Morning Weight: 153.4
This Morning's Exercise: Not yet - will run later
Yesterday Evening's Exercise: Shopping! Bought some very cute sweaters at Coldwater Creek at their 50% off everything sale.
Yesterday's Calories: 1726 (estimated)
Vitamins: 1-A-Day, D, B-Complex, Calcium, Glucosamine
I was delighted when I got on the scale this morning and weighed 153.4 pounds! Yesterday's weight was not a fluke and I even lost another 2/10 of a pound! That was in spite of the fact that it was the last day at work before the holidays and everyone was walking around with candy, cheeseballs, brownie bites, and every other yummy treat you can imagine. I also took my accounting manager to lunch, so I ate out. All in all, it was not a great food day for me. I didn't binge, but I didn't turn down as many offers as I should have, either. The above calorie count is a rough estimate. I did not record everything as I ate it.
I have four days off from work for the holiday. Jack and I are all done with our shopping, so it will be a relaxing few days. We'll go bowling, play some racquetball, go to the movies, and in general have a good time. I'll bake on Monday for the McKown family Christmas Eve get together. I don't expect a lot of excitement around here, but that is just fine with me!
I need to focus on my food for the next four days. It would be easy to lose count. I will not let that happen. I will keep my phone with me at all times and record every calorie as it goes into my body. 3.4 Pounds left! I've got this!!!!!
Saturday, December 22, 2012
Friday, December 21, 2012
12/21/12: Milestone Announcement: 70.4 Pounds Lost as of This Morning!!
Morning Weight: 153.6
This Morning's Exercise: Strength Training
Yesterday Evening's Exercise: None - still getting over this cold but feeling much better
Yesterday's Calories: 1613
Vitamins: 1-A-Day, D, B-Complex, Calcium, Glucosamine
Beginning weight: 224 pounds, this morning's weight: 153.6 pounds. I have done the math and I have lost 70.4 pounds since February 27th 2012! Woo Hoo!!! I am so excited. I could hardly believe my eyes when I got on the scale this morning. I weighed myself after I got back from the gym, just to double check, and sure enough the scale confirmed my early morning weight. I now only have 3.6 pounds to lose before I reach my goal weight of 150 pounds! This is going to happen and it feels good. Really, really, really good! I guess it just goes to show what can be accomplished if I don't give up. Oh, I was so frustrated during the 2nd and 3rd week of that plateau. I finally had to let go of my 150 by 12/31 goal, but I never let up on my overall Get Fit Initiative, so I kept doing the right things - eating right and exercising every day - in spite of my frustration. And now it is paying off. The weight is coming off again. I am so relieved! I'm relieved for two reasons. The first is obvious, I really want to reach my goal weight. The second is more subtle. Throughout these last several months, I've been losing weight while eating 1600+ calories most days. I've been able to achieve that by exercising a lot and increasing my metabolism. The ability to lose weight while eating a reasonable number of calories made me confident that maintaining my weight wouldn't be too difficult. If I can lose weight at 1600+ calories a day, I reasoned, I should be able to maintain my weight at 1800 - 2000 calories a day. That's a reasonable number of calories. I can live with that.
And then, when all of a sudden I stopped losing weight at 1600 calories a day, I started to get a little anxious. I started to think that perhaps I would need to eat 1600 calories a day for the rest of my life just to maintain my weight. That did not seem like much fun. So, I am relieved that I have started losing weight again on 1600+ calories a day. That, again, makes me feel confident that I will be able to increase my calories to 1800 - 2000 a day after I reach 150, without gaining weight.
So...Hip Hip Hooray for finally stepping of the plateau and reaching the 70 pound lost mark!!!!! Onward to goal!!!! YEAH!!!!!!!!!
This Morning's Exercise: Strength Training
Yesterday Evening's Exercise: None - still getting over this cold but feeling much better
Yesterday's Calories: 1613
Vitamins: 1-A-Day, D, B-Complex, Calcium, Glucosamine
Beginning weight: 224 pounds, this morning's weight: 153.6 pounds. I have done the math and I have lost 70.4 pounds since February 27th 2012! Woo Hoo!!! I am so excited. I could hardly believe my eyes when I got on the scale this morning. I weighed myself after I got back from the gym, just to double check, and sure enough the scale confirmed my early morning weight. I now only have 3.6 pounds to lose before I reach my goal weight of 150 pounds! This is going to happen and it feels good. Really, really, really good! I guess it just goes to show what can be accomplished if I don't give up. Oh, I was so frustrated during the 2nd and 3rd week of that plateau. I finally had to let go of my 150 by 12/31 goal, but I never let up on my overall Get Fit Initiative, so I kept doing the right things - eating right and exercising every day - in spite of my frustration. And now it is paying off. The weight is coming off again. I am so relieved! I'm relieved for two reasons. The first is obvious, I really want to reach my goal weight. The second is more subtle. Throughout these last several months, I've been losing weight while eating 1600+ calories most days. I've been able to achieve that by exercising a lot and increasing my metabolism. The ability to lose weight while eating a reasonable number of calories made me confident that maintaining my weight wouldn't be too difficult. If I can lose weight at 1600+ calories a day, I reasoned, I should be able to maintain my weight at 1800 - 2000 calories a day. That's a reasonable number of calories. I can live with that.
And then, when all of a sudden I stopped losing weight at 1600 calories a day, I started to get a little anxious. I started to think that perhaps I would need to eat 1600 calories a day for the rest of my life just to maintain my weight. That did not seem like much fun. So, I am relieved that I have started losing weight again on 1600+ calories a day. That, again, makes me feel confident that I will be able to increase my calories to 1800 - 2000 a day after I reach 150, without gaining weight.
So...Hip Hip Hooray for finally stepping of the plateau and reaching the 70 pound lost mark!!!!! Onward to goal!!!! YEAH!!!!!!!!!
Thursday, December 20, 2012
12/20/12: Feeling Better, Getting Back Into the Swing of Things
Morning Weight: 154.6
This Morning's Exercise: Biggest Loser Wii Fit Game; 30 minute moderate full body exercise routine and 8 minute stretching cool down
Yesterday's Exercise: None - just rested
Yesterday's Calories: 1555
Vitamins: 1-A-Day, D, B-Complex, Calcium, Glucosamine
I am definitely coming out of the backside of this cold and feel much better this morning than I did earlier in the week. I decided to start exercising again, but to keep it light for another day, so I popped the Biggest Loser disc into the Wii console and selected a moderate workout. My sluggish body resisted the movement a bit, but it felt good to get in at least some exercise today. As a recap, this cold caused me to do lighter than normal exercise on Sunday (a 3.5 mile walk) and no exercise on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. This has been an unscheduled break. Tomorrow is my scheduled session with Jeremy Walters. I think I will feel well enough to do that by tomorrow, though we may need to take it a little easier than normal.
Jack and I are ready for Christmas and that feels good. The kids packages are getting delivered today and tomorrow, I have all of Jack's presents and stocking stuffers, and all I have to do is wrap the presents and put them under the tree. Christmas Eve will be a baking day so I can take several tins of cookies to Kate & Don's house for our annual McKown Family gathering. I like to bake enough cookies that they have a few tins left over to enjoy after everyone leaves. Other than that, it will be a mellow long weekend. We are looking forward to it.
Yes, I lost another four-tenths of a pound! It sure is a lot more fun to mark my chart when the line is going down instead of straight across. It won't be too much longer now before this chart is done and I need to start tracking towards my 2013 goals, whatever they end up being.
No other news to talk about...it's snowing out. It'll be a late start going to work today to avoid the worst of it.
This Morning's Exercise: Biggest Loser Wii Fit Game; 30 minute moderate full body exercise routine and 8 minute stretching cool down
Yesterday's Exercise: None - just rested
Yesterday's Calories: 1555
Vitamins: 1-A-Day, D, B-Complex, Calcium, Glucosamine
I am definitely coming out of the backside of this cold and feel much better this morning than I did earlier in the week. I decided to start exercising again, but to keep it light for another day, so I popped the Biggest Loser disc into the Wii console and selected a moderate workout. My sluggish body resisted the movement a bit, but it felt good to get in at least some exercise today. As a recap, this cold caused me to do lighter than normal exercise on Sunday (a 3.5 mile walk) and no exercise on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. This has been an unscheduled break. Tomorrow is my scheduled session with Jeremy Walters. I think I will feel well enough to do that by tomorrow, though we may need to take it a little easier than normal.
Jack and I are ready for Christmas and that feels good. The kids packages are getting delivered today and tomorrow, I have all of Jack's presents and stocking stuffers, and all I have to do is wrap the presents and put them under the tree. Christmas Eve will be a baking day so I can take several tins of cookies to Kate & Don's house for our annual McKown Family gathering. I like to bake enough cookies that they have a few tins left over to enjoy after everyone leaves. Other than that, it will be a mellow long weekend. We are looking forward to it.
Yes, I lost another four-tenths of a pound! It sure is a lot more fun to mark my chart when the line is going down instead of straight across. It won't be too much longer now before this chart is done and I need to start tracking towards my 2013 goals, whatever they end up being.
No other news to talk about...it's snowing out. It'll be a late start going to work today to avoid the worst of it.
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
12/19/2012: Resting and Getting Well
Morning Weight: 155.0
This Morning's Exercise: None, starting to feel better, though. I think I will probably walk tomorrow
Yesterday's Exercise: None - just rested
Yesterday's Calories: 1651
Vitamins: 1-A-Day, D, B-Complex, Calcium, Glucosamine
Life is boring when one is sick. I haven't done much over the last few days except sleep, eat, drink water, and haul my butt to work. I wouldn't be going to work except for the fact that the auditors are there for the pre-audit field work for our first ever annual audit. So far, that is going surprisingly well. We were well enough prepared for them and we are not holding them up in any way. All but one of their questionnaires are complete and they have an interview scheduled today with the two people that need to complete that last questionnaire. They have the trial balances they need, board minutes, etc... so they have plenty to keep them busy this week and everything they need to plan their field work which will commence mid-March. Fun times at Castle Creations!!
I haven't exercised since Sunday and on Sunday I was already starting to feel under the weather so I only walked on the treadmill for an hour. I am starting to feel better today (maybe it's those smoothies I've been eating for breakfast!) so I think I will walk again tomorrow. I hope to feel well enough to do my personal training session with Jeremy Walters on Friday morning.
I've been hungry...feed a cold? I've been eating plenty - around 1600 calories a day - but I have started losing weight again, as you may have noticed. That three week plateau was rough...I was beginning to think that I would weigh 158 forever and was working hard to try to accept that fact when all of the sudden I started to lose weight again. This morning I weighed 155.0 pounds. This has become a habit of mine, to plateau for a while then lose all of the weight I thought I should be losing during the plateau very quickly. It's just never lasted three weeks before. I thought I'd share my chart again, so you can see what the last 4 weeks has looked like:
I guess the lesson to learn here is to never get discouraged and keep doing the right thing. Your body knows what it is doing (really?!?!?!) and as long as you are exercising everyday and eating right, good things will happen.
It's amazing to me how much closer 155lbs looks to my goal than 159lbs looked. I really am almost there. I've lost 69 pounds and I only have 5 left to lose. I am not going to predict when it will happen, but I am sure it will, someday. I just have to stick with the plan.
It bears repeating that one of the major things that I changed at the beginning of last week is that I started cooking meals again. I have eaten out only once, and that was for a lunch meeting (I had a salad). Previously I was eating out for lunch most days and I usually had a turkey sub on wheat bread at Subway or a salad at Panera's. I was confident of my calorie count and felt like my choices were pretty healthy, but when I stopped eating out and started eating my own cooking, the weight started dropping off again. Coincidence? I don't think so. The other thing that changed is the intensity of my strength training went up when I started working with Jeremy Walters again. I noticed a significant difference between the strength training with the two different trainers, and that may be part of the difference, too. Whatever it is, I am grateful that my body is responding to whatever it is responding to. It really would be nice to be able to reach my goal of 150 pounds before my chart runs out of room. It would feel complete or finished, I guess. On the other hand, as I said in an earlier post, I'm going to try not to stress over these last few pounds. I am going to be grateful for what comes off, but as of January 1st the focus will be on fitness, not weight loss.
Oh dear, I have to admit, that just felt like a lie. Even as I am typing this, I know the closer I get to 150lbs the more important it becomes to me to get there while I still have room on my chart. My original goal date was January 28th, that is 5.5 weeks away. My chart actually goes out to February 11th, that gives me another two weeks. So, I have 7.5 weeks left to lose 5 pounds. If I can accomplish that, my line will cross the x axis before I run out of chart. Yes, honestly, deep down in side, I really, really want that to happen. And now that my body is cooperating again, I believe it can happen and it is going to be incredibly hard for me to let that go. Oh, the mind games!!!! Just breathe deeply and take each day as it comes!
This Morning's Exercise: None, starting to feel better, though. I think I will probably walk tomorrow
Yesterday's Exercise: None - just rested
Yesterday's Calories: 1651
Vitamins: 1-A-Day, D, B-Complex, Calcium, Glucosamine
Life is boring when one is sick. I haven't done much over the last few days except sleep, eat, drink water, and haul my butt to work. I wouldn't be going to work except for the fact that the auditors are there for the pre-audit field work for our first ever annual audit. So far, that is going surprisingly well. We were well enough prepared for them and we are not holding them up in any way. All but one of their questionnaires are complete and they have an interview scheduled today with the two people that need to complete that last questionnaire. They have the trial balances they need, board minutes, etc... so they have plenty to keep them busy this week and everything they need to plan their field work which will commence mid-March. Fun times at Castle Creations!!
I haven't exercised since Sunday and on Sunday I was already starting to feel under the weather so I only walked on the treadmill for an hour. I am starting to feel better today (maybe it's those smoothies I've been eating for breakfast!) so I think I will walk again tomorrow. I hope to feel well enough to do my personal training session with Jeremy Walters on Friday morning.
I've been hungry...feed a cold? I've been eating plenty - around 1600 calories a day - but I have started losing weight again, as you may have noticed. That three week plateau was rough...I was beginning to think that I would weigh 158 forever and was working hard to try to accept that fact when all of the sudden I started to lose weight again. This morning I weighed 155.0 pounds. This has become a habit of mine, to plateau for a while then lose all of the weight I thought I should be losing during the plateau very quickly. It's just never lasted three weeks before. I thought I'd share my chart again, so you can see what the last 4 weeks has looked like:
.JPG) |
| 12/19/12 Chart: 69 Pounds lost, 5 to go |
It's amazing to me how much closer 155lbs looks to my goal than 159lbs looked. I really am almost there. I've lost 69 pounds and I only have 5 left to lose. I am not going to predict when it will happen, but I am sure it will, someday. I just have to stick with the plan.
It bears repeating that one of the major things that I changed at the beginning of last week is that I started cooking meals again. I have eaten out only once, and that was for a lunch meeting (I had a salad). Previously I was eating out for lunch most days and I usually had a turkey sub on wheat bread at Subway or a salad at Panera's. I was confident of my calorie count and felt like my choices were pretty healthy, but when I stopped eating out and started eating my own cooking, the weight started dropping off again. Coincidence? I don't think so. The other thing that changed is the intensity of my strength training went up when I started working with Jeremy Walters again. I noticed a significant difference between the strength training with the two different trainers, and that may be part of the difference, too. Whatever it is, I am grateful that my body is responding to whatever it is responding to. It really would be nice to be able to reach my goal of 150 pounds before my chart runs out of room. It would feel complete or finished, I guess. On the other hand, as I said in an earlier post, I'm going to try not to stress over these last few pounds. I am going to be grateful for what comes off, but as of January 1st the focus will be on fitness, not weight loss.
Oh dear, I have to admit, that just felt like a lie. Even as I am typing this, I know the closer I get to 150lbs the more important it becomes to me to get there while I still have room on my chart. My original goal date was January 28th, that is 5.5 weeks away. My chart actually goes out to February 11th, that gives me another two weeks. So, I have 7.5 weeks left to lose 5 pounds. If I can accomplish that, my line will cross the x axis before I run out of chart. Yes, honestly, deep down in side, I really, really want that to happen. And now that my body is cooperating again, I believe it can happen and it is going to be incredibly hard for me to let that go. Oh, the mind games!!!! Just breathe deeply and take each day as it comes!
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
12/18/12: Still Not Feeling Whippy Skippy
Morning Weight: 155.2
This Morning's Exercise: None, still sick
Yesterday's Exercise: None - rested
Yesterday's Calories: 1592
Vitamins: 1-A-Day, D, B-Complex, Calcium, Glucosamine
I have an early meeting today and need to run. Not much new to say, anyway. Just trying to get over this dang cold.
Have a great day!!
This Morning's Exercise: None, still sick
Yesterday's Exercise: None - rested
Yesterday's Calories: 1592
Vitamins: 1-A-Day, D, B-Complex, Calcium, Glucosamine
I have an early meeting today and need to run. Not much new to say, anyway. Just trying to get over this dang cold.
Have a great day!!
Monday, December 17, 2012
12/17/12: I Am Not Doing This Alone
Morning Weight: 155.2
This Morning's Exercise: None, I'm sick
Yesterday's Exercise: 1 hour walk on treadmill at 3.5 mph
Yesterday's Calories: 1641
Vitamins: 1-A-Day, D, B-Complex, Calcium, Glucosamine
I woke up Saturday morning feeling fine. By Saturday afternoon I was getting the sniffles, Sunday morning I woke up with a sore throat and by noon I knew I had a cold. My body wasn't feeling too bad yet, but my snotty nose was telling me the story I needed to know. I texted Ruth about yesterday's exercise, I was supposed to go swimming yesterday because it has been a couple of weeks since I've been in the pool. She advised staying out of the pool until the cold was on its way out and to dress warmly and do an hour walk on the treadmill, instead. That's what I did. I went to bed last night feeling crappy and was able to sleep OK, but I am still feeling pretty crappy this morning. I chose sleep over getting up to go to the gym. I may walk some this evening, but mostly I think I need to rest and get over this dang cold. The good news is that this is the first cold I've had since I started my initiative, so that's not too bad. I'm hoping since I've been diligent about my vitamins, I get plenty of sleep, and I have a healthy routine I will bounce back quickly. I had my tonsils and adenoids (and my uvula, part of my soft palate, and nasal tissues) removed about 8 years ago to cure my sleep apnea. A side benefit of that surgery is that I don't get strep throat anymore, which I used to get at least a couple times a winter. It has also helped with colds, they don't settle into my throat anymore. I may have a sore throat for a day or so, but they clear up quickly. So with any luck, I'll be feeling plucky again in no time. Ruth also advised that I eat smoothies made of strawberries, oranges, spinach and Greek yogurt. I am throwing in blueberries, too, just because everyone keeps talking about what a super food they are. I'll kick this thing before you know it!!
All of this is a long introduction for the theme of this post. I am not doing this alone. Yesterday I was still feeling well enough that I knew I could swim 1500 - 2000 laps without dying, if I pushed myself. At the same time, there was part of me that said, "Don't push it, you are getting sick." Of course, the other part of me said, "Be careful, don't use this as an excuse to not exercise." I didn't know which whisper to listen to. When it comes right down to it, I don't quite trust myself, yet. Yes, I am the one that made the commitment to get fit. I am the one that has exercised every day and that has counted almost every calorie for 9.5 months. But I have had support doing it. Yesterday, when I wasn't sure which way to go with the exercise I told my husband that I was going to consult the expert and do whatever she recommended, so I texted Ruth. She answered right away with a very reasonable solution for the exercise and a recommendation for the smoothie, too. It relieved me of worry to consult her and follow her instruction. It kept me from getting into a negative, swirly place in my own mind. It kept me from second guessing myself. In spite of the fact that I know I am the one doing this thing, it makes it more manageable knowing I have support from others. It eases the burden a little bit, not having to make all the choices. I don't have to worry about slipping into bad habits. I am following sound advice, not sliding. It makes a difference.
I have other people on my team, too. One of them I pay, of course, and that is my personal trainer. I know that is a luxury that not everyone can afford, but it has been worth every penny. Personal trainers are like shrinks, though. There are good ones out there and there are not so good ones out there. I think the big difference between a good personal trainer and a poor one (and probably the difference between a good shrink and a poor one) is that a good personal trainer really listens to what you want and what you need and responds accordingly. Jeremy fits the bill for me. I strength train 3 times a week, but I only see him once a week. At that appointment he designs the workout that I will use for the rest of the week, keeping in mind that I will be working out alone. It helps a lot to know I will be seeing him once a week, it keeps me on task and committed to my goals. It's another way that I hold myself accountable.
My husband is an integral part of my support team, as much for what he doesn't do as for what he does do. He supports me in this endeavor by getting excited for me when I accomplish something I haven't done before or by commiserating with me when I plateau for 3 weeks. He never tires of my daily updates and is patient with me when I sit on the edge of the bed before he is even up for the day and whine about not losing any weight today. He tells me how good I look and goes shopping with me when I need new clothes. He makes sure I have the tools I need, encourages me to sign up for my personal training sessions because he knows how much they help, and never complains about how much money all of this is costing. He has no expectation that it is my job to feed him dinner, in spite of the fact that I am the cook in the family. I can totally focus on what I need to eat and not worry that he is going to get bent out of shape if he doesn't get a hot meal when he gets home from work. I am not going to say that he isn't pleased with my new routine of cooking meals on Sundays for the rest of the week. That worked out great for both of us last week. But he is more than happy to reheat meals for himself during the week. I've heard many a cook complain that their spouse won't eat leftovers. That seems ridiculous to me. I am sure I am leaving out a hundred little things that Jack does to support my get fit initiative, but I think you get the idea.
I also have this blog and my readers. Knowing I am going to write about what transpired each day keeps me on track. Sometimes it's hard to talk about eating too much or not reaching a goal I set or gaining a little weight. But knowing I am going to write about it has moderated my behavior. I don't binge anymore. Every now and then I may have a mini-binge, but I am always thinking about calories and what I am going to have to post and that always causes me to stop before it gets out of hand. It's made a huge difference. Every now and then I think I don't feel like exercising. And then I think about how evangelical I've been about exercising on this blog, and out in the real world, and I realize how hypocritical it would be to not exercise after I have spent so much time telling everybody that exercising an hour a day for six days a week is essential to a long, happy, healthy life. I really believe that and I talk about it a lot. When I am feeling really lazy, it gets me off my butt when I recall what I have written about on this blog.
I have to go to work now, but the long and the short of it is that I am not doing this alone. The support that I have had from so many people has made this seemingly impossible task doable. I encourage anyone and everyone that wants to get fit to put together their team early in the process. It makes all of the difference in the world.
To all of you who have supported and continue to support me, Thank You!!!!!
This Morning's Exercise: None, I'm sick
Yesterday's Exercise: 1 hour walk on treadmill at 3.5 mph
Yesterday's Calories: 1641
Vitamins: 1-A-Day, D, B-Complex, Calcium, Glucosamine
I woke up Saturday morning feeling fine. By Saturday afternoon I was getting the sniffles, Sunday morning I woke up with a sore throat and by noon I knew I had a cold. My body wasn't feeling too bad yet, but my snotty nose was telling me the story I needed to know. I texted Ruth about yesterday's exercise, I was supposed to go swimming yesterday because it has been a couple of weeks since I've been in the pool. She advised staying out of the pool until the cold was on its way out and to dress warmly and do an hour walk on the treadmill, instead. That's what I did. I went to bed last night feeling crappy and was able to sleep OK, but I am still feeling pretty crappy this morning. I chose sleep over getting up to go to the gym. I may walk some this evening, but mostly I think I need to rest and get over this dang cold. The good news is that this is the first cold I've had since I started my initiative, so that's not too bad. I'm hoping since I've been diligent about my vitamins, I get plenty of sleep, and I have a healthy routine I will bounce back quickly. I had my tonsils and adenoids (and my uvula, part of my soft palate, and nasal tissues) removed about 8 years ago to cure my sleep apnea. A side benefit of that surgery is that I don't get strep throat anymore, which I used to get at least a couple times a winter. It has also helped with colds, they don't settle into my throat anymore. I may have a sore throat for a day or so, but they clear up quickly. So with any luck, I'll be feeling plucky again in no time. Ruth also advised that I eat smoothies made of strawberries, oranges, spinach and Greek yogurt. I am throwing in blueberries, too, just because everyone keeps talking about what a super food they are. I'll kick this thing before you know it!!
All of this is a long introduction for the theme of this post. I am not doing this alone. Yesterday I was still feeling well enough that I knew I could swim 1500 - 2000 laps without dying, if I pushed myself. At the same time, there was part of me that said, "Don't push it, you are getting sick." Of course, the other part of me said, "Be careful, don't use this as an excuse to not exercise." I didn't know which whisper to listen to. When it comes right down to it, I don't quite trust myself, yet. Yes, I am the one that made the commitment to get fit. I am the one that has exercised every day and that has counted almost every calorie for 9.5 months. But I have had support doing it. Yesterday, when I wasn't sure which way to go with the exercise I told my husband that I was going to consult the expert and do whatever she recommended, so I texted Ruth. She answered right away with a very reasonable solution for the exercise and a recommendation for the smoothie, too. It relieved me of worry to consult her and follow her instruction. It kept me from getting into a negative, swirly place in my own mind. It kept me from second guessing myself. In spite of the fact that I know I am the one doing this thing, it makes it more manageable knowing I have support from others. It eases the burden a little bit, not having to make all the choices. I don't have to worry about slipping into bad habits. I am following sound advice, not sliding. It makes a difference.
I have other people on my team, too. One of them I pay, of course, and that is my personal trainer. I know that is a luxury that not everyone can afford, but it has been worth every penny. Personal trainers are like shrinks, though. There are good ones out there and there are not so good ones out there. I think the big difference between a good personal trainer and a poor one (and probably the difference between a good shrink and a poor one) is that a good personal trainer really listens to what you want and what you need and responds accordingly. Jeremy fits the bill for me. I strength train 3 times a week, but I only see him once a week. At that appointment he designs the workout that I will use for the rest of the week, keeping in mind that I will be working out alone. It helps a lot to know I will be seeing him once a week, it keeps me on task and committed to my goals. It's another way that I hold myself accountable.
My husband is an integral part of my support team, as much for what he doesn't do as for what he does do. He supports me in this endeavor by getting excited for me when I accomplish something I haven't done before or by commiserating with me when I plateau for 3 weeks. He never tires of my daily updates and is patient with me when I sit on the edge of the bed before he is even up for the day and whine about not losing any weight today. He tells me how good I look and goes shopping with me when I need new clothes. He makes sure I have the tools I need, encourages me to sign up for my personal training sessions because he knows how much they help, and never complains about how much money all of this is costing. He has no expectation that it is my job to feed him dinner, in spite of the fact that I am the cook in the family. I can totally focus on what I need to eat and not worry that he is going to get bent out of shape if he doesn't get a hot meal when he gets home from work. I am not going to say that he isn't pleased with my new routine of cooking meals on Sundays for the rest of the week. That worked out great for both of us last week. But he is more than happy to reheat meals for himself during the week. I've heard many a cook complain that their spouse won't eat leftovers. That seems ridiculous to me. I am sure I am leaving out a hundred little things that Jack does to support my get fit initiative, but I think you get the idea.
I also have this blog and my readers. Knowing I am going to write about what transpired each day keeps me on track. Sometimes it's hard to talk about eating too much or not reaching a goal I set or gaining a little weight. But knowing I am going to write about it has moderated my behavior. I don't binge anymore. Every now and then I may have a mini-binge, but I am always thinking about calories and what I am going to have to post and that always causes me to stop before it gets out of hand. It's made a huge difference. Every now and then I think I don't feel like exercising. And then I think about how evangelical I've been about exercising on this blog, and out in the real world, and I realize how hypocritical it would be to not exercise after I have spent so much time telling everybody that exercising an hour a day for six days a week is essential to a long, happy, healthy life. I really believe that and I talk about it a lot. When I am feeling really lazy, it gets me off my butt when I recall what I have written about on this blog.
I have to go to work now, but the long and the short of it is that I am not doing this alone. The support that I have had from so many people has made this seemingly impossible task doable. I encourage anyone and everyone that wants to get fit to put together their team early in the process. It makes all of the difference in the world.
To all of you who have supported and continue to support me, Thank You!!!!!
Sunday, December 16, 2012
12/16/2012: Cook! It Makes a Difference!
Morning Weight: 156.0
This Morning's Exercise: None yet, will go swimming later today
Yesterday's Exercise: 6.5 mile run - 80 minutes
Yesterday's Calories: 1641
Friday's Calories: 1610
Vitamins: 1-A-Day, D, B-Complex, Calcium, Glucosamine
I've started losing weight again...just when I decided to let go of the 150lb by year end goal. Funny how that works. Obviously it's not the calories. You can see that I actually ate a little more than planned, I've been at 1600 or more for the last few days, rather than 1500 as planned. It's also not the exercise. This week's exercise regimen was no different from the last three weeks. The biggest difference was the quality of the food that I ate. I took the time last Sunday to cook a couple of big meals, and that has been what I've taken to work for lunch all week, rather than going to Subway for a sandwich or Panera's for a salad. The number of calories are about the same, but I'm getting many more veggies, more protein, and probably a lot less salt. These results remind me of the importance of cooking my own food.
The other factor contributing to this sudden loss of a couple of pounds is probably time. Whatever physiological things that needed to happen inside of my body must have happened, and now I am no longer stuck at 158.something. This doesn't change anything, I am still switching to stage 2 on January 1st, but it is interesting. And, yes, I am glad that I've lost a couple more pounds.
It is going to be a busy day! We have a long to-do list and a Christmas party to go to this afternoon. I also need to squeeze in my swim. I'll probably do my cooking this evening, after we get home. One more week and Christmas will have come and gone and we'll get to start focusing in 2013. That will be nice!!
This Morning's Exercise: None yet, will go swimming later today
Yesterday's Exercise: 6.5 mile run - 80 minutes
Yesterday's Calories: 1641
Friday's Calories: 1610
Vitamins: 1-A-Day, D, B-Complex, Calcium, Glucosamine
I've started losing weight again...just when I decided to let go of the 150lb by year end goal. Funny how that works. Obviously it's not the calories. You can see that I actually ate a little more than planned, I've been at 1600 or more for the last few days, rather than 1500 as planned. It's also not the exercise. This week's exercise regimen was no different from the last three weeks. The biggest difference was the quality of the food that I ate. I took the time last Sunday to cook a couple of big meals, and that has been what I've taken to work for lunch all week, rather than going to Subway for a sandwich or Panera's for a salad. The number of calories are about the same, but I'm getting many more veggies, more protein, and probably a lot less salt. These results remind me of the importance of cooking my own food.
The other factor contributing to this sudden loss of a couple of pounds is probably time. Whatever physiological things that needed to happen inside of my body must have happened, and now I am no longer stuck at 158.something. This doesn't change anything, I am still switching to stage 2 on January 1st, but it is interesting. And, yes, I am glad that I've lost a couple more pounds.
It is going to be a busy day! We have a long to-do list and a Christmas party to go to this afternoon. I also need to squeeze in my swim. I'll probably do my cooking this evening, after we get home. One more week and Christmas will have come and gone and we'll get to start focusing in 2013. That will be nice!!
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