I'm back!

Oh man...What a terrible blogger I am.  My last post was 2 months ago!  I know it's not a good excuse but I got busy.  Really really busy.  I also experienced some resistance to hitting my goal.  I was almost like I didn't want to hit it.  Like I was afraid to or something.  My last post was on October 24th and I was 1 pound away from my goal of 135.  I think I was worried about hitting it and not having anything to work towards.

Well I'm happy to announce that I did hit my goal.  The very next week, in fact.  And do you know what?  The world didn't stop turning.  I didn't run out of steam.  I didn't hit 135 and start gaining again because I lost motivation. 
What happened was I came off the phentermine and my energy level plummeted.  To help gain back some of my energy, I started working out even harder than before.  I made every trip to the gym really count and I've lost an additional 7 lbs because of it.  My official weight as of today is....128!
Since my weight is in check and my BMI is completely healthy and normal I have decided that weight loss is no longer my goal.  Fitness is.  Even though I'm no longer over-weight, I still have some body fat to lose and I could stand to gain a bit more muscle.  If, in the meantime, I lose a few more pounds, fine.  But my ultimate goal is fat lose, muscle gain, and overall health. 
My self confidence is though the roof compared to where it used to be!  I feel proud of myself and my accomplishments.  I walk tall in public and dont hide behind a gigantic purse anymore.  I dont hide when people are taking pictures anymore.  I welcome the opportunity to meet new people and try new things.  I've never felt so good about myself.  I never want this to go away. 
On a slightly more vain note.  I am getting more attention from men than I have every gotten.  Doors are held for me and I get hit on regularly.  Don't get me wrong, my husband is most definitely the only man for me but there is nothing wrong with getting your ego fluffed now and then.  I take a small amount of pleasure from watching some arrogant guy, who would have never spoken to me a year ago, fumble through his words to ask me out, then watching as he walks away with his tail between his legs after he gets rejected.  Does that make me an asshole?  Maybe, but who cares.  I earned it.
My current measurements are.....

Waist- 32" (-1" )(-13")  I have a waist line!
Hips- 34"(-.5") (-4.5")
Thigh- 19.5" (-.25") (-2.5")
bicep- 11" (-.5") (-2.5")
Under-bust - 34.5" (-.25") (-5.25")
Bust - 37.5" - (-.5") (-7.5" ) 
Shoulders - 39.5" (same) (-5.5") 
Neck -12.5" - (-.25") (-1.75")
Calf- 12.75" - (same) (-1")
That a loss of 43.5" total from my body!

Week 22....Allllmoosssttt......There!

It's week 22 and I'm so close I can taste it.  The suspense is killing me!  This morning the scale says 136 pounds and my body has been playing with that number all week long.  I was kinda hoping it would give up that last pound this morning but, of course, it's going to make me bust my ass for every last ounce.  I had another cookout last night and although I was very well behaved in the food department, I did have a veggie dog which has massive amounts of sodium.  So it's very possible that the last pound is water weight that I can just wash out with a ton of water today. 
In other news, I am going in for my 5 month blood pressure and weight check today at 3.  I'll post those results and 5 month side effects as soon as I can.  Maybe tonight?  We'll see. 
I'd also like to post about some apprehension(?)....anxiety (?)....nervousness(?), that I've been feeling about hitting my goal weight.  To be honest, I'm almost relieved that I didn't hit it today.  It's a very strange set of mixed emotions that even I haven't quite pegged yet.  Why in the world would I be anything but ecstatic about getting there?  It seems backwards to me but I plan on giving it some thought today and hopefully I can work it out before I get on the scale and see my beautiful 135.  I want to enjoy every last second of it with nothing to get in the way.
So, I guess it's measurement time!

Waist- 33" (-.5" )(-12")  I have a waist line!
Hips- 34.5"(-.5") (-4")
Thigh- 19.75" (-.25") (-2.25")
bicep- 11.5" (same) (-2")
Under-bust - 34.75" (same) (-5")
Bust - 38" - (-.75") (-7" )  Never fear!   I had a bra fitting and I'm still a C cup.  It's all good.
Shoulders - 39.5" (-.25") (-5.5") 
Neck -12.75" - (-.25") (-1.5")
Calf- 12.75" - (.25") (-1")
That's 2.75 inches lost this week!  Damn Gena! And that makes 40.25 inches in 22 weeks!

Week 21 weigh-in! Birthday Parties, TOM, and French Bread Triumphs!

I have to say, I'm pretty proud of myself this week.  TOM came right on time and brought all of the mood swings, water retention, and bloating that he possible could.  On top of that, this weekend was my sons 3rd birthday!  HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Love!  About 30 of our family and friends came over for a cookout on Friday night and I brought my hostess A GAME!  Slow cooked chili from scratch, veggie dogs (or B.Y.O.M. (bring your own meat), and cup cakes that put even Martha Stewart to shame.  Our guests brought every temptation you could think of, like chips, potato salad, molasses baked beans, cookies, smores....you name it, they brought it!   I was in a situation that I haven't been in for a while.  I had the opportunity to eat EVERYTHING I've gone without for the past several months.  I could have called it a cheat day and gone buck wild but I didn't and man am I proud!  What a sure sign of a changing mentality!  Wanna know what I ate?  From the time people started arriving to they time everyone one was gone, I had 2 veggie dogs, a small bowl of chili, and 1 cupcake.  It was absolutely delicious and not followed by raging gurgle guts!  I enjoyed every bite and had just enough to get my fill of those fall cookout flavors and not a single bite more.
Normally a cookout in itself would have triggered a binge, let alone, a cookout on TOM but not now.  The new me is just to strong to be pushed around.  In fact, yesterday my Mom stopped by on her way home from the grocery store, and with the best intentions, brought my family's favorite snack.  Sharp cheddar cheese, fresh green grapes, and french bread.  French bread is a major weakness of mine.  Its so soft yet chewy with a perfect crunchy crust.  For me, it doesn't get much tastier than that.  I mean, it's seriously pushing orgasm status and I haven't tasted it in months!  It stared me in the face for nearly 30 minutes before I finally remembered what I have been saying all along.  This journey is not about deprivation.  It's not about learning to live without everything you love!  I LOVE french bread and that will never ever change no matter how hard I wish!  There is nothing wrong with enjoying one of life's simple pleasures as long as you know when to stop.  So I got a plate and I cut 2 pieces of cheese, plucked a handful of grapes, and tore off  a piece of bread about the size of the palm of my hand.  Then I sat down and savored it all with my family and had absolutely no problem saying no to a second helping.  Good job, Kara.
Not only did I face all of these demons in one weekend but I stomped their asses and showed them who's boss!  I got on the scale this morning after a damn good workout and it said 137!  Thats a 2 pound loss this week, people!  That's pretty amazing considering I haven't been losing more than a pound per week for a long time now and I hardly EVER lose if TOM is here.  Fuckin A!
In case anyone is counting, that means I'm 2 pounds away from my goal!  2 fucking pounds!  I remember being 56 lbs away when I first started and being unable to imagine getting anywhere near 135lbs!  I'm here, damn it!  2 more pounds!  If I were to go take a really big dump right now, I might hit my goal.  Unfortunately, I don't feel one brewing but even if it takes me 3 more weeks to get there, it doesn't matter because I already feel like I've made it.  Next I'll just have to figure out where I want to take it from here.  Do I want to continue to lose a little more or do I want to try maintaining for a while first?  Hmmm???.....I'll save all that for a different post.
On to measurements!

Waist- 33.5" (-.25" (-11.5")
Hips- 35"(same") (-3.5")
Thigh- 20" (same) (-2")
bicep- 11.5" (same) (-.2")
Under-bust - 34.75" (same) (-5")
Bust - 38.75" - (-.25") (-6.25" )
Shoulders - 39.75" (-.25") (-.75") 
Neck -13" - (same) (-1.25")
Calf- 13.5" - (same) (-.75")
That's .75 inches lost this week and that makes 38.25 inches in 21 weeks!

late but GREAT! 20 week weigh in

So my weigh in was supposed to be 2 days ago....I know.  But oh man, monday and tuesday were hell.  I wont bore you with details but I will say, I didn't have time to blog.
I return with great news though.  I have reached another fantastic milestone!  I am now an official member of the ever so elusive and exclusive 130's club!  BITCHIN!
The scale read 139 yesterday and this morning and I'm just giddy about it.

I'm afraid that I'm a little pressed for time again today though so I'll just skip right to the measurements.  Only 2 measurements changed and I don't want to complain but I really want my boobs to quit shrinking.  It's starting to get a little unsettling.  I love my girls just the way they are.  I wish my body would start pulling the fat out of my tummy and just leave my fun bits alone for a while.
.
Waist- 33.75" (same) (-11.25")
Hips- 35"(same") (-3.5") this can stop any time now.
Thigh- 20" (same) (-2")
bicep- 11.5" (same) (-.2")
Under-bust - 34.75" (-.75") (-5")
Bust - 39" - (-.25") (-6" ) enough already! 
Shoulders - 40" (same) (-5") 
Neck -13" - (same) (-1.25")
Calf- 13.5" - (same) (-.75")
That's 1 inche lost this week and that makes 37.5 inches in 20 weeks!

the CORE of the matter.

I want to make an addition to my new workout post about working the core.  Before I explain my personal plan for my core, I want to clarify what I mean by "core."  I have been very confused about what a core was for a long time.  I have always been under the impression that your core was basically your stomach muscles and doing crunches was all that was needed to build core strength.  WRONG! While you do have core muscles in your stomach, thats not the whole picture.  You also have them in your back, hips, and butt!  Who knew?  Maybe you did.  But I sure didn't.
Probably the most important ones are the transverse abdominals that are located deep inside your midsection.  I have a hunch that mine is pretty weak.
SO ANYWAY!  After tons of reading through some good material and some complete CRAP I think I have a better understanding of what it takes to build a stronger core.
Apparently it is best to work these muscles BEFORE the rest of your workout so that you have plenty of energy to dedicate to them.  Also, it will do you absolutely NO GOOD to spend hours on them. In fact, 5 minutes before your regular workout routine is all you need.  That's not enough to wear you out before you start lifting and it is plenty of time to wake up your core muscles and make them fire better during your other exercises.  SWEET!
The main thing we need to learn first is how to make our core stiff.  Unfortunately, the best exercise for this is the dreaded plank.  It looks easy, but it is so fuckin hard (if you're doing it right, that is.)
Here is a proper plank performed by a smokin hott guy....



You're supposed to do these everyday for longer periods of time as you get stronger.  Over time, you'll improve your balance, flexibility, coordination, and breathing making you look and feel better than ever!  My biggest motivator to do them is a vain one, I know, but motivating nonetheless.  Core muscles are the ones that are responsible for holding in your gut!  They act like a girdle for your insides and I would LOVE to get a flatter, tighter tummy!
Planks are just a start.  There are a million core exercises but I'll post them later.  Right now, I think it is more important for me/us to preform the really basic stuff until we get the basics.  Good luck!

New workout! Highly recommended!!

Ok, down to business.

I have been doing my homework, folks!  If you don't have time to read up on every tiny aspect of weight-loss then just trust me and give this workout a try.  I'll keep you posted about the results as I progress but I think it's going to be pretty effective.
It is so hard to find a workout on the internet that is specifically designed for women who want to lose weight and created muscle density.  Everything I can find is either completely pro cardio with no weights, or is aimed at the body building women who want to look like a female Rambo!  The few I did find that combined both weights and cardio were very unspecific about the weight lifting part.  In other words, they told you lifting was important but didn't tell you how much or how often.  And Ladies, 2 lb dumbells don't count as lifting weights.
Anyway, after much research, I have put together my own routine that I hope will burn fat, create denser more defined muscles, and NOT cause me to bulk up like a meat head.
There is much debate of whether high reps/low weight or low reps/ high weight is more effective for building muscle.  Without going into boring detail about the science behind the two, it sounds like they both have very useful benefits.  My plan is to do both.
I already go to the gym 3 days a week (Mon, Wed, Fri) and I think that ought to be plenty.  On mondays I lift a medium amount of weight for a medium amount of reps (6-8.)  However much I can comfortably lift for 6-8 reps with the last 1 or 2 being fairly strenuous is how I gauge the weight.  I only have an hour at the gym in the mornings so I spend about 30 minutes doing the weight machines then spend the last 30 minutes on the elliptical.
On wednesday, I lift a large amount of weight for a small amount of reps (1-5.)  Becareful not to hurt yourself but just through enough weight on the machine that you can't lift (with good form) more than 5 times.  Don't be a wuss, you're probably stronger than you think.  Again, 30 minutes of weight's, 30 minutes of cardio.
On Friday, I give my muscles a little break and do a low amount of weight with a high number of reps (30 to 100.)  There doesn't have to be a whole lot of resistance here.  The idea is building stamina and burning calories while giving a much needed rest to your muscles.  I may skip cardio on these days and just lift for the whole hour.
A few things to remember if you decided to do this is....
1-Always take a day off between lifting workouts.  You can still do cardio if you really want to on Tuesdays and Thursdays but remember, you wont build muscle if you don't let it heal in between beatings.
2-Try to do 3 sets of each exercise with no more than a minute between sets.
3- Lift slow and steady and try not to use momentum when you lift.  You're just wasting your time if you don't do it right.
4- Definitely eat more on lifting days that you normally would, especially protein.  You wont screw up your diet with a few hundred more calories on these days.  If fact, you'll just help keep your metabolism going.  Your muscles can't rebuild themselves without fuel.  Just don't go overboard.
5- STETCH, STRETCH, STRETCH!  Can't stress this enough!  If you don't, it will fucking hurt in the morning! I promise!
I'll keep you updated on the progress.  If I'm right, this workout should give some good results.  Plus it will get me out of my cardio rut.
If in my progress reports you happen to notice that I don't work on my legs too much, it's because my legs tend to get pretty muscly, pretty easily and I"m not going for the manly look.  Most people don't have that problem so you might want to consider adding more legs than I do.
Let me know if you try this and tell me what you think!

Keep your testosterone to yourself!

It's been awhile since I've posted anything but weekly weigh-ins so I thought I'd catch everybody up to speed on what I've been up to. 
I have been doing mostly cardio for the last month or 2 even though I know it isn't the most effective method for me.  The problem is that I love hopping on my elliptical, cranking up my ipod, and zoning out for and hour.  I feel so rejuvenated after a good sweatfest!  Also, I have a self-designated machine that I used every time I go to the gym and if someone else is on it, it throws off my whole damn workout.  It's located right next to a pole and it allows me to kind of hide from everybody while I sweat like a dog. I like the security of it.  The elliptical machine has a way of making your butt stand out.  When you approach the cardio area, you can't help but notice people's butts!  It's weird, I know, but it's the truth.  Our cardio area happens to be in line with the path from the free lifting weight room to the water fountain so there is a lot of testosterone walking through and I can feel them staring at my rump!  My pole doesn't help shield my butt at all but it does shield the rest of me which makes me feel a little more at peace.
The weight machines are located right next to the cardio area so they also get the meat head traffic and getting stared at is just as big of a problem there.  The only difference is, there are no poles to hide behind.  I HATE feeling watched when I lift.  I already feel goofy enough as it is!  GUYS!  SERIOUSLY!  Being at the gym is NOT an invitation to gawk! I know atmosphere is cram packed with pheromones from all the sweat but you have to understand that girls do NOT feel pretty at the gym and it is not a good time to flirt!
Now, that being said, I can't complain too much because I NEVER attracted this kind of attention before and it is, in a way, flattering.  BUT STOP IT!  I can't keep losing weight if I feel too self-conscious to lift and really put forth effort! 
Anyway, it doesn't look like it's going to end anytime soon so I made the decision to block it out as much as I can and focus on the reason I'm there.  I started my new routine this week and DAMN, I'm sore.