March 2006, Weight Loss Journal
Updated on July 28, 2007
1 Mar 2006
My eating habits have definitely changed. I used to be hungry all the time. I ate mostly healthy foods, but I ate too much. My portion sizes were huge.
Now, I'm been able to stop eating when I'm full without the guilt of "wasting food" (a huge leap for me). I automatically pay attention to portion sizes now. I have an idea of how much each dish, cup, spoon, etc. holds, so I can eyeball it now. I often read labels, and think about what has fewer calories before I automatically put it in my mouth (example: ketchup has much fewer than BBQ sauce which has less than mayo).
For breakfast I had a single serving of oatmeal with raisins and cinnamon and 1 small glass of orange juice. For lunch I had 1 cup of butternut squash soup and 3 crackers. This is far less than I used to eat, and amazingly, I'm not hungry. I just eat one serving at a time with 20 minutes between each serving, until the feeling of hunger is gone. I try to eat slowly, so I don't stuff myself too quickly. By the time 20 minutes pass, I usually forget about going back for another serving, and my hunger is satisfied.
Since I've been exercising, I've been consuming more water, less caffeine, and less sugar. I had birthday cake for my daughter's birthday. I only ate a very small amount, but within 30 minutes, I felt sick. The sugar was just too much for me, I guess. I drank a bunch of regular tea the other day, and when I crashed from the caffeine high, I had to actually take a nap. It's so much easier to perk myself up with a mini-workout (just 5 minutes is all it takes), and there's no crashing.
The most impressive thing is that I don't eat for emotional reasons anymore. I still catch myself walking into the kitchen and looking through the refrigerator whenever I'm angry or frustrated, but I always stop myself and get a glass of water or herbal tea instead.
6 Mar 2006
Weight: 187 (lost 13 lbs.)
BMI: 34.2
Happy! Happy! Apparently it wasn't water. I really did go down to 188 lbs. last week because this week, I lot another pound!
It doesn't feel real. I'm so used to seeing 200 lbs. that I feel like I'm looking at somebody else's weigh-in. I can't believe I made it into the 180's. I always stop losing at 190. I was 185 when I got married, and even though its a lot, I was almost going to give up hope on getting back to it. Now I can't wait to get into the 170's. I can't wait to put on a size 16 pair of jeans again. I cant' wait to go to the store and shop in the sections for normal sizes. Size 16 may not turn heads, but at least you don't have to go to the "big mama" clothing section.
13 Mar 2006
Weight: 185 (lost 15 lbs.)
BMI: 33.8
I am officially at the weight I was at on my wedding day. I'm so excited. I've been able to go up and down the scale before, but I just couldn't get back into the 180's. I swore that if I could make it back to my wedding day weight, I'd know for sure that I was really going to make my goal this time. Today is that day. I've lost 15 lbs. and one pant size in 11 weeks. Even my face looks thinner already. Two days ago, I was able to put my wedding ring and engagement ring on my left ring finger at the same time. My fingers got so fat during my first pregnancy that I haven't been able to do that without using lots of lotion and turning my finger purple from lack of blood circulation. It's just so nice to know that I have officially lost all of the pregnancy weight, the postpartum depression weight, and the weight I gained on my honeymoon (cruise ship food, mmmmm). Now I'm losing my sedentary work weight, the 40 lbs. I gained when I went from physically active jobs to sedentary jobs behind a desk and computer.
I use My Yahoo as my home page for my browser, and they have a nifty little weight tracker that gives me a boost of motivation every time I get on the Internet. Today it says that I've completed 19% of my weight loss goal. (I would be happy at 130 lbs., but I figured since I'm doing so well, why not go for 120 lbs. which is where I would really like to be, so 120 lbs. is my new goal weight. I'll still be happy at 130 though.) My husband says we're celebrating at 25%, 50%, and 75% (and of course at 100%), so that gives me something to look forward to, as well.
16 Mar 2006
I decided to do the "Outfit of Inspiration." I went to Goodwill and bought some cute clothes that are one size smaller (16) than I wear now (18). I love the Goodwill here. They have an excellent selection and oh so inexpensive, which is helpful since I know I won't be wearing them for long (positive thinking...I'm sure I'll pass through the 16s and be in the 14s in no time). Plus, I have a whole box of size 20 that I'm going to donate back to them (but I have to keep at least one outfit for the "hey remember when I could barely fit into this" before and after pics).
Speaking of clothing, I've actually started paying attention to my style of clothes. I've always been a t-shirt and jeans and sweats sort of person, but I noticed in looking at some photos of myself that they tend to make me look even more frumpy and bulky than I already am, so I'm going vain. I've actually even been watching shows like "What Not to Wear" (something I swore I would never watch because that's for "shallow" people...whatever, I guess I'm shallow now, and I like it). I'm actually quite impressed with how switching to v-necks makes my face and neck look much thinner, and things that actually form a bit to my shape, rather than being baggy, make me look thinner as well. Now all those t-shirts and sweats are strictly being used for workouts, and I'm letting myself look girly. It really adds a boost to my day, even if it's just vanity.
17 Mar 2006
Another workout schedule change. I guess I'll be doing this every month because it takes about that long before I get bored and need some variety.
Monday
Moderate Cardio (Walk, Jog, Hike, Bike minimum 30 minutes)
Upper Body Strength Training (30 minutes - 1 hour)
Yoga (15 - 30 minutes)Tuesday
Low Cardio (Walk, Bike minimum 15 minutes)
Lower & Middle Body Strength Training (1-2 hours)
Yoga (15 - 30 minutes)Wednesday
High Cardio (Jog, Hike, Walk, Jump Rope, Bike minimum 60 minutes)
Yoga (15 - 30 minutes)Thursday
Moderate Cardio (Walk, Jog, Hike, Bike minimum 30 minutes)
Upper Body Strength Training (30 minutes - 1 hour)
Yoga (15 - 30 minutes)Friday
Low Cardio (Walk, Bike minimum 15 minutes)
Lower & Middle Body Strength Training (1-2 hours)
Yoga (15 - 30 minutes)Saturday
Yoga (15 - 30 minutes)
Family ActivitySunday
Yoga (15 - 30 minutes)
Family Activity
20 Mar 2006
Weight: 184 (lost 16 lbs.)
BMI: 33.7
I was really wondering if I would gain weight this last week because I've been slacking on my weight lifting, but apparently I'm still making progress. Happy dance time! Today I'm 20% of the way to my goal.
I'm looking forward to doing my new workout routine, but I'm wondering if I should add walks to the weekend. Yoga just doesn't get my heart rate up enough to energize me for the rest of the day. When I don't get my heart pumping first thing in the morning, I'm groggy for the rest of the day.
Today, my jog seemed effortless. On my high cardio days, I'm going to focus on pushing myself further during jogs, and on moderate cardio days I'm just going to do enough to get myself breathing hard. Today was a moderate cardio day, and I was surprised by how far I had to run just to breath hard. I still can't believe I'm jogging. I've always hated running of any kind, but I'm enjoying it now.
I'm also surprised by the improvements in my flexibility. I can do yoga moves now that I thought would be impossible. I've also felt huge improvements in my agility and grace. I once wobbled, groaned, and strained if I had to climb onto or over something (like baby proofing fences, ladders, etc.), but now I literally jump over it or onto it, whatever it may be. Even my sense of balance has improved, and I don't get dizzy from heights like I used to because I don't wobble like I used to.
I admit, I'm growing a little impatient, but I guess that's a good thing for motivation. I want to get into those size 16 pants, and I want to do it now! Ok, so I know that once I get there, I'll be doing the same thing with size 14 pants, but I guess that's the attitude I'm supposed to have even though I'm one of those "have patience" kind of people.
On a more rewarding topic, I actually had to buy new bras because my old ones are just too big now. I'm also going through my closet and getting rid of clothes that are too baggy now. There's that part of me that doesn't want to get rid of my favorite old set of pants and my favorite shirts, but I'm never going to wear them again because they look horrible on me now (and the pants don't stay on very well even with a belt), so I might as well give them to charity, so somebody else will get to enjoy them. It won't be long before I'm going to have to get an entirely new wardrobe.
21 Mar 2006
Today is a happy day. I went shopping and bought a size 16 pair of jeans, and I tried them on. I actually got them to button! They were very tight, and I certainly wouldn't classify myself as a size 16, but I could wear them if I really wanted to (it would be hard to sit though). It has been so long since I've been able to wear a size 16. It has been even longer since I've been able to buy something from the normal size section of the store instead of the plus size, but today I was able to do that. I normally buy very large baggy shirts to cover up all the fat. I decided several months ago to start buying shirts that actually fit, so I've been paying more attention to the sizes in the plus section, but today I didn't need to buy something that was 2X or 1X. I could just buy something that was a large, an L, and that means I could shop in the regular section where the selection of clothing is so much better. I actually have a shirt that I'm proud to wear rather than something frumpy or designed for "old" ladies.
I also decided to splurge and invest in a yoga mat. I've been able to do yoga without it, but I've progressed to poses that are sometimes hard to maintain when your feet are slipping, so I got the mat. I can't wait to use it.
Another big indicator of change today, my husband offered me cheese. I love cheese. Wow, do I love cheese, but today I said no. He even tempted me with the "mmmmm" and "this stuff is so good" comments, but all I kept thinking was, "it's not worth it." It's not. That bit of indulgence that I used to rely on for joy isn't necessary anymore because I now have other ways to find a few moments of happiness (especially now that I have all this energy from exercising in the morning and can actually do fun things without getting worn out). In fact, even chocolate is no longer on my list of daily cravings. It's been replaced by a light miso soup, teas (with stevia for sweetness), and fruit, all of which I actually crave, not just consume as a part of some strict diet plan (which I'm not doing). It's funny how your body starts to crave things that are good for you when you take away all of the junk. I still want chocolate now and again, but I'm satisfied with some chocolate soy milk or even a single (yes that's just one) chocolate chip. And, it's all because that moment of indulgence just isn't worth it anymore. I love all the things losing weight has brought me. I love the energy. I love being able to shop. I love the strength and flexibility and endurance. I love the confidence of knowing that I'm really going to get to my goal weight this time and look damn good. A hunk of cheese or a candy bar would take all of that away, maybe not just one piece, but all of those "just one bite" samples add up, and it's just not worth it.
25 Mar 2006
Here's a weight lifting injury you don't hear about too often: hemorrhoids. At least 50% of all people will developed them at some point in life, so pay attention. I developed painful external hemorrhoids during and after pregnancy, but I haven't had a problem with them since, until now.
On Tuesday, I was doing my mid and lower body weight lifting session, and I did something stupid. I added too much weight to my ankle weights for my leg lifts (for abdominal strength). I was able to strain through 5 lifts before I quit. I increased the weight to 5 lbs. per leg because I just wanted to see if I could do it. It wasn't a part of my weight lifting plan. Later that day, when I was making dinner, I began to feel a familiar pain in the ass, and sure enough, those hemorrhoids from pregnancy reared their ugly heads. I treated them the best way I knew how, and hoped for the best. Two days later, they developed thromboses (blood clots), which are extremely painful. I immediately went to my doctor and had them lanced, but the clots returned, and now it seems surgery is in my future.
Aside from all of the pain and discomfort, I'm particularly upset because now I am not allowed to weight lift until I've fully recovered. I also had to take a few days off from everything while I waited for the pain to become tolerable. Now I'm starting to walk again, but my stride isn't as fast as it was just several days ago. I'm hoping this obstacle isn't going to be a huge setback for my weight loss.
I've caught myself looking through the kitchen for food simply out of boredom since I haven't been able to do much physically to keep myself distracted from food. Sedentary activities get dull after awhile (quite a change from my old habits which were mostly sedentary), so it has been difficult to keep myself entertained.
Oh the humiliation. I can officially say that my workout kicked my ass.
27 Mar 2006
Weight: 185 (lost 15 lbs.)
BMI: 33.8
Ahhh, another pound back. That's what happens when I'm unable to lift weights and have to cut back on my cardio and yoga. I am starting to feel better, so maybe I'll skip the surgery for awhile, until the next flare-up. I really don't want to have surgery. Today I get to talk to the surgeon and find out if I can put it off. I'm pretty sure I can.
I'm trying to find more projects to keep me busy and away from food temptations. My problem isn't junk food, it's just food in general. I want to eat everything and lots of it. I've even had difficulty turning down seconds, something I had no problem doing as long as I was doing weight lifting. Maybe weight lifting produces an appetite suppressant hormone. Cardio training actually makes me hungry, even though I often read that it's supposed to do the opposite.
This week, since I'm feeling better, I'm going to try to do some light weight lifting again. I'm hoping it will bring back my momentum in dropping the pounds but not make things worse. We shall see.
31 Mar 2006
Yesterday, something interesting happened. I put on the wrong pair of pants. I thought I was putting on my size 18 jeans, but it turned out that I actually put on my size 16 jeans, and they fit! I was actually a bit upset when I put on what I thought were size 18 jeans because they were a bit tight. "No, I can't be gaining back inches," I said. Then when I realized that they were size 16, I was jumping around with happiness. I could breathe. I could sit. I wore them all day without even thinking "Wow, I need to unbutton these things" by the end of the day. I just got rid of all but one pair of my size 20 pants, and now I can start tossing out the size 18 pants. I can't believe I went down another size so quickly.
My shirts now need updating as well. I recently bought size L shirts rather than XL or XXL just because I wanted them for motivation, and now they fit. My XXLs now make me look frumpy, and my XLs are in need of tailoring if I ever want to wear them again because they too are starting to develop that frumpy look.
I got on the scale and saw that it was at 181. I was shocked. I know 181 isn't the official weight because it wasn't my weigh in day, but it's been a long time since I've seen that number on the scale while I was standing on it, so I'm just thrilled even if it creeps up a couple of pounds due to water fluctuations by Monday.
I actually expected to see those weight numbers go up because I haven't even been doing my weight lifting, but I have been walking more, 40-60 minutes per day rather than just 30-40. I can't believe 5-10 minutes used to be so exhausting for me. Now, at the end of 60 minutes, I'm still ready to do another hour.
I've been drinking tons of water flavored with juice. It has kept me from boredom eating by keeping my mouth busy. Plus, now that I have to take fiber for my hemorrhoids, extra water is essential. The fiber helps fill me up though, so I end up eating even less.
Speaking of the dreaded hemorrhoids, it seems I will be able to avoid surgery for now. I'll just have to be careful not to push myself too much when I start weight lifting again next week. Start small, build slowly, and no lifting extra just to show off to myself and inflate my own ego.
...by Feed