Biggest Loser: Week 8

Ok, I admit it. I've fallen off the wagon. The last 2 weeks have been gains (minimal, but the wrong direction regardless), and I have a feeling this week is not going to be any different. I hit the 10 lb mark (and I'm still at or under it) but at one point I was down 14 lbs!! And then I rewarded myself, and kept rewarding myself. I stopped counting my calories and enjoyed an extra piece of cake for my birthday. The other night we made brownies. I even grabbed a double cheeseburger the other day on the run, and I have to admit, it didn't even taste good. (which is good, right?! if not disappointing -- it should at least be worth the calories!) 

In all this I have learned that I prefer convenience (hence the McDonald's). In the beginning of this challenge I made a giant pot of soup in the crockpot and took a cup in every day for lunch. It was easy, healthy and yummy, and it took away any decision making when noon rolled around. I think I need to make another pot of soup just to keep me on the right track.

Last week was birthday week, and we had Angie and her family come in town for the weekend. I knew there would be cake and game food and chicken wings (yum!). I just didn't prepare for it enough, despite running the 10k, a 5-mi run, and a 2-mi run last week, and ended up 1.5 lbs up for last week's weigh in (imagine if I hadn't run so much!). And, shamefully, I was the smallest loser for the week (or, rather, the biggest gainer!). Ahhh, feels different on the bottom.

This week, as I mentioned, hasn't been really great. I enjoyed this fabulous weather and did a 2-mile run/walk while pushing Adam, took Adam on a quick bike ride on The Tank (mountain bike), and had a family walk last night. I ran a mile on the treadmill, too, before spending some time on the elliptical. If sounds more impressive than it feels. My sweet tooth has returned, and I have been unable to resist the chocolate chip cookies at work, the hershey kisses in my desk and the brownies on the kitchen counter, begging to be eaten. I need to get back on track for these last two weigh-ins, especially since my sister Angie and I are exactly tied for the title of Biggest Loser girl. (Michael seems to have a good handle on the overall competition... and he's looking awesome!)

I just need to be conscientious of my food intake, emphasizing quality of calories and moderation. I still feel full if I eat a big lunch (yesterday I was stuffed with a cup of soup and half a sandwich), and I know that it's my body telling me my portion was a little too large.

Listen to your bodies, ignore the cravings, make time for the cardio... The last weigh in is on the horizon!