New week!

 I'm so excited! As of today I weight 204.8! That’s over 2 pounds lost since last week! The only thing I did differently this past week was not work out lol. Yup, that's it. I ate and drank (it was my birthday week…I had to go out often lol) but I started working out during the weekend again. Taking breaks are great but you have to put a time limit on it! I did it only for 5 days but I was anxious the whole time lol.

I’m back to my hour long Zumba dancing and will start mixing it up by doing a walk/jog 2 -3 times a week starting this weekend. I've been hesitant in running since one of my knees swelled up last year but I figure I'll take it easy and see how my body responds.

As far as diet, I’m back to eating better this week (at least better than last week lol) but still nowhere near my goal of healthy eating. I am a foodie. I live for good, albeit fatty at times, food. This will be my lifetime struggle. My life goal is to curb it and eat all I want in moderation. This is where my workouts come in. I would rather run 2 hours and enjoy my pizza lol. I have noticed that I’m doing well in just eating half my meal when I go out. Whenever possible I share!

Let’s see what life brings this next week! Wish me luck! J

 Asics Gel-Neo33 High-Performance Running Shoes - Men (Google Affiliate Ad)

2013 - Battle of the Bulge continued!

Wow I can't believe it's been a year since I last blogged about my weight! It's amazing how time flies and nothing changes LOL.

The dreaded scale at work!

The battle of the bulge continues for me. I have gained and lost the same 5-10 pounds now for the past year. However, I stopped working out last April 2012 after my knee became inflamed due to my running. So I gave my knee some time off and now I know I'm ready to get back on top!

I started Zumba dancing at home (along with an occasional Just Dance 4 "Just Sweat" session lol) on my WII to get started and have lost a few inches and a couple pounds since doing this 45 days ago! Woohoo!

What has helped me get started is joining (and creating) the Biggest Loser campaign at work. It has been fun getting back into the swing of things and I'm constantly sending out tips and encouragement to all my team members! So far I rank in 4th - 5th place of weight loss but have long way to go lol.

I left off in 2012 at 197 I believe and now (after drinking and eating for the past week due to my birthday) I am now at 207.2. My diet in the evenings has somewhat improved thanks to my bf who is also working on losing weight and my coworker (and cousin) who also is working on losing weight. I have cut down significantly on soda's again and hope to keep chipping at it until it's completely gone. I'm down to 1 - 2 a week right now :/

Pumped and ready to begin again :)

Week 17 - No weight change

197.2 now! Lost 2 ounces LOL

I am not going to say I reached a plateau this week. I stayed the same because I didn't work out. At least not really. I walked/ran only 2 times last week. That's really bad for me. That explains why I felt heavy last week and only lost 2 ounces lol. Plus I didn't work out because I went out both for lunch and dinners most nights so I was busy. So not good for me! Luckily my metabolism is still working hard for me but not really working out last couple of weeks is not helping me!


I also noticed that I lose energy when I don't work out. Feels like a catch 22 for me. I don't work out I get sluggish but when I feel sluggish I just want to watch TV and don't want to get up and run lol. What to do right? This week I forced myself up and out of there. Hurt me to get back on track but I'm already feeling better :)


It's going to be hard to get back into complete shape this week because its my birthday week and have lots of events to attend lol. So much to do so little time! Actually what I'm doing (which I should of done last week) is switch over to morning runs instead of evening runs since my nights are busy. I have 2 parties (including my birthday one :) ) this weekend so it's going to be a challenge to keep up my good work lol. Shots, shots, shots! Come on next week!! 

Week 16 - Stabilizing

I'm 197.4 - 1st goal is 190!

I stabilized at 197. I really thought I would gain a pound as I stabilized (losing 3 pounds in 1 week was extreme for me) which did happen. I ran half the week and went out a couple days so it wasn't a heavy work out week. It really has been harder to get fully into running daily again and I think I’m finding excuses why I can’t work out that night lol. I’m feeling so sluggish and lazy again. Definitely have to force myself to go out nightly. Get back into it Hernandez!! :) I won the Biggest Loser contest entered with my friends so that should motivate me to continue right? Haha

On the upside my running speed, as slow as it is, has been very steady and improving. My endurance is better too. I ran 5 miles twice last week so that says a lot. Still doing it all in an hour but at least it’s happening. My goal is to improve my speed so in the end I can do 4 -5 miles in about 30 – 40 minutes max. It’s going to be a while before I can do that but it’s what I’m striving for.

Like I said above I’m feeling tired and ready for a nap so my running times are later and later at night. I have been struggling to get up and out. I shouldn’t of given myself a whole week off. I liked it lol. I have not been good at taking my vitamins as I should be. I take them every other day when I remember. I also bought Fish Oil vitamins last night so hopefully that helps me.

If I gain or stay at the same weight this week then I have to face the fact that I have reached a plateau and I will have to change things up sooner than I thought. Getting fit takes so much concentration LOL. Can I just tell you that last night I had Wing Stop for dinner? At 9pm!! (yes SMH lol)  I ate 5 wings and a giant handful of fries and I felt like I had to hide that. I ran to my room and devoured my meal LOL. I will have to make more cheat times that just my weekend breakfasts I think :) 

Week 15 - lost 3 pounds!

Wow 196.6!

Wow so did I really lose 3 pounds? Could it be the week I took off from running helped me past the mini-plateau I encountered at 199? Or will it go back up a pound or so when I weigh myself this weekend when I stabilize? I’m still scared that the scale is wrong but I’ll take it LOL. I think it helped that I didn’t eat badly last week at all. Stayed about 1200 – 1400 calories daily. 

It took me a couple days to get back in the swing of things by not running for almost 1 week but I’m back! My body feels stronger now. I think I had pushed myself too hard by running daily but its feeling good now. I was able to run past 3 miles this Saturday! 

I’m still working on diet I’m still trying to find ways to incorporate more veggies into my diet and trying to remember to take my vitamins daily but it’s so hard. It’s not normal for me yet. But I know in time it will be.

I have added an occasional “juice drink” into a meal here and there, an “Orange Bang” or a lemonade but I don’t want to make it into a habit. I got used to drinking water all day and plan on continuing this. And I have been craving coke’s again. I miss the taste of it and it gets hard to ignore sometimes because I want it on a hot sunny day lol. Stay strong right?

Week 14 - Weigh in - same weight

Stayed the same @ 199.6

Ok so my weight stayed the same this week. As long as it doesn't go up it's good right LOL. Last week was really hectic. Everyday somebody needed me for something so I didn't really get to work out all week. I walked a mile and a half on Tuesday and I ran on Saturday but that's about it. However, I was never inactive. I walked all day everyday so I'm pretty that's why I didn't gain any weight.

I also wasn't in the best of moods all week. I was sad and tense all week due to my grandmother's passing away last weekend and having to deal with the funeral this past week. I was happy I was so busy all week because I didn't want to sit down and think about it. Now I'm just trying to get back into my routine.

I feel almost normal today. Had a 3 mile walk. I didn't feel like running but at least I was able to walk :) As I've been told before...just keep on pushing! 

Week 13 - Weigh in - lost a pound!

199.6!!

I finally broke the 200 barrier! Sweet! I’m 9 pounds away from my first goal (190) :) So excited! After I reach that goal I will work towards my second goal (175). These small achievable goals are really helping me stay motivated!

I ran all week except for Saturday – Tuesday. I worked 12 – 15 hour shifts from Thursday – Saturday so there was no way I could fit in running. I was walking day and night so I didn’t feel guilty about not running. I slept all Sunday and Monday which I needed badly; I just felt drained. At least my work project is completed so I’m back to normal tonight. I ended up going out last night but I didn’t overdue it on food (did not go carb overboard) and just ate my protein (beef ribs lol) and salad.

I’m feeling kinda sluggish thinking about running today but I’m not giving up. I figure if I can do a nice walk/run/walk tonight that will still help me keep my metabolism going. Although, my body feels loved the break. My knees aren't sore and my legs feel strong. So maybe I needed this rest.

This is my last week of the biggest loser challenge I participated in with my gfs. I’m glad it’s over. I’m tired of being asked my weight and asking my roomie for her weight. I’ll still keep blogging my progress but now the pressure will be over. My overall long term goal is still to run a marathon in decent time so I have to keep working out until I’m a lean, mean, running machine LOL.

Week 12 - Weigh in - same

At 200.8 now

Ok so I stayed the same (well gained some ounces) last week. No bueno! It's like 199 is teasing me and is trying to deny me entry LOL. Darn you 200! I shall conquer you haha. Ok enough of the dramatics, I only have myself (and my roomie shhh) to blame for the lack of movement. 

I did run daily but instead of eating first and running I swapped it out all last week and ate out with my roomie nearly nightly. That did hurt me. We've been going out due to a working fridge but I took advantage and chose every fatty food nightly lol. I'm not doing that this week. I'm back to eating better but I still feel sluggish.

I felt sluggish last couple days too. I did half my workout (less then 2 miles) by taking my bf's son out for a walk/run and I took yesterday off and I feel it. After my initial resistance the run felt great today. I even raced some chippy who was trying to pass me. Don't you know you can't pass me if you run at my speed?? I always pass em. 

So the plan for this week is activity, activity and more activity! We have a video shoot I will be working on for my company so I will be on my feet for next week. Active week here I come! I may need a massage on Monday when it's all over LOL.

Week 11 - Weigh in!

My due diligence is paying off. I lost 2 more pounds this week! My total since I began in January 2012 is 13 pounds lost now :) I was exceptionally good last week though. Every night I ate dinner early, rested and then went out for my nightly run after. I think that helped too. I know I can’t continue that weekly because I have too many commitments but it was very peaceful and easy for me.

As my food habits are improving I do see the negative consequences of eating bad now. I’m not even craving it so much since it does affect me physically to eat greasy foods (ew right?). Except French fries. I can eat a handful here and there so that never harms me LOL. And I don’t feel deprived…well unless we talk about sodas. I do miss my occasional Coca Cola. That is the only thing I miss. My goal was never to eliminate it but to keep it as an occasional treat.

Again, I’m seeing a slimmer me now as I mentioned last week my bf commented on how big my jeans are getting and they had always been tight on me :)  I refuse to buy any new jeans until my “skinny” jeans are too big on me too lol. I am excited to stop being in the 200’s and look forward to the 100’s!! My immediate goal was to get down to 190. It’s tangible and I’m halfway there now! I'm running 3-4 miles nightly now so my first goal is going to happen sooner than I thought :)

Once I meet that goal, my next step will be 175. I’m taking it all as baby steps. Small goals at a time! 

Runner's high!

My running is definitely steady now. I have a really good pace going. Call it a runner's high or something but I'm enjoying it and it really does relax you. I'm sleeping earlier and deeper these days. It might be the weight loss too lol. Joining the Biggest Loser with my friends was the best thing for me. I won't miss when its over in a month but I'm grateful for it because it got me off my butt!

Roasted Nut Crunch bar - Nature's Valley

I'm now starting to work on my diet a little more. Adding a dash of cinnamon to my plain oatmeal in the mornings (gives it a bit of flavor) and eating lighter lunches with a mixture of veggies, brown rice and tuna. Don't know why I love that combination but its so good! 


I'm also working on my snacks. Found these Nature's Valley's bars that are soooooo good and have 6 grams of protein each! Check them out. You'll love them too! I try to always have a banana to snack on every other day at least since they help me not cramp up when I'm running.


I can run 4 miles now! So proud of me!
Here's last nights run stats via my Twitter @chasincaroline feed:
just ran 4.2 mi in 45 mins 29 secs and burned 633 calories. Total burned so far: 11707 calories! on 3/7/12 at 5:11 PM #cardiotrainer

Week 10 - Weigh-in - Lost 3 pounds!

202.6 baby!

Guess what?? I lost 3 pounds this week! I owe it all to Disneyland and my running lol. Walking quickly around the theme park for 12 hours helps you shed weight…who knew? LOL. It also helps that I was able to run daily all last week since returning from our Big Bear vacation.

I have a good pace going now on my nightly runs. I’m even trying to mix it up and running around the neighborhood since it gets boring just going around the park…not to mention how busy it is running around the park. It’s never fun having to weave around people.

I’m adding more core work to my routine this week. I plan on doing sit-ups, push ups, lunges etc this week. Want to start doing bicep/tricep curls as well. I’m trying to find my weights or at last pick up the cat and do it lol.

I’m just excited that I’m about to break the 200 barrier! It’s been so easy to get down to this point and I’m really seeing results on my body now. The best compliment I received this week was from my bf who said my jeans were getting too big! Too big!! 

Will keep the momentum going!!

Week 9 - Weigh in - :(

Easy to lose!

 OK it was not as bad as I thought only ½ a pound gained (enough to bump me up back to a low 205) but I had hoped to break even. My week was not at all as active as I had hoped. I went out more during the week than I hadn't planned for. This means that I had to cut my workout in half so I could make my plans on time. Plus in the end I didn't pack my running shoes in my suitcase to Big Bear vacation, thinking there would be snow on the ground; I should have listened to my instincts lol.

I did manage to walk 2 -3 miles both mornings but it wasn’t the same. You don’t sweat when you walk. And you can’t go fast in boots. But I was trying to save space and not bring extra items. I should of ignored me…next time! However, I was able to control myself on the trip. I had nachos and chips and dip the first night and a few shots of tequila (no sugared drinks!) and the second night I only ate 2 slices of a mushroom and tomato pizza. I also only had a few tequila shots and a few straight whiskey on the rocks as my drink of choice. All good choices! Normally I would have pigged out and drank vodka/soda water all night lol. Plus it helped that I don’t like cake since we celebrated my bf’s birthday this weekend with a cake for him lol.

Ok so other than missing my running shoes I did great this vacation. I know I can lose the slight weight gain easily this week. Back to eating simple toast or oatmeal for breakfast, with light lunches and dinners this week! And of course…run…run..run!! J

Week 8 - weigh in - Lost 2 pounds!

My jogging has improved! And I can do it pretty much every day now which is awesome. I'm doing more running than walking now but I still have my day when I'm feeling sluggish. I'm just not letting it slow me down...I'll just walk it until I get a burst of energy and run LOL. My progress is showing thought, since this past week I lost 2 pounds!!

Yesterday’s tweet: “just ran 3.1 mi in 42 mins 15 secs and burned 481 calories. Total burned so far: 4988 calories! on 2/19/12 at 8:36 AM #cardiotrainer”

I’m amazed at how easily the weight is dropping now. I get full faster during meals (shrunk stomach??) but I’m hungry more often. Great news for me! Means I’m metabolizing efficiently now. I’m still not on 100% healthy meal plan but it’s getting there. I eat less bad food so I say that’s a feat in its own right LOL.

I’m scared for this upcoming weekend. Friday we are heading out to Big Bear for a weekend vacation. I’m excited to finally go on vacation but traveling on vacation and traveling for work are different things. Vacation means bad food and lots of alcohol. I’m not going to lie..I’m going to indulge. So I’m thinking my goal this week is to eat healthy every day leading up to Friday. At least I’m able to get one last good run in on Friday before we depart. I may make that a 4 mile run! Saturday and Sunday I’ll aim to do a Tae Bo video or my own kickboxing and running in place since we are going to be snowed in. On Saturday we will be active with snow tubing all morning so at least I will have some activity. I just don’t want to gain anything for Sunday’s weigh in.

Wish me luck. Any suggestions on working out indoors will be greatly appreciated!

Weigh in - Week 7 - lost a pound!

  I’m excited at my progress! Lost another pound…even while traveling! Very pleased and was excited when I weighed myself midweek and found I had lost 2 more pounds lol (204!) but I know it will be short lived because we fluctuate daily (official weigh in is Sunday’s) but I’m happy to see that now my fluctuating weight is now 204 – 208. Nothing worse than seeing during the week that you gained 5 pounds lol! Right?

I’ve managed to maintain my running workout momentum. I’m even up to 3.3 miles of straight running @ 53 minutes now! So cool! Last night I was punished for eating greasy food. I ate 1 ½ pupusa..I so didn’t need the 2^nd one..was so full! The next time I do opt for one will be cheese only, the mixed with bacon one hit me hard and I lived in the bathroom for a long time. It even affected my nightly workout. I was already feeling cold, sleepy and tired so adding the “need” to go to the bathroom didn’t help. I ended up only walking 2 miles and came home. No running for me!

I think I’m back to west coast time zone, I had forced myself to stay awake most of these nights until 11 – midnight to force myself into our time zone or I would be sleeping by 8pm nightly lol. I guess it’s not a bad thing but it does affect me on weekends because I’m wide awake by 6am LOL!

I’m looking forward to a calm and relaxing weekend…no traveling..and do plan on enjoying good food and company. I will not drink. No plans until next weekend (vacation at Big Bear Mountains) but I hope to keep that within reason lol.

Hope I weigh in at a low 205 Sunday J So close to being back under the 200’s!! 

Did fantastic on my trip! Kept fit!

I am so proud of myself. Not only did I manage to work out every day (except first day - all day flying!) and managed to eat pretty good. I only had pizza one night but kept it whole grain crust and individually sized so it wasn't very big. I also planned ahead and ate then worked out most nights. That really helped.

I also took my vitamins and Fish oil daily and drank a lot of water. So excited that I can keep fit and travel because that has always been my obstacle. I tend to get in the mindset that when I'm traveling for work, I can eat and eat and not work out. Yes I stand most of the day at the booth assisting people and we have a long 10 - 15 minute daily walk to/from parking lot so we are active all day but I don't see how this equals heavy fatty meals, alcohol, soda's with no workouts?? I'm glad I changed my thinking and kept active!

I'm now looking forward to my upcoming business trips! I also downloaded a couple apps on my Android I'm testing out to track my workouts and caloric intakes. Testing out Noom and Shape up. Liking that Noom will

  Jeanette Hernandez @ChasinCaroline

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just ran 2.2 mi in 42 mins 9 secs and burned 346 calories. Total burned so far: 1540 calories! on 2/10/12 at 8:24 PM #cardiotrainer

Working out while traveling!

So far I have been able to run out here in FL. Once I found I am a mile away from the convention center. It was an easy run for me. The gym at the hotel is tiny but at least I have options.

I did eat some fried food monday but mainly I have tried to pick better options. For instance I had canadian bacon and eggs today. Veggie omelet tomorrow. After my 2 hour jog last night I had a bucket of steamed crab legs and lobster. That was good. But I did have some hot butter with it Lol. How can you not? I think I am doing a pizza tonight but it will be personal size!

I'm just happy I can work out on this week. I am here thru Saturday..too long not to do anything right? Advice on traveling greatly appreciated!

Week 6 - weigh in - stayed the same :/

Stayed the same weight. 

  Yup, I drank this week. I can see it reflected in my lack of weight loss this week. It was my gf birthday this week. So we had 3 dinner events for her plus I went out Friday and Saturday for drinks. I don't know how people can go out and lose anything? Kinda sucks.

At least I didn't gain anything this week, however, that was hard for me. I had to run/walk daily to make up for this weeks events. I missed 2 days of working out because of the going out so that didn't help me either.

This week I'm in Florida all week at a trade show. Traditionally this is the week I eat very well because I have to eat out daily but I'm determined to eat healthy at least! Starting tomorrow though LOL. My Monday was really bad! I ate fried foods all day and slept most of the day since it was my travel day. It's not like I can run on the plane hahaha.

I see seafood all around me. I'm going to opt for fish and shrimps whenever I can this week. Any other suggestions on how to eat healthy when you have to eat out day & night are welcomed! I'm already craving my morning breakfast of pancakes LOL. Maybe just a veggie omelet?? hmmmm....

Changes I've noticed on my #body...

As I'm easing into week 6 I've noticed changes already happening in my body due to the daily run/walks, increased water intake (from almost 0 - 5-8 bottles of water daily!), and decrease in food. I'm sleeping better and deeper now. I really do feel rested now when I wake up. My face is pretty clear. I've never really had face issues and still get the "teen" flareups here and there but my skin is looking pretty smooth and even these days. Can't describe it but I hold my water increase responsible LOL.

I'm noticing the slow reshaping of my body. I'm still at the beginning of my journey but I can already see my waist again (yay) and I can see my legs smoothing out.

I'm still at the run/walk of my daily routine. I don't punish myself if I can't work out one day but I continue it the next day. I'm still doing 2 miles daily. I will be increasing it to 3 miles as soon as I can get my time down to 20 minutes each mile at least. I'm still at 25-30 minutes per mile. Very slow, although, my heart is racing and I'm sweating (only the parts I run) so I know it's working me out.

I also added ab work to my routine. I make it a habit to stretch, throw in some squats and kickboxing, but mostly I do sit-ups. My stomach is getting flatter and my "love handles" are getting smaller. Can't wait till it's all gone!

I'm very happy with how things are going. I noticed too that with eating less, my appetite has gotten smaller so now I really do get full faster with less food. I'm glad I shrunk my stomach lol. So I'm still eating bad for me foods but less of it or omitting the extra starches lol. It's helping me that's for sure!

I love fries..good for diet??

Our idea of portion control - leave 1 of each behind LOL

   



  Ok, why is it so hard not to eat fries? I've actually done pretty good at limiting my meals these days since you can eat most things with moderation but what about fries? Why are they sooo good? It's the only real fried food my bf likes, its one of the few fried foods my bff likes as well so between them I've eaten fries at least 5 times since last week LOL. I've been good with it though. I only eat enough to satisfy my craving since they ordered but I don't know how this will help with the "NEW ME" lol.

For instance check out today's lunch. We split a garden burger but then had small order of fries (yes small order) but we also added it's cousin, the fried Zucchini! Another evil in itself. A veggie gone wrong LOL.

Anybody else, have a good solution to saying no to fries? I didn't run/walk yesterday but will tonight and in all fairness it's only Tuesday. I worked out and was super active all weekend so I don't feel guilty but today's fries can't be good LOL.

I guess I better eat a healthy dinner and forget about it.

However, I have 5 dinner/drink events starting Wednesday - Sunday. Then I travel all next week. I'm so scared! This is when I go bad! I'm going to have to switch to morning runs for the week to stay on top of it because between all the birthdays, work functions, farewell party and THE SUPERBOWL..I'm going to hurt.

Wish me luck, send me advice or alternatives..I'm going to need them! Ok back to work I go now LOL.

Week 5 weigh in - Looking good!

Date: 1/29/2012 

Activity: Walk & Jog

I lost another pound!! Wasn't the best week ever nutrition wise but was very stressful which gave me incentive to walk LOL. I went out a couple nights for dinner and although I'm better at selecting lighter meals I'm still not being as healthy as possible. 


My knee still hurt a little during my jog on Friday night but I had absolutely no pain on Saturday and Sunday on my jogs. I've been able to run more often than walk which is awesome.


My run/walks are still slow but at least they are pretty steady. That's helping me and my legs lol. My legs are getting smoother. Nice!


I have lost an inch or so on my waist. I should measure myself to start tracking that progress but I'm noticing it on my clothes. I'm psyched to see that.


I managed to get my roommate to walk with me at least once this week. She's not very active and pretty much has only lost a couple pounds due to eating less. I guess to each their own but I know her progress would speed up with activity.


Planning on riding my bike this week before I walk/run. I'm scared to take it out for a spin but its time lol.


I'm excited that I'm approaching the 200 pound mark. I can't wait to weight less! I'm already noticing more energy which is what I've wanted the most. You don't notice how much extra weight zaps you of energy until you have lost some weight. I'm too active to lack energy!