My Weight Loss in 60 seconds: The Start

I decided that last week was my start. Here is what I know about starting anything: you have to take steps from where you are.

I decided that this week I will build from where I was.

The only way to make progress is to tweak my current routine. Trust me, I know exactly what I need to tweak to succeed.

Food prep is one area I need to tweak. I know that if I prepare the food, pack it and have it available, I will eat homemade, nutritious food. I can also track more. The more I track, the more I reach my goal. Tracking helps me stay focused on the nutrition I need for the day.

Even the area of exercising can use some tweaking. Now that I am done with my main race for the year, I need to focus on my areas of weakness. My off-season goal is to get stronger and leaner so I can run more efficiently when we start training again in the summer. Oh, let’s not forget there’s a possibility that I will run a Fall marathon. I refuse to be out of shape for that!

I believe we can all improve our motivation. I want to be sure that i find ways to remain positive about my journey. The internet can’t do it, a peer group can’t do it, I have to be positive about my own journey.

I am here to encourage someone who is in the journey of health independently. You can do it. Tweak what you did last week. Forget about guilt, start today.

Thank you for joining me in this journey!

Goals:

• Track food intake for at least 5 days;

• Exercise 5 days (start two days of cross training);

• Prep food for next week on Sunday;  

• Rest well and drink water daily.

• Be positive about my journey.

Stats:
Beginning: 161 lbs
Current: 159 lbs
First Goal: 150 lbs

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Losing weight without weight watchers or a gym

Last year, I took small steps towards my health goals.
One of my goals was to run comfortably in the 10s. I was able to reach that goal in July.
Another goal was to lose weight. I used the Weight Watchers App in order to do that. I even blogged about it here at SimplyCintia.com.
Our finances got really tight and I had to give up on my Weight Watchers membership. The first time I joined Weight Watchers, I had to cancel my membership because of tight finances. I think I cried back then. Once that was over, I resolved to use the skills I learned to keep going.
This time there were no tears and my resolve was there.
I will be honest and tell you that I felt a little lost at first.

The holidays were right around the corner and I didn’t want to gain all the weight I lost.
I remember telling myself that I couldn’t give up. I remember telling myself to use what I had. For years, I’ve had a food journal as well as two other food tracking apps. The apps do the same thing as the Weight Watchers app. They help me track my intake so I can reach my goal.
Once I left WW, I gained a little bit of weight (4 lbs). I remember telling myself not to give up. So I kept eating well, exercising and tracking as well as I could.
I always knew that if I track, I lose weight.

The holidays came and I was blessed to have a lot of time at home with family. Being at home meant that I could keep my exercise routine. I also made sure to enjoy the special foods of the season without losing sight of my goal of arriving at a normal BMI.
My weight remained the same throughout the holiday season. Once we celebrated the new year, I was tracking my food closely and I kept the exercise routine going.
This week, I lost 2 of the 4 lbs I gained. I’m happy and encouraged to keep making progress towards my health goal.

When I looked at the total number of pounds I want to lose in 2019, I was discouraged. Then, I looked at my goal for 2018. The number was bigger. Small progress is still progress.

Here are a few tips for people who like me, do not have an excessive amount of money to invest in weight loss and exercise:

• find a free App where you can track your meals. A regular journal works wonders too. Just use what you have and be consistent.
• find a free exercise you can do. Walking in your neighborhood is free. Going to the city park a few days a week is free. Just use what you have and persist.
• write your goal and keep it in front of you. Some people are able to lose weight for life in a short amount of time. Others do it gradually, over the years. Regardless of the length of time, don’t bury your goals, keep them in front of you. Just use what you have and don’t hide your goals.

Using what we have is how we start. Believe you can reach your goals. See yourself at goal. Just use what you have and you will get there.

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Weight Watchers: Why

Happy week friends! I am celebrating where I am on the way to where I am going. There are 37 weeks until the end of the year. I have plenty time to reach my goal and I consider myself to be right on track. Since I started my weight watchers journey I've had barriers. I had a lot of stress, a job change and we moved homes. I'm still glad I started the journey when I did.
I kept telling myself, do not give up. No matter how many times the scale went up and down, I decided not to turn back from where I started.
Today, I am at my lowest weight in a while and I am determined to keep going until I arrive at a normal BMI. I am working towards this goal and I will be there before the end of the year.
I can agree that there are wrong times to start a weight loss journey (when you are going through extreme difficulties in life) but if you are on your journey, there isn't a good time to give up.
I'm encouraged and I am doing what it takes. I'm changing things on the exercise front as well. I'm running faster and lifting heavier. I'm just having fun making progress because now is the time to keep going towards my fitness goals.
Thank you for joining me in this journey my friend. Which goal can you accomplish in 37 weeks? start now and do not give up.

Goal for the week: Track 7 days with the Weight Watchers app. Exercise at least 4 times.

Start Weight: 175 lbs

{Goal Weight:} 136 lbs

{{Current Weight}}: 164 lbs

Previously in this Series:

• New Normal

• Moving on
• Scale
• Eating at work
• Not giving up
• March On
• Eating out

• Transitions 

• 10 pounds down, 20 to go
• Alone or in a Group?
• Preparation

• Time
• 4 tips for Weight Loss
• Losing Weight on vacation
• What I tell myself when I gain weight
• Right Choices
• Challenges and Opportunities
• Weight Loss Goal

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Weight Watchers: Transitions

This week I started my new job. It's been a blessing and I'm encouraged to keep pursuing my weight loss goal. I will get there!

Goal for the week: Track 7 days with the ww app. Exercise at least 5 times.

Start Weight: 175 lbs

{Goal Weight:} 136 lbs

{{Current Weight}}: 166 lbs

Previously in this Series:
• 10 pounds down, 20 to go
• Alone or in a Group?
• Preparation

• Time
• 4 tips for Weight Loss
• Losing Weight on vacation
• What I tell myself when I gain weight
• Right Choices
• Challenges and Opportunities
• Weight Loss Goal

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Weight Watchers: 10 lbs down, 20 to go

Here I am again. I lost the first 10 pounds again. I'm saying "again" because last year, I managed to lose 10 pounds and 10 pounds only. I'm totally okay with that but the goal is to keep going until I reach my goal.
The good thing is that my clothes are fitting much better. This morning I put on a winter jacket and it fit much better than last year. I don't think I actually wore that jacket last winter. Progress is pretty amazing.
I can also see a difference in my running but I have friends who have assured me it's psychological. It is easier to run when I'm not carrying extra weight around.
A sweet and very honest friend from my Bible study told me she noticed I was losing weight. I'm encouraged to keep this progress going until I am finished with my weight loss.
Before I started this journey I actually talked to my doctor about my health goals. She told me that losing 30 pounds would put me at a very good place. So, I lost 10 and I have 20 pounds to lose.
I am challenging myself not to give up. I am remembering that every small step I take will lead me to my goal. Tracking my food is essential. Exercising is without a doubt a necessity. I believe I can reach my goal and I am encouraged to do what it takes to get there.
Here is a video with the latest on my weight loss journey friends.

Goal for the week: Track 7 days with the ww app. Exercise at least 5 times.
Start Weight: 175 lbs
{Goal Weight:} 136 lbs
{{Current Weight}}: 165.4 lbs

Previously in this Series:
• Alone or in a Group?
• Preparation

• Time
• 4 tips for Weight Loss
• Losing Weight on vacation
• What I tell myself when I gain weight
• Right Choices
• Challenges and Opportunities
• Weight Loss Goal

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Weight Watchers: Alone or in a Group?

I've always been pressed for time. 7 years ago I was wondering how I was going to add time in my schedule to attend Weight Watchers meetings. The time investment was key to the success I experienced. I am currently using the app and in today's video I answer the question: should you lose weight solo or in a group setting? Enjoy!

Goal for the week: Track 5 days at least with the ww app. Exercise at least 4 times.
Start Weight: 175 lbs
{Goal Weight:} 136 lbs
{{Current Weight}}: 166.6 lbs

Previously in this Series:
• Preparation

• Time
• 4 tips for Weight Loss
• Losing Weight on vacation
• What I tell myself when I gain weight
• Right Choices
• Challenges and Opportunities
• Weight Loss Goal

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Set your Heart Video Series

Happy almost Thanksgiving week friends! Join me this week at the South Texas AG Sisterhood Facebook Page as well as the Grace Matters Ministries page where I'll be sharing daily video devotionals. My topic this week is "Set your Heart." I'd give you a preview but I rather you watch the videos there at the page :)

The South Texas AG Sisterhood has been a blessing in my life. I've been attending their Connect Houston conferences for the past few years. Every time I go, I return renewed, encouraged and ready to take on any challenge that comes my way. Even if all I can do is attend the night sessions, Connect is the place to be for the woman who needs more strength, courage and wisdom.

This week here on the blog I want to tell you about my reasons for thankfulness. I now know so many things I didn't know last Thanksgiving. It's been a year of learning and I'll share more with you this week.

I hope you have a great week and let me know if you are watching the videos. God bless you my friend!

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Project Health Week 5

I have 3 exercise tips that will help you stick with the habit. No, I won't try to turn you into a morning person. Enjoy this week's video! To watch my latest weight loss update, go to my YouTube and Subscribe my friend. Thanks!

Resources:
• Week 5 Handout

Links: 
• Week 1
• Week 2
• Week 3
• Week 4
• Week 5

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Project Health Week 4

Welcome to week 4! I talk to you about stress management as well as the things I am leaving behind. Enjoy! 

Links:

• Job interview as a Dance 

Previously in this Series: 

• Week 1
• Week 2
• Week 3
• Week 4
• Week 5

Resources: 

Week 4 Handout

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Project Health Week 3

Thank you for joining me on my health journey! Week 3 is a week where I finally realize that "slow progress is still progress." Watch the full video here:

Resources:
• Week 3 Handout 

Archives: 
• Week 1
• Week 2
• Week 3
• Week 4
• Week 5

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Project Health Week 2

Welcome to week 2 of Project Health!
What happens during vacation? Find out more here. 

Resource: 
• Week 2 Handout 

Archives:
• Week 1
• Week 2
• Week 3
• Week 4
• Week 5

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Are you Growing up? (Video)

Your Social Media feeds might be flooded with pictures like this: 

My children's before and after school pictures in 2015

The thing is, kids are great at growing but adults, not always. In your business life, you are required to keep training (growing) a certain amount of hours each year. The goal is that you don't get stale but you improve in your craft. What about other areas of your life? I hope you enjoy this video!

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How to fight (and win) against Fear

The spirit of fear will hide behind some big names (CDC, MD, bill, etc) but there is no greater name than the name of Jesus. God has NOT given you a spirit of fear but of power, love and a sound mind. Walk by faith and not by sight friend. Look at the Prince of Peace Himself for all assurance you need to overcome. Enjoy today's video!

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Question of the Day

I am having a lot of fun with Facebook Live! I am getting great feedback from my friends are well. Today's question was, "what if we shared our faith as much as we share our fears?" Have you thought about that?

What if we shared faith as much as we share fear? 󾓪󾓮
Posted by Cintia Listenbee on Monday, April 11, 2016

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Getting to Know You: Great Day Houston

We had a great experience this morning at Great Day Houston. I did ask myself several times "what in the world are you doing taking 3 kids to a TV show?" but I decided the experience would be priceless. By the time we made it to the studio (we were the last ones to get in I believe), they welcome you and we went to the bathroom. There was also a giveaway so we filled out a form (we didn't win this time). Here is an excited photo of the kids. Really and truly we didn't know what to expect.

We made it face :)

They set us at the side that was kid-friendly, meaning, you can step out if need be. They gave us a little time to post on social media that we were going to be on Live TV. I had no idea it was going to be live so we kinda buckled up for the whole experience. 

The majority of the show was a parenting panel. I'll post the link here as soon as I can. The great thing about TV is that there are breaks. During the breaks I told the kids to stand up and stretch out, which helped. I don't think they'll remember this show but I will and I told them how thankful I am that they came along and behaved well. This outing was more for me than for the kids. Many moons ago I earned a B.A. in broadcast journalism, so being in a TV studio brought me some cool memories. We got to take a photo with Mrs. Deborah Duncan, who is the kind host of the show. 

We also got some swag from one of the panelists, which I thought it was a nice bonus. I actually told my husband last night "I hope they give the audience something." I'm thankful.

Take a closer look at the Swag on my Periscope

Being part of Great Day Houston is a 2 hour and 30 minute commitment, not counting driving time. It is a free show, so if you want to go, I'd totally take advantage of this opportunity. I had a great time because I just so happen to love television production. I also wanted to give my kids a look into an area they might want to study in the future. 

This was a super fun outing and I'm glad I had the courage to go. Thanks for reading friends!

Previously in this Series: 
• Galveston Railroad Museum
• SpaceCenter Houston
• Houston Rodeo
• Houston Ballet
• Children's Museum of Houston
• Houston Zoo

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Chevron Houston Marathon 2016 Training Week 2

Marathon excitement last season. 

Today I have a video for you about marathon training (192 days to go!) and my newbie mistakes. Enjoy! 

Links mentioned in this video:
• Freedom 5K Recap
• Chevron Houston Marathon Registration
• Zeke's Fundraising Page

Previously in this series:
• Week 1

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The Waltons Experiment: a Food Challenge

I'm challenging myself to eat out less in the month of February. Hope you join me in this journey!

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Houston Marathon 2015 Video Recap

Thanks for coming in this journey with me! Here's my video recap.

Previously in this Series:
• Houston Marathon Training

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Houston Marathon 2015 Week 12

Last week of training update! Here's a video for you where I talk about my last week of training; marathon week plans and the people I am thankful for. Thank you for coming in this journey with me! Send me your questions so I can answer them in my marathon recap video. Thank you friends!

Previously in this Series:
• Houston Marathon 2015 Week 11
• Houston Marathon 2015 Week 10
• Houston Marathon 2015 Week 9
• Houston Marathon 2015 Week 8
• Houston Marathon 2015 Week 7
• Houston Marathon 2015 Week 6
• Houston Marathon 2015 Week 5
• Houston Marathon 2015 Week 4
• Houston Marathon 2015 Week 3
• Houston Marathon 2015 Week 2
• Houston Marathon 2015 Week 1
Archives:
• Chicago Marathon 2014
• Houston Marathon 2014

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TV Show Challenge

Take the Challenge!

Everyone loves a good challenge! Here is the TV Show Challenge. Would you be brave enough to take it? Here's the YouTube link in case you can't watch this video.

Rules:
1. Count the hours you will spend in front of the TV watching your favorite Fall TV Show;
2. Apply those hours on your goals for 2014.
3. Come back and let me know how your TV Show Challenge is going! 

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