1.12.2009

Mall walking observations...

Ok. I have to admit something. (Gulp). I've gained over 15 lbs in the last 5 months since Declan has joined our life. Keep in mind I did not birth him so I have no "baby weight" excuse. I like to tell people that I quit the gym until he's 6 months old (that's the point where I feel okay leaving him in the nursery). This is true but I could go after work when Mark gets home but I'm typically pretty exhausted. I also tell people about our new grocery budget: $75/week for formula and very little left over so we get pasta, baked potatoes, ramen noodles and other cheap things. But no more excuses!

Today, Mark and I started a friendly competition with each other. We both have different goals but, above all, want to live a healthier life. We don't want to specifically diet. We want to eat really healthy MOST the time but still be able to have a little flexibility. So last night I cleared out our fridge and pantry and spent over an hour at the grocery store re-stocking (and reading lots of labels). We have work out goals- both different- but goals nonetheless. We had our first weigh in this morning and will continue to weekly. If we reach our goals and live the healthy life we really desire for 6 months, a short Vegas trip late summer will be our reward.

So, anywho, regarding the mall walking. The weather bites today (cold, super winder, yucky) so we loaded up and went mall walking. Here's what I learned:

-Mall walkers take their work out very seriously.
-Mall walkers are easy to spot with their casual clothing, arms pumping and winter coat around their waist.
-Mall walkers get a lot of looks from shoppers and the mall employees.
-Mall walking is semi-tortuous because there are tons of delicious smells floating around.
-Mall walking is also tortuous because there are tons of sales right now.
-I think I can keep this up at least 3 times a week during the winter.
-3 times around our mall is over 2 miles! Woot!

Anyone else with new diet and/or workout goals??

13 comments:

Julie said...

Have you ever gone before the mall opens? I bet you'd have a few more observations to add to your list (i.e., average age of walkers) and you can't be tempted to buy anything.

E said...

Good for you! Best of luck with your fitness goals...you can do it!! I've joined yoga and Pilates classes and I'm in the market for an elliptical machine and/or Wii fit. I'm not very good with gym memberships.

Doublebanker said...

I remember while in college, when I worked nights at a gas station...I went to the mall after work to look for a gift.

I walked around at before 8am, and assumed Westfield was open with all the cars and people. But these were the serious "mall walkers" you spoke of.

Made me feel old...getting passed by 60+ year olds walking twice as fast as I.

Amber D. said...

Good for you on working on a healther lifestyle. I am thinking about it. I'm haven't made my plans into actually doing anything, but hopefully I do think I am getting closer! We use the malls a lot during the winter months to get out of the house to play though!

Kristin said...

That's what I need to be doing but I get so sidetracked once inside! We've got that same thing on the brain at our house tho...lifestyle changes. Good luck!

ash said...

that's fantastic! I've been doing weightwatchers and lost 15 pounds so far and I love it. Congrats on what you're doing. Let me know if you want to swap recipes.

Doripink said...

I'll partner with you!!! I started a diet the first week of Oct. 2008...I have lost 33lbs. thus far and have 42 more to go to reach my goal weight..!

Rebekah Wilson said...

It really amazes me what they can charge for formula because they know that some babies really need it. Stupid formula industry :(

GOod luck on the mall walking!

Erin said...

DH, the in-laws, and my parents and me have a similar competition. Everyone puts in $25 and the winner gets the money. The goal is biggest percentage of weight lost, since we all have different goals. We did something like this in preparation for a wedding and I kicked butt. Sadly, IVF put most of the weight back on. Good luck! Decs is sooooo cute!

Amber D. said...

Okay I had to go to the mall tonight and I was cracking up! As soon as we got out of Target and started walking through the mall we ran into 2 mall walkers and then passed 3 more on the way to our next stop. They had the classic look you described with the coat tied around the waist on 2 of them. I was laughing to myself (because I was with Brock and he wouldn't have understoon what I was talking about!) and thought of you!

Kristin said...

I officially joined the mall walkers today! It was a lot of fun...going again on Friday and recruited Joy to go with me. :)

Rebekah said...

So you're saying I should lose the weight now....before baby comes! :) I've actually gained about 10 pounds this year and have no idea why?? I better get on it!

Anonymous said...

If you ever want a break from the mall walkers, you should come walk the capitol with me. They can be just as intense, but without the shopping/food temptations.