Huffin' n' Puffin'

The Netflix documentary called Fit for TV: The Reality of The Biggest Loser about the TV show recently launched. A lot of us watched that show because there was nothing like it on TV. The documentary didn't seem complete and focused a lot on the controversies. I like some juicy tea for sure, but I was looking for a tally of who from the show kept the weight off, and how everyone was doing (like: where are they all now).

My fave couple Matt and Suzy Hoover were apparently interviewed for the documentary but didn't make the cut. From social media, it seems they are okay overall. She had bariatric surgery over a year ago: suzysleeve on Insta.
A lot of friends who were obese and who had diabetes have gotten surgery and I support them as much as I can, but surgery is not for me at this point.

Anyway, I went through my books and found this beauty:

It's actually not a bad read, even though in the documentary Bob Harper admitted  weight loss is 80% diet. But for that 20%, this book has lots of fitness instructions/routines for beginners to advanced with pics, and tips from contestants and articles from the trainers.There is a small section about food, recipes, and blank exercise logs. Good reminder of what to do, what steps to take.
I still have some of Jillian's DVDs so I used one this week--yes I know she has an app, but I am cheap and on a budget!

So between school exams (end of Spring/Summer sessions), work, and a hectic time overall, I've been walking briskly whenever I can. I racked up over 10K a couple of days when it had cooled off a bit here.

What I've been doing for my Exercise plan:

• Cardio: 1x week long brisk walks at least, and also 2x elliptical machine (or 3x if weather outside is bad)
• Muscles: 2x workout with weights 2x 5 lb dumbbells to start
• Mix it up: 1x or 2x random DVD or YT workout video could be active or more easy like Yoga--it's just to keep moving.
• One day of active rest: Meaning going out for a walk, walking in the mall while shopping, being active somehow just not being a bump on a log on my couch!

I'm pretty achy so far... so good. Except I realize how out of shape I've become (hence the Huffin' n Puffin' title). Also much less bendy! Back to being a beginner again.

Weigh in: 199.5 lbs.

Planning, followed by action!

Last week worked out pretty well. Online ordering really helps to tame my temptations! Seriously, if I'm in the store, I will grab crap. A relative worked in grocery stores for a brand, and said that companies go all out to try and sell sell sell--not the veggies, but the processed stuff. Even in the fruit n'veg aisle, there are candies on the end caps.

Weigh-in this morning: 201.1 lbs

Two elbees down from last week. All I want is that number to trend downwards overall. 

What worked: Planning tasty healthy balanced meals, and actually eating them. That is, not making excuses and heading off to the food court at lunchtime. Not falling into too many temptations. However, there were a couple of slices of lemon loaf that a colleague baked. 

It's super hot here 35C (95F), so walking after work which is my fave de-stress exercise is out most times. I haven't yet started back using the elliptical on a regular basis. That is the goal for this week: Making a realistic exercise plan, and putting it into action.

Back Again

Hey, it's been a while. After my last post here, I kept working my plan and got down to 165 lbs. I felt great, was living life and having fun. Still not quite at goal, but then, I got sick and stopped moving as much. The weight came back on so quickly, waaaaaay too easily.

This past Monday: 203.2 lbs.

A combination of things got me really demotivated, but work was the trigger. Long hours, complex work, low pay and a slacker still on the team, meaning we have bad supervisors and bad management too. I felt stuck and powerless, and finding a new job these days was (and is) extremely tough. Apathy, then depression set in.

So I made the decision to get some therapy to deal with my mental health overall, but specifically in the workplace. While going through that process I also decided to go back to college part-time to get a diploma (in the USA I think the equivalent is an Associate's Degree?).

No lie, it's often tough with juggling my schedule, home life, work, and school is not cheap.  Ultimately, it is about changing the things I can to be happier and more fulfilled, now and in the future. I still have to work at the same place, but I just don't care anymore=I clock in and out, assist my customers and that is it.

To get back on track to a healthier lifestyle, here was this week's plan:

• Tuesday: Cleaned-up the food in my pantry, then the fridge and freezer. No junk, just some was expired/freezer burnt and the rest needed organization.
• Meal planned for next week using seasonal vegetables and meats on sale.
• Prepped online grocery list. It'll always be Wednesdays so I can get my order in on Thursdays=the first day of the new flyer (and, I have coupons for free delivery). 
• Got more steps in.

The more movement part was already happening, but it feels good to write it all down as part of a plan.

Although the online shopping with my local grocery might be a tad bit pricier than going to the store, I have low resistance to snacks. Plus I can only grocery shop in person after work, which is the worst time: I'm hungry by 5:30PM.

Otherwise, looking around ye olde blog-o-sphere for some inspo, so many left or are off all social media.
Unfortunately, I did have to do some searching and was saddened to see that Sean Anderson from The Daily Diary of a Winning Loser passed away from a heart attack. He was a nice guy who really wanted to help people so much. I remember back in the day, he got into it with another blogger so I contacted him with a message of support. I didn't expect anything in return, but after the dust had died down he reached out to thank me. In remembrance, since he was such an 80s music guy, here is a cover of one of his favorites songs by Howard Jones (covered by Troubled Hubble):

I see Mrs Swan is still going strong! And a few others are still around, or on different platforms, so I've started updating my reading list. There is real value and inspiration to read others' experiences and maybe learn something new in these kind of long-form blogs. For me, Insta is too short, and TikTok is the realm of influencers.

**Editing to add some more sad news that Katie J is On Her Way also passed. She had hit an amazing goal of over 150 lbs down, only to find she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
Wow, sometimes life isn't fair.