New Shoes+ New Goals = Feeling Motivated!

Its been a month since I started my Operation Lose 30. The first month wasn't as successful as it could have been but I didn't go backwards so that a plus! My knee is feeling better but I am trying not to push it, I have been doing the elliptical at the gym to get my sweat on! This feels like a huge step for me because I HATE going to the gym. Not because I don't like working out, because I feel like the instant I step in I am being judged on my weight. I feel like people who are fit don't give credit to those trying to get fit. I find the empty stares and lack of smiles you get when you step into the gym very negative and slightly intimidating! But with my body protesting me jogging and walking on the pavement I had to buckle up, and get over thinking about what others are thinking so I can get to my goal. Right now its doing low impact, building leg muscles to strengthen in knee so I can get back out on the pavement!

 Anyone who knows me knows that I am good at making spontaneous decisions well this morning was one of those days.... I got up checked my facebook and decided I wanted to join a Biggest "Louser" Challenge here on base! With only an hour until a weigh in I found a partner to compete with me and made it to the gym! Now we got there before weigh ins so we got a good 45min of cardio in and I fell in love with this new elliptical machine which will probably become one of my best friends until I can run/jog outside.

Its one of those virtual everything machines. You can watch your progress on a track, up a mountain, around a housing area, or the intensity level. Or if you don't want to watch your progress you can watch TV (AFN of course) right there on the screen in front of you! AND to make it even more awesome you can hook up your iPod/iPhone/MP3 player and it will charge it while you workout. If we have more room in this apartment I would be seriously thinking of just buying my own!

So after our nice cardio workout it was time to face the numbers, now my WiiFit weighed me in at 167.8 this morning, but that was right after waking up. A couple hours later after our workout and drinking water I weighed in at 170 on the gym scale... 3 pounds seems like a HUGE difference, but clothes and water must do that to you! I really like my number better but for competition sake 170 is my starting weight. Then we used a Omron Body Logic Fat Loss Monitor to measure body fat and BMI. Appears you can buy your own on Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Omron-Logic-Monitor-model-HBF-306C/dp/B00006WNPU , might be an interesting tool to have at home! These measurements were a little eye opening Body Fat: 31.6% and a BMI of 27.8. Really looking forward to seeing those numbers drop a little!

My plan for the following month is to get at least 4 days of Cardio in per week as well as strength and toning workouts outs at home (WiiFit Biggest Loser, modified p90x workouts, even some Jillian workouts). I want to be active daily. Meal planning will continue on as usual, We have been eating fairly "skinny" and I keep finding new healthy recipes my boys love! I seriously don't know where I'd be without Skinnytaste.com!  I do need to work on drinking more water, there have been days that I go and only drink 16oz of water on top of my 10oz cup of green tea in the morning!  

I am totally in love with my new shoes I found at the Yokosuka NEX, Nike Vomero 8's. I feel like they really help my supination issue and are totally comfortable **and cute**. After almost 10 miles this week on the elliptical my feet don't hurt, nor do my joints (but the Mobic might be helping in that area).

I guess its time for my sweaty self to go shower and get ready for my day with the family! I'll leave you with my monthly body pics, not much change I see from last month but hopefully the measurements will go down!

Until Next Time

XOXO

Jenn

31 August 2013

Weight: 170

Body Fat: 31.6 %

BMI: 27.8

Waist: 37.5 inches

Hips: 44 inches

L Thigh: 25 inches

R Thigh: 25 inches

L Arm: 12 inches

R Arm: 12 inches



52 Down, About 156 To Go

52 weeks ago we started a new chapter of our lives. Our first overseas experience as a family, my first time living out of the country and away from home as I knew it! Here are some Top 5 lists of stuff from the past year:

Top 5 Favorite Places to Eat & What I usually order:

1. Arashi (Garlic Ramen & Gyoza)

2. Gyoza No-Manchu (Gyoza Set)

3. Joyful Honda IshiYaki (#2 - No clue what it is! The bowl is sizzling hot with rice, meat, green stuff, and bean sprouts - the hot bowl cooks stuff and if you let the rice sit a while without stirring it forms a crisp, ok just typing this made me hungry!!!)

 

 

4. Ootoya (Chicken and Soba Noodles, but recently discovered the Basil Chicken Salad that is delish as well!!!)

 



 

5. Haikara Tei Yakinuku (I switch it up but whatever looks the least fatty usually!)

 

 

Top 5 Favorite Snacks:

1. KitKats!!!! LOVE all the different flavors!

 

2. Watermelon Popsicles

 

3. Showa Park Strawberry Ice Cream Cones

 

4. Mister Donut (Rice Flour Donuts)

 

5. Pucca- delicious chocolate filled cookies that come in a variety of flavors!

Top 5 Drinks

 

1. American Coffee

 

2. Miu Clear Peach  (or any other brand Peach Water)

 

3. Melon Fanta (And anything Green Fanta Related!)

 

 

4. Plum Juice (Tastes like a Sour Patch Kid)

 

 

 5. Pocari Sweat

 

 

Now that I have you drooling and craving delicious food, come visit us or try something new you!!!

 

I'm looking forward to many adventures that I can blog about in the next year. Now that I am no longer pregnant I have a list of things I want to see and do.

 

Until Next Time...

XOXO

Jenn

A Week of Appointments Leading to a Reality Check That I am NOT a 16yr Old Athlete Anymore!

This week has been a week of many appointments, ending in news that could be worse but I still didn't like hearing...
Monday  I made a hair appointment to take some Mommy Time while Daddy watched the kids. With this heat and humidity mixed with having two kids under 3 keeping me busy I didn't feel like I had enough time to manage my medium length hair and wanted something cooler. I thought about going back to my high school hairstyle but figured I needed a "Mom" cut. I opted for Posh Spice inspired Bob. Hoping the shorter style will be easier to maintain and the front is still long enough to put up when I exercise!

 

 

 

Tuesday I had my 8 week postpartum check and IUD procedure. My OB/GYN doctor said everything is healing great and told me IF we were to have another I am no longer a VBAC candidate, which is fine IF we decide on another I wouldn't even opt for a VBAC. After reading horror story after horror story I still decided on the Mirena, I don't have to remember to take something everyday and its a semi-permanent solution to prevent a 3rd Smith running around for awhile! So far I haven't had any of the crazy symptoms you read about in the horror stories and the whole procedure was relatively painless and quick!   

 

Wednesday Little Miss Bristol had her 2 month well-baby appointment... AHHH where did these past 8 weeks go to! I feel like just yesterday she was in Tachikawa at the NICU now she's in 3 month clothing (mostly some 0-3 still fits) and a little chatter box when she's awake! She weighed in at 10lbs 12oz and is 22 1/4inches, right in the 50th percentile for her age. The new pediatrician is AMAZING, sadly she is just a manning assist while our other is out but she was so great I wish she would stay! She said Bristol's development looked great and had no concerns.

 

Thursday I took another Mommy day but it included carting the kids around since Zack was working nights. One of my Friends and I drove down to Yokosuka, I was on a mission to get new running shoes since I needed a new pair, I was wondering if my shoes were part of my knee issue. I did get a pair and REALLY want to try them out but that leads me to Friday's appointment...

 

Friday I finally called and scheduled an appointment with my PCM to get my knee checked out. Last Saturday I went on a 7.5 mile bike ride followed up on Sunday with another day of C25K which I got my run time down and was so stoked! But after my cool-down and was relaxing in the house my knee started killing me. I have had 2 knee surgeries, one on each knee back in the day of being a school athlete. My last surgery- a Lateral Release- was 10 years ago and left me on crutches for months and lots of physical therapy, so I know my knees have some problems. After not working out for 5 days and the pain becoming no better and worse by the day I knew I had to at least go make sure I didn't tear anything. After a not so pleasant exam of twisting and pulling and pushing on my knee, I got news that could be worse but Dr. S is on board with getting me to run the 5k in November so I will make it through....

 

I managed to sprain my MCL and have possible Bursitis. Now he was 75% sure its just a sprain and I didn't tear my MCL but I have a follow up appointment in 3 weeks to re-evaluate it. He also suggested that at my next appointment we talk about sending me to the orthotics lab on base for custom knee braces, he said the position of my hips and leg shape appears to put a strain on my joints as it is which is made worse by exercise. The current plan of action includes R.I.C.E. and Mobic (Mobic: a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug used to treat pain or inflammation caused by arthritis). He doesn't want me to start up any outside running if I start feeling better until after my follow-up and has suggested swimming and elliptical if I feel up to it. Also he suggested I quit wearing flip-flops, they are the worst choice of footwear since they have no support and with my gait and alignment issues put added stress on my joints, he said if I want slip-ons Birkenstocks or Crocs are the best options... guess I need a pair of Birk's then :)

 

So what have I learned from all this? Apparently I jumped into getting ready for this 5K a little too hard too fast after being so inactive (I'm still blaming the bike ride on causing this, since I didn't feel bad when I was running). I am getting older, I am no longer that 16yr old high school athlete therefore my joints need a little extra TLC and don't bounce back from injury as well as before. I hate not being able to work out but hoping by taking it easy, when I do start training again it will feel great! Dr. S is also going to help me lay out a workout plan that will get my 5K ready. Although I want to be out there running as I type this I am thankful for medical providers who want to help me to my end goal and are supportive instead of telling me to give up!

Here's to hoping for a speedy recovery cause I want to wear my new shoes so bad and hate feeling like a lazy bum!!!

 

On a more positive note I am down 4lbs in Operation Lose 30... Kind of looking forward to taking my progress pics around the 1st of the month because although I might not be dropping lots of weight I am feeling better and feel like I have less back fat!

 

XOXO

Jenn





Never felt so good to sweat so much!

19 days ago I decided it was time to start Op Lose 30... Now living in Japan you are subjected to some AMAZING food and drink and as I mentioned before I LOVE FOOD!!! So after stepping on the scale almost a week ago I was pleased with my 2.5lb loss. I have realized that Operation Lose 30 is so much as just losing 30 pounds as it is getting in better shape, I don't want to focus on the number 30 too much. Its really just bringing food and exercise together and finding stuff that works for me!

As for food, I haven't stuck to eating hardcore healthy every single day the last 16 days and honestly I don't plan to get so hardcore that I deny my mouth the Japanese off base deliciousness!!! I'm making a goal to try and eat out only once a week at the most. While eating out of the house I try to watch my portions and not eat my whole plate if its not an extremely healthy meal (I have failed at this eating CoCo's - but I did get 200g of rice instead of 300g lol) but I'll be making a more conscience effort. I also need to get back into the eating every 2 hour habit, sometimes I just lose track of time or get caught up changing 2 sets of diapers and feeding children that I forget to snack. Although I have found quite possibly my new favorite snack: Special K Popcorn Chips! Now they aren't as good as movie theater butter popcorn but they satisfy the salty popcorn craving well! I have been stalking SkinnyTaste recipes lately too and getting back into the swing of making healthier dinners for the family! I also haven't been drinking meal replacement shakes (GNC Lean Shakes) but will start that seems to help kick start my metabolism and makes it easier to not miss a meal.

Exercise... A word that contains so many emotions. So far I've only done 2 Wii workouts. I was being slightly lame and making excuses like I was too tired at night to do one and the mornings it was better to just sit around waking up. Well I started thinking about me wanting to do a 5k and C25K and decided that the only way to start making me accountable is to know when there was a 5k and COMMIT! Not only did I find one but I love the cause it supports (Breast Cancer Research), I will be RUNNING (I opted not to click the walk portion and already paid my registration fees for the run, so no turning back now) Run for the Cure 2013 in Tokyo! The run is in November so I have 15 weeks to get race ready, plenty of time!!!  The past 2 mornings I have been out on the pavement around 5am getting this body moving. I completed my first day of C25K training and it felt good, wasn't too easy or too hard. After completing day 2 it didn't feel easier but I beat my mile time from the first day! My goal is to get my run down to a 9 min/mile.

Just a few small things I didn't mention above I have decided on that will help me get to my end goal:
- Taking the stairs up & down when I don't have children with me.
- Drinking more water
- Cut out coffee and drink Green Tea!

Well its time to meal plan for the week and hit the commissary! Keep putting one foot in front of the other, make small goals and if you need motivation reach out to a friend or join an exercise forum!

Until Next Time
XOXO
Jenn

Op Lose 30 Begins!

In high school I was never the chick all the guys talked about, I don't ever remember wearing a size small, I remember always dreading summer cause I hated wearing a swimsuit. Even though I played sports I had curves and problem areas. I didn't mind my body though. I was happy, never contemplated diets or starting an eating disorder. Once I stopped playing sports I didn't stop my eating habits. I cant help that I LOVE FOOD!!! I was also in a long term relationship where you get comfortable and don't watch your figure as much! Every so often I got on a gym kick but that was always soon derailed as I returned to beer and junk food, again I LOVE FOOD!!!  Living life, having fun, and making memories always trumped getting skinny.
During my pregnancy with Sawyer I didn't watch what I ate, in fact I usually ate a bag of Cheetos, a Reese's PB Cup and a Dr. Pepper daily...guess that's why I gained almost 70lbs! About 4 months after Sawyer was born I started getting the idea I needed to start shedding the baby weight, but always came up with excuses to avoid working out. Zack deployed in October (6months after I had Sawyer), before he left we took family pictures and that planted the seed that I needed to look better before he came home!

*Still wearing maternity cloths or size 16 stuff*

 

I started by mostly eating Lean Cuisines since I was just shopping for 1 really and walking with Sawyer in the stroller. It wasn't until right after Christmas that I went full force into getting fit. Zack was set to come home in April so I had 3.5 months to get a better body! I started counting calories using MyFitnessPal (my user name is JSmith032310, if you want to add/follow me), playing WiiFit and Biggest Loser Wii since the winter weather in Cali didn't allow for many walks outside.

 

In 2.5 months I had lost 19lbs, my original goal was to be 160lbs when we picked Zack up but I still had a month to go and was so close I knew I would be lighter than that picking him up! Two weeks before picking Zack up at the airport I was down 25lbs at 158:

 

 

Picking Zack up I was able to wear the same shirt we met in and it was even a tad big, and wear pants a whole size smaller than he'd ever seen me wear:

 

I kept slimming down but with our PCS quickly approaching I wasn't as dedicated my last progression picture came a week before my 6 month mark on a journey to a healthier me, I had lost 39.5lbs!

I got down in the 130's but with the move and new foods climbed back up too right around that 144 mark when I got pregnant with Bristol. I told myself I wouldn't gain 70lbs again so I tried to watch what I ate **hard to do when all you want to eat is sweet stuff** and walked like a crazy woman trying to not gain too much. This go around I gained about 50lbs.

This was September 2012, 1 month before I got preggo!





 





You may have heard my story before but I felt the need to re-tell it on here for some personal motivation. I have done it once and I can do it again! It won't be as cheap or as easy as it was at Beale to cook as healthy but I'm getting on the skinny recipes again, as good as the not so healthy tastes its not helping this girlish figure slim down! Now that today marks my 6 week post C-Section date I'm ready to start seeing the numbers go down. I need to find my groove that works- hoping to get a workout in after bedtime or in the morning, dealing with toddler and newborn is A LOT different than just newborn! I plan on using Lean Shakes again and the Wii along with walking/jogging. I'm really considering doing Couch to 5k, and finding out when a 5k is here and making it one of my goals to complete it! I also decided to take better before pictures so I can see the change.

 

 So here we go Operation Lose 30 begins!!!

 

XOXOXO

Jenn