Weigh In: .5 lb Gain

187.5 lbs

I never wanted to have to report a gain, but here we are. I am up but still hovering very closely to the 187 mark. This is totally a psychological bridge I am trying to cross, and once I do everything will be fine.

I remember experiencing the same thing before when I got to the lowest weight I had been in a really long time. I began sabotaging myself. That has been put to a stop.I just need to get back into my rhythm. I'm not worried and I'm not down or anything. I feel great!

NSVs

• Lowest ever blood pressure reading this week!! 118/65
• Exercised EVERY single day this past week
• Got the entire house in order and feeling great about that!
• 14.5 miles total for the week (combination of walk/jog/bike)
• Had a family picture taken that I didn't shudder to look at!
  
  

Because I chose to eat like a fool over the weekend, just take a look at what I had to give up yesterday:

My very favorite chocolate cake in the whole world! (and it was still warm)

Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream...Dear Lord--when will I learn?

I will leave you with some beautiful images from my evening walk yesterday.

The view from our backyard

On my route..

118 Over 65

'Twas my blood pressure reading yesterday! I believe when it was taken in December at the doctor's office it was around 140/80. Yikes! 118/65 is optimal. In fact, a diastolic reading of 65 is described as being that of an "athlete." Booyah!

I needed that type of reminder yesterday in the midst of more bad choices on my part. While the physical changes on the outside are amazing, the changes on the inside are not only life changing but life sustaining. That is where my focus must remain.

Today I am back on track. So far I have have had 2 servings of fruit, 1 oz. of grains, 1 serving milk, 4 oz. protein, 1 serving vegetable, 2 tsp. fat. So between a snack and dinner I need 4 oz grains, 2 servings milk, 1 serving vegetables, 3 tsp. fat

For the rest of the day I am thinking:

snack
weight watchers smoothie with skim milk: 2 milks
dinner
whole wheat pasta with tomato pesto: 4 oz grains, 3 tsp. fat
broccoli: 1 serving vegetable

Okay. Great. That was more for me than anyone else.

I will also need to get a run in today. Think I will go on my 5K route and try to make it without walking. Only 55 days until the Broken Bow 5K!!! My first race ever since high school. Whoohoo!

Thanks for all the encouragement yesterday--although no one scolded me. You all are softies. I was a little disappointed. :)

Movin' on...

The Hangover

If I never see another tortilla chip in my life, that will be A-Okay. Let's take it from the top:

Friday April 23, 2010
7:00 am
1/2 c. yogurt, granola, banana, whole wheat English muffin, 2 tsp. peanut butter, coffee, water.

So far, so perfect.

11:00 am
Ham and Cheese on whole wheat with lettuce, tomato, pickles and 1 tsp mayo, 100 cal. bag popcorn, green apple

Great. And that's where the greatness ends.

3:30 pm
1 Sonic chicken strip, small fries

And let the poor choices roll...

4:00 pm
tortilla with peanut butter and honey. (did not measure)

6:00 pm
80 million greasy tortilla chips, apx. 1/2 c. queso, water (brief shining moment), brisket quesadillas???? (What in the HECK?) sour cream, guac, more chips, sopapilla, honey, butter.

Holy Mongolia! I am such a hypocritical, backsliding, moron. Oh wait, there's more...

10:00 pm
1 scoop cookies and cream Bluebell on a sugar cone

12:30 am
cop coaxes me and my fellow mommies from the Mommy and Me playgroup to leave the ice cream place patio which closed 2 hours prior. Whole other blog post...

6:30 am
alarm rings, time for FP4H workout at the church.

Oh. My. Lord. I feel like total and complete poo poo. The chips and nasty brisket quesadillas were SO not worth this!! SO not.

I have never had one but this has to be worse than an alcohol induced hangover. This is a tortilla chip/ice cream induced hangover. Much worse.

When I said "the choice is ours" yesterday, I bet you thought I would make the right ones, huh? So did I.

Ugh! *Kicking myself in the butt*

Whoa! on the "Woe is Me"

You know those weeks when you eat really bad, don't exercise at all and drag yourself to the scale only to see you lost mucho pounds? Sweetness!

And you know those weeks when you eat everything by the book, exercise your booty off and hop on the scale to find you gained a couple? What the heck!?

Well, before the pity party gets underway, let us remember that usually the first type of week is closely followed by the second.

Moral(s) of the story:

1. If it seems too good to be true it probably is.
2. Bad choices will always catch up with you.

Thoughts for the weekend! Make it a great one...or not. The choice is ours.

A New Start

Last night was the beginning of a new 12 week session of my First Place 4 Health group. I began this program in January and I have since lost about 30 pounds (I had lost some before that as well.) The program is very similar to Weight Watchers, in my opinion. The main difference is that in addition to addressing the physical, mental and emotional connection to food, FP4H incorporates a spiritual component, which has been crucial for me being able to sustain willpower.

The way food is addressed in FP4H is very much akin to the old "Core Plan" on WW, which ironically never worked for me a well as the Point system did. Counting Points worked great for me in losing weight but it always felt like I was trading one obsession (food) with another (counting food). That didn't seem good. I am much more relaxed where food is concerned now. It doesn't have as much power over me as it used to and that is good.

I remember how overwhelmed I was 12 weeks ago when I first began. I could see that familiar glazed over look in the eyes of my new comrades last night. I felt sorry for them but so happy for what they could potentially gain from this program. In the beginning, I was confused and on information overload but I was excited, too. Even though I had found myself at the starting line of a weight-loss endeavor many, many time before there was something different about this one. I could just sense it.

It turns out I was right. Since I began I have found that there are times I just need stop and sit down, rub my aching whatevers and pout a little bit. And I have found that's okay...because there is always someone there to help me back up and run alongside me. I have found that some days feel so natural like I was born to do this and there are other days when it is all I can do to put one foot down in front of the other. But I keep going. For the first time in my life I have found myself at a starting line that has no finish. That is sort-of a tiring thought, but it is also freeing.

I hope the ladies who began their race with me last night realize that this is not your typical race. There is no urgency. The only pace that we have to worry about is our own. And the coolest thing of all is that where our strength in the race ends--His begins. So basically, the sooner we run out of juice, the better!

Praying for my fellow racers on this day, near and far.

Weigh In: Maintenance

I still weigh 187. I didn't plan or record my food this week so I can't really say I'm surprised. My new session of First Place 4 Health starts tonight so I am pumped. I always love a new beginning and a clean slate. I think next week will be a good one.

NSVs

• I ran 3 miles on the road yesterday! I have done the 5K on the treadmill but never on my outdoor route so I am very excited about that accomplishment.
• Had a super fun shopping experience where I bought belts!

I would like to follow up on my Stuff Fat People Like post from yesterday. I tried to make it concise but apparently I just can't do that and get everything in that I want to say.

I want to make sure that everyone understands I am not trying to knock weight loss methods that incorporate something to help speed up the process. I think there are lots of legitimate things out there that can help us including Jenny Craig, Nutri System, etc., Weight Watchers,Weight Loss Surgeries and yes even Slim Fast.

BUT! And this is a very big BUT... you have to put the time and effort into all of those programs to make them work. You have to follow ALL of the guidelines of the specific plan you are committing to. You can't expect it to magically happen.

That's all I'm saying.

Stuff Fat People Like

Disclaimer: Before I make every last one of you hate me, please know that anytime I do a "Stuff Fat People Like" post I am only drawing from something I have found myself guilty of or struggling with. In addition, use of the word "fat" is not offensive to me. As a 5'4" person weighing in at 229 lbs, I was fat. There's not really any way around that. Plus, "Stuff Overweight People Like" just doesn't have the same ring to it.

Stuff Fat People Like #82
A Quick and Easy Fix

Slim FAST. The name says it all. Perfect for a fat person who wants to be slim and quick. I knew a guy once who decided to go on the Slim Fast plan. He had been doing it for a few weeks but was gaining a substantial amount of weight. Obviously it was frustrating so he began talking with others who had been successful on the plan. Come to find out, instead of drinking a shake for breakfast and a shake for lunch, he was drinking a shake with breakfast and a shake with lunch. Not so fast, huh buddy?

The problem here is that we didn't get fat FAST and we're just not going to get slim FAST either. It's a marketing ploy that creeps into the fat person brain and caresses her thoughts of being a thin person without the requirement of much effort or time investment. It's called deception. And whether we allow ourselves to be deceived in the weight loss marketplace or by our own faulty way of thinking--something has got to change if the pounds are going to come off for good.

I recently read a successful weight-loss blogger's comment that it amused him when people would ask what he was doing to lose all the weight and as soon as he began talking about healthy eating and exercise the person would completely zone out. Ha! Has that happened to you? Or have you been the zoner-outer?

I have. I never wanted to think about what it would take to get there. I just wanted to BE there. But I can tell you from where I stand now, I wouldn't trade the "Slim Slow" plan for any quick fix in the world. I mean that with every fiber of my being. I have learned so much about myself! I have had the opportunity to form invaluable relationships, both online and in person. Most importantly I have developed a greater faith in God than I ever thought possible.

PS--I want to make sure that everyone understands I am not trying to knock weight loss methods that incorporate something to help speed up the process. I think there are lots of legitimate things out there that can help us including Jenny Craig, Nutri System, etc., Weight Watchers,Weight Loss Surgeries and yes even Slim Fast.

BUT! And this is a very big BUT... you have to put the time and effort into all of those programs to make them work. You have to follow ALL of the guidelines of the specific plan you are committing to. You can't expect it to magically happen.

That's all I'm saying.

Poop n' TOM

You know the story. Two people meet, fall in love. They spend all their free time together being sweet and overly affectionate. They probably stay on their best behavior and act very proper and polite.

For a while.

But one day it happens. One of the two decides it's time. They feel secure enough in the relationship to really let it all hang out. Perhaps literally--they might quit sucking their gut in. Or maybe they decide to not wear make-up on an outing. Of course the ultimate test of a relationship is when one party decides to, oh how do it put it...break wind and the other loves them still the same.

Well, folks our honeymoon here is over and I am about to rip one. Or two. Will you still love me? I hope so.

First of all, let's talk poop. You know you want to. Poop is a big part of life, is it not? Well, actually I know some people who say they only go like once a month which I can hardly believe, but I suspect most people are more frequent poopers, like me. Here are some interesting poop facts/tips (poop tips? Wow, this is getting weird.) I'd like to share:

• The Fleet liquid suppositories for infants work wonderfully for the occasional flush-out.
• A small glass of ice cold water gets my system moving first thing in the morning. This is especially helpful for weigh-in mornings.
• This is not about poo, but pee rather (same family): asparagus makes pee smell weird.
• My son was 4.25 years old before he began pooping in the pot. He goes about 5 times a day. He still has to strip down, even takes off socks and shoes no matter where we are.
• Once I thought I was dying with abdominal pains for about 3 days. I was doubled over in pain and when I finally went to the Dr. he basically said poop was stuck in the top right corner of my intestine. Nice. Husband's response, "So your full of crap? I could have told you that."
• I hear that your body can hold up to like 15 lbs. of poop at a time. Can this really be possible?
• My poop don't stink =]

Okay, okay. That's enough about poop. Now let's talk about TOM, and no, I don't mean Cruise.

Funny story. Once I was reading Kelly's blog (That girl is up to some amazing awesomeness!) and she was talking about how mad she was at TOM. She just kept going on and on about what a jerk this guy was and how he was sabotaging her efforts, etc. I was so mad at TOM. I assumed it was her husband. I was also thinking it was kind of sad that she would tell the whole world how crappy (just sticking with the theme here) he was. I was just about pray for her and TOM's relationship when it hit me. TOM= "Time of Month." Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhh. Gotcha.

TOM is not a fun thing. I have to admit, I always thought people who complained of cravings, etc. during that nasty old TOM were just imagining things. I never experienced any food cravings during my TOM. (Man, I love all the different ways you can use TOM in written form!)

But you know what I figured out? I never experienced any cravings because I never noticed the cravings. I just always ate everything I ever wanted as SOON as I wanted it and that was life. However, since I began eating better and less frequently I noticed that there would be a period of a few days each month that it was really hard to resist temptations. Hmm. I finally put the two together and I am now a TOM-hater just like the rest of you.

I have been doing some research and I found these tips on controlling PMS. I have no idea if they work but it's worth a shot, right?

• Eat complex carbohydrates (such as whole grain breads, pasta and cereals), fiber and protein. Cut back on sugar and fat.
• Avoid salt for the last few days before your period to reduce bloating and fluid retention.
• Cut back on caffeine to feel less tense and irritable and to ease breast soreness.
• Cut out alcohol. Drinking it before your period can make you feel more depressed.
• Try eating up to 6 small meals a day instead of 3 larger ones.
• Get aerobic exercise. Work up to 30 minutes, 4 to 6 times a week.
• Get plenty of sleep--about 8 hours a night.
• Keep to a regular schedule of meals, bedtime and exercise.
• Try to schedule stressful events for the week after your period.

Seth, let me know how those work out for ya! ;)

PS--Sorry, Justin. I had to do this.

PPS--My new weigh-in day is Wednesday because FP4H meeting night has been changed. I will report that I am still at 187 as of this morning.

Exploring My Closet

I went through my entire closet today. Tried everything on hoping to find many items that were falling off. That wasn't the case, but it was still a pretty good outcome.

Apparently I have always *thought* I was the size I am now so I bought clothes that were too small. And then they just sat there in my closet. I had kind of forgotten about all of it. It's like having a new wardrobe for free. I took just a few pictures...ha!

Thinking about chunking this one. Not sure yet.

These pants were TIGHT when I first started losing weight!

Check it out--this is my little black dress. I can't zip it up but I CAN get it on my body and still breathe. Yeehaw!

Ok, now everybody go dig through your closets and see what you can find!

The One Where I Went Shopping

Please ignore my purple bra, excessive fidgeting, and hick accent. Thank you.

And now, the parade of belts...

Please note that most everything besides the belts and scarf are items I already owned.

Shopping is fun. Yea.

Conversation With a Loser

One of our best friends, who has been such an inspiration to me in this whole weight loss thing, recently reached his goal of losing 100 pounds! This is my interview with him...such a LOSER :)

Me: First of all, congrats on reaching your lofty goal last week! You have worked so hard and are an inspiration to many people. I know you utilized the principles of Weight Watchers. What was the hardest part of getting started for you?

Bo: Doing Weight Watchers takes a little time to figure out your points and what foods will fit those points. That was the hardest part other than just deciding to actually start.

Me: Yes, I agree that it can take a while to get the basics of WW down, but once you do it is a great program, obviously. How did you handle "plateaus"?

Bo: I never really had weeks I didn't lose until I had already lost about 89 or so pounds. There were weeks that I would only lose 1 or 2 pounds. I think I always had the 100 pound number in the back of my head so that's what kinda kept me going.

Me: Wow! It's amazing that you lost 89 lbs. before slowing down. Awesome. So--what would you eat in a typical day and what has changed in this regard since you reached your goal?

Bo: For breakfast, fiber cereal and fruit. For lunch, a sandwich, an apple and a cereal bar. For supper, a salad and some sort of green vegetable. Since hitting a 100 pounds, my goal I guess, I have not changed a thing. I think I want to keep going.

Me: I think that is so smart. What kept you motivated throughout the process?

Bo: In my case, I lost at least something every week.

Me: Rub it in, why don't you. lol.

Bo: I guess that and getting it in my head that I could do it kept me going.

Me: Yeah. I think really believing you can do it is key. Gaining lost weight back is pretty common. Do you ever fear slipping back into your old ways of eating/living?

Bo: No. There is nothing out there to eat that is better than weighing what you want to.

Me: Glad to hear it. Do you have any strategies to share with the rest of us?

Bo: If you can find something that you can eat at every meal and you don't mind eating it every day then eat that. Doing that made Weight Watchers a lot easier for me. If you can't then find a few meals that work and mix them up throughout the week.

Me: So basically, make it as easy on yourself as possible. I like that. What is your best advice for someone who has a lot of weight to lose?

Bo: Once you start losing then KEEP GOING. No food tastes better than losing weight.

Me: Never give up. Right on. So, how is your life different now?

Bo: It's easier to look at myself in pictures.

Me: Speaking of...I just happen to have a couple of pictures of you!

Me: Wow--that's incredible! You look fantastic. I bet that little guy in your arms helped keep you going, too. What would you say to the person who feels like this can never happen for them?

Bo: I didn't think think I could do it when I first started. But if you can lose a few pounds when you start I think you would be surprised at how much willpower you can build by watching the number on the scale get lower.

Me: Thank you for taking the time to talk with me and my blog buddies. What you have accomplished is to be commended. You have proven once and for all that Bo KNOWS weight loss. So very proud of you, friend! Keep it up.

Time to Shop!

I am PUMPED about my shopping trip tomorrow. Feel free to weigh in with your thoughts...

I love these two Anthropologie tops... A white top would be nice for spring. I am fitting very snuggly into a medium so I will probably go with that size so I can get the most wear out of it.

I am really digging the light grey jackets that seem to be popular this season. It would be so versatile. It is highly possible this could be coming home with me. No secret that I love a cute jacket.

These shorts are really cute!! Pretty sure Stacy and Clinton would say no to my 5"4" self, but I will try some on to be sure.

LOVE the look of the ruffle buckle belt and this belted cardigan! The only thing I really am set on purchasing is a belt. The last time I wore a belt it was rainbow, elastic, with a gold clasp and I was 5. I had to do some research, but I think my 42 inch waist can wear a belt. We'll see.

Wish me luck!

Okay....SERIOUSLY? Who wears this?

Oh yeah! Be looking for a great post tomorrow...I interviewed someone who just lost 100 pounds!!! Sweet.

Create a Breakthrough

I would venture to say that for most people who are trying to lose weight and get healthy right now, it's not their first rodeo. We've pretty much all been here before and we keep ending up back in the same spot. Overweight, tired, frustrated, and desperate. Why?

Not sure. But I want to challenge you to do something that might help make this the LAST time you find yourself here. I really believe that this is the last time I am going to be here and the difference this time is that I set myself up for a breakthrough early on. After that day, I knew I could do things differently than I ever had before--in all areas of my life.

The way to do this is to set a goal. Probably a physical activity goal but it doesn't have to be. Think of a goal that is totally attainable and something that can be done in the course of a day, week at the most. The quicker you reach this goal the better. Now think about this goal and simply raise it up to the next level. A level you aren't quite sure you can do. This is key!

For example, let's say you are aiming to be able to run a mile by the end of the month. Do it today. Just do it. Or let's say you have been walking a 5K for about a month. Run it today. The whole thing. Your body will do it if you just allow it to happen.

By doing this you are proving to yourself that you can do things you never thought possible. You are creating your own breakthrough. Try it. I did this 3 months ago at the very beginning of my journey and it has made all the difference. You can read about it here.

If you are struggling in your situation and think this could help, leave a comment telling me what you are going to do to create your own breakthrough moment. Something you can do today or tomorrow. I want to encourage you! So if you don't have a blog leave a way for me to contact you.

Remember--we are capable of so much MORE!

Wanna See My Belly?

Yeah, I know the answer to that. Not really something on your bucket list. Well, I'm sorry but I have to put the widespread disbelief to rest.

I have placed the belly pics at the far bottom of this post so if you choose, you may close out now and retreat as far away as you want without ever seeing "the belly." Otherwise, you will now boldly gaze upon that which very few have before. May the force be with you, brave ones.

Let's start with something viewer friendly. Now this is what I look like (at 187 lbs. Ah hem.) with the right clothes on. Tummy in check.





But when I turn to the side and pull the fabric tight, you will see why I absolutely DO weigh 187 lbs.



No, I am not carrying twins. This is the evidence of many, many years of abuse to my body. Now (get ready--this is it!) just in case this does not convince you that I am indeed a big girl, I present to you...

Dun Dun DUN!



There it is. No it's not as huge as it used to be (praise God!) but it's still there and it is large. And bumpy. Eew.

I rest my case.

Just so we don't have to end on that scary note, here are some comparison pics that have nothing to do with the belly!


BEFORE......................................... NOW


BEFORE...................................... NOW

I'm not sure what I weighed in the before pics, but now I weigh 187. Just in case you missed that. ;)