Failing Miserably at Weight Loss? Or Just Plain Unmotivated?

So I've been on my Weight Loss Challenge for 3 months now. And never in my life have I failed at weight loss when I really put my mind to it. So the fact that I haven't weighed in (or posted) and recorded my weight says one of two things; I'm finally failing at weight loss OR I'm unmotivated.

And sadly, I think it's the later.

I choose carbs over veggies, eating out over making meals, and letting my husband decide where an what we eat. Totally bad combos that have lead me to fear stepping on the scale since the Monday after BlogHer.

You see, when I got back from BlogHer life was hard. Not only had I been away for 4 days, I also had a LOT to do and catch up with. So all plans of "eating healthy and getting back on track after BlogHer" were gone.

In NYC feeling fabulous

What sucks is that I really didn't do too bad at BlogHer. With all of the walking I did I actually only gained 1.5lbs while away.

So why am I writing this? Well... I've gained my motivation back. I'm picking back up, getting on that horse, and riding towards success (how corny is that?).

How am I going to do it? With more fitness/health buddies! I'm going to commit myself to one gym day with my friend Janelle, will make Mariah hold me accountable (as well as hold her accountable) for moving my butt and making healthy choices, AND by not slacking on updating my dear readers.

And with the help of the tools I already have on board including my Weight Watchers membership, the FitBit, my Precise Portions dinnerware, Shakeology, and my new, beautiful Joovy Zoom 360 (review to come!!) I am turning corners and WILL get this disgusting 45 pounds off.

The new Joovy 360 ready for a spin

And as scary as it is, I'll be stepping on the scale this Friday to see what the damage is. And if I have more than 45 pounds to lose now.

Today is a new day. My breakfast is tracked, I went on a 20-minute run (which was probably quite entertaining for anyone who saw me), and I have plans for the gym on Wednesday. I am motivated. I will make time. I will be healthy for me.

If you want to join me (and remember... it's not just about weight loss, it's about getting healthy and being happy with your body) feel free to join in and link up to my monthly Weight Loss Challenge post on the first of every month.

Email me at simmworksfamily(at)gmail.com if you also want to participate in the monthly WLC giveaways! And check out this month's giveaway here for an Ozeri scale and Meet Me at the Dinner Table meal planner. 

Simmworks Family Weight Loss Challenge {Month 2}

I have to say that I was a bit apprehensive stepping on the scale. Wasn't sure what I'd find and was afraid that my monthy visitor had come a little early to mess things up. But honestly, even with a 0.2 gain, I'm happy!!


No, it's not huge. But last month I ended with a weight that was OVER my starting weight. So being back down makes my whole attitude about this challenge change. I really did think I'd be down 10-15 pound by now in time for BlogHer. That goal was not made. So I'm going to pick it up and get down to business.

But first... I fly to New York City to attend BlogHer'12. And while I'll be conscious about what I'm putting in my mouth, I will not limit myself if something delicious heads my way. That's what all the walking is for, right? No weigh in on Friday (nor last Friday) so this weigh in serves for both. I'll update next Friday when I've (hopefully) balanced out all the fun I'll have this weekend.

Here's what worked for me this month:

• Walking the neighborhood with the kids 4-5 mornings a week (while wearing my FitBit daily)
• Continuing to eat my meals on my Precise Portions dinnerware
• Being consistant with what I'm eating 
• Regularly using Shakeology for lunch

What I need to work on:

• Getting to the gym!! Those membership dues keeps getting deducted and I need to use it.
• Logging my points on WW

My Plan:

• Scheduling regular gym dates with a buddy
• Starting to swim laps (no class time needed!)
• Walking every day with the kids or dog
• Log my points!! Again... paying for WW, I need to use it. 

And I'm not doing this alone! I have a team of other bloggers who are sharing their journey as well. So head on over and see what they have to say! Then go enter our August WLC Giveaway! You could win a Meal Planning Guide AND Digital Scale from Ozeri. 

Crockpot Salsa Chicken {Dinner Recipe}

I absolutely LOVE easy crock pot recipes that can be turn into multiple meals throughout the week. And this crock pot salsa chicken is just that.

Simple ingredients, simple instructions, simple meals... but you don't have to keep the meals simple. Shred this chicken and use it in multiple dishes: enchilada casserole, chicken (tortilla) soup, quesadillas, rolled tacos, chicken ropa vieja (my favorite) and more!

And with a fridge full of yumy salsa from Wholly salsa how could I not make this? I used their mild salsa for this dish but am excited to try changing up the flavors with the pineapple or red pepper mango flavors too. 

Crock Pot Salsa Chicken

• 4 chicken breast
• 1 tub Wholly salsa
• 1 can black beans, drained
• 1 can corn

Place chicken in the bottom of the crock pot. Dump all of the other ingredients on top.

Cook for 4-5 hours or until fork tender.

Serve whole or shred to use in multiple dishes!

I enjoyed mine the first night on my Precise Portions dinnerware!

Disclaimer: I received product for review purposes only. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. All opinions are my own and are not influenced by monetary compensation.

Week 5 Weigh In: Climbing Out of the Hole #simmwlc

Starting to see the numbers go down... still in the red but hoping to pull through.

The plan?

Eggs for breakfast, Shakeology for lunch, portion controlled balanced dinner on Precise Portions dinnerware and lots and lots of steps being tracked by my FitBit!

Here's hoping for the same results next week.

Weight Loss Progress

Starting Weight: 204 lbs 6/1/2012

Size 12/14

Current Weight: 203.2 lbs 7/6/2012

Size 14

Total to go: 48.2 lbs

Total lost: 0.8 lb

 First Post - The Beginning

Week 1: -1lb

Week 2: -2.2lbs 

Week 3: -0.4lbs 

Week 4: +4.4lbs :(

Week 5: -1.6lbs

Simmworks Family Weight Loss Challenge {Month 1}

Well... I honestly don't know what to say here.

I completed month one but have no idea how I went from being down 3.2 pound and on the right track to being UP 0.8 pounds from my start weight on June 1st.

I cried. I lost it. And I got mad. And then I went out and celebrated my 5 year anniversary.Because I deserved an awesome weekend with my husband.

I didn't even bother taking new photos for the month so I included one of me from our stay at the San Diego Hilton above.

Not only have I been watching what I eat, I've been working on portion control with my Precise Portions cookware, and I've been working on exercise by wearing my FitBit every day to count steps. I've been averaging 8-10,000 steps a day depending on how active we are and if we take our morning walk.

Not to mention my Shakeology shake a day AND using Weight Watchers online. So I'm really kinda at a loss. Weight loss has always been easy up until this weight range and I need to get to the 190s soon! It is driving me crazy.

So I'm up for hearing any and all tips and tricks! If you know of something I should be doing but am not feel free to let me know!

And don't forget the 

July Weight Loss Challenge Giveaway

Make sure you visit the other bloggers participating in this challenge and help cheer them on as they reach their own personal Weight Loss Challenge goals!

Weight Loss Progress

Starting Weight: 204 lbs 6/1/2012

Size 12/14

Current Weight: 204.8 lbs 7/1/2012

Size 14

Total to go: 49 lbs

Total lost: +0.8 lb

 First Post - The Beginning

Week 1: -1lb

Week 2: -2.2lbs 

Week 3: -0.4lbs 

Week 4: +4.4

Week 2 Weigh In: Booyah! #simmwlc

This week was quite a challenge but I think I'm finally back in the game. Not only am I ready to do this, I have a plan and I'm actually sticking to it.

That's right! I'm almost back out of the 200s!

Here's what's worked with food this week:

• Protein for breakfast (eggs or greek yogurt)
• Shakeology for lunch each day
• Meal planning with my meal planning guide from Meet Me At The Dinner Table
• Limiting snacks to fruit, veggies, cheese and greek yogurt 
• Used my Precise Portions dinnerware to eat meals on so I had a visual of portions on top of measuring out. It's all about training the brain, right? 
• Tracked 5 out of 7 days on WW Online (I have to get better at this!) and stayed within my daily points
• Only had a small portion of dessert when offered - for the most part I'd have a graham cracker with some peanut butter and milk to satisfy my sweets craving at night. So good!

I've also been really good about my water intake. Not only have I succeeded in drinking at least 60oz of water, I've been able to consume at least 80oz of liquids (including coffee and green tea) each day. I think this has really helped! I fill up my Nalgene bottle each day and try to chug away no matter where we go.

Next up is working on my exercise! Currently I'm tracking my steps each day using my FitBit and am shooting for 10,000 steps a day. So far I've been able to consistently get 6-7,000 so I need to step it up and get out more! I did receive 9,500 the day we went to the fair so maybe more active activities with the kids will help boost my numbers.

Weight Loss Progress

Starting Weight: 204 lbs 6/1/2012

Size 12/14

Current Weight: 200.8 lbs 6/15/2012

Size 12/14

Total to go: 45.8 lbs

Total lost: 3.2 lb

First Post - The Beginning

Week 1: -1lb

Week 2: -2.2lbs