4/16: 185 lbs
That is -3 pounds since last week.
I have officially lost 20 lbs since I began in February! I am so happy to finally hit that mark!
My next goal is 178 lbs. That will take me from "obese" to "overweight". I'm hoping to reach that in the next 3 weeks.
My energy has been awesome! All weekend I worked outside cleaning, mowing and gardening. Plus I cleaned in our house, heavily! I worked my butt off! And I enjoyed it so much. Our house and yard haven't looked this good in a while. Usually Dad handles the outside by himself, and there is a lot to do out there. I think he appreciated having someone to help him. And I am loving watching the garden. I go check on it everyday. So far we have beans, peas, cabbage, broccoli, corn and squash.
I'm still drinking only water. I'm not even tempted by the Diet Cokes that remain from before I started two months ago. It's so easy to get my 8 glasses when that is all I drink. I try to mix in a glass of skim milk here and there, but it is only occasional.
Diet wise I've been staying near the top of my recommended calorie range. I find it hard to get all the veggies and stuff I need everyday. Fiber is still a huge problem for me. Even with the supplement I still don't get enough fiber on any given day. So my weight is skewed upward every few days thanks to that...!
I've been doing awesome with my sleep! I've gone to bed before 11 every single night. I guess I've been so active during that day that I just don't have a problem falling asleep at night.
Exercise hasn't been going so good. I've been getting a lot of activity in through cleaning and various things outside, but I still have been meaning to get more strength exercises in. It is just a failure on my part, I can squeeze it in, I just haven't. But I will.
Hopefully next post I will be 183-ish!
LilySlim Weight loss tickers
Monday, April 16, 2012
Monday, April 9, 2012
8 Weeks
4/9: 188 lbs
That is -1 pound since last week! Yea!
That is -1 pound in spite of Easter and all the Easter candy goodness! And don't think I missed out! I still had jelly beans and Cadbury eggs and Peeps. But I move A LOT more every single day!
I'm going to make this an abbreviated post because Thursday (4/12) is my actual 2 month anniversary of beginning this journey. (Plus it is 1 am and I am beyond sleepy!)
That is -1 pound since last week! Yea!
That is -1 pound in spite of Easter and all the Easter candy goodness! And don't think I missed out! I still had jelly beans and Cadbury eggs and Peeps. But I move A LOT more every single day!
I'm going to make this an abbreviated post because Thursday (4/12) is my actual 2 month anniversary of beginning this journey. (Plus it is 1 am and I am beyond sleepy!)
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
7 Weeks
4/2: 189 lbs
That is -4 pounds since last week! PLUS, I am under 190 lbs for the 1st time in a very long time!
I actually was already down to 189 by Wednesday of last week. I am so pumped. I have lost 16 pounds in 7 weeks. How about that?! Plus, I haven't really suffered like I always thought I would have to in order to lose weight. I still get to have food that I enjoy, I just have to enjoy it sporadically and in moderation.
I've been eating more sandwiches, which has helped some with the fiber problem. I also am taking a fiber supplement every single day. I still struggle to get enough fiber. I don't really have a set amount of fiber I strive for everyday, I just listen to my body; My body tells me when it is, and isn't, getting enough fiber.
I've also been a lot more careful to get enough sleep. I really think that not getting enough sleep was a big part of why I hit a wall last week. I have been keeping myself up and running for most of every day so that is helping me get more sleep. My body and brain are pooped by 11 pm.
Exercise-wise I haven't been doing so well. I only did my strength exercises twice last week, and only really exercise-walked once. But I have been going outside every day. I play with my dog, walk the dog, worked on the yard and even mowed the yard for the first time ever!
I know I am actually a couple of days late posting this update. I have mentioned before about how I tend to obsess. I was obsessing over food, exercise and my weight. So I decided to chill out some. I still track every single calorie, I ONLY drink water and I try to get as much activity as I can each day. But I don't think about it all day long like I was. And I'm letting myself stay between 1400 and 1600 calories each day.
Next Monday will be 2 MONTHS! Two months since I began taking much better care of myself. Two months since I began feeling better about myself. I feel like even if I maintain 189 until next Monday's weigh-in that 16 pounds in 2 months is nothing to be ashamed of. I would love to get to 185 lbs so that I will have lost 20 pounds in 2 months, but if I don't I won't worry about it. 10 more pounds until I'm no longer technically obese. (I HATE that word, obese...) That will be a nice milestone. I'll just be "overweight." I look SO forward to not be obese anymore!
That is -4 pounds since last week! PLUS, I am under 190 lbs for the 1st time in a very long time!
I actually was already down to 189 by Wednesday of last week. I am so pumped. I have lost 16 pounds in 7 weeks. How about that?! Plus, I haven't really suffered like I always thought I would have to in order to lose weight. I still get to have food that I enjoy, I just have to enjoy it sporadically and in moderation.
I've been eating more sandwiches, which has helped some with the fiber problem. I also am taking a fiber supplement every single day. I still struggle to get enough fiber. I don't really have a set amount of fiber I strive for everyday, I just listen to my body; My body tells me when it is, and isn't, getting enough fiber.
I've also been a lot more careful to get enough sleep. I really think that not getting enough sleep was a big part of why I hit a wall last week. I have been keeping myself up and running for most of every day so that is helping me get more sleep. My body and brain are pooped by 11 pm.
Exercise-wise I haven't been doing so well. I only did my strength exercises twice last week, and only really exercise-walked once. But I have been going outside every day. I play with my dog, walk the dog, worked on the yard and even mowed the yard for the first time ever!
I know I am actually a couple of days late posting this update. I have mentioned before about how I tend to obsess. I was obsessing over food, exercise and my weight. So I decided to chill out some. I still track every single calorie, I ONLY drink water and I try to get as much activity as I can each day. But I don't think about it all day long like I was. And I'm letting myself stay between 1400 and 1600 calories each day.
Next Monday will be 2 MONTHS! Two months since I began taking much better care of myself. Two months since I began feeling better about myself. I feel like even if I maintain 189 until next Monday's weigh-in that 16 pounds in 2 months is nothing to be ashamed of. I would love to get to 185 lbs so that I will have lost 20 pounds in 2 months, but if I don't I won't worry about it. 10 more pounds until I'm no longer technically obese. (I HATE that word, obese...) That will be a nice milestone. I'll just be "overweight." I look SO forward to not be obese anymore!
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
6 Weeks
3/26: 193 lbs
That is +1 pound from last week.
For some reason, despite keeping my calories between 1200-1500 I had a hard time this week. Friday I weighed in at 195! I don't know if it is the entire problem but let me say one word: fiber! Apparently I have not been getting enough fiber. So I began tracking it on SparkPeople.com along with calories, fat and carbs. It recommended I get at least 25 and I can barely get 14 so I bought a fiber supplement and I believe that is how I got back down to 193 by Monday.
I didn't give up Friday after I saw 195. I was tempted to say "Screw it." but I didn't. I did take the weekend off, sort of. I still only drank water, I still was mindful of what I ate, but I didn't count every single calorie. I added them to my food tracker Monday and I went over a little, but it wasn't too bad. Mainly because I stayed outside most of the weekend. Playing with the dog, helping my Dad in the yard and mowing the lawn! (Haven't done that before!) And this week I'm doing much better at keeping my calories in check. Especially hard with the horrible cravings I'm having! But I'm hanging on!
Well there is my weekly update! I hope next week to post under 190! Wish me luck!
That is +1 pound from last week.
For some reason, despite keeping my calories between 1200-1500 I had a hard time this week. Friday I weighed in at 195! I don't know if it is the entire problem but let me say one word: fiber! Apparently I have not been getting enough fiber. So I began tracking it on SparkPeople.com along with calories, fat and carbs. It recommended I get at least 25 and I can barely get 14 so I bought a fiber supplement and I believe that is how I got back down to 193 by Monday.
I didn't give up Friday after I saw 195. I was tempted to say "Screw it." but I didn't. I did take the weekend off, sort of. I still only drank water, I still was mindful of what I ate, but I didn't count every single calorie. I added them to my food tracker Monday and I went over a little, but it wasn't too bad. Mainly because I stayed outside most of the weekend. Playing with the dog, helping my Dad in the yard and mowing the lawn! (Haven't done that before!) And this week I'm doing much better at keeping my calories in check. Especially hard with the horrible cravings I'm having! But I'm hanging on!
Well there is my weekly update! I hope next week to post under 190! Wish me luck!
Monday, March 19, 2012
5 Weeks
3/19: 192 pounds
That is -2.5 pounds since last week.
I don't have much to say tonight. I just wanted to update with my "official" weigh-in. I'm pretty pleased. I was really hoping to be at least 190 lbs by tonight, but I'll take losing 2.5 pounds.
I'm getting better every day about keeping my calories in check. 1200-1500 is the range SparkPeople.com set for me. I've been aiming for 1200-1400 and I'm staying in that range. It's getting easier every day. Plus I noticed yesterday that I can't eat as much as I used to, even 2 weeks ago, even if I want. I was starving yesterday because I didn't have breakfast. (Overslept.) Then my Dad grilled out and made hamburgers...Yum! I thought I was hungry enough for 2 burgers--nope. I ate one burger and thought I would be sick. So I stopped at one. That's what I'm going to do from now on, even if I feel like I am starving I am going to get half of what I think I can eat.
I'm still exercising often. My brother-in-law loaned me this ab-crunch machine/thing and I've been using that. It feels like it helps me keep from pulling too much on my back. Plus I have been doing back extensions every night and that seems to be helping strengthen my lower back. Lately I've been trying to incorporate more and more physical activity in my life. Over the weekend I went outside and cleaned. It was heavy cleaning too! (Our yard was awful!) And I clean our house every night still, sweeping every room. I've been playing "Just Dance 2" more often.
I feel awesome! My body just feels so much healthier. My self-esteem is already up. I'm staying optimistic and upbeat a lot more. I have not ever been more confident. It's awesome and I don't regret a minute. My only regret is that I didn't do this years ago!
That is -2.5 pounds since last week.
I don't have much to say tonight. I just wanted to update with my "official" weigh-in. I'm pretty pleased. I was really hoping to be at least 190 lbs by tonight, but I'll take losing 2.5 pounds.
I'm getting better every day about keeping my calories in check. 1200-1500 is the range SparkPeople.com set for me. I've been aiming for 1200-1400 and I'm staying in that range. It's getting easier every day. Plus I noticed yesterday that I can't eat as much as I used to, even 2 weeks ago, even if I want. I was starving yesterday because I didn't have breakfast. (Overslept.) Then my Dad grilled out and made hamburgers...Yum! I thought I was hungry enough for 2 burgers--nope. I ate one burger and thought I would be sick. So I stopped at one. That's what I'm going to do from now on, even if I feel like I am starving I am going to get half of what I think I can eat.
I'm still exercising often. My brother-in-law loaned me this ab-crunch machine/thing and I've been using that. It feels like it helps me keep from pulling too much on my back. Plus I have been doing back extensions every night and that seems to be helping strengthen my lower back. Lately I've been trying to incorporate more and more physical activity in my life. Over the weekend I went outside and cleaned. It was heavy cleaning too! (Our yard was awful!) And I clean our house every night still, sweeping every room. I've been playing "Just Dance 2" more often.
I feel awesome! My body just feels so much healthier. My self-esteem is already up. I'm staying optimistic and upbeat a lot more. I have not ever been more confident. It's awesome and I don't regret a minute. My only regret is that I didn't do this years ago!
Friday, March 16, 2012
Physical Changes
Well I am finally beginning to see physical changes!
I am weighing in as of Friday 3/16/2012 at 192 lbs!
Thursday I looked in the mirror and I finally noticed a change in my face. I mean I have lost 13 pounds, but it has taken nearly 5 weeks for me to see any difference. One of my least favorite parts of being overweight is/was that my jawline is nearly non-existent. I don't have a strong jawline and at 200+ pounds my face seemed to run right to my neck. Drove me nuts! I can finally, faintly, see my jawline! I'm so thrilled! I can also tell a slight difference in my abdomen. My figure is a little more hourglass and a little less...well, circle!
I am also finally fitting my clothing differently. For years, from around 12 or 13 years old, I wore jeans too big for me. I had horrible self-esteem and hid my body even when I wasn't overweight. Last summer I finally realized what I was doing and went and bought some new, fitting, jeans. I had been wearing 20's when I should have been in 16's. I put on a pair of my 16's today and they are getting too loose. I figure if I lose 5-10 more pounds I will either have to buy new jeans or a new belt! Woo-hoo!
Yes, 192 pounds yesterday. I'm planning on exercising and keeping my calories in my goal range so that hopefully by Monday night weigh-in I can be at least 190! Either way, I am nearly 5 weeks in and I feel SO good. My cravings are decreasing, my energy increasing. I'm getting healthier and I'm NOT looking back!
Monday, March 12, 2012
10 Pounds!
3/12: 194.5 lbs
That is -4.5 pounds since last week.
Holy cow! Those last 5 pounds were awful. I have been struggling all week with trying to exercise and not hurt my back. I have to be very careful until I strengthen up my lower and mid back muscles. I found that back extensions work those muscles and I have been doing a few of those every day.
Food-wise I am doing better with my cravings. I have them better under control this week. I have stayed under 1500 calories every day. I have continued to drink water. Lots of water. I've seen that my body will tell me when I am dehydrated, even though I am amazed that someone who drinks as much as I do can get dehydrated...but it is possible.
My parents really demonstrated their support for me this week. I had talked to them about how much water I am drinking. We have well-water and it hasn't been tested in a while, but Dad said that last time it was tested it was heavy in metals and "stuff". We also discussed the fact that I have been reusing water bottles that probably weren't meant to be reused. The next day my parents went to the store and when they came home they brought me back a water filter pitcher thing-y and a "jug" for drinking my water out of.
Seriously, the water bottle holds over 36 ounces! I love it though.
Other lessons learned this week: I learned that my brain confuses "sleepy" and "hungry". I stayed up kind of late one night and I soon found myself wanting to snack. I went and got a few Nilla wafers. That didn't put a dent in my craving. I sat and thought for a minute. I had eaten dinner and so the Nilla Wafers should have fixed any craving. The more I thought, I realized..."I'm SLEEPY!" I'm really glad I learned this, so that later if I have that experience again I know how to address it.
Today is my 1 month anniversary of the day I took the first steps to a healthier me. I'm so glad I did. I feel better than I have in years! I look forward to keeping up with the process.
That is -4.5 pounds since last week.
Holy cow! Those last 5 pounds were awful. I have been struggling all week with trying to exercise and not hurt my back. I have to be very careful until I strengthen up my lower and mid back muscles. I found that back extensions work those muscles and I have been doing a few of those every day.
Food-wise I am doing better with my cravings. I have them better under control this week. I have stayed under 1500 calories every day. I have continued to drink water. Lots of water. I've seen that my body will tell me when I am dehydrated, even though I am amazed that someone who drinks as much as I do can get dehydrated...but it is possible.
My parents really demonstrated their support for me this week. I had talked to them about how much water I am drinking. We have well-water and it hasn't been tested in a while, but Dad said that last time it was tested it was heavy in metals and "stuff". We also discussed the fact that I have been reusing water bottles that probably weren't meant to be reused. The next day my parents went to the store and when they came home they brought me back a water filter pitcher thing-y and a "jug" for drinking my water out of.
Seriously, the water bottle holds over 36 ounces! I love it though.
Other lessons learned this week: I learned that my brain confuses "sleepy" and "hungry". I stayed up kind of late one night and I soon found myself wanting to snack. I went and got a few Nilla wafers. That didn't put a dent in my craving. I sat and thought for a minute. I had eaten dinner and so the Nilla Wafers should have fixed any craving. The more I thought, I realized..."I'm SLEEPY!" I'm really glad I learned this, so that later if I have that experience again I know how to address it.
Today is my 1 month anniversary of the day I took the first steps to a healthier me. I'm so glad I did. I feel better than I have in years! I look forward to keeping up with the process.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Yea!
Weight Today: 197 lbs!
I know I shouldn't weigh myself too often, but really either way the scale goes it motivates me!
I am back! Through diet alone I was able to get back to where I was Thursday before my gluttonous Friday! I tracked every single piece of food that went in my mouth and it helped me stay on the lower end of my goal 1200-1500 daily calories. I also kept up the 8+ glasses of water a day. It really helps me not feel so bad about having a bad day when it only takes me a few days to repair the damage. And more importantly, I didn't let one bad day derail all my hard work. Monday will be a month and I have NO intentions of quitting! I have too much to gain by keeping it up.
Thanks to my family who didn't let me be too hard on myself because of Friday. I give myself heck when I feel like I'm failed at something, but my family helped me by gently reminding me that everyone has bad days and that I didn't let it make me quit.
I said that I would think of some plans for next time there is severe weather like that so that I don't use food to comfort myself. Well I have been thinking...
1. Chew sugar-free gum
2. Do something to occupy my mind like reading, doing crochet, etc..
3. Get up and clean. (There is always something to clean!)
4. Do stretches and meditation.
So those are a start. I'm sure I'll think of some more. Now I'm off to go eat my lunch salad!
I know I shouldn't weigh myself too often, but really either way the scale goes it motivates me!
I am back! Through diet alone I was able to get back to where I was Thursday before my gluttonous Friday! I tracked every single piece of food that went in my mouth and it helped me stay on the lower end of my goal 1200-1500 daily calories. I also kept up the 8+ glasses of water a day. It really helps me not feel so bad about having a bad day when it only takes me a few days to repair the damage. And more importantly, I didn't let one bad day derail all my hard work. Monday will be a month and I have NO intentions of quitting! I have too much to gain by keeping it up.
Thanks to my family who didn't let me be too hard on myself because of Friday. I give myself heck when I feel like I'm failed at something, but my family helped me by gently reminding me that everyone has bad days and that I didn't let it make me quit.
I said that I would think of some plans for next time there is severe weather like that so that I don't use food to comfort myself. Well I have been thinking...
1. Chew sugar-free gum
2. Do something to occupy my mind like reading, doing crochet, etc..
3. Get up and clean. (There is always something to clean!)
4. Do stretches and meditation.
So those are a start. I'm sure I'll think of some more. Now I'm off to go eat my lunch salad!
Monday, March 5, 2012
Three Weeks
3/5: 199 lbs
That is +2 pounds from last week.
Friday I had a stressful day due to the weather. I've always been nervous about storms, but like a lot of people I know, April 27, 2011 made my fears even more intense. Friday I learned that one way I cope with that fear and nervousness is by eating. So I plan to sit down this week and come up with a plan to cope with those feelings through other means next time.
I was planning on exercising off the excess calories from Friday on Saturday or Sunday, but I noticed Saturday that my lower back was feeling tender. I didn't want to exercise and make it hurt worse. Well, Sunday I woke up with excruciating pain in my lower back. I'm pretty sure it's just a pulled muscle or something because I took it easy all day Sunday and by this afternoon my back was feeling a lot better. I'm going to give it a couple more days of rest then I am planning on easing back into my exercise routine.
This week was a learning week for me, for sure. There are always going to be speed bumps in every journey. I just have to learn from every experience, pick myself back up and keep going. I feel like my body is feeling SO much better even though it has only been three weeks. Next week will be a month and I will do my official measurements and see, inches-wise, where I stand.
I'm still eating better than I have my entire life. I LOVE 100% wheat bread! I LOVE salads! And I am practicing measuring every portion so that I know more accurately the calories I am eating. So far my guesstimates are not far from actual portion sizes.
Well, next week I will be posting a weight loss. (Yeah, I'm optimistic!)
That is +2 pounds from last week.
Friday I had a stressful day due to the weather. I've always been nervous about storms, but like a lot of people I know, April 27, 2011 made my fears even more intense. Friday I learned that one way I cope with that fear and nervousness is by eating. So I plan to sit down this week and come up with a plan to cope with those feelings through other means next time.
I was planning on exercising off the excess calories from Friday on Saturday or Sunday, but I noticed Saturday that my lower back was feeling tender. I didn't want to exercise and make it hurt worse. Well, Sunday I woke up with excruciating pain in my lower back. I'm pretty sure it's just a pulled muscle or something because I took it easy all day Sunday and by this afternoon my back was feeling a lot better. I'm going to give it a couple more days of rest then I am planning on easing back into my exercise routine.
This week was a learning week for me, for sure. There are always going to be speed bumps in every journey. I just have to learn from every experience, pick myself back up and keep going. I feel like my body is feeling SO much better even though it has only been three weeks. Next week will be a month and I will do my official measurements and see, inches-wise, where I stand.
I'm still eating better than I have my entire life. I LOVE 100% wheat bread! I LOVE salads! And I am practicing measuring every portion so that I know more accurately the calories I am eating. So far my guesstimates are not far from actual portion sizes.
Well, next week I will be posting a weight loss. (Yeah, I'm optimistic!)
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Energy 2 & 1/2 Weeks In
I am 2 and 1/2 weeks into changing my life. My body has not felt this healthy in a very long time, if ever.
My energy is getting better every day and I am finding that sitting around is not working anymore as I have the urge to get up and do something, anything! So I'm exercising daily, cleaning daily (which my parent's must be happy about) and organizing. Cleaned my room out the other day and am thinking about tackling the spare bedroom this weekend. Plus when the weather quits being so stormy for a few days I'm hoping to get outside and work in the yard.
I weigh myself once a day or so, even though some people tell me I shouldn't. It helps to keep me motivated because I want to see the numbers drop. I'm really hoping to drop at least two more pounds in the next week and a half so I can say I have lost 10 pounds in a month. But if I don't that's okay too.
I tried the whole wheat bread. I like it. I knew I would. It has a different taste than white (duh) but I like it. I'm looking forward to putting the chicken or turkey slices I bought on it. I made the mistake of not buying enough protein bars the other day to make it through the week, so I'm bummed to not have one for breakfast in the morning. Cheerios and skim milk will be breakfast I suppose. I had a delicious dinner tonight thanks to my Mom. Skinless grilled lemon-pepper chicken breast, steamed broccoli and carrots, and mashed potatoes & gravy. I only ate around 3 tablespoons of the mashed potatoes though. I LOVE the chicken. Mom is the best at cooking that!
Yesterday my cravings were awful. I wanted something chocolate SO bad. I didn't cave though. I ate a handful of Nilla wafers and that helped. Plus I'm stubborn and want to lose weight very bad so that helped keep me from raiding the stash of snack cakes we keep for my Dad's lunch.
And my awesome sister did cardio with me yesterday. I have a Wii and Just Dance 2 so she and I had some fun and embarrassed ourselves trying to dance. We may not have been very graceful but I know it got my heart rate up! Plus it was a blast!
Soon I'm planning on adding some more pages to this blog including recipes I find that are healthier. Any suggestions on other pages I could add?
My energy is getting better every day and I am finding that sitting around is not working anymore as I have the urge to get up and do something, anything! So I'm exercising daily, cleaning daily (which my parent's must be happy about) and organizing. Cleaned my room out the other day and am thinking about tackling the spare bedroom this weekend. Plus when the weather quits being so stormy for a few days I'm hoping to get outside and work in the yard.
I weigh myself once a day or so, even though some people tell me I shouldn't. It helps to keep me motivated because I want to see the numbers drop. I'm really hoping to drop at least two more pounds in the next week and a half so I can say I have lost 10 pounds in a month. But if I don't that's okay too.
I tried the whole wheat bread. I like it. I knew I would. It has a different taste than white (duh) but I like it. I'm looking forward to putting the chicken or turkey slices I bought on it. I made the mistake of not buying enough protein bars the other day to make it through the week, so I'm bummed to not have one for breakfast in the morning. Cheerios and skim milk will be breakfast I suppose. I had a delicious dinner tonight thanks to my Mom. Skinless grilled lemon-pepper chicken breast, steamed broccoli and carrots, and mashed potatoes & gravy. I only ate around 3 tablespoons of the mashed potatoes though. I LOVE the chicken. Mom is the best at cooking that!
Yesterday my cravings were awful. I wanted something chocolate SO bad. I didn't cave though. I ate a handful of Nilla wafers and that helped. Plus I'm stubborn and want to lose weight very bad so that helped keep me from raiding the stash of snack cakes we keep for my Dad's lunch.
And my awesome sister did cardio with me yesterday. I have a Wii and Just Dance 2 so she and I had some fun and embarrassed ourselves trying to dance. We may not have been very graceful but I know it got my heart rate up! Plus it was a blast!
Soon I'm planning on adding some more pages to this blog including recipes I find that are healthier. Any suggestions on other pages I could add?
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Good-bye Diet Coke...
Well today is nearly a week since I have had even a sip of Diet Coke!
I started out in college addicted to Mountain Dew. I realized that Mountain Dew was making me keep gaining weight and it was hurting my kidneys. I gave up the Dew only to switch to Diet Coke. Oh I love Diet Coke, but it doesn't love me...When I decided to get healthier I knew that my consumption of Diet Coke was one of the things that I was going to have to change. On a daily basis I would drink at least 6 cans of Diet Coke! I know that sounds awful, and I knew it then. So on February 13th I began limiting myself to one can a day and drinking at least 8 glasses of water. I am constantly thirsty so drinking 8 glasses was not a problem; Usually I drink 9-10 glasses.
I was enjoying having my one can of Diet Coke a day...until one day last week when I realized I hadn't even had one sip! And I was fine with that.
Never in my life did I think I would be drinking only water. I hated the taste of water (Or lack of taste I should say...)! But here I am, sitting here typing this with my trusty bottle of water right next to me!
Good-bye Diet Coke!
Monday, February 27, 2012
Official Two Week Weigh-In
Well I just got off the scale: 2/27 197 lbs
That's down one pound from last week! I'm thrilled. Any weight loss is good to me! I'm pretty pumped now and I'm ready to tackle this week.
I just dug in my closet and found a pair of shoes that are better than the ones I was using (My dog had chewed the soles out of them...). I've got my gym clothes on and I'm ready to go. I'm planning on doing strength and cardio today. Gonna head outside and walk and maybe try to jog for a minute or two.
Food: I got some new stuff to try yesterday. Bought whole grain bread, chicken and turkey slices and more veggies. I've added a protein bar for breakfast because I can't eat a big breakfast as it makes me sick. I'm excited about the bread. I love bread! I couldn't live without it. I really don't think that there is a type of bread I wouldn't love. I refuse to entirely give up food I adore...so that is where moderation is going to come in to play.
Well I am going to get off the computer and go exercise!
That's down one pound from last week! I'm thrilled. Any weight loss is good to me! I'm pretty pumped now and I'm ready to tackle this week.
I just dug in my closet and found a pair of shoes that are better than the ones I was using (My dog had chewed the soles out of them...). I've got my gym clothes on and I'm ready to go. I'm planning on doing strength and cardio today. Gonna head outside and walk and maybe try to jog for a minute or two.
Food: I got some new stuff to try yesterday. Bought whole grain bread, chicken and turkey slices and more veggies. I've added a protein bar for breakfast because I can't eat a big breakfast as it makes me sick. I'm excited about the bread. I love bread! I couldn't live without it. I really don't think that there is a type of bread I wouldn't love. I refuse to entirely give up food I adore...so that is where moderation is going to come in to play.
Well I am going to get off the computer and go exercise!
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Two Weeks
Today is the two week mark. Two weeks ago today I signed up on Sparkpeople.com and decided to start making some life changes.
Two Weeks In:
*I am effectively drinking only water. I take a sip of a Diet Coke only once per day, if that. My kidneys haven't felt this good in a long time! I have yet to get sick of the water, but when I do I have some Crystal Light I can add to it. It's funny, I used to hate drinking water; Now I crave it!
*Cutting my portion sizes in half seems to have already had an effect on how much I can eat. Even if I wanted to eat more I won't. It makes me sick.
*I am getting stronger everyday. Starting out 5 crunches hurt SO bad. I'm up to 20 with ease! 2 or 3 push-ups at first, now I can do 10!
I still have so far to go though. I have to say that I don't yet regret making these changes. I feel better already. Not so sluggish. I feel like I have more energy and I feel like I am sleeping better. This week I plan to increase my cardio if the weather cooperates so I can go outside and walk. If the weather doesn't cooperate, I may have the cleanest house in the country!
I started out making Sunday night my weekly weigh-in night, but I've decided to move it to Monday night. No particular reason, just decided it yesterday.
And so tomorrow begins week 3...
Two Weeks In:
*I am effectively drinking only water. I take a sip of a Diet Coke only once per day, if that. My kidneys haven't felt this good in a long time! I have yet to get sick of the water, but when I do I have some Crystal Light I can add to it. It's funny, I used to hate drinking water; Now I crave it!
*Cutting my portion sizes in half seems to have already had an effect on how much I can eat. Even if I wanted to eat more I won't. It makes me sick.
*I am getting stronger everyday. Starting out 5 crunches hurt SO bad. I'm up to 20 with ease! 2 or 3 push-ups at first, now I can do 10!
I still have so far to go though. I have to say that I don't yet regret making these changes. I feel better already. Not so sluggish. I feel like I have more energy and I feel like I am sleeping better. This week I plan to increase my cardio if the weather cooperates so I can go outside and walk. If the weather doesn't cooperate, I may have the cleanest house in the country!
I started out making Sunday night my weekly weigh-in night, but I've decided to move it to Monday night. No particular reason, just decided it yesterday.
And so tomorrow begins week 3...
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Picture Motivation For Me
Thought I would share a picture that shows why I am working to lose weight:
Motivation Running Low
I want to exercise, I have plans to exercise. Have I actually exercised today? No.
I have no excuses. I know I need to and it makes me feel better, but some days getting myself going is the hardest part.
I did do something to benefit my health today. I went and purchased a (cheap) pedometer. I've been walking around our property and I have no idea what the distance is, so I bought a pedometer that not only measures steps but also distance. So we'll see how the pedometer works for me. I'm hoping that seeing that I'm no where near the 10,000 steps recommended will help motivate me to walk a lot more.
I've also been looking into purchasing an elliptical machine, but those suckers are expensive. So now I'm thinking about joining a gym...I just need something for days when it is raining. I need way more cardio than I'm getting now so I have to do something.
I have no excuses. I know I need to and it makes me feel better, but some days getting myself going is the hardest part.
I did do something to benefit my health today. I went and purchased a (cheap) pedometer. I've been walking around our property and I have no idea what the distance is, so I bought a pedometer that not only measures steps but also distance. So we'll see how the pedometer works for me. I'm hoping that seeing that I'm no where near the 10,000 steps recommended will help motivate me to walk a lot more.
I've also been looking into purchasing an elliptical machine, but those suckers are expensive. So now I'm thinking about joining a gym...I just need something for days when it is raining. I need way more cardio than I'm getting now so I have to do something.
Monday, February 20, 2012
Back At It
I have to admit, I have had a hard time the past few days getting motivated to exercise. Like I said before, getting fit is more important to me than getting skinny so I really have to exercise! I've been recording my stress levels and quality of sleep and I'm amazed at the relationship between the two. My stress has been pretty high the past few days and I haven't slept well, which makes it hard for me to get going.
Well I did it today. I ate my salad for lunch, ate a few raisins and then got to work. Sparkpeople.com has been awesome about helping me come up with an exercise plan. The main thing about the site that annoys me is that it won't schedule me strength training for two days in a row. Maybe I shouldn't be doing two days in a row but that should be up to me. I found that I can override that rule and pick my own strength exercises, and that's what I do. I've been doing modified planks, crunches and squats at least a few everyday. Plus I stretch everyday. I feel stronger everyday, but I have a long way to go.
Today I was wanting to squeeze in some time walking too. As I don't have access to a treadmill or a vehicle, I made use of the acre we live on. (Can't walk down the road; I live in the country, people let their dogs run wild.) I started last week walking twice around the acre and I was hoping to do more today, but I couldn't do it. Two laps around had my lungs and calves burning. I may go back out this afternoon and try to squeeze in a couple more laps.
So I am making a pledge to myself to try to walk a little everyday. I know my little Jack Russell Terrier will be glad, he loves walking with me!
Well I did it today. I ate my salad for lunch, ate a few raisins and then got to work. Sparkpeople.com has been awesome about helping me come up with an exercise plan. The main thing about the site that annoys me is that it won't schedule me strength training for two days in a row. Maybe I shouldn't be doing two days in a row but that should be up to me. I found that I can override that rule and pick my own strength exercises, and that's what I do. I've been doing modified planks, crunches and squats at least a few everyday. Plus I stretch everyday. I feel stronger everyday, but I have a long way to go.
Today I was wanting to squeeze in some time walking too. As I don't have access to a treadmill or a vehicle, I made use of the acre we live on. (Can't walk down the road; I live in the country, people let their dogs run wild.) I started last week walking twice around the acre and I was hoping to do more today, but I couldn't do it. Two laps around had my lungs and calves burning. I may go back out this afternoon and try to squeeze in a couple more laps.
So I am making a pledge to myself to try to walk a little everyday. I know my little Jack Russell Terrier will be glad, he loves walking with me!
Sunday, February 19, 2012
One Week
I started last Sunday by weighing myself. I weighed in at 205 lbs. On Monday I started watching what I ate and exercising a little every day. One week later I weigh in at 198.5 lbs! I haven't been under 200 lbs for a long time. (At least 8 or 9 years!) I am elated but I honestly would have been happy to have only lost 2 or 3 pounds.
It hasn't been easy by any means. I mean last Tuesday was Valentine's Day and my Dad always buys me a box of chocolate! But I've been watching my calories every day, trying to stay between 1200-1500. And I at least do crunches, lunges and squats everyday, but more than that more days than not.
Honestly this little bit of weight loss has only firmed my resolve to keep going. I can already see small changes in my body, and I can't wait to see what I look like "after"!
So tomorrow begins week 2 and I'm hoping to up the exercise. I decided a long time ago that if I ever dieted and exercised that it wouldn't be to get skinny; I want to be fit!
It hasn't been easy by any means. I mean last Tuesday was Valentine's Day and my Dad always buys me a box of chocolate! But I've been watching my calories every day, trying to stay between 1200-1500. And I at least do crunches, lunges and squats everyday, but more than that more days than not.
Honestly this little bit of weight loss has only firmed my resolve to keep going. I can already see small changes in my body, and I can't wait to see what I look like "after"!
So tomorrow begins week 2 and I'm hoping to up the exercise. I decided a long time ago that if I ever dieted and exercised that it wouldn't be to get skinny; I want to be fit!
Friday, February 17, 2012
250 lb vs. 120 lb
Found this today on Pinterest. I noticed how the larger woman's knees were bigger like they are inflamed. Also the bone size in the lower leg. This is my inspiration today to go exercise!
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Me & Food
At this point I feel I should mention that I am a terribly picky eater. No lie. I've ALWAYS been that way. When I was a child my Dad would try to bribe me with money, presents, anything to get me to try new foods. No way. I have 5 or 6 foods that I like, and that's all I'll eat. And they aren't healthy foods either. Pizza, sandwiches, Pop-Tarts...junk like that. Not only am I picky, but I'm obsessive. I will eat ONE type of food everyday as often as 3 meals a day, and only that. I will eat that one food until I get sick of it then I rotate to a different food, and the cycle repeats. Add to this the fact that I have no sense of smell and you have a mess. Yes, I have NO sense of smell. Never have. Yes, I CAN taste food. Hold your nose and eat something and you will find that you can taste the food, only the taste is muted. That is how I taste food. I find I rely a lot on texture and taste to decide if I like a food or not. So that might help explain some of my pickiness.
Anyway...I've always been drawn to a diet that is less processed. I like the idea of 90% of the food I eat being not processed. But many veggies and fruits have textures that are un-appetizing to me. I've really been thinking about how I can force myself to try new foods.
I've decided to force myself to try different vegetables and fruits. I think that is the only way for me. I'm not giving up my favorite processed foods though, but I am significantly limiting them. I plan to cut back on serving sizes. Instead of two pieces of pizza I will just eat one, instead of two sandwiches I will have one. (Yes, I am also obsessive about numbers. I like even numbers...) Hopefully after cutting back like that I will be able to cut back even more.
Well so far I'm doing great! Sunday I helped my Dad make homemade soup with peas, tomatoes, okra, corn, lima beans and hamburger meat. I had never tried this soup before. Heck, I had never tried tomatoes, okra or lima beans before! But I did! I ate a bowl Sunday and we had leftovers on Monday night! I found if I closed my eyes and didn't see the okra or tomatoes go into my mouth I liked it. (Whatever works!)
I'm excited about this adventure!
Why I'm Striving To Learn
Why am I trying to learn to be healthier? I've grown tired of being tired, fat, feeling gross ALL the time.
When I was in my early teens I was pretty fit. I wasn't thin, but I wasn't fat. I could do physical activity without getting winded very quickly, I could walk for miles, I was the sit-up QUEEN! I had AMAZING willpower. I could take or leave food. I never had a very healthy relationship with food though. I would often go a day barely eating anything. And it scared me that I enjoyed the feeling of being very hungry. My Mom was good about keeping an eye on my eating habits so it was never able to spiral into anything serious, fortunately. After I turned 16 or 17 my relationship with food didn't change, but I began struggling with depression and the depression made me eat and sleep a lot. My weight quickly ballooned. But every so often I would have good weeks or a good month and I would watch what I ate so I stayed in a 10-15 pound range. In college I was able to stay in that same pattern with my weight.
After college my weight got worse. I had my first "real" job, which I hated. I was miserable and the yummy, fattening food made me feel better. (At least at the time I was eating it!) My weight blew up to 220 pounds. And I was miserable. But fighting the depression gave me no energy or initiative to exercise. Things got a little better after I left that job. I was able to diet my way back down to around 200 pounds, which is where I am now.
The past couple of months I have spent quite a considerable amount of time researching diet and exercise. I've tried to get myself inspired. I kept telling myself that I would start tomorrow, but I kept putting tomorrow off for another day.
Well the day came last weekend when I decided that I could always find a reason to stay fat and not exercise or diet. No more excuses. I found a website I like that had diet and exercise tips and trackers and signed up. Three days a week of strength training, three days a week of cardio. And I'm working on my diet as well. I'm trying to learn to like veggies, that I don't have to eat everything I prepare and that I can have what I enjoy in moderation.
So that's the beginning...
When I was in my early teens I was pretty fit. I wasn't thin, but I wasn't fat. I could do physical activity without getting winded very quickly, I could walk for miles, I was the sit-up QUEEN! I had AMAZING willpower. I could take or leave food. I never had a very healthy relationship with food though. I would often go a day barely eating anything. And it scared me that I enjoyed the feeling of being very hungry. My Mom was good about keeping an eye on my eating habits so it was never able to spiral into anything serious, fortunately. After I turned 16 or 17 my relationship with food didn't change, but I began struggling with depression and the depression made me eat and sleep a lot. My weight quickly ballooned. But every so often I would have good weeks or a good month and I would watch what I ate so I stayed in a 10-15 pound range. In college I was able to stay in that same pattern with my weight.
After college my weight got worse. I had my first "real" job, which I hated. I was miserable and the yummy, fattening food made me feel better. (At least at the time I was eating it!) My weight blew up to 220 pounds. And I was miserable. But fighting the depression gave me no energy or initiative to exercise. Things got a little better after I left that job. I was able to diet my way back down to around 200 pounds, which is where I am now.
The past couple of months I have spent quite a considerable amount of time researching diet and exercise. I've tried to get myself inspired. I kept telling myself that I would start tomorrow, but I kept putting tomorrow off for another day.
Well the day came last weekend when I decided that I could always find a reason to stay fat and not exercise or diet. No more excuses. I found a website I like that had diet and exercise tips and trackers and signed up. Three days a week of strength training, three days a week of cardio. And I'm working on my diet as well. I'm trying to learn to like veggies, that I don't have to eat everything I prepare and that I can have what I enjoy in moderation.
So that's the beginning...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)