Is it the Middle of June Already??

Despite a little early success, I'm still finding that this is very frustrating. I knew losing weight would be hard, but I guess I'm stuck trying to figure out what "plan" to follow. Over the years I've tried everything; Atkins, Slim Fast, low cal, low fat, Weight Watchers... The list goes on. I've tried diet supplements to help "curb my appetite and boost my metabolism". I think the biggest problem is that I don't end up sticking with whatever plan I choose. And I don't exercise. I HATE exercise. I don't like to sweat or be hot. I prefer going to a gym for their variety of equipment, but never get motivated to leave the house and actually do it. I end up paying for membership and never quitting the gym (or the bank *a little Friends reference there).

That's where I seem to be stuck. I have to get my mind out of "diet plan" and really grasp that this isn't short term. I can do Slim Fast and lose weight, but ultimately that won't be something to stick with for life. That's where low carb and Weight Watchers become more realistic. Learn to eat BETTER and learn portion control. That's a biggie for me. I mean, c'mon! Food tastes good! And it's natural to eat. I quit smoking years ago because it was unhealthy. I understand food can be unhealthy too...but it's harder to wrap my mind around.

The funny thing about this blog is that it's being written a few minutes after I realized I lost some weight.



Usually that's a cause for celebration and a pat on the back. But seeing how slow this journey will be, I'm thinking I can't stick with Slim Fast for a year. I need to find a better plan that works for me. Something that will be long term and will help me change my eating habits.

Another thing - I'm not entirely sure my scale is accurate. That's a BIG problem. I weighed myself this morning and within 10 minutes it showed I gained 2lbs. Ok, if it were consistently off (like it always was 2 lbs high) then at least I could track my weight. But if the scale fluctuates, then how do I know what is really going on?? For that and a couple reasons, I'm considering joining Weight Watchers again. Maybe the online one this time. I haven't checked it out yet, but that may be a good idea. If I can go in and have them weigh me, I've got an accurate scale and more accountability.

So that's it for now...we'll see how things go.

Hiding?

Yes, I'm still here. But I'm feeling irritated by this process.

I did so good the first week. Wow, I made it 7 days?? I type all this about it being a "life" change and after only 7 days I'm frustrated. Well, I guess that's just me.

That doesn't mean I've given up. After returning from my weekend getaway and seeing the weight gain, I did have a few bad days. But I feel bad for that now. I should have just stayed on track and not cheated. Oh well, what's done is done.

I'm continuing on my journey. I am not posting a scale pic because I'm trying to go a week without stepping on the scale. I think this daily thing is a bad idea?? I don't know. When I step on every couple days and see even a pound gone, it's so encouraging!! And if I gain a pound, then it's sort of a wake up call. But I went a few days without weighing and then gained a bunch back. That really threw me for a loop. Maybe I SHOULD be weighing myself every other day...

I'm going grocery shopping today. Going to make healthy choices. I can still do this. Maybe not by myself, but I do have God on my side. And of course, anything is possible with Him.

Frustration!

This last weekend I went on a women's retreat. I brought my Slim Fast with me and tried VERY hard not to induldge in all the goodies while I was gone. I did enjoy a slice of cake one night and a piece of french toast for breakfast Sunday morning.

Imagine my surprise when I step on the scale this morning.

Other than my toes looking amazing thanks to a pedi, I was horrified!!! I expected maybe a pound or even 2, but not all my weight back on!!

*sigh*

So today is again, Day 1.

Hunger Pains, Exercise Pains

I'm trying to figure out what diet day this is. I think I started Saturday, but I know I induldged in a few chocolate chip cookies that night. So we'll call it Sunday as my official start date.

Yesterday was good. I had my 2 Slim Fasts and some fruit during the day. For dinner I opted for a Lean Cuisine. I was surprisingly satisfied. I think I may substitute that once in a while, especially if I make a high carb dinner. I also exercised a bit...and I do mean "a bit". I did a fast walk on the treadmill but after about 15 minutes my foot started to hurt. So I switched to some situps and lunges. THAT was painful.

But I'm seeing some results...

What's Gotten Into Me??

Where did all this excitement over blogging come from?? How unlike me!

The last couple days have gone well. Doing the Slim Fast thing during the day and enjoying some fruit as a snack (yay for watermelon/strawberry season!) Last night had some green beans and a piece of bbq chicken. No dessert even though I was dying to snack on some of the kids cookies!!

I started taking an anti-inflammatory for my foot and it seems to help. I think I'll give the treadmill a try today. Yesterday I settled for doing yard work for about an hour. Got a good sweat going and lots of going up and down a ladder to trim a tree. Have another one out back I want to work on today. At least it's some activity. I also want to check into gym prices, although I think it'll probably be too expensive. I've been trying to get Steve to sell our treadmill and replace it with an elliptical. Years ago when I did go to a gym, I really enjoyed it and it would be low impact for his knees and my foot. He doesn't seem too interested though and it's a bit frustrating.

Also, not sure how often I should weigh myself. I think I need to space it probably 5 days apart to see some actual results, but I really want to check each day!!! Like I said, immediate gratification.

Oh well...taking one day at a time.

Is It Tuesday Already??

Wow, a long weekend that was wonderful. Thanks to all who have served our country!

Ok so I've decided to start with Slim Fast. This will NOT be my long term plan though. The hardest part for me is to actually start the diet. Once I get a few days in, then I can get totally motivated to keep at it. Obviously I still fail at some point, or I wouldn't be blogging all this. Anyway, that idea is to start out with Slim Fast. That makes me feel like I'm really doing something and it also jump starts weight loss for me. After a week or 2 of that, I'll switch over to a low carb diet plan.


And then there's exercise. One mistake I commonly make is to diet only and never exercise. That's always contributes to my failure. Exercise will totally get my metabolism going strong and give me more energy during the day.


So here comes an excuse...but really! I have a hurt foot right now. One doc said it's plantar fasciitis and another doesn't know what it is. They ended up referring me to a specialist. It really limits my ability to walk, especially later in the day when the pain is excruciating. BUT, I am not letting that become a reason not to exercise. There is plenty of low impact exercise I can do, plenty of low resistance cardio.


Not much of a result, but hey - it's something!

And yes, I realize I need to clean the scale. I was hoping all the dust would detract from the weight. LOL

Meet My Giant

Church yesterday morning was totally about me. Ok, well I'm sure it was meant for everyone but I knew God was pointing His finger at me.

It was a sermon on "Giants". The pastor referenced the David and Goliath passage in 1 Samual 17:32-51. We all have our giants. It could be an drug or alcohol addiction, being unfaithful to your spouse, being in a bad relationship or having an unhealthy relationship with your children. And it's not "you" who can slay that giant, but God. The conviction that God is always there will be enough to beat that giant.

"Faith is the settled confiction that God is always there." Why could none of the Israelites beat Goliath? Because they didn't have God on their side.

"Faith is the antidote to fear." Sure, any one of us would be afraid to go up against that thing in life that's killing us. We can't do it alone. But get into the battle against giants and trust that God can handle it.

"Faith doesn't play by the rules, it changes the game." David defeated Goliath with a slingshot and 5 smooth stones. But he came against him in the name of God.

My giant? My weight, of course. My health. I can't do this on my own. I need God to lead me through this. We are in this together, He is on my side helping me through each day. He is my coach and biggest fan. He will never think I can't do it. He loves me and WANTS me to change. He is always for me, never against me.

With God, I can lose this weight.
PTL

Day 1

I just started this blog and I'm already thinking about waiting until Monday to begin the new "diet". I guess I need to lose that dreaded 4 letter word. Life change is more appropriate. Diet makes me think of making certain changes in my eating habits but only until I lose the weight. Drink a couple shakes for breakfast and lunch, then when I'm all skinny go back to waffles and bacon. Yeah right.

So anyway, I'm ready to quit. I've got a Bunco game tonight and there's gonna be enchilada's and margaritas. Oh, and tomorrow we have friends coming over. You KNOW I can't eat healthy with friends around!!

There begins my problem. There is never a right time to make this change. There is always going to be that birthday party with cake ahead. A dinner out with my hubby at a great restaurant. A fast food night when things are really hectic. I keep putting it off another day, week...

I guess I need a plan. What do I follow? My mom found out she was diabetic a year ago. She limited her carbs to 45 per meal and 15 per snack. She also started walking at night. She had been overweight before, but in a year she has lost over 60 lbs. She is eating very healthy and following her doctor's advice. She is also my biggest supporter. She knows how hard it is to lose the weight. She continually offers me help, advice, support and guidance. I think my problem is that I'm not patient. I want instant gratification. I want to lose the weight NOW. I need to learn to be patient and accept that it will be a process.

I guess I need to set a goal. I'm not sure whether to set a long term goal or a short term goal. Maybe both. Ultimately I'd like to be back to 150 lbs. I think that's a good weight for me. Maybe I shouldn't put a time limit on that. I need to be prepared for it to take longer than I think. So, short term. I'd like to lose 15 lbs by June 30th. That's just over a month. Time will tell whether that's realistic or do-able.

In The Beginning...

Wow. Where do I even begin? Ok, start with the obvious. I'm fat. I don't say that to demean myself, it's the truth. I can be all politically correct, but that's not me. I'm obese, heavy, large, thick, big boned x2, filled with lovin', food challenged and well insulated (yes, I've been called that before). I'm lazy and I eat crappy food. Are we clear now?

I was relatively thin growing up. I put on a few pounds in high school and college, but was never fat. Then I got married. On came some weight as I settled into a routine of working, going to college and ordering fast food. Then came Kaelyn. I put on 45lbs during that pregnancy. I lost some of it after she was born, but the unhealthy eating continued. Back then I was about 175 lbs and felt really huge. But my husband and I were both sweet eaters so there was always junk in the house and a nightly run to Baskin Robbins. A few years later came the divorce. The stress of that helped me lose weight without ever intending to. I dropped about 50lbs and felt wonderful in my new body. Clothes were easy to buy and in my newly single life, I kept the weight off. I swore never to get fat again.

Of course, eventually the weight came back. It started with a new job at an accounting firm. They had a kitchen stocked with soda, cookies, candy, licorice and all sorts of other junk. I was in heaven. I would grab a Coke and a bag of M&M's and sit at my desk. The combination of sitting for 8 hours at a computer and eating junk quickly increased my, um, girth. The clothes I bought when I started that job began to get snug. No problem, I'll just pop the button on my pants. Ok, I'll just buy the next size up. And eventually, the next size and the next... All that weight I lost came back and it brought some friends.

Six years ago I met Steve. We fell in love, got married and wanted to start a family. My goal was to lose at least 40lbs before I got pregnant. Who wants to be fat and then get pregnant??? Not me! Well, it happened anyway. Reese was a surprise and I packed on more pounds with her. Do you know how hard it is to find plus size maternity clothes?? Impossible!! She was born and I never really lost any weight. And on went some more weight.

I just turned 36 this month. I'm married, have 2 beautiful daughters and am going back to college. I am blessed with so many wonderful things in my life. But this weight is killing me. I hate it. I am so frustrated with myself for ever letting it get this bad. I'm frustrated that I can't lose it. Do you know how many times I've tried to lose the weight?? When Steve and I got engaged, I planned to lose the weight. I swore I would not be fat for my wedding. Well, I was. I hate our pictures because I look awful. Each year came the promise to lose weight for some reason; our trip to Florida, someone else's wedding, summer weather, another vacation... Each year I failed.

It would go something like this: We had a trip coming up to Florida (2007). This was planned about 8 months in advance. I knew I wanted to lose weight before going. I didn't want to squish into an airplane seat, carry the extra weight in the Florida heat, not want to put on a bathing suit to swim and so on. So with 8 months to go, I'd plan to diet. Day 1 and I didn't even bother eating good. After a few days of not even getting started, I reminded myself I still had 8 months. Then it was 5 months before the trip. Anxiety as I should start working on this weight loss but again, still 5 months to go. Suddenly it was 2 months before the trip. I would panic and try every diet. No carbs for me. Or a shake for breakfast, a shake for lunch and then a healthy dinner. Oh I know, I can just eat white rice...those people on Survivor lost a ton of weight by doing that. And finally it was down to a couple weeks before we left and I hadn't lost any weight. I was discouraged, angry at myself and resolved not to even bother beginning a diet at that point. I decided to enjoy our vacation and work on the weight loss when I got home. Now, imagine living that same cycle for every wedding I attended, every summer vacation I wanted to enjoy, every time I saw a cute outfit that doesn't come in my size.

It's beyond frustrating. I know what I need to do, so why can't I just do it? Steve has lost weight since his heart attack. We definitely eat a lot healthier at home. But it's me. I have a big ol' sweet tooth and no self control. I definitely feel an addiction to food. I can very easily sit down with a quart of ice cream and polish the whole thing off. I raid the kids Halloween buckets when they aren't looking. I sneak food. I can never have just 1 cookie. I eat in excess, beyond when I'm not even hungry anymore. Food tastes good! I wish it didn't. I envy those people who can just say "no thanks" to a serving of cake. Instead, I offer to take their slice too.

I hate myself in photos. I don't need the camera to add 10 lbs, I add them easily enough myself. Do you know how awful it is to try and find clothes? I wear these old baggy jeans because they are comfy. I know I look horrible in them. I wear oversized shirts to hide my belly fat, but let's face it, it's still obvious. I know wearing huge clothes makes me look bigger, but I prefer hiding in them. I'd love to shop at Kohls and NOT in the plus section. There are never cute clothes there! I about cry each time I need to shop. Plus sections have so little to choose from I know I'll settle for something that doesn't look good on me. I'll walk past tons of things I'd love to buy but I don't fit into. My friends joke about shopping at Target. I'd LOVE to buy something at Target!! Their plus section is like 2 racks of clothes. Awful! I don't want to buy that stuff. I want NORMAL CLOTHES.

Ok so the point of all this. I'm done being fat. I'm done buying fat clothes and being out of breath just walking around the block. I'm done being a bad example for my children. I don't want them to be in my shoes. EVER. I've gotten to the point where my weight interferes with the lifestyle I want. I am too fat to be comfortable in an amusement ride seat. I squish into seats at baseball games. Not that I enjoy flying, but even sitting in those seats are uncomfortable. I told Kaelyn I'd go ziplining with her in Alaska this August, but I'm dangerously close to exceeding their weight limit. I need to make some serious changes in my life! Every year I look back with regret at the changes I didn't make. Please, let this be the last year.

So I'm gonna blog this stuff. I'm gonna blog what I eat, when I exercise and when I fail at this stuff. I've been painfully honest above, so I'm hoping that will hold me accountable. I don't want people knowing how much I weigh, what size clothes I wear and all that. So I'm gonna post it. The only way to ease the embarrassment and disappointment is to CHANGE. Otherwise I'm gonna walk around with everyone knowing I weigh 233.6 lbs, wear a 2X in tops and a size 22 pants. Whoa, I said it. No taking it back now. Now you know. Now are the pictures. Don't look if you're squeamish.



What I need from you. I don't need to know you read this. I just need to put this out there and can imagine in my head you are reading it. I won't know for sure, but that's good enough. I DON'T need negative comments. Remember what mom said, "If you don't have anything nice to say..." I already feel bad enough so I don't need your help. I'm hoping this is a starting point for me. It helps if people know I'm trying to lose weight. I enjoy sharing when the pounds start to come off. But it's also very easy to put them back on and not bother mentioning that. Maybe this will keep me honest?

Here goes nothing...