Week 4 wrap up... So I never posted week 4 update before I left town for business trip. At the end of week 4 I lost 1.8 more pounds. I also started seeing my weight loss for the first time - I noticed my bracelets fit looser on my wrists and same for the rings on my fingers. I got a compliment from a friend who said she could see I lost some weight, especially in my face and around my stomach. Yay!

I am continuing (and loving!) to use my HRM, it has been really helpful. 

I measured myself again and this time I lost some inches! It is definitely exciting to see the changes. (1 inch off the waist, 1/2 inch off the hips and 1.8 inches off the bust)

SW: 206 lbs

LW: 200 lbs

CW: 198.2 lbs (1.8 lbs lost since last week, 7.8 lbs total)

Friday's breakfast... Nowadays I just have plain oatmeal and coffee with a bit of milk and sugar for breakfast. I left my lunch bag at work yesterday with my thermos for oatmeal and coffee mug :( I thought this would be a good opportunity to treat myself to something different for breakfast - it is Friday after all. So I stopped at McDonald's on the way to work and got their "Fruit & Walnut Snack with Lowfat Yogurt". I wanted to try it so I know whether it is a good option if I ever have a craving to eat out, need a snack on the go when I am traveling, etc... I have read several articles on-line with suggestions on how to eat healthy at fast-food restaurants. I just thought I would give some of them a try. It is really nice to prep your meals at home, but once in a while you find yourself in a situation where it is more convenient to purchase something or just want something a little different.

My verdict: I would probably give it 6 out of 10. The apples slices and grapes are just that. The yogurt was creamy, but a bit too sweet.  And the walnuts were candied. I would've liked it better (and I am not only talking about taste but also nutrition) if the walnuts were not covered in sugar and the yogurt was not so sweet... I would have it again unless I find something better.

I'd like to try Chicken Fajita Pita from Jack in the Box  next.

Wiped out... I went to the weekly Zumba class tonight - what a workout, I am completely wiped out. I wore my HRM, too - it showed a little over 500 calories burnt! I am glad my personal trainer session was canceled, it would've been too hard to do both in one evening. I tried my new Nike Zumba shoes (bought at Kohl's with a really good discount). I liked them better than regular training shoes, it was much easier to move around. 

I also noticed my wrists are smaller now!!! I put on a bracelet today that I have not worn in a little while and I can see the difference! I tried a couple of my rings on - same story :) Do hope this continues.

Week 3 wrap up... Saturday is my weigh in day. Here's what I have to report:

SW: 206 lbs
LW: 201.6 lbs

CW: 200 lbs (1.6 lbs lost since last week; 6 lbs total so far)

Even though I know it is awesome I lost 6 lbs, I just don't feel it all in any way, I am a little disappointed... The other day I thought my skirt was feeling looser at the waist, so I took my measurements - no changes. 6.0 lbs seems like a lot of weight (a medium-sized bag of dog food, for example - just looked at Boomer's), so I am really surprised I do not feel it in any way... It's no big deal, it just bothers me a little bit :)

I met with A. to see a movie in the morning, then went to the gym in the afternoon. I had my exercise card and was able to find all the strength training machines (I was worried about that as I have no experience in using gym equipment), I tried to remember what the trainer told me about keeping my back straight, 90 degree angles, etc... Exercised for 30 min on Elliptical for the 2nd part of my workout. It was pretty empty in the gym today, I guess the busiest times are weeknights after work. It would've been even more perfect if they had better air conditioning; it was +25C today (77 F). 

 

Polar FT4... My new heart rate monitor was delivered yesterday. I was too excited - I set it up right away and used it for my evening workout at the gym - lap swimming for 26 min. Burnt 250 calories. The HRM did really well in water, and I liked being able to check my heart rate at the end of each lap (~150, which was perfectly "in zone"). 

The "real" workout... So yesterday I had my 2nd personal trainer session. And what a session it was! First, it was around +35C (95F) and the gym does not have a very good ac system... Second, I took Zumba class - I knew better what I was doing this time, so I was able to put more energy into the steps, but also got tired much faster (plus the hot weather). Third, I had a personal session immediately after class. The trainer sent me to warm up on a bike for 5 minutes. Then he not only showed me various strength training exercises, he made me do each one correctly (=harder), 2 sets of 10 repetitions each. And after all that I was sent to exercise for 30 min on elliptical. Not the "easy" way I have been doing it before either, but with proper incline and resistance. I slept like a baby last night :)

Progress photo... well, not big progress yet, after 4.4 lbs down. Would like to use this for reference later.

201.6 lbs (91.5 kg)

Week 2 wrap up... Today was a weigh-in day for me:

SW: 206 lbs
LW: 204 lbs

CW: 201.6 lbs (2.4 lbs lost since last week; 4.4 total so far)

Today I also had a personal trainer session at the gym. She took my measurements, measured my BMI, tested my cardio level... My instructions for the next week - cardio on elliptical 3 times 20 min each (HR 131-150). As long as I do these 3 cardio sessions, I am free to choose any other activities I want. I will most likely do swimming and zumba again.

Exercise I did during week 2: treadmill(x1), swimming(x3), zumba(x1), elliptical(x1)

Zuuuumba... I tried it today for the first time - so much fun! I really enjoyed the class. Who knows how many steps I did right, but I had fun trying. I am definitely going back next week.

On another note, here's a photo of what I usually take with me to work (water bottle makes it easier to make sure I am drinking  a min of 8 cups, most days it is 12-15; the thermos has oatmeal for breakfast; a turkey sandwich for lunch; I try to eat yogurt every day; just recently discovered Kashi chewy granola bars - love them).