WHAT? Me posting on a NON weigh-in day? INSANITY!!!!
Just kidding. I just happened to have a few minutes alone with my computer before work. This doesn't happen much, so here I am. :)
I found out that the place I will be vacationing in about a week has a workout room. YESSSS!! This means I have NO excuse not to work out, because I will have pretty much nothing else to do all day. And hopefully it will help me burn some Christmas calories.
As great as this is, I find myself looking at my calendar this week, and I am eating dinner out almost EVERY MEAL other than breakfasts. This is incredibly dangerous. Salads are great, but no one can live on lettuce alone. Not to mention, most restaurants cover their salads in too much cheese, fried meat, bacon, croutons, and fatty dressings. So, the salad is deceptively bad for you. I'm doing my best to make favorable decisions, but it's difficult.
On the upside, I have made some of the Weight Watchers low-fat cookies, which have been delicious. As long as you eat the right portion size (which is the trick, really), they don't put a huge dent in my diet. And I've convinced my Dad to let me make a low-fat breakfast casserole on Christmas day. My family is supportive, for sure, but I think sometimes they just don't understand. Except for my stepdad, who is also on a diet. Go Glenn!! He's been doing a totally different program, but it works for him.
Anyway, this post is just to say - I'm frustrated, but not giving up. We will see what this week will bring! Good luck, healthy ones!
Monday, December 20, 2010
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Weigh-in Day, Dec. 16
200.0 lbs. I feel like one of those contestants on the Biggest Loser who is excited to lose weight, but DYING to get through to the 100's. It will happen, though. I lost 2 pounds this week (awesome!). My original goal was to be 196.8 or lower by new years. In order to do that, I have to lose 3.8 pounds in the next 2 weeks. Okay, this is not impossible. It will require some serious restraint on my part, though. Especially since it's too cold to run outside.
Here's my situation for the next two weeks: this week, the week before Christmas. Lots of meeting with friends and family and food. I CAN MAKE GOOD CHOICES. Weight loss is ONE DECISION at a time. But, like I said, it will require restraint. The next week includes Christmas, Christmas Eve, and half of a week-long vacation. Phew - that one will be difficult.
So, here's the plan. Buckle down this week as much as possible. Christmas week - no deprivations (remember that one from Thanksgiving?), but no over-indulgences either. And if I get to 2011 and I haven't quite hit my goal, I will know that I didn't sit back and watch my weight climb out of control over the holidays. And THAT on its own is something to be proud of.
Here's my situation for the next two weeks: this week, the week before Christmas. Lots of meeting with friends and family and food. I CAN MAKE GOOD CHOICES. Weight loss is ONE DECISION at a time. But, like I said, it will require restraint. The next week includes Christmas, Christmas Eve, and half of a week-long vacation. Phew - that one will be difficult.
So, here's the plan. Buckle down this week as much as possible. Christmas week - no deprivations (remember that one from Thanksgiving?), but no over-indulgences either. And if I get to 2011 and I haven't quite hit my goal, I will know that I didn't sit back and watch my weight climb out of control over the holidays. And THAT on its own is something to be proud of.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Weigh-in Day, Dec. 9
I have decided to stop numbering my weigh-in days, because the numbers don't really correspond to anything. Instead, you get a date now.
202.0 GAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH. That's a gain of 4.2 pounds. THAT SUCKS. I'm really pissed at myself. All that talk about "I'm losing weight over the holidays! Yay me!" and now this? I was so close to my 5 pounds before the year is out goal! I feel like I have to start over now. And I know the week after Christmas is going to be really hard because I will be on vacation. So basically, I have 2 weeks to kick butt, when I should have had 2 weeks to just try to maintain.
Okay, enough whining. Whining does not solve this problem. Let's try constructive reflecting. Why did this happen?
1) I didn't track as well as I could have. Even when I think I'm eating healthy, I think I eat more calories than I realize if I'm not on top of it. Holding myself accountable is a big key.
2) It's been too cold to run outside, and I don't have a gym membership. Now, this should not on its own cause me to gain weight. I can lose weight without working out. But I forget that I have to eat less when I'm not working out. I think I based a lot of my eating choices this week on the EXPECTATION that I would work out later. But that's never a guarantee - I need to eat well until I work out, and then afterward I can splurge.
3) I've been out drinking a few nights this week. Alcohol is empty calories, AND when I drink, I want to eat bad food.
Okay, so now I know how to fix things. Step one - track. And I'm doing that today.
Thank you guys so much!
202.0 GAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH. That's a gain of 4.2 pounds. THAT SUCKS. I'm really pissed at myself. All that talk about "I'm losing weight over the holidays! Yay me!" and now this? I was so close to my 5 pounds before the year is out goal! I feel like I have to start over now. And I know the week after Christmas is going to be really hard because I will be on vacation. So basically, I have 2 weeks to kick butt, when I should have had 2 weeks to just try to maintain.
Okay, enough whining. Whining does not solve this problem. Let's try constructive reflecting. Why did this happen?
1) I didn't track as well as I could have. Even when I think I'm eating healthy, I think I eat more calories than I realize if I'm not on top of it. Holding myself accountable is a big key.
2) It's been too cold to run outside, and I don't have a gym membership. Now, this should not on its own cause me to gain weight. I can lose weight without working out. But I forget that I have to eat less when I'm not working out. I think I based a lot of my eating choices this week on the EXPECTATION that I would work out later. But that's never a guarantee - I need to eat well until I work out, and then afterward I can splurge.
3) I've been out drinking a few nights this week. Alcohol is empty calories, AND when I drink, I want to eat bad food.
Okay, so now I know how to fix things. Step one - track. And I'm doing that today.
Thank you guys so much!
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Weigh-in days 22 & 23!
So last week I was too busy to blog, but I wanted to let you know what happened!
Last week (Thanksgiving!) - 198.6. A loss of 3.2 pounds!
This week - 197.8. A loss of .8 pounds!
That's 4 of the 5 pounds I want lost by January 1st. Now I just have to keep them off!! haha
And I actually was able to lose weight the week before thanksgiving! AND the week of Thanksgiving I was able to lose a little weight. How did I do that?
1 - I worked out! I took my own advice and worked out as much as possible the week before Thanksgiving. This past week I haven't been able to as much because of business, very cold weather and rain. Hopefully at least the lack-of-gym problem will be fixed soon!
2 - I tried to eat AS MANY fruits and veggies as possible. They fill you up without filling you with empty calories.
3 - I tracked my points as much as I could. Just by holding myself accountable that way I eat a lot less.
Weight Watchers came out with a new program called the PointsPlus program. Instead of only taking calories, fat and fiber into account like the old Points program, the PointsPlus program calculates fat, carbs, protein and fiber. So I'm trying to figure out the new plan. Basically the point values are different, so I'm making sure that what I would normally eat is still ok. More info as I figure it out!
Here's some more advice about the Holidays:
1. LOOK AT YOUR CALENDAR. How many holiday parties do you have? If you have a lot - don't expect too much of yourself. If not - set a goal! Work hard on the "normal" days so you can splurge a little at the parties. And don't forget to make time to work out!
2. Don't get the attitude, "I'll work hard at the beginning of the year." You'll gain more weight that you'll then have to lose again. If you know your holiday events won't allow you to lose weight, then try to maintain. But don't just ignore it until 2011.
3. Don't deprive yourself either! Remember what the holidays are really about - spending time with your family & friends. If not eating pie is going to make you miserable and get in the way of your quality time, then have a little slice. Just don't lose control.
Good luck on your Holiday dieting and thanks for being my support system!
Last week (Thanksgiving!) - 198.6. A loss of 3.2 pounds!
This week - 197.8. A loss of .8 pounds!
That's 4 of the 5 pounds I want lost by January 1st. Now I just have to keep them off!! haha
And I actually was able to lose weight the week before thanksgiving! AND the week of Thanksgiving I was able to lose a little weight. How did I do that?
1 - I worked out! I took my own advice and worked out as much as possible the week before Thanksgiving. This past week I haven't been able to as much because of business, very cold weather and rain. Hopefully at least the lack-of-gym problem will be fixed soon!
2 - I tried to eat AS MANY fruits and veggies as possible. They fill you up without filling you with empty calories.
3 - I tracked my points as much as I could. Just by holding myself accountable that way I eat a lot less.
Weight Watchers came out with a new program called the PointsPlus program. Instead of only taking calories, fat and fiber into account like the old Points program, the PointsPlus program calculates fat, carbs, protein and fiber. So I'm trying to figure out the new plan. Basically the point values are different, so I'm making sure that what I would normally eat is still ok. More info as I figure it out!
Here's some more advice about the Holidays:
1. LOOK AT YOUR CALENDAR. How many holiday parties do you have? If you have a lot - don't expect too much of yourself. If not - set a goal! Work hard on the "normal" days so you can splurge a little at the parties. And don't forget to make time to work out!
2. Don't get the attitude, "I'll work hard at the beginning of the year." You'll gain more weight that you'll then have to lose again. If you know your holiday events won't allow you to lose weight, then try to maintain. But don't just ignore it until 2011.
3. Don't deprive yourself either! Remember what the holidays are really about - spending time with your family & friends. If not eating pie is going to make you miserable and get in the way of your quality time, then have a little slice. Just don't lose control.
Good luck on your Holiday dieting and thanks for being my support system!
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
New Goals
Hello weight-loss followers! I want to say, first, that despite how insanely busy I've been, I've really missed writing in here. I forgot how much it keeps me on track and makes me feel like I'm not just changing my own life, but hopefully changing one of yours. So I'm really going to try to keep up with this more.
When I weighed in last week, I weighed 201.8. That's about a 10 pound gain since August. It was my breaking point - I'm getting this under control right now. Seeing that 2 in front of my weight again just reminded me that I won't be able to ever go into auto-pilot. I got to 230 pounds for a reason, and it wasn't because I didn't know how to eat healthy. It was because I love food to much and I thought I could have that extra (insert tempting food here). And it's not ok. I'm not going back to where I was. Yes, this is a setback - but if it took this setback to get me going again, then that's ok. This week already, I've been back on plan, and I've worked out 3 times.
So, obviously, I'm going to have to set some new goals for myself. Goals are what keep me moving forward no matter what I want to do. Here's my new long-term goal - 170 by my birthday (April 5). I'll be 25 - that's a big deal, I think. And I want to be able to look back on pictures of my birthday without saying, "AHHHH, I was so fat!" I want to look and feel fabulous. So - that's about 32 pounds in the next 4 months and 2 weeks. That's about 8 pounds a month - it will not be easy. But it is possible. It will take a lot of work. But it is possible.
I also have a short-term goal. At least 5 pounds lost by January 1st. I know that it will be hard to lose a lot of weight over the holiday season. BUT I need to lose at least a little weight before the start of the year, or my long-term goal won't be possible.
So, the Holiday Season. EVERY DIETERS NIGHTMARE. But I am armed with some tips to help keep you in the right direction. Are you ready?!?!
1. WORK OUT. This is so simple - when you burn more calories, you get to eat more! Go running, do crunches, lift weights - whatever you can do. This way you can allow yourself to have a little slice of pie or glass of wine.
2. COOK. Yep! Find low-fat recipes of the holiday foods you love. That way you don't feel like you're missing out.
3. SMALL PORTIONS. If you think you'll die without stuffing, have a small portion. That's why we do things like work out and make low-fat foods.
4. PLAN AHEAD. When you know you're going over to somebody's house, bring something healthy you know you can eat. Think veggie or fruit trays, or even some of those low-fat recipes we talked about. Personally, I'm bringing WW pumpkin pie and WW green bean casserole. Want the recipes? Just ask!
Love you guys - thank you for taking time out of your life to read this. And as always, thank you for giving me the support I need.
When I weighed in last week, I weighed 201.8. That's about a 10 pound gain since August. It was my breaking point - I'm getting this under control right now. Seeing that 2 in front of my weight again just reminded me that I won't be able to ever go into auto-pilot. I got to 230 pounds for a reason, and it wasn't because I didn't know how to eat healthy. It was because I love food to much and I thought I could have that extra (insert tempting food here). And it's not ok. I'm not going back to where I was. Yes, this is a setback - but if it took this setback to get me going again, then that's ok. This week already, I've been back on plan, and I've worked out 3 times.
So, obviously, I'm going to have to set some new goals for myself. Goals are what keep me moving forward no matter what I want to do. Here's my new long-term goal - 170 by my birthday (April 5). I'll be 25 - that's a big deal, I think. And I want to be able to look back on pictures of my birthday without saying, "AHHHH, I was so fat!" I want to look and feel fabulous. So - that's about 32 pounds in the next 4 months and 2 weeks. That's about 8 pounds a month - it will not be easy. But it is possible. It will take a lot of work. But it is possible.
I also have a short-term goal. At least 5 pounds lost by January 1st. I know that it will be hard to lose a lot of weight over the holiday season. BUT I need to lose at least a little weight before the start of the year, or my long-term goal won't be possible.
So, the Holiday Season. EVERY DIETERS NIGHTMARE. But I am armed with some tips to help keep you in the right direction. Are you ready?!?!
1. WORK OUT. This is so simple - when you burn more calories, you get to eat more! Go running, do crunches, lift weights - whatever you can do. This way you can allow yourself to have a little slice of pie or glass of wine.
2. COOK. Yep! Find low-fat recipes of the holiday foods you love. That way you don't feel like you're missing out.
3. SMALL PORTIONS. If you think you'll die without stuffing, have a small portion. That's why we do things like work out and make low-fat foods.
4. PLAN AHEAD. When you know you're going over to somebody's house, bring something healthy you know you can eat. Think veggie or fruit trays, or even some of those low-fat recipes we talked about. Personally, I'm bringing WW pumpkin pie and WW green bean casserole. Want the recipes? Just ask!
Love you guys - thank you for taking time out of your life to read this. And as always, thank you for giving me the support I need.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Weigh-in day 21!
Hello again friends! I suppose a month between posts is long enough. Let me start with my weight today - 195.0. That is down 0.5 pounds since one month ago - which isn't much. BUT, it includes the stress of moving (eating whatever was handy and open at 10pm), going on a vacation where I ate every bad thing in sight, and not doing a SINGLE bit of working out. In fact, not doing much to purposefully lose weight at all. To date, I have still lost 32.4 pounds. So absolutely nothing to complain about on my end.
I've been doing a lot of thinking about what the last year has held for me. Last year at this time, I was working a maximum of 10 hours a week. For some people, this is a vacation, but for me it equates to a deep level of hell. I was about 27 pounds heavier, bored, depressed, lonely, completely miserable with myself and almost convinced that life out of college basically sucked and would continue to suck.
Now, let's look at where I'm at today. I work 4 jobs - best estimate is about 50 hours a week. I have at least one gig almost every weekend - once I had 3 in one weekend. I'm a semi-finalist in a young artist competition in December. I played in the Dogwood Arts Festival. I teach over 20 students a week who I love to watch learn and grow. Teaching them actually helps me become a better musician. I am a trainer at my restaurant and I helped designed the training manual which I hope will be in place long after I leave. And my church job is super willing to work with my schedule and is always happy to have me. I'm a size 14 instead of a size 18. I have my own house which I can't wait to go home to every day. I have an incredibly sweet and supportive boyfriend who puts up with me when I'm grumpy and constantly tells me I'm beautiful even when I'm in sweatpants. I've made friends who I know will always be there for me and I'm rarely wanting for something to do. I have to say - I'm pretty damn impressed. I'm not saying that to be cocky - but recognizing success and personal achievements is super important and completely healthy. As I told my step-dad a few weeks ago (he's on a weight loss program, too) - every victory should be celebrated. Saying that you are proud of yourself and what you've accomplished is not selfish - it's smart. If you never recognize your own success, you won't be able to ever be happy with what you have.
Now, I didn't reach every goal I set for myself this year. I originally wanted to be about 20 pounds lighter at this time. I wanted to lose 40 pounds in a year and I didn't quite reach that goal. But that doesn't mean I don't have cause to celebrate. It certainly doesn't mean I haven't taken many steps to make my life healthier.
Theme for today: look at what you've done and pat yourself on the back for it. Even if it's small.
Soon to come: setting new goals for myself!
I've been doing a lot of thinking about what the last year has held for me. Last year at this time, I was working a maximum of 10 hours a week. For some people, this is a vacation, but for me it equates to a deep level of hell. I was about 27 pounds heavier, bored, depressed, lonely, completely miserable with myself and almost convinced that life out of college basically sucked and would continue to suck.
Now, let's look at where I'm at today. I work 4 jobs - best estimate is about 50 hours a week. I have at least one gig almost every weekend - once I had 3 in one weekend. I'm a semi-finalist in a young artist competition in December. I played in the Dogwood Arts Festival. I teach over 20 students a week who I love to watch learn and grow. Teaching them actually helps me become a better musician. I am a trainer at my restaurant and I helped designed the training manual which I hope will be in place long after I leave. And my church job is super willing to work with my schedule and is always happy to have me. I'm a size 14 instead of a size 18. I have my own house which I can't wait to go home to every day. I have an incredibly sweet and supportive boyfriend who puts up with me when I'm grumpy and constantly tells me I'm beautiful even when I'm in sweatpants. I've made friends who I know will always be there for me and I'm rarely wanting for something to do. I have to say - I'm pretty damn impressed. I'm not saying that to be cocky - but recognizing success and personal achievements is super important and completely healthy. As I told my step-dad a few weeks ago (he's on a weight loss program, too) - every victory should be celebrated. Saying that you are proud of yourself and what you've accomplished is not selfish - it's smart. If you never recognize your own success, you won't be able to ever be happy with what you have.
Now, I didn't reach every goal I set for myself this year. I originally wanted to be about 20 pounds lighter at this time. I wanted to lose 40 pounds in a year and I didn't quite reach that goal. But that doesn't mean I don't have cause to celebrate. It certainly doesn't mean I haven't taken many steps to make my life healthier.
Theme for today: look at what you've done and pat yourself on the back for it. Even if it's small.
Soon to come: setting new goals for myself!
Friday, September 24, 2010
Weigh-in day 21
Ok - blogging nation, I apologize. I weighed myself today for the first time in 5 WEEKS. Which is why I have not been blogging. I've been too worried to even look at my weight because I was afraid I gained so much. I have not at all been following my plan. (I also started writing this on Friday - sorry it's taken so long to post!)
BUT - when I did weigh myself today, I've only gained 2.6 pounds. In the last five weeks! Sure, this is nothing to throw a party for, but it could be LOTS worse. Weight Watchers considers "maintaining" your weight staying with 2 pounds in either direction. So I stayed pretty closed to those guidelines. Now, here's what this weight gain shows me. 1) How easy it is to put on weight when you're not monitoring yourself. Even when I reach my goal weight, I'm going to have to be active about keeping myself from gaining it back. 2 pounds a month leads to 5 pounds a month, which leads to 10 pounds a month, which leads to being almost 100 pounds overweight. This will not happen. 2) Confidence level can make a big difference. I thought I had gained 5 or more pounds, and I was feeling miserable about myself. I FELT like my clothes fit worse, I FELT like I looked bad in my clothes. But I didn't gain enough weight for any of that to happen. Because my confidence level changed, the way I saw myself changed. So - if I'm not confident, I actually gain weight, not lose it.
Right now, I know I'm too busy to really buckle down. I'm in the process of moving this week. However, starting next week, I'll be living on my own. I'll have my own kitchen, which means my own groceries and my own food decisions 100% of the time. While I've been living with my mom, I have had both temptation to eat badly and encouragement to eat well. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens on my own. Also, my boyfriend and I are going to find a gym near my new house. But honestly, it's not as high on my list of priorities as shopping for things like furniture or other house furniture. However - I wanted to give you guys (and myself!) an update. Thanks for all your support!
BUT - when I did weigh myself today, I've only gained 2.6 pounds. In the last five weeks! Sure, this is nothing to throw a party for, but it could be LOTS worse. Weight Watchers considers "maintaining" your weight staying with 2 pounds in either direction. So I stayed pretty closed to those guidelines. Now, here's what this weight gain shows me. 1) How easy it is to put on weight when you're not monitoring yourself. Even when I reach my goal weight, I'm going to have to be active about keeping myself from gaining it back. 2 pounds a month leads to 5 pounds a month, which leads to 10 pounds a month, which leads to being almost 100 pounds overweight. This will not happen. 2) Confidence level can make a big difference. I thought I had gained 5 or more pounds, and I was feeling miserable about myself. I FELT like my clothes fit worse, I FELT like I looked bad in my clothes. But I didn't gain enough weight for any of that to happen. Because my confidence level changed, the way I saw myself changed. So - if I'm not confident, I actually gain weight, not lose it.
Right now, I know I'm too busy to really buckle down. I'm in the process of moving this week. However, starting next week, I'll be living on my own. I'll have my own kitchen, which means my own groceries and my own food decisions 100% of the time. While I've been living with my mom, I have had both temptation to eat badly and encouragement to eat well. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens on my own. Also, my boyfriend and I are going to find a gym near my new house. But honestly, it's not as high on my list of priorities as shopping for things like furniture or other house furniture. However - I wanted to give you guys (and myself!) an update. Thanks for all your support!
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