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Monday, November 10, 2008

OMG- where did I go?

Hey all!

I am so sorry I haven't posted in forever! My life has been a whirlwind since September. I went on a mission trip to Costa Rica, I have moved to a new apartment and my life has entered into a new season.
I have lost 76lbs and can't believe it! I am entering the part of weightloss that really gets hard-the last 24 lbs. Any ideas? Any motivation?
It's hard to believe I am this close and feel ike I am struggling for the first time....

Miss you all!

PT

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Checking in

Yo ladies and gents!

How are all of you? NO seriously, how are YOU? Do you feel fatigued? Are you hungry or famished? Do you feel like you're making any headway in your weightloss goals? Shoot me a comment and let me know how you feel! I want to lift you up or congratulate you on your strength and motivation!

As for me, I am doing OKAY. I have lost 70 lbs so I can't complain...but I will, for a minute. I feel like the dial on the scale is stuck in quick sand. It's sinking...but SLOWLY! I did strength training today for the first time in about two weeks...but I skipped out on my 60 mins of cardio because I didn't feel up for it. I want to beat myself up for this...and I am. It's an odd feeling leaving the gym somewhat dry..I don't like it. I like to be drentched in sweat; it means I did work!

On a positive note I have been doing all this without a trainer. I refuse to believe that because my bank account wont allow me to afford a trainer that my weightloss has to stop. I WILL push forward...but could it please come off a bit quicker? I guess this is the part of the weight loss that tests your character. I would love to look back on this season (30 lbs lighter, of course) and smile at my personal strengths in the midst of no personal trainer.

So, in other words, Phat Teacher is checking in and all is good...but could be better :-)

I've missed hearing from you gals...keep me posted on your stats!!!

Peace out,

PT

Thursday, September 4, 2008

How have I lost my weight?

So, I never thought to do this but since someone asked I thought it might be helpful to let you know how I have lost my weight. I went from being a very inactive and lazy person to the new me who feels guilty if I miss one day at the gyms. Here is how my workouts go:

I do 5 days a week in the gym, 60 minutes of cardio each day. I started with 30 minutes and just added from there until I got to 60 minutes. When I first started out I had a trainer who did my strength training2 days a week with me also. Now, I don't have the money for that so I try to get 2-3 strength training days in on my own....it's not enough to just do cardio!!!

Here is how my eating changed:

Well first of all, I realized that this new way of eating has be a life style change and not a temporary diet. So, I embraced the food list my trainer gave me and have tranformed the way I think about foot ever since. Here is a grocery list of foods you should be buying and eating...if it's not on this list you shouldn't start out with it. You can add some stuff in as you go:


Proteins
· Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast
· Boneless, Skinless Turkey Breast
· Tuna (fresh or water packed)
· Fish (salmon, seabass, halibut)
· Shrimp
· Extra Lean Ground Beef or Ground Round (92-97% lean)
· Protein Powder
· Egg Whites or Eggs
· Beef Tenderloin (a.k.a. Filet, Filet Mignon)
· Lean Ground turkey, Turkey Breast Slices or Cutlets (fresh meat, not deli cuts)

Complex Carbs
· Oatmeal (Old Fashioned or Quick Oats) – NOT pre-packaged oatmeal
· Sweet Potatoes (Yams)
· Beans (pinto, black, kidney, chick peas)
· Oat Bran Cereal
· Farina (Cream of Wheat)
· Low Sugar Multigrain Hot Cereals
· Pasta (whole wheat/spinach)
· Brown Rice
· Rice (white, jasmine, basmati, Arborio, wild)
· Potatoes (red, baking, new)

Fibrous Carbs
· Green Leafy Lettuce (Green Leaf, Red, Leaf, Romaine)
· Broccoli
· Asparagus
· String Beans
· Fresh Spinach
· Bell Peppers
· Brussels Sprouts
· Cauliflower
· Celery

Other Produce & Fruits
· Cucumber
· Green or Red Pepper
· Onions
· Garlic
· Tomatoes
· Zucchini
· Fruit (if acceptable on diet): bananas (NO brown spots), apples, grapefruit, peaches, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries
· Lemons or Limes

Healthy “GOOD” Fats
· Natural Style Peanut Butter – NO Hydrogentated Oils
· Olive Oil or Safflower Oil
· Nuts (peanuts, almonds) – DRY ROASTED or RAW Only
· Flaxseeds (sprinkle on food) or Flaxseed Oil
· Sunflower Seeds

Dairy & Eggs
· Low-fat cottage cheese
· Low or Non-Fat Milk
· Eggs or Egg Beaters

Beverages
· Bottled Water – AT LEAST 100 OUNCES PER DAY
· Crystal Light

Condiments & Misc.
· Fat Free Mayonnaise
· Reduced Sodium Soy Sauce
· Reduced Sodium Teriyaki Sauce
· Balsamic Vinegar
· Salsa (Newman’s Own – Pineapple or Mangp is the best!!)
· Chili Powder
· Mrs. Dash
· Steak Sauce
· Sugar Free Maple Syrup
· Chili Paste
· Mustard
· Extracts (vanilla, almond, etc.)
· Low Sodium beef or chicken broth
· Plain or reduced sodium tomatoes sauce, puree, paste
· Cinnamon


Here is an average day in the life:

breakfast- 3 egg whites with a whole wheat english muffin and i can't believe it's not butter
snack- strawberries, blueberries and a danon yogurt
lunch- salad with spinach, chicken, chick peas, carrots, sunflower seeds, tomatoes, cucumbers, balsamic vinegar and olive oil
snack- apple with 1/4 cup dry roasted peanuts
dinner- 6 oz protein with veggies


Alright, I totally can't take credit for any of this info. I got it from my trainer and am only sharing because I think you all need to know a plan that will work. Trust me....I was the worst of the worst of the worst when it came to eating and EVEN I can eat like this!


Comment if you have questions....I truly hope this helps someone!!

Phat Teacher

Friday, August 22, 2008

Happy Birthday...to Who?`

To me, ya'll!
The big 2.5. today and the weather here is HORRIBLE! I am stuck in my house because of tropical storm Faye and all plans have been cancelled for a celebration. I was really looking forward to having a great 25th birthday...but it seems the best I can do is go to CVS and buy myself a protein bar :-)
No worries though...I am sure some sort of celebration will ensue tomorrow...next week perhaps?
On a high note I have lost 65lbs and am more determined than ever to get to 100 by Christmas :-)

Hope you are all havin a blessed and dry day....
Phat Teacher

Friday, August 15, 2008

Thank You!

Hi all,
I just wanted to write THANK YOU to all of you who continually read and comment on my blog.
Sometimes it seems like no one reads this thing...but i am reassure by your kind and encouraging words each post.
I will do my best to post more frequently. Bare with me...I just went back to work and the first month with new teenagers is always an adjustment (to say the least).
Just know that even though things with my weightloss have gotten harder I am NOT giving up! I got this far....I will make it to my goal by December!

Hope you're all well!!!

Will post soon..
Phat Teacher :-)

Saturday, August 2, 2008

Inches but not Pounds

Hi all,
I write this post a bit solumn. I should be joyous! I bought new cloths yesterday that were size 16/18--xl; 2 size 18 pair of pants! I haven't worn that size in years. Why am I sad? Because the scale isn't moving, I have lost my motivation to work out, my eating habits are faltering and I can only afford to meet with my trainer once a month. I feel at a stand-still here. I feel like I am getting satisfied with losing 60lbs and not pushing myself hard enough to get to the next 40. When I set a goal I HAVE to reach it! I don't want to repeat past mistakes here...and I won't let that happen. If you pray, include me in your's. I need a renewed motivation and strength. I need any advice that you can offer! I need that inspiration I had on day 1!

Feeling helpless,
Phat Teacher

Saturday, July 26, 2008

Clothes from College

I am in them...the jeans I wore my 2nd year of college. They fit...they are actually too big. I can't believe this!

It's strange enough that I still had these pants but the fact that I lived to see the day that they fit again is a true BLESSING. I know I have a lot more to lose but for the first time I feel GREAT in my body and I am excited about dropping the last 40, maybe more!

WOOOHOOO!

Phat Teacher

Thursday, July 17, 2008

Plateau

I have hit one!

How do you bust through?

Phat Teacher

Monday, July 7, 2008

Happy 4th

Hey everyone!!!
I hope you had a great 4th of July weekend =)
I had a blast and stayed on point with my eating for the most part.
I would love to hear how you all did!
Comment- tell me you'r 4th stories about how your lifestyle changes faired against a food-centered holiday!

I joined a new gym. Details in my next post!
Phat Teacher

Monday, June 23, 2008

A fork in the road

Greetings all!

I found out today that my gym is closing. To some this might be a devistating moment; others no big deal. To me, it's a blessing in disguise. I find myself in the middle of the first 2 emotions I pointed out. I have grown very close to my gym and feel very at home there. It is hard to find an all woman's gym that is fully equiped and fun to be at. However, I am not upset. I don't feel like this is going to get in my way of success and I don't feel any less motivated. My trainer is making plans as we speak to accomidate me and she says I will save money this way. I can go to the other location of my gym which is farther away and smaller or I am free to join another gym and still work with my trainer. I don't know what I will do but I am not freaking out. I have faith this will all work out!



I hope you are all having a great week! Eat well, work out, and treat yourself :-) You truly deserve it!


53 lbs down...WOOOOOHOOOOO!!!!!!!

Phat Teacher

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

We fall down...but we get UP

Greetings all,
I have been away for a while because I was visiting family up North. I started my vaca off very well (bought my healthy groceries and a week gym membership) but as time wore on and graduation party after wedding after graduation party came to pass I faltered, a little. I started to beat myself up, even emailed my trainer freaking out. I had to stop myself and think about something I posted a few weeks ago; if it's a lifestyle change, one day isn't going to kill you. I have to practice what I preach people! If I am going to go this of the rest of my life I have to stop beating myself up when I do something off track and instead I need to praise myself when I do things right. In truth, I'd be throwing a mini-self-party 10 times each day!

This is all I have for now. I have so much to do to get back on my normal cycle....no time to sit around and blog!

Missed you all!

Phat Teacher

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Ramblings of a Phat Teacher

There is so much I should be doing right now but I would much rather sit in front of this laptop and ramble on about weightloss issues. Since my eating, excersising and weight consume every ounce of my life, I think it's acceptable to spend a moment blogging about it.

I am excited that I am down 2.5 more lbs. I was scared because Memorial Day felt like a grazing period. Though I didn't eat anything bad I felt so off balance because there was no structure to what time I ate my meals. I realized today that I really rely on having a routine to my eating (as it should be) and that's quite exciting.

My clothes are falling off and I have had to reach into the deep beyond of my closet to find old stuff that I can squeeze into. Here's hoping I don't split any of my old skirts down the middle since they don't offically fit just yet, but it's better than holding my pants up all day with the fear of people seeing my bright maroon undies (yikes!) Speaking of which, even they are loose! I need to hit up a thrift store soon to find some new threads!

I hope you all are doing fabulously! I hope you didn't get too off track with the holiday. Stay focused and press on! If it's a lifestyle change one day isn't going to kill you :-)

Phat Teacher

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Fat Girl Likes Cute(skinny) Guy Syndrome

Okay, so here is one example of a situation I will not miss once I complete my journey from FAT to FABULOUS: Fat Girl likes Cute(skinny) guy Syndrome. Better known as the all too common FGLC(s)GY. Let me explain, for those of you who call this uncomfortable situation something else:
There is a cute, skinny teacher who I have been crushin' on all year. He and I have carried on some great conversations and I actually thought we were growing closer as colleagues, perhaps friends, perhaps husband and wife (record scratches in background...Whoops! did I type that out loud?) Anyway, I convinced myself that he could possibly entertain the idea of spending time with me (even at this heavy weight) and it is these cunning mental skills that have lead me into a fools paradise, as they say. As the FG(fat girl) who likes the C(s)G I let myself be fooled into doing something for him just to prove to him that I was worthy of his attention. I can't believe this happened too, since I have been doing so well to boost my self confidence. Anyway, I told him I would help him out because he "had to go work on the football team website and it was the only time he could do it." I of course say yes! Why wouldn't I help this delicious specimen? Well today, my kindness (ehem, infatuation) blew up in my face! I found out that he was working on said website with a new teacher....a new, blonde, skinny, and might I had beautiful teacher. I had to do his job so he could go schmooze with some hottie? This is totally FGLC(s)G syndrome! As a FG I am letting myself be used by men who know they will never give me the time of day....but still insist upon wasting my time to go spend time with another (FREAKING SKINNY) woman.

Am I alone here? Do any of you have FG syndrome stories to share? Post a blog about it and let me know so I can read (and smile) and get angry at that cute skinny bastard right along with you!

Ladies, whatever size we are we deserve to be respected and treated equally. So, even though I am 63 lbs away from goal, I am going to start getting my mind right and STOP giving in to any cutie in tight pants and a coaches shirt (we all have our weaknesses). I encourage you to wake up, and recognize that even though you aren't skinny and fabulous, YOU ARE FABULOUS and really, that's the part that counts!!!!!

Remember, I want to hear your stories!
Phat Teacher

Sunday, May 11, 2008

Feeling out of the loop

My weightloss efforts are going well but I can't help but feel a little down today. I worked out hard core then came home and napped and just woke up 3 hours later to a lot of missed calls and missed opportunities to fellowship with my friends. I feel worn out and exhausted but also sad because I am missing dinner with friends and that's something I really wanted to participate in. I am in a blah mood now.

Phat Teacher

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

32 down....

Greetings all,
I hope your weeks are going well! I can't believe its almost MAY!

After my last post I realized that I needed to fix my insides just as much as I am working on the outside. So, I enlisted the help of God and my trainer. Though 1 of those is enough, it just so happens that I am paying my trainer to help me with my goals so I should put her to work as well. Low and behold she has been a HUGE boost in my motivation by sending me an e-card, calling me to let me know she cares and by sending me an article on Spark People about positive thoughts. I joined SP today and can't wait to get more plugged in to positive messages from other highly motivated people. I also bought Joining the Thin Club and am reading it as we speak. I have lost 10% of my body weight and according to the book that means I am already in the thin club...who knew?

I realize that my goals are TOTALLY possible and I WILL reach them this time and stay at that weight for the rest of my life (until I have children, in which case I will inevitably gain weight- but I will get right back down that scale after they pop out)! Bottom line, I am working out my emotions and mental junk 7 days a week and I know this time, I am going to take care of the issues that "weigh" me down and become the woman I am meant to be.

I can't wait to meet her........

Phat Teacher :-)

Monday, April 21, 2008

A little voice

So, I am really blogging just to blog right now. Things are good but I really don't have the mental energy to put my life into verse, at present.

I have dropped 29 lbs and for some reason I got very geeked today at the gym over a 29lb loss- more geeked than 25. I am really starting to have faith in myself and my trainer is SO proud I can't help but be proud as well. I am happy with my progress and satisfied with what I have accomplished thus far....but why is the devil in the back of my mind trying to tell me this is all a dream and I am going to go back to my old ways any day now? I am realizing more each day that this is a MENTAL battle, almost more than a physical one.

What are your thoughts?


Phat Teacher

Sunday, April 13, 2008

The Weight of my mother

It's amazing how down my mother can make me feel. It's no wonder I have (scratch that) HAD a weight problem. It's no wonder I don't want to tell her I have a trainer. It's no wonder I feel insecure, even when I know I shouldn't: nothing is EVER good enough for her. In her world, NO ONE can EVER make ammends and change their ways. What a tangled web.

She called to see how I was doing and spent the entire time typing a paper for my father. She told me to keep my fat clothes because I "never know when I will need them." She insisted on putting my credit report and past decision down, numerous times. She overall made me feel like crap, without much effort on her end. I don't get it!

I moved away from my family because we didn't have the best relationship and I felt like I needed to stake out my own life. I left familiarity, friends, and comfort. For a while, I thought it was a foolish mistake, but only recently am I realizing I made the right move. I love my family; they are my blood. However, we do have our differences (which is normal....i think?!?)

Nothing I do will ever please my mother. No matter how far I come with this weightloss, my job, or anything else I accomplish she will still only remember the mistakes and errors that caused her so much grief. How about me? I grieved too! Why do you think I ate myself into a size 26? Because no matter how much I tried she wouldn't care; I would always be FAT. My grandmother never showed affection toward my mother, which in turn translates into our sordid relationship. She has only said she was proud of me twice; once was through an email when I graduated from college. She hasn't been to visit me once since I moved here to Florida..."money is tight" she says. I can understand that...but it doesn't make me hurt any less. I know that if my brother moved 1000 miles away she would be there within the first month- if not the first week. I know that no matter how many mistakes he makes, he will always be the favorite. Is it my fault she had me at a young age? Is it my fault she had to raise me at the same time she was growing up? NO- but I pay for it everytime I talk to her.

TODAY it stops. Today I realize that what I have accomplished so far is pretty damn amazing, and no matter how smug she is, I WILL NOT feel insignificant. Because I am important; I am special; and I am worthy of love and affection. And when I lose this weight, when I finally let go of this demon that has literally weighed me down for too long; I will finally know what it's like to be proud of MYSELF, regardless of how she feels. I have God's love and the love of my friends. I know I will never be able to please her and as much as that hurts, I can't carry her bruden any longer, dammit! I can't feel sorry for myself anymore. I wont....or else I will be stuck in this oversized body forever.

Phew- sorry about that! Had to get it off my chest. Perhaps this will help with my next weigh-in! How much does mother-stress weigh? A good 50lbs, right?

Phat Teacher

Friday, April 11, 2008

Bag Lady

Greetings fellow weight-loss adventurers,

Happy, happy, happy Friday!

I don't think I have ever been this elated to see a Friday arrive. This was our first week back to work after Spring Break and I can honestly say it felt like the longest week of my life. I physically felt crampy (but no TOM) which translated into my emotional slump. I can't really explain why I felt so dumpy this week, but I did. So, my workout on Wednesday was a little weak (still 50 minutes though), and my social life was lacking since I wanted to jump and hide in bed at every free minute. I felt a little shut off from society, and to top it off, my students were resistant to learn this week (SURPRISE, SURPRISE). Oh well, the week is over! My trainer met with me today to make up for a day she missed last week and that workout rocked! I felt great after it and I think I literally kicked myself out of the funk I was in this week. How did I resolve these issues before? FOOD; which we all know is only a temporary and fattening fix. It's amazing how much life can change with a simple decision; something has to change!

My clothes are baggy, almost too baggy. I found myself pulling my pants up every 5 minutes yesterday and though this is encouraging, what am I going to do in this in between time (now until 100 lbs)? What are your plans? I would love to hear :-)

Thanks for all your support gang! I appreciate your comments and motivation!

Hope you're having a great week,
Phat Teacher

Sunday, April 6, 2008

Money: who needs it?

I DO! This is SO unrelated to weightloss but it's all I can think about at this very moment. With out country in a resession, I can't help but ponder: when is it going to effect me?
Well, funny you might ask. About 20 minutes ago to be exact, I realized that money was tight!
With mullah going out to the trainer (more than I would like to mention) I am slowly getting less and less for myself and my gas tank. I personally think what my trainer is doing with my life and body is worth every penny...atleast that's what I think I am supposed to type here. HAHA...i need reassurance that this new body is not only going to be smokin, but also worth the fortune I am spending. I know I couldn't do it alone...please keep that in mind when you comment!

Also, if you have any idea on how to save money on food (I eat all natural; have to, trainer's orders!) or any ideas on household items I can sell, please let me know! It's getting desperate this month of April! I need HELP!!!!!!!!!

Until next time,
Phat Teacher


ps: I am so flustered I don't even want to go back and check my spelling and grammar. If it's wrong, so be it!!!!!

Monday, March 31, 2008

Busy, busy, busy

Hello all,
Life if quite busy in my neck of the woods! I had my best friend visiting this weekend and needless to say my routine was a little thrown off. I didn't miss a workout, nor did I eat anything out of the ordinary; I'm happy for that. I just feel a little off since my alone time is pretty non-existent until he heads out tomorrow. I realize that peaceful time is very special and helps me to stay balanced and focused: do you any of you feel the same? I think it's during this time alone I feel recharged and my most comfortable.

Thankfully, I am off this week because it's Spring Break for my students. I look forward to catching up on my reading, sleeping, DVR'd tv shows and time with friends. This weekend a group of us (about 29) got together and had a very fun game night. I had no idea how many people in this city were just like me: single and fabulous! I look forward to more fun nights!
Oh yea, 6 more lbs down!

I hope you are all having a GREAT week! Keep up the good work!!!

YOU ALL ROCK!!!!!!!

Phat Teacher

Saturday, March 29, 2008

Oh my!

So much to say, so little motivation to write it at this time (3:00 am). I just found this survey on Chubby Chicks page and stole it! I figure I can play a one-word game before bed :-)

1. Cellphone: red

2. Relationship: WHAT?

3. My hair: ever-changing

4. Work: teacher

5. My sibling/siblings: jock

6. My favorite thing: laughing

7. My dream last night: odd

8. Favorite drink: tea

9. Dream car: free

10. The room I’m in : bed

11. My shoes: blah

12. My fears: mistakes

13. What do I want to be in 10 years: happy

14. Who did I hang out with this weekend: friends

15. What I am not good at: joking

16. Muffin: apple

17. One of my wish list items: Masters

18. Where I grew up: Ohio

19. Last thing I did: prayed

20. Wearing:pj's

21. Not wearing: bra- me neither Chubby Chick!

22. My pets: Beta

23. My computer: work

24. My life: developing

25. My mood: sleepy

26. Missing: family

27. What I am thinking about right now: Michael

28. My car: Saturn

29. My kitchen: tiny

30. My weather: breezy

31. Favorite color: blue

32. Last time I laughed: tonight

33. Last time I cried: pending

34. School: learning

35. Love: JESUS!

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

It's just 9 lbs...

As I was leaving the gym today the manager stopped me. I was nervous; is she going to reprimand me for not wiping off all the machines I use?
Low and behold, she asks me if I would be this month's success story in the news letter. I was so excited but I blurted out "it's just 9 lbs." She reassured me that that was a success and you know, the more I thought about it, the more I agree. Today, I am going to be happy about my weightloss and not get overwhelmed with the fact that I still have a long way to go. I am going to smile and be honored to write a paragraph for others to read about my mini- success. Mostly, I am going to let it sink in that I have truly changed some deviant habits and in just a month I feel like a new woman. Do I think it's over? ABSOLUTELY NOT! Do I think it's going to be easy? NO WAY! I know I have a mountain to climb to reach the goals I have set. But for today, I am going to bask in the glory of someone thinking my little 9 lb weight loss is a "success" in it's own right. Tomorrow, I will start climbing the mountain again!

Hope you are all having a rocking week!!!!

Phat Teacher

Monday, March 17, 2008

Flavor of Life

Hello all,
I am sitting here watching the latest episode of Flavor of Love ( my trashy t.v. weakness) and I just wanted to shoot out a quick blog to update my progress. My trainer did my measurements today (it's been a month- already?) and I lost inches everywhere and 9 lbs this month. The other 6 were done on my own before I started working with her. I lost inches in my neck and calves, which is apparently not common, per my trainer. I am totally excited and I can't wait to see more results as the months tick on.

As a side note, I am considering a career change down the road. I work with teenagers (teach high school) and I see on a daily basis that there is so much more I can do with them than I am. I want to minister to these children and work with teen to prevent them from ending up in jail. This is not stuff I can do as their teacher in a public school. So anyway, I have been planning and taking a class to get my masters in English but I think that is going to change soon. Keep me in your prayers that God will reveal his plan to me soon so that I can make the right moves and decisions.

Keep up the great work everyone!!!
Phat Teacher

Friday, March 14, 2008

Oh My GOD!

My student ordered 11 delicious pizzas today topped with pepperoni and sausage and oozing cheese. I bought them cookies and chips and high in sugar pop. One of them made thick chocolate brownies.

I DIDN'T EAT ANY OF IT! I am so happy!!!!! To be honest, it was driving me crazy all week because I couldn't decide if I wanted to eat a piece of pizza or not. I decided today when it was right in fron of me that I would feel so much better if I bypassed it all and ate my cottage cheease and salad. And you know what, it DOES feel better!

How do you all get through these tough situations?

Phat teacher

Sunday, March 9, 2008

Yay!

Loosing that one hour today didn't really have an effect on my fabulous weekend. Check back with me tomorrow though (when I have to wake up at 5:30 a.m.) I might be singing a new tune :-)

So, this weekend was great! I worked out 45 minutes each day, went to church, and met up with people from my small group and had a blast at a bonfire. I also confirmed that my 4 lb weight loss was VALIDATED! Oh, and I got an email and 2 phone calls from my best friend( he is going great- working hard- but great!). I feel blessed!

I would like to hear if your weekend was good as well. What happened? Either way, let's stay focused on our goal and if we fell of track, there are easy steps to get back on!

Best wishes for a GREAT WEEK,

Phat Teacher


"If you have a hill to climb do you think it will get smaller if you wait?"

Wednesday, March 5, 2008

I think I lost 4 more lbs....

Haha, I say "I think" because I performed a mission-impossible style personal weigh-in today at the gym minutes before my trainer walked in the door. I was so nervous she would catch me "illegally" weighing in; I felt like a guilty kid again who was hiding five cookies from her parents. It was a rush! Anyway, my time on the scale was limited and I was in such a hurry I slid the numbers over with quickness and as soon as I heard the door "ching" alerting me that someone was coming in or going out I jumped off. At any rate- the scale read 277 which is 4 lbs lighter than the last time I weighed myself, so I think I am down four more. I wish I could be excited about this, but the guilt of going against my trainers instructions is baring down on me....HAHAH....who am I kidding! If I weighed myself right- I AM DOWN 4 lbs! Who cares if my trainer didn't want me on the scale- a loss is a loss!!!!!!!!!

I decided to jump on the scale today after talking to my aunt. She is a personal trainer in California who has always been a huge supporter of me slimming down. She has given me programs to follow and nutritional advice- but my lazy ass never caught on (which is why I have a trainer now). Anyway, she encouraged me with words of weight loss wisdom. She said everyone is different, and if I need to see my weight, "get on a freaking scale!" In so many words, I think she was telling me that if I need to see that my work is in some way paying off- I should get on the scale if that's what it takes. She also advised me that I might not like what I see every time I get on....that's a risk I must take. Truth be told though, I am really going to try to wait until my trainer weighs me the next time I get on the scale. Isn't personal restraint a stepping stone to maturity? :-)

Today was a good day, overall. I just cried in my car on the way home from church though. Long story short- as I mentioned in the previous post, I uplifted my life to move to Florida 1 year and 8 months ago. Since I have lived here, I have yet to form a close and meaningful friendship with anyone. My best friend lives in Ohio, and we met in college. He is gay, and my fav person in the whole world. We talk on the phone everyday (usually more than once) and I have never felt more close to anyone on this Earth. He is my best friend! Well anyway, though I haven't grown close to anyone here in FLA, I still was satisfied to have him (and trust me, I am working on getting friends here- through church). He is now working in California for the month training for a new job as a tour guide, and his phone is shut off ($600 bill-probably because of our endless phone conversations). So, we have no contact- for who knows HOW LONG. I am happy for him because he is living his dream; but sad for myself (selfish- i know) because I feel like I have lost my friend (at least for a time being). So, I sort of broke down tonight on my way home from church service. I am just ready to have best friend in my close proximity again. I am used to having a lot of friends and since I have moved to FLA it seems like I have a sign on my head rejecting people from forming close bonds with me. In due time....

Anyway, I hope you all are having a great week. 2 more work days :-)

Hang in there,

Phat Teacher

Tuesday, March 4, 2008

Happy Tuesday

Hello all!
I am going to make this brief as it's been a long day and I need to catch up on reading for my graduate class (honestly, who goes BACK to college after they get a degree?). :-) Anyway, I want to thank everyone who has stopped by my page and showed love. I greatly appreciate your kind words and can't wait to check out your pages and continue this awesome communication! Hold tight- I will catch up on blogging closer to if not during the weekend!

Yesterday, my trainer kicked my A.S.S. I was dizzy and had to rest before moving onto her next tourture excersise. I know I signed up for this, and trust I am grateful; but damn, she's vicious! I am happy though, since she'll really get me the body I have wanted for years. My arms don't like her too well tonight though ( washing my hair was an arduous task). Tomorrow I am at 44 minutes of cardio alone (YAY!!!!) and 30 minutes with her. Friday I will finally be at 45 minutes of cardio and I am excited! I have come a long way from my 20 minute walks on the beach (out of breath, mind you).

Well, I wish you all a great rest of the week. Let's get through the middle and then the weekend is just around the corner. EAT SMART- get your butt to the GYM and stay positive! Oh yea, and as my trainer always tells me- Don't forget to breath!

Smiles,

Phat Teacher <3

Sunday, March 2, 2008

A Special Anniversary

Well, I have made it through another week and I feel great this evening as I prepare to begin another successful weight loss week. The message at church really spoke to me today and I think I found more motivation in the Word.

I called this posting "A Special Anniversary" because as of today, I have been single for 1 year. Most people celebrate the time they spend with another individual, but I choose to honor my close personal union with myself on this special day. Ending my relationship was the best action I ever took to date(no pun intended) in my short 24 years. Over this past year I have grown closer to myself and learned more than some people will ever learn in a lifetime. I am happy being alone right now; I know there is MUCH I need to physically accomplish before I can allow someone else to take up space in my comfortable world. So I celebrate today, a very special anniversary, and I have hope that in a year from now, I will be celebrating for another reason (perhaps, a skinnier body!)

So, tomorrow I work with my trainer again. Mondays and Wednesdays each week. I did 42 minutes of cardio today and tomorrow will be 43. My trainer will not let me weight myself, so I could perhaps be lighter than my page lets on. She says the first month of working out and weight loss is tricky, and most people give up in the first month because they don't see results. If you are in your first month- HOLD ON! I trust my trainer- she's been doing this for 17 years and seen tremendous results in all her clients. Though I would love to wake up tomorrow wearing a size 14, I realistically remind myself that results don't come that quickly. I didn't gain it all in one month- I wont lose it that quickly either. I can't wait to get on a scale though- let's get serious! (I can't remember the last time I WANTEd to get on a scale!)

Well, that's it for now. I want to give a special thanks to CHUBBY CHICK for commenting on my last post and giving me some advice on how to get my name out there. I joined the Healthy You challenge...can't wait to exchange encouraging words with all of you out there trying to better your lives like me!

Until then,

<3 Phat Teacher <3

Thursday, February 28, 2008

A valley

Greetings readers (if there are any),
I have hit a rough patch (and lucky me, only 2 weeks in)! I have a feeling this weight loss journey is going to be a loooong one (or atleast seem that way).
I am just expecting to see instant results and when I don't I feel like I am doing something wrong or that it will take FOREVER to get to where I want to be. I am getting angry at skinny people and even fat people who enjoy being fat because I have to watch them eat whatever they want while I feast on a spinach salad everyday. I know this is all for the best, and I know it's really not all that difficult when I think about what good it is going to do for me and my future, but I just really wanted and needed to bitch today- so I am.

I hardly feel like writing more right now. On the positive side though- I am doing well with working out and eating right. I am just getting frustrated because I realize it's going to take a while before I get where I want to be. I feel like my life is on hold. Thankfully, I am taking the right steps to get to a place where I feel in control and fully alive. I pray God will continue to replenish my spirit and show me that nothing worth while is easy, and that His plan for me if GREAT.

For now,
Phat teacher

Monday, February 25, 2008

Who is the Phat Teacher?

I was so excited today to sit down and type up an official blog. My entry from last night was fluff; it’s time to give my adoring public some substance. So, I guess I will just throw caution to the wind and do this thang!
I am a 24 year old high school english teacher living in sunny Florida. I moved here about 2 year ago from Ohio. I was graduating college and I needed to find a job. Teaching in Ohio is not an easy task if you don't have a cert, so my boyfriend (at the time) and I decided a move would be "cool." He had friends in Florida, I had money, so we packed up my 86 Buick and drove the 16 hour journey to a new life. Looooooong story short- we broke up and he had to move back to Ohio since he was a 26 year old parasite and couldn't fend for himself. (Not angry, I swear!) So I was "stuck" in Fla, alone, with nothing but an amazing job to call my own. I never thought about moving back to Ohio; I loved my job too much. Looking back, that was one of the best decisions I ever made. So, enough about me, personally. How about my F.A.T.?

Well, I was thinking about my life today as my students were working on punctuation. I was trying to figure out what punctuated my current weight- was there one particular moment things went south?
I realized that I have always been a bigger woman. Even at my skinniest, when I lost 40 lbs before high school, I was still a size 14. I don’t ever expect to be much smaller than that; my build wont allow it. What troubles me is how far I have let myself go over the years. Why didn’t I stop myself when I gained 10lbs? 20lbs? How did I get to be 100 lbs heavier in ten years? I have to be honest with myself and admit that most of my gain happened in the past 2 years. During this time- and I don’t know how- I completely lost track of my weight. I didn’t get on a scale, I continued to buy bigger clothes, and I ate whatever I was hungry for. This time in my life was toward the end of college when I was working full time and going to school full time and in a horrible relationship with someone who lacked self worth or any inkling of motivation. Well, I guess I can understand my aversion to a scale. It’s funny but I don’t remember weighing between 190 and 290- its’ like I can’t envision a scale with those numbers on it, probably because I didn’t see on during the time.
So, there was no one moment when my life turned for the worst. Junior and Senior years of high school were rough, and I was always busy with a club or activity. Senior year I quit sports to persue acting more, and that lack of activity in the fall could have jolted my system back a little. Adding the fact that no one excersises in college unless it means walking to class or the pizza parlor. Then post college, I was poor and could only afford Romen and bread- not a good combination for a hefty lady like myself. I guess my down – hill battle doesn’t seem so uncanny when I look at it in perspective like this. It is NO wonder I am 150lbs over weight (100 lbs from goal): I wasn't taking care of myself in in ANY way. Things are about to drastically change.

I decided in November of 2007 that I needed to make a big change in order to get the things I want in life. I did way too much research and put in countless hours trying to find the perfect gym and the perfect eating habits. I ended up signing up with the perfect gym (thank God!) The day before Valentines Day. I have a personal trainers who is willing and able to kick my ass every step of the way. I will be working on strength training with her 2 days a week, but cardio is all me. Right now I am highly motivated; but I am certain there will be road blocks along the way. I have to keep reminded myself that there are not going to be any instant results. I didn't gain it all in one night- I won't lose it that way. So, I am hopeful that this blog will help me along my weight-loss journey. I can use all the encouragement in the world right now! I hope this blog will be a perfect inlet for that!

More soon, very soon,
Phat Teacher

Sunday, February 24, 2008

Can't sleep: my first post

Greetings and welcome to my blog.
I woke up this morning with no intentions of having a weight loss blog, but by the end of the night, here I am typing away trying to make sense of it all.
It's currently 11:26 pm and I have to be awake at 5:30am. I should have been asleep 2 hours ago but for some reason, I can't seem to drift off into the lovely world of dreams.

I decided to write a blog in lue of all the weight loss blogs I found in my google search this evening. It seems there are hundreds if not thousands of women (and men) who are in my exact position and who blog about their weight loss ritualistically. If it is helping them, why not try it?

I don't know how often I will able to post. I also don't know what I will put in my post nor if anyone will even read this blog but me. I hope someone does. I hope to chart my success here and perhaps motivate even one person to put the pizza down and realize they deserve more than temporary happiness. I will be sure to get more into my own personal story in my next post (when I have more time). Right now, I need to force myself to sleep because if I don't, I will be a fire-breathing-diva-dragon in the morning (and let's face it- nobody likes her!)

Sweet dreams,
Phat Teacher