Mmmmmmmmmm Monday

So the new food trial this past weekend was pizza made with a cauliflower crust. If you're like me, you think that is crazy. I didn't understand how it was possible when I read it on another blog, Escape from Obesity. Well Andrea and I tried this mysterious pizza on Friday and let me tell ya, its pretty good. Clearly nothing will ever be the same as my beloved pizza, but this came pretty darn close! You can check out the recipe at the link above. Here are the pictures of our crazy substitute pizza.

Grated steamed cauliflower, cheese, herbs, 1 egg, mixed and flattened onto parchment paper

After the crust is baked, add cheese and sauce and broil

There ya go, cauliflower pizza

Shrinking Sunday

Current Weight: 261.2
Weekly Loss: 3.6
Loss-to-Date: 14.8

Sweet Sweet Saturday

Yay Saturday! This Saturday was GAGA day! We bought tickets a year ago for this Gaga concert and we were done waiting. I started my day with Andrea at Zumba. We needed to exercise because drinking was def going to occur that night. Zumba was fun and sweaty. I then went shopping for supplies for my Gaga cocktail I was going to make. Darrin, Todd, Scott, Andrea, Jess and Roel came over for drinks and apps before the concert. My cocktail was very interesting! The concert was awesome and the gay bars after were great. After the bar, Andrea and I came back to my place and had some drinks and talked. All in all a perfect Saturday.

Gaga Cocktail!

Jess' wonderful shirt and her baby's first concert!

Fashion Friday

Today we shall talk about JEANS!

To me - Jeans are by far the most important item in your wardrobe as well as the hardest item to buy. When your jeans don't fit, your whole outfit is bad. There are so many bad jeans out there. There are also a lot of jeans out there that are made in plus sizes but should never ever be wore by anyone over a size 8.

My 10 tips to buying jeans in plus size:

1. Make sure your jeans have a little stretch to them. This will show off your curves, as well as avoid that gap you get in the back because your ass is bigger than your waist. Most larger women should avoid skinny jeans because they accentuate your larger hips and ass.
2. Make sure the jeans are a medium rise. Low rise jeans will give you a muffin top and your crack will be hanging out. On top of that, lets be honest, there is nothing comfortable about hanging out of your clothes. Now on the other hand, make sure your jeans are not all the way up to your boobs. I have been a victim of this way of wearing my jeans. You might think that wearing high rise jeans will flatten your belly, but it actually just smooths it and then shows it off because your skin is flabbing over the jeans under your boobs. BAD BAD BAD.
   
3. A straight leg is best. Make sure your jeans are not too tapered or too flared. You want to create a straight line from your hips to your ankles, as to not make your hips/ass look larger.
4. Pockets - you need them. A jean with no ass pockets usually makes your butt look bigger. Also - jeans with pockets that are small make your ass look bigger. We don't want our ass to look bigger so make sure the pockets are a good fit to your bum.
5. Distressing - Hard to pull off. Most jeans with a distressed look bring attention to areas you don't want to highlight. Also - some jeans have lighter areas on them, usually on the thighs, and make you thighs looks like tree trunks. A dark wash jean is always the best for camouflaging.
6. Size - I know we all want to fit into the smaller size, but the truth is, you're going to look bigger and feel worse about yourself if you're spilling out of jeans that don't fit. Buy the bigger size, look better and feel better.
7. Bling - blah! I have noticed that most jeans in plus size stores have hideous jewels and designs on the butts and thighs. I don't understand why the designers think that fat girls want to look like a Christmas tree. You know what really makes me mad - Lane Bryant has Seven jeans, which in normal sizes are awesome jeans, but for some insane reason, Seven decided they needed to cover their plus size jeans in bling.
8. Obviously no pleats
9. Make sure the jeans are the right length. If they are a dressier jean, make sure they will not flood if you decide to wear heals. Flooded jeans make you look frumpy.
10. SIT DOWN - when you're trying on jeans, remember to sit down in the dressing room. We do not live our lives standing and we need to see what we look like when we sit and the flabby stomach comes rolling over the jeans. Also - you want to make sure that you will be able to breath when you sit.

Here are some examples of horrid jeans for plus size gals!

Thriving Thursday

What a wonderful week! I managed to stick to a healthy low calorie diet the whole week. I worked out everyday so far. I have been happy. I realized I want to be strong and healthy, rather than just looking good in jeans. I haven't made excuses. I realized the scale is going to show results, they just take time.

Being healthy makes me happy and more smiley. Hopefully this trend becomes a lifestyle!

Goals for the weekend:
-Continue thriving
-Workout Friday and Saturday
-Attempt a Sunday workout
-Go grocery shopping and try a new food
-Break into the 250s!
-NO WEEKEND SABOTAGE

Whiny Wednesday

Like last week, I am not feeling super whiny. I am pretty annoyed that I am not losing weight very fast. I have been the healthiest lately and the scale isn't reflecting the work I'm doing. Also - I'm kinda whiny about how weak I have let myself get. Since coming back to PGH and gaining weight, I am shocked at how weak my body has become. I get worn out so fast and my flexibility is shot! I've never been a strong person, even when I was thinner, but even the smallest tasks now are hard. I have trouble walking from my basement to my top floor, I can barely do an appropriate sit-up and push-ups - yeah right! Before today, I have always said I wanted to lose weight to look better, but today it has shifted - I want to lose weight to be healthier and stronger. I love my body pump class I went to today, but it makes me realize how insanely weak I am. I know I need to push through this weak time and know that someday it wont be so hard!

Truthful Tuesday

"Workouts are like brushing my teeth; I don't think about them, I just do them. The decision has already been made."

-Carol Zambrana (My Zumba instructor in VA)

This is what I want for my life. I want working out to be as normal as brushing my teeth, getting dressed, and going to work. I don't want to think about it, I just want to expect it to be a part of my everyday. I have always been envious of people who have accomplished this. People who have regular activity in their life always seem happier than people with a more sedentary lifestyle. I have to be honest, exercise has never been naturally a part of my regular day. Even when I say I am working out daily, I am struggling to workout daily. There is rarely a day where I dont try to convince myself to get out of a workout. Exercise takes serious effort to be a part of my daily schedule. I want to get to the point in my life where I look forward to working out. Where I recognize how crappy I feel when I dont work out, and that motivates me enough to go to the gym. I look forward to a day where I will pick going for a walk over the couch. I'll get there someday!

Mmmmmmmmmm Monday

It is very important that I eat before I go to the gym. If I don't eat before the gym, then I dont have energy at the gym and I feel so hungry that I am tempted to binge after the gym. My new favorite pre-gym snack is flax seed crackers, french onion laughing cow cheese and carrot sticks. It tastes great and it is filling enough to get through my workout without wanting to binge after. What is your favorite pre-gym snack?

Sidenote....

I am thinking about calling the UPMC Bariatric surgery department tomorrow and telling them I have decided not to do the Lapband surgery. I know this weight loss journey has been a struggle and it is hard everyday, but I think I want to do it on my own. If I haven't lost my weight by next January, I will start the 6 month program with them again. For now - I want to do this the natural way! I may regret this if by next January I am still struggling in the 250s. I feel that with my support system I can do this on my own. Wish me luck!

Shrinking Sunday

Current Weight: 264.8
Weekly Loss: +1.4
Loss-to-Date: 11.2

This is very frustrating. I ate about 1200 calories each day and I worked out 1-2 hours each day. I could not have been more dedicated and I gained. This is why people give up. I am not going to let this discourage me. My only thought on this gain is that my period is coming and I am hoping it is only water weight. Maybe next week will show some movement?

Sweet Sweet Saturday

So last night I went out but kept it calm and drove home early and got a good nights sleep. It is so nice to not be hungover on Saturdays. I hate being hungover and ruining my weekends. Although I wasn't hungover, I was insanely tired. I think I hold it together all week and then on Saturdays I die and feel the need to not move! I did eventually get off the couch and I drove out to my parents house. We went to Monte Cellos (my favorite restaurant and my favorite pizza). It took everything I had in me, but I ordered a grilled chicken salad. I had ranch on the side and i only used a little bit. At the end of the meal both of my parents got dessert and I didnt. I had 3 bites of my mom's cake and then I was done. I was really proud of myself. Those were serious temptations that I would say I overcame! After dinner we went back to their house and watched Red. It was a weird movie but I was into it. All in all a good Saturday!

Fashion Friday

My Favorite Fashion Items: What makes an Allison


Cute Flats

Scarves Galore


Big Earrings




Neutrogena Lipgloss




Headbands



Dark Wash Jeans




Lancome Eyebrow Pencil


Black Cardigans


Big Purses


Black Tanks Tops


Black Eyeliner

Thriving Thursday

So as far as a healthy lifestyle goes, this has been my most dedicated week in a long time! Here are my successes this week:

1. Monday I did Zumba
   Tuesday I did Core and More toning class
   Wednesday I did an hour of a toning class and an hour of Zumba
   Tonight I'm doing an hour of kickboxing
   Tomorrow I'm doing an hour of Zumba
   Sunday I'm doing an hour of Zumba
2. I have been following a 1200 calorie diet each day and not feeling whiney and hungry
3. I have packed my lunch each day
4. I have been feeling positive

For the first time in a long time, I had a moment yesterday where I thought to myself "wow, I'm happy." I know the wellbutrin is helping, but I know my mental health is so much better when im working out and eating healthy. I know I've said this 1000x, but I feel like the lifestyle change is clicking and it will stay. We had our weigh in yesterday for our weight race at work and I was the only one in my group that lost weight. I'm just feeling an overall sense of success!

Whiny Wednesday

Hmmmm.....something to whine about.....hmmmmm

I have to say, for the first time in a long time I dont have much to whine about. I'm feeling pretty good today. I guess my only whine would be how sore I am. Its funny because the harder you work, the more you hurt and the more you dont want to move because you feel like your body is falling apart. My job is pretty physical and it is so hard to be sore there. But, like I said, I'm not feeling super whiny so really I'm ok with being sore because it means I am really working hard. This is more of a Thriving Thursday kinda week! Stay tuned....

Truthful Tuesday

About two months ago I started dating this guy who was a friend of a friend. About a week ago, I broke it off with him and I have been thinking a lot about how I react to relationships. I hesitate in relationships and I always find something I don't like about the person. I think all of this stems from the fact that I am not happy with myself. Everyone always says you cant be happy with someone else until youre happy with yourself....this is soooo true! I don't think I can truely give myself to someone until I am comfortable and happy in my own body. I know you dont have to be thin for someone to love you, but it isn't AS easy to find someone. Lets be honest - guys are very visual and they dont want to see a fat body full of rolls and cellulite. At this weight I find guys that like me, but I feel like I'm settling and they aren't actually the guys I go for. This is bad that apparently I like superficial guys, but it is what it is and I'm not dating till I am comfortable because it is not fair to the guy.

FYI

So I changed my starting weight to 276lbs. I want this blog to reflect my total weight loss and right after xmas I was 276lbs...my highest weight ever! Seeing such a scary number on the scale was the reason I wanted to get serious and start this blog. Here are my new stats!

Current Weight: 263.2
Weekly Loss: +.4
Loss-to-Date: 12.8

Mmmmmmmmmm Monday

So my new experiment this weekend was to start making my own juice. I was going to try a juice only detox but I got super hungry and gave up, but I really do like the juice. I bought the Sharper Image Juicer. It works really well and its easy. The only problem with the juicer is it takes a lot of fruit to make a glass of juice. I think it would be very expensive to always make your own juice, so I think it will be a couple times a week activity. I bought limes, lemons, oranges, grapes, apples, raspberries, blackberries, nectarines, cucumbers, carrots, spinach and mint. I could never make vegetable juice and drink it without puking everywhere, so I have to hide my veggies in juice.

Here is my first juice I made:

(Grapes, raspberries, blackberries, cucumber, apples)

Shrinking Sunday

Current Weight: 263.2
Weekly Loss: +.4
Loss-to-Date: 8.6

I feel the need to comment on this horrible week. I have been sick all week and couldn't get to the gym as much as I wanted to. Also - being an emotional eater - when I'm not feeling well, I always go for more comforting foods. I have new motivation though. My first motivation is realizing that there is a 10 year high school reunion somewhere in my future. Also - My biggest motivation is my super duper friend Andrea. Andrea has been so great with her dedication to the gym and her food choices. Seeing her progress and excitement for the workout and lifestyle change motivates me to try harder. Its nice to have a friend so dedicated because I know she wont pressure me to get off track. I can watch shows like "Biggest Loser" "Heavy" and "I Used to Be Fat" all day, but seeing my friends doing it motivates me so much more. Thanks Andrea :)

Sweet Sweet Saturday

So my Saturday started out wonderful. I woke up at a normal hour, not hungover (since I'm having a sober weekend), and I went to Zumba with my lovely Andrea. I just love Zumba. There are very few workouts that are actually fun and still burn calories! I think everyone should at least try it! After Zumba - I pretty much just died. I have been sick all week between my stomach weirdness and my excessive boogers, I think I needed Saturday to just relax and hydrate. I spent the night playing scrabble on my phone and watching HGTV...Don't be jealous about my exotic and awesome life!

Fashion Friday

Come one thicky thick girls - what is any outfit without SPANX! Spanx may be the most amazing fashion invention I have ever known. Spanx flatten and smooth AND have a hole in the crotch so you can still pee (because we all know its impossible to get them on and off). So many celebs wear Spanx - even the skinny ones because it just makes your body look smooth under unforgiving fabrics! If you haven't tried Spanx then you're insane! Spanx aren't going to make you 30 pounds lighter, but they can make you feel better in the body you have!

Thriving Thursday

So....thriving Thursday you say.....

To be honest I cant even pretend that I am thriving at the moment. I have been pretty sick all week. My body is still getting used to the Wellbutrin and its really effecting my IBS. I have only been able to workout a few times this week, both for a short period of time because of my stomach. I am not going out at all this weekend. I cant. And actually I was thinking about doing a juice detox. I found a few that are good for digestive cleanses so I am going to try one. I was thinking about this one:

Stomach Cleanser
Ingredients:
1 bunch Grapes
1 basket Strawberries
3 Apples
4 sprigs Fresh Mint
Water

I will drink this for 3-4 days and not eat. The cleanses say to drink a glass of this when you're hungry. I feel like my body is full of toxins and I need to clean it out and start fresh. Have any of you tried a cleanse? If so I would love to hear about it!

Smooches!

Whiny Wednesday

Today's whine is directly related to my health and my annoying IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome). IBS gets in the way of my life regularly. Today I was so excited to leave work and go to Body Pump at the YMCA, but before I was leaving work to catch the bus, I started to feel really sick and found myself in the bathroom. There is no way to do much when my IBS is bothering me, especially working out. I think what makes IBS more annoying is that it starts to act up more when I'm eating healthy and lots of fiber. I get so motivated with a diet and workout plan then I'm sick for a few days - very discouraging!


Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS or spastic colon) is a diagnosis of exclusion. It is a functional bowel disorder characterized by chronic abdominal pain, discomfort, bloating, and alteration of bowel habits in the absence of any detectable organic cause. In some cases, the symptoms are relieved by bowel movements. Diarrhea or constipation may predominate, or they may alternate (classified as IBS-D, IBS-C or IBS-A, respectively). Although there is no cure for IBS, there are treatments that attempt to relieve symptoms, including dietary adjustments, medication and psychological interventions. Patient education and a good doctor-patient relationship are also important. Several conditions may present as IBS including coeliac disease, fructose malabsorption, mild infections, parasitic infections like giardiasis, several inflammatory bowel diseases, functional chronic constipation, and chronic functional abdominal pain. In IBS, routine clinical tests yield no abnormalities, although the bowels may be more sensitive to certain stimuli, such as balloon insufflation testing. The exact cause of IBS is unknown. The most common theory is that IBS is a disorder of the interaction between the brain and the gastrointestinal tract, although there may also be abnormalities in the gut flora or the immune system. IBS does not lead to more serious conditions in most patients. However, it is a source of chronic pain, fatigue, and other symptoms and contributes to work absenteeism. Researchers have reported that the high prevalence of IBS, in conjunction with increased costs, produces a disease with a high societal cost. It is also regarded as a chronic illness and can dramatically affect the quality of a sufferer's life.

Waaaaaaaaaa to you IBS

Truthful Tuesday

I'm bored - I am in a place in my life where I am bored out of my mind, but I dont know what I would rather be doing. I feel like I have put my life on hold because of my weight I don't want to look back and realize I've missed out on so much because I was waiting to be happy. Who knows if being thin would be enough to make me happy anyway. I can't put my life on hold! I need to make sure I repeat this in my head when I start getting down on myself and avoiding things. I always say I need a hobby - Why dont I make that hobby working out! I can't think of a better idea. Filling my bored time at the gym - making me less bored and healthier at the same time! I know a lot of this negative bored feelings stem from the horrible weather and seasonal depression. Again - gym hobby will help me get out of that funk....

Fitness is my new boredom filler!

Mmmmmmmmm Monday

There was nothing MMMMMmmmmmmm about today. After the Steelers Super Bowl loss and 12 hours of drinking in the southside, my body couldn't possibly eat today. Water and couch were the only part of my agenda today. I can't even tell you how many drinks I had last night - Tomorrow I will start the detox and get back on track and in the gym.

Shrinking Sunday

Current Weight: 262.8
Weekly Loss: 1.6
Loss-to-Date: 8.6

Sweet Sweet Saturday

My Saturday was pretty nice, and may I add, the first Saturday I have stuck to my diet in months. I went to my cousin Amanda's baby shower and surprisingly all the food was really healthy. I was expecting to be avoiding fattening foods the whole time but I was in luck with plenty of salad and veggies! I also had dinner with my parents and brother. It was so nice to have a relaxing, non-hungover Saturday for once! I will try to recreate this Saturday more in the future!

Fashion Friday

So this weekend is the Superbowl and my beloved Steelers are going for their 7th Superbowl ring. Well as a crazy fan, I always want to cover my body in all Steelers gear. Well - that can be ugly. I am looking forward to being thinner so I can wear some of the cute Steelers apparel. You can wear sports gear and not look like a dude. Also - We must remember - In Steelers nation anything goes and fashion really isn't a priority. Once I lose weight I will not only be able to tailgate without sweating in my man jersey and long jeans but I will also be able to purchase the cuter Steelers gear. (Lauren this is for you!)

Here are a few examples of cute Steelers gear:

Thriving Thursday

For the first time in about 2 weeks, I feel confident saying I'm thriving. I worked out for 2.5 hours yesterday and followed my diet perfectly the whole week. The hardest part of my week so far is the after gym or after work time when I'm starving and have the urge to binge. I brought oatmeal and a banana to work to eat right before I left for the gym and I felt a little better. I am really trying to learn about myself and notice what my triggers are. When I know what makes me binge I tend to avoid it! Now for the big test....I left my shoes at home so I cant go to the gym....Will I go home and workout or will I end up on the couch......This is my weakness! I CAN DO IT!

Whiny Wednesday

o I was flipping through my junk mail and I came across and Lane Bryant advertisement. Every year it is my goal to never have to shop at Lane Bryant again! Why do plus size stores always have to have jeans and shirts with bedazzlement on them! Fat girls dont want to bring attention to these areas with jewels! Anyway - I could whine about that for days, but that's not what I am whiny about this week. I am annoyed at what is considered plus size now in our society. One of the models in the Lane Bryant ad, who is obviously considered plus size, to me is beautiful and her curvy body is what I would love to look like. Any woman who is shaped like a woman is considered plus size.




I recognize that she is curvy and maybe not defined muscle, but to me she looks great. There are guys out there that wouldn't date her because she is "fat". That makes me so sick! So today I will whine about how our society's view of beauty is completely FUCKED! Rock your curves girls!

Truthful Tuesday

So I wanted to take today to be truthful about how many diets/weight loss programs I have tried, and how many I have quit. I never think I have tried that many weight loss plans until they are written down!

Here Goes:

Weight Watchers
Jenny Craig
Clean Eating
Vegan ism
Gluten Free
Healthe Trim Diet Pill
Alli Pill
Couch to 5k Program
30 Day Shred
P90X
Personal Training
NV Diet Pill
Atkins
South Beach Diet
Skinny Bitch Diet
BodyBugg Arm Band

Rowing Crew
Circuit Training
Special K Diet
Apple Cider Vinegar
Natural Foods
LapBand Diet
Spark People
Beachbody
NikeTraining
Swimming
8 Minute Abs
Wii Fit
Biggest Loser
Hip Hop Abs

Ok so I know there are a ton more! I cant think of them all because clearly they are too many. Every time I come across a new plan, I put it in my planner and dedicate every ounce of me to learning about it. Then I never do the program or I do it for a short time and it doesn't have a chance to work.

The moral of the story - these are all fads and products to make money - you will lose weight if you burn more calories than you consume. Eat balanced meals with fruits and veggies, lots of water and lots of movement! Easy right?

I love this quote that my VA Zumba instructor uses:

“So many people spend their health gaining wealth, and then have to spend their wealth to regain their health.”

The weight loss industry knows that people will spend any amount of money to lose weight! Sometimes I think about how much money I have wasted on new "plans" and I could have saved that money and bought something awesome! Goals - no more gimmicks - just healthy life style!