It's been awhile...

Hi, everyone. I KNOW, I KNOW. It's been ages!

I wanted to write to reassure whomever is still rooting me on that I have NOT given up on my weight-loss journey and am still working towards being "Thin in 2010." We are now in Round 2 of the Biggest Loser Competition and my 8 co-competitors are trekking on and moving forward. Things have slowed down a bit this round, but we're still working on making LIFESTYLE CHANGES that will LAST... not LEAPS & BOUNDS of weight loss that will creep back before we know it.

This certainly has been a slower process than I'd anticipated, but I'm learning to be "okay" with that. Every decision I make counts and I have to be willing to suffer the consequences should I make a "less than wonderful" decision from time to time. (And believe me, I DO!)

I am 16.7lbs lighter than when I embarked on this adventure... not a huge number, but still a good number! After a week of wretched sickness, I plan on getting back into the ol' workout routine -- NO EXCUSES!

3 things to whine about:

1) Mom's, you'll appreciate this: My legs are gettin' somewhere... my arms too! But, when will that BABY belly firm up and be gone??

2) I still want to eat Tim's Cascade Jalapeno chips in front of the T.V. (Pssst, and sometimes I do!)

3) I fear I won't be able to run the entirety of the 5K that is soon coming up...

3 things to celebrate:

1) Okay, so I have a flabby & stretch marked belly... but those marks are proof that I have 2 wonderful, wonderful children. Wouldn't trade them for the flattest belly in the world.

2) I'm learning to choose wisely when I want to have that yummy and savory/sweet treat. I'm learning to treat food with a little less importance -- call me a lifelong learner.

3) Even though I may not be able to run the entire 5K, my body is getting waaaay stronger and being able to run a mile to a mile 1/2 straight is a HUGE accomplishment for me!

Anyhow, friends. Sorry it's been sooooo long between posts. Keep checking in, keep holding me acctable... because I need it!

Here's to hoping I hit 20lbs lost by the 5K race on June 7!

Love,

Erin

BL COMPETITION OVER... ROUND 2 BEGINS NEXT WEEK!

Biggest loser competition (ROUND 1) is now over. 12 weeks later I am down 15.4lbs and came in 3rd among my 12 competitors. While I wasn't THEE biggest loser (hat tip to Christina Hood who came in 1st & Lesley Dock who came in just behind her!) and while my progress certainly has been slower than I'd originally anticipated, I am pleased! I am being constantly reminded that this is a LIFE LONG COMMITMENT and it takes time (and endurance) to build in new, healthy, and consistent habits.

Round 2 of BL starts this Tuesday... another 12 weeks in the comp., same stakes, most of the same folks from round 1 will be joining in alongside a few newbies. Yay! I am reinspired to keep at it and to work hard.

I suppose my most EXCITING news is that I am officially training for a 5K run! A handful of us will be running the Race for the Cure in support of breast cancer research, etc. on Sunday, June 6th in Seattle. I AM STOKED! I really am! My mama is my inspiration. I am running for her in celebration of her 15+ years in remission from breast cancer.

In terms of training, so far I've got 4 1.5mi runs under my belt... next week will increase to 1.75mi runs. Eeek! It's felt great to push my body to new limits and to see just how far I've come. Yes, I've "only" lost 15 or so lbs, with 65 more to go until I reach my GOAL weight. But, the human body is STRONG and I am proving that to myself each time I mark off completed run on my chart! God is good.

Anyway... on that note, I appreciate your continued support. I need cheerleaders and encouragers and appreciate all of those who have shared a kind word as I work towards being a litter thinner, a little stronger, and a little more "fit" to keep living and serving the Lord has he's called me to do!

Love you all!

-Erin

Ooo! Forgot to mention yesterday... down .8. Not a huge loss, but I'll take it! 2 more weeks to go... that's all for now! Down 15.4lbs!

3 weeks to go!

Hello, everyone!

I realized I miscalculated my total loss the last time I'd posted. Sorry about that! I was 13lbs down. However, I am happy to share that I am down another 1.6lbs, newly and accurately totaling 14.6lbs loss.

As always, slow but steady. That seems to be the ONLY way to really do it and to do it right! More than anything, I am pleased to still be moving in the right direction - esp. in light of a very stressful past several weeks. I've made some poor decisions here and there, but have tried to stick with the idea that, "Just because you ate one cookie doesn't mean you need to finish off the box!" It's definitely not easy, but I am doing my best to keep changing my habits, thinking, and behavior little by little.

The BL competition (Round 1) is soon coming to an end... 3 more weigh-ins until we find out who the final winner is! My GOAL is to reach 20lbs loss in the next 3 weeks (5.4 more lbs). Think I can do it???

In closing, I'll share my Top 3 highlights from this past week!

1) Digging through some old clothes and finding a pair of jeans that are 2 sizes smaller than what I was wearing and finding that they FIT! Woo-hoo!

2) Discovering 110 calorie bagel thins at Costco. Mmmm!

3) Kickin' some serious butt in Hot Yoga and finding myself really being able to do most of the postures well!

Always,

Erin

Keep on keepin' on...

Hi, friends.

Well, after a mediocre week, I am only down .2. Not to worry, life happens right? This week found itself steeped in a ton of emotions and stress which normally means grabbing for anything that is salty or sweet that is within reaching distance and having at it. I made sincere efforts to fight against the urge to emotionally eat -- seeing both success an failure at the same time. Just have to keep on keepin' on. (Cheesy, I KNOW.) As I continue to grow increasingly aware of my weaknesses as I pursue healthy living, my desire to not "throw in the towel" grows as well.

By now, I'm sure all of you have heard me mention the infamous hot yoga I've been doing. I've REALLY been enjoying it! I think I've visited this steamy and 110 degree hot box 7 or 8 times now and am really, really, really seeing its benefits for my body. (Hat tip to Miss Lesley Dock for introducing me to this insane endeavor.) What a work out too! And while everyone else is centering themselves and finding their inner chi (no idea if that is really what they are doing or if that is, in fact, a real term) I'm callin' on my savior to help me get through the 60/90 minutes of intensity. Hehee. Anyhow, my introductory rate is soon up and I'm wondering how to afford continuing these practices... hmmmm. Guess I better win the BL competition! $$$ Lol!

Love to all my readers... thanks for continuously cheering me on. Slow and steady, slow and steady...

-Erin

Half-way through the competition...

This week I am happy to report a loss of 1.8lbs... totaling 14lbs thus far! I've hit some rough patches along the way, but am happy to still be moving in the right direction!

Keep the encouragement and acctability a'comin'.

-Erin

This post comes later than expected... my apologies.

Well, no change in my weight this week. I supposed this is better than gaining! Nonetheless, I am certainly at a point of difficulty as I struggle to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Obstacles I've faced this week:

1) Attempt #1 at hot yoga...

2) Being so sore following attempt at hot yoga that I could not work out (read: hardly walk) 2 days later...

3) Making preparations for my daughter's 3rd birthday...

4) Preparations included: m&ms, funfetti cake, hot dogs, and mac 'n cheese -- all at her request, of course. Afterall, it was her party and she could've cried if she wanted to... lol...

5) Getting sick. Agh, need I say more????

I feel as though I have lost some momentum, but I need to quickly propel forward lest I fall tragically backwards before having even gotten very far.

Say a prayer that my ears clear up, throat fills better, and that I get it together again!

Thanks, friends & followers,

Honest Erin

p.s. I made 2nd appearance at hot yoga and actually felt pretty good afterwards. A sign of success and progress!

Slowly, but surely...

I am VERY happy to report that I am down 2.2lbs today... with a total loss of 11.4lbs. The lesson I am learning in all of this: slow and steady wins the race! I know this is an age old adage, but it's one that really shows to be true for those of us working towards bettering ourselves and ultimately, our lives.

Though I have roughly 70lbs left to lose (ouch, honesty hurts!) until I reach my goal, (a goal I set for myself... this is not aided by the BMI calculator, but is based on when I remember being truly content with my size, my physique, etc.) I have to admit that I feel really good.

With the knowledge that I am working hard (and still enjoying life!) -- aligning good eating choices and regular exercise, my body seems to be screaming: "I LOVE YOU! YOU'RE TOO GOOD TO ME!" Hehee. Again, I feel really good.

So... as the lbs continue to slowly, but surely slip away... I am encouraged by my progress so far and eager to see how I'll feel a few more weeks from now. What will my body say to me then? Maybe something to the tune of...

"YOWZA."

Thanks everyone for your encouragement and support.

-Erin

Results of today's weigh-in...

Hello! I'm happy to report that I weighed in exactly 2lbs lighter today! For a total loss of 8.8lbs!

More later!

Going Green...

Today's weigh-in found me 1.8lbs lighter. Not a massive loss, but a loss nonetheless! (That's what we're goin' for, folks.) That brings my total loss over the past 2 weeks to: 6.8lbs. The rest of my competitors are doing a fabulous job... and here's a quick shout out to Lesley Dock for being this week's BL. You're doing well, friend! Keep it up!

Yesterday's day off was great! (Thanks, Mr. King.) As opposed to working out in our complex's small fitness room in front of a large flatscreen, Chris and I made our way over to Seattle's infamous Greenlake and enjoyed a 3mile walk (with some mandated running involved) around this gorgeous emerald city landmark. The sky was blue, the sun was shining, the ducks were were playing in the mud (???) and there was no rain to, well, rain on our parade. :-) With Starbucks, husband, and baby in tow, we had a wonderful time enjoying God's creation and enjoying each other.

I've decided to kick it up a bit this week. I've grown a teensy bit lax in the area of eating - still making good choices, but probably not being as careful as I should be about portions. I feel as though I've ate my weight (hehee) in crudite and spring salad mix over the past 2 weeks, which is good -- BUT, I need to remember to stay on top of eating my lean proteins, etc. in order to stay full and satisfied throughout the day.

Okay, faithful readers. Until next time.

Bad day, good day.

Yesterday was a tough day in weigh-loss world. For whatever reason, I found myself more hungry than usual throughout the day. I was bummed! Things seemed to be smooth sailing since starting our Biggest Losers comp. last week... alas, I should have known better!

While I didn't come completely unglued, I did make a few choices (i.e. reaching for that last piece of See's Christmas candy... doh!) that were purely due to my being, by nature, incredibly undisciplined when it comes to emotional impulses.

Nonetheless, I trek on! Today was a good day. In fact, I've just returned from a nice hard-cardio work out and am feeling great! Preceding that, I enjoyed a nice dinner with my family and "extended family" Shelby & Christine. Shelby and I are both "in it to win it" and Christine has dropped about 30lbs herself since we returned from Africa (summer 2008). We had a great time sharing, laughing, and eating together... and our time together was no less enjoyable in the absence of a rich, unhealthy meal. Do I miss that stuff? Sure. I won't lie. But, I'd much rather have the genuine fellowship and satisfaction that come from a great meal with great friends and family.

Night!

1st weigh-in!

... and I am down exactly 5lbs!!!

Here goes nothin'...

Guess I should really say, "Here goes EVERYTHING!"

This is me. Take a NIIIICE LONG LOOK, 'cus next time, you will see much less of me. :-)

With just a few hours 'til our weigh-in, I must be off to bed!

Whoops. Life happened and I fell behind in blog world. My apologies to all those who were hanging on my ever word, eagerly awaiting my next post. ;-) (Just kidding.)

At present I am currently enjoying the last of what was a DELICIOUS batch of turkey chili. Mmm, mmm, mmm. I LOVE turkey chili. And talk about hearty and filling! Here is my shameless plug for Jennie-O turkey products. If you love ground beef, you'll probably love ground turkey more. I don't know what my life would be like without a good turkey product. (Who would have thought of blatant product placement in a blog? Hehee.)

Tomorrow is our (us losers) FIRST competitive weigh-in. I'm excited for it! The first week of our competition went well. I'm pleased with food choices I've made and know my body is too! I've recognized very clearly how my struggle with food and weight-loss most definitely begins in my mind. After a difficult evening get the babes to sleep, a stressful conversation with my husband, or a nagging notion that putting something in my mouth is going to make everything all better... I seem to always turn to food. This week I focused on controlling the bad habit of emotionally eating. I'll admit this will probably always be my "problem area," but I know that with a little planning ahead and "thinking before reaching," it will become less prominent of a problem.

Okay, readers. Next post promises a photo of all 245+lbs of me. As painful as will be... the "after" shot will be that much sweeter if I can take a peek back at the "before" shot. Agreed?

'Til tomorrow...

My Beautiful Kids

This is Jack. Jackson Caleb Kekoa Wikle. He's my beautiful, baby boy... and he just turned 3 months today!

"Happy Birthday, Jackie Boy," from your sister, Eva.

Just before Jack was born I weighed in at 269lbs. WOWZERS! I packed on about 27lbs during my pregnancy. Within 2 weeks, I lost all 27 of those pounds. (Yippee!)

And now, dear readers, I share with you that my STARTING weight for the Biggest Loser competition, the weight that I shall NEVER, EVER, EVER see again is...

249.10.

Hold me to it. Never again.

The Biggest Loser

I worked out for the first time in a long time last night... and nearly died.

The apartment complex I live in has a small fitness room that, despite its convenient location, I'd never visited! Nonetheless, I made me way there last night only to find it occupied by one person -- an older, gray-haired man sporting a tie-died shirt and "stretchy pants." (Hat tip, Nacho Libre.) Though 2 of the cardio machines didn't work properly and I likely looked a fool trying to figure out how to get the elliptical to turn on, I managed to get in a nice 40 minutes of hard cardio exercise. At one point, I even started jogging on the treadmill. (I keep having this dream where I just start RUNNING and it's such a wonderful feeling. Most of you know, I am NOT a runner...). So, that was satisfying.

Oh -- the "nearly died part." I was surprised at how difficult it was to keep at it for 40 minutes and not keel over. I know it will get somewhat easier to keep my endurance up, but I did appreciate the challenge all the same. The blood, sweat, and tears (okay, nix the blood and tears) was all I needed to know that I was workin' hard.

Anyhow! I'm excited that 11 of my friends, most from Washington, but a few from California and Colorado, have decided to join me in this weight-loss and healthy living journey. For the next 12 weeks, we will all be working HARD in our very own Biggest Loser competition. With nearly $500 at stake... we are all striving towards becoming THEE biggest loser. It's an exciting endeavor.

Check in with me every Tuesday and ask how I am doing. (That's our weigh-in day.) Hopefully, each week you'll "see" a little less of me. ;-)

Blessings, faithful friends and readers.

"Just Keep Swimming"

When my family lived in Colorado, our neighborhood in Ft. Collins had a wonderful recreational pool at which my brother and I always whiled away our summer days. We love, love, loved it there. When I was 9, my mom signed me up for the summer swim team. I wasn't a particularly skilled swimmer. But, I did enjoy the challenge of learning different strokes and spending as much time in the pool as possible. Because I struggled to keep up with the other kids on my team, my coach put me through with the string of 6 years old when it came time to swim at my first meet. It was then that I met a very mean little girl who had the guile to whisper to her teammate (obviously, not so quietly), "That is a big 6 year old." Ouch. This 9 year old was crushed. Although I knew I was not 6, I was just a 9 year old whose freestyle was a bit floppy, I didn't have the courage to correct that audacious little girl.

Almost as quickly as the water engulfed my entire body when I'd jump excitedly into the pool, insecurity came flooding in and over me.

Who needs to be insecure about their size when they're only 9 years old?

Years later, having spent too much of life struggling with my weight, yo-yoing back and forth on the scale, trying different diets, methods, etc. I've decided to give up.

...

I've decided to give up on being insecure, making exuses, and expecting to see results without much effort on my part.

Though the saying goes, "Good things come to those who wait," I've found that good things come to those who also work hard. And to those who are journeying with me (whether in body or spirit), I ask you to check in with me periodically and ask, "Are you working hard?"

And with God as my strength, my source, and He who truly satisfies, in 2010, I will be thin.