Week 30

I do have to say that overall, we feel a sense of accomplishment for the weight we've lost, but lately it's been hard. We have had about 8 weeks of nothingness. We've both been basically the same weight for those 8 weeks and I'm not sure what triggered the change. Have we gotten lazy? Stopped caring? I don't think so. We just feel busy and it's hard to make the weight loss a priority in our lives. We want to. But it's hard.

So this week we are setting a small goal to shoot for. I want to lose 10 pounds by Christmas, and Jay wants to lose 20 pounds. That's 2 1/2 months from now. Maybe at this point (we're halfway to our weight loss goals overall) we need to set something that seems more attainable and smaller than all the rest of the weight we need to lose. We'll try it and see how it goes.

The pictures are to compare where we plateaued 2 months ago and see if there have been any changes anyway. It doesn't look like it.

Jay's New Weight: 285.0
Jay's Previous Weight: 285.6
Jay's Starting Weight: 330

Kristi's New Weight: 172.0

Kristi's Previous Weight: 172.4

Kristi's Starting Weight: 198.6

Week 29

Sorry! We went away for the weekend and didn't have time to post until now. So we will post last week and this week today. Thanks for your support!

Jay's New Weight: 285.6
Jay's Previous Weight: 285.8
Jay's Starting Weight: 330

Kristi's New Weight: 172.4

Kristi's Previous Weight: 170.4

Kristi's Starting Weight: 198.6

Week 28

Sorry we haven't done photos in awhile, but we promise, they will be posted next week. This last week Jay wasn't able to break through his plateau. I was able to continue to lose more weight since I broke my plateau a couple of weeks ago. We know Jay is changing and losing weight, it's just not reflecting on the scale as it should. It will eventually, though, like mine did.


Jay's New Weight: 285.8
Jay's Previous Weight: 286.0
Jay's Starting Weight: 330

Kristi's New Weight: 170.4

Kristi's Previous Weight: 172.4

Kristi's Starting Weight: 198.6

Week 27

So this is going to be one of those weeks that we didn't take pictures. We have been so busy.

On to the update for the week - I lost weight, finally! Yay! It only took working 2 jobs and having a cold to get the numbers moving. Oh, and that Jay tossed my snack stash. Yup, you read that right. I went to get a sugar free candy cabinet and there was a big empty spot. Jay put them in the trash just minutes before as he took it out. Sneaky! But I have to say, it did help me. It's okay if I'm having a chocolate attack to go and get the sugar free candy, but I was helping myself multiple times daily. It adds up.

Jay didn't break his plateau unfortunately, but we know what he needs to do and now it's my turn to help him.


Jay's New Weight: 286.0
Jay's Previous Weight: 285.8
Jay's Starting Weight: 330

Kristi's New Weight: 172.4

Kristi's Previous Weight: 174.0

Kristi's Starting Weight: 198.6

Week 26

Well, it's getting a little frustrating. I know you're probably thinking that we've stopped making an effort, but really, our bodies have hit a huge wall. We are doing the same thing we did when we lost the last 25 or 45 pounds, but it's not enough. In order to really get past this hurdle we are going to have to drastically change our calorie intake and up our activity levels.

But we are going to do it!

The good news is that we feel smaller. So maybe we're losing inches that the scale isn't reflecting. That's why we have the photos. It shows us that we've made huge progress in little steps.


Jay's New Weight: 285.8
Jay's Previous Weight: 286.6
Jay's Starting Weight: 330

Kristi's New Weight: 174.0

Kristi's Previous Weight: 174.0

Kristi's Starting Weight: 198.6

Thanks for checking in!

Week 25

Wow. It has been harder to get past this part of our weight loss than we thought. This past week Jay went back to school and I started at a new office job, so we had the routine down. The reason routine is so important for us is that it keeps us busy and not thinking about if we are hungry or not and it keeps us active.

We really thought we'd see some big numbers on the scale. You know when you've been good or bad...and we were good! But alas, it wasn't to be. Maybe our bodies rebelled this past week at yet another week of change. Hopefully, this will mean really big numbers next week to make up for this week.

Jay's New Weight: 286.6
Jay's Previous Weight: 286.2
Jay's Starting Weight: 330

Kristi's New Weight: 174.0

Kristi's Previous Weight: 174.6

Kristi's Starting Weight: 198.6

Meals

In case you are wondering what we eat to lose the weight, here is a list of our regular meals. The dinners vary, but this is a typical one. The problem comes when we step outside of our normal routine - especially when we go out to eat anywhere other than Chipotle.

Monday- Saturday

Breakfast

Jay
English Muffin
2 tbsp pnt butter
2 c milk
Total Calories: 500

Kristi
1.3 oz Cheerios or Frosted Flakes
4 oz (1/2 c) milk
Total Calories: 200

Lunch

Jay
2 slices whole wheat bread
2 thick deli turkey slices
dijon mustard
1 slice provolone cheese
chewy granola bar
fruit
pudding or yogurt
Total Calories: 600-700

Kristi
2 slices healthy white bread
1 tbsp pnt butter
sugar reduced strawberry jelly
rice krispy treat
fruit
Total Calories: 350-450

Dinner

Hamburgers:

Jay
3/4 lb. ground turkey
3 Arnold Sandwich Thins
ketchup, light mayo
lettuce, onion
1 corn on the cob
fruit
Total Calories: 900-1000

Kristi
1/4 lb. ground turkey
1 Arnold Sandwich Thin
ketchup, light mayo, mustard
lettuce, onion
1 corn on the cob
light lays potato chips
Total Calories: 400-500

Dessert

Jay
100 calorie popsicle

Kristi
100 cal. klondike chocolate bar

Sunday

No breakfast
Lunch
Eat out with friends. Take home half our meal.
Dinner
Eat lunch leftovers.

Week 24

We didn't forget to post, it just got delayed this weekend. We've been busy with Jay going back to school and me working at a new job. When you see our numbers, don't be too disappointed in us. We are upset but this is life. We are trying to figure out how to continue to lose weight when our routines change.

The thing about the last few weeks is that Jay has been out of school and we kinda took a break from everything. What we learned during this time was invaluable in my opinion. Even though we did not lose any weight, we learned that we know how to maintain our weights. We didn't gain weight and fall off any wagons. We have completely readjusted our way of eating normally without dieting.

So this week I am glad we have come this far. We have farther to go still, but it's important for us to know that when we are "done" losing this weight we will be okay. We know how to maintain our weights and not put it back on.

We also have a renewed purpose to adjust our weight loss routine into our new schedules. We may not have time to get to the gym every single day or take the pictures for this blog, we just need to keep going. This is no way feels as though we've given up. I hope it encourages you through your hard times in whatever endeavor you are doing.

Jay's New Weight: 286.6
Jay's Previous Weight: 286.2
Jay's Starting Weight: 330

Kristi's New Weight: 174.2

Kristi's Previous Weight: 174.6

Kristi's Starting Weight: 198.6

Week 23

Well, this week we were very busy and didn't get to the gym as much as we like to. We only made it there 2 days this week. So it's not surprising that we both gained about a half a pound each. The important thing we need to remember is to keep our eye on the end game which is to lose this weight. Some weeks will be better than others, that's just how it goes.

On a positive note, Jay has changed his red shorts he normally wears for photos for some smaller blue shorts. Yay for fitting in smaller clothes!

Jay's New Weight: 286.2
Jay's Previous Weight: 285.6
Jay's Starting Weight: 330

Kristi's New Weight: 174.6

Kristi's Previous Weight: 173.8

Kristi's Starting Weight: 198.6

Week 22

All I have to say is FINALLY! I broke the wall that held me up for 3 weeks straight! It took a little more work at the gym and a little more awareness of the food I was eating, but I did it. Jay is almost at 45 pounds and soon will hit another major milestone - 50 pounds!

I do have to say, since we are doing this slowly, it is hard to remember how big we were just a few months ago. We adjust to our new weights and then it feels like there is a long way to go still and it's hard to realize and fully comprehend how much we've done. The photos help to remind us of our accomplishments. Also, clothes help remind us of how far we've come. Whether it's fitting into old things we outgrew or buying new things because our old clothes are too baggy, we are reminded that we are changing. And it feels great!


Jay's New Weight: 285.6
Jay's Previous Weight: 286.2
Jay's Starting Weight: 330

Total Weight Loss to Date: 44.4 pounds

Kristi's New Weight: 173.8

Kristi's Previous Weight: 176.4

Kristi's Starting Weight: 198.6

Total Weight Loss to Date: 24.8 pounds

I think I Can, I Think I Can...

So today for my cardio I decided I wanted to run some so I started on the tredmill instead of the elliptical machine. I usually run in intervals and have never run more than a total of 6 minutes out of any workout. I started walking and thought, okay, I'll run 2 minutes then walk. So then at 2 minutes I thought, I think I can run another minute, maybe to 5 minutes. At 5 minutes I thought, wouldn't it be awesome if I could run a mile?? AND I DID!!

I kept thinking - I can do it! I can do it! I got side stiches and thought - don't give up, keep going, push through it and run it out. And I did! It was mind over matter for sure! I probably could have done this before today but I didn't even try. Now I am so excited to do it again.

I ran A MILE! If you haven't figured it out yet, I've never in my life done this! I tried to get out of running in every gym class of my school days. I even remember running in middle school and not finishing in the given time so I had to quit and go inside. I have never completed running a whole mile. But today I did.

Week 21

There's not much to say this week. Jay did a great job as usual! I have hit a wall. So we are going to push even harder this week to overcome that and get past it. We will just keep going.

Jay's New Weight: 286.2
Jay's Previous Weight: 289.0
Jay's Starting Weight: 330

Total Weight Loss to Date: 43.8 pounds

Kristi's New Weight: 176.4

Kristi's Previous Weight: 176.4

Kristi's Starting Weight: 198.6

Total Weight Loss to Date: 22.2 pounds

Week 20

I definitely feel stuck in a scale rut lately! I can't seem to get past the mid 170s. It's frustrating because I can feel and see my body is changing but the scale isn't reflecting that. All my pants are too big in the legs and fit around the waist now. Most of them did not fit me anymore a few months ago.

Jay didn't have a huge weight loss this week but continues to lose each week. He will have to get new scrubs for the fall semester because the ones he has are too big and baggy on him now.

Jay's New Weight: 289.0
Jay's Previous Weight: 290.0
Jay's Starting Weight: 330

Kristi's New Weight: 176.4

Kristi's Previous Weight: 176.8

Kristi's Starting Weight: 198.6

Journal Entry Week 19

Arrgh! This week has been difficult for me! We are no longer stressed out, so that's good. Things have worked out that we were stressed about. Again, really good. The problem that I'm having is CHOCOLATE!

I had a bridal show over the weekend and took mini chocolates (the good stuff like Reese's cups and M&Ms) for people to take with them. The problem was they only took about 1/3 of what I brought. Again, aargh! I even moved the chocolate upstairs at home so that it wouldn't tempt me. Well...that isn't a problem anymore. Since I work out now I don't think going up the stairs is a challenge and so I just hop upstairs and help myself - every few hours. Yes, I said hours, not days. That's why - aargh!

So I have a solution - I am taking the whole big bag to the office I'm temping at and they can have at it. I feel slightly guilty fostering off so many calories, but at least they won't go on my hips!

Jay, as always, is a saint in the snacking department and has refrained from the chocolates (even when offered so that I could share the guilt!). He has helped me to think about the goals we are setting and if I want to reach them, it's time for the snacking to go. Good snacks can stay, the 100 calorie a pop chocolates have got to go.

Week 19

This week is cause for celebration! Jay once again hit another milestone - he's lost 40 pounds! We are back on track and ready to get going again.

For anyone in a slump on your way to a new you, just try going clothes shopping. I promise, when you look in the mirror and see that, yes, you have changed, but you're not where you want to be yet, it will help you keep going. It worked for me, it can work for you! :)

On a side note, if you're wondering why we chose to do this blog - here's another reason: when we have good news like losing weight and we're proud of our accomplishments, we want to share it. Often we don't want to to that verbally because it sounds boastful. By publishing our results, we get to let everyone know about our hard work and how it's paying off. Thanks for checking in!

Jay's New Weight: 290.0
Jay's Previous Weight: 294.8
Jay's Starting Weight: 330

Kristi's New Weight: 176.8

Kristi's Previous Weight: 177.8

Kristi's Starting Weight: 198.6

Week 18

Well. After 4 months of weight loss, I guess this was bound to happen. We both gained a pound or more each. There are reasons - like not tracking food properly, over eating, eating things that we aren't sure the calories it contains - but the biggest reason for us is STRESS. We have been pretty stressed out and our bodies seem to be holding that against us.

I was feeling pretty down then I saw this story. This article is from 2 years ago, but he looks even better now. This man was 650 pounds and didn't go anywhere for 10 years then he lost 400 pounds with a personal trainer over 2 years. Now he's found that under all that fat he is a pretty good looking guy. It was a very uplifting story for me. Make sure to check it out!

So, it is a good reminder this week to keep going and renew our focus. I need to focus on what I'm eating and what I'm doing to burn my calories. We will, as always, continue on this path to our new lives.

Jay's New Weight: 294.8
Jay's Previous Weight: 293.8
Jay's Starting Weight: 330

Kristi's New Weight: 177.8

Kristi's Previous Weight: 176.4

Kristi's Starting Weight: 198.6

Week 17

We knew it wasn't going to be our best week, but we are content because this week it's small but it's still down.

We are looking forward to grilling tonight for our 4th of July celebration. I have a wedding to shoot tomorrow, so we're celebrating early. Our fare: turkey burgers with Arnold's Sandwich Thins for buns, corn on the cob, watermelon and jalapeno poppers with reduced fat cream cheese. We made it to the gym and found out they are open tomorrow on the 4th. Jay is going to try to get there in the morning. I don't go to the gym on days I have a wedding to shoot since I do just as much work there as at the gym!

HAPPY 4th of JULY!

Jay's New Weight: 293.8
Jay's Previous Weight: 294.4
Jay's Starting Weight: 330

Current Percentage of Body Fat: 35.6
Previous Percentage of Body Fat: 35.8

Kristi's New Weight: 176.4

Kristi's Previous Weight: 177.4

Kristi's Starting Weight: 198.6

Current Percentage of Body Fat: 39.4

Previous Percentage of Body Fat: 40.0

Journal Entry Week 16

Someone told me this week that people actually read our blog and that I should post more. Who knew?!

This week has been the most difficult so far. We have had quite a lot of stress with one car breaking down and our lease renewal coming up among other things. It's like when it rains, it pours. Unfortunately, we discovered our trigger for bad habits. STRESS! I immediately wanted to stuff my face and we even skipped one day of working out. Which is terrible! We haven't purposely skipped a day since we started. But we needed it. The stress just exhausted us. We know we will make it up in the future. It just might not be one of our best weeks on the scale.

Another thing this week - our first holiday since starting this lifestyle change. Fortunately, it won't effect us like some other holidays would. The gym won't be open but we are not going to any BBQs or parties. We'll just have to find another way to burn our calories.

One thing that came to mind while thinking about holiday eating is enjoy it. Eat but be responsible. There's nothing like missing out on all of your favorite foods to depress a person (which can lead to over eating). Try taking only a 1x1 inch portion size for casseroles and desserts. Load up on the things that you know are good for you - the veggie tray. This is the technique we employ when eating at other people's houses, potlucks and parties. Holidays aren't any different.

We celebrate with food in our society and like I've said before, that's just fine. Just learn to eat wisely instead of seeing it as a reason to pig out. I used to get so excited thinking about going to a party because I LOVE CAKE. Now I get a little flutter of excitement, but often it's counteracted by thinking about how much extra work I would have to do to burn that cake. Not so appealing then.

Well, that's enough for this week. Enjoy it!

Week 16

This week we decided to post 2 comparison photos with our new photo - starting weight and our current halfway point. The changes aren't all obvious, but if you click on each photo to make it bigger, you will see the changes better.

Jay has continued to amaze with a great weight loss this week. I didn't do so badly myself, if I do say so myself. Advice for ourselves and you this week: KEEP GOING!

Jay's New Weight: 294.4
Jay's Previous Weight: 297.0
Jay's Starting Weight: 330

Current Percentage of Body Fat: 35.6
Previous Percentage of Body Fat: 35.8

Kristi's New Weight: 177.4

Kristi's Previous Weight: 180.6

Kristi's Starting Weight: 198.6

Current Percentage of Body Fat: 39.4

Previous Percentage of Body Fat: 40.0

Week 15

HE DID IT! For the first time in 5 YEARS Jay is under 300 pounds. Way to go! He is doing such a fabulous job at changing his lifestyle with working out and eating right. I can say for sure he'll never be over 300 again!

On the other hand, I should be careful making those promises about myself. j/k! This week I went up a smidge, but it put me back in the 180s however slightly. Just last week I said I had left that behind forever...so time to work a little harder and make that true!

Jay's New Weight: 297.0
Jay's Previous Weight: 300.8
Jay's Starting Weight: 330

Current Percentage of Body Fat: 35.6
Previous Percentage of Body Fat: 35.8

Jay has lost 33 pounds in just 3 months + 2 weeks!

Kristi's New Weight: 180.6

Kristi's Previous Weight: 179.8

Kristi's Starting Weight: 198.6

Current Percentage of Body Fat: 39.4

Previous Percentage of Body Fat: 40.0

Week 14

It's amazing to see the differences from 3 months ago until now. We are so glad to have the pictures to document these changes. Otherwise, we would still feel fat (which we still are) and not see the proof that we are changing.

Jay did not break the 300s, unfortunately. Our bodies don't always do what we expect. We have found even the slightest changes in our routine from week to week can really effect the outcome of our weights. On the other hand, I am very happy to leave behind the 180s, forever!

Make sure to tune in next week! I have a feeling he'll be leaving those 300s behind once and for all.

Jay's New Weight: 300.8
Jay's Previous Weight: 301.0
Jay's Starting Weight: 330

Current Percentage of Body Fat: 35.6
Previous Percentage of Body Fat: 35.8

Kristi's New Weight: 179.8

Kristi's Previous Weight: 180.6

Kristi's Starting Weight: 198.6

Current Percentage of Body Fat: 39.4

Previous Percentage of Body Fat: 40.0