Garmin VivoFit Review

Hope everyone enjoyed their long weekend (or hopefully had a long weekend!).

Activity trackers seem to be the biggest rage these days and I avoided them for as long as I could.

But after reading so many studies and articles over the past couple years about how even though you might workout daily - and at an intense rate that you still may be too sedentary. As a marathoner this really had me thinking for a while. Yes, I workout 6-7 days a week but at the same time I work 10ish hours most days and that doesn't really bode well for a healthy lifestyle. How many of us have looked at the clock after a busy morning to only realize that it is lunch time and you haven't gotten up since you walked through the door? #corporateworkflow 

Then one day my sister posted a picture of her app she had on her phone - nothing fancy it just tracked steps - and it was free so I immediately downloaded it. 

Within a day I was definitely addicted. But my already poor iPhone 5 battery was being demolished having the app running in the background (as was the lack of being able to be freed from my phone if I wanted to track). 

So I took the plunge. I bought the Garmin VivoFit (the original not the second version, since I like to save money and I was okay with it). 

And, I am in love with it. I got it and it has not left my wrist in the past month. 

It is oh so simple. There is no charging, it syncs within seconds (via bluetooth) to your phone or computer and the interface online has a lot of potential - and it also tracks your sleep. The one downfall of the original version I will mention is no backlight. So if you are going to bed and want to press it to sleep mode you can't see. But as I have learned it is also intuitive and will realize when you aren't moving anymore and figure out when you are sleeping for the night even if you don't put it to sleep mode! So smart!

I was honestly most concerned with steps and being active every hour so I have not engaged a lot with all it can do online. 

But I have to say it has very much changed my activity level. I am cognizant of getting up and checking that darn red line that begins to grow after an hour of activity. I also find myself going on more and more walks. Even the weekends first thing I either walk for coffee or make a coffee and go for a walk (if not working out first thing).

You can see below: in the beginning my goal for steps was slightly under 8,500 per day.

Now, it has grown to over 15,000 day. 

And that was within a month.

It is intuitive in that it alters the step goal every day to adjust to your normal daily activity. 

This, is where I think it is a bit detrimental for me. My competitive attitude (with myself) sets in and I have to exceed that goal. 

By a lot. 

Obviously on one hand that is good for me, and has set some very healthy habits. On the other, it has played to my already slightly obsessive tendencies and I notice I get a bit of anxiety with "needing" to demolish the goal for the day. 

So yes, it has me walking EVERYWHERE (I haven't taken the subway in the past month I don't think or a cab) and I walk the stairs a few times a day up the 12 flights at work and then some, I get up when watching TV to move about; but on the other hand I have definitely developed an attachment to it. 

I didn't want to wear it the other night because I was going out and it just didn't "go" obviously but that gave me a little anxiety. Not a good thing. But I have a very all or nothing attitude. 

I think at the end of the day it is definitely something that people can benefit from as far as becoming more active. And even for those of us that don't have a problem being active (as in working out/training for an event etc) I think it shows you just how your activity trends during the day. You can work out and be in shape but still be too sedentary. 

Final Weight Watchers Weigh In

Today was my final weigh in for weight watchers. I decided not to renew because, money, and after 3 months I think I have got my healthy habits on a roll.

I decided to rejoin after seeing a number on the scale that was leading to a frightening trend of getting back to a size I vowed to never see again.

The final result was in the 3 months I lost 12 pounds total.

I have reigned myself back in to practicing balance and sensibility. I am not nor will not eliminate food groups. I like wine, beer, burgers and fries way too much and ate all these (plus anything else I wanted) during my time on weight watchers. I still think it is a great program to help learn or in my case relearn moderation and balance.

I still struggle with binge eating boredom. I counter this for the most part by just not keeping snacky foods in the house. If I am dying for something it usually means going out to the store. And lately I have instead just gone for a long walk instead and by the time I am done I know that I don’t really want it.

I also still struggle with labeling food good/bad and having guilt feelings towards certain foods. While I do eat what I want, some times it takes days before I will indulge (current case froyo which loaded with toppings yes is a calorie bomb and I have trouble "justifying" it). 

Coming from being obese at one point, losing weight in the beginning unhealthily and disordered eating still haunts me on the daily. But, I try. 

So goals for now? In conjunction with shedding some weight the Crohn’s seems to be heading into remission which means it is a perfect time to begin building a base for fall racing.

I want to build muscle (which in turn will help shed fat) so for now am not necessarily focused on a number on the scale (although I think I probably could gain muscle shed fat and probably be 5 – 10 pounds less the stomach still has plenty to shed).

My goals are more fitness related vs. a goal weight. I want to be able to do things like pushups with ease. I want to at some point in my life be able to haul my body up in a pullup! I want 9 minute miles to be comfortable again. I am being patient with all those because the Crohn’s killed my body the past couple years but in due time.

Losing some weight was absolutely necessary and just a jump start to getting back to where I want physically.

The fact that skinny jeans are now comfortable again and I am looking better closer to summer (yes, vanity and Miami trip I am looking at you) is just a plus.  

Weight Watchers Week 12

So I don't have much to say because:

Weeks weight loss = +5.0 lbs

Total loss to date = 9.4 lbs 

And no, I am not naive enough to believe that I managed to gain 5 pounds in a span of 7 days (that would be quite impressive). I don't even think I gained a single pound. 

This is a couple things. 

Last week I thought the loss was a fluke (but that was about a pound). 

This week I have been bloated and retaining water. Visually noticeable. My calves were in serious pain all week and they were definitely bigger (as the lovely BF told me as he squeezed them and I grimaced in pain).

Plus it is that time of month. So water weight on top of water weight. The calves are both feeling better, I still don't know what created that but basically I was going to not even report this week but would rather be truthful. 

I was within my points all week and didn't really use activity or weekly (which can also have a negative effect I have learned), had some of my best runs (yay 7 miles last night!) and workouts but knew the bloat was happening so stepped on the scale and took the number with a grain of salt. 

Now lets hope I depuff soon because right now I feel like the Marshmallow Man.

Off for a fab dinner date of wine and pasta - that is how I feel about "weight gain" !

Happy weekend! 

Weight Watchers Week 11

So truth time, I definitely did not track on Easter (although hosted and literally only ate one meal which was deeeelicious), and tracked quite a few days through dinner then didn't input my evenings. I also think dehydration is the reason why I had a weight loss this week. I had wine last night and my stomach is definitely not feeling it's best today. 

Weeks weight loss = 1.0 lbs

Total loss to date = 14.4 lbs 

The good news is this was the week I decided to return to the morning workout club! 

Holy crap I forgot how good it felt to not have your workout hanging over your head all day long! 

Minus today because #wine

As mentioned in my post earlier this week, this time around the Remicade didn't knock me out and I actually felt an energy boost, which has been nice. But let's also mention how of course this week the mornings were all freezing and rainy. What the hell spring? 30's in April, I think Mother Nature is a wee bit confused. 

Anyways. Trucking along. I need to get better this week. I have bikinis to wear in June in South Beach. (vanity can always motivate ;)

AND I am finally over jelly beans. I thought it would never happen. I had 4 the other day and was just like, eww, no. The unthinkable has happened! Yay! 

...but has been replaced by donut cravings. 

Just can't win. 

Weight Watchers Weeks 8, 9 & 10 (oops!)

Umm my bad it has been a few weeks. 

But, it was admittedly intentional. I am one of those people who weighs themselves multiple times a week - and my weight was fluctuating on the daily by up to 7 pounds. I started new medication. I had some reactions and decided to give myself some time to adjust and not officially record because I knew none of the numbers were realistic. Things seemed to have leveled out so back on that bandwagon again. Although I have another Remicade infusion on Monday so the same thing could happen again but we will see. 

Weeks weight loss = .8 lbs

Total loss to date = 13.4 lbs 

So there is that. My weight has mostly stayed the same. To be honest I am tracking BUT I have been having some really snacky episodes that I need to stop. Boredom eating at night has come back with a vengeance so I am going to be very conscious of that this coming week. 

I will update another time but so far, the Remicade has been a wonder drug for me. Things got SO much better pretty quick. It is almost 2 weeks and today has been a little rough but Monday I go again so hope that it gets back on track with me healing. 

Anyways that is all for now, and I seriously cannot wait for Easter to be over and done. I have eaten #allthejellybeans and hoping that the novelty wears off once they are out of the store from the holiday! 

Someone remind me to give them up for Lent next year!

Happy Easter, and Passover! 

Weight Watchers Week 7

I am going to be honest I don't think these numbers are right: 

Weeks weight loss = 1.6 lbs

Total loss to date = 12.6 lbs 

It has been a tough week on the IBD front - and I think I am dehydrated today. I actually anticipated a gain. 

I have been attempting to eat a "low residue" diet as suggested by my doctor - which to me just sucks. 

I love my greens and eating #allthevegetables but in an attempt to maybe help my digestion have been easing up on it. We all know those leafy greens and grains like quinoa (okay it isn't exactly a grain but I treat it like one) are great for helping you remain full and getting the fiber you need BUT that is kind of the exact opposite of what my system needs right now to try and heal itself. Those harder to digest foods just wreak havoc on my gut. 

That means I have been eating more starchy foods than I normally would (still eating proteins as normal). So figured more carbs = more water retention = higher weight. I feel like next week it will show in a gain on the scale but we shall see. 

I am more or less eating the same amount of points. Maybe more of my activity ones this week. And totally used up the weeklies - Monday night was another wine class this time with food. Two words: pork belly. Worth every damn delicious bite. I enjoy having them reset for the weekend. I kind of use them up for fun in the beginning of my week and then am totally on track during the work week. That works for me. 

I love feeling way more comfortable in all my pants now. Some being even a little too loose which is very nice. I don't think I will ever have the flattest of stomachs (never say never though, right?) but losing a couple inches makes me feel SO much better. The change is significant enough where people are noticing as well. 

The best part is that I am not overdoing anything. I am not training for races so I am not running a million miles. I am doing "normal" workouts, one rest day (some times two) a week. A nice mix of strength, cardio and yoga. ClassPass has me on studio overload (I have a couple posts about how much money I have saved and new favorites in the works). There is nothing that I am doing now that I cannot sustain in the future. I am eating treats (jelly bean addiction is going strong) indulging in alcohol when it is worth it - hopefully this weight will stay off (it took a couple years to gain the 8-10 pounds to get back to a high weight that spurred this reality check). 

All good things!

Happy Friday! And happy *slightly* warmer weather :) 

Weight Watchers Week 6

A month and a half in and going strong. 

At this point the meal planning, prep and allotting my points each day is pretty much second nature. 

It is all made easier by my "no spend Lent" so I have to be prepared each day with meals or else starve. And I do not like to starve. 

After a gain last week, on one hand I anticipated a loss but on the other thought that it wouldn't really amount to much since I skipped both Wednesday and Thursday workouts (because cold, snow, IBD, doctors appointments, winter cold and laziness - like my excuses?) which I figured wouldn't bode well the couple days prior to weigh in. Plus I just started prednisone and am interested to see how that interferes with the weight loss path. Low and behold I had a pretty good loss:

Weeks weight loss = 3.6 lbs

Total loss to date = 11.0 lbs 

With that, I lost another PP value and I am pretty close to when I was my lowest weight back in 2012. 

Just goes to show, yet again, that what you are putting in your body really matters more than the workouts. Yes obviously they help but you cannot eat crap and expect results. 

Considering I am not THAT overweight (in fact my BMI is "normal") and still having this kind of weight loss proves that a) its not rocket science and b) my body is not meant to be at the higher end if I am eating properly. 

As a calorie counter in between my time on WW I have to say that I enjoy this 150% more. I can post on that another time but worrying about macro targets and analyzing calorie intake on vegetables and stuff drove me batty. This system is much simpler. 

And my diet is by no means perfect. I still went out to a few dinners. I drank (looking at you wine class). I ate too many starburst jelly beans (they are my kryptonite at the moment) but that is balanced by lean proteins, a million and one veggies and some fruit (I try to keep my fruit at 1-2 servings a day and more veggies). 

And the best news is that most of my clothes from my leanest time are fitting pretty well now. Skinny jeans are comfortable once again - which is part of what drove me to get my shit together once and for all. My body was definitely more muscular when I was around this weight but I am working on it. 

My workouts are more weights/circuit focused than cardio based (thank you IBD and no long running sessions or really many running sessions at all) and it is fun to get some muscles back! I have some baby triceps coming and just might by bikini time have some baby abs. 

And the journey continues...

Weight Watchers Week 5

So let's just get down to it shall we?

Weeks weight loss = +1.0 lbs

Total loss to date = 7.4 lbs 

I am not surprised at all the gain. I knew that was going to happen 100%.

I had my period so that didn't help.

I also fell on some ice and was home from work both Monday and Tuesday. And had bought jelly beans for work so let’s just say that those jelly beans wound up eaten by me in my boredom and Netflix binge watching. By Wednesday I had pulled myself together but yeah I knew I had overdone it. Not rocket science and no surprises here with the scale reflecting it. Other than the jelly beans it was a pretty good week.

I know it about me that I just can’t have food around that I can mindlessly munch. Know your downfalls!

The other thing that has helped is my Lent resolution to not spend money – which means all meals are brought from home and no buying anything on a whim. A week and a half in and my wallet definitely already feels that positive impact!

Been pretty good with workouts per usual even though I am barely running. With the help of ClassPass I have been to so many new classes and shaking up my workouts – a lot of good things planned out as well in advance. A good mix of spin/run/yoga/strength classes.

So here is to no more jelly beans and staying on track. And happy that my weeklies have reset – this girl has been waiting for a glass of wine! 

Time to Lose Some Weight

I haven’t gone into too much depth on the blog about it but I know I have glossed over it in discussing running; my weight.

I grew up overweight and it escalated in college and after. It took me a few years post college but eventually I pulled it together and lost a huge chunk of weight ~70 pounds or so (not necessarily by healthy means). Then I moved to Hoboken and eventually put some back on yay drinking #allthenights.

The summer before I was turning 30 (birthday is January 28^th, I just turned yet another year older!) I saw some unflattering pictures and knew I wanted to get my shit together once and for all. This time around it wasn't just losing weight it was to stop partying and grow up a bit. I was tired of 2am ridiculous nights multiple times a week. Changing lifestyle completely was necessary to grow. 

Enter weight watchers. With the help of WW I got to a weight and body that I was pretty happy with and eventually transitioned to counting calories. However, since the end of 2012 I have put on about 10 pounds or so that I just cannot seem to get off. Clothes aren’t fitting as well, and just as importantly to me I have not run as well as I did that fall race season since putting on the weight.

It doesn’t make me unhappy per say but it annoys me. So last week I decided to bite the bullet and rejoin weight watchers. I have continued to track calories daily but am thinking maybe I need to go back to the points system and shake things up again. Doesn’t hurt to try right? Also my body has just been a mess with the IBD flare and as the medication is kicking in am hoping it is a good time to work on shedding the weight. 

My goal weight is actually 10 pounds or so below what I was a couple years ago which I don’t think is that crazy. The weight I got to last time around was just below the cut off for an "overweight" BMI - so I think I will possibly always be on the higher side of the "appropriate"weight for my height due to muscle but plan on having my body fat tested as well soon to focus more on that in the long haul. 

I am back to lifting pretty consistently and trying to build muscle so may not get there weight wise but I DEFINITELY have a layer of fat that needs to go. This isn’t me being judgey of myself, this is the truth. I am not comfortable in my skinny jeans! I will admit that I have negative body issue thoughts that creep in -  I don't know if I will ever fully negate those coming from being an overweight child to obese in my early adult hood - I definitely have a skewed image of what I look like at times.

Doesn’t hurt that I have back to back bachelorette weekends in the beginning of June to be bikini ready for either for some motivation.  Nothing like thoughts of lots of beach pictures hanging over your head to work on a goal. I am vain I can readily admit. 

So with my first weigh in I am down -3.8 pounds. Note I was DEFINITELY up on the initial weigh in due to having my period so I know I am less bloated for one but hoping for a consistent weight loss throughout. 

So here we go! And of course I picked the most fun week to begin tracking. Snow days, my Birthday plus the Super Bowl, figured challenge myself as much as possible off the bat, right? 

One Week Down: Gluten & Dairy Free

For starters: seriously anyone that willingly goes gluten & dairy free without medical necessity is bonkers.

Because, pizza. Sandwiches. Bacon egg and cheeses. Cupcakes. Ramen. BEER.

The list goes on.

Now I know that there are gluten free and dairy substitutions but especially with my carb fav’s I am not trying to eat crap that is made gluten free – because a lot of it is just that, crap. And devoid of nutrition.

The dairy thing I am better with because I had been trying for a long time to limit it.

So let’s see, I am now a week in and I think the main thing is that I am eating better. If for nothing else this has aided me in stopping my boredom binge eating because well, the things that I would mindlessly eat aren’t permitted anymore.

I’ve dropped a couple pounds which is a plus because I have some extra that I am in need of shedding (or errrr like 10 pounds that really need to go).

As far as feeling any improvement with my GI issues. Not going to lie, it is worse. Probably times 5. Most likely because I am in veggie overdrive and the extra fiber is wreaking havoc but it’s been pretty painful and not fun.

It has also really only been a week this is a process that will take time.

I really am more just being a brat about some stuff. It is the convenience that is more of a hassle. I learned the hard way traveling needs to be done with your own food there won’t be too much at the airports. Also I’m in the process of moving and it is harder to find quick grab and go options. But it is what it is. Need to plan and be prepared.

On the plus obviously lots more fruits and veggies. I discovered quinoa pasta and am a fan – totally filled my wanting #allthecarbs fix post workout Saturday. And even though my stomach FEELS like hell – I am way less bloated.

I foresee this helping me clean up my diet and be more cognizant of what I am eating. I have a problem with binge eating and take away those things that trigger it and the problem starts to disappear as does the urge.

I would like to hear from others for any good bloggers/websites for gluten/dairy free. Favorite recipes, restaurants etc. open to it all! 

Just 2 months and 3 weeks to see if any of this helps clear things up. 

Le sigh. 

WIAW #2 - Clean Eating Goodness

I'm back for another What I Ate Wednesday!!! 

I love being back on track with clean eating, thank you to the AdvoCare 24 Day Challenge. I am feeling better and honestly still not craving the sugar and fatty stuff like I thought I would (although I am not entirely sure that I will ever permanently give up coffee, that is the one thing I am missing and really cannot wait for!). I am still in the thick of it with another week to go but going strong! 

I have been doing a LOT more food prep, and it has been so nice to have quick and easy meals waiting for me. On tap this week:

For breakfasts I have been doing the meal replacement shakes. I am kind of picky about my protein but this chocolate is pretty darn delicious I must admit. In a pinch I am just mixing with water in a shaker bottle - but mornings when I am home I have been mixing with frozen banana and spinach and chia seeds. Delicious! 

I also made a batch of the Fitnessista's quinoa pancakes - I had a ton of leftover quinoa I had prepped and do yourself a favor, make them. Simple, quick and nutritious! 

For snacks I finally made homemade hummus. What have I been doing buying this my whole life??? It is so simple to make, and such a money saver. I went a tad heavy on the garlic this round but it was still so so good. 

I have been eating rice cakes for snacks as well. This combo - one with spicy mustard and daiya cheese, plus another with mashed avocado and sea salt, so tasty - and with a side of shredded beets. Yum!

I have been eating tempeh a bit lately - I was feeling so lazy Sunday night and wound up just slicing up some 3 grain tempeh with a side of raw veggies. I like tempeh straight out the package, don't judge! 

Then some quick grilled chicken (with Trader Joe's 21 seasoning salute - it is addictive) with a side of roasted brussel sprouts and butternut squash. I think some times the simpler the better. 

And of course can't forget my favorite date night this week - went to Guantanamera for some great Cuban food and live music, this paella was loaded with seafood and simple and delicious. And massive! Love me some seafood. 

I have been really good about not eating after dinner, but Sunday was feeling snacky so whipped up this massive chocolate protein muffin in the microwave. I will share the recipe it is sooooo good. Topped with some peanut butter and berries, heaven. Totally hit the dessert craving I was having. 

And there we have it. So much good food and all my eating has been on point. That makes me happy! 

AdvoCare 24 Day Challenge

Today marks the start of my AdvoCare 24 Day Challenge! 

I have to say that I am pretty excited to begin. I was contacted by Becky over at Olives 'n Wine and asked if I was interested in joining the challenge this time around (Becky sent me the cleanse portion of the 24DC products - I purchased the rest). And am so glad. I have read about her and some others results from it, and I think it is just the swift kick in the butt I need to get myself on track as marathon training looms in the very near future. 

You can check out some of her posts on it:

AdvoCare Cleanse Phase 
AdvoCare Max Phase Part 1
AdvoCare 24DC Results

First off the results speak for themselves. I was second motivated by Becky - who is obviously a healthy living and fitness enthusiast - also about to train for her marathon - and I was comfortable being guided by someone who shares a similar lifestyle - and let's not forget the obvious, a good glass of wine or a nice happy hour. 

The balance she demonstrates in her life parallels mine (although I have ahem gotten a little off course with about 10 too many happy hours and a few too many burgers lately). Fitness isn't a problem for me but the way I am feeling is not so great. I am feeling sluggish and my stomach has been troublesome so I want to get my body back to feeling great before I start upping my mileage and workouts for marathon training. 

So goodbye to coffee, dairy, sugar, alcohol and fatty foods for the next 24 days. And I couldn't be more excited. I've invested a nice amount of money in this so I want to stay on track. Goodbye random cake days (yes at work we randomly will buy a cake and have a cake day - that needs to stop). I think out of everything I will miss coffee the most (I might be a like 100 ounces of coffee a day kind of person, oops). 

This weekend I was trying to think of what I would miss most to have it "one last time" and it came down to coffee, gummy bears and greek yogurt. I didn't even bother to have a drink at all. I am ready to FEEL better. I am really proud of my willpower so while I know I will have my moments I know that I am an all or nothing person and plan to use that determination.

Oh and the fact that as the challenge ends I am heading to Miami might be a little bit of motivation. Bikini living, eye on the prize baby. 

So I have my haul of products ready to go! 

And, spent a good amount of time food shopping and food planning over the weekend to be able to stay on track without excuses. 

So here goes nothing! I will be reporting back updates on how I am doing and the first round of results after the 10 day cleanse phase finishes.