I Love Walking

I’m trying to keep my goals on the front of my mind this week. One of my goals is to walk for 90 minutes each week. This hasn’t been too hard to do because I love it. The hardest part is remembering how much I love it before I begin. So, let me share a bit.

I’m so glad that I started walking outside again. I didn’t realize how much I have missed it. It’s convenient to have a treadmill but nothing beats walking out in nature.

Watching the trees change in color is such a treat this time of year. The smells of the season are something not be missed, as well. I love the sweet smell of the grass as the sun hits it, and the smell of the fallen leaves on the ground.

As if I needed more of a reason to go for a walk, I will also mention how much to helps me feel better physically, too. I was feeling a little overwhelmed this morning. There was a lot of tension in my body, and so I went for a walk. What a release!

Why am I sharing all of this? Well, sometimes I forget how much I love going for a walk. Sometimes it’s chilly out, and I’d rather stay inside where it’s warm and cozy. However, I haven’t ever taken a walk that I’ve regretted and that’s what I want to keep in mind as I work to meet my walking goal this month!

I Love Cooking

I’m happy to say that week two of my Fall Challenge is off to a much better start. If you missed my week one challenge update, you’ll want to check that out, here: Fall Challenge: Week One Recap.

Yesterday, I reached my water goal and I tracked my nutrition. I made a roast with mashed potatoes and vegetables for dinner, which was amazing! I love cooking, and even more so this time of year.

I also made an apple pie this past weekend for a family event. We finished off the last of the pie last night, which was tracked and ended up topping out my nutrition range for the day. 

I love to cook homemade goodies for my family, but I try not to have things like pie on hand too often because my self-control is very limited right now. It’s a balancing act, for sure!

Fall Challenge: Week One Recap

Hello, and happy Monday! I'm going to be honest with you. The first week of my challenge could have been considered a warm-up. I didn't meet my goals, but I also didn't completely throw in the towel. I'm going to celebrate the little wins! For Lauren, and whoever else is joining this challenge, I hope you can find some little or big wins to celebrate as well!

Week One Goal Progress

• Drink 90-120 oz of water daily

My water goal was met 3/7 days. I did make sure to drink at least 64 oz. on the other days!

• Walk for 90 minutes/week

I completed 60 minutes of walking, outside. It felt so good! 

• Track nutrition daily

I tracked my nutrition 2/7 days. This was pitiful, and a major area of improvement for the week ahead! I did, however, make some amazing homemade meals this week which tasted way better than eating out! (Little wins)

• Blog weekly challenge updates

This is my update for week one!

Weight-Loss Goal

Last week, I weighed in at 233lbs and this week I weighed in at 232lbs. I only lost a pound but I'm happy to have lost it because I didn't put in my full effort in week one. Looking to buckle down more this week!

7 more pounds to lose in 24 days. Let’s do this!

Fall Challenge (Oct 20 - Nov 20)

Hello! It’s Monday, October 20th and I’ve decided today is the day to set some new goals and give myself a deadline. 

I’ve decided to challenge myself for the next 31 days. For reference, I’ll call it my Fall Challenge.

Fall Challenge Goals

• Drink 90-120 oz of water daily

My water goal is set to daily, with a range of 90-120.

• Walk for 90 minutes/week

Preferably my activity goal of walking for 90 minutes a week will be done outside. If it’s done on the treadmill that will be okay, too.

• Track nutrition daily

I decided to make my nutrition goal more about consistency. That’s why the goal is to track “daily” instead of a goal for staying within my nutritional range. This will help get me back in the habit of tracking while also providing grace if I go over my desired nutritional range. The goal is to simply track it. The desire is to meet my nutritional range more often than not.

• Blog weekly challenge updates

Blogging weekly challenge updates will help me to stay accountable, and keep the challenge fresh in my mind!

Weight-Loss Goal

Today, I weighed in at 233 lbs. I’m hoping that by completing the challenge goals, it will help get me down to 225 lbs by November 20. That’s 8 pounds in 31 days. Let’s do this!

Busy Season

Happy Thursday! How are you doing? I’m hanging in there. It’s been a busy season, but this season is about to change a bit soon. 

Our oldest daughter has been going to basketball 5x/week since mid-August. When there is not a game, there’s practice. I was hesitant about this at first because I value balance in all things, but it’s been good for her. She has improved in her skills and confidence!

Since we are often at basketball games in the evenings during the week, my work schedule has been a little different each week. I have been scrounging for work time in my little bit of free time these past few months. I am very much looking forward to getting back to a more predictable evening work schedule in a few weeks as basketball season comes to a close.

It’s also been book fair season for me! I’m the Scholastic chairperson for our elementary school and we decided to host our fair mid-October instead of mid-November this school year. This will be my seventh book fair that I’ve hosted for our school! The book fair takes a lot of thought and careful preparation. I’ve been training someone to take my place as far as all the prep-work goes next school year which has been bittersweet.

This past weekend my sister came into town and brought with her this cute glass from where she’s currently stationed. It was so nice to have some sister time, and also so hard to say goodbye!

I’m working on keeping balance in my diet as best as I can which has helped me to maintain my weight. I’d love to get into a better routine to kickstart my weight loss again soon!

What I Ate Monday: Sept 29

Hello! On Monday, I took a picture of everything I ate throughout the day and so I wanted to share it with you!

Breakfast was one of my favorites! I had a slice of rye toast and an egg with mushrooms and capers. This flavor combo with the capers is a must-try!

For lunch, I was in a snacky mood. I had a few ounces of fresh mozzarella with some salami and chips. Then, I had a couple pieces of Hershey’s chocolate to satisfy my afternoon sweet tooth.

For dinner, we had leftover tuna noodle casserole from my mother-in-law. 

In the evening I had some apple straws and later on I made myself a quesadilla.

I didn’t count calories for the day as I would like to be doing, so this was just a day full of intuitive eating. If I had to guess I’d say I was within 1400-1800 calories for the day. What do you think?