What is Life Without Challenge?

2009-08-29T01:51:00.001-07:00

I know I haven't posted in awhile but it has been a busy summer and weight loss was basically put on hold. I injured my knee the beginning of June - bruised right knee bone, which takes a long time to heal and is still somewhat sore. So yoga was put on hold and bike riding and anything that irritated it. As far as my weight loss efforts, I have maintained mostly up until mid July and then I gained approximately 7 lbs since. I have a grip on it so far, keeping tabs on it and my diet so it doesn't go any higher. I have just had a lot of added stress in my life and thus the eating with it. It should be easier with everyone out of the house during the day though, hopefully.

The Final Weight Loss Results

2009-04-25T21:27:00.000-07:00

I am a bit late in posting this but the final results are in on the weight loss challenge. Chuck did great. He lost 26 lbs. Currently, he has lost 30+ lbs. He came in second on the most weight lost and won $105 too. I didn't win anything but then I didn't expect to either. I am just grateful that it helped keep me on track. My final weigh-in was 140, which was good then but now I am down another 4 lbs. and still losing. I am almost there! Anyway, here are my before and after pictures...

Weight Loss is even more of a challenge when...

2009-03-28T18:58:00.000-07:00

everyone in your house is sick. I realize it has been awhile since I have posted but I have a very good reason for that too. Everyone has been sick at our house for what seems like a month now. 4 out of 5 of us have seen the doctor and are on antibiotics of one kind or another. I feel like some days I am losing my mind and other days I just want to sleep all day. All the kids have been home from school for a few days even, driving me crazy. Then there are the ones who hate taking their medicine and that is always fun too! *sarcasm* I really cannot wait for everyone to be healthy again, including me. I haven't been walking or working out in any way for awhile now but I still seem to be losing weight. Chuck and I did attend our weight loss meeting this morning. He weighed in at 199 and I weighed in at 139 so we are still both losing weight, especially him. So things are still going well with that considering that both of us are on antibiotics for now.

We only have two more weeks left of the weight loss challenge so I will try to keep you all updated on our progress and whether or not we win anything. It's possible that Chuck will win something this time as he has lost a lot of weight with this challenge. If you want to know how things turn out, check back in a week or two.

Week 5 Weigh-In

2009-02-21T20:42:00.001-08:00

Well, I didn't do as well as I had wanted to but I knew I wouldn't either. I didn't have the willpower I should have with my diet the past two weeks. Anyway, I weighed in at 146.2, putting me at a total weight loss of 5 lbs in 5 weeks time. Chuck weighed in at 209 today and he has lost 15 lbs. altogether so he is doing really well in 5 weeks time, losing about 3 lbs a week to my 1 lb a week. I have been walking and using the mini tramp, the elliptical and a bike too but apparently my diet was too much to bring it down for me. Better luck to me next week I guess. And hey, I didn't gain weight or maintain; I still lost so that is a good thing.

Guess what I did!?

2009-02-18T09:58:00.000-08:00

I decided it was time to use my elliptical again. I bought an elliptical awhile back and haven't used it much since I got it. I only used it a few times in the beginning. I was really out of shape at that point. Well, I decided that maybe I am in better shape now so I am going to try it. Well, the only reason I did this was because Chuck had the car and I couldn't go to the college to walk or workout so I knew I had to do some kind of workout at home. Its still just to darn cold to walk or do anything outside yet. So I got it out and did 5 minutes and 1 minute cool down. I thought about going longer as I felt great but decided I better quit knowing that you are supposed to work your way into these things and not overdo them. I am glad I didn't go longer than I did. Two days later, my legs are still extremely sore. This all happened on Monday. I haven't wanted to get back on it just yet but I am going to do some walking today. I hope I am up to the challenge again soon though. Apparently it is a great workout and just what I need.

Sorry for not posting lately...

2009-02-15T14:28:00.000-08:00

I know I haven't kept up with posting here lately. I just haven't felt like it with our financial situation and Chuck recovering from his hospital stay. Chuck's health is greatly improved and we are ever so grateful for all the prayers sent our way.

As far as weight loss goes, Chuck has lost approximately 12 lbs and I have lost around 5 lbs. We have started using the machines in the weight room at the college before we walk so that has helped some with the plateau I had hit with weight loss. I am happy that I am still losing but wish it were more. There was no weight loss meeting this week. At my last weigh-in I weighed 148.6 which is a week ago now already. I will post more after the next meeting with a more accurate weight loss for both of us. At any rate, we are both doing well with our weight loss.

Now, if only the job search for Chuck were going as well. He has had a couple one time jobs that paid well but its nothing permanent with benefits. I also put in for a part time job but after the interview they called to tell me they chose someone with better qualifications. I have a feeling it has to do with the fact that my husband isn't permanently working right now and they are afraid I will quit after a short time there due to relocation and they did ask that at the interview. So, it may not be easy for me to get work until he has a job first. Hard to say but I tried to help our situation and will continue to do so.

Life just keeps challenging us but so far its nothing we haven't been able to handle but it sure adds the stress for both of us. We are grateful the kids qualified for free lunches at school. That has really helped a lot to keep us going.

Please keep us in your prayers and hopefully something will change soon for us!

Weight Loss Challenge #2

2009-01-26T22:17:00.000-08:00

As of January 17th, I joined another weight loss challenge. Both Chuck and Nila joined me in this challenge. Chuck missed the second meeting due to his health however. He is currently in the hospital with a blood clot in his right lung and slowly improving but sure gave us all a scare. My initial weigh in was 151 and at the end of week 1, I weighed in at 150.8. I had hoped for a little more lost but its still a loss, so I will not complain too much. Chuck had lost about 6 lbs. in the first week so I am proud of him, considering his heart/lung problems. There are more people signed up for the challenge this time but that is more reason to work harder, in my opinion anyway. I was walking last week, 3 days, but then Sydney came down with a nasty cold and Chuck needed me to be there for him too. Hopefully, this week will be better but with Chuck in the hospital, its hard to say. I will take it one day at a time and keep trying.

Ranger-Review Article #2

2008-12-29T01:03:00.000-08:00

This article was written after the weight loss challenge celebration on December 20th. The picture on the left is of my husband Charles who was there celebrating with me. Our families were invited to celebrate with us in honor of the weight we lost.

Success!

2008-12-29T00:15:00.000-08:00

These two pictures were taken the first day of the weight loss challenge. Shauntel forgot to bring her camera with on the last day of the weight loss challenge so I do not have the "after" pictures. Above is my award certificate for having lost the most inches in the 12 week weight loss challenge. I lost a total of 13.25 inches in that time.

Ranger-Review Article #1

2008-12-28T23:45:00.000-08:00

The Ranger-Review interviewed everyone in late November. Here is the story and picture they ran in the paper.

And the winners are....

2008-12-20T18:23:00.000-08:00

Today was the celebration for the weight loss challenge. The money that was paid in to the pot by everyone throughout the challenge was divided by 4 winners. First and second place went to Greg and Ginny, husband and wife. Third place went to Nila. And the last winner was for the most inches lost which was me. I lost a total of 13.25 inches. Everyone brought food and we all celebrated. The Ranger Review came and interviewed us and took pictures for the newspaper. I can't wait to see the article and pictures in the paper!

Now the real challenge is whether I can keep working on a healthy diet and continue to lose the weight on my own or if I will decide I need the accountability of a challenge group like this to help me achieve my goal. Guess maybe you all will know what my New Year's resolution will be this year. Wish me lotsa luck to stay on track!

Weeks 11 and 12 Results

2008-12-13T18:13:00.000-08:00

There was no meeting last week, thus no weigh-in. So for the last two weeks, I lost another 2 lbs. putting me at a total weight loss of 12 lbs. I will be receiving all my total numbers at the last meeting next week. So, my average weight loss was 1 lb. per week for a total of 12 lbs. lost altogether. I still have more weight to lose and there is another weight loss challenge in January sometime so I hope to be able to take that one in as well. It really helps to be accountable weekly.

Now the challenge is not to give in and pig out. I have been thinking about it all day, knowing that the challenge is at the end now but then again, I realize that I still have weight to lose and that isn't really what I want to do but I may give in a little or I will end up pigging out on something I shouldn't. Those holiday goodies and pizza and lots of things are calling my name but I am going to only give in a little, hoping that will be enough to satisfy the cravings. Wish me luck!

I am still looking for someone to join me in being accountable with weight loss, and sharing health tips, diet tips, recipes, whatever so if anyone wants to join me, post a comment and I would love to have some weight loss buddies!

Next week is our last meeting and we are all planning to celebrate so watch for the post and hopefully some pictures too!

Week 10 Weight Loss Challenge Results

2008-12-02T16:30:00.000-08:00

Well, I have to confess. I did gain a little, but only ounces over Thanksgiving week. Ounces is something I can live with and work off easily, t/g for that. Wednesday was the day we left to travel to Minot. We didn't stop anywhere in the 4 hours on the road so no food except water so I slept most of the way there. My hubby decided not to stop for food. At first I was mad at him but I got over it. Then, we all went out for dinner at Perkins that night. I did have chicken strips (with honey mustard), wild rice, corn, roll, salad and a raspberry iced tea. After all, I hadn't eaten all day. Then Thanksgiving, I started out with orange juice, a banana, and a half honey wheat bagel with honey nut cream cheese. Then we went to my mother's for Thanksgiving dinner. There I had mashed potatoes, gravy, turkey, roll, lefse, coleslaw, stuffing, raw carrots, corn and later a piece of pumpkin pie. I took smaller portions. I think the worst part was driving home. My hubby bought twizzlers and I decided maybe if I had to drive, some caffeine might be okay. I haven't had any soda since September when I began the weight loss challenge. I bought a diet dr. pepper and it didn't even taste good to me. Go figure. I also munch on roasted almonds on the way home and the twizzlers he bought. So, with no walking since earlier in the week and all the stuff I did eat, I was lucky I only gained ounces. Really!

Next week, there is no weight loss challenge meeting so I have two weeks and then it will be the final weigh-in. My fear is that when the challenge ends, it is just before Christmas and with all the stress at home now and the holiday goodies, and no one to be accountable to, I will not be as careful with my diet. So, if anyone wants to join me in being accountable here with me, weekly, I would be very grateful. I will post my final weight from the weight loss challenge when it ends and go from there. Who knows... it could be fun! Maybe we could even come up with a prize for the most weight lost or the most dedicated or something like that... Anyone want to try this? I am open to ideas and anyone who wants to join in the fun!

Weight Loss Challenge Week 8 Results

2008-11-23T21:02:00.000-08:00

I have lost 1 more lb. this past week. 1 lb. is better than none so I am okay with that, considering that there has been a considerable amount of stress at home to deal with lately. This coming week may be tough however with all the Thanksgiving fixings. I am not giving up lefse, stuffing or pumpkin pie. I just have to remember to eat it in moderation and smaller portions. The other thing is that we are traveling 4 hours from home and staying for a day or two before coming home so we will be eating out some as well so it will not be an easy feat for me but I am confident that with careful planning, I can do this. After all, I have to be accountable next Saturday at weigh-in time! I am also taking my walking shoes with me so I can at the very least get some extra walking in while I am gone. Wish me luck!

Before I forget, losing that 1 lb. last week put me at a total weight loss of 40.4 lbs. since I moved to Glendive, MT, from Minot, ND in April 2007. Slow and steady but wonderful. And when Sydney saw the dr for her checkup recently, she weighed in at 40.4 lbs exactly so I told her Mommy lost a whole Sydney and she thought I was funny. But that is a lot of weight if you look at it that way. When you pick up a 40 lb. child, you think of them as fairly heavy so I am thinking "wow!" I was really carrying around a lot of extra weight and you think about what that does to your body too. Anyway, I know it took me a long time but I am happy that I have lost that much already. Now, I have a few more lbs. to go... but the best part is that I am already feeling better about myself and my energy is picking up too. And wearing the cpap at night does help when I get a good night's rest too. There's a lot to be said for waking up feeling "rested".

Anyway, Happy Thanksgiving! Enjoy but eat healthy while you do! ;)

Week 7 Weight Loss Results

2008-11-17T01:43:00.000-08:00

I lost another 2 lbs! My total weight loss during this challenge for 7 weeks is 9.4 lbs. I have also lost 4 inches in my waistline too. It is such an awesome feeling! I really didn't expect to lose weight at all this week since the night before weigh-in, I gave in and celebrated Charlie's 8th birthday with him. He asked for Pizza Hut and we had to have cake too. I didn't have much willpower when it came to the pizza and cake... After all, it's not every day that your son turns 8!

Week 6 Results

2008-11-08T16:17:00.000-08:00

Last week I lost a mere 1 lb. but I didn't do any walking due to a headache that wouldn't quit. I am feeling better now and hope to get back on track with my walking this week.

I am halfway through the Weight Loss Challenge and I sure wish I had lost a little more than I have but I am still glad I have challenged myself and my friends and family too. One of my closest friends (Nila) has lost 10 lbs already and I am really proud of her. My husband has began thinking about weight loss and even gave up Pizza Hut the other night at work. I don't know that I could have done that well myself. My kids think more about the types of snacks they eat now and we don't buy junk food much anymore so all in all, it is still worth it, no matter what.

My weight loss at halfway point is 7.4 lbs. So, at least I can take something away from this and know what it will take me to get my weight where I want it to be and how to live healthier and teach my children healthier eating habits as well. And, I still have another 6 weeks to lose more weight so wish me luck!!!

Weeks 4 and 5 Results

2008-11-01T16:28:00.000-07:00

I didn't post last week's results as there were none. I didn't lose or gain even an ounce. :( So, I decided to start walking and walking and walking. It did pay off. Even Chuck started walking with me. I walked as much as 11,000+ and 12,000+ steps a couple days this week and between 4 and 5 miles a few days this week. I did lose 2 lbs this week so it was worth the effort. My total weight loss in the past 5 weeks has been 6.4 lbs. I wish it was a little more but any weight loss is better than none. Another great thing about the extra walking was that I inspired my husband to watch his diet and workout more too. I am glad he decided to join me in my efforts to lose weight and get in better shape. Now I just have to get all the Halloween candy out of my house! ;)

Week 3 Results

2008-10-18T23:08:00.000-07:00

Weigh-in was good this week. I lost another 2 lbs and inches everywhere, which was such an awesome feeling, just knowing that inches are melting slowly off. :) So, for the past 3 weeks, I have lost a total of 4.4 lbs and several inches already. That is one way to keep me motivated... I only have another 9 weeks left of this challenge however I know it will take me more than 12 weeks to reach my goal weight but it is a great way to start and learn how strong I am and that I can do this!

The first picture is from October 8th and the second picture was taken just yesterday. Don't look too close at the second one or you will notice my eyes are closed but you can tell the difference in my shape and size in just 10 days even.

CPAP/Weight Loss Challenge Week 3

2008-10-17T01:27:00.000-07:00

Well, things have been pretty challenging overall lately. Last week at weigh-in, I didn't do all that great. I lost a total of 0.4 lbs. Not a great feeling. Hoping it was just water retention and wishing it is something that a few days will take care of.

Last Thursday I met with my pulmonologist and finally got the prescription for a cpap. I wore a ComfortGel Nasal CPAP Mask with Headgear beginning Thursday night and by Saturday night, our power went out with the snowstorm we had so I only wore it for 2 1/2 nights. I had gotten a blister from it on my face so I didn't wear it on Sunday night and called the pharmacy. Bunny, from the pharmacy, is wonderful and helped me find one that may be more suitable. So Monday night I started with a different type of cpap. The one I am wearing now is an OptiLife Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear, which is so much lighter. So far so good.

With the colder weather coming early, Nila, Linda and I decided to walk indoors at the college here. It's nice to have an indoor option for walking when the weather is too cold.

Weigh-in is this Saturday again. I don't have a great feeling about it at this point but who knows... Wish me luck!

I am happy!!!

2008-10-06T20:35:00.000-07:00

and no one can ruin my mood right now. Today was just an overall good day for me. Nothing special happened but I just feel really positive about my weight loss and my health right now. I saw the doctor today for a followup on my medications. The first thing they do is weigh me of course. I was happy to hear them tell me that I weighed one lb lighter than I did on Saturday at my weigh-in at the weight loss challenge meeting. And they told me that I was 4 lbs lighter than my last appointment in the summer and 10 lbs lighter than last January. All of these sounded great to me!!! :)

Before my appointment this afternoon, Nila, Linda and I walked 1.5 miles today. I am staying positive and strong with my weight loss. It is really great to be held accountable and have so much support with my weight loss too.

Beginning Week 2

2008-10-04T16:21:00.000-07:00

Today was weigh-in day. I survived week 1 and even lost 2 lbs. I had hoped to lose a little more but 2 lbs is the best way to lose weight. They say "slow and steady wins the race", right? So, I am staying positive and moving into week 2.

I ordered a new pedometer after reading many reviews. I ordered the Omron hj-112. I hope it works much better than the last one I bought. If you have comments, good or bad, please post them here. I would love to know your thoughts on this particular pedometer.

2008-10-03T16:36:00.000-07:00

Well, I made it through the first week. Tomorrow morning is weigh-in and measure up time. I am proud of my accomplishments this week but tomorrow will tell the facts.

I have been frustrated with my pedometer however. The pedometer I always relied upon has finally quit on me. So, I put a new battery in it. That didn't solve the problem so I bought a new pedometer. I didn't do enough research apparently. The one I purchased resets itself too easily. I wanted one that I could wear all day long to see if I reach my goal of 10,000 steps in a day. Well, the one I purchased seems to work best if you only use it for a specific activity and works better if you don't open it to see where you are at with your steps every so often. So, I haven't been using it the past couple of days and have been doing my homework on pedometers. Any suggestions would be much appreciated!

Thursday, Week 1 of Weight Loss Challenge

2008-10-02T18:41:00.000-07:00

I have been doing okay with my diet and my walking. My sleep apnea sure makes it tough to push myself to get going when I would rather be sleeping because I wake up feeling like I want to go back to bed for a few more hours. I have walked approximately 10,000 steps all but one day this week though so that is a great accomplishment and my calorie intake is right on target for what it should be. I have been walking with Nila when I do so that helps. We usually walk on the track at the high school but sometimes we weren't able to walk on the track as it was being used by the high school so we walked some uphill climbs and city blocks instead. Either way, we got our walks in. On a good note, I have not given in and eaten any junk food of any kind, no soda or candy, chocolate, or evening snacks other than healthy snacks like fruit or veggies or something healthy, depending upon how many calories I am still allowed for the day. I have been coming close with my water intake but could do better with that yet. At any rate, I am anxious to see how things measure up on Saturday. Wish me luck!

Weight Loss Challenge Week 1

2008-09-28T20:53:00.000-07:00

Today being Sunday felt like it should be more of a laid back sorta day but after sleeping in and all. I knew if I wanted to lose weight, I would have to get moving and stay motivated. I put on the pedometer and really didn't get motivated as early as I had hoped. I chalked it up to the fact that it is Sunday and with my sleep apnea, maybe I do need to catch up on sleep in order to have the energy to get moving. Anyway, I did manage to get in just over 4,000 steps today, way under my goal of 10,000. Nila and I walked around the track and after twice around had to take time out for the kids as they had to "go potty" and then we came back to finish the last couple times around. I did well with my diet though, on a good note. And there is always tomorrow, right?

The highlight of my walk today was when my 7 year old son, Charlie, decided to yell across the street to his friend Kirby that "we're walking with my mom because she has to lose weight because she is fat". I am sure the whole neighborhood heard that one too. What a great feeling that was! Kids are way to honest at that age!

Why am I so tired all the time?

2008-09-27T23:34:00.000-07:00

After being teased about my how many log cabins I built during the night or "I forgot you were home and couldn't figure out what that noise was until I remembered you were sleeping in the next room" and all the other jokes that go with being a person who snores, I have learned a lot about sleep apnea. Apparently sleep apnea is not something to be taken lightly. Some people have it very severely. I have recently done a sleep study and learned that I do have a case of sleep apnea however I don't know the exact severity of it at this point. I asked the technician who monitored my sleep during the night and all he could tell me was that I woke myself up from lack of oxygen for about 10 seconds each time and this happened approximately 80 times within the first 6 hours of my night. So, from what I understand this means I should qualify for what they call the CPAP as described below.

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy uses a machine to help a person who has obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) breathe more easily during sleep. A CPAP machine increases air pressure in the throat so your airway does not collapse when you breathe in. You use CPAP at home every night while you sleep.

: Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) for sleep apnea

MY SLEEP STUDY --

I had a sleep study done at the Billings Clinic in Miles City, Montana. I haven’t yet met with my doctor to discuss the results of my sleep study however I asked the person who monitored my sleep at the sleep lab (Ed) and he stated that I woke up 80 times, approximately stopping breathing for 10 seconds each time, between the hours of 10:00 PM and 2:00 AM. At that point, he asked me to try sleeping with a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure). I really do hope that a CPAP will give me the best sleep I have had in years, if ever. I have always snored loudly for as long as I can remember. I had a sleep study done 10 years ago and I woke up once every hour at that time and it wasn’t enough to determine whether it was actually sleep apnea and insurance wouldn’t cover the cost of a CPAP. I am really hopeful that this will give me more energy and a restful sleep. I will post more on on my sleep study after I have met with my doctor.

So, my third challenge is to get restful sleep so I wake up feeling rested and ready for the day. I am really tired of feeling tired all the time. Wish me luck with this challenge.

For more information on Sleep Apnea and Sleep Studies, visit http://www.billingsclinic.com/body.cfm?id=539 or you can read more information on my personal blog at http://amygoble.wordpress.com/2008/09/18/sleep-apnea/.

Weight Loss Challenge

2008-09-27T22:10:00.000-07:00

My second challenge began today. I decided to participate in a 12-week weight loss challenge. This is not an easy thing for me. I am a 43 year old mom of 4 children, married to a retired military spouse who is currently employed as a maintenance supervisor for the railroad now. I own my own Virtual Assistant business and have for 6 years now. I am in the "over-40" challenges with my health, meaning I now wear bifocal and deal with hot flashes and some perimenopause symptoms and have been for 5 years already. And I also deal with sleep apnea issues as well. I recently did a sleep study and hope to be getting a CPAP to help with that issue. So, the weight loss is not an easy thing for me. I have steadily gained weight with each childbirth (all 4 of them) and kept some of that weight each time. Mind you, my oldest child is now 20 years old and my youngest is 5. The sleep apnea zaps my energy much of the time so that takes away from me and the extra weight I carry is about 40 lbs more than I need. I am 5'3" and weigh 155 at the present time. Well, I read in the local paper that there was to be a weight loss challenge and I was really excited about it. I thought, 12 weeks is just enough time for me to lose most or all of my extra weight if I get my sleep apnea under control and I work really hard. And the timing couldn't be better. 12 weeks will end in December, just before the holidays, which could be really tough, if I lose my willpower but it could be a great way to start the new year too! So, I signed up for this challenge. The cost was $39 to join. And, if you lose enough weight, you win cash prizes just before the holidays too. Well, I convinced my friend, Nila to go with me so I wouldn't have to do this alone. She has less weight to lose but still has some to lose and we are great to motivate each other. Even Nila's sister Linda may join us on this challenge.

The group will meet every Saturday for 12 weeks, weighing in and discussing our goals, and triumphs and failures, tips and whatever. I am really excited about this and off to a great start. Nila, Linda and I walked today. I wore my pedometer and walked 10,000 steps today and did great with my diet for day 1. Granted, this is only day 1. This may not be so easy for me but I am determined to lose this weight. I am just so tired of trying on clothes only to find out that they would look great if I didn't have curves in all the wrong places.

A couple of my weaknesses are diet dr. pepper and late night snacking. I don't eat enough veggies, drink quite enough water and get quite enough protein so I am working on those issues.

When my hubby retired from the military and we moved, I lost 30 lbs easily, which is really strange for me because I am a stress eater normally. But after that first 30 lbs came off (yes, I did weigh 185 at that time!), I leveled off and haven't been able to move down from there.

Before I forget, there is more information on the weight loss challenge I signed up for at http://wlcnow.com. If there isn't a group in your area, maybe you should consider looking into setting one up. Anyway, wish me lotsa luck! I just may need it! ;)

If anyone is interested in joining me with a weekly weigh-in or with recipes, tips, workout suggestions, or anything else they want to contribute, feel free to comment.

First Challenge

2008-09-27T22:06:00.000-07:00

My first challenge is mastering this new blog through blogger. I have used other blog programs but blogger is a new one for me so bear with me until I learn how to be more creative and make it more interesting. So for now, this is what it will look like until I have time to play around with colors, fonts, designs and all the fun stuff that goes with blogging. ;)