Thanks!  It’s good to know you’re rooting for me

Wow, Carrie… it is amazing and pleasing to see that you can make some simple modifications to your diet and then the lost pounds follow. The hunger issue is an adjustment… you’ll eventually learn how to eat enough calories to fuel your body yet keep you satisfied. Not only avoiding the refined carbs will help, but also keeping the proteins you eat “pure” (e.g., a chicken breast instead of a breaded chicken patty), drinking a lot of water, timing your meals, and avoiding the empty calories (e.g., regular salad dressing).

I love it how some people change up the routine a little and become reenergized and gain a renewed enthusiasm… sounds like Carrie is now running with a fresh set of batteries!!

I love it how some people change up the routine a little and become reenergized and gain a renewed enthusiasm… sounds like Carrie is now running with a fresh set of batteries!! 

That’s so true Tim.  I was in a bit of a slump for a while there and had become bored with the exercise challenge by the time I got to day 200.  I needed a different approach.  Now I’m focusing my attention on my eating not just getting in the exercise so it feels like a whole new program. 

Thanks for the advice.  I know you know how do take off the weight, you look wonderful.  Expect me to pick your brain.

Alright Carrie! Holy shrinkin’ She Hulk Batman! 21lbs to go wicked!

Precisely, Robin!

School starts on Monday and after a series of orientations, band parent meetings and such I’m fast discovering that my life is going to be extremely busy.  The logistics of my schedule will be mind boggling.  My daughter will be in Karate every afternoon after school so I will need to pick her up.  My son’s schedule is crazy, Mon night Boy Scouts 7-9, Tues & Thurs band practice 5-8 and marching in football games ever Friday night.  I’m not quite sure how I’m going to get him to band practice by 5:00 when I don’t get out of work until 4:30 or 5 depending on how busy I am.  Not to mention, when is the kids supposed to eat dinner?  These teachers don’t understand that we parents have to work out here in the real world and don’t get off work at 3:00.  I’m going to have to be a B#@$H and complain about that one.  Then I meet with my trainer Mon & Thurs 7 -8:30 and have other meetings to go to during the month. 

So with all of this driving around and waiting I’m a little concerned about when I’m going to fit in my exercise.  Meeting with my trainer 2 day a week helps but what about the other days?  And when will the kids fit in homework and family time?  I guess I’m going to have to get organized here.  God help me!!  I don’t want to fall into the “fast food because it’s easier” trap.  And I don’t want to start stress eating either.  Any parents out there have any advice on how to keep it together with all of this going on?

Carrie,
Just caught up with your thread today, you are doing awesome work!!  Great job on your sucess so far!!!  I just read your most recent post, wow you really have a lot going on.  Maybe to avoid the fast food trap you can pack a cooler full of good tasting and good for you snacks so you can avoid the whole fast food thing.  Also to get the dinner going try some good crock pot cooking to help you save some time!!  There are many crock pot one dish meals that tast great and are good for you as well!!!  Also try some casserole cooking as well.  Make ahead some casseroles for the week on Sunday and then just pull them out of the freezer and put them in your oven to cook.  There are also many great recipes out there that are good for you as well.  Make sure to keep on drinking water during these busy times, I always carry a bottle of water everywhere that I go.  I help some of this helps you out.  Keep your goals in mind during this time and write down times on the calendar for your exercise too!!  Keep up the great work

Scooby

Hey Carrie, heres a suggestion sit down and make a time inventory and see if there are any responsibilities you can delegate to your kids and to your husband or any one else who could help. As far as meals go I suggest you meal plan and try to prepare meals in advance, this will save you tons of time. Where there is a will there is a way!

I’m not a parent, so I don’t have any experience in this field, but I certainly empathize with the busy schedule and lack of time. I really hope that you can find some time for yourself and for your kids, wow they’re very busy!!

You’re doing really well, Carrie, You can do this!!

I’m not a parent either but I can relate to the busy schedule syndrome. I make my meals in advance and reheat them as needed. That saves me a lot of time. Make sure you schedule in your exercise time on your calender. You have to remember that you are important too. Could you do your cardio first thing in the morning? I’m not sure how young your children are but if you can delegate more tasks to the rest of the family that could help you too.

Wow, thanks for all the great ideas everybody!!  I think delegation is at the top of my list.  I just can’t do it all.  I’ve talked to Grandpa and he says he will help me shuttle the kids around.  That’s a blessing!  I’m giving the kids charts to get ready and chore lists too.  My husband is a lost cause but he likes to cook so I’ll just have him help me there.  I just have to get super organized and plan everything ahead like you’ve suggested.  I imagine it will be difficult until we get a system down.  The TV, XBox, DS and computer (except for me of course) will be off for sure, at least until we get everything running smoothly.  Then it can come back on a limited basis.  So much time can be waisted.

Thanks for the food and cooking ideas.  I never thought about the crock pot but it’s a great idea.  I will definately use your suggestions.

I’ll let you all know how I do.

Speaking of busy schedules, I have been working and only have to work out after, other than normal mom duties (and you know how that works), and can’t seem to find time enough to be on here. You are doing phenomenal! Keep up the great work, and hooray for grandparents!

Bree

Bree, Having a job and being a Mom is tough and not for wimps. 

I survived today.  Left work a little early, picked up the kids and went to two schools for open house.  First we went to the high school for my son.  We ended up walking around in circles for an hour looking for all of his classes.  Then I left him there for band practice at 6:00.  Next we were off to the elementary school for my daughter to meet her teacher.  I got home at 6:45, just enough time to change clothes, fill my water bottle and run to the gym for my appointment.  Thankfully, my trainer was running a little late too so he didn’t mind. 

I had a great workout but was very tired and a little shaky because I hadn’t eaten since lunch.  I guess all of that walking burned up my fuel before I even got to the gym but that’s a good thing.  Maybe I burned a little extra fat in the process. 

I started doing squats on my own while I was waiting for my trainer.  I start with two 25 lbs plates then I go right to two 45 lb plates.  These are my warm up sets so I felt comfortable doing them alone.  A guy came up to me when I put on the 45’s and said “Wow, you’re playin’ with the big boys!  If you need a spotter, let me know.” I thanked him and said I’m used to this but won’t go higher without my trainer.  He kind of hung around like he didn’t think I could handle it.  After my trainer arrived he chatted with him while I worked.  Soon, the guy was sitting there just watching me with a shocked look on his face.  After I did my last set at 245 lbs he said “Dam, you don’t see that every day!” This time I wasn’t bothered by having someone watch me like I have been before.  I felt proud instead.  Nice change…

All is well on the eating front.  I’m holding at the 4 lb loss which is great for just one week.  I don’t expect to keep up that pace but it was a nice beginning.

That is absolutely excellent, Carrie! I’m so glad you felt proud instead of awkward. You should be proud. You’ve worked so hard to be where you are today. Have you ever thought of competeing in any body building competitions in the future? Just curious…

It sounds like your first day ( I’m asssuming this was your first day of the hectic schedule) went very well. You were able to fulfill your obligations to your kids, AND still get in a workout AND continue to impress the people at the gym!! Good job, Carrie

Is it possible to bring snacks along in your car so that you get a chance to eat in between lunch and your workouts?  You’ll need the fuel for strength during the busy days!