Ramblings, Sugar Dreams and Going With the Flow

Today is Day 2 of the new phase in our journey. It hasn't been that bad actually. I weighed myself this morning and I'm down .6lbs, IN ONE DAY! I don't think it will be like this always, but some formula that Rob set up really works! It's promising. What is the secret? I have no clue, I just follow the 'diet'. I'm eating alot of wholesome/clean healthy foods and I'm full. That's all that matters. :>

Tony...well he's always the jouster and takes this TOO literally. Rob (http://www.laganafitness.com/) told us that for dinner we could eat as much as we could (within the 'safe' healthy and clean food lists) for that one hour period. ROB: some people take this to the bank and cash out!...UNBELIEVABLE. the hour with T....lol

For dinner, I made us grilled steak, whole wheat rice in a mushroom sauce, salad with olive oil and balsamic dressing. Followed by fruit (raspberries, strawberries, blueberries and watermelon). As we sat down to eat, Tony noted the time and went to town like it was his last meal. Half an hour later....he had eaten his dinner and 'dessert'. "I have 30 minutes left...what else can I eat?" My God! I watched in disbelief...as he went for the hummus and Ezekiel tortillas. "You can't possibly still be hungry?"- was all I could ask. Ding! Hour is up...he got up and walked away sighing that he couldn't eat until breakfast time.

As for me, I was satisfied. At night, while watching TV I make myself an organic decaf mango green tea complete with my beautiful pink teapot, cup and saucer. Yummy! I enjoy the tea to satisfy my craving for munchies. As a funny side note, last night I dreamed that I was eating sugar by the spoonfuls! While eating the sugar, I was so angry at myself for giving in to my 'cravings'. I awoke this morning with a sweet taste in my mouth...lol No worries, I checked the sugar in the house and there was no sign that I actually ate the sugar.
The mind is bizarre!

Today, I had planned to go to the gym while Antonio was at his pre-school. Sometimes, as a Mom things don't always go as planned, and you just need to go with the flow. After all, being a Mom is my first priority. Antonio did not want to go...even though I managed to coax him in the van, and drive him there. He sluggishly walked into the building and looked at me with his puppy brown eyes; "Mommy, I don't want to stay. I don't feel good." Back in the van and home it was.

As an expert of early childhood, (I have my ECE, lot's of experience teaching pre-schoolers, not to mention this is my third child plus I have read alot of information on the subject) pre-schoolers do not need the itinerary of a president. What they need most is play-time. They have their whole life ahead of them, to go to school, learn to play an instrument or learn skills at a sport. It's not necessary to over kill with the activities at this age. Experts have agreed that school aged children should not do more than two activities a week aside from going to school. They need downtime. They also need kid time. That is crucial to their whole well-being. When you take that away; you have stressed out, over-active kids who can't cope. Imagine how an over stimulated pre-schooler is affected? Anyhow, Antonio...stayed at home and slept all afternoon. Tomorrow, if he's up for it...he can conquer the world then.

That's all for today. Time to go make my boys dinner and off to soccer!
Hugs!!!
Kimmy

Week 5!

So the numbers are in as we turn the corner and head in a new direction:

(new meal plan and work-outs).

Tony: -3 lbs

Kim: -1 lb

Totals:

Tony: -19 lbs

Kim: -9 lbs

Couple Total: - 28 lbs

Tony and I are heading out on a date tonight, a nice meal as a treat to ourselves and mental preperation for the new phase in our journey. Twenty-eight pounds is worth celebrating! :>

As I previously posted about my 'blah' day, I did manage to get to the gym, get in a 30 minute cardio session and a tan. Not bad for an 'off' day. Our trainer also came by to go over our new meal plan and training. I'm pumped. I'm so looking forward to being in onederland again, and wearing my wedding rings. This is my ultimate goal.

I haven't worn them for four years now. I miss them soooooooo much but I REFUSE to have them fitted yet again. The last time I wore them I was 190 lbs. That is what I'm reaching for (for now...and then my goal weight: 160 lbs). That will be a happy happy day. I don't mind at all to have them sized down again...but to make them bigger is just humiliating. So I have refused to wear them...until they fit again. Sadly, too since Tony had bought me a gorgeous five diamond anniversary ring for our anniversary a few years ago. I was three months pregnant at the time and the five diamonds symbolized our family of five united. So of course, once the pregnancy progressed and I got pudgy...the rings had to come off. That was the end of that. They've all been stored since :<...Perhaps, I should just hang them on the fridge as a gentle reminder! BLAH! ( I posted a photo of my engagement ring...ah...one day soon she'll be adorning my finger again!)

Anyhow, I've had an awesome work-out week! YAHOOOO...We are Friday today...so this has been my week:

Sunday: Elliptical 30 minutes

Monday: Walk and Yoga

Tuesday: Treadmill: 35 minutes

Wednesday: Walk

Thursday: Treadmill 35 minutes

Friday: Treadmill 40 minutes/Training with Tony

Tonight, Tony and I have a date to start our new training routine. I'm looking forward to it...(I think).

Eating has been good too. Monday we start our new meal plan as set-out by Rob (http://www.laganafitness.com/). I'm a little afraid since all the planning, cooking etc...is falling on my shoulders. Not that it always doesn't. I just have to make sure that I have all the ingredients always in stock. Plus, make certain Tony has his lunch made and ready for him. It's a little nerving...but I have to step up to the plate.

As a side note....last week, I said a little prayer to the Universe/God hoping to get some encouragement in the working-out dept. (Anyone ever tell you to be careful what to wish for?) LMAO...kidding!

So, my neighbour has asked me to walk with her when we are both free. Check!

I also noticed at the gym, my other neighbour (we call this family our twin family...lol) and we've kind of ran into each other and she's planning on working-out at the gym at the same time as I usually do. Today, we worked out side by side and conversed. It was great to see a familiar face...so Check again!

While working-out, I had a chuckle and gave thanks. So I'll be going to the gym quite often now AND walking AND training with Tony. Hey, if I don't get fit now...I never will!!! LOL

Well...I'm sure that's enough for one day. Eh?!

Love and Light,

Kimmy

Blah :<

When I first started my blog, I wanted to keep it as real as possible. So today I'm feeling a bit down, and thought I'd come on, blog about it...and hopefully move on.

I've planned to go to the gym today while Antonio is at Oxford. My plan is to go to the gym, do 30 minutes of cardio and have a quick tan then pick him up. As I type this it is: 1:17 pm...so I must get my butt in gear if I'm to get there. ( I will...I will after I make two more beds, clean myself up and start a load of laundry).

I don't know my hormones must be all over the place (blame it on the hormones...it always works!) I guess I'm a tad discouraged. I feel like I'll never get there. Yesterday, was a great day...I went and got my hair done. Everyone raved about how beautiful my hair was...and how beautiful I am (well Tony thinks so)....lol...funny how when I look in the mirror, I see a blimp! :>

Oh, one day at a time. I know. I'm allowed these days. Sometimes, I think I'm destined to be fat. However, it's still a good day as I've had my fish oils, and my nutritious breakfast, some water and my mood has not made me rush to go get some chocolate.

Blah :<

I'm off to the gym soon, and Kimmy will be back tomorrow (hopefully).

What to do?

The hardest part of being in a lifestyle change, I find is life itself. Take today for instance, we have wonderful neighbours on both sides. One family has 5 children, three of them boys. Our kids are inseperable. They have invited me to join them for dinner as Tony is gone golfing with Diodato. They are kind and generous. Case in point. How can I refuse?

So I have graciously accepted their kind offer, and look forward to the dinner. However, I have no clue what I'm in store for...and I'm usually the kind of girl that doesn't get to tasty when it comes to the palate...lol. However, I'm looking forward to the company of these loving people.

Also, I am heading out to see Harry Potter tonight with my boy Diodato (hey, he turned down a date offer because it's our thing!), my two nieces and my sister-in-law. I'm so excited to see the movie. I've planned to have popcorn (as it's my favourite...I only go to the movies for the popcorn! :>), no butter...or whatever oil they add on, and bottled water.

So, I'll be straying from my 'diet' tonight. But, that's life and it's okay. The important point is to get back on track tomorrow. Planning ahead of time is also crucial. In addition, to off set things today and put my mind at ease further, I'll be doing cardio and some yoga in preperation.

Well...I better run and do my 'work-out' before dinner calls :>
Lot's of Love,
Kimmy

Tony ...Tony...

The guy lost 3 lbs but was to humble to tell me because he's flying and I'm just chugging along. A loss is a loss, no matter how little or in Tony's case...how big.

So Tony is down for a total of 16 lbs! YAHOO for him!

A Little Bit of Everything...Rolled Into a Great Blog

First off, another pound gone! I'm not going down the 'just a pound' route even though that little red guy on my shoulder is trying to be heard. A pound lost is further ahead than I was last week. Besides, I cannot keep repeating myself, but I will because I love to be heard...lol. I feel awesome! I heard a great saying today and I will share it with you. GI=GO
Garbage In=Garbage Out (David Wolfe) There is some powerful healing in eating clean, healthy and organic.

Tony is at a standstill. It could be anything and everything. Tony is a VERY...I repeat VERY anxious person. Having bulldozers and a steady work crew in our yard the last two weeks has made him very anxious and stressed. That alone can trigger the body into holding onto the 'fat'. I mean what's a guy to do when people are working on your pride and joy but watch and smoke ten packs of cigarettes?! (okay...okay a little exaggeration, but you get the idea.) We are treating ourselves to a nice dinner out tonight as a celebration of our victories and come tomorrow...it's hard core again.

Speaking of nice evening's out. Last night, we had such a great visit with our neighbour's. We are so blessed and lucky to live in a neighbourhood with some beautiful people and great families. My children are so happy here. After our neighbourhood pow-wow, we were treated to a deluge of rain. Our whole family stood by the windows at 1:30 am and watched the gorgeous rainfall. It was like a gift from above, as our new sod and completed yard was finished today. Nothing like a rain like that to help grass grow!

This week we are meeting with Rob (http://www.laganafitness.com/) to go over our new meal plan and work-out routine. I'm looking forward to the change, and the boost. I'm aiming to lose three pounds to bring me into the 210's. I'm going to celebrate that victory with a visit to The Brookstreet Spa for a detox body wrap and facial.

I'm so amazed at how a simple lifestyle change like making an effort to eat clean and organic can change other aspects of your life. Tony and I are happier than we have ever been...now Rob, if we could just convince Tony to take-up Yoga or meditation...it would be more than perfect...lol!

Thanks for reading...please don't be shy to comment. I enjoy all your feedback!

As we say...Love, Light and Blessings!
Kimmy

Week 4!

Kim: - 1 lb

Tony: 0 (no change)

A Lightbulb "AHA" Moment!

Monday night, I headed out for dinner with my wonderful friend Lyne.
We headed to Fratelli's, a favourite of mine. I mentally planned ahead of time what I was going to eat. I would 'treat' myself to my usual but with a new twist: whole wheat pasta.

So this is what I ate:

-Ceasar Salad

-Veal Marsala with whole wheat Penne in an Alfredo sauce ( I know...bad)

-1 glass white zinfendel wine

-gelato

When I got home, I chose to take the dog for a walk and try to work off somewhat of my indulgence of the night. Nonetheless, that night I awoke at 3 am with such a soar stomach. I thought for sure I was going to be sick. The next day (yesterday) I felt
horrible!!! I had a huge headache, my stomach felt queasy, I felt tired, I had no energy and I was impatient with my kids.

UMMM>>>>>Wow! My dinner selection was only a tip of the iceberg of what I usually ate all day long. More importantly, it was still 'somewhat' fresh 'good' food. However, my body is just not used to eating that way. An "AHA" moment!...I love those!

So yesterday, was most definitely a back in the groove day! LOL Today, I'm planning on going to the gym, and doing some yoga.

Have a great day!
MWAH!!

A New Week!

Well, I stepped on the scale this morning and I'm down another .5 lb. I'm so happy to see that things are going in the right direction. However, I'll be quite honest...when I look in the full length mirror, I feel so depressed and blah!

Remember that book I recommended: The Hormone Diet by Natasha Turner (thanks Lene :>)...Love, Love this book!!!!
Thanks to the book, I was able to figure out how much water I need to drink in order to help my body with balance (functioning properly), remove toxins and flush out fat. Water is essential to our well being.

Here is the formula:

Your weight x 0.55 divided by 8 = the amount of water required by your body to function normally

So for example:

223lbs x 0.55= 122.65

122.65 / 8 = 15.33

So I need to drink: 15.5 cups (250 ml) of water daily.

I have done that for two days now and I've seen an improvement in my skin, my energy and I noticed a .5 lb deficit on the scale!

Also, we treated our family to pizza last night. We ordered thin, whole wheat crust with our usual toppings. The result? Everyone loved it! We actually loved it more than the regular crust. So it was a bonus on top of eating right, and savings many calories!

Lastly, I am close to reaching my 10 lb goal! Something to celebrate! So if you are male reading this; stop now! :>
I've decided instead of a spa day...that I'm going to treat myself to some laser hair removal! There is a great deal now at the estheticians close to my house. I've known this lady for such a long, long time...(http://foreverbeauty.ca/). She is amazing. I highly recommend her for any treatment/or spa treat!

I have had laser hair removal done on my face (chin and side). I'm now looking to have my bikini done, (thanks to the recommendation from my sis-in-law Debbie and my niece Katarina). So that will motivate me to get that bikini body! (who am I kidding? :<)

Well I'm off for a nice dinner with one of my best friend's. We've been friend's since kindergarten class. So it will be a great night for sure!

Have a great day!

Week 3!

Kim: -1 lb

Tony: -1 lb



Grand Totals:



Kim : -7 lbs



Tony: - 13 lbs

Humour of the Day!

Seems Carmelo isn't taking our "Family Lifestyle Change" as well as I initially thought.

As I was explaining the changes going on in our household to a friend,
Carmelo piped in:

"It's called a DIET!"

Me: "NO! Carmelo...it's a lifestyle change for our whole family."

Carmelo: "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO WAY! IT'S a DIIIIIIII......ET and I'm DYING over here!"

:>

Organic Dairy

Hi everyone!

All is good in my corner! I feel awesome. So does Tony by the way. I noticed my skin is clearer this week. Tony has noticed that he is sleeping better. Plus, my new favourite snack is celery and hummus. (thanks Rob! www.laganafitness.com) All in all, it's amazing what eating better can do in such a short time!


So as I mentioned previously I'm reading two books simultaneously... LOL. I cannot walk into a bookstore and just walk-out with one book! Anyhow, I am now reading two great reads on hormones and the body. I will be writing exciting new information as I find it. However, I HIGHLY recommend the books to anyone who is human...:> as hormones are crucial to our bodies and when they are unbalanced, everything else is. Most importantly, if you think you are immune to this...then you must be living on another planet because even the air we breathe has great effect on our hormones!

Case in point: Dairy

Here at Casa Nocita, we could use a cow or two! Like most households, we consume a lot of milk and other dairy products. I have always tried my best to always purchase organic milk, thanks to my nephew Jamie who clued me in on the hormones and antibiotics contained in regular milk.
However, Jillian Michaels' book; "Master Your Metabolism" brings to light many issues with dairy, weight loss and hormonal balance. For one, dairy consumption is very important. Secondly, dairy consumption is linked to weight loss. Yogurt is best. A long time ago, when I first had weight loss with Tops, I had mentally observed that when I ate one cup of yogurt a day, that week I would see a loss on the scale. When people asked me 'what is your secret', I would often respond: yogurt. At the time, they all thought I was nuts, I'm sure. Hindsight, is a great thing. So I believe, yogurt is one weapon for weight loss, weight maintenance (organic is always best!), Jillian goes into great detail in explaining how exactly the biology of it all in the book. Thirdly, it is crucial to consume organic dairy as much as possible. Cows are pumped up with so many hormones and antibiotics! Moreover, these hormones and antibiotics are not filtered during the filtering process. So next time you are drinking a glass of regular milk, think of it as a hormone drink....yuk! The hormones, and the antibiotics contained in milk have negative effects on the human body. In my opinion, there is most likely a link in the rise of obesity and the rise in hormonal and antibiotic usage on cows.

I'm sure I'll discover more useful information as I read on. For the time being, I wanted to share that all with you. At casa Nocita we are going dairy organic!

Inspiration of the Day!

Live for today!

Be good to yourself, your body and your spirit!

Books

I truly believe in the power of knowledge. Knowledge is power. Even though I have almost every 'nutrition book" out there. I always update and love to read up on new information. For the record, I am not following a 'diet' per say, but rather am being followed/guided by Rob Lagana.

Nonetheless, I find it highly motivating to read and immerse myself in the world of well-being.

Some great reads I recommend are:

1. "Are You Ready!" by Bob Harper (Biggest Loser trainer)


2. "Master Your Metabolism" by Jillian Michaels (Biggest Loser trainer)


3. "The Hormone Diet" by Natasha Turner (thanks Lene! :>)


4. "You on a Diet!" by Dr. Roizen and Dr. Oz

My Grocery Cart

My grocery cart now contains:

chicken breast ( a lot of it)
lean red meat (fillet mignon)
tuna

hummus (Tony wants me to buy it a case at a time LOL!)
whole grain bread
whole wheat pita
whole grain brown rice
whole wheat pasta (organic)

romaine lettuce (organic)
celery (organic)
carrots
broccoli
cucumbers
tomatoes
fresh mushrooms
corn on the cob
bananas
apples
strawberries
blueberries
raspberries
cherries
grapes

Kashi cereal (many boxes!)
skim milk
100% fruit juice

Olive oil
balsamic vinegar

Love, Light and Prayers Please

My niece Mandy gave birth to Kaylee Melody today.

Kaylee was born crying and kicking at 23 weeks gestation weighing 1 lb 4 oz.

God Sent You the Best He Had....

God sent you the best He had --
The blessings of baby hands
And ten small toes that come in rows
Imported from Angel lands!
God blessed the little darling
And to earth sent us this joy;
Who has won our hearts already, Your Blessed Baby.
I send you the best I have --
A wish that is big and true;
That God will bless with tenderness
His dear little Gift and you!!!!

A Crazy House...but a Victory!

The fireworks are in celebration that I went back to the gym! I did it! I made it! (well, if you don't throw yourself fireworks...who will? LOL!!! ) I survived!

It wasn't all that bad. Firstly, after not going Friday, I awoke and thought out loud: "today I'm going to the gym. No excuses!" I had one window of opportunity to go and I took it. My house was left in a mess, total chaos. There is nothing I despise more than leaving my house in a messy state. Oh well! Life still goes on!

So I drove up to the gym with many emotions. My palms got sweaty, and my heart was beating so fast, my breaths could hardly keep up. A tear rolled down my cheek and a little voice piped up and said: "Kim, you know what you have to do...it's time...this is your time! Just do it!!!" It's a fat person thingy, no other way to explain it. I used to own the gym, now I'm a stranger again. (...read my November 21, 2008 blog for background). I know it's time to get back the control and that means being brave.

So with a deep breath I approached the gym. (...I know it sounds very dramatic, but it is what it is. I promised myself my blog would always be true to me, raw and honest. If you can't be honest and truthful then what is the point?!). So I'm approaching the gym, I'm nervous, my hands are shaking and my head is down. Suddenly, I hear: "there you go Miss...". I look-up and "Bob" and "Bill" Bodybuilder have both doors wide open for me. Okay! If that's not a sign from the universe, I don't know what is!!!! "Thank you!", I was so busy checking-out their huge muscles, I didn't even noticed I had walked-in the gym! :>

I timidly walked-in as the smell of the gym filled my lungs. I took another deep breath, how I've missed this smell and the surroundings. There is nothing more motivating than being in the gym. The energy, the attitude...it's so contagious.

One more bump in the journey was awaiting me. Once in the locker room, I approached my corner as my cell phone began to ring. Thinking it was my kids, I immediately answered. It was my sister-in-law whom I love to chit chat with. However, no time could be wasted as this was my window to do this. To boot, rude 'skinny gym biatch' piped in:"...STOP TALKING ON YOUR CELLPHONE!... do you know how rude that is! BESIIIIIIDES it's not allowed in the change room...there's a POLICY!!!!...blah blah blah........" I kept talking for five more minutes in defiance while thinking "lady you have no clue what this moment is to me, and you are not going to take it away from me, I'm back at the gym, it's taken a lot to get me in here and it's not your time to take away my victory from me...and geesh! speaking of 'policies'...there must be a rule about naked woman parading in the change room barking 'policies' to other patrons?" LMAO!!!!

In the end, I had an amazing work-out. My house has been a crazy house lately, with the rain and the construction in our backyard, my kids have no where to play. The phone is constantly ringing, someones always at the door etc...In reflection, I realized that's life. We must appreciate our time together. We must appreciate it the way it is. There will never be a perfect time for an unexpected visit or phone call. My house will still be 'messy' when I come home (and for the record...I power cleaned and it's back to normal! :>) Nonetheless, I have to set aside this time for me. It's imperative. I've so missed it. My body, heart and soul yearn it. This time is well deserved! I Left the gym victorious and motivated to continue the journey ahead!

Week 2!

Tony: - 4 lbs

Kim: - 2 lbs

Totals:

Tony: - 12 lbs

Kim: - 6 lbs

Grand Total: - 18 lbs!!!!!

The Climb

I heard this song today, and it so resonates with my life right now. I just had to post the lyrics to share with you all. The Universe has a 'funny' way of always giving you a message just when you need it. I always seem to hear a song with special words that just ring true with my spirit.

The Climb lyrics
by Miley Cyrus
Songwriters: Alexander, J; Mabe, J;

I can almost see it
That dream I am dreaming
But there's a voice inside my head saying
"You'll never reach it"

Every step I'm taking
Every move I make feels
Lost with no direction
My faith is shaking

But I gotta keep trying
Gotta keep my head held high

There's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be a uphill battle
Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose

Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb

The struggles I'm facing
The chances I'm taking
Sometimes might knock me down
But no, I'm not breaking

I may not know it
But these are the momentsthat
I'm gonna remember most, yeah
Just gotta keep going

And I, I got to be strong
Just keep pushing on'

Cause there's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be a uphill battle
Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose

Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb, yeah!

There's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be an uphill battle
Somebody's gonna have to lose

Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb, yeah!

Keep on moving, keep climbing
Keep the faith, baby
It's all about, it's all about the climb
Keep the faith, keep your faith, whoa

Okay! Can we say Frustration!!!!!!

Hi everyone,

I'll be back to blog about things later in the day. But, I just had to come and vent here...

So, I've worked-out three times this week. Taken long walks with the kids, drank most of my water, ate well etc...so a good week.

Tony did well too. But, he didn't work-out as much as me. He says he only had a glass of two of water here and there.

weigh-in day is officially tomorrow...However:

Tony is down: 5 lbs!

Moi: -l lb

I'm a little frustrated that's all! I'm the one going to the extremes, making meals ensuring we take our supplements, etc...

Not that I'm not happy for Tony. That's not it for sure! Yeah for him!!! I don't know if I just have to step my game, or just go with the flow. I am content that I'm losing and that's the way to go. Just ARGHHHHHH!!!

So I'm going to the gym today...! It's time to really get back in this game...wish me luck as the prodigal daughter returns to her roots! LOL