I am done with the excuses. Working two jobs, Tony being sick. Since December when I started working at the restaurant, my focus on myself suddenly just . . . dwindled. I have really no explanation for it. Yes, in the beginning it was hard working those extra 15-20 hours a week, but guess what – after a while, you get used to it and adapt. And I did, except for the eating and the exercising. Last June when I stared Insanity, I just took it one day at a time. By December I’d lost 20 pounds and my body shape was changing. I was averaging 28-33 HOURS a month in exercise and it showed.
I was blaming my lack of focus on anything and everything but . . . ME! So I am done. Time to pull up my big girl pants and get back at it. So even though my Zero Scale has been showing slow weight gains, .6, .4, .8, etc. well, over time, that’s turned into ten pounds.
First order of business? Drinking water! Um, not sure drinking wine over the weekend can count as hydrating liquid. I bought a gallon jug of water and brought it to work with me.
I feel I drink a lot more water when I drink with a straw. Every time I sat down at my desk, came back from the copier, etc., I drank. I actually left my SD card at work, but I had emailed a picture of my breakfast to my sister – it was a zucchini egg pita breakfast bread with super delicious raspberries and blueberries.
I was all gung ho to work out at lunch. I downloaded a new exercise app called Body Space that you can sort by how much time you have to work out. Um, I do want to question that the workout is for women aged 20-39 – do they think a 46 year old can’t handle it?!
Sadly, my blood sugar was. . . normal. 110! Gah. So my only choice was to walk slow so my blood sugar wouldn’t drop like a stone. I did 2 miles on the treadmill in just over 30 minutes.
No pic of my lunch – I actually accessorized my lunch at the gym and bought a cup of tortilla soup – which was pretty tasty, but I did have to add a shit ton of hot sauce to it. I also had half a ham sandwich and strawberries and grapes. Those giant strawberries Tony bought me? So sweet!
I give you another episode of Texting with Tony!
And since it was nice outside, Tony usually hangs outside, smoking his cigar waiting for me to come home. Since he read on my blog yesterday that I was going to work out last night, while he normally would just assume and have wine waiting for me, he sent me this text:
While I was at my Mom’s on Sunday, Tony mowed the grass – I love seeing all the green!
Tony enjoying his cigar – I think its funny that some people who see this on Instagram think of the Soprano’s!
I had been marinating a bottom round steak since Saturday, using my favorite beef marinade ever – the only change is that I now use mushroom soy sauce – so fricken good – not as salty to me and has such a deep, earthy flavor. I bought my mushroom soy sauce at a Japanese grocery store, but this is what it looks like – maybe it’s on the Asian aisle of your store?
I cooked the steak just 5 minutes a side, then let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. The meat was so flavorful and tender – cut like buttah!
Once the steak was resting, I could finish off the grilled zucchini. I had baby potatoes already cooked in the house – just boiled them and topped with a bit of butter and salt and pepper. I could probably eat that dinner every night and not get sick of it in the summer time. Bottom round steak is super economical too – my store sells it for $3.99 a pound – that’s easily 3-4 meals. I have some of the leftovers this morning in a hash I made with more zucchini, baby potatoes, 4 ounces of the steak and an egg.
We had huge storms roll through last night – seemed like just wave after wave – I found my window to turn the desktop computer on around 9 and got my T-25 face on! I LOVE how quick this workout goes by – before I know it, I’ll look down and only have 12 minutes to go! It’s been a while since you’ve seen the sweaty Biz selfie! That’s me, done with T-25 AND my gallon of water for the day!
And this is the most steps I’ve had in a day where I don’t work two jobs:
And guess what? Not even a sip of wine last night – winning! That’s why I need to keep up with the T-25 at night – it helps me stay on track at night, not overeat at dinner and I don’t want to make my workout a wash by having a glass of wine. #winning!
I have a half day at work today – hitching along to Tony’s doctor appointment today. Hopefully today we’ll get the lowdown on his liver scan and biopsy. We so appreciate all the continued good thoughts coming our way!
I feel like I’ve let you down these past five-six months just going through the motions. No more – I plan on updating my Healthy for 2014 Facebook page on a daily basis – hopefully not only to keep myself motivated but to help someone else maybe pick themselves up and dust themselves off.
Make it a great day!
Your post came at a good time for me…I have just gained 10 lbs also, and recommitted to WW yesterday 🙂 Let’s DO THIS!! I also use a fitbit, and mapmywalk app.
We’ve got this!! I just sent you a fitbit invite via email!
Your a great inspiration! That’s why I enjoy reading your blog 🙂
Thanks Michelle – I appreciate it! 😀
Do take care of yourself. It is hard for women to put themselves first, but you have to because no one else does!
And workout for age 20-29? Pfftt… We’ll show them how it’s done.
I know, right? So crazy they would cap off that strength training at age 29? We can definitely show ’em how its done.
I am now going on the hunt for Mushroom Soy sauce! The way you describe it sounds amazing!!
Also – Tony also looks a little like Mr Big in Sex and the City! (played by Chris Noth) Especially in that cigar photo!
Way to go on the recommitment! And for declaring a drop of excuses and just GETTING IT DONE. I’m going to join you on that – tonight, I run…even though I’m feeling lazy and would rather avoid it. Thank you for the motivation & inspiration. 😀
Do find that mushroom soy sauce – it has just a depth that I don’t normally taste in regular soy sauce.
And yes, we’ve gotten the Chris North comparison too – Tony had to look it up because he didn’t know who that was – and I guess I would give him a look if he knew any character from Sex in the City!
Biz, you haven’t let us down. We all come here because you are so inspiring. Keep up the positive attitude. I for one am right there with you. I’ve been sick off and on since January. I seem to have lost my mojo. And gained a few pounds also. I hope Tony’s appointment goes well. Thanks for all the inspiration and recipes!
Thanks Treasa – love having you as a fitbit buddy too!
a Rockford meet up for water and a walk? 😉 you’ve got this!
As soon as the temps get better – totally Peggy!!
Sending positive vibes your way. Hope all goes well at the doctor’s today. You know Biz life happens and you will get back on track. You’ve got lots of cheerleaders here!!
Thanks Aimee – hope your Achilles heal feels better!
And I too agree with the others. You haven’t let us down at all. We’re responsible for our own actions. I’ve gained 17 lbs in the last 6 months and I’m the only one that was lifting that spoon & fork! lol
But I’ve rejoined WW and getting back on the health wagon with you!
Sending out a prayer for good test results today!!
Alright – here’s both of us getting back on the track train! We’ve got this Sherry!
Don’t be too hard on yourself. It can be frustrating and there are set backs in our journey to get healthy. But you’ll get back on track. 🙂
Thanks for your kind words Virginia 😀
I second what everyone else said…take care of yourself! Here’s hoping you get a great report with Tony at the doctor today.
Thanks Shelley!
If you can get yourself to Bed, Bath and Beyond and get a Tervis Tumbler, It would help you with your water. Its made in the USA, double insulated and keeps Ice solid for hours. Keeps your water amazingly cold( that’s the only way I can drink water). They have lids and straws too. My favorite cups, I have over 40 of them. I always use a 5.00 bed, bath and beyond coupon. They always have them on clearance too.
I will – I am cold water drinker too – can’t stand room temp water. I love BB&B too. 😀
You haven’t let anyone down( not even yourself). Its 10lbs. no big deal. You could lose that in a month if you put your mind to it. I think you are superwoman, working 2 jobs, cooking all those meals, being a mom and wife, blogging, etc, etc. Girl, cut yourself some slack. You’re way too hard on yourself.
Thanks Randi – and you are looking fabulous – keep up the good work!
One day at a time as they say. No sense in looking back, instead look forward cause you know that you can make this happen. Love you Biz and thanks for inspiring all of us!
Thanks Kris – I appreciate it – thanks for being a great cheerleader!
Biz, you haven’t let anyone down -I think you are amazing with all that you get done every day and the super compassionate caring heart you have for everyone!!! You know I’m excited to see the return of the sweaty Insanity selfies!!
Thanks Kim – and I hope you aren’t offended about the comment I left on your blog about giving up on the Ultra – first and foremost you have to do what’s right for your body, even if your mind was telling you it could walk 17 more miles. You are a winner in my book!
Good for you for stopping yourself before all 20 are back! That’s not easy to do!
Getting enough water is hard for me, too. Last night after Crossfit I actually didn’t feel good and I think it was because I hadn’t drank enough water over the weekend. So dehydrated!
yeah, somehow I don’t think the wine I have over the weekend counts as a hydrating liquid! And great job on getting your 10,000 steps in on a workday!!
I love that you are so real! I was thinking of planning a morning workout while we’re in TX—can we get up early to do it?!
Hells yes Karli!!
Fantastic. I think maybe I’ll officially organize an unoffical workout. 🙂
Works for me!! 😀
Well, at least you’re trying to stop it before it’s 20 pounds!
I think the thing we all have to learn is that pretty much, life happens and there will nearly always be something that can interfere – if we let it! Here’s to you getting yourself on track to take care of YOU.
Thanks Helen – and so happy you and your hubs had such a great vacation – your smile was all I needed to see that all was right with your world!
~ Funny! I always think of the Sopranos when you post pictures of Tony smoking a cigar and I’ve never even seen the show!
~ I bring two Camelbak bottles of water with me to work every day equivalent to 56 ounces. I make myself drink them before I go home. I also have a pint of water as I’m getting ready in the morning.
~ At night, I’ve been drinking tea. It’s something for me to hold while watching TV and sip on. That’s my no-drinking-during-the-week policy right now. 😉
You know I love your bullet point comments Carrie! I love the tea idea AND the no drinking during the week policy. Tomorrow is Friday, right?!
You have had such a bizzy time lately. So normal for something to give. Be thankful it’s only 10 lbs! After goal, I ended up gaining 30 (ish) pounds! I’m back on WW and down 12 lbs (or so). So about 20 left to go! We got this Biz!!
Woop – we do have this!! Now could you just tell Mother Nature to get our temps out of the 30s in the morning before work??!!
I’m sorry about the gain, remember you are still amazing! You just had a good report on your diabetes numbers (I think?), you are getting in your steps, and your meals are still really healthy! I’m really impressed at how well you handle stress – the last couple months have been rough.
Lots of hugs to you, I know you can do anything you want to 🙂 <3
Yep, in the whole grand scheme of things it could have been worse – and you are correct, my diabetes numbers are fine and in the healthy range. Your baby boy is so stinkin cute! Love all the cuddle shots on Instagram. 😀
You really have to stop beating yourself up. Yes, as you get busier, you adapt. But come on, biz. Two jobs, husband in the hospital. I read somewhere that you can only really focus on 3 things at once. 3 major things.
Well healthy eating and exercise is one thing. But you have two jobs and a sick husband.
What I do is focus on weight loss and exercise and diet…but when I get overwhelmed (layoffs at work, husband traveling, illness, stress), I just chill out a bit and aim for maintenance. I focus on sleep more than exercise.
Thanks for that Marcia – I appreciate it! Keeping my fingers crossed about your work situation too.
Biz….you amaze me everyday and I love coming to your site everyday.
A Canadian fan:)
Thanks Michelle – I appreciate it! 😀
You definitely haven’t let us, or anyone down. You’ve had so much on the go!!!!! Hope all goes well with Tony’s doc today. I’m still sending good healthy wishes and hugs down to you both.
Thanks Roz – I am still loving all your pics by the water!
Great to see you put your game face back on! You know what to do to get where you want, now just do it! Great job on the T25 and lunch workout.
Don’t worry, you didn’t let me down, I don’t feel it that way anyway. You had a lot of stuff on your mind the past months.
Good luck today at the doctor’s appointment.
Thanks Fran – I appreciate it – hope the rains have stayed away this week and you are able to get your walks in with Bella!
I definitely don’t feel you’re a let-down. Quite the opposite! I find your blog and your attitude very uplifting! You’re honest and real and hilarious and I just love reading what you have to say everyday. I’m always hoping your ‘glass half full’ outlook will rub off on me 🙂 I’m thinking positive thoughts for the doctor’s appt. today! And here’s to a new focus on exercise and drinking water; if nothing else we’ll piss away a few pounds;)
Thanks Lynne – we’ll have to meet half way sometime this summer for lunch – I’d love to meet you!
You can turn that gain around! I stopped drinking wine except for very rare occasions. For me, not drinking my calories is much easier than not eating them. 🙂 What made it easier was doing the Conscious Cleanse for the first time and not drinking wine for a full three weeks. After the three weeks were over, I had gotten over the pretty much daily habit of having a glass of wine in the evening. Now, it truly doesn’t even occur to me to have a glass of wine, except on very rare occasions.
I’m thinking of you and Tony today!!!
Yep, I remember you saying that Andrea – great idea! And I hope to beat you just one week on Fitbit steps – thanks for inspiring me to get those steps in!
Water is our friend! I almost always drink water. I have my one 12oz cup of coffee in the morning and water the remainder of the day. I can honestly say you have never let me down or disappointed me in anyway. You are a great role model and your worst critic. I’m hoping for good news about Tony!
Thanks for the pep talk Kym – I appreciate it! 😀
Sorry to hear about the 10 pound gain at least you know how to correct it and your committed to stopping the gain and reversing it before it gets to be more. I have slowly slid up 6 pounds since last fall and I’m not sure why that is scary I workout like its my job and I count calories ugh so frustrating but I will figure this out and reverse the trend!
I hope you and Tony get good news at the doctors.
It sucks that we are older Susan – right?! Here’s to both of us losing a few pounds – thanks for checking in too! 😀