Fat-2-Phat

171- Fat Bottom Girls

2011-01-03T13:57:00.000-08:00

Okay, so there is no way I will ever be a fat bottom girl but let me tell you - I believe I gained some weight over the Christmas holiday. The last 2 weeks I have totally been off my diet. BAD, bad, bad!!

I am fretting a little bit. That fear of getting fat again doesn't go away. But not to worry, we started a 3 day flush today. That should help get my body back on track. Also, we start our new diet phase on Thursday morning (after measuring) which I am NOT looking forward to.

My goal for January is 10lbs. I can do it! I will have to keep on all my workouts, run and lift as much as possible without straying from the diet.

So, it is the start of a new year. Many of you may be desiring to lose weight this year. Your contemplating what to do- how to do it. DO NOT set yourself up for failure.

1.) GET a good diet plan. Call Doriana at West County Health and Fitness or make an appointment with a certified nutritionist.

No amount of working out or anything else will give you the results you will get with eating right. We both know you and I don't even know where to begin when choosing the healthily meals. Most of the time what we think is good turns out to be bad. So pay the money & get a good diet.

2.) Workout every day. This is secondary and will only work with a good diet. You could workout 100x a day and not see results if your eating crap.

If you want to lose weight quickly, then workout 2x a day every day of the week. NO EXCUSES!

Don't set yourself up for failure. No amount of fad diets or pills will change your body for good. You have to change your life. It is a HARD decision. Thinking it isn't will only make you fail. You HAVE TO WANT IT!!! If you do, then you will eat right and exercise. There is no magic potion. Only hard work in front of you.

I can't wait to see you at the pool this summer. We will totally rock....instead of looking like one.

Misty "gonna keep dropping" Lowe

147- Run, Run Rudolf

2010-12-09T16:37:00.000-08:00

Okay, well the pictures speak for themselves. I finally got out of the 160s. 157 lbs baby. This is the less I have weighed since 2005. YEAH!!

I must say the holiday season is getting tough- diet wise. I had a party Tuesday & today. Ugghh! Well, not to worry. I have extra workouts tomorrow, Saturday & Sunday. I lifted Monday, Wednesday, today & will lift tomorrow a.m. I also ran 6 miles on Tuesday morning, kick boxed 2x Monday & lifted.

I am keeping up with my workouts. I just have to watch what I eat at parties. We don't weigh or measure again until January. Thank goodness.

Misty "big drop" Lowe

129- As the World Turns, I am standing still

2010-11-21T16:44:00.000-08:00

Not much to report. I am still struggling with the scale. I have to weigh in, fat comp test & inches taken & photos taken on Wednesday. I am hoping since I feel my clothes fitting differently that maybe I have lost more inches & fat. The scale has moved slightly but from 1 day to the next I cannot be sure the scale won't go back up. I swear the 160s are trying to keep me down. Never you mind, I keep chugging ahead.

We kick box now too. John yells a lot but he is no Fred. HA HA! I went to class Saturday and there were no gloves that fit. I punched the bag gloveless. Bad idea on my part- real bad idea!! My hands are tore up.

Jen is well again so this week I will get to lift 4 days this week. M, Tues, Wed & Friday. John is offering kick boxing on Thanksgiving. I will need to go to get through Turkey day without keeling over. Hopefully, I will be ahead on cooking then. That would be good. We shall see.

I wanted to harp on one thing before I am out- that's the fact that this IS NOT EASY. It is hard. It is a choice. It is hard work. It is a lifestyle change. Don't take it on unless you are ready to make the commitment. If you are not then do something walking, cycling- whatever until you are. Get motivated. Get ready, make a plan that works for you and get going. Set yourself up for success!!!

124- It Never Ends

2010-11-16T17:00:00.000-08:00

Well, I am struggling to lose weight right now. I have hit a plateau and can't get around it. I am fighting with the damn scale to get out of the 160s.

I feel great and look better but I have a long way to go. Seriously, something has got to give. I am still very committed but am tired of the slowed results.

Anyway, it gets frustrating and people keep saying hang in there or oh, I bet your really dropping the weight since you are always working out. NOPE!!! Can you believe it? Is what I would love to scream back. But I don't.

You know me- I am keeping it real. So I am going to tell you. All this roughage and protein- I have the worst gas. I mean bean-o, shmeno- nothing gets rid of it. Well, I think you ought to know what you are in for if you decide to jump in and get it done.

Well, pray for me ladies. I am struggling. I am tired and I am frustrated. Something has got to give eventually. Right?

Misty "no" Lowe

Day 112- Believe it or not

2010-11-04T16:19:00.000-07:00

Looking at that number- 112- I can't believe it. But believe it or not- I am closer to the end than I am the beginning.

How the time has flown. How much my life and my body have changed. It is amazing. I still have a way to go but oh how wonderful it is to be making progress & feeling better about my body.

I had forgotten what it was like to have confidence about my body and the way I look.

Yeah, believe it or not! I am down the 30 lbs, 15% body fat and 30 inches.

The pounds have really slowed way down. I have kicked it up a notch & started pumping weight two extra days a week. I got in all my workouts & ate well this week.

Anyway, I thought it would get easier, but quite honestly it has only gotten harder. This is because earlier what we did helped us lose the pounds quickly, but now we have to work 2x as hard to get some pounds off.

A friend asked me the other day if I minded that my body was splayed out on this blog and west county health & fitness website too. I told her that I thought it was good for other women- real women to see that it could be done. No photo shop, no nip tuck, no touch ups- the real deal. We all know what our bodies look like underneath- the extra skin, the stretch marks, the dimples and flab. Well, this definitely shows how I have changed, that it can be done and we all need to be very realistic on our expectations.

To be honest- after I lose the weight and get to were I want to be muscle tone wise- I plan on saving for a tummy tuck. Doriana said that extra sagging skin will get a little better but it is not going to go away. I want it to but first I am going to do everything I can to be healthy before I go have a surgeon fix something. To be honest, if I go without having learned how to eat and take care of myself first, I will be right back here- fat and unhappy.

Misty "not giving up dropping" Lowe

DAY 95- So Far Away

2010-10-18T18:42:00.000-07:00

Well, that is pretty much how I feel- so far away from where I want to be. I still need to drop 15-20 more pounds. My poochie tummy, extra chunk above each hip & my back wings are still hanging on strong. I know they will be the last to go, but I am tired of looking at them. The last 20 is way harder than the first 20.

I did pick up my pace this weekend. I did 2 classes on Saturday but then slept in on Sunday & missed Fred's second reign of terror. But give me a break because I never get a day to sleep in. I get up on my weekends bright & early to work out for several hours.

Tonight I did 1 hour of cycling then an 1 hour of kick boxing. I swear John (the kick boxing instructor) about killed us tonight. We had to lay on the ground and do these reach, kick , stretch & back again. It was killer for the saddle bags.

It still seems to me that most of the time I try to psych myself out with the whole food thing. I get focused on the smell or just the desire. I get it & realize it wasn't really worth it. How do you stop doing that?

I have picked up running again. I am up to 3 miles - 3x a week. I have missed it. I am going to train for the 1/2 marathon again. So here I come GO! St. Louis.

Don't give up on me yet. We still have a ways to traverse ladies!

Misty "Stunted Dropping" Lowe

DAY 92- We Will Rock You!

2010-10-15T15:31:00.000-07:00

As you can see for yourself, the last three months have been productive. You can definitely see a difference. I am not DONE though. I still have obvious areas that need improvement- back wings & back hips as I like to call them.

I know that will be the last area to go because it is my hardest places.

These last 3 weeks have been tough for me with food & exercise. I have to be honest. It's easy to slow down on the workouts & food when you see results you never thought'd you'd see. You think man I look pretty good. But the truth is- I have a ways to go. So, if I am going to kick it in a bikini come January when our 6 months is up. I better get on it. The last stretch is the hardest.

But I am committed & now that I am getting use to the new schedule. I am heading back onto the original diet plan Doriana prepared (we've changed like 6x since then). I am committed to kicking out 2 workouts a day even if it seems impossible.

In three months I want to look way better than my "now" photos. So keep me in your prayers. Especially since I have Fred's kicking butt class tomorrow & then after that John's kick boxing class. I am double dippin' baby!!

Oh, just in case he reads it- I will mention James for good measure. He is a trainer at West County Fitness & he does Fred's class with us. He sometimes counts out squats in Fred's class. He always adds extra counts & reps. He and Fred are villains. I think Fred, James & Doriana are in a coven together since they are very evil. HA! HA! They mean well. But man they don't let up!

Gonna keep rocking'!!!

Misty "Rocking" Lowe

DAY 87- WOW!!! Walking on Broken Glass

2010-10-09T09:30:00.000-07:00

Can you believe it has been 87 days since the start of this whole thing. I can't believe it. Before to long we will be halfway done. Next Wednesday will be 3 months. Which means we will only have 3 months to go....Yippee!

So it has been a bit since I blogged. I changed jobs and got a different schedule so I am still figuring out my workout times and eating times. Thursday I imploded at work. There is always free food around- pizza, cookies, brownies, chips....always very bad. So Thursday I ate pizza, Oreo cookies and cereal. WOW! I feel like I was walking on broken glass...something beautiful shattered into something that cut the crap-ola out of me!!!

But I felt so bad that I worked out for 1 hour 45 minutes on Friday then I worked out 2 hours 20 minutes this morning. I stuck to my diet yesterday & so far today despite seeing grilled gooey wonderful cheese sandwiches today and smores, hot dogs and chips last night at our hayride.

Today I did Fred's Body Blast class. SERIOUSLY!!!! I swear we did 1000 squats. You think I am exaggerating but I am telling the truth!!!

I think Fred had a bad night last night or awful dreams while he slept or something because he assaulted us like we were trying to steal his wallet. Up down, hold for 8, up and down for 8 then 8 on this side, 8 on the other, 8 with knee ups, 8 with kicks, 8 with side kicks...all on both sides. Then 50 at the end (2x for me) only after we did 3 more set of 8 each with weights....plus side squats, default squats....KILLER SQUATS.

I may not be able to stand up tomorrow. Then because I am a gluton for punishment I took Kick Boxing right after Fred's class. It wasn't a struggle but what was hilarious was that John made us do lots of squats in Kick Boxing too. I told Fred I was going to kill him (he took the class to & regretted all the squats- hee hee!)

Well to give you an update on my numbers (in 11 weeks):

POUNDS LOST: 27

BODY FAT LOST: 13% down

Inches: 29 total all over

Sizes: Down 2 pant sizes

I promise you guys I won't give up. Give me grace when I fall but hold me accountable.

Misty "humbly dropping" Lowe

69- Summer of '69

2010-09-21T16:35:00.000-07:00

Okay, so the title has nothing to do with the blog today BUT you have to admit- you see 69 and you want to continue with the Bryan Adams song. I wasn't alive then but with a name like the summer of '69 - it sounds like s good summer.

This weekend was okay but I imploded Sunday and had waffles and Starburst (it was the only thing in the house I could find that was bad).

But I got back on the wagon and am going strong. Christina and I made a small wager for a pair of earrings depending on who lost the most weight in these 2 weeks. So I gotta put in the work and keep the diet clean because FIRST of all I want to beat her. SECOND of all, I want a new pair of earrings from Charming Charlie's. (If you haven't been there go, it is super cute & not expensive.

So, I wanted to discuss diets with you ladies. So today a good friend (who may be reading this- if you are HI!) about a new diet/ cleanse/ detox thing she is fixing to start. She hit a snag in her weight loss so she is giving something new a try. Good for her. While her situation is a bit different it made me think of us women. We are always skipping from one thing to the next with diets. Hoping something will work but never making any change long enough to really see.

Listen, if what you try isn't a sacrifice, uncomfortable, schedule intense and habit changing and life transforming- IT WON"T WORK. You will lose a couple pounds here or there but its coming right back. Don't give in. Don't say that food is more important than your body, your health and your self image. YOU CAN DO IT.

Heck, if I can do it anyone can. IF you want to transform the way you eat and lose the weight (weight loss is 90% what you put in your mouth) then, contact a trainer with a nutrition background. (Doriana and Gerrad are great trainers but they also know the science of food. Call them at West County Fitness.) Contact a nutritionist who has a history or work ability to approach your diet from a weight loss perspective. GET HELP.

You can spend 1,000's of $$ trying fad this & that and get short lived results or you could pay a couple $100 and get a diet that WILL work for you- no guessing, no nutrition value diagrams to pore over- just eat what they tell you. PERIOD!! If you do it, you will see results.

Okay, off my soapbox that is very broken....hee hee. Been there & done that stuff a million times.

So, today we worked legs with D. it was a great workout. Of course my calves were killing me, after running them in sandals yesterday....ugghh.

I will survive. Livin' the dream!!!

Misty "Workin' 2 Drop" Lowe

DAY 65- Don't Stop Believin'

2010-09-17T10:24:00.000-07:00

So I got up and spun this morning with June. It was good. My legs hurt & were already worn out from doing stadium stairs last night. They were difficult because it was really dark out & the lights were not at the stadium. Going up was fine but coming down my equilibrium was a bit off. Yesterday we had Dorianna and did upper body. My legs hurt then too because Tuesday we worked legs.

I don't know if I talked about our new diet but it isn't hard. The food is good. Again with the same thing everyday. But it isn't bad. I just have to remember to eat. I am faced with temptation from food everywhere I look at work. Brownies, cookies, cake- you name it. It is in my face.

I must admit- I gave in this week and had 2 cookies and a brownie. That probably did not help the new diet since the whole point is to have absolutely no CARBS so our body uses the good fat were eating as energy.

HIGH: Clothes fitting even better & giving most of my tops away.

LOW: Cheating on the diet.

I am worried I might hit a wall and be unable to break through. Don't Stop Believin' has got to be my new motto. Everybody sing it with me....

Misty "Singing" Lowe

60- Sweet Dreams

2010-09-13T20:14:00.000-07:00

We finished the pound plunge Saturday (the one on the side with some friends). I WON!!! Yep, you heard me right. I beat the others and Christina (barely) by .47%. HA!

It was a great boost & to see how far I have come. Still far to go. Today we started a different diet- an all protein diet with good fats mixed in but no veggies or fruits, carbs or anything else. It was okay today. I am still good to go, but I have learned that my body can do a 180 quickly & with some vengeance.

Tomorrow we have D.'s workout. I have some trouble getting all of my workouts in on Mondays & Wednesdays since I work late. I have got to figure out something because ladies, life does not slow for us. We must stay the course even in the rocky roads.

HIGH: Fitting into another pair of skinner jeans & buying a size 10 pants.

LOW: Desiring the chocolate cake but holding steady

Misty "Fat Dropping" Lowe

56- Oops I Did It Again

2010-09-09T19:20:00.000-07:00

So, I had a cookie yesterday. Yikes! The Big Butt Blue Bar at work was stocked with crap-ola. I was very hungry (having forgotten my dinner) and I slipped. I told D. though. She told me it was okay and that I needed to get back on the wagon. She also gripped at me because I removed my carbs from my diet 2-3 weeks ago. I didn't understand until she informed me that giving up my carbs all together was bad since I did not replace them with good fats. So she told me to put them back in and Monday we get a new diet....yippee.

D. took my picture tonight for the website....the bra & panty update one. She is going to put our original bra & panty one up against the 2 months result one. I am a little nervous about that because I am still far from where I want to be. Plus, I am 2 toned- legs & chest tanned but my wrinkled, flabby, stretched mark stomach is PALE!!!

Get ready world you're going to see it all....hee-hee-hee!

HIGH: No cookies today even though free ice cream cake was put right under my nose.

LOW: Feeling bad about the cookie...

Misty "Might Be Dropping" Lowe

Rocky - Gonna fly now

2010-09-05T08:57:00.000-07:00

51- Gonna Fly Now

2010-09-05T08:43:00.000-07:00

(Rocky running up the steps):

Trying hard now !

It's so hard now

Trying hard now

Getting strong now

Won't be long now

Getting strong now

Gonna fly now

Flying high now

Gonna fly, fly, fly...

Really, this is how I feel at this stage in the game. Running the race is just in the warm-up stages.

I have to keep it moving.Saturday I took Fred's class. Then I got up again this morning and did it

again. Today he totally kicked our butts. He made us do 30 minutes of intense cardio then

we went out into the weight area and worked a quick upper and

lower body....killer. The man has no mercy. I was impressed. He reminded me of D.

Anyway, the food thing is getting harder because I am burning more energy but not adding

more fuel. I wake up several times a night with leg cramps. I am laking potassium so I am

going to have to get a supplement.

HIGH POINT: Being able to increase weight in the lifting portion of Fred's class.

LOW POINT: Eating a couple bites of rice last night.

Misty "Gonna Drop Now" Lowe

48 - Here Comes the Rain Again

2010-09-02T16:46:00.000-07:00

Well, week 7 has come and gone. Now we're working on week 8. Almost 2 months down- 4 to go. I have to say just as I was getting comfortable in my workout and eating routine a glitch has been thrown in the mix. I have two events at church during the week that prohibit my night workout. Then Steve has two nights a week at school which mean I have to rearrange my schedule to work out and get Ainsley in bed on time. I can do it; it just sucks changing in mid-stroke.

The eating has been off this week. I have missed snacks and meal times due to schedule changes. But tomorrow is another day to get it right. I am spinning in the morning. I will probably do an afternoon class as well then a short workout at night so I can makeup for the workout glitches this week. D. was sick so no workout tonight with her. So Christina and I worked upper body but it is not the same when you don't have D. there yelling at you and stretching you further than you think you can go.

I am loving how I am looking but I don't want to slow down because I am happy. I have still got four more months to go and at least 30 more lbs to lose.

HIGH POINT: I went to a different work site today and several people called me "skinny" or asked how much weight I had lost because they could see it. That was awesome.

LOW POINT: I had a couple bites of spaghetti today at dinner. I missed my snack today and my supper was light because I need to go to the grocery store. But no excuses- I cheated (its cheating when you have 4 full bites of something).

I just have to remember that even when the rains come they don't just drench your clothes and make your hair a mess- rains renew whatever they touch. Rain ends and hope begins in the form of a rainbow. Maybe I should remember God knows what I need. The rain that has come is renewing my body, my mind and furthermost- my commitment to do this thing.

Misty "Not Dropping" Lowe

46- Hot 4 Teacher

2010-08-31T16:47:00.000-07:00

Okay, the title has nothing to do with today except that Doriana led spinning this morning & played the Van Halen classic (that I totally have loved since I was 6). I did spin this morning with D. Ladies she is a killer. Up, down, dragging, no hip moving, hip moving, hills, switchbacks, fast, slow, heavy, light. I tell you Christina and I were working extremely hard to stay in there. Three other ladies were unable to hang and had to back off it was so tough. One poor girl- it was her first time spinning. Spinning kicked my butt and my quads.

Of course it was back at it this after noon with D. again. We started with legs and moved to arms. It was a great workout. She made me do abs with weights tied to my feet. That was hard. I wanted to cry but it is hard to cry when someone is yelling at you to keep it moving. Then she made me do pull ups- real ones. I used her to push off but still I could only get to 6. KILLER!!!!!

I know it sounds like I want to kill D. and that she is an evil monster, and that is usually the case when we are working out. But you have to understand she wants nothing more than for us to get results. To improve our bodies. She is exceptional at what she does. I don't even think she realizes how great she is. Have you ever seen someone working in their element so well that your amazed at how good they are at what they do. Well, that is D.

Just as a reminder, you can have D. too. She is of course for hire as a personal trainer, nutritional consultant or workout consultant. You could get these results no matter where you are with your personal weight loss goals. 15 or 50 lbs - she can get you there. If you don't live in the St. Louis area give her a call. I am sure she could consult with you on your workout program and nutrition via phone (toll free (866) 461-8536) or email (westcountyfitness@gmail.com) website (www.westcountyfitness.com). She is also on Facebook (Doriana-Grillo-Young/1534840580). Also, she could probably contract personal training out to someone in your area.

Okay, enough commercials- ha ha! Today was good. I felt good. I am on track. I want cake though which is not good.

HIGH POINT: Hanging in the spinning workout w/ D. Fitting in to a pair of jeans I have not worn in 3 years.

LOW POINT: Having a bite of Steve's B-day cake.

Misty "dropping" Lowe

DAY 44- Walking On Sunshine

2010-08-29T09:03:00.000-07:00

OMG! There is so many exciting things to tell you.

First, we measured Saturday (yesterday) you are not going to believe it!

Here are the results of the first 6 Weeks:

Starting Measurements (inches):

Chest: 39.5

Waist: 38

Hips: 43.5

Thigh: 25.5

Knee: 14.25

Calf: 15.75

Forearm: 10.25

Bicep: 12

Weight: 190 lbs

Body Fat %: 33.61%

Lean Body Mass: 126.4 lbs

(Recommended body weight for females age 31: 15-23%)

6 Week Measurements:

Chest: 36

waist: 33.75

Hips: 40

Thigh: 23

Knee: 14.25

Calf: 15.75

F/arm: 10

Bicep: 11

Weight: 168.6

Body fat %: 23.41%

Lean Body Mass: 129.1 lbs

TOTAL LOSS:

Chest: - 3.5 in

Waist: - 4.25 in.

Hips: - 3.5 in

Thigh: - 2.5 in

Knee: - 0 in

Calf: - .75 in

F/Arm: -.25 in

Bicep: -1 in

Total Inches: -15.75 in

Weight: -21.6 lbs

Body Fat: - 10.2%

Lean Body Mass: +2.7 lbs

(you want lean body mass to increase as your losing weight because if it does not it would indicate that your weight loss is not just fat but muscle. You want to increase your muscle while decreasing your fat. This increase shows I am losing fat while gaining muscle!)

These are amazing results. After the weigh in (which I know wasn't what I wanted lbs loss wise because "aunt flow" is in town so that is always an additional 2-3 lbs; so needless to say i think I will be closer to 25 lbs. overall) we did Fred's Boot Camp. I hurt so bad. He killed us with sprints, lunges, squats, kicks, punches and leg raises. But I love that class.

I think people are amazed by the results so far. I know I am. Considering it has only been 6 weeks (NOT EVEN 2 months yet)- those are fantastic results. Think about it. That is an average loss of 1.7 % body fat a week, 3.6 lbs per week, 2.63 in per week. AWESOME.

While the results are amazing, the work to get there is hard. It is difficult because it is a life change people. Not a fad diet were 20-30 is gone is some extremely short period of time but nothing changes with your exercise or eating habits. It is also difficult because it takes COMMITMENT. Lots of people want to lose weight but most people do NOT want to do what is necessary to get there.

I will say Christina and I are not special - blessed with this program- but not any different than you. We just decided we had enough. We got committed and we are going to do this. You can do this too. Doriana can help you. If you followed her direction you could be on the down hill side of the weight loss you never thought possible. I NEVER thought I would get this weight off. It was such a burden. I cried and was depressed by it all the time.

Last night we had cheat night. Yippee. I had a burger, 3 onion rings, a couple fries, 2 jalapeno poppers and later for dessert- a piece of ice cream cake. I was stuffed and did not even get to eat all my dinner because I could not eat the amount of food. It was good but boy did my stomach hurt. Thank goodness that is not how I eat anymore- my body could not take it.

I am excited by this journey. I am glad your going along with me. I would love to hear from you. Please leave comments.

HIGH POINT: Needless to say the weight loss and the cheat meal.

LOW POINT: Not being able to eat all my dinner.

DAY 41 - Voodoo Chile

2010-08-26T18:44:00.000-07:00

Well, lets catch up. Tuesday we worked out with D. and we did legs. We did one leg squats with the weight bar.... ugghhh - killer! Two days later and I still feel it in my butt. The workout was good. we did some of the leg presses (2 different styles) with 190 lbs....for us that was almost undo-able but we pulled it off. It is funny the things we are able to do now that we could not do 5 weeks ago. Like the hanging pull ups. Wow! we can do those now. Granted it is only knees to chest not legs straight out but hey we are getting there.

This morning I did a cardio mix class. It was good. Tonight we worked out with D. and did arms, chest and back. The machine that I couldn't move last week- well this week I did better. It is still not easy but I could at least lift it. After weight training Christina and I did an hour of spin class. Nice. So today was a 3 hour workout day.

Saturday morning is fast approaching. We will be doing our weigh in and our measurements. If we do well enough we get a cheat meal Saturday night. I am super excited about that because it is Steve's B-day and it will be nice to celebrate with some cake. (See another example of food being a part of our traditions. Eating as entertainment has permeated our culture.But that isn't all bad.)

So I still haven't decided where to eat Saturday night. I am soooo torn. Only one meal and so many things to desire. Yummy!

HIGH POINT: Dreaming of these bad boys!

LOW POINT: Worried I won't come in under 170.

Misty "Keeps Dropping" Lowe

DAY 38 - Believe It or Not

2010-08-23T19:43:00.001-07:00

So today was a pretty good day. No second thoughts on my meals or workouts. I got a job offer today so in celebration I had a small piece of cake that I made my hubby for going back to school/ birthday. I don't feel guilty about it. I have done well and stayed focus. I did not fall off the wagon. I chose to celebrate and did so in moderation.

I am feeling better about myself as of late. It is funny when you feel good about yourself how much more you want to do with yourself- makeup, jewelry and hair. I am not any where near where I want to be, but I am trying to live in the moment. Be proud in this moment and cherish the journey. Ladies, that is soooooo hard to do. I think we women are the worst when it comes to rushing around, doing, doing, doing. It is hard to be in the midst of it all. It is sure as heck hard to enjoy any of it.

I am the world's worst when it comes to self bashing. I can call myself all kinds of things I would never let another get away with doing. But I have to stop that. No matter if I am thin or chubby, I am still worth more than the numbers on some scale. I am better than a piece of cake, a burger or a bag-o-fries. Food and weight should not define me.

I guess that is what this journey it suppose to teach me: Submission of my body to Abba, self acceptance not dependent weight, beauty not dependent solely on physical attractiveness and my identity not built into looks. As vein as it may be I want to beautiful, sexy and self satisfied in terms of my body and my looks. However, I have slowly over the years realized this has little to do with being happy or feeling beautiful. It is a lie we tell ourselves when we believe we are only what others can see and our value is only in our beauty and youth.

It is a blessing that the Father sees something more in me. He wants something more from me. I am something more than things that have little consequence.

HIGH POINT: Being able to have a piece of cake and not totally flip out.

LOW POINT: Thinking too much about the cake- in that I mean making the cake more than just food. Giving it some sort of power.

Misty "Still Dropping" Lowe

DAY 36 - The Time Has Come Today

2010-08-21T18:42:00.000-07:00

Well, as you know today is Saturday. So you know what that means- right? FRED!!! Boot Camp was killer. Squats, Squats, Squats. I jumped so many jacks I can't even begin to count them. I sweated so much my clothes stuck to me. Gross! It felt great though. We missed Fred last week. It was good to have him back. Afterwards we did our cardio- round and round we spun on the elliptical.

Tonight I went for a walk after having some yummy salad with steak. I have not really been very hungry today. I don't know why. I felt good though. A little tired but hanging in there. So I am trying to decide were I want to eat my cheat dinner next Saturday (if we get one- that depends on weigh-in). I think I want burger & fries. But we were discussing tonight how hard it is to find a place with a good burger and good fries. They either have one or the other but not both. Good examples of that are Red Robin and Five Guys- great burgers- sucky fries. Anyway, I've never been to cheeseburger cheeseburger so I am thinking about there. However, if you guys have a different opinion please throw it in the ring.

You can make comments by hitting the "comments" button on the bottom of this blog. Just enter what you have to say. Whether its about a burger or not, I would love to hear from some of you.

Okay so moving past food, Today was a good day. Tomorrow should be nice with spinning. Hopefully, we will have a good teacher.

HIGH: Giving it all I had in Fred's class. The sweat felt so good! Putting on an old skort I haven't work in 2+ years. Looking good......woo-wee!

LOW: Almost breaking me off a piece of that Kit-Kat bar. (I held off though)

Misty "Steady Dropping" Lowe

DAY 35- Crazy On You

2010-08-20T15:51:00.001-07:00

Well, last night we worked at with D. at West County H& F. Of course you know what happened. It was killer man. She went crazy on us. I mean we did triceps, biceps, back, shoulders and chest. She was killing us with the weight amounts. 40 lbs, 30 lbs in bars to do curls and presses. Okay, for those of you who do weight lifting this is probably nothing for you, but Christina and I have been building. We started with 5-10 lbs and that was killer. Now, we have bumped up BABY. Don't get me wrong, by the end of the arms section we had dropped down to 10 & 5 lbs. Then on the lat raises we did 3 lbs....okay that isn't much but she waited until after we did all these other sets of exercises before we got to the lat raises. Which meant by that time they felt like we were lifting 20 pounders.

I got to say I didn't think I was going to make it. But I did it. I hurt like the dickens today but I will press through and FRED will see me tomorrow. I will rock the Body Blast Class.

I don't really have a lot to say today. I am especially tired and drained. All I really wanted was to come home, order a pizza, grab a brownie, cookie or Hunk-o-cake and veg out. Instead I came home, empty the dishwasher, put away dishes, filled it up, cooked Ainsley's dinner, cooked my dinner and finally got to sit down to eat. It was good but it wasn't pizza or cake.

D. says if our next weigh in is good we may get to have a cheat meal next Saturday (which is good because we will be celebrating Steve-o's B-day). I would love to actually taste the wonderful ice cream cake I will be getting for him.

But I got to pick it up this week. I know, I know- I said that last week. But our 2nd car died (forever) so know we are down to 1. Steve needed it this week so he had to take me to work. That meant no spinning for me. So this week I am going to try to get there.

HIGH POINT: Slipping into a pair of blue jeans I haven't work in 2 years. (mind you they are still not down a size)

LOW POINT: Missing my a.m. workout.

Misty "Zilch Dropping" Lowe

DAY 32 - Wo-Maneater

2010-08-17T18:48:00.000-07:00

Killer day. Tonight being Tuesday - of course we worked out with Doriana. We did legs...of course D.'s philosophy is that "when you work legs you work your whole body"...It hurt. Squats, lunges, presses, more squats with kettle bells and whatever else she could throw at us. I mean at one point in the squats (with the weighted bar) during the 3rd set I couldn't get my body to move. I couldn't go up or down. I swear that woman is a Maneater/ Womaneater....she is killer. The whole time she kept yelling at me - lower, deeper, faster, down, down down, get that butt lower.(Okay I admit those instructions sound a lot different strong together like that). Needless to say when your pressing an amount of weight you can't possibly move & someone is yelling at you to keep going you feel undone.

I did it. I hung in there and got through the workout. It felt great. I know reading that you must think it is horrible, but having someone direct you, encourage you, and even demand performance from you keeps you in it and pushing harder.

HIGH: I got on the scale today to discover I am 1 lb away from 20 lbs total loss. Which means (for those of you not paying attention) I have lost about 3 lbs since Sunday morning. Awesomeness!!!

LOW: Really tired. Also, fighting with myself to get up and workout this morning.

Keep me in your prayers. I appreciate your support. Even if I don't know you, you and you are reading it I feel like you are and that helps me to keep pushing forward!

Misty "Quickly Dropping" Lowe

DAY 30- "C" Is For Cookie

2010-08-15T17:05:00.000-07:00

So today is officially 1 month down-only 5 to go. In one month I am down 16 lbs and 10 in overall. Not too shabby. This morning I arose with much gusto and went to Spinning class at West County H & F. It was a good workout. We did "laps" in which there was climbing and switchbacks. The music blew- it was some horrible dance mix music like bad Euro trash....YUCK! Give me something like the 70s rock that June blared out on Friday.

Today was as difficult as yesterday. I wanted all the things I couldn't have. I took a small bite of Ainsley's cereal this morning. I know- it was a bad move. I don't think 1 small bite is going to ruin everything but it might be brewing a buffet breakdown....HA HA! NEVER!!!!

So I am digging in and going to try to make it to 515 and 530 am spinning this week. That should boost my morning workout. Maybe throw in some aerobics this week too. (Not like I am not already doing 2+ hours a day) I only lost 1.5 lbs this week. So I don't want to plateau. Got to keep it moving.

I can dream of Cookies- can't I? Or does that fall under the if you lust for something with your eyes you should cut them out thing? If so I think I need to lay off the cookie fantasy and keep my thoughts on lettuce.

Really, who knew there could actually be something this great....a cupcake with a cookie sticking out of it....One day cookie monster cupcake....one day you will get in my belly..... oops....did I just say all that out loud? Well, now you've seen into the mind of a cookie freak.

Why is this whole thing with food so hard? Have you noticed that food and eating has permeated our culture. It is what we do for leisure, we arrange vacations with it in mind, we socialize with it, we give it as gifts. And Holidays? We are just flat out screwed there. Food is everywhere. We can't get away. We (meaning I for sure) will have to conquer this insanity and learn to live in balance with it. It sounds dramatic and maybe a little overboard, but think about it. Where is it you go where food is not in your face? What is it that you do that you do without food in the mix? There is nothing if you are a food junkie like me. Skinny Minnie workout fanatics- maybe they have a handle on it. Or maybe they don't so they work overtime to keep it at bay.

HIGH: Great spinning class- felt good!

LOW: Fantasizing about food way to much!

Misty "Cookie Dropping" Lowe

DAY 29 - Cheeseburger In Paradise

2010-08-14T19:27:00.000-07:00

Today we did Body Blast but Fred was nowhere to be found. The class was still good but it wasn't Fred good. Trust me when I say if your going to take an aerobics class you should take Fred's classes- available @ West County H& F. We did work hard today. It was actually fun at the end because we did squats but with dancing- I know it sounds weird but it was really awesome. I love to dance and really never get a chance to anymore. Heck, lets be honest- no one really wants to see a fat girl try to work it on the dance floor. Like I always tell my hubby - I can still drop it like its hot; I just can't pick it back up.....Ha Ha. But that should be changing over the next 6 months.

Today was hard. After church we ran to the grocery store (when we would usually be running out to eat somewhere) and of course I was hungry so all I really wanted was cookies, cupcakes, hamburgers and everything I could not possibly have. It was hard but I got my veggies & lean meat & got out. I had a delicious salad with this great 0 calorie, 0 carbs, 0 fat dressing that tasted like 1000 Island. Yum!!! (It was at Shnuck's if you were wondering. It was also gluten free. They have lots of flavors, but I can only recommend the 1k Island because I haven't had the others.)

Food has been a struggle as of late. I don't know why. But I am dying for a cheat meal. I am afraid I will go off the deep end and end up at a buffet somewhere stuffing my face.

For instance, yesterday, we went to a Birthday party and of course they had pizza and cupcakes. Don't worry they had salad too. Unfortunately it had cheese, croûtons, and fat dressing with it. So no fat salad for me. Instead Christina and I headed out and made big salads with great marinated chicken....yummy. Don't get me wrong it was no Pizza but I felt better not giving in to temptation.

Well, really keep me in your prayers. I thought for a little while there this was getting easier, but I have found I have hit a new phase and am struggling again. I guess it will go in waves the full 6 months.

HIGH POINT: Having a great workout and feeling everything burn! Yippee. Feeling good in my clothes.

LOW POINT: Having a minuscule taste of my daughter's ice cream....I know its not falling off the wagon but its pretty close. Wishing I was eating a cheeseburger in paradise- heck anywhere for that matter....

Misty "No Dropping" Lowe

DAY 27- Feeling Hot, Hot, Hot

2010-08-12T17:17:00.000-07:00

Goodness, it was soooooo very hot! I missed my a.m. workout- you got it - I was still exhausted. But I made up for it tonight. I was at the gym for two hours. The workout was okay. Doriana could not work us out because she wasn't feeling well. I was definitely bummed about that because I always feel rejuvenated.

Doriana switched our diet up some to help us continue to lose weight. Of course, yogurt, strawberries and a banana were axed. I swear if I see another piece of broccoli I am going to vomit.

I am still not seeing the positive side today. I am sorry. I just am in this funk. I am kinda out of it. I am trying to stay focused. I am excited that I will get extra sleep tonight. If I don't take care of myself & get more sleep, I could get "under" the weather.

HIGH POINT: Being able to keep up in June's class even with killer Abs.

LOW POINT: Exhausted! Wanting to eat anything else but was I am suppose to. (Don't worry- I haven't cheated)

Misty "momentarily dropping" Lowe

Day 26- Running On Empty

2010-08-11T19:51:00.000-07:00

Like other days since this thing began I woke too early and was too tired to move. But I did. I got out of bed, slipped on my running shoes and hit the elliptical machine. But I have to say I am worn out. It is official I am running on empty.

Yesterday we did our weigh in and measure. I am still at 14.5 lbs (I still have 5 more days to hit 15 or more= my goal for month 1) down and a total of 10 inches. I am still not down a pant size but I can tell you my shirts are really saggy. Some of my pants are baggy but most are baggy everywhere except my waist.

So the results after 4 weeks was good. I mean Doriana said they were GREAT! I suppose they are. But for some reason I just can't get excited about it. It's like I have hit a new wall. I am sure this too will pass but for now all I want is a day with no workouts, to sleep in late and eat a huge hamburger with the works and dish of the best fries this side of McDonald's.

I know, I know. I am not very inspiring tonight. But I am real. You have to know this thing isn't easy. Some days are great. You look in the mirror and feel great. Other days you can barely get out of bed and the thought of 6 more oz. of chicken makes you want to die.

Not to worry. I am committed. I will stay the course. I will not give in, give up BUT I am (plumb) give out.

HIGH POINT: Putting on a shirt today that last week had a little extra room but this week just bagged off of me.

LOW POINT: Everything else. I know that is a bit broad but I am telling you being exhausted makes everything a low.

Pray for me ladies. I know Abba will give me strength.

On that note- I am hitting the hay. Getting some shut eye. Taking a snooze. Hitting the sack. Going nighty night. Sleepy time. Lights out. Take a nap. Forty Winks. Grab some Zs....okay you get the picture. (For some reason I feel a little Adam Sandler-ish right now. Go figure)

Misty "Dropping Dead Tired" Lowe

DAY 24- Just Wanna Say

2010-08-09T19:41:00.000-07:00

I am very tired today. I am not sure why. I can say that my schedule has been off this weekend. Friday night we had a marriage mentor class dinner - which was totally awesome. However, I was off my strict dinner. Don't get me wrong I didn't cheat. I had the lean meat, the 2 cups of green veggie but no rice. However, there were walnuts in my salad and I had some red/orange/ yellow peppers too. See- nothing bad- just not exactly what I was suppose to eat. Then the meeting went so late we didn't get home until 11pm which left me no time for my hour of exercise.

Saturday, up early for FRED's Body Blast class at West County Health & Fitness

(www.westcountyfitness.com)

The class of course was KILLER as usual. However, it was extra hard since Fred made us go outside in the heat (after we had already sweat to death for 30 minutes inside). We did "Indian" Runs then a trio of kicks, squats and lunges- that were like line drills. All in the hot, hot sun.

It hurt so bad but felt so good. But again my schedule was impeded when I got out of class because I was called into work. So by the time I got home around 1 pm I had eaten no breakfast, snack or lunch. So I ate lunch.... Ugghhh!

Sunday was fine. I got in my workouts & my meals just fine, but with lots of running around and little rest time. (Since there is no sleeping late anymore with our bright n early workouts). So here I am today- Monday and I was so exhausted I missed my morning workout. I dragged booty all day. Came home- and slept 2 hours (thanks to my loving hubby who made Ainsley dinner). Then up and at'em to make dinner and my day meals tomorrow, followed by an extra long walk tonight. Or at least an attempt at one....

Christina and I walked an additional mile to night but we are now moving so fast that it did not take us any additional time so it was still only an hour workout....

Needless to say today was a tough day. I was tired and my defenses were down. These two small cupcakes on the counter called to me longingly tonight. While sometimes I am tempted in thought about food, I have yet to fight myself to stay away from it. Not tonight. It was an all out battle with crazed food Misty. I won, but my pride is shot.

Tomorrow is another day. Measurement day. The official weigh in & measuring at the gym. I will say the weigh in for the pound plunge (the other challenge we are doing among friends) was AWESOME. I am down.....get ready.......a whopping 14.5 lbs in 4 weeks. YIPPEE!!!

So I Just Wanna Say that I am not afraid because I know that He is with me- Always. And He said He'd never leave me. ("I Just Wanna Say" by Israel Houghton...check out the entire song- it is bumpin')

That keeps me going. He has blessed me and I am grateful to have this experience. Everyday he is teaching me. Everyday he shows me something new. Even more than that He reminds me how we bless each other and affect lives without knowing it. For example, Doriana is doing this not only because she is nice but also because it will be great for her business. What she doesn't always see is that her God given gifts are being used to strengthen to women in ways she can't possibly imagine.

I JUST WANNA SAY- Thanks! Thanks for reading my blog. Knowing your out there keeps me strong too!

HIGH POINT: Losing 14.5 lbs in 4 weeks

LOW POINT: My weakness for the cupcake.

Misty "Steadily Dropping" Lowe

DAY 20- WORK THAT

2010-08-05T19:15:00.000-07:00

(Singing Mary J) Wanna hold your head high/ Cause you're a pretty woman/ Get your runway stride honed and keep going!

That is pretty much how I feel today.It has been a pretty upbeat day. I didn't miss my workout this morning. After work I hurried to West County Gym and Doriana had yet another workout that kicked my butt.Still I felt great. When I got there she just kept saying how much Christina and I had slimmed down. How she could see it and we were coming along great. While I believe her, I cannot really see it. But I am excited.

So the workout was tough, but again I felt I could do the exercises better than before. Of course, D. just adds more weight and reps. Ugghhh!

Next week is weigh in & measure time. I am excited to see how I am progressing. I know that I am not down a pants size yet. But I am getting there. Some of my shirts are loose and my pants are fitting nicely. Some pants have lots of extra room. Others just a little.

HIGH POINT: D., Matt and Gerrad all saying what a difference they see in our bodies already!

LOW POINT: Okay so as your about to see there is a pattern here in the "low' point as of late. The common connection- My hubby. Again tonight he brought temptation to the window and had it glare at me. He had "cheesy things" (basically a tortilla filled with your favorite cheese, rolled up, placed in the microwave, nuked, and dipped in salsa and eaten). They looked so cheesy and delicious. But I stayed the course.

Well, it is one more day down. Next Wednesday we will have completed a month. Which means there will be 5 left. Have we made enough progress? Can we make it into the Bikini?

Misty "Steady Dropping" Lowe

DAY 19- Muskrat Love

2010-08-04T18:04:00.000-07:00

I woke today and could not bring myself to get out of the bed. So, I slept the extra hour and missed my morning workout. I felt horrible about it, but I literally couldn't lift my body. So I prepared my gym bag thinking I would do the fitness class with June & then Spin at 6 pm. Of course, Murphy's law crept in and I ended up having to work tonight until 715. Which meant all the classes were over and I still had to prepare tomorrows food.

Ugghhh! So today will only be a one workout day. This hasn't happened since I've began and I don't want to start a pattern. Tomorrow will be good because I have a.m., Doriana and p.m. workouts.

SO I am feeling a little ho-hum about it all. Sorry, nothing exciting or devastating to report. But this is typically how it all is - isn't it?

HIGH POINT: Putting on a pair of pants & a shirt this morning that were loose on me.

LOW POINT: Missing my a.m. workout & not being able to make it up.

Misty "Dropping" Lowe

P.S.

If you haven't been following closely you've missed some killer songs (all in the title of the daily blog). I am hoping you all think I am a dork for pointing it out. Because I am sure you all "get it".

Kicking it America tonight....if you don't get it google it!

DAY 18 - Summer, Summer, Summer Time

2010-08-03T17:03:00.000-07:00

"Here it is the groove slightly transformed

just a bit of a break from the norm

just a little somethin' to break the monotony

of all that hardcore exercise that has gotten to be

a little bit out of control- I'm a fool to sweat

but what about some grooves that move and soothe- is there no chance?"

Yes, that ode to Will Smith w/ slight changes- was me talking about another killer work out with Doriana at West County Fitness in Ballwin, Missouri. Here in the St. Louis area today the temperature was about 105 when I went to the gym. Despite the dual air units, it was @82 in that bad boy. I was sweating before I lifted a finger.

I got to say the work out was great. I felt good and better equipped than last week to do the exercises she DEMANDED we do. I swear the woman is a drill sergeant- no MERCY. I asked her today if she was trying to kill me. She finally admitted it folks with a firm "Yes". So pray I come out of this alive. Just look at her (Doriana)- I think she could break me in 2 if she wanted.

People are starting to tell me they see a difference. I am glad. I still don't see it but that is okay. I'm kicking the "Scale's" butt. After a bad weigh in on Sunday (which I knew would happen since it was "that time" of the month- just one more thing we ladies must contend with in the battle to lose the weight- about 1-2 weeks out of the month your weight is not right), I got on the scale this morning. Since my "Aunt" left the scale says I am at 177. That would mean I am down almost 15 lbs in three weeks. So my goal is 20 by the end of the first 4 weeks. I would be ecstatic if that happened.

HIGH POINT: Being able to really feel like I was doing the workout better. Better form, more weight, harder abs. It felt good to do it.

LOW POINT: Seeing my hubby eat fluffy biscuits topped with some of my Nannie's homemade jelly- it was tough. I wanted a biscuit in the worst way (and there not even my fav food). Ooh, temptation how you creep in - in the most unexpected places.

Well, I got to get ready to go work out - AGAIN!

Misty "Dropping from heat stroke" Lowe

DAY 16 - I Want to Ride My Bicycle, I Want to Ride It Where I Like

2010-08-01T19:27:00.000-07:00

First thing this morning I hoped on a bike in the cycling class at West County Fitness. It was rough riding. I don't know how many of you have ever cycled (if you have never taken a cycling class do it it is awesome) but those of you who have will know what I am talking about. Your groin area feels like you've slammed it down on concrete couple of times. It is very sore and hurts to sit down afterwards because the seat of the bike is formed in such a way that it is not built for comfort. But don't let that stop you because typically you will burn 700-1000 calories per hour (depending on activity level and weight). The crotch thing can be countered with a nice gel seat.

Today we weighed in for the pound plunge. I only lost 1.5 lbs. this week. I am really bummed because the other girls did that much at least. Not to diminish their hard work, but I know Christina and I are doing more exercise and eating a cleaner diet. I guess it just takes time and their bodies are probably responding better and quicker than ours. It is just discouraging when your working do hard and what your seeing isn't what you want.

Tonight we walked with the weights again. I really like it. Our pace has quickened and the time flies. I am glad I am not doing this alone. I am very thankful for Christina. My suggestion to those of you considering something like this would be to find someone to do it with you. Iron sharpens iron!

HIGH POINT: The feeling of energetic bliss I had after spin class this morning.

LOW POINT: Not seeing the results I want to see in the time I would like to see them.

Thanks for hanging in there with me ladies.

Misty "Slowly Dropping" Lowe

DAY 15- BRING IT ON FRED!

2010-07-31T19:38:00.000-07:00

Boot camp Saturday... Fred ran us ragged. I mean we used the steps, our legs, our own momentum, straps, balls, balance, abdominals and everything in between for an hour and 1/2. Literally I was dripping sweat and breathing hard in the first five minutes. I know I burned 1000 calories plus some. Then Christina and I went for another 30 minutes of cardio. I don't think I have ever sweated as much in my life.

Afterwards I was flying high, but then the crash and sudden burn. I had to take a nap I was so exhausted. I'm feeling much better now.

D. spiced up our workouts for this week. Last night we had to walk up and down stairs for thirty minutes doing a lunge up two steps at a time then running back down them. The humidity was so high that I was drenched in sweat immediately. It was a good workout. My legs were jelly by the time it was over. Tonight it was weights while we walked, but that really wasn't bad. Tomorrow we will get up and spin. Then Tuesday back to the gym for a killer workout with D.

Feeling great. Seeing results on the scale and with the measuring tape. Although I can't tell a lot by looking at myself. I must keep heading forward.

HIGH POINT: I feel very blessed in all of this. God has answered a long requested prayer. His answer like I have stated before is not what I would have chosen but I can see His way is and will be so much better for me in the long run.

LOW POINT:Tomorrow is the pound plunge weigh in. I don't think I will be the winner this week because the scale hasn't moved for me this week seeing how I am holding a lot of "water weight". But hey- that will be gone in a couple days and the my actual weight will again be visible.

Misty "keep dropping" Lowe

DAY 12- I NEED A HAND

2010-07-28T16:48:00.000-07:00

If you see me face down in my dinner plate tonight, it's simply because I cannot move my arms. They feel as heavy as 100 lb weights. Needless, to say I think that introduction sufficiently lets you know that tonight D. at West County Fitness kicked our butts...actually it was are arms she killed. You think I am joking but I literally can't lift them. I am in pain just typing right now. So I think I will just plunge my head in to my plate of broccoli tonight and eat like the little piggies do... Just call me "Randy".

Seriously, today was okay. I think I ate all my meals on time but totally forgot to eat my yogurt before I got to the gym. I am still contemplating spinning but I cannot seem to drag my butt out of bed before 5:20 (which is when I get up & head to the clubhouse to hop on the elliptical for an 1 hour). Spinning starts at 5:15....that means I have to be out the door by 4:50 with extra prep the night before (gotta take my work clothes with me because I will leave from there).

I know eventually I will get it in gear & make it there for spin. Keep me in your prayers! I will say the exhaustion has ceased and know I only experience the typical exhaustion all mothers/ wives feel. SUPERWOMAN? The eating is routine and I think by week 4 it will be as as routine as brushing my teeth or taking a shower.

Can we say LIFESTYLE change....seriously ladies I doubt any weight loss will stick unless we decide to decimate our poor eating habits and lack of working out. I am willing to admit I am fat because I was lazy, ate crap and ate toooooooo MUCH.

HIGH POINT: Actually being able to stand on my own at the end of our Dorianna workout. Declining dessert at work and being okay with it.

LOW POINT: Being offered an awesome looking piece of cake at work today and actually thinking for a second about eating it....hey no one would be the wiser- right? But I made a commitment so I declined.

Misty "Arms Dropping" Lowe

Day 11- ARE YOU READY FOR A MIRACLE?

2010-07-27T17:10:00.000-07:00

Are you? Ready for a miracle that is....well Dorianna took our measurements today. I am doing awesome. Tomorrow will officially be 2 weeks we have been dieting with exercise.

I am going from:

TO:

I know you are dying to see them so here we go:

Beginning: Now:

Bust: 39.5 38.25

Waist: 38 36

Hips: 43.50 42.25

Thighs: 25.50 24.75

Knee: 14.25 14.25

Calf: 15.75 15.5

Bicep: 12 12

Forearm: 10.25 10.25

TOTAL: 5.5 inches overall in 2 weeks

So I am doing great. Feeling excellent. Got the routine down. It's been hard- is still hard. Now it is time to kick it into high gear. Watch out spinning- here come the girls.

HIGH POINT: Dropping 5.5 inches overall & 9 lbs in 2 weeks. Having Matt (a trainer at the gym) and D. tell me they could see a difference in the way I look already....AWESOME!

LOW POINT: Still feeling like a chunk-a-dunk whenever we do core work. I mean I have no core power...I shake like a willow tree in a monsoon.

I am keeping it real ladies. It ain't over until this fat lady turned Phat lady SINGS!!

Misty "Keep Dropping" Lowe

DAY 9- Weigh In

2010-07-25T20:05:00.000-07:00

Okay, today was a nice relaxing Sunday that just happened to start bright and early at 6:30 with me stepping on the "Scale" but no need to worry ladies I surprised it with a left hook and it was over with before it ever got started. So officially in the last 11 days since starting this thing I have officially lost 9 lbs. YIPPEE!

I am very excited and cautiously optimistic. I will say one thing- when you see some results it makes you want to keep moving forward.

It was a really uneventful day. Very routine with the diet and exercise. I know you want some exciting story or simple truth to take away from reading this thing, but really we all know life isn't like that at all. Most days are mundane, ordinary, routine. You get in gear, do what you need to - most of it you could do with your eyes closed- and hopefully you enjoy the life within and around you. Today was like that. Ladies, at a certain point this weight loss thing is something you have to just DO. No whining, no wishing it could be simpler. It isn't. If you want to get it off and keep it off there is not quick fix.

If you need some help contact a gym with qualified trainers & nutritionist to help you. If you live in the area, contact Dorianna or Gerrad at West County Health & Fitness. Even if it is just a little 15-20 lbs., having a mapped out, healthy way to do it will get you there quickly and with some better habits. (At least that is what I am banking on)

HIGH POINT: Kicking the crews butts at weigh in. Dropping 9 lbs total so far. Shout out to my adversaries: Jen, Ted, Christina, Bob, Steve, Emily & Ashley- YOU ARE GOING DOWN...you better find something to hang on to because I am about to blow you away!

LOW POINT: Having delved so deeply into the garden patch I don't crave chocolate instead I am desperately craving milk- (which we all know is not completely enjoyable without cake... ugh!)

Misty "Finally Dropping" Lowe

Day 8- Body Blast

2010-07-24T17:12:00.000-07:00

Today instead of our training with Dorianna at West County Fitness we took Fred's "Total Body Blast" boot camp style class.

OMG! An 1.5 hours of hurt pumping, jumping, running, kicking, punching, ab crunching mania. I mean I just know I probably burned 1k calories in the class alone not to mention the additional cardio I did afterwards & the 45 min. of cardio I will do tonight before bed. Working it out baby!

I also wanted to touch on some information that a lot of you may not have considered when undertaking a large weight loss program. You will be moody, tired and your nerves will be frayed. When your body starts processing different food (not the processed stuff we eat) like veggies and extra protein plus eating more often and adding exercise (some of which will be out of your comfort zone and/ or beyond your ability), you will cry- get made- feel defeated & think the whole thing is pointless. But DO NOT DESPAIR! DO NOT QUIT! Press on. Remember you are a strong woman. You were built so that another human being could live inside of you and come out of you- If you are capable (and most of you have already been there & done it) of doing that, you can do this. This is nothing compared to the complex matter of developing life inside you!

LOW POINT: I don't think I had one today. In the words of Ice Cube "Today I didn't even have to use my A.K., I got to say- today was a good day."

HIGH POINT: Remembering my body is a great work because God has made us wonderful, splendid creatures. I can do all things in Him who strengthens me.

I will post my new weight tomorrow! Hope I win our weekly weigh-in!

Misty "Dropping Extra" Lowe

Day 6 - A ROUTINE PITY PARTY

2010-07-22T20:32:00.000-07:00

The routine is starting to set in and because of that the eating & fixing food takes a lot less time. It has become less of a focus too. My energy can now be spent doing something else. Like my workouts. So I think next week it will be time to kick it up a notch in the cardio arena. So spinning has been on my mind. I took spinning before and LOVED it. So I'll give that a shot. Maybe it will give me a boast I have been missing since I can't run right now.

Other than routine, today I shall throw a pity party. The scale is not my friend. The "Scale" has joined a group of crazed cage fighters that have come together in a battle royal to kick my a!!. Unfortunately, the "Scale" (an evil scaley creature with a wicked cool costume) has the upper hand, and it is pissing me off.

I mean come on how long can "it" hold on to the championship title here. I got to find a way to hit it with a chair when its not looking. With all this training and low calorie eating I am doing I (and you as well) would expect me to be dropping weight like nobody's business. But no, the "Scale" is standing strong with chocolate, donuts, and cellulite in its corner. But, I vow over anything else that I will defeat the "Scale" once and for all in the name of all women everywhere. I will scratch its batteries out if I have to.

Ladies, I won't let you down...I will fight to the finish. Until this "Scale" gives in and gives out, I will remain in the fight and continue to close line this heifer until its down for the count. TKO baby!

High point: Feeling better about the routine of it all. Oh, I can't forget- finding an awesome photo of a scale on google....What can't you find on google?

Low Point: Not dropping a crap ton of weight this first week of the diet.

Don't forget me ladies. I refuse to bow out.

Misty "Eventually Dropping" Lowe

Day 5- I Will Survive

2010-07-21T17:19:00.000-07:00

Okay, it has officially been week one since we started this challenge. While we still have 3.5 weeks of the current diet and 5.5 months of this thing left, I feel like today for the first time I was in a routine today. So days like this make me think I can stay the course.

LOW POINT: Getting on the scale and it showing I have gained 2 lbs. UGGHHH! It is probably because I am so bloated & my intestinal track is not "regular" since starting this diet. Then my hubby got on the scale and has lost 2.5 lbs this week. Good for him....maddening for me since I am working my ever loving behind OFF!

HIGH POINT: Making my meals in no time flat. Getting to take a nap. Having a b.m.

(okay so that is not a topic people like to talk about but I want to keep it real with you & give you all the ends and outs of this deal. I was told that this happens sometimes when your body starts processing more protein than it is use to and some of the veggies cause issues as well.)

Got to gear up to go do cardio. We worked out with Dorianna tonight at West County Fitness. She kicked my butt. We worked every part of our body-again. I hate squats and we do lots of them in different version.

I am even more sore than I was yesterday. Even the day off in between is not enough to get the ache out of my muscles. But hey at least when I lose the fat, my body will be toned BABY!

Misty "Not Dropping" Lowe

DAY 4- EYE of the TIGER BABY!

2010-07-20T18:18:00.000-07:00

Day 4 and I am picking up steam. I must say that eating every 3 instead of every 2 hours has been a huge help. My body can actually speak to me know- (I mean tell me when its hungry,etc). So I am less tired (probably because I went in a little later to work so I could get more rest).

Dinner tonight was delicious for a change. Don't get me wrong- it was the same thing I was supposed to be eating but prepared differently. Yummy! I forgot food could taste good.

So today at work I talked to one of my female co-workers about my endeavor to go from fat-2-Phat. We were discussing how Abba Father had been talking to me about the fact that this is an answer to my prayers just not the one I would have chosen. Because God knows what I need better than I do. So I told her how I thought I would probably learn things from this I had not anticipated learning.

For example, I say God I want to lose weight- I expect the result to be that I go on a fad quickie diet and it actually work . God hears my prayers and knows that a fad diet or anything other than this kind of weight loss plan isn't going to work for me in the long run. He in his infinite love and wisdom provides this knowing it will help me lose weight, become more confident, help my daughter in the future. All of those are great but God is also teaching me commitment and discipline.

HIGH POINT: Well, Dawn (the lady at work) said I was onto something but had missed a big lesson that God was trying to teach me- bringing my body into submission to his will. In doing so He was teaching me obedience. WOW!! Light Bulb went off! God has great plans for me. Plans to prosper me and not to harm me. Leave it to Yahweh. Oh, how much he loves me.

LOW POINT: Waking up this morning almost unable to move.

Well, today was really positive overall. I think I might make it. Thanks for the support ladies.

Misty "Got 2 drop" Lowe

Day 3- I AM TIRED!!

2010-07-19T16:36:00.000-07:00

Okay, so you got the gist of my daily schedule of food & working out. There is no down time. I am exhausted. I have no energy & I think I could sleep for a day....but even if I could - I can't because I would have to get up after 2 hours & eat again....HA HA. It is so tiring I am delirious.

So all day today I wanted to give in not because I wanted a Twinkie but because I was so tired of eating. I know it is hard to believe that on any diet you'd be tired of eating. I am so full ALL the time that I could vomit....ugghhh!

Dorianna changed up my scheduled today from every 2 hours to every 3 hours. Thank goodness.

I am glad that I have faith and hope in God because if I didn't I would kind of feel lost and alone. It is funny I have been praying about my weight and the need for a change. Well, God answered my prayers. Of course, he did so in a way that I wasn't expecting but that is usually His way. He always gets it right though because He knows me so well.

Okay so here is what you've been waiting for:

LOW POINT: The fifteen bazillion times I thought about giving up today. Being exhausted just raising myself up to get out of bed.

HIGH POINT: Realizing one more way Abba Father loves me and sometimes that is more than enough even when I don't think I can make it. He knows!

So I usually don't do this (okay in the last couple of blogs I haven't) but I wanted to send some SHOUT OUTS to those who have got my back.

To you guys I want to say thank you. I am a blessed woman and don't I know it. Thank you for your patience, your support, encouragement and your accountability.

Steve (my awesome supportive hubby)

Ainsley (my sweet baby girl)

Christina (a best friend and partner in crime)

Bob (full of encouragement)

Mary (my running buddy- you & I have traveled many miles together)

Emily (you always find some words to inspire & it's nice to know someone w/ the same struggles)

Jen (you keep me rolling- thanks for all your exhortations)

NO ONE CAN DO THIS ALONE. Ladies, if you want to drop the weight or heck do anything that will take your time, energy or dedication - you got to have back-up.

I love my peeps. Thanks,

Misty "Humbled" Lowe

DAY 2: CAN I HANG IN THERE?

2010-07-18T17:11:00.000-07:00

Well, I don't know what else to tell you but it was the 2nd day and it is not any easier. Actually, I think it was harder. I swear I am WORN OUT. So tired. I feel like if I am not eating, then I am preparing food to eat and when I am not doing that I am exercising. But I have to stick it out and make it a routine. I said I wanted a life change. Well, this is it.

I am excited about the initial weight loss in such a short time. We weighed in on the Pound Plunge today (a competition between Me, Steve and some of our friends to lose the most weight in 60 days). The scale we use for that said I'd only lost 5 lbs. that was a bummer & then Emily weighed in and had lost 5 lbs too. I know she worked for it too. But it still was bitter sweet. But Bob won with 6 lbs. Still have 53 more days to go....so it is anyone's game.

So here it is:

High Point: Being able to make it through 2cups of broccoli, and my hubby at mac-n-cheese for dinner and I didn't even want any.

Low Point: Realizing that this thing is for real and I have 3.5 more weeks of the same food EVERYDAY. Plus, I have to find time to prepare 5 out of 6 meals everyday for work.

Well. I guess I can take a mom's day off after this is said and done & just sleep for a week. I think I'll need it.

Hey, check out westcountyfitness.com and go to the staff pics to see our awesome trainers: Gerrad & Dorianna. They are so strong & healthy.

I'm out...Nappy time for me....

Misty "Just Dropping" Lowe

Diet Day 1

2010-07-17T15:49:00.000-07:00

So I'll give you a quick run down on what is going on today. We started the diet- BORING! Usually the hard part about trying to eat right is knowing what you should eat, how much and when. This diet provides all that information to me and being the detail oriented person I am- I love that part. However, I realize the hard part is going to be making sure I have the stuff I am suppose to eat at the times I am supposed to eat. You may not think that hard but think about this- it's 11 am and your taking the kids to swim lessons or some other activity. Your diet tells you that at 12 you must eat. No problem if you have prepared that meal & have it ready with you in the car. But what if you don't and you run late getting back & its not prepared....your late on eating & timing is everything!

So besides figuring that out, the workout today kicked my butt. We started out on these ropes & straps. That plyometetric exercise is KILLER. I hate squats (and it shows) and we did almost everything in squat position today.

Okay, so enough whining- I got myself into this fat and now I have to work myself out!

There are a couple of things I wanted to talk with you about today. I know that it may seem I'm doing all of this to look good. That is partially true. If that is conceited or something- what can I tell you? But there are other far better reasons.

They are:
1.) I want my daughter to see me looking and feeling healthy.
2.) I don't want my daughter going to school and kids saying her mommy is fat. (Kids think a lot of their parents in those early grade school days and hearing that hurts)
3.) I want to set a pattern of behavior that my daughter can follow. One where food is energy and exercise is essential to good health and a well formed physique. I do not want her to yo yo diet, worry & fret about her weight or even see it as an issue. I want her to have healthy habits that make it a none issue.
4.) I want to feel freer when I make love to my husband. I worry to much about the fat here and there and it makes me self conscious.
5.) I want to wear super cute clothes! (I know- but it's TRUE!)

I wanted to tell you as well that I think we as mothers have to get our butts in gear. Even if you are the weight you want to be or you look like you want in clothes, you should ask yourself- are my habits healthy? Do I set a good example for my kids when it comes to food? Do I let my kids eat crappy food because its easier?

I know I haven't set good habits for Ainsley to see in me but I have always tried to make her meals nutritious. Don't get me wrong. I'm not trying to be self righteous. I've made mistakes. But as moms we want our kids to have better than we have and do better than we have. I definitely don't want my girl struggling with the things that tear me down.

So you guys keep reminding me of all the reasons I should keep going even when I think I'd rather have a hamburger.

High Point: I got on the scale today & since Wednesday I lost 6 lbs.

Low Point: Thinking about eating some of the yummy lunch I fixed Ainsley.

As always- I'm keeping it real.

Misty "Already Dropping" Lowe

DAY 3- The FLUSH

2010-07-16T20:53:00.000-07:00

Today was the last day of our flush. Again, the only real food we had was a salad with grilled chicken on it at the end of the day. The flush was hard simply because at about 2 pm everyday I hit a wall of exhaustion. No energy & nothing could be taken to provide it. BUT we (Christy & I)both made it through.....YEAH.

Tomorrow starts an hour of cardio in the a.m. before breakfast- can you say hello early Saturday morning. Then breakfast followed by weight lifting followed by four more meals throughout the day. Ending with another hour of cardio. Are diet for the next four weeks is the same everyday- essentially very bland, but very healthy.

Which brings me to my points of the day:

Low Point: everywhere you turn is food. There are fast food billboards & restaurants, grocery stores, people grilling on their patio and constant commercials about food. Talk about constant temptation! What even worse is that in the midst of all the temptation is super skinny people. Have you noticed- they are everywhere. I mean no offense to them seeing as how I hope to be one someday- But really does every size 2 woman with implants live in west county....Don't answer that! So it is literally like I am living in constant struggle.

High Point: I love vintage everything- from movies to furniture to music to clothes (especially clothes). So I decided when I am down I am going to go to www.poshgirlvintage.com and look at the BEAUTIFUL vintage clothing they have. My reward when I drop this weight is to buy one of those dresses (since women back then were all really small I will finally be able to wear one) & wear it!!
I know it sounds silly but I think it might be a pick me up that I will need regularly.

I have to get up early so I am off to bed. Sleep tight America and Ladies know that you are not alone in your battle with the bulge! Christy & I have taken up the crusade to end the battle & become healthy women, wives and moms. If we can do it, you can too.

Misty "Dropping" Lowe

Day 1- The Flush

2010-07-14T19:01:00.000-07:00

Okay, so today we started the flush. Lots of fluids & what was chew-able food was simply a lot of roughage. The protein shakes were actually tasty. We got up and did a low intensity cardio- a little walking- at 530 a.m. But I felt great afterwards.

Low point: Several times today I caught myself wondering what I would eat for dinner- only to remember that a big green salad awaited me.

High point: I got in the pool after work today. As I sat there staring at my flabby middle I realized in a matter of months I wouldn't be looking at that mess any longer. In its place would be a sleek, trim middle.

Low point: While at the pool this attractive man was on his deck heating up the BBQ grill.....oh it smelt so delicious....just for a moment my heart sank and I thought of giving up.

High point: I came home, ate my salad- which was totally delicious.

Fear of the day: I will get bored and won't make it pass the initial love affair with this "challenge".

Reality Reminder: Food is not my friend, my comforter or my secret sin....it is the enemy that has turned my gorgeous physique into complete crap!

I hope someone reads this! Please keep reminding me of what is at stake!

Misty Better be -"Dropping" Lowe

Count Down to B-day

2010-07-13T20:35:00.000-07:00

Hello- This is my first time blogging so it's silly but I am a bit nervous.

Dorianna & Gerrad Young, owners of West Count Gym in Chesterfield, MO, have created this challenge. Christina and I are the Ginny pigs!

So tomorrow starts the long journey. I am super nervous. I have tried now for 4 years to lose the weight I gained while pregnant. I mean everything- pills, fasts, flushes, working out everyday, training and running a 1/2 marathon. Nothing has done it. So here goes- no "cheat" days for Lord knows how long.

Ladies- I hope you follow us and see that struggle, the pain and the glory of reaching this lofty -seemingly unreachable goal.

First thing is a three day flush.

I am sure to be floating by tomorrow at noon. I am super excited- to think I could finally give up this battle of the bulge after four long, hard, poorly fought years. Bye-bye mushy mom. Hello hot Mama!

I am excited but apprehensive. I have tried so many times before and failed. I really don't want to this time- especially since there are so many of you who will be following us just to see that it can be done- you can do it. Also, my flabby body was photographed in bra & panties today to be placed front & center at www.westcountyfitness.com front page.....

If you check it out (when they get it up) I apologize up front for the potential gag factor!

Talk to you later. I am gonna drop this weight low!

Misty "Dropping" Lowe