So Happy to Be Overweight

I've decided to do something different in terms of weigh-ins moving forward.  Forever now, I've only reported my weight at Jenny Craig as my official weight.  However, my travel schedule has been just plain nuts and weighing at Jenny Craig has been eliminated.

I use a WW Scale at home, as it's the only one I could find that weighs including tenths of a pound

I plan to begin weighing myself weekly on my home scale (which actually weighs a little higher than JC.)  I plan to weigh on Friday mornings, and on Saturday mornings when I'm on the road.  I'll still weigh in at JC too, but blog about my at-home weight.  Make sense?


I weighed on Saturday morning to find the following...

I'm down another 1.8 lbs!

Total Lost: - 78.2 lbs

I've moved into a new "weight decade" (i.e. from the 120s to the 110s) this week, and this week also marks a momentous occasion in relation to BMI.

For those of you unfamiliar with Body Mass Index (BMI), the CDC defines BMI as "a number calculated from a person's weight and height. BMI provides a reliable indicator of body fatness for most people and is used to   screen for weight categories that may lead to health problems."  Click here to calculate your own BMI.

Now, I'm super happy with my weight loss progress and how I feel, but I was surprised to calculate my current BMI and to find out that I'm now officially...

OVERWEIGHT 

Yep.  Last week had I calculated my BMI I would have fallen into the "Obese" category.  When I started my journey with Jenny Craig, I was actually technically "Morbidly Obese."  That means that my weight could have led to an early death and early onset of devastating disease.

If you're not aware of your BMI, it's time to check on it.  If you're living with obesity, it's also time.  Longevity could be yours.  I'm getting closer, but I've got a way to go.  I'd love to see you there with me when I'm super-old and still fantastically (and chemically) not gray.

Let's do this, folks!

Weigh-In Update and Earning a Reward

REMINDER:  My very first NTTC giveaway is still underway!  To enter to win your very own copy of the latest Weight Watchers 5 Ingredient 15 Minute Recipes cookbook, click here.

Weigh-In Update
I finally worked a weigh-in into my schedule this weekend.  Bright and early on Saturday morning, i headed to my local Jenny Craig ready to weigh, and here's how it went:

This Week's Weigh-In:  -2.8 lbs

Total Weight Lost:  76.4 lbs

I felt like this happy carrot!  (Source)

Losing 76.4 lbs total means that two monumental things have also happened...

1)  I'm only 15 lbs from goal!  Unbelievable!  I remember walking into Jenny Craig for the first time and seeing the director write down that I had NINETY-ONE lbs to lose and just CRYING.  Now, fourteen months later, I've just about made it there!!!  So excited!

2)  I've FINALLY reached another one of my REWARDS.  I really should have set up more frequent reward intervals.  My last reward was earned back in April!  

Source

Nonetheless, my -75 lb reward is in-office teeth whitening.  I'm excited to get this done soon and can't wait to get it scheduled!  I'll keep you guys posted on the process and take some cool before/after shots.  I'm not a big coffee/soda drinker or anything... Just looking to be whiter and brighter this year!  So excited!

With goal JUST around the corner, I'm also extra motivated to get there sooner rather than later.  I have a trip to the beach with friends planned for June, and I definitely plan to be at goal then, if not below.  

It is, however, the last of the pounds... for some reason people always say those are the hardest to lose.  I don't think that will be the case with me.  I'm just going to make each of them cry as I burn them off at the gym.

Cheers to Achieving Goal by June!

A NTTC Feature on Diets In Review.com

It's only the 2nd of January, and already I have a new FIRST to report (and something that contributes to my #4 resolution!)  My weight loss story and No Thanks to Cake has been featured on a dieting website!

Click here for the story:  Inspirational Weight Loss Resolution Successes Do Happen


If you've never been to Diets In Review.com, it's a fantastic online guide for health and weight loss info.  They cover the latest and greatest diet and fitness news and have tons of free online recipes.  And, they feature real-life weight loss stories, like mine!  Check them out online and on Twitter!


Thanks, Diet in Review, for helping me kick off 2012 with a bang!

This Week's Weigh-In and Travel Surprises

I thought this jumping lady could express well my
excitement, but she's really just
a creepy floating lady.

I've really been on a roll with working out and eating right this week, so I couldn't resist one last weigh-in before I went home for the holidays!  


Quick Reminder:  Last time I weighed in was last Friday... Just FIVE days ago!

This Week's Weigh-In:  -2.0 lbs

Total Lost:  -73.6 lbs

As you can imagine, the consultants at JC were not only stunned to see me two weeks in row, but also a bit shocked by my 2nd week of weight loss.  

"What are you doing?" they asked and several of you have asked the same on MyFitnessPal.  I'm just eating right (not cheating) and working out sometimes... that's it!  And, brilliantly, it's working!!!

I've also upped my veggie intake over the past few weeks, which means my food quantities have actually gone up but it's those good healthy calories that are going in as opposed to excess Pirate's Booty (although I do LOVE that Booty!)

TRAVEL SURPRISES

After my early morning weigh-in, I had sales visits to make!  So, I quickly got dressed and headed to Colorado Springs.  About half way there, I checked the weather on my phone to see that Denver was under a Winter Weather Warning.  WHAT THE HECK!!!

When I had checked the weather days earlier, I had the "all clear."  Now, all the sudden the snow was in the forecast AGAIN.

Quick PSA to the State of Colorado:  I'm about done with snow this year.  If Mama Nature doesn't cool her jets, I'm going to be packing up all the Fiestaware and heading West to live happily ever after in San Diego... Not joking.  I detest heavy snow that leaves me stranded or gripping the steering wheel.  Please discontinue this unpleasant (although seasonally appropriate) weather in the low country. Pretty Please!!!!


Back to our story... 


What I initially heard was that we'd have 3-5 inches, and suddenly I'm told that the new snowfall is set at 10-15 inches (again!)  As you can imagine, this Tennessee girl has no time for snow.


So, I pooled my resources and came up with THE BEST PLAN.  I'm spending the night here:

Imagine this place dark and covered with snow

The Courtyard near the airport seemed like a brilliant idea.  Free shuttle service to the airport in the morning and $20 to park for up to 10 days.  PERFECTION!  Also making this a perfect solution:  I booked the room on Marriott points.  One of the main perks to traveling 3 weeks a month!


My packing job:  I wouldn't call it perfect (not in a million), but it's done.


My dinner:  Pretty darn perfectly planned

One of my favorite JC dinners.  Last healthy dinner before I'm faced with holiday eating...

There's always so many of these guys left... Anyone else have the same thing happen?

I'm hoping the airport resembles the way it looked at Thanksgiving, but I'm not counting on it.  Here's to getting to Virginia today amidst all this snow.  

Weigh-In Update and a Good Laugh

I feel like I've been really taking good care of myself this week.  On most days, I've stayed under 1200 calories... and on several days, I've even worked out!  


This morning, I knew I needed to go check in with Jenny Craig to see how the ol' weight was doing.  Yes, I have a scale at home, and I'm on it most every single morning RIGHT as I get out of bed (after peeing, of course.)  I don't count all those morning weigh-ins as official though, and use my weigh-ins at JC as the official word.


This morning, I woke up extra early and was outside JC by 7:30am.  And it looked COMPLETELY dark inside.  

The ONE DAY I get up early and do this, I have my times wrong.  Classic!  I also should mention that it was 22 degrees and I was in flip flops, yoga pants, and a hoodie.  Good times!


So, I went down the road to the Post Office to mail a few last minute packages and even stopped into Starbucks for a skinny latte.  

I STILL had time left over.  I did what any early morning weigher would do and parked in the JC parking lot until the lights came on at 8:00am.


It DEFINITELY was worth the wait.... or shall I say, it was worth the WEIGHT.

This Week's Weigh-In:  -1.8 lbs

Total Lost:  -71.6 lbs

That puts me at LESS than 20 lbs. from goal.  I can't even tell you how excited I am!!!  It also puts me 3.4 lbs away from my next reward.  Getting closer to super-white teeth!!!

I also love the fact that I've lost an additional 1.8 the week before the week before Christmas!!!!  It's going to be a big weekend at the gym, paired with healthy eating.  Can't wait to see what the scale says next week before I head home for the holidays!


Speaking of heading home for the holidays... why do I think this would be SOOOOO fun to do with my niece and nephew??  If you haven't seen this clip from Jimmy Kimmel, prepare to laugh HARD.

Fall Cleaning: The Box

It was that time again, and what better time to attack the closets than on the day that the time changes.


Last time I cleaned out my closets really wasn't that long ago, maybe a month or two ago.  This time around though, I was moreso focused on accessories, my drawers, and shoes... and that plastic tub in the back of my closet.


You know the tub.  The one that has all the clothes in it that you may fit into one day.  For me, that tub has been packed up tightly for a long time.  It has been moved THOUSANDS of miles and has lived in SEVEN different places.  From Colorado to Tennessee when I moved home and then back to Colorado once again.  We're talking nearly 10 years of hope, packed in a Rubbermaid container.

There it is... WAY in the back right corner

Yesterday, I went through it.


The things I saved were sort of funny.  I should have taken more pictures, but it was sort of messy and happened pretty quickly.  I found dresses that I wore back in the early 2000s that I loved.  Two bathing suits that I loved back in my mid-twenties.  I even found a pair of khaki pants that had cuffs... Hmmm, retro.

Would have been nice to have had these ladies cheering me on like in SATC The Movie

I quickly started three piles:  KEEP, CONSIGN, and GOODWILL.  


I also found about 3 pairs of black pants that fit now (score!) and three pairs of jeans that I would have definitely worn a few months ago (shoot), and possibly most devastating.... I found the most gorgeous pair of WHITE LINEN Isaac Mizrahi pants that I had bought at Target.  Wide-legged and gorgeous.  And, still with tags.  Seriously.

They don't look as gorgeous hanging, but I promise their something SPECIAL.  REAL special.

What makes it tragic is that they fit PERFECTLY and the white pant season has passed.  By next summer, it will be too late.  Happily, I'll have outgrown them, but sadly this means I won't ever get to wear them.  I saved them though... hoping that I can get them altered next spring.  We'll see.


The crazy part is that the box is empty now and there's nothing in it that I can't fit into.  Can you believe that?? I hardly can... That was always the box of impossibly tiny clothes from another time, and now it's empty.


My box is now empty!  I kind of want to get rid of it. I'm not planning to fill it with clothes that are too big that I might grow into... Maybe it will be repurposed for use with holiday decorations.  Hmmm...


My advice:  If you have a box that's full of clothes like this and you're on a similar journey, get in there and take inventory!  You just might be able to wear more than you think!! And, you won't want to miss out on the white pants like I did... Sigh.

Weigh-In Update and Going Public

I'm back on a regular schedule for weigh-ins and for consultations again.  And... I'm down again!

DOWN -0.4 LBS 

Not my BEST weigh-in, but at least I went down!  Now, it's just me and 21.6 lbs... I can do this.  I've got a crazy week this week, and I haven't really mentioned it to you guys yet.... but I'm going back.

Intercontinental Montelucia Resort and Spa in Scottsdale

I leave on Saturday morning for a quick getaway with my friend Donna to our VERY FAVORITE PLACE.  This is my SECOND trip there for the year, and THIRD overall.  I honestly never get sick of this place.  It's just that great.  Last time we were there, we met up with one of my co-workers.  He was telling us we should try one of the other spa resorts.... Nope.  I don't think I ever will.  I just love the Montelucia that much. 


I also am so appreciative of the fact I travel as much as I do for work... it makes trips like this totally possible.  Thanks, Frontier Early Returns miles, for sponsoring this trek to the desert!

Unfortunately, the weather will be a little cooler than normal when we're there.  Rather than being in the 80s like it was in the end of April, it will be a high of the 70s.  I'm not sure how much pool time we'll have, but I bet we bake in the sun a little - - just for funsies.  

The other thing that we're planning on is using the fitness facilities and working out a bit.  Donna tried to get me to climb Camelback Mountain last time we were there and I wasn't really up to it.  Considering that the pool time will be limited anyway, I MAY try to do it this time.  We'll see....

GOING PUBLIC

After writing yesterday's post about my first year on Jenny and after maintaining this blog for a whole year, I did something CRAZY.  I decided to post a link to my blog on Facebook.  Yep, I totally went public.  

For any of you who blog, you know what a big deal this is.  I had sent the link to a few of my close friends and even some of my family.... but I haven't really told many at work or elsewhere that I blog.  In the past, I'd worried about what people would think, but I've finally hit the point where I just don't care.  It's pretty stinkin' impressive to have lost 70 lbs... and I can't dwell on the fact that I had 70 lbs to lose. 

Here's the COOLEST part:  The response was AMAZING.  So warm and so inspiring.  I seriously expected one or two people to read it... and the rest to just go back to playing Farkle, but SO many people have stopped by.  I even got a few email from folks trying to lose who shared their struggle.  I feel so pleasantly surprised that this "little blog that could" could cause such a reaction.

While I've loved traveling this journey with so many of you who've found me online or via Jenny Craig, I'm super-excited that Chapter 2 (AKA Year 2) in this journey also includes navigating the world of weight-loss with some people from my real life.  It makes it all even more real and the accountability just jumped up significantly (which I need these days.)  


Whether it's your first time stopping by or your 101st, we're all in this together, and let's get SUPER healthy during year 2! 

365 Days Later

This week marked a very special anniversary.  I've officially been on the Jenny Craig program for ONE YEAR.


I can't really believe it myself.  I've been on weight-loss programs off and on throughout my adult life, but never have I stuck to something this long.  

BEFORE JENNY CRAIG

At Pearl Harbor - January 2009 (A Rare Body Pic)

So much in my life has changed over this past year.  It's hard to believe that that girl above is the same person that I am today.  But she is.  She was just buried in extra layers... and had a MUCH bigger appetite.  She walks much taller now.  She walks prouder and FASTER.  

Stanley Hotel - February 2010

In going back to find pics of the BEFORE period, it's also interesting how many LESS pictures there are of me.  I think that's a little sad.  I'm a HUGE lover of photography and capturing the moment, but I used to spend my time taking pictures of everyone else.  Staying behind the camera kept me out of the pics, and kept me from excessive cringing...  I still take tons of pics of everyone else, but I like to get in front of the camera now, too.

The Mother of ALL Before Pics - February 2010 - That's really my butt, seriously??

I wouldn't say I like to take TONS of pictures of me, but I don't mind them when I see them today.  And, they're usually a reminder of how far I've come.  And, trips down memory lane like this usually make me reflect even more.

After a Dinner with the Girls in TN - October 2010 - Days before Joining JC

The other thing I'd say is that the new KG is much BUSIER!  I'm no longer busy eating, and now I'm much busier living!  2011 has been a year that I've travelled so much!  I've gone to see friends I haven't seen in YEARS.  I spent time on the West Coast, the East Coast, and just about everywhere in between.  I've visited girlfriends I haven't seen since college and ones that I'd seen since but just missed desperately.  I've LIVED.

AFTER JENNY CRAIG ENTERED MY LIFE

Downtown Denver - September 2011

I write this post to share with all of you who've supported me over the past year (and beyond) how far I've come, but I also write it as a reminder to myself.  I cannot and WILL NOT allow myself to slip back into old habits.  I cannot and WILL NOT allow myself to become a "BEFORE" again.  

Atop of Pike's Peak - October 2011

If you're still contemplating your journey or maybe you've lost your motivation to continue, I ask you to think about it.  Do you want to be a BEFORE or an AFTER?  I definitely choose AFTER.  Every time, I choose AFTER.  I choose AFTER for me and choose AFTER because I deserve it.  You deserve it, too.

Manitou Springs with Jaede - October 2011

I've parted with nearly 70 lbs now.  70 lbs of me are gone forever.  That's a big number and I realize it.  I used to walk around with that extra 70 lbs on me.  I used to walk up the stairs with them.  Not any longer; we've said our goodbyes.  I've also said goodbye to many a pants size.  When I say many, I mean FIVE.

Hard at work - September 2011

I don't miss them one bit.  There's not a day that goes by that I think... I wish I had that 5 lbs back or wish I was back in a 22W pant.  Not one day do I think I'd rather have eaten the Orange Chicken instead of the Steamed Veggies.  No regrets whatsoever, but definitely lots of lessens learned.

Dinner with Co-Workers in Austin - October 2011 

Thank you for being a part of this journey.  I don't think even I believed I could do it, but you did.  I was AFRAID, and you gave me more strength than you'll ever know.    


The story's not over, as this is just the beginning.  Stay tuned for Chapter 2.  I've got a lot of plans on how this is story is going to progress.  I promise, you're in for a treat. 


xoxo - Kelly

Weekend Weigh-In

I'm getting back into my groove and starting to weigh-in on Saturdays again.  It's been THREE weeks since I've weighed in.  The good news is... I'm back on track!


When my parents left my house on Monday, I was UP about FOUR lbs on the scale and was sorta freaking out.  Hopeful for a good week, I got obsessed with MyFitnessPal (my hero) and the results are in!

DOWN -2.4 LBS THIS WEEK!!!

My plan for this week is ALL about creative recipes (look for some fun posts with recipes) and logging all my foods again in MFP.  

And.... I'm 0.2 lbs from my next weigh-in decade - - sorta-kinda like moving from the 140s to the 130s, but not quite the same numbers.  It's always so exciting when you move DOWN a tens category!!! :)

Hitting my Mini-Goal + What a Difference a Year Makes

My world has been so crazy lately that I haven't had time to weigh in!!!  Between my Chicago trip and all my Salt Lake City time, I haven't had an OFFICIAL weigh in since August 13th.  


Note:  There are scales in SLC.  However, the ONLY time I ever weighed in there I lost .2 lbs on a week where I worked out a ton.  I'm convinced that those scales are mean-spirited.  My SLC JCC Alicia told me maybe it's the altitude that's causing a difference.  She gets it.  So smart! :)


OK.... so, Saturday's weigh in results.

-2.8 lbs, BABY!

I'm SUPER-STOKED by this.  What this means is that the truffle fry damage has been erased and the crazy drinking in Chicago are a non-issue now.  AND... perhaps more importantly, I may have just broken through my summertime plateau!  YESSSSSS!

So, as of today, I am down -63.8 lbs!  Which also has another meaning.... I've lost her!

LOVE this little lady!

My eight year old niece weighs in at 62 lbs.  She's TALL and I could barely pick up her brother, let alone her.  I've officially "lost" her.

Just for funsies and to celebrate losing my niece, I thought I'd share a BEFORE pic I ran across in my files.  Keep in mind, the before made me cringe when I first saw it last year.  Now, I love the pic because it shows progress.  

It was taken in August of 2010 at a wine tasting party I went to.  The second was a self-portrait at the Marriott... capturing my first side pony - Ha!  Again, what a difference a year makes!!!  Thanks, Jenny!

August 2010

August 2011

I Just Can't Put My Finger On It...

Today seemed the day that a lot of people were noticing I've lost weight.  I mean, take a peek at the pics on the left, it's pretty darn dramatic. :)  But today is the day everyone wanted to talk about it.

It seems that everywhere I went today people were trying to put their finger on what was different.  This was a conversation I was in the middle of in the back room at one of my client locations:

"Wow, something is really different about you...

I just can't put my finger on it."

"Is your HAIR different?"

"Something's changed.  Maybe you're TANNER than last time I saw you? Or have you lost WEIGHT?"

While it's very flattering, it's a little overwhelming in mixed company.  Men and women. Young and older.  People I know well and people I just met.  People I like and people I don't care for.  Seriously, it can be sort of awkward.  Oh, and in a professional setting, PS... It's sooooo awk.


My response today was ... "Well, I do spend some time at the pool, so I guess I'm tanner.  I've also lost some weight."

Other days, I say... "Yeah... I've been working hard, but I still have a way to go."

Why do we downplay our accomplishments?  Why am I so modest about something I've worked so hard for?  And curiously, why am I almost ashamed to admit in mixed company that I've lost weight?  I NEVER say the total amount lost unless I'm amongst friends (blog friends included).  I guess, I don't want anyone doing the math, or looking at me and going "Wow, you've lost 60 lbs, and you still have more to lose?"

It's a really interesting place to be.  Don't get me wrong, I LOVE that people notice.  It's so motivating and almost justifies the process; it makes me feel fantastic.  When I run into someone who hasn't seen me in 6 months and barely recognizes me, that's my favorite.

I'd also add that there's a few more people I wish would notice.  Well, those same people, I'd like them to forget I was ever that previous plus-sized lady and (ahem) just focus on the new and improved me. 

I love the new version of me, and I'm not going back to that before image EVER again.  I wish I could just answer these questions better sometimes.  I guess that will come with time.  I know that before pic is fading away... soon everyone will only know the newer and more fabulous me.  I'm certainly ok with that.

Suggestion to the World:  If you can tell I've lost weight, just say so.  Or, simply just say I look great.  Don't make me tell you, that's where I get flustered.  Help a girl out, will ya?

Mixing it Up!

It's been a REALLY busy week.  Lots of work, lots of driving, and lots of water!  My travels took me to Montana this week.  What a BEAUTIFUL state!  


It's a gorgeous time of year to hit MT; however, the locals have always told me that there ARE four seasons in Montana: WINTER, WINTER, WINTER, and CONSTRUCTION.  You can guess which season it is now...

Here I am in Glacier National Park - - Love this place!

I experienced a TON of construction this week in my drive.  The last thing that a girl wants to see when you're in Montana and have a 3 hour drive ahead is construction signs!  Without XM radio and a dead iPod, the extended drives were a bit challenging!


I did, however, take the time to take some great pics of this beautiful state.  If you've never been to Montana, go in the summer... and DEFINITELY go to Glacier National Park.  It takes my breath away ever time I see it.

What I saw from my windshield

Flathead Lake - - Probably my VERY favorite spot in Montana

Now that I've been on JC for 37 weeks, I'm finding that I need to MIX THINGS UP a bit!  


A NEW JENNY CRAIG CONSULTANT: I weighed in this morning - - on a Saturday, FOUR days after my last weigh-in.  I got a call from the new JC Center Director who wanted to talk to me about my progress and to discuss any feedback I had on the program and the consultative process.  Her timing was impeccable.  My recent consultations with my JCC Sherrie have become quite speedy and not my biggest motivation anymore.  NOTHING AGAINST Sherrie, because she rocks the house and has helped me to lose almost 60 lbs, but I know what Sherrie is going to ask me, and I know she's proud of me so I don't ever disappoint her.  I almost need someone new to impress, to be accountable to, and some new tricks to add to my repertoire!  The center director was awesome about it and suggested I meet with the other consultant next week.  I'm hoping we're a good match!


PS... Down another pound after 4 days!  Woo hoo!  And, I may have bought 10 more of the Lemon Cooler Cookies!  It's a temp item, so stock up if you too love them!


A NEW VIEW ON WATER:  I don't drink enough water.  There, I said it.  I like water, but I guess I just get bored by it.  As someone who drinks water almost exclusively, this is not a good thing.  On Tuesday night, I was perusing Walgreens in Missoula.  Um, not a good idea... I can spend so much so much so quickly in that place!


Nonetheless, I made a fabulous find!  Now, this is going to seem crazy-obvious... but I finally tried the Crystal Light Packets!  Although skeptical, I picked up a box of the pink lemonade flavor and a 16.9 oz bottle of Dasani.  Whoa.... Uh-mazing!  I drank so much water as a result, and as soon as I got home, I went to the store to get more flavors to try and a 24-pack of water!  

I was so excited I took a pic!

TRYING NEW STUFF:  I also made a trip to Whole Foods after my JC visit today, because I'm dying to try the Heirloom Tomato recipe I posted last week (with modifications, of course.)  I found two beautiful heirlooms and I also found something else...

Smart Bacon... AKA Veggie Bacon... AKA Fake'n!  I've NEVER tried this... but one of my favorite bloggers Julie from Peanut Butter Fingers eats it all the time.  Decided to give it a try.  Just 20 calories a slice!  


I had the JC Cinnamon French Toast for a late breakfast today... so I decided to go ahead and give it a try.  I cooked two slices in the skillet, and well... not bad!  The texture is similar to turkey bacon, and the flavor is bacon-y as well.  Now, I didn't love it plain.  But, when I dipped it in some leftover syrup from my french toast (which is what I would do with normal bacon) it was yummy!  I'd also think it would be amazing on a veggie sandwich or as part of a "BLT".


Now for a busy day of unpacking the suitcase, reassembling the guest room, and a show at the Arvada Center tonight... Have a great weekend!