Hi Hot Mommas!

I'd like to introduce myself... my name is Rachel (spaceofgrace) and I'm a chocoholic.

I love your blog and how you are supporting one another on this difficult journey... thanks for the invitation!

A little bit about me: First, my confession. This is the second time in the past 6 months that I have 25 pounds to lose. I lost it before (the weight) and I'm going to lose it again (my mind, and hopefully a couple of dress sizes, we'll see).

I have an added challenge this time around.. boohoo. I am on medication for depression. This happened after my fourth son was born and sadly, after I lost the baby-weight. My doctor handed me an innocent-looking prescription with a hidden warning lurking sinisterly in the fine print... THIS MEDICATION MAY CAUSE WEIGHT GAIN... oh yeah, and drowsiness.

Great.

I was in a good exercise routine, and feeling good about my body, and then I started the meds. For me, there was no "MAY CAUSE" about it... the meds DO CAUSE drowsiness (bye-bye exercise) and HAVE CAUSED those nasty little (big) baby pounds to creep (ok, run...) back to my waist.

I think I need to have a chat with my doctor. Has no one ever told him that weight gain MAY CAUSE depression????

Sigh.

I've been thinking a lot about my diet this week. Yep! Thinking quite hard about it... about how I skipped lunch after the guilt of eating a number of homemade chocolate chip cookies (yes - I made them, I know), and thinking about how awesome you ladies are as I read your posts.... while eating a baggy of Lays potato chips. Sob.

Ok, it's time to get serious!

Now that I've babbled on (trying to avoid the real confession of how much I weigh), here's the dirt: I weigh 165 pounds, and want to return to 140, a number I enjoyed only three short months ago.

I have an appointment with my doctor next Wednesday (boy is he going to hear it!) and for now, I am starting to read a book about getting healthy - for some inspiration. Perhaps I can try to commit to avoiding the cookies, and shooting for at least some form of a workout every other day.

We can do it!! I'll be in prayer for you all. And thanks again for welcoming me! :-)

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Tuesday's Stats

The asthma kicked my butt today. See my post about the chiropractic visit today. Despite it I went to the gym to work out and didn't get far. I am still recovering. My lungs feel like they went through a car wreck. To the Doc's I go tonight (thanks, Jodi!)

Elliptical: 23 minutes 3.00 miles 315 calories burned
Walk to and from the gym: .20 20 calories burned

Total: 3.20 miles 335 calories burned

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Celebrating Small Victories

Ladies, I lost another POUND: taking me to 157. I also lost inches! 3 inches off the thighs: 44 now a 41. 2 inches of my right thigh from 25 to 23!!!!! YAYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Total inches lost: 5!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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HIGH CHOLESTEROL

Several years ago in Missouri I had a cholesterol level of 280. At that time I was not required to go on meds. In Lampasas I had my levels checked again, I got a call from the Dr. Office to come immediately and get on meds...like "do not pass go, do not collect $200.00." So I went right in and was put on Crestor. I never asked the level because all I could hear was come in immediately...so I did. Coming to Samoa, I went off my meds for a year and decided to go in and have my levels checked again. My cholesterol level is 214... alot better than what it has been, not great. I have been exercising pretty regular even after vacation I have tried to but for the last three weeks I have really been trying hard to exercise every day but Sunday. I was so excited when the Dr. thought I could just control it with Diet and exercise. He gives me until March to bring it down or go on meds. I need help!!! I have to tell myself that I can do it. I can do it.

I am involved with the Christmas play, it is a big production here so my time will be going to and from church and making costumes. Like today, I spent my afternoon trying to help decide what all we needed. I was lucky, today Vance and I walked 3 miles (280 calories burned) before he went to work and I walked to town and back to my meeting (102 calories burned),

Tomorrow I will do better because I won't have a Dr. appointment and I can walk in the morning and do my other routine work-outs. Have meeting in afternoon.

So......I apprecaite your stats Shiloah...great motivator for me. Also, in February I will be married 30 years, I want to take a picture of my husband and I...another motivator.

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Monday Stats

It was very hard for me to work out today with my asthma acting up so much. I would start and slow down, but I still did about average and I do feel better. I tell you what, working out is a HUGE stress relief. I would implode if I didn't do it right now. LOL Too many stresses (7 of them) within the house -1 whom I need home. LOL

Stats:

Elliptical: 41 minutes 5.62 miles =610 Calories

Treadmill: 18 minutes 1.00 miles= 97 calories (Did the nine holes option and called it good)

Weights: 20 minutes= 80 calories (including 95 crunches)

Walk to and from the gym: .20 miles= 20 calories

Totals: 6.82 miles = 807 calories burned

Off to eat a late dinner, lie down, and read Sense and Sensibility...and cough. I think I'll go in for some more asthma meds tomorrow.

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Whoa- yard work

So, this weekend turned out to be a GORGEOUS fall weather. Temp's in the high 50's and clear blue skies. We were crazy busy yesterday, but today- not so much. So I decided to work the afternoon away (2 hours) on putting flowers beds to bed for the winter.

Let me tell you! The following activities will make you hurt in area's you forgot had muscles

Digging up plants.
Replanting the same plants.
Finding missing bulbs.
Planting new bulbs.
Shoveling away grass roots.
Mixing concrete.
Lifting and placing cement bricks.
Pulling out a dead tree (poor Clint.)
Heaving bags of new dirt around.
Covering everything up.

It took 2 hours to do 2 small beds. I'll save the monster bed (goes along the front left side of the house & fence line) for Tuesday after school. I'd do it tomorrow- but I have meetings most of the afternoon.

Someone told me once that gardening wasn't much of exercise, but they are FOOLS!! I'm gonna hurt tomorrow, I just know it!

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Friday Stats

I didn't post these yesterday as I was also finishing some sewing projects and later visited with a friend.

Elliptical: 5.60 miles = 615 calories burned
Treadmill: 1.03 miles= 108 calories burned
Weights: 15 minutes= 80 calories burned
To & from gym: .20 20 calories burned


Total: 6.83 miles= 823 calories burned!

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JUMPING JACKS

I was watching the Biggest Loser the other night (we are two weeks behind your programs) anyways, Jillian said that for every minute of jumping jacks you lose 10 calories. Hummmm, sounded easy, so the other day I thought I will do five minute jumping jacks through out the day. Wasn't so easy....I couldn't even do a minute. My calves started hurting, my feet....so that is my goal, to be able to do five minutes of jumping jacks...just think five minutes = 50 calories.

With that being said, this week I have been keeping up with my ab workout with Denise Austin, Richard Simmons Power Cords and walking. Last night I walked 3 3/4 miles, we would have walked longer but we had to be at the church to measure people for the Stake Christmas play. Oh well.... One problm I am having is, it is soooooooooooooo hot here in Samoa. We are going into our summer. So I have to do my exercising first thing in the moring because in the middle of the day....too hot.

Tomorrow I am going paddling (rowing). So where can I go to find out how many calories I burn with rowing for an hour? Or walking for an hour? Anyone know?

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Wednesday Stats

So much for the longer workout today. I had so much to do and still a meeting tonight, and a friend coming over. Its also been an emotional day for me...time to get out the book "Feelings Buried Alive Never Die again.

I only did 30 minutes: 4.10 miles 455 calories burned
.20 miles to and from the gym 20 calories

Total: 4.30 miles and 475 calories

Off to get ready for my meeting and change clothes....

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Negatives and Positives

I wanted to make a list of the negative things that are working against me or that could be a potential stumbling block causing me not to work out or lose weight. Then I'm following with the positives.

Negatives

1. I have asthma
2. I had 7 kids (8 pregnancies) ages 12- 1
   
3. I have kidney problems, bladder problems, and have had depression
4. I have adrenal fatigue
5. I have an hormonal imbalance that affects my energy level
   
6. I have an under functioning thyroid
7. My husband is in Iraq
8. I don't have very much "me" time.
9. I have horrible itching that used to be exacerbated by sweat and heat
10. I feel pain at times while exercising
    

I'm sure I could come up with more, but I don't want to push the negatives too far. :)
Despite all this....I want to be strong. I want to be healthy. I want to get well. I want to lose weight. And I want to surprise my husband and prove to myself that through it all and despite the hardships I endure from time to time, I can do it. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." and He has.

Positives
(Things that keep me motivated and that remind me that pain is gain.)

1. I want to be strong enough to run or carry a child if an emergency or dangerous situation were to occur.
2. I love feeling that runner's high after working out! (Running is cocaine for the soul.)
3. I am stronger.
4. I am healthier.
5. I lost 30 pounds and still losing; and went from a size (tight) 18 to (loose) 12.
6. I love the positive attention I get.
   
7. My confidence has been boosted.
8. I have endurance to go and go. It amazes me that I can run here or there and not even notice...or cook and clean, work out, and cook and clean and then organize! Whew!
9. I love were I am in life and am happy with where I am going.
10. I am so excited to surprise my amazing husband!

I don't know if these help, but I thought I would share that life is not easy and especially with health problems, but they are there to be a trial. What we do with our trials is what makes or breaks us. :)

Sending lots of energy your way!

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Tuesday Stats

We've been doing some heavy "fall" house cleaning yesterday and today. It looks like it will carry into tomorrow too. By the end of the day I was craving my workout. I am addicted to the awesome way I feel when I am finished working out!

I walked up to the gym with Bella on my shoulders and the older kids watched them all at the park while I worked out. Here are today's stats. Oh, and BTW I lost an inch and a HALF on my stomach! I went from a 36 1/2 to a 35! Doing the happy dance!

Elliptical: 5.54 miles 607 calories (41 minutes)
Treadmill: .52 mile 62 calories (walk/run) (7 minutes)
.20 mile to and from the gym 20 calories (should I add extra for carrying an additional 20 pounds on my shoulder? LOL)

Total: 6.26 miles 689 calories

Tomorrow is my bigger workout. I'm alternating days on weights and longer on the walking.

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Not that I can compete, I don't have the facilities that most of you have but...I did do 13 minutes of my abs DVD with Denis Austin, 35 minutes with Richard Simmons and the power cords...then I walked to town...and five minutes is a down hill slope which means you have to come back up that hill....that was about 15 minutes - 20 minutes.... I am spent....so all of you have a good day...hope to hear what you all are doing.

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Monday Stats

Today's workout was harder to get into because I ate Taco Bell for lunch and it sat in my stomach like a lead balloon. By the end of the workout, though I felt MUCH better! :)

Elliptical 5.62 miles = 614 calories
Treadmill/walking partially uphill 1.26 miles = 142 calories
15 minutes weights = 80 calories

6.88 miles total = 836 calories

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Another fun game

I read about this game on my spark people groups (Wii Fitness & Wii Fit Moms.) So we watched the little video on it, and decided it looked like another good fun family game.

While I was teaching my card class in Stevi the husband & kiddo went to town and picked it up. We played it between the magic show & another class I had going on in the evening.

WHAT FUN!!!!

So far the jump roping is a hoot, only because my husband falls flat on his face. I can't figure out the kayaking, but I do love the whomp it moles or whatever they are called. We're going to have an evening of it for our family date night. And watch it be played when we have our Wii Party night for Halloween as well.

I think this will be my last Wii post-- but seriously, I do like to play outside. But I have to be realistic. We live in Montana and it's already snowed here. We've had out our winter clothes since school started, and shorts packed away for more than a month.

This was bought with winter in mind. :)

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Saturday Stats

Elliptical 40 minutes: 5.46 miles and burned 601 calories!
Treadmill 19 minutes: 1.00 miles and burned 116 calories
Weights (butterfly, abs (110 with 50 pounds weight, and arms): 15 minutes 80 calories
Walk to and from gym: .20 mile 20 calories

6.66 MILES

Burned: 817 calories

Time: 1 hour 29 minutes

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Elliptical Trainers

I really love these things and love how I can program various settings and keep track of my heart rate all at the same time. Here is more info on the elliptical...

I'm off to the gym again...

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Ive been bad

My motivation has been checked at the door this week. I need to sit down today and really think about what I want, where I am and where I need to be. The last couple days I have also ate badly, I have eaten a lot of ice cream sandwitches, and last night we ordered pizza. I am feeling so defeated, but I am not done fighting for my health. I just need an adjustment. You guys are doing so good. Keep it up!! I hope to be joining you shortly.

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Thursday

I ate badly today and it is okay. LOL I helped with a baby shower where I ate some junk foods, ate a candy bar, pasta for dinner, and a cupcake. I blew the diet.

However, I did work out a little:

5.22 miles for 40 minutes....552 calories burned

Now to take my baby to the doctors- she is sick.

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Wii-lovin' stuff

So last night was my weigh in, I lost a little bit, 1.2 to be exact. Hip hooray!! Little by little, it's coming off. I'm not complaining, all I wished for was a loss every week, and if I gained, for it to be minimal. So far, so good.

I've missed my kickboxing classes-- some things just have to be put aside when dealing with a sick kiddo. However, I have pulled out my Wii games in honor of stay at home boredom. I've not played since school started and after 30 minutes of fun to be had, I remembered why my arms ache. Or my hips as I did the hula hooping.

So, my new goal is to do 30 minutes of WiiFit prior to walking the dog in the mornings. It's not like it's hard to do, or boring. Seriously- if you haven't tried to hula hoop on it, find someone who has it (or go to youtube, under fro.giella, no period in that, and see the video of my ex doing it, HA!)

I've never been much of a gamer, but I do love Wii. A lot. Besides, where else can I hear the praises from Simon on my sing abilities, or pretend I'm a rock star?

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SHILOAH, THANKS FOR THE INSPIRATION!!!

After reading all the things Shiloah has been doing, I was inspired. Today I did 13 minutes of Denise Austin (I call it my belly work out but it is an ab workout). I did 30 minutes with Richard Simmons and the power cords. Later that evening I went walking with a friend, Vance joined us (my husband) after work. So I walked 2 hours. Some of it was fast and some not so fast, we were joined by another friend and she didn't walk so fast. They left and so I took up with Vance and we walked longer. So Thanks Shiloah. Who else is going to take the Shiloah Challenge? Doesn't she look awesome.....we can too!!!

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Current Picture

Here I am girls....in my new workout outfit. Please forgive my lack of make-up, etc. This was after my workout! :)

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Wednesday Stats

Ok, I had an intense workout and beat Monday's too! I guess I'll keep doing the hard workouts every other day so I can work up to more than that.

Stats:

Elliptical 40 minutes: 5.18 miles and burned 552 calories!
Treadmill 21 minutes: 1.10 miles and burned 112 calories
Weights (butterfly, abs, and arms): 15 minutes 80 calories
Walk to and from gym: .20 mile 20 calories

Total miles: 6.48/ burned 764 calories - WOW WOW!!!!
What a rush!

I rewarded myself with a new pair of black gym pants and another gym shirt (gray).

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Workout Stats- Monday

Whew! I think today was my best work out yet! I challenge myself to do better than the last time at the gym...or if not faster, then at least as good. To do this, I keep a record of each workout.

Its been over 6 weeks so I needed to change my work out a little. My first goal was for endurance and getting into better shape. I succeeded and now I'm going for more strength, stability, and to be faster. I changed the basic program on level one with arm strength TO a random workout on level two with the arm strength. I was everywhere from a level 2-15 throughout the workout and was still able to go fast! I was so happy I almost cried!

Here's what I did:
40 minutes on elliptical: 4.94 miles, burned 535 calories
20 minutes on treadmill: 1.07 miles, burned 111 calories!
+.20 walk to and from gym (20 calories)

Total: 6.31 miles, 666 calories burned! WOW!!!

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Blood Analysis

I've mentioned previously that my weight loss journey is more of a journey back to good health and the weight loss has been a side effect of healing.

I went in to my naturopathic doctor this week for another live blood cell analysis. I share what happened in that link.

I've been back on my diet with renewed efforts this week. BTW- straying for me isn't often and consists of eating "corn", "white rice", the occasional taco, or cold stone ice cream! Ha! :)

I have been on a parasite cleanse (different than the colon cleanse), got back on my adrenal support, and natural hormones and by the end of this week I was able to get to the gym. I did well and went 4.61 miles on the elliptical and 15 minutes of weights/abs. I burned over 500 calories. My triceps are still yelling at me. The day before I started the cleanse, on Monday I went walking with Lisa and we went 2 miles.

I'm hoping this week on the cleanse won't be so booty-kicking~ LOL

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The Effects of Caffine

Even if you don't diet for weight's sake, it is still a good idea to get off caffeine. My biggest downfall is Coke. It used to be I just liked it for the flavor and carbonation. Now, it's developed into much more than that...I believe I'm addicted! Two days ago I stared looking up how to get off of the soda/Coke in general, and came across some interesting facts, much of which have resolved me to getting off the soda completely. Only, now I'm at such a point I have to wean myself. That is so embarrassing to have to say.

#1 The caffeine put in sodas is the bi-product of decaffeination process from coffees or other products. The cola companies buy it and add it to their sodas.
#2 It is in the same family as cocaine and heroine. So, could I technically say I'm coke addict? Ohmigosh!!!!
#3 The effects on the body from caffeine can be neurological and physical. It may include restlessness, nervousness, excitement, insomnia, flushing of the face, increased urination, gastrointestinal disturbance, muscle twitching, a rambling flow of thought and speech, irritability, irregular or rapid heart beat, and psychomotor agitation. In cases of much larger overdoses mania, depression, lapses in judgment, disorientation, disinhibition, delusions, hallucinations, psychosis, rhabdomyolysis, and death may occur. (from Wikipedia)

After researching this stuff, I looked for how to get off of the caffeine as it will cause withdrawl symptoms, like headaches (migraine level). I've had a lot of problems with migraines, and now that I think back on when my migraines started, it was back when I drank coffee with my parents at age 13. Within 2 hours of drinking it, I would get some of the worst migraines I've ever experienced. Fine time for me to figure out that now, that back then I had sensitivity to caffeine which has probably caused a lot of the migraine issues I have now.

So to solve these issues now, the recommended way to get off the caffeine is to wean yourself. Half the amount for one week that you usually consume, then half that, and eventually you should be able to get off of it.

I hate myself for ever having gotten this far. All these years to hear about "your body is a temple" and The Word of Wisdom outline, and here I have gotten myself into this problem. And lets not forget that the soda consumption has probably helped more with the weight gain than just having babies or eating a McDonald's cheeseburger.

So, onto a new beginning this week. I've been very good so far. Going cold turkey wasn't working so well as the headaches were excruciating and I didn't want to put more drugs in my body to cope...plus I had young children to care for. I have gone down to the little 12 oz. bottles, trying to drink half of one a day. Not quite there yet. When the supply runs out, that's it. And I won't be getting any more with combo meals if we happen to eat out.

My next post: sugar. Wow, I found a lot out about sugars too, and the effects of some of the artificial sweeteners. Some of those may be worse than the caffeine!

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MONDAY MORNING RESOLUTION

Does this sound familiar to any of you....Today is Monday, I am going to do real good this week. Okay, so I decided before I even get out of bed that I am going to do good. One leg out of bed.... So far so good, haven't hit the fridge yet....second leg out and running. So I get up, check my emails, read my scriptures and start my course work....still no fridge yet. Doing good. During the course work (medical transcriptionist studies) I get this lady from India...can't understand a word...break time!!! Means FRIDGE TIME!!! So I make myself a low calorie shake and have a low calorie protien bar. Still doing good... Back at course work. Phone rings...it is the hubby..."Wanna go to lunch"... Okay, I can handle this..."sure". I finish my course work, go and work out 30 minutes on the gazzelle....still doing good. He comes, I grab my low calorie dressing for a salad. We end up going to Kentucky fried (there are just a few places to eat on this island)...so there goes my idea of a salad...so I have two burrito wraps, no dressing. Still not too bad. Day is half over. It is like running a race, you have all the intentions of finishing the race but somewhere along the way you get side tracked, is it the people in the stands (husband), the bordem of the race (course work), temptation of just quitting before you even start? Maybe by the end of the day the excitement of the day and its accomplishments ware off? So here I go, it is a cycle....but today I will try hard to stop that cycle and good luck and many Kudos if you have. Today is Monday, I will do good today.

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I forgot how much I love soccer.

My son is playing soccer again. We did a 3 year hiatus from it- moving & schedules just didn't work out so well. But, we're back in the groove, and I'm loving it!! He and I have been going off to practice a couple times a week (minus the 2 days where I could barely get out of bed and called in sick to work once.) We are running drills, running around the playground to warm up, kicking, scoring, and getting out hearts pumping.

And it's fun.

Today he had his first game, he assisted in a goal, and his team won, 2-1. I was as proud as if I had won the game as well... in fact, I kind of did. He reminded me in the last 3 weeks how much I REALLY enjoy sports.

Maybe I'll have to hit up the teachers and see if we can start up on indoor soccer team twice a week... besides our kickboxing stunt.

Thanks kid, I owe ya!

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Last Week

Last week was an off, off week for me. This week has been difficult, but I'm getting through. I was reading online that the time between ovulation and your cycle is the time you burn the most fat. For me, it is the most difficult time for working out because I have little energy. I pushed myself through and have already noticed more loss. I am excited for my weigh-in on Monday!!!

Thinking skinny from a very tired Shi....

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