Incredible Disappearing Inches

I decided to do a little measuring last night to see how much we've shrunk since we started.

Hard to believe I've dropped 7 inches from my waist and 8 inches from my hips since Jan. 1.

Mr.'s waist shrank 6.5 inches (He didn't measure hips, because he's a man and it's not an issue.)

The scale is and will continue to be our weekly reality check, but sometimes it's nice to see other measurements of our success.

Some Newsletters Are More Helpful Than Others

I don't know about you, but I subscribe to WAY too many email newsletters. I get so annoyed with much of the junk they send me, masquerading as "helpful tips and offers," when it's really just another ad clogging up my inbox.

But Eat Better America is different. In each EBA email, I find tasty recipes ("healthified" versions of fattier favorites), fitness ideas, and really appetizing food photos in each issue. EBA also happens to send coupons and offers for General Mills products (because it's published by GM). I'll take it--especially if Fiber One is one of the brands!

Check out the latest edition, all about healthier outdoor cooking for Fourth of July and other barbeque parties. Like what you see? Subscribe. You won't be sorry.

Weekly Weigh-in #25: The Halfway Point

When I stepped on the scale this morning, I expected a drop. Last week, I was the same and have been working quite hard this week to make an impact. But I had to double-check the result! Could that be right? Have I really made it past the halfway point to my goal weight?

The scale said yes.

Jay
Starting weight: 301 pounds
Current weight: 254 pounds
Pounds lost this week: 0 pounds
Total pounds lost: 47 pounds

Susan
Starting weight: 238 pounds
Current weight: 192.5 pounds
Pounds lost this week: 4.5 pounds
Total pounds lost: 45.5 pounds

I'm so happy to be more than halfway to weighing 150 pounds. I know I could made it this far, so it seems more doable than ever to make it to the "finish line" (though staying there will be its own challenge).

Needless to say, Mr. is bummed at his lack of progress this week. He's decided to take my strength-training challenge this week, which is: Go to the Y a few times this week and lift weights, as well as do cardio.

I'm a big believer in building muscles to burn calories even when you're not exercising. It's like they're doing the work for you! We'll see if my challenge helps him on the scale next week. I hope so.

A Well-Stocked Desk Drawer

Anyone who works in an office and wants to get fit needs a stash of healthy snacks. It's simply a must. Without said stash, you will surely give in to the temptations of vending machine junk, coworkers' home-baked treats, and cold pizza leftover from someone else's meeting. Don't go there, people.

As you can see from this photo, my desk drawer at the office is jam-packed with healthy essentials. They include:

• Protein bars and protein-fiber water mix
• Microwave popcorn (single-serving bags)
• Light, low-sodium soups
• 100-calorie snack packs
• Single-serving bags of Mr. and Mrs. Get Fit Ultimate Snack Mix
• Caramel-flavored mini rice cakes
• Tuna salad to-go kits
• Napkins, plasticware, water bottle, mug, paper plates

I also like to keep things like Tums for those heartburn-inducing meetings or meals; toothpaste, toothbrush, and floss (in case you had onions and sardines for lunch); hand lotion (more necessary during wintertime); and ibuprofen (caffeine headaches or sore muscles from last night's workout).

What do you keep stashed in your desk to stay on the path to fitness? Turkey jerky? Gluten-free power bars? Do tell.

Letting Go of Too-Big Clothes

As I was walking out of my office building today, a friend remarked that my britches were getting a little too big for me. Good problem to have, right?

I bought these pants about two months ago, when they fit perfectly (perhaps even a big snugly). Now, they're drooping.

I find this happening a lot now, as I drop pounds and shrink inches. I end up wearing clothes after they've become too big for me. I'm also hesitant to buy new clothes that fit me well.

What's the deal? For one thing, it's money. I don't like shelling out big bucks for clothes I'm only going to wear for a month or two. But I'm pretty sure there's some psychological reasons behind my hanging on to saggy drawers. I'm worried I might stop losing (or worse, start gaining). Also, I don't want to "show off" when I haven't achieved my goal weight yet.

Whatever the case, I definitely know it's time to permanently retire an item of clothing when someone comments on how big it looks. Those capri jeans I wore today are now going into the Salvation Army pile. And I suppose I ought to take a trip soon to TJ Maxx for a few new, smaller sizes that flatter my figure.

But I'm saving the big bucks for the new wardrobe I'll start buying when I approach my goal weight of 150 pounds. Let's hope I make it in time for after-Christmas sales!

Burning Calories Wherever, Whenever

In our old fat-living days, calories didn't much cross my mind (and I know Mr. didn't think about them). But in our current fit-living days, we pay attention to calories quite a bit. Not in an eating-disorder way or obsessive-compulsively or anything like that. More practically, we consider how many calories should we consume in our food, and how many we burn with our exercise.

Back in February, I wrote about a site that calculates how many calories you need to achieve your weight-loss goal. Since then, I've been aiming for the suggested 1,200 calories a day in my total food intake (though usually, I go over that).

Today, Hungry-Girl pointed me to a calculator that tells you how many calories you burn in a day doing absolutely nothing. It's called your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR). Mine is 1,673--which means I burn more than 1,600 calories a day just by existing. I love it! Mr.'s BMR is 2,367. No wonder he loses a pound in a week when he hardly exercises. Men! Harumph.

Of course, adding exercise to your day helps burn additional calories (duh), so on most days I'm probably burning more like 2,000 calories. I try to boost that number in any way I can, so I do things like take the stairs at work, park and walk instead of aiming for the rock-star parking space, and stand up a lot. Plus, work out "for realz" at the gym or home.

Want more ideas of how to fit exercise into your busy day? Check out these awesome tips from Gaiam.com. Plus, find more ideas from the Mayo Clinic and multitask by combining family time with exercise.

If you have a smart way to burn calories outside of your workout, we'd love to hear it!

Weekly Weigh-in #24: Home Again

After my business trip to Berlin last week I was a little worried that my weight loss might suffer a set back. I had to use the scale at the hotel overseas and I wasn't 100 percent sure how accurate it would be compared to the scale that Mrs. and I use at home.

Well, with all things said and done the scale in Germany must have been reasonably close to correct because Susan and I are both still on track for our long-term weight loss. Neither of us had amazing weight loss numbers this week, but we're still dropping the pounds.

Jay
Starting weight: 301 pounds
Current weight: 254 pounds
Pounds lost this week: 1 pound
Total pounds lost: 47 pounds

Susan
Starting weight: 238 pounds
Current weight: 197 pounds
Pounds lost this week: 0.5 pound
Total pounds lost: 41 pounds

Mrs. and I plan to focus on watching our calories and putting more effort into our daily exercise. I'm sure that both of us would love to drop multiple pounds at the next weigh-in. This half or one pound weight loss doesn't exactly help motivate us the way that losing three or more pounds does.

Of course, it took many years for Susan and I to put on all this weight ... we don't expect to reach our goal weight in just a couple of months. We're proud of the work we've managed to do and we've got even more to do in the months ahead. Keep up your personal exercise and nutrition plans as well. Let us know how you're doing in the comments section.

Y-M-C-A!

This weekend, our family joined the local YMCA. I'm hoping a membership will help us rev up our fitness and keep things interesting as we tackle those remaining extra pounds (and beyond).

Now that I no longer have a gym at the office, I needed a workout facility with strength and cardio machines. Plus, our daughter is a big fan of water (she squeals with delight the entire time she's at the pool--the entire time), so we thought it would be nice to have outdoor pool access this summer. Mr. wasn't too interested in joining for himself (he likes his stationary bike in the basement, thankyouverymuch), but since we had to get a family membership for Cassie, he gets to come along for the ride.

Other nice things about the Y include free childcare while we work out, all types of water and land fitness classes, and other family programs. I remember going to the Y all the time with my mom and brother when we were little, and we had scads of fun. We also learned how to swim there--an important life skill to have. When we got older and Mom worked, we went to week-long day camp for a few summers.

I already worked out Saturday and Sunday at the Y, and boy, am I feeling it today. Creaky old lady! But I'm hoping to see results on the scale soon ... along with some fun times at the pool with my little girl.

Weekly Weigh-in #23: Across the Miles

With Mr. in Berlin on business, this marks our first ever intercontinental weigh-in! Sounds pretty exciting, huh? Too bad our results don't generate much of a thrill.

Jay
Starting weight: 301 pounds
Current weight: 255 pounds
Pounds lost this week: 1 pound
Total pounds lost: 46 pounds

Susan
Starting weight: 238 pounds
Current weight: 197.5 pounds
Pounds lost this week: 0 pounds
Total pounds lost: 40.5 pounds

Mr. isn't super confident in his result since the scale he used is different from our home scale and in Germany. It could be way off. We'll just have to see when he gets home. I'm pretty certain my loss of 0 pounds is correct, and I'm a little bummed. I did work out almost every day (skipping once because of a sore lower back that just won't go away) and ate quite healthy. But probably a few too many calories.

I hope to tweak my diet just a bit with more V8 and veggies as snacks, fewer of those tasty processed snacks I love so much. Plus, more exercise if my back will allow it. We'll keep going. You keep going too!

Summertime Salsa Recipe

One snack I love to indulge in during hot summer days and nights is salsa. Of course, you need to pay attention to serving size on the chips, even when they're whole-grain. But you can totally scoop up the salsa--the more, the better. Or just add it as a vegified condiment to anything you like.

Soooo, thanks to my girl Robyn from GM, whom I met at Johnson & Johnson's Camp Baby a couple of months ago. She sent me this tasty recipe for Bean Salsa, which she started making while doing the Weight Watchers thing last year (quite successfully, I might add). Happy summer!

Bean Salsa

• 3 cans black eyed peas (No, not THE Black Peas, although they would be T to the A to the S-T-E-Y), drained and rinsed (can substitute one can with black beans)
• 1-2 cans white corn, rinsed and drained (or combine white and yellow)
• 3-4 med. tomatoes, finely chopped and drained
• 4 scallions, finely chopped
• 2 whole garlic cloves, crushed and minced
• 1 med. green pepper, finely chopped
• 1-2 jalapenos, finely chopped
• 1/2 c. onion, chopped
• 1/2 c. fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 8 oz. bottle of Zesty Italian dressing (or your favorite Italian dressing)

Combine. Refrigerate 24 hours. Drain and serve with whole-grain tortilla chips or alone. Also makes a great topping for chicken or fish.

Working Out When You Don't Feel Like It

Everyone says once you start exercising, it becomes such a habit that you actually look forward to it--and miss it if you skip a workout. I'm here to tell you: NOT TRUE.

Mr. and I have been attempting to work out every day since we started getting fit on Jan. 1, and I don't think we've made it through a single week without skipping at least one workout. Or wanting to skip it, anyway.

The thing is, we always feel better after we work out. Not only have the almighty endorphins kicked in (weee!), but we also relish knowing how much we helped our bodies burn calories and get healthier overall.

But before the actual workout? Often, there's resistance.

Mr. hates tearing himself away from his video games, or he's just tired from a stressful day at work. I am not a morning person, so I fit in my workout somewhere during the day or evening. If the day is jam-packed with plans (as it usually is), I really have to make an effort to squeeze in exercise. When I'm low on sleep or energy that day, physical activity is the last thing I feel like doing.

So how do we do it? First, encourage (or gently remind) each other to work out. "Have you worked out yet today?" I often ask Mr. He grumbles and says "Not yet, I will during X show." I must say, he doesn't ask me too often about my workouts, probably because he's hoping I "forget" that day and don't bug him. Too bad. I'm going to, Mr.!

Since I have to be more self-reliant to get moving, I talk myself into it. Sometimes, it's logical (think how many calories you have to burn to lose 1 pound). Other times, I remind myself how good I feel afterward or how far I've come. The main thing is to just start doing something. "Do it for five minutes," I'll tell myself. Of course, once I've done it for five whole minutes, I almost never quit at that point. Might as well keep going.

For those of you trying to get fit with a partner, as we are, you might try some of the ideas in this U.S. News & World Report "On Fitness" blog. It talks about why couples tend to put on weight after they hook up (which we totally did) and how they can battle the bulge with a united front.

When it comes to working out, I say "Just do it--whether you like it or not." Hard core!

Hit the Supermarket with Hungry Girl

Our love for Hungry Girl is no secret. We're fans. She (along with her crew) is just so smart about eating right without sacrificing taste.

So when she issues her updated Hungry Girl Supermarket List--which she did this week--we take note. You should, too. You'll get ideas for the best cheeses, yogurts, cereals, meats, veggies, fruits, soups, snacks, ice creams, and more foods for fit-seekers who still love to eat.

What are you waiting for? Print your copy and rev up your grocery carts. Start shopping!

Weekly Weigh-in #22: Back On Track

I was less than happy about last week's weigh-in numbers ... mainly because I ended up gaining 5 pounds in one week and I didn't have any explanation why other than a minor decrease in my exercise and a minor increase of portion sizes while eating. I guess that was all it took for me to gain the weight, but it seemed excessive that I should gain 5 pounds without completely pigging out. I recommitted myself to our guiding principles this week and managed to lose all five pounds that I gained the week before!

Mrs. continues her descent into the 100s and I'm really glad to see that she's no longer in the 200+ weight category. I'm exceptionally proud of my wife. She continues to tackle her own weight loss, a new job, our daughter (who is in her "terrible twos" phase) and somehow still makes time for helping to motivate me to lose weight. I can't give this lady enough credit.

On another note, we decided it was time to post yet another photo update. I have to confess that I find this to be the single most painful part of this blog. It's one thing to use our words to motivate ourselves and others to get fit ... but it's something else to post photos of my fat gut all over the internet. I hope somebody appreciates how embarrassing this is.

Jay
Starting weight: 301 pounds
Current weight: 256 pounds
Pounds lost this week: 5 pounds
Total pounds lost: 45 pounds

Susan
Starting weight: 238 pounds
Current weight: 197.5 pounds
Pounds lost this week: 1 pounds
Total pounds lost: 40.5 pounds

Swimsuit Season Is Here

I don't know any women who look forward to swimsuit season. Maybe if I hung out with hot models, I would? Well, I don't. For me, I know it's been a long time since I felt good about showing the world my body in a swimsuit.

This year's a little different. I still have 48 pounds to get to my goal weight, but I'm 40 pounds lighter than I was last summer. So I'm between my fattest and thinnest adult weights right now. Plus, I'm in pretty decent shape as a result of working out on a daily basis. (Less flab, more muscle.)

I had the past week off (before starting a new job), and the weather couldn't have been more summery. Our daughter wanted to spend lots of time splashing in her water table or the sprinkler in our backyard. I also had a free 10-day pass to use at a local fitness place with a pool. Sooo, out came the swimsuit.

After putting mine on, I was pleasantly surprised how good I looked. Not that I was any kind of hot model. I just wasn't disgusted by my appearance. The one-piece suit fit well, and I didn't see any fat rolls. I'm pretty sure I saw some muscle definition, too! Instead of fretting over my flaws, I could enjoy being active in the backyard and the pool (doing water aerobics with my mom's friends).

I plan to make the most of this swimsuit season, and meanwhile, daydream about how great I'll look by the end of it! Great motivation to keep going on our path to fitness.