Thursday, March 31, 2011

Party Time!

Let's Party!
Welcome to my blog A Hippo With A Headband.  I utilize this blog to journal my way to a healthier me.  I have my up days, and down but each day I am moving closer and closer to the woman I want to be and the one God made me to be.

Before we get started I want to give a HUGE shout out to Janice and Susan from 5 Minutes for Mom for sponsoring the Ultimate Blog Party for these last several years. It is always a blast getting ready and then partying with y'all!  Thanks so much for all your hard work and dedication to this party.

Now on with the party!!! Since you are here to find new blogs to read and get involved in, I figured I'd tell you what you'll find on my weight loss blog.  Each week I host a meme on Mondays called Motivation Monday where I ask my friends {that means you!} to link up a post, any post, that they need motivation to complete or that they want celebration on.  Mine is centered around weight loss, but it could be about anything, a job promotion, housework, or getting a house unpacked after a move for example.

Each week I post my weight, body fat %, water %, and muscle mass.  I also talk about my exercise during the past week and my food diary.  On my sidebar you'll find several things that help me along the way: my progress bar, my inspiration, my weight loss so far, where I started and tools like a calorie counter. Pretty soon I will be starting something new!  {Hey current motivators, this is the part you came to see! lol}

In a couple of days I'll be starting some new posts.  I've been reading Made to Crave by Lysa TerKeurst and I just have to say it is an amazing book.  I'll be hosting a local Bible study for a group of friends coming this Spring and I just can't wait!  Made to Crave is not about how to lose weight, it brings to light a "why to".  That is exactly what I've been missing from my weight loss and healthy journey, my why.  I know how to lose weight, but I need a reason to suffer through it all.  I've been learning so much and have so many new ideas to bring to my readers.  I can't wait to share what I've learned and prompt you with some questions I've been asking myself.  I hope you'll follow along and join in the discussion!

Oh!  And head over to my blog design site, Crafty Hippo Designs, to enter in a giveaway for a free complete blog makeover!
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Walkin' A Mile In My Shoes

I'm sure you've heard the phrase "Walking a mile in someone else's shoes".  It means to try and understand someone before passing judgement.  It's the suggestion that you imagine walking in someone else's shoes, follow throughout their day, see what they go through every day, their struggles and triumphs.

As you read in this post, together with my hubby, son and puppy, I am going on 1 mile walks every night weather and health permitting.  Last night we got half a mile in.  We are in our thaw/freeze cycle here in Alaska so half of our street is flooded which in turn cut off half of our route.  It's almost too deep to drive our SUV though actually.  The stroller wouldn't have had a chance.  We're hoping it will be cleared out by tonight.

I bet you're wondering where I'm going with all this... Well, I've been looking for ways to change.  Obviously what I've been doing is okay, but the results aren't where they ought to be so something needs to change.  My eating habits are alright, they only need a few changes here and there, but my exercise is almost non-existent.  I expend a lot of energy throughout the day caring for LB and it leaves me tired and sore as though I'd worked out all day long, but in reality it's inefficient movement.  Even though it's hard work, carrying him up and down stairs all day doesn't sustain a quickened heart rate for at least 10 minutes nor does it strengthen or tone my muscles.  DH and I took LB and the puppy for a walk around the neighborhood last week and it was quite enjoyable.  It didn't take a lot of energy after my busy day because it was a steady workout but it kept my heart rate in my fat burn zone for about 20 minutes which is great.  I decided that would be a great exercise I could commit to every day.

Then last night while reading my nightly chapter of Made to Crave, I got to thinking about verse 3 in Deuteronomy chapter 2 that says "You have made your way around this hill country long enough; now turn north."  I have circled around the same excuses, the same fad diets, the same eating disorder for years.  It is time for me to turn north and make a change!  It just so happens that when we leave our house and set out on our walk each night we are walking North.  How perfect is that?  So every night, with God's help, I will be turning north and walking a mile in my shoes.

Why a "Mile in my shoes?"  Well, as I set out to cover 100 miles (see the ticker on my sidebar) and then 100 more and 100 more I plan on walking a mile in my own shoes.  When was the last time I really thought about my own struggles with weight and eating disorders.  When did I take in consideration my pain and suffering emotionally that lead to over eating?  When did I "walk a mile in my shoes" and give myself loving healing instead of yelling at myself to stop being so weak?  Um... never.  I have never really sat down and hashed out the reasons I kept circling my mountain of obesity and defeat.  I intend to use this time to strengthen and heal my body while walking, and my mind, soul, and heart by sorting out these deep seeded problems once and for all.  You'll find my experiences and {I'm sure} epiphanies by following along with my "Walkin' A Mile" posts.  I can't wait to give this experiment a try and see what comes of it.  I imagine some healing is in my near future.  How about you?  Want to walk a mile in your shoes with me?
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Plus Size Bloggers March Competition Complete!

Alright, here are my final measurements.  You can see my starting measurements here.  I am happy to say... I LOST INCHES!!! I was so scared that I would gain.  I'm not sure how good of a loss it is for one month since I just started taping myself, but I'm damn proud of it!

Measurements for March 31st:
•Neck - 15
•Upper Arm Left - 16
•Upper Arm Right – 15.5
•Chest – 39
•Waist – 43.5
•Abdomen - 49.5
•Buttocks (6″below waist) - 47
•Upper Thigh left -27. 5
•Upper Thigh right – 27
•Calf left – 17.5
•Calf right - 17
•Upper Knee left - 19.5
•Upper Knee right - 18
•Total Inches – 352
•Total Inches LOST - 19
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Wednesday, March 30, 2011

New Goals

I met with the local nutritionist today and she and I set some new goals.  She said the foods I've been eating look fine.  I need to continue watching my portion control and try to add more vegetables to help keep me full.  The longer days are going to add an extra morning snack to my daily meals since I'm waking about 3 hours earlier than I was in the winter.  She said nuts are a good thing to try and I actually found some that are not made along with peanuts so those should be safe.  We both agreed I need to continue to limit my cheese intake but she also said I shouldn't have to worry about all the carbs and sugars in a bowl of fruit since my blood sugar is not an issue.  She also gave me an info sheet for LB.  He's been losing weight since he started feeding himself so we are trying to add healthy fats to his diet.

I nearly cried reading the handout she gave me.  They suggest I feed him all the foods I want but can't have.  His milk needs to be whole and fortified with cream.  He ought to have his meats fried or sautéd in heavy butter.  He should be eating French toast dipped in a milk, half & half, and egg mixture and then pan fried in butter.  They suggested adding cheese to everything.  Pretty much, everything we as adults, especially those who are trying to get healthier, want but can't have, I should feed to my son.  It is going to be VERY hard for me to make him these foods I love and not eat them myself.  I am an emotional eater and denying myself food has been a very touchy thing this last couple of weeks.  Several times it's left me in tears.  I am struggling to change my thinking from that of denial to making a choice.  It's so easy to think "I can't eat this French toast because I'm too fat."  But that isn't healthy at all!  I need to retrain myself to say "I can eat this French toast but I am choosing not to so I can get healthier without having to walk 5 extra miles today."

That's the second thing we decided on by the way... my daily exercise.  She asked me what I think I could commit to and how often.  I choose walking one mile 7 days a week.  DH and I have been taking LB and the dog for evening walks now that it is getting warmer and I decided I should make it official.  I drove our walking route in our neighborhood and it is only two laps around each cul-de-sac to equal 1 mile.  I talked it over with DH and we are committed to doing that every day of the week unless one of us is too sick to be out.  Once it gets warmer I plan on walking 1 mile to a different neighborhood, letting LB play on the playground there, and then walking the 1 mile back to the house.

What changes have you been up to lately?
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Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Getting Ready for the Party!

Ultimate Blog Party 2011


Are you ready for the Ultimate Blog Party hosted by 5Minutes for Mom?  You better get your party posts written up because it'll be here on Friday!  I can't wait!!!  As a preparation to welcome my new encouragers I decided to give the blog a whole new look.  What do you think?  I figured before they go handing out my free blog makeover prizes at UBP2011 and filling up my work schedule, I ought to take the time to work on my own blog.  I'm pretty darn happy with the way it turned out.

Well, now that I have my "party dress" on, it's time to get this blog ready to party Friday!  See you there!  ...and here I hope.  Who knows... it might be the perfect time to make some announcements about where I see this blog going in the near future.  You're not going to want to miss this!
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Monday, March 28, 2011

Motivation Monday, March 28

Motivation Monday




Welcome to Motivation Monday! I will be chronicling my journey back to a healthy body, mind, and spirit. Each week I will discuss how the previous week was and set some goals for the next week. I will also be listing my progress. If you would like to see past progress you can click on the Motivation Monday photo above for other Motivation Monday posts. If you would like to get motivated with me please link up your post using the link form below. Your post can be in any format you want.Whether you are trying to get healthier physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually or if you just have a task you need some motivation to complete...please link up so we can help support each other. I would love to hear about your progress and help keep you motivated!

Healthy Steps
My Week's Workouts:
DH, LB, Shippo and I have all been going for evening walks.  It's been pretty warm out considering the winter we just came out of.  Last night I did some heavy cleaning and took some pretty heavy boxes upstairs. I was sweatin' bad!  ...and it was good.

Calories Eaten and Spent Charts


My Numbers {From Last Saturday's Weigh In}
{Green is Improvement, Red is Bad, Mmkay?, Blue is Stayed the Same}

Weight -226.2
BMI % -54.5
Water % -34.1
Muscle Mass % -32.8

How did you do this week?



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Monday, March 21, 2011

Motivation Monday, March 21

Motivation Monday






Welcome to Motivation Monday! I will be chronicling my journey back to a healthy body, mind, and spirit. Each week I will discuss how the previous week was and set some goals for the next week. I will also be listing my progress. If you would like to see past progress you can click on the Motivation Monday photo above for other Motivation Monday posts. If you would like to get motivated with me please link up your post using the link form below. Your post can be in any format you want.Whether you are trying to get healthier physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually or if you just have a task you need some motivation to complete...please link up so we can help support each other. I would love to hear about your progress and help keep you motivated!


Healthy Steps
My Week's Workouts:
Phew!  Okay, so my arms are killing me from carrying around our nearly 30lb SLEEPING child through an ice park.  The sculptures were beautiful!... but the baby was sleepy and HEAVY!  I swear he gains mass when he gets tired. lol  Also, I did some HEAVY cleaning yesterday.  My goal is to do short bursts of activity through out my days to keep my metabolic rate up so I burn more while I'm working... which BTW I got another commission!  Woot!!!  I am in the black (which means I am earning money above my start up costs)!

Changes I've Seen This Week

I'm tired.  Nothing else yet, but I am hopeful.  Maybe this means my depression is lifting for a bit.  I still need to go have my blood drawn so we can check my hormone levels.  I suspect my progesterone is low and that is why I am depressed.  I get a surge of happiness at certain times that would be effected by progesterone... so we'll see.

My Numbers {From Last Saturday's Weigh In}
{Green is Improvement, Red is Bad, Mmkay?, Blue is Stayed the Same}


Weight -227.8
BMI % -54.9
Water % -33.8
Muscle Mass % -32.7

How did you do this week?



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Sunday, March 20, 2011

Join Me on My Fitness Pal!

Created by MyFitnessPal - Free Weight Loss Tools


I signed up for a My Fitness Pal account several months ago but never utilized it until a friend of mine invited me to lose along with him.  I figured why not give it a try.  Nothing else has been working.  He's an old friend and I know he'll keep me to my word.  But it's kinda lonely with only one friend... so do you wanna lose weight with me on MyFitnessPal.com?  You can see my profile here and befriend me!  See you there!
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Thursday, March 17, 2011

Calling the Computer Hardware Savvy!!!

So all of a sudden last night my computer started rejecting anything that I plug into my USB ports (except my camera cord thankfully).  It pops up a bubble that says a USB was either not read or malfunctioned and then goes away before I can read the rest or click on it to figure out what is wrong.  The hubby did a search and everything turned up talking about the motherboard going out.  If I'm not mistaken... if the motherboard crashes I lose EVERYTHING right?

Don't worry.  I'll be backing up ALL of my pictures and documents today (in about 10 minutes in fact) but I don't wanna lose my beautiful pink computer!!!  Anyone know what to do?  Being in Alaska we don't have a Best Buy or anything to take it to.  There is only one shop in town who is VERY expensive and charges for diagnostic as well.  It's the price of their monopoly in this town.

Let's see... um also the battery seems a bit loose and the port where I plug in the charger chord.  Could that mean the motherboard itself is lose?  That's not good... any ideas would be great!  Thanks guys.
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Sunday, March 13, 2011

Motivation Monday, March 14

Motivation Monday




Welcome to Motivation Monday! I will be chronicling my journey back to a healthy body, mind, and spirit. Each week I will discuss how the previous week was and set some goals for the next week. I will also be listing my progress. If you would like to see past progress you can click on the Motivation Monday photo above for other Motivation Monday posts. If you would like to get motivated with me please link up your post using the link form below. Your post can be in any format you want.Whether you are trying to get healthier physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually or if you just have a task you need some motivation to complete...please link up so we can help support each other. I would love to hear about your progress and help keep you motivated!


Healthy Steps
My Week's Workouts:

Hrm... no workouts this week.  Trying to get through this depression right now.

Changes I've Seen This Week

Meh... I so did not even care about this weigh in.  I'm running a fever and the baby is still sick so just blah.

My Numbers {From Last Saturday's Weigh In}
{Green is Improvement, Red is Bad, Mmkay?, Blue is Stayed the Same}


Weight -227
BMI % -54.9
Water % -33.9
Muscle Mass % -33.1

How did you do this week?

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Friday, March 11, 2011

Sick Baby

Well... my little one is sick.  He's teething, snotty, and now running a 102* temp.  I'd normally account it to the teething since he looks like a saint bernard lately... but the snot is not clear this time so something more is going on.  I may or may not .... okay, I'll likely have to catch up on my Loving Me Challenge in a couple days.  But hey, wasn't that something I love about me?  Sticking it out and jumpin' right back in even when life throws a curve ball?  Hopefully his fever will break tonight and tomorrow will be back to normal with drool, drool, drool... we'll just have to wait and see.
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27 Days of Loving Me - Day 9 and 10

Okay... now I think I'm caught up!  Sheesh it's been a busy week this week.  I've had some rough news like learning that not only do we have to worry about DH's career if they can't do another surgery, but if the doctor okays him we could also be facing a deployment.  Essentially we have three options, all varying degrees of suck: 1) His wrist can not be healed and he is med-boarded out of the military (read job and house hunting) 2) His wrist can not be healed but he is cleared for duty and he deploys 3) He gets a second surgery and once he is healed (about 2 months) he'll deploy.

We also had some good news though, like LB walking, going out on a date without LB for the first time, and  receiving my first blog design commission!  The thing I love about myself this week is my ability to see that silver lining.  I know that nothing is too big for me to handle if God is taking care of me.  I cried a bit at my Bible study when they prayed for the soldiers who'll be deploying this year, but other than that I've actually been able to stay uplifted and calm through all this uncertainty.  I know my son is healthy, my husband is extremely intelligent and can get another job, and in the end it's all just another day in my life so what's to worry about?  I've decided to just enjoy today and let God worry about tomorrow.  He's better at it than I am anywho. lol

Let's see... one more thing I'm loving for Day 10...

This pose!  No matter my weight in this photos I have that sexy confident pose.  I need to strike it more often throughout my day.
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27 Days of Loving Me - Day 7 and 8

I'm a little behind aren't I?  These last couple of days have been BAD as far as my depression goes.  A couple of days ago I found myself staring at a blank (and gray... thanks military housing) wall for who knows how long.  Thankfully DH and I talked some and somewhere (I'm guessing from God because I sure as hell didn't have any) I found the strength to do a load of laundry.  It made me feel productive so I

OMG, STOP, BREAK!!!! I TOTALLY JUST MISSED MY SON WALKING ON HIS OWN FOR THE FIRST TIME!!! STUPID CAMERA WON'T LOAD UP IN TIME.... ARG! At least I saw it in person... we'll have to recreate for the camera... okay... where was I? Oh yes...

went ahead and unpacked some boxes.  After I did that I felt even better.  Yesterday I did the dishes (which I HATE) and some more laundry since the boxes I unpacked were full of musty clothes from our storage unit.  So today (and yesterday) I am loving my ability to just keep going when all seems lost.  Each day I'll feel a little better.  Tomorrow I go in for a blood test to measure my hormone levels and vitamin D.  Both play a huge factor in my depression and libido so I am hoping we can get this fixed and fast!  The results won't be in for a couple weeks but I'll keep you posted on my health, physical and mental.
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A Little Prayer

Could we take just a moment and say a prayer for Japan and all those in the pacific region who are suffering from this earthquake and tsunamis?  Let us pray and meditate on their safety over the next few days.  Let the emergency relief personnel find all those who might be trapped alive.  Let them stay safe in rescuing the stranded.  Let the healing and rebuilding come smoothly for the people effected.  Let God's love show through this tragedy.

Thank you.  I have a very good friend stationed in Okinawa and when I heard last night, at nearly midnight here, that the earthquake had been the largest recorded my heart skipped a beat.  Thankfully he was logged online and after a few agonizing minutes he responded that he had felt nothing.  As you may have read, the earthquake hit mainland Japan.  He is alright, and it looks as though our military men and women in Hawaii will be fine too, but the people of Japan and any Americans visiting there are going to be healing for quite some time after this natural disaster.  Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
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Sunday, March 6, 2011

Motivation Monday, March 7

Motivation Monday




Welcome to Motivation Monday! I will be chronicling my journey back to a healthy body, mind, and spirit. Each week I will discuss how the previous week was and set some goals for the next week. I will also be listing my progress. If you would like to see past progress you can click on the Motivation Monday photo above for other Motivation Monday posts. If you would like to get motivated with me please link up your post using the link form below. Your post can be in any format you want.Whether you are trying to get healthier physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually or if you just have a task you need some motivation to complete...please link up so we can help support each other. I would love to hear about your progress and help keep you motivated!


Healthy Steps
My Week's Workouts:
    I am changing my diet.  My hubby is on board and here to gently direct me to better choices.  I am adding fiber and subtracting fats and carbs.  Really all that means is less cheese.  That's a big one for me.  I LOVE cheese.  I am going to limit it to a sprinkle of shredded with my tacos or bean burritos (fiber to the max lol).  My body is doing alright with the increased fiber so far.  I need more water and I'm sweating more... but my tummy is doing a-okay.
Changes I've Seen This Week

My numbers may be all red this week but I made progress this month!  I am less than I was on the first weigh in of February.  My goal is to keep this up all year.  Even if I yo yo and only lose 1lb a month... that is still progress!  Go me!

My Numbers {From Last Saturday's Weigh In}
{Green is Improvement, Red is Bad, Mmkay?, Blue is Stayed the Same}


Weight -225.6
BMI % -54.1
Water % -34.4
Muscle Mass % -32.5

How did you do this week?


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OMG I'm Sore!

So Saturday was my weigh in day and it was the first one of March so it REALLY counted!  I so badly needed to see that I'd made progress this month which meant I had to weigh less than 226lbs.  On Thursday I weighed 229 and I was devastated.  On Friday I weighed 228 and I felt a little hopeful.  Come Saturday morning I weighed 226.6lbs.  That was NOT going to do so I walked my butt downstairs, turned on my Wii fit and did almost 20 minutes of advanced step and hula hooping.  I went up stairs, took a shower, shaved (because hair has weight you know! lol) and stepped on for my official weigh in.  I was under 226! Woot!

I was feeling pretty good about myself even though I was heavier than last Saturday.  DH came upstairs to check on me and I thought perhaps I could try to accomplish one of my Non-Scale Goals.  {I'll let you figure out which one...}  I am sad to report that I have not yet accomplished it... but let me tell you... 20 minutes holding a squat and lunge like position simultaneously is ROUGH!  My arms were shaking, my abs were burning, my wrists were killing me but I was determined.  Eventually I couldn't hold it any longer.  But OMG!  Today I am sore!!!  My poor shoulders and abs are weak and shutter at the littlest amount of work.  I think I ought to take it a little easy today and work on my legs or something... man.  Anyways... just thought I'd share.  *giggle*
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27 Days of Loving Me - Day 6

I may look like this right now...
and be 80lbs over weight... but this
 and this...
 and this...
 and these...
brought us THIS!!!


And that is beautiful!


{Even when he takes to screaming at me from across the room lately. lol}
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Saturday, March 5, 2011

27 Days of Loving Me - Day 5

DH and I had a very serious conversation last night that left both of us in tears.  He was very honest with me and I with him.  We sorted out some things that had been bothering both of us.  It was fairly healing.  One thing he confessed to me was that he no longer finds me attractive.  Not because of my weight, I weigh about the same as when we met, but because I have lost all confidence in myself.  What I love about myself today is my ability to heal and move forward, with gusto.  This morning I decided I was going to show my husband how much a love and adore him and somehow find that confidence again.  It's going to be a daily struggle to maintain it for a while, but I found it today, I can do it again tomorrow and the next until I have it for keeps!
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Friday, March 4, 2011

27 Days of Loving Me - Day 4

My Persistence

I'm not very good at keeping up with a diet, a food journal, or daily exercise... but I keep coming back to it.  I'm not going to give up.  I might fall away from it, but I'll come back and try, try again.  I went to the doctor today and got some confirming news that really upset me more than I thought it would.  I am as heavy and I think I am and I need to lose more than I thought I did.  There is a post coming about that soon but for now I just need to find something that works and keep trucking on.  One day the wounds will heal, my body will heal, and I'll look back on all these ups and downs and be grateful that I persisted through it all.
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Thursday, March 3, 2011

27 Days of Loving Me - Day 3

My sense of humor... yes, that is the "hippo" with a headband right there.  I think that is the first time I have ever worn a headband.   And you can't see them, but I'm wearing heels too because working out in heels rocks! lol  I wanted to snap some silly pictures for the blog but I guess I never got around to sharing them... so here one is!
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Tuesday, March 1, 2011

27 Days of Loving Me - Day 2

I never thought I'd say this... but I love my tummy rolls.  When I began losing weight my stomach was so covered in fat deposits that I still looked 8 months pregnant.  My belly was round and I was horribly embarrassed when people asked how old my son was.  He wasn't a newborn anymore...

Here I am a year later and I have two rolls on my tummy. I could be really upset about it, but I know where I've been and how hard it was to get here and I'm proud of my fat rolls dang it!  I've lost enough fat that my belly has a shape other than round again.  Some day soon it'll be a cylinder.  Hopefully by the end of the year it will finally be an hourglass once again.
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