Up before 6am on a Saturday.

Whyyyy am I up so early on a non-work day? This is actually way earlier than I get up during the week. My stupid nasal passages are semi-blocked and seriously impeding my breathing patterns. Makes for crap sleep. Anyway.

Since I'm up, I might as well update- the last blog I posted is me with a funny tanline. We're WAY out of tanline weather in Ohio (unless you're hitting the tanning beds.) The weather just took a major turn and there's lotsa snow. I don't mind it too much right now, but come March and April I'll be way over it.

So I went to a specialist yesterday for my thyroid because I am SO aggravated about not being able to lose a pound. I thought maybe my medication needed to be tweaked or something. It's been well over a year that I've had this problem- and I've been so very conscientious about watching food intake and exercising... with no positive result. Ever since I finished P90X my weight has hovered around the same number no matter WHAT I do. I even fasted for a weekend and I only lost 1.8 lbs, and immediately gained it back. I didn't care for the fasting. Won't be doing that again. Anyway, the doc checked labwork that I had done and actually said my TSH level (thyroid hormone) is a bit off. He felt around my neck and said the gland itself is slightly enlarged. We talked extensively-which was nice since he didn't kick me out of the room after 10 minutes- and he said how even if the TSH level is off just a bit it can cause somebody to not lose a pound. I was silently thanking him profusely for saying it. FINALLY a doctor confirmed what I thought was happening. I've been to several other endocrinologists and a few general practitioners and they made me feel kind of stupid and as if I was making things up for a "quick fix" for weight loss. That's SO not the case. I just don't want my freakin' body to work against me during my weight loss efforts! I am more than willing to put in the exercise and hard work- I just want results! It's totally wrong I wasn't getting any. This doc actually asked about my workout regimens and my lifestyle. I think he realized I wasn't trying to blow smoke up his ass, I just want my body to function properly. He upped my dosage of Synthroid. I'm so hoping this does the trick. We'll see how the next few months go... follow up with the doc is in April.

Speaking of workout regimens, I did buy another. I know it's been out for a while, but I decided to get Chalean Extreme. I just really like Chalene as an instructor (Turbo Jam is a fave workout). I know in some of my video blogs I said I was going to get Insanity from Beachbody, but here's the deal: I'm having a really hard time doing workouts that aren't *fun* these days. I bought Jillian Michaels Banish Fat Boost Metabolism- which is basically all interval drills- and I literally wanted to cry. Granted, the workouts were hard, but I actually burned less calories than when I do my dance class and it was only about 25% as fun. I have a feeling that Insanity is 0% fun. I'm just not at a spot in my life where I want to take on a workout like that. I'm optimistic for Chalean Extreme- and I'm hoping with the boost in my thyroid meds that I'll actually see results! Sadly, I've been sick since New Year's Eve so I have been unable to start the program. I'm hoping to next week! I also will post a blog on YouTube sometime within the next month or so. I think there are a few crazies out there who actually miss seeing my face. lol

I should go lay back down and try to get a little more sleep. I have a big day today (an important bowling match awaits me!) I suck at bowling, and I'll lose regardless of being tired or not. But still, a few more zzz's couldn't possibly hurt.

not the best weekend...

So, I haven't done the best this weekend with my nutrition. I had done SO well all through January, even avoiding the inevitable treats at work (including donuts and several bday cakes.) I was so proud of abstaining from those things, then I go and blow 2 days straight. I'm not even saying I pigged out on a ton of greasy fried foods- but I know between yesterday and today I have gone way over my acceptable calorie intake. I've been under a little stress- and I'm realizing I respond differently in regards to food with different types of stress. When I'm going through romantic struggles, I can't eat at all. My stomach is usually tied in knots and the thought of food repels me. This weekend it's more financial stress (found out I need a lot of work done on my car) and I have not stopped putting things in my mouth. I wish I could find healthier ways to deal with my issues. I never feel good about myself when I respond to life problems in this way.

Anyhow... I was supposed to take my weight and stats this weekend, but there's no way I can bring myself to step on that scale right now. It will have to wait till next weekend.

On a brighter note, I have certainly kept up with working out. I bought P90X+ Kenpo Cardio and did it for the first time today. It's pretty good! It integrates many of the moves Tony Horton introduces in KenpoX, but uses them in different combinations (lots of variations on sword/hammer!) In the last sequence he throws in some new high intensity moves to help break that final sweat. The segments are performed in sets... you do an entire set 2 times through, then have a short cardio break before moving on to the next duo of sets. The little cardio blasts between aren't as intense as KenpoX (at least to me), but overall I thought this was an effective workout. I used my wristweights (which I LOVE) and I was pretty darn sweaty by the end, which always pleases me. I look forward to doing it again.

I've been doing a nice array of workout DVDs lately, I'll probably do little mini reviews here. Overall I'm pleased with them as a whole.

That's all for now...

Hello, fitness fans!

So I guess this is my introductory blog. I'm just going to explain a little bit about myself, why I'm here, and what I hope to share through my writings and ramblings.

Quick stats:
My name is Angelee. I'm 32 years old, I live in Ohio, and I've never been slim a day in my life.

Why I'm here:
I'm a (somewhat) regular video blogger on YouTube, and the support from that community has helped me tremendously in my weight loss efforts. I know several people from YT who post here, and they say writing out the blogs can help with accountability, plus it's easier than recording/editing/uploading a video every week. I think it will be a good way for those who want to keep closer track of me and my goings-on to check here. :) I plan to more closely document my nutrition and activity... my ups, downs, successes and failures. Any feedback I receive from others will be highly appreciated, and maybe something I do or say will help someone else along the way too. Nothing makes me happier!

A little background:
As I mentioned above, I've never been slim in my life. Granted, I am not an obese person... but I so want a flat stomach and thin thighs! I joined Weight Watchers in May 2007, and lost about 30 pounds in a year, getting me 8 pounds away from my goal. I plateaued for several months and was very frustrated. I quit WW in May 2008, and did the at-home fitness program, P90X. I loved doing P90X, and this is the program that introduced me to the wonders of video blogging and the AWESOME YouTube fitness support community. I definitely lost some fat and firmed up from P90X, but I put on about 10 pounds in the process. I had a rough 2 or so months with nutrition through the holidays... but since January '09 I've been completely back on the wagon! I'm sure throughout the course of my writings, I will detail more closely the workout programs I've done and my thoughts/results with these programs.

Another thing I hope to do through these blogs is to share some of my hints, tips, and favorite foods/recipes. These are things I can't really do on videos. I pick up a lot of great ideas through email subscriptions and from WW meetings that I would love to share! When it comes to weight loss, it's all about helping each other out.

What I'm doing now:
I am not on a specific workout regimen, I've basically been doing my own mix of cardio and weight workouts using my fitness DVD collection (which is becoming expansive!) I have been counting WW points again since the beginning of January, but have not yet rejoined meetings. I'd really like to though. I enjoyed the meetings and attending seemed to push me to take off pounds like nothing else does.

I am going to do an official weigh-in at the beginning of February, and I think I'll start recording my weight loss stats here. That might help keep me in line!

That's all for now. I'll return next week to update. :)

Angelee