Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Day 6!

Well, surprisingly, I have not yet cracked! LOL! I am surpassing my expectations every single day! I am down 6 pounds already! Woo! I'm still struggling to find new innovative recipes, so I'm not always eating salad! To be totally honest, I thought that I couldn't do this well. I usually sabotage myself within the first few days and cheat. I haven't and I am really proud of myself. On top of everything else, I am going through some major struggles emotionally, and food is my usual go-to comfort in times like that. This time though, I talked to friends, played harder with my daughter and dogs, and cleaned! I am really beginning to see that if I really want something bad enough, I can make it happen. I am so psyched!

Thursday, August 1, 2013

And......she's off!

Hi!
My name is Shannon, and I am tired of being fat!
I know calling oneself fat can seem a bit on the self-deprecating side..but I assure you, it's not. I am a realist. I know what I look like, and it's not great. I have been overweight for 10 years now, and it's really affecting my health. I am always tired, I get sick ALL of the time... I just never feel 100%.
Some roadblocks to getting healthy are quite the laundry list of issues.
1. I smoked (I am 43 days smoke-free!!!)
2. I have PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) if you need more info on that, WebMD has some good stuff.
3. I have Endometriosis (OWIE!)
4. I have Depression
5. I have Anxiety
6. I have Insomnia
7. I am really lazy by nature
8. I LOVE Chinese Food, Burgers, and Pizza.

Ok, now that that is all out of the way, I am ready to get better.
I have put off my health for long enough now. I am highly motivated (crazy, right?)
In order to maintain my current weight, I consume roughly 3000 calories a day.
I am 5'6", and weigh between 256-260 pounds.
My solution has been to cut my caloric intake in half, so I am consuming roughly 1500 calories a day.
Other than modifying my food, which I can tell you right now, was beyond difficult.....
I am also including 3 Times Weekly intense workouts. (cardio and strength training)
The other 4 days a week, I have a moderately intense dance workout video at home. :)

Here is my food diary for the day!
8/1/13 Meal Plan:

Breakfast:
1/2 toasted English Muffin
w/1 tsp Low Sugar Peanut Butter
1/2 c Cottage cheese
1 serving diced peaches
8oz glass of Almond Milk Iced Coffee

Snack:
2 Tb Hummus
2 Mini Red Bell Peppers
2 Sticks Cucumber
2 Sticks Carrots
4 Stick Celery

Lunch:
Tossed salad with
Baby Spinach
Dandelion Greens
5 oz drained Tuna
2 small (baby) Portobello mushrooms
2 cucumber stalks, chopped
1 oz blue cheese crumbles
1 tbs Fat Free Zesty Italian Dressing

Late Snack:
1 Yoplait Light Strawberry
1 serving diced pears

Dinner:
5oz Salmon (cooked on Foreman Grill)
1/2 c Cous Cous
1/2 C Bok Choy
1 slice whole wheat toast
1 tsp butter