Have you ever found that the cravings come back after a couple solid weeks on plan? Do you start to feel restricted or bored? Has life happened and thrown several events at you that could cause a swift fall from that mountain you were progressing so nicely to its summit? Most people on weight loss plans find that the initial exuberance wanes after just a couple weeks. “When motivation to stick to your new eating and exercise habits wanes, and a quick glance in the mirror doesn't do the trick, considering the many health risks of obesity probably will get you going. By maintaining a healthier weight, you are more likely to live a longer life with fewer medical problems. Wearing a smaller size is just the icing on the cake; a happier, healthier life is the ultimate reward,” Weight Loss 101 on about.com. It happens to most of us, at some point in time. I have not met one person that has solid stick-to-itness ALL of the time. That implies perfection, and we all know perfection simply does not exist.
Besides, do you really want to be perfect? It’s a lot of work to maintain perfection!
Some of the reasons for motivation to fade, even slightly, and how to overcome them
Boredom with menu - Try some new recipes or switch your lunch and dinner choices – look for new websites with proven recipes
Feeling that it will take too long to achieve your ultimate goal - Focus on smaller more tangible weight loss goals
Not enough acknowledgement from others about your progress - Acknowledge it yourself! After all, it is your body and health.
Scale isn’t going down as fast as you think it should - Track your food to make sure you aren’t eating more than you need - Switch up your foods, your body may be bored. Also remember that .5-2 pounds per week is the healthy weight loss range and that loss is the most sustainable once your ultimate goal is reached
Lots of events happening that have lots of temptations - Take an on plan dish - Maybe choose yourself and your goals and not go to all of them - Don’t under eat during the day (you will be starving and will go off plan)
Having cravings? - If you can eat a small portion of something you are craving that will help. If not, acknowledge the craving and accept they will come, they will fade and your motivation will increase as you don’t give in
And the most important thing to remember: Reward your efforts, just not with food!
My stats: I released 2.5 pounds, for a total of 10.5 in 3 weeks (222.5 pounds). I exercised about 5 days this week, doing yoga mostly. I did clean out and rearrange my storage unit, all to get to my refrigerator out of storage. Mom and dad lost their back-up refrigerator. I spent about 45 minutes, and I moved a washer and dryer, and the refrigerator out and then put everything back in! My dad was shocked as he drove up to help and saw me standing next to a refrigerator and the unit closed. I think he was truly impressed. This was Saturday and I did 2 yoga sessions that day as well!
This will be a week of more aerobic workouts. I tried an excellent recipe this weekend and here is the link. It took some time but it has such depth of flavor. http://www.theppk.com/recipes/dbrecipes/index.php?RecipeID=113. And my reward for myself this week, to acknowledge 18 pounds gone, is to buy Whip It! It releases tomorrow and is about the same price. It will also help me to achieve my goal of being a derby girl someday soon. I am learning how to be a non-skating official in early February! Next step, tryout and get on a team!
Monday, January 25, 2010
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Wowee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Well, I apologize for getting this post up late. My computer is on the fritz, and I am not a happy camper.
But……………my weight is a different story! I lost a whopping 5 pounds this past week. I worked out all but Wednesday. I had an appointment and just didn’t feel like it when I got home. I ended up accruing 12 activity points (a food plan term). I knew I wouldn’t get a home tv workout in on Sunday (football at mom and dad’s) so I stopped at a local park and walk for 25 minutes there. The first part has a nice hill, so it gave some resistance. I felt it in the legs for sure. I did yoga, cardio boot camp, total body sculpt, and I even tried a belly dancing workout. Wow, I am so not a belly dancer!
A friend said this to me last week: “If I don't move I can't lose, and if I stop moving I gain.” Thanks Laurie, you are so wise! She hit the nail on the head. We have to move. A 5 pound loss on week 2 makes me think of the Biggest Loser. They always talk about how bad week 2 is weight-loss wise. Maybe it is that I actually worked out, but my week 2 was amazing! So, what are you doing to move and be active.
----------------------------------------
I have found this to be true about weight loss:
To lose weight, we must eat healthy food. We must workout and lead an active life. Both will fuel your emotions and you.
If our emotions are in check, we will have more desire to eat well and lead an active life thus leading to weight loss.
If we are active, we will be more prone to positive emotions and to eat healthier food, thus leading to weight loss.
-------------------------------------------------------
What will you do this week? Will you check out Fit Tv? Maybe buy a dvd and use it? I purchased a dvd by Leslie Sansone with 5 workouts, including a Pilates workout. It even came with resistance bands for the Pilates. Is there a cleaning project you could do around the house? I earned 3 points cleaning on Monday, a day off work. That is not how I wanted to spend my day, but it is what it is.
I challenge you to burn some calories this week!
And let’s hope Monday posts a weight loss too! I am trying not to fear a rebound gain. But if it happens, I will accept it as my body fighting back. It happens. I am not going off plan, so my conscience would be clean!
But……………my weight is a different story! I lost a whopping 5 pounds this past week. I worked out all but Wednesday. I had an appointment and just didn’t feel like it when I got home. I ended up accruing 12 activity points (a food plan term). I knew I wouldn’t get a home tv workout in on Sunday (football at mom and dad’s) so I stopped at a local park and walk for 25 minutes there. The first part has a nice hill, so it gave some resistance. I felt it in the legs for sure. I did yoga, cardio boot camp, total body sculpt, and I even tried a belly dancing workout. Wow, I am so not a belly dancer!
A friend said this to me last week: “If I don't move I can't lose, and if I stop moving I gain.” Thanks Laurie, you are so wise! She hit the nail on the head. We have to move. A 5 pound loss on week 2 makes me think of the Biggest Loser. They always talk about how bad week 2 is weight-loss wise. Maybe it is that I actually worked out, but my week 2 was amazing! So, what are you doing to move and be active.
----------------------------------------
I have found this to be true about weight loss:
To lose weight, we must eat healthy food. We must workout and lead an active life. Both will fuel your emotions and you.
If our emotions are in check, we will have more desire to eat well and lead an active life thus leading to weight loss.
If we are active, we will be more prone to positive emotions and to eat healthier food, thus leading to weight loss.
-------------------------------------------------------
What will you do this week? Will you check out Fit Tv? Maybe buy a dvd and use it? I purchased a dvd by Leslie Sansone with 5 workouts, including a Pilates workout. It even came with resistance bands for the Pilates. Is there a cleaning project you could do around the house? I earned 3 points cleaning on Monday, a day off work. That is not how I wanted to spend my day, but it is what it is.
I challenge you to burn some calories this week!
And let’s hope Monday posts a weight loss too! I am trying not to fear a rebound gain. But if it happens, I will accept it as my body fighting back. It happens. I am not going off plan, so my conscience would be clean!
Monday, January 11, 2010
Week one was a success!
Well, one week down and I released 3 pounds! It was so good to see that working hard, staying on my chosen food plan, and keeping track of my efforts paid off. But, I knew it would. It really is simple, if you choose healthier options, watch how much you eat, get some activity and water, you will shed pounds and feel better!
My week consisted of overnight oats, mush, and eggs for my breakfasts. My lunches were sweet potato shepherd’s pie, tofu with spinach and whole wheat couscous, a Veggie Subway Kids meal one day, and roasted veggies. Dinners consisted of the tofu and spinach dish, whole wheat pasta tossed with mushrooms, artichoke, and diced tomatoes, and plenty of seasoning. I had a couple salads, even taco salad without the shell Saturday night.
My activity was light, but I am not beating myself up about that. I am just starting. I did a circuit of a weighted ball for 15 minutes Monday evening. I shoveled plenty of snow for 45 minutes one night last week. Let’s see, Wednesday, I do believe. Saturday I did some lifting of heavy things into an attic. But I got to stay on the steps and have it handed to me so I am not counting that.
I had a volunteer orientation Saturday and I resisted the pizza that was provided. It wasn’t required to stay for lunch so I spoke my gratitude for the food provided but politely left. I just wasn’t ready to put my newfound momentum under that much stress and examination.
This week, my focus is on new foods as to not get bored. I am getting tofu on the way home and I am going to make something like this: Cornmeal “Shake and Bake” Tofu – Corn meal and seasonings added in for the dredge. Dredge your drained and cut tofu in soymilk and then coat with the mixtures. Spray a pan with oil, line it with tofu, spray the tops and bake at 350-400 degrees until it is looking nice and crispy. You can flip these after 15 or 20 minutes to make sure both sides look nice. (This is from a friend that has a young son. He loves these!) I made chili with pinto and chili beans, added in whole wheat pasta. I am planning on lentils this week. I discovered I have 3 bags plus a partial bag. Wowzers! I am also going to make chickpeas with a lite coconut milk sauce. Not sure how I am going to proceed with that one yet. But, it will have curry in it for sure. I have black beans and my sis wants Rachael Ray’s Pumpkin Black Bean Soup this week.
I am also going to focus on ramping up my activity. No snow in the forecast, unfortunately, so no shoveling. That is a good workout! I am going to do chores tonight. Tomorrow, while watching the Biggest Loser, I will do my weighted ball workout. I would do it tonight but I can’t do it 2 days in a row. Tonight, I think I will go for a walk. I will come home and put on my exercise pants, do that and get in the car when I get home and go to the store for my tofu. Yep, that sounds like a plan.
---------------------------------------------------------
Update: It was just too cold when I left work. I went to the store, got my tofu, and came home and cooked. I looked on Fit TV, I forgot we have that channel, and found Namaste Yoga at 6. So, I did that! I hate the commercial breaks but I kept doing the breathing moves. I made chickpas with spinach, onion, and a coconut curry "sauce." I also cooked barley, hard boiled eggs, and I am heading back to the kitchen to make my cornmeal tofu. So, all in all, I think I have done well and I can sit and enjoy my Big Bang Theory.
---------------------------------------------------------
And you know what else? I hated water and was drinking loads of diet pop before last week. Now, I can hardly down a whole diet pop. I still like diet root beer and diet Dew, but I am drinking loads more water. Using a Brita at home and a pretty cup at work and home is helping.
Here are some links on fruits and veggies, and exercise tips from the CDC:
http://www.fruitsandveggiesmatter.gov/month/index.html
http://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/everyone/guidelines/adults.html
http://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/everyone/measuring/index.html
http://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/everyone/getactive/index.html
Have a great week everyone. I will be discussing the BL more next week. I identify with many of the contestants but I need to work through my thoughts before putting them here. Oh, and I will be doing monthly pictures. I just don’t think enough will be visible right now from week to week.
My week consisted of overnight oats, mush, and eggs for my breakfasts. My lunches were sweet potato shepherd’s pie, tofu with spinach and whole wheat couscous, a Veggie Subway Kids meal one day, and roasted veggies. Dinners consisted of the tofu and spinach dish, whole wheat pasta tossed with mushrooms, artichoke, and diced tomatoes, and plenty of seasoning. I had a couple salads, even taco salad without the shell Saturday night.
My activity was light, but I am not beating myself up about that. I am just starting. I did a circuit of a weighted ball for 15 minutes Monday evening. I shoveled plenty of snow for 45 minutes one night last week. Let’s see, Wednesday, I do believe. Saturday I did some lifting of heavy things into an attic. But I got to stay on the steps and have it handed to me so I am not counting that.
I had a volunteer orientation Saturday and I resisted the pizza that was provided. It wasn’t required to stay for lunch so I spoke my gratitude for the food provided but politely left. I just wasn’t ready to put my newfound momentum under that much stress and examination.
This week, my focus is on new foods as to not get bored. I am getting tofu on the way home and I am going to make something like this: Cornmeal “Shake and Bake” Tofu – Corn meal and seasonings added in for the dredge. Dredge your drained and cut tofu in soymilk and then coat with the mixtures. Spray a pan with oil, line it with tofu, spray the tops and bake at 350-400 degrees until it is looking nice and crispy. You can flip these after 15 or 20 minutes to make sure both sides look nice. (This is from a friend that has a young son. He loves these!) I made chili with pinto and chili beans, added in whole wheat pasta. I am planning on lentils this week. I discovered I have 3 bags plus a partial bag. Wowzers! I am also going to make chickpeas with a lite coconut milk sauce. Not sure how I am going to proceed with that one yet. But, it will have curry in it for sure. I have black beans and my sis wants Rachael Ray’s Pumpkin Black Bean Soup this week.
I am also going to focus on ramping up my activity. No snow in the forecast, unfortunately, so no shoveling. That is a good workout! I am going to do chores tonight. Tomorrow, while watching the Biggest Loser, I will do my weighted ball workout. I would do it tonight but I can’t do it 2 days in a row. Tonight, I think I will go for a walk. I will come home and put on my exercise pants, do that and get in the car when I get home and go to the store for my tofu. Yep, that sounds like a plan.
---------------------------------------------------------
Update: It was just too cold when I left work. I went to the store, got my tofu, and came home and cooked. I looked on Fit TV, I forgot we have that channel, and found Namaste Yoga at 6. So, I did that! I hate the commercial breaks but I kept doing the breathing moves. I made chickpas with spinach, onion, and a coconut curry "sauce." I also cooked barley, hard boiled eggs, and I am heading back to the kitchen to make my cornmeal tofu. So, all in all, I think I have done well and I can sit and enjoy my Big Bang Theory.
---------------------------------------------------------
And you know what else? I hated water and was drinking loads of diet pop before last week. Now, I can hardly down a whole diet pop. I still like diet root beer and diet Dew, but I am drinking loads more water. Using a Brita at home and a pretty cup at work and home is helping.
Here are some links on fruits and veggies, and exercise tips from the CDC:
http://www.fruitsandveggiesmatter.gov/month/index.html
http://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/everyone/guidelines/adults.html
http://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/everyone/measuring/index.html
http://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/everyone/getactive/index.html
Have a great week everyone. I will be discussing the BL more next week. I identify with many of the contestants but I need to work through my thoughts before putting them here. Oh, and I will be doing monthly pictures. I just don’t think enough will be visible right now from week to week.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
HANDBOOK for 2010
I received this forward from my friend Terri today. I do believe this holds many gems of wisdom we could all apply to our daily lives. If we follow many of these ideas, not only will we be happier and healthier, but we will be better stewards of the earth. Weight loss is easier, and maintenance lasts longer when we are happy, in many ways other than our size or number on the scale.
Here's to 2010!
Health:
1. Drink plenty of water.
2. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar.
3. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants..
4. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm and Empathy
5. Make time to reach within each and every day...
6. Play more games
7. Read more books than you did in 2009 .
8. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day
9. Sleep for 7 hours.
10.Take a 10-30 minutes walk daily. And while you walk, smile.
Personality:
11. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
12. Don't have negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.
13. Don't over do it. Keep your limits.
14. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
15. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip.
16. Dream more while you are awake.
17. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
18. Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner with His/her mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present happiness.
19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate others.
20. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
21. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
22. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
23. Smile and laugh more.
24. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree...
Society:
25. Call your family often.
26. Each day give something good to others.
27. Forgive everyone for everything..
28. Spend time with people over the age of 70 and under the age of 6.
29. Try to make at least three people smile each day.
30. What other people think of you is none of your business.
31. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.
Life:
32. Do the right thing!
33. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
34. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
35. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
36. The best is yet to come..
37. Love every day....we are so blessed
38. Your Inner most is always happy. So, be happy.
Here's to 2010!
Health:
1. Drink plenty of water.
2. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar.
3. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants..
4. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm and Empathy
5. Make time to reach within each and every day...
6. Play more games
7. Read more books than you did in 2009 .
8. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day
9. Sleep for 7 hours.
10.Take a 10-30 minutes walk daily. And while you walk, smile.
Personality:
11. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
12. Don't have negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.
13. Don't over do it. Keep your limits.
14. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
15. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip.
16. Dream more while you are awake.
17. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
18. Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner with His/her mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present happiness.
19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate others.
20. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
21. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
22. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
23. Smile and laugh more.
24. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree...
Society:
25. Call your family often.
26. Each day give something good to others.
27. Forgive everyone for everything..
28. Spend time with people over the age of 70 and under the age of 6.
29. Try to make at least three people smile each day.
30. What other people think of you is none of your business.
31. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.
Life:
32. Do the right thing!
33. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
34. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
35. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
36. The best is yet to come..
37. Love every day....we are so blessed
38. Your Inner most is always happy. So, be happy.
Monday, January 4, 2010
It is what it is!
233.0
Well, here I am world! I went from a size 10 with some rolls still from years of weight loss and gain to here. I could say, it’s the Ugly Truth, but I don’t want to use the word ugly in terms of me. Simply put, it is what it is. This is me in all my 233 pound glory. It does sadden me that just 2 years ago I was 168 pounds, plus or minus a few. I had a goal of 174 that I met in August 2004. By 2005, I had dropped into the 160’s, and one brief day to 159.8. And now, here I am again.
Like the non-matching outfit? Ha, get used to it! This is what I have. Oh, and see the difference in my legs? That’s from the foot surgery in August. Cool, huh?
I am an avid viewer of the Biggest Loser, so much so that Mom and Dad gave me the 2010 BL calendar for a Christmas present. I am excited to get it hanging and in use. The new season begins tomorrow night and I will be watching. I am always so inspired by the contestants and what they are able to accomplish “on the ranch.” Of course, having Bob and Jillian training you 8 hours a day would help anyone lose that kind of weight. They are asking for America to weigh in like they are going to do this opening show, in front of family and friends…so I did. My sister snapped this picture last night, and as I walked into the family room for the photo shoot, I said, “Don’t laugh.” So, obviously with the excess pounds I am carrying, I am also carrying some shame.
But, it is a new year and a fresh chance at releasing this weight and the continuation of my journey to maintenance of my weight loss, or release.
What am I going to do to get there in terms of weight goal?
I am following an older version of the Double W program, a very healthy plan for vegetarians. Note, you may notice numbers in ( ) in my food list. This is a note for myself about foods that aren’t on the food plan but that I am allowed to eat with a weekly allotment.
I am going to exercise more – I have flab that weight loss won’t help – my skin is much less elastic with the weight losses and gains
I am drinking more water
I am posting daily to an online message board of other friends following the same program
I am cooking meals ahead that are quick and easy to grab through the week that are on plan
Weighing in every Monday morning
Posting pic and weight here each week
Here is my menu for today:
Breakfast was “Overnight Oats” – ½ C regular oats mixed with ½ light Original Silk soymilk, a dash of cinnamon, and 30 cals - 2 teaspoons - of sugar (1) in a Tupperware and reheated in the micro this morning.
Lunch: Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie from the current issue of Vegetarian Times with a side of roasted veggies in Canola Oil, side of canned beets
Snack: Veggy patty (Morningstar Farms – if needed)
D: Wilted spinach with garlic and onion, tofu, and whole wheat cous cous, salad with light dressing (2)
I have had 32 ozs. pure water and 16 ozs. decaf diet pop.
So far, at 10 minutes before my lunch, I am on track. I am going to attempt to walk outside this afternoon when I get home. It is bitter cold here in Indiana. If I do not do that, I will do a workout inside. If I do go outside, I may even do more in the house just to warm up. : )
Thank you for seeing me on this journey. Knowing you are here with me helps so very much. My goal through this process is to help you as much, if not more, than I am helped.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Welcome to Losingdaweight.blogspot.com!
Hi! My name is Meg and I am a former WW leader that, once no longer employed by WW, have gained all my weight back. I come her, much humbled, and ready to show the world my weight release journey. I am losing this weight, but I truly wish to release it so that is doesn't get found again. Luckily, it didn't bring friends with it when it returned this time. I don't have more to release this time than I did in 2004. Thanks goodness for small miracles.
I joined WW in 2004, January 4th actually. I started at 232.5. However, my highest weight was 245, that I know. I do believe that I was higher than that. By October 7, 2004, I was a lifetime member and I was in the 170's. I went from a 22 to a 10/12. I could even wear some 8's. I was high on life and full of so much energy and determination, and self-belief.
6 years later, wow it has been 6 years, I am back here releasing this weight. I will begin this week by posting my very own Biggest Loser style photo of where I am, as well as my weight. I hope to post my daily menu and triumphs and struggles. May the triumphs outweigh the struggles. I will post about my exercise journey as well. And, I will even ask some friends on this journey to post freelance pieces about their progress.
The good thing, I have learned so much about myself in the last half decade that will help me to release this weight and learn the tools to help keep it off. I am not beating myself up as I know that does not help me. I am embracing this journey, knowing that it won't always be easy. Luckily I know that without struggle I can't fully appreciate the easy times in life.
Here's to better health and a smaller number on the scale in 2010! May this be the decade I release decades!
I joined WW in 2004, January 4th actually. I started at 232.5. However, my highest weight was 245, that I know. I do believe that I was higher than that. By October 7, 2004, I was a lifetime member and I was in the 170's. I went from a 22 to a 10/12. I could even wear some 8's. I was high on life and full of so much energy and determination, and self-belief.
6 years later, wow it has been 6 years, I am back here releasing this weight. I will begin this week by posting my very own Biggest Loser style photo of where I am, as well as my weight. I hope to post my daily menu and triumphs and struggles. May the triumphs outweigh the struggles. I will post about my exercise journey as well. And, I will even ask some friends on this journey to post freelance pieces about their progress.
The good thing, I have learned so much about myself in the last half decade that will help me to release this weight and learn the tools to help keep it off. I am not beating myself up as I know that does not help me. I am embracing this journey, knowing that it won't always be easy. Luckily I know that without struggle I can't fully appreciate the easy times in life.
Here's to better health and a smaller number on the scale in 2010! May this be the decade I release decades!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)