Weight Watchers is my BFF!

   So, I had mentioned a while back that I would touch on my experience with Weight Watchers (or WW as members so affectionately call it LOL) Well, I totally forgot so I am doing it today!!
I paid for and "began" my Weight Watchers experience on 3/27/2013 I weighed in and tried my first day at eating with a point system.  I did it here and there there for the next few days as I didn't want to make it an official thing till the 1st because I knew Easter would make everything tough and honestly who in the heck wants to start a Point Counting diet when delicious Easter Brunch is right around the corner!? Not I!

     Funny part is that even with Easter Brunch, I managed to lose 2 pounds before I officially started counting my points and entering them everyday!  So, now we are TWO MONTHS in and I have lost 20 pounds! I am not yet comfortable posting my before weight, maybe one day perhaps when I am much, much further away from it, and much, much less uncomfortable with being 4'11" and this heavy, I will let you know what it all was.

     It hasn't been totally easy but it's been the easiest program I've ever followed (and let me tell you I have followed A LOT of diet plans) I've done everything from NutriSystem to the hCg diet (BIG MISTAKE WITH THAT ONE!!! When I finished the diet, following the instructions to a T, I wound up gaining back all the weight I had lost  +2 extra pounds AND the rapid weight loss left me with gallstones! YIKES) I purchased the Polar FT4F Heart Rate Monitor and I adore it! (Found it brand new on Ebay for $45 because though it hadn't been used the box was opened and couldn't be sold at the proper price anymore! SCORE)

     It straps around my chest, right across my ribs/at my "chest muscles" as the instructions direct you and a transmitter snaps right into place, the receiver is a fully functional watch that you wear (Mine is a Magenta color! WOOHOO) After I placed all my info into the receiver: Height, weight, and age...I fire it up as soon as I start my work out.  Sometimes I like to start it just a bit before (While I put on my workout attire, tie my shoes, fill my water bottle and what have you) this way by the time I actually begin my workout my heart rate is already "In the Zone" my range shows I should be between 120-160 BPM for optimal burn.  I've been known to go above that on several occasions but it's alright because it helps me burn these stinking pounds away!

     I've been walking on a treadmill for about a month now and it has helped me incredibly! I am not an outdoors person! I hate being outside! I don't like sunshine, or trees or grass OR BUGS! Sidewalk and pavement walking makes me cringe!! Unless I am longing on a beach somewhere in warm sand, I'd much rather be sitting at home.  This isn't just because I am lazy though, I just honestly really hate being outdoors...maybe it's the yucky air/smog that makes me depressed, I dunno! But the treadmill allows me to workout the way I want to, not how the road or sidewalks forces me to.  I've been kicking my own butt on that thing!

     When I first got it I could barely walk 3 laps before I was winded and had to stop, then I tried just walking for 30 minutes straight, not caring how far I got or how fast! I worked up to walking 30 minutes in the morning and 30 minutes at night, and now I do an hour straight for 3 miles with speeds up to 4 at times! I sweat like a stuck pig and it makes me feel soo accomplished! Sure, I'm sore and achy the next morning, but I throw my Skechers on and hit it again the next morning! I feel like a damn warrior LOL I can honestly say I am starting to actually ENJOY exercising!

WHAT THE HELL!? WAIT, WHO SAID THAT!?

     Just kidding guys! Even though that was something I never EVER imagined I'd ever say...it's becoming true! My results are so rewarding and I really do feel better when I am done.  Since I am not starving or suffering through all this, it has been so much better for me and I finally don't feel like I want to or even need to quit! I owe a lot to WW because they are helping me add years to my life by improving my health and my confidence! I really love what is happening to me.  I can't wait till I can say I've reached my goal weight and I also can't wait to be able to buy something off a rack and KNOWING it will fit and look good, NO GREAT on me!

     I wish I would have thought to take Before pictures because I wanted to see the results first hand but I can feel them and sort of see them.  The compliments I have been getting from friends and family are amazing too! About a week ago my youngest daughter ran up to me as I filled my water bottle for my morning walk and she threw her arms around my waist.  She gasped and smiled up at me wide eyed! I gave her a puzzled look and asked what happened?  She replied "I can put my arms all the way around you Mommy!" I scrunched up my nose and asked "You couldn't do that before" she smiled and shook her head "No! Not before today!" it was one of the most encouraging comments I've ever gotten.  My oldest heard the exchange and had to run and test it out as well.  They keep me going...they are the reason I want to be around longer and they encourage me every step of the way.  (Sometimes they sit near the treadmill and annoy me and sometimes they worry I am going "too fast" but...sometimes the cheer me on and it feels great)!

     Looking forward to sharing more as it happens but I have to say if anyone is looking to lose weight and has failed as miserably as I have with tons of attempts...I HIGHLY recommend Weight Watchers! There is a reason it has been around for 50 years and it will be around for many more. It actually works people, I am living and breathing proof.

p.s. Check out this ticker! If that ain't motivation I don't know what is! LOL

Created by MyFitnessPal - Free Calorie Counter

(Sorry for all the !!! throughout this entry...I'm a bit excited.  Can't you tell?)