around in my tummy! I will be so relieved to have this over and done! NOT to say that my journey is over! Not at all! I still have about 4 more pounds to lose before I reach my own personal weight goal. However, just getting through this portion of the adventure of fitness and weight loss will be so, so nice! I will feel as though I can breath freely once again!

So, girls. Thank you. Thank you for this competition. Thank you Heather for putting it together and being willing to moderate it all. Thank you for the inspiring posts and encouraging words. I have needed them. I have just one more day to focus like I have never focused before!

I have decided to have one celebratory meal tomorrow evening with my hubby, but after that BACK to the grind! THIS competition needs to be finished STRONG!! And I still have four more pounds to lose ladies!! I am not giving up on THAT!!

Thai Fish Wraps

Our family really likes these and they're easy. You have one more day to complete the fish challenge, so if you're feeling like some thai flavors in your kitchen, give these a go.

Thai Fish Wraps

Hotby6.com

Combine the following into a gallon-sized freezer bag:

½ c canned coconut milk (you can use lite)

1 t sesame oil

1 T minced ginger (can use 1 t. powdered, but I don’t like it as well)

1 T minced garlic

1 T lime juice

3 green onions chopped

1 t salt

1/8 t cayenne pepper

¼ c thai sweet chili sauce

Place 3 large or 6 small filets of mild white fish (catfish or tilapia work great) in the bag and gently toss to coat. Allow to marinade at least 30 min in fridge, or overnight.

Pour contents of bag into large skillet and cook over medium-high heat for 6-8 minutes, turning fish over a few times during cooking. The cooking time will vary depending on size of filets.

Seve in warmed tortillas with grated carrots, mung bean sprouts, fresh chopped cilantro, and lime wedges.