Tag Archives: weight milestones

WEIGHT LOSS MILESTONE

16387009_1393904893988306_2621029889834396704_nMy weigh in day is on Monday. I am working so hard, and I really get excited for weighing in. This week I finally made it into the 150’s, a milestone I have been chasing for over a year. I finally broke my long time plateau with Weight Watchers Online and I lost 9 lbs in a little over a month. That is 10% of my body weight.

I lost my initial weight between the summer of 2013 and 2016 and than the scale just stopped moving. I continued to work hard on my fitness and I continued to eat healthy but nothing could get the numbers to go down. I even kept off every pound through an ongoing crisis. I never gave up nor will I ever give up. One day I will write about the crisis I am in, but for now I keep all of that private.

I can officially say I am 24 lbs from my goal weight of 135 lbs.

Cue Happy Happy face.
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WEIGH IN MONDAY

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To live is so startling it leaves little time for anything else.

Emily Dickinson

Happy Monday, good morning world. It has been a while since I posted here, I have been updating my social media pages, but I have neglected to write more blog posts. That is changing today. Life takes over, worries and fears crushed my motivation to write anything new. We have had our ups and downs, disappointments and distractions. I decided to put my seat belt on and ride the wild roller coaster of life with the enthusiasm of a child at a theme park, instead of getting run over. I love life too much to let the problems of living take me down. 

I joined Weight Watchers Online on January 14th of 2017. I felt I needed something new and fresh to get me to that elusive goal weight of 135 lbs. Since joining, I have lost 7 lbs. I now weigh 161 lbs, I am getting so close to the 150’s. I am really loving using the app for Weight Watchers Online, and counting points. I still eat the way I have always done since beginning my weight loss journey, but with wiggle room. Today is weigh in Monday, and I have to admit I get so excited to weigh in. After, I allow a little treat with my coffee, of course I portion control it and count it in. Today I ate a portion of Russian Coffee Cake with my delicious Dunkin Donuts coffee, with zero guilt. I officially weigh the lowest I have ever been since I began this weight loss blog.

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In addition to committing to posting here, I am writing out a new cardio and work out schedule. It will be geared to my rotator cuff injury. That has slowed me down, but I am going to begin doing the exercises I can do, along with running, walking, and some rotator cuff injury exercises. Of course I am working out with Melissa Bender Fitness. 

I am also looking for ways to update this blog, I added pages at the menu or the top of the blog, and I plan on adding more. Down the line when things improve I am going to get someone to really help me jazz this blog up. I added before and now photos, photos from my volunteering and my experience with Richard Simmons and Slimmons, and all the friends I met through that part of my journey. I am going to add pages of how I eat and my workouts, and races as well. I am also going to do a collaboration on a brand new book, and market my poetry Camellia in Snow. I am excited to be featured more than once in Asana Journal, and I plan to write and submit more, volunteer more etc. Lots of creative and exciting endeavors to focus my energies on.

Plus the work of life, do it all and survive. That is the challenge.

Since January I have lost 7 lbs. That is a beginning of a brand new year I wish to see more of. No more worries and stress. I will work hard and work off the worries with endorphins through exercise, of course listening to a motivational playlist.

The scale is finally moving again, hurrah.

Weight loss, worries, we got this. Are you with me?

Ready, set, Go!!

 

A quick primer on what I eat

Good morning to all, it is coffee time and then running and a workout before work. A quick post before I make it happen on this sunny October Tuesday. I weighed in today, still stuck in the mid 160’s but to me maintaining is better than ever gaining. I will be consistent and break my plateau and get to goal. I am focusing on fitness and health first.

It was suggested to me to do a post about what I eat daily, and Sunday through Thursday I pretty much eat the same each day.

Monday was a good day, I did not skip any meals and I made sure to eat something at work. I do not really believe in rules, since I think it makes your mind a little crazy when you tell yourself you cannot have a particular food. With that said, I do eat clean and try to do the 80/20 rule. Most of my diet is clean, and then and now I sneak in a little treat. What is life without the finer things? Oh and coffee, coffee is a non negotiable every morning after my 16 oz of water and banana. 

What I eat Sunday Through Thursday pretty much is the same, Friday night and Saturday I still eat healthy but I have a little more variety.

Breakfast daily

16 Oz water and then water every hour

coffee with sugar and non dairy cream, and a little inspirational reading before my workout

banana or two, and a ThinkThin bar, peanut butter or Brownie Crunch

After workout and running my Lunch

1 cup cottage cheese or greek yogurt, or two eggs

fruits, and veggies

1 slice Food for Life Ezekiel tst

On commute I either eat a few almonds, a kind bar, or pick up a kale smoothie with fruits and veggies and almond milk

Dinner at work

Chicken breast, veggies, and one sweet potato

Late night snack

dole chocolate covered bananas, 4 to a pack. Or fresh fruit. Sometimes I dip an apple in caramel sauce, just a little.

This is pretty much how I eat daily, with Saturdays as my day off I deviate a little. Friday nights I will eat something like a Homemade soup or Chicken Chili.

 

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Like I said on weekend I may deviate a little and have a little San Francisco sourdough bread if we are out to dinner, or a little pizza or whatever we are eating. I try to also eat healthy when dining out. Last week on Saturday we went to the famous Sutro’s Cliff House restaurant and I had the vegan plate to stay in balance, with a little bread and butter. I was there for the view.

This was grains and mushrooms with a sweet potato cake and kale. I did have some bread with it, and a bit of butter,

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That is pretty much how I roll on days I workout and work. It is easy to stick to my regimen on those days. Saturdays are the most challenging for me. I have tried cutting out carbs completely but it made me cranky. Off to run and workout. Have a sunshiny day and never give up.

Namaste’ love and light. 

Rose

 

NEW MONDAY

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Sometimes it is so easy to get side tracked, everything just seems to pile up and there is little time to do what you want to do because of adult responsibilities and pressures.The good news is my Mother is home and on medication and feeling well. I made my best time at my 5k and now I am looking for a 10k to do before the year ends.

I am wearing so many hats of late; wife, waitress, author, weight loss/philanthropic blogger, fitness enthusiast, yogi, not to mention I am a poet and writer and I prefer to have some alone time to get out of my body and into my head to translate my thoughts into words. My book is getting great reviews and it is low on stock at Bookshop Santa Cruz, so I am incredibly grateful. There is a lot more work to do on the book front, (marketing wise) but I am taking it one day at a time. I will be heading back to Santa Cruz soon, and soon to LA as well. 

Yoga and working out gets me out of my head and into my body, and my writing takes me deep within. When I have to work extra hours waiting tables, it takes me to a place of chaos and stress. Do not get me wrong, I am appreciative of the ability to make some extra cash since we live in the most expensive city in the states, but to say I am burned out it is an understatement. I do not get home usually until 11 pm and i have felt physically exhausted. I had a mini meltdown last Thursday and I ate a bowl of pasta Alfredo. My first pasta in one year. I deviated from my workout routine and I was beginning to feel out of control. I spoke to Melissa from Melissa Bender Fitness and she suggested I just pick up where I left off.

It took that phone call and  a beautiful day in the city along the coast with my husband James and our dear friends Sara and Tor to help me regain my balance. When I am in nature and with amazing souls, I find my zen and my meditation place.  I also realized no matter how late I get home, I need to be in bed within the hour. It has made all the difference and today on this brand new Monday Morning I begin anew. 

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I went to bed I believe before one am, and I woke up by ten am. I am now writing and having my coffee and ThinkThin bar and soon I will do my workout. I have plenty of time before work and I feel like this week I may regain my center. I have chosen to really focus on the fitness after my first over 50 lb weight loss, since my weight has been forever stuck in the 160’s. I recently found out all the female members of my immediate family are on medication for thyroid issues, so that is something to explore in the future. As soon as the chaos and money issues quiet down and I am able to slow down I will be deciding on my next charities.  In the meantime, eat healthy, workout, work, do yoga, run off the stress and repeat. One day at a time is not a cliche’ it is the best way to get through any difficult situation. Keep going and never give up!! 

Namaste’ love and light

This week I am repeating week five.

So here is week 1 Month 2 of BenderFitness Bikini Prep Workouts

 
 
Tuesday Day 2: Bikini Ready Tummy Workout and Body Definition Workout (Body Definition Workout was done interval style, 2X through. The breakdown is listed in the information above the Bikini Ready Tummy Workout). 
 
Wednesday Day  3: Strong and Toned Lower Body: Legs, Thighs, and Butt and 30 minute run on the treadmill. Day off from work
 
Thursday Day 4Ab Exposure Workout
 

SPILLED COFFEE

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Don’t cry over spilled milk, or in my case spilled coffee. I woke up, late as usual as on par for my life these days. I decided before my workout to blog in bed.  I thought drinking coffee in bed was a grand idea until I spilled it all over myself and my blanket. It seems to be indicative of my murky mood. The last few months have been a little chaotic, a lot of good and some not so good. I will not get into the details of the not good part, but I will say I have my health, and those I love do as well so it is nothing that cannot be figured out. Crisis can come on in all ways, it can burn you like hot coffee if you let it. Or you can stand up, wash it off and get on with your life and your dreams. That hot coffee is not going to ruin your day, nor should a minor life crisis singe your dreams and goals. Make a wish, and it will come true if you believe. 

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I promised myself I would move forward each day, taking one moment at a time. Coming from an impatient person as myself that is probably the most difficult task. I want everything now, and I tend to get a little cranky when things move too slow for my liking. I understand that is a flaw in my personality and I am constantly trying to evolve and become a better version of myself. I have stuck to my workout schedule even when things became difficult. Last week my body was slower than usual. My injured toe seemed to be hurting more than usual, and doing some of the exercises proved difficult. I took my rest day Saturday and now I feel better. I understand my toe will probably eventually need surgery, but I am just trying for now to keep moving forward and keep on the road to goal. 

With that said, I have decided to repeat last weeks schedule. Here it is, and this week I am feeling better physically and I hope I come out of this repeat week stronger. That is the goal anyway, To be stronger, more fit, healthier and to be leaner as I achieve my goals. Thank you to Melissa Bender Fitness for amazing workouts and helping me motivate and stay on the right track. The photo above shows my progress. Far left 2013, middle four weeks ago to date, and far right is current. I am making progress, I just have to be patient with myself and trust in the universe that everything will be fine. Love and light to all.

 

Happy Monday

Rose

Melissa Bender Fitness Week Four Bikini Prep Workout (repeat)

Monday: 15 Minute Home Workout

Tuesday: 3 mile run

Wednesday: 10 Minute Fat Burn

Thursday: Flab-U-Less Arms and Abs, 30 Minutes Cardio

Friday:Fitness Transformation: Workout 5, 30 Minutes Cardio

Saturday: Off 

Sunday: Mix It Up Workout, 30 Minutes Cardio

 

CHEAT DAY



I had a pizza cheat day, and it was awesome. We went to Bruno’s Pizza and Italian Restaurant in Santa Monica. I feel if I do have a cheat day it needs to be somewhere that feels unique. I come alive when I am near water, always have. The pizza was simply delicious.

After nine months I have this, I trust myself to deviate just a little and get right back on program. I did not go overboard and I ate until I was full. After I walked for over six miles, and did a work out when I returned home. I made sure to drink tons of water, and it was just one cheat meal and not a cheat day.

I am still doing the 30 day challenge. Today is day nine and I am heading out in a bit for some cardio. I am really working on my push ups and my burpees, and I am almost in full dancers pose. These milestones mean as much to me as seeing a decline on the scale.

I am almost 169, such a great feeling since I was once pushing 210. I feel amazing in mind and body and I feel like I can take on the whole universe.

Love and Light to all.
Namaste and Happy Sunday
Rose

BACK TO THE GRIND TOMORROW



Good Morning to all. I am on a weekend away with my sweet husband James. We are in La Jolla CA and we went to Ocean beach CA. Now we are heading up the coast to Encinitas CA. I am off my routine but I will be back to the grind tomorrow. We love to do weekend away every month or so, and every time we go away we plan our next adventure when we get home.

Here is a few pics of me to update my weight loss. I finally hit the 35 pound mark so I am officially half way to my goal and I feel great. The journey continues though, and I am determined to become stronger and tackle all of my fitness goals and aspirations. I am so grateful for the support I have, and on a weekend away I am full of love of life, people, animals, and nature.

Off for now. 
Namaste’
Happy Monday
Rose

SATURDAY WEIGH IN

This is where I go walking/running on my own.



Good Morning and happy weekend to all. I am in great spirits, I had two amazing workouts this week with my trainer Mike and I am back on track. This coming week will be a full week of workouts with Mike twice a week, plus workouts on my own and lots of yoga. I am slowly but surely getting back to my Monday-Friday routine.  Mike and I may change it to three days a week eventually but for now this works. I am sore this morning, and I  also worked six days so I decided to to stay in this morning and not attend a class at Slimmons. It is my one day to sleep in since I am going hiking Sunday Morning with a friend here in Hollywood. I just needed a day to sleep in til 10 am and hang out with my hubby and the kitties. I will attend another Saturday class in two weeks, since I will be in Santa Barbara next weekend which means updated photos. 

Today is my first weigh in on Weight Watchers online and I lost 4 lbs. I am so excited, I am now at my lowest weight since I began late July 2013, I now weigh 175 pounds. I am going to be getting my measurements done soon, and I regret skipping it in the beginning but I can still track my inches lost from this point on.

Today I am going to go walking and running and spend the day with James. I am working on my poetry book and just laying low and enjoying the simple moments of life. I often am told I am so spirited, I would like to give that credit to my amazing Mother Shirley. She is still I fireball and I adore that about her.

Happy Weekend,
Namaste’
Rose

CHEAT DAYS, YES OR NO?

Buckle up, the journey continues.



I had my first cheat days in months, I splurged on Christmas Eve and Christmas. Now I find myself fighting off sugar cravings. That is why I worry about letting myself have cheat days, or maybe I have been too strict for too long. Either way I am finding my center again, with the help of some healthy staples. Headed to Whole Foods now, it is a process as I pick up the pieces of my holiday splurge. This time around I am debating having a few cheat days a month, or maybe once a month. Once a week seems like it would be too frequent.

Did you indulge a little this December? Just a day or two or for a whole month? Do you have cheat days, and if so do you allow yourself once a week or once a month? I am pondering my all or nothing attitude and wondering if I should lighten up just a tiny bit.

In the meantime, lots of exercise and fresh air helps me get back on track. I look forward to 2014 and all of my New Year’s Resolutions. One thing is for sure, my health is number one and I will never see my weight hit 207 lbs ever again. As the end of this year approaches, I can say I am exactly where I need to be, and I know where I am going. I have enjoyed the journey as well as the destination, even if the destination is miles away. The journey continues with the wind in my hair and the sun on my face.  I am buckled up and ready for the trip of a lifetime.

Namaste’
Love and Light
Rose


KICKING OFF MY BIRTHDAY WITH A BANG

CALIFORNIA CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS TREE



It is my birthday, the winter solstice, the day with the least amount of light yet I feel like I am surrounded my the radiant wonder above. I am so blessed beyond belief, and as I get ready to kick in my Birthday with a class at Richard Simmons. He is having his holiday bash and there is no other way to begin my birthday than with a holiday dose of health with my guru himself. I am excited beyond belief, I love the energy that comes from those four walls. You could bottle it up and raise a mint for charity.


I am also going to Musso and Frank’s tonight with James for dinner, it is a bucket list must. Read my post about Huell Howser and you will understand why. More to come later, and lots and lots of photos.

I feel like I am celebrating life and making dreams come true. The Toy Drive is coming along with the amazing assistance of Seasons 52, and more on that tonight or tomorrow. I am happy to say as the New Year approaches I do not have one regret. I am making it happen, with a lot of help from my friends. Without them I would not be where I am today, or get to where I will be tomorrow. The sun does always come out tomorrow, even on the shortest day of the year.

Namaste’
Lots of love and light
Rose