Last week's weight: 190
This week's weight: 187.8
Difference: -2.2
Total weight lost since January 2010: 84
A week ago, I sat here regretting the massive binge eating attack from the day before. But I also was resolved to do better. I logged everything I ate last Friday (including the many slices of pizza and many desserts from the bake sale) and decided my goal for the week was to track everything (food and exercise) using the Weight Watchers online system.
Keeping track was clearly the right thing to do because I made sure that when I ate more, I exercised more. I did use all of my "extra" weekly points and most of my activity points, but it does go to show that the system works. I had wine a couple of times, a small piece of cake one day and a decadent cupcake Thursday night. But, again, I made sure I exercised enough to make up for those splurges.
A bonus to all of this week's exercising is that I feel great. I'm starting to feel like I did a year ago. And handling stress seemed so much easier this past week. The key to success now will be sticking with it again. But I feel like I can do it. And it seems so simple: If I want to eat/drink more, all I have to do is exercise more.
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
I need a vacation
I've been on track for four days now. I don't want to get too excited about it, but I am proud of the progress I've made this week.
Moving the exercise bike back into the house is working out well. I rode it 30 minutes Sunday, 30 minutes Monday morning, 30 minutes Monday evening and 30 minutes Tuesday morning. Then, I walked for 40 minutes Tuesday evening. The physical activity is making me feel good and helping me manage stress this week.
Plus, I'm keeping track of my Weight Watchers points again. I even counted all of the terrible food I ate last Friday. Thanks to my activity points, I'm still a few points ahead of the game for the week. If I can keep it up for two more days, I should at least see a little progress on the scale come Friday morning.
As I was walking tonight, though, all I could think about was how much I want to just get away from everything. I'm kinda poor right now, but I was thinking about dipping into my "vacation fund," which really is more of an emergency/Christmas shopping fund. I know that sounds strange. But I have this jar where I try to stash a little cash throughout the year. Sometimes, it's a few dollars; sometimes, it's $100. I usually end up spending the money on Christmas presents. I've spent a little recently, but there's enough in there that I could take a long weekend somewhere (and still go Christmas shopping).
Where should I go? The mountains? Charleston? Hilton Head? Somewhere else? And I worry that I'll be bored once I get there. I'm not very good at entertaining myself. And I don't want a trip to be about food. That's my one requirement. I might splurge a little, but then I will need to do some sort of activity to burn off the calories
I mostly feel like I want to clear my head. Something peaceful and uncomplicated. Oh, and I do have vacation days coming up in a couple of weeks, so this is absolutely doable. Suggestions?
Moving the exercise bike back into the house is working out well. I rode it 30 minutes Sunday, 30 minutes Monday morning, 30 minutes Monday evening and 30 minutes Tuesday morning. Then, I walked for 40 minutes Tuesday evening. The physical activity is making me feel good and helping me manage stress this week.
Plus, I'm keeping track of my Weight Watchers points again. I even counted all of the terrible food I ate last Friday. Thanks to my activity points, I'm still a few points ahead of the game for the week. If I can keep it up for two more days, I should at least see a little progress on the scale come Friday morning.
As I was walking tonight, though, all I could think about was how much I want to just get away from everything. I'm kinda poor right now, but I was thinking about dipping into my "vacation fund," which really is more of an emergency/Christmas shopping fund. I know that sounds strange. But I have this jar where I try to stash a little cash throughout the year. Sometimes, it's a few dollars; sometimes, it's $100. I usually end up spending the money on Christmas presents. I've spent a little recently, but there's enough in there that I could take a long weekend somewhere (and still go Christmas shopping).
Where should I go? The mountains? Charleston? Hilton Head? Somewhere else? And I worry that I'll be bored once I get there. I'm not very good at entertaining myself. And I don't want a trip to be about food. That's my one requirement. I might splurge a little, but then I will need to do some sort of activity to burn off the calories
I mostly feel like I want to clear my head. Something peaceful and uncomplicated. Oh, and I do have vacation days coming up in a couple of weeks, so this is absolutely doable. Suggestions?
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Time to move
As you know, I spend a lot of time trying to figure out why I'm no longer finding success at losing weight. The first six months of 2010, the weight came off so easily. What I don't understand is how and what I was doing differently then.
But, once again, find myself thinking that I must figure it out. The numbers in the past three months aren't good -- I've gained 4 pounds.
After Friday's meltdown, I was resolved to do better. Saturday went well. I went over my daily Weight Watchers points allotment by 1 point, which is no big deal. But I'm having a much harder time today. My eating has been fine -- an omelet for breakfast, chicken chili and a few tortilla chips for lunch and a smoothie and lowfat brownie for snacks. The problem came when I decided to have two beers while watching football.
The only saving grace is that I am trying to exercise more to make up for the extra calories. I spent the morning cleaning house and then 20 minutes on my exercise bike. I've even moved the bike back into the house from the garage.
My new goal is to bike 30 minutes every morning before work. I really enjoy exercising before work and I find that I feel better all day when I do. I was walking but now it's too dark that early. So maybe the exercise bike will at least keep me moving during the dark, cold days of winter.
But, once again, find myself thinking that I must figure it out. The numbers in the past three months aren't good -- I've gained 4 pounds.
After Friday's meltdown, I was resolved to do better. Saturday went well. I went over my daily Weight Watchers points allotment by 1 point, which is no big deal. But I'm having a much harder time today. My eating has been fine -- an omelet for breakfast, chicken chili and a few tortilla chips for lunch and a smoothie and lowfat brownie for snacks. The problem came when I decided to have two beers while watching football.
The only saving grace is that I am trying to exercise more to make up for the extra calories. I spent the morning cleaning house and then 20 minutes on my exercise bike. I've even moved the bike back into the house from the garage.
My new goal is to bike 30 minutes every morning before work. I really enjoy exercising before work and I find that I feel better all day when I do. I was walking but now it's too dark that early. So maybe the exercise bike will at least keep me moving during the dark, cold days of winter.
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Weekly weigh-in: Off the deep end
Last week's weight: 188
This week's weight: 190
Difference: +2
Total weight last since January 2010: 81.8
For much of the week, I really tried. I even did well four of the seven days. But the other three days were a complete disaster. I tried not to make the worst choices those three days, but even the "better" choices were terrible. I had high hopes that exercise over the weekend and early in the week would be enough to counteract the calories. But I knew that wasn't really likely.
Why'd I make those choices? One day was because I simply felt I deserved to splurge. All the bad foods were at a dinner out and it was delicious. I didn't even feel bad about what I ate because I made those choices in the right spirit. The second day was because I didn't have a choice. I was attending a daylong function for work in which breakfast and lunch were provided for the group. The only truly healthy food offered all day was the fruit at breakfast. Not only did I eat the wrong foods that day, I ate too much of them. Finally, the third day was the most disappointing. I ate poorly because I let my guard down. I didn't plan my eating well that day and by 9 p.m. I was starving ... so I stopped at Taco Bell.
Now, this new week (which starts on Fridays for weigh-in purposes) isn't off to a very good start either. We had a bake sale at work to raise money for the United Way. I should have eaten one sweet treat and given the rest away. Instead, I had about eight things Friday. Then, because it had been an emotionally draining day at work, I had pizza for dinner. I'd been thinking about pizza for days. I finally went off the deep end and got one. I didn't eat the whole thing, but I came close. (And, if I'm honest, I'll probably end up eating the leftovers today.)
So, once again, I let stress and emotion keep me from achieving my goal this past week. And it's becoming clear that the number on the scale is slowing creeping up. I must figure out a way to stop it before it's too late.
This week's weight: 190
Difference: +2
Total weight last since January 2010: 81.8
For much of the week, I really tried. I even did well four of the seven days. But the other three days were a complete disaster. I tried not to make the worst choices those three days, but even the "better" choices were terrible. I had high hopes that exercise over the weekend and early in the week would be enough to counteract the calories. But I knew that wasn't really likely.
Why'd I make those choices? One day was because I simply felt I deserved to splurge. All the bad foods were at a dinner out and it was delicious. I didn't even feel bad about what I ate because I made those choices in the right spirit. The second day was because I didn't have a choice. I was attending a daylong function for work in which breakfast and lunch were provided for the group. The only truly healthy food offered all day was the fruit at breakfast. Not only did I eat the wrong foods that day, I ate too much of them. Finally, the third day was the most disappointing. I ate poorly because I let my guard down. I didn't plan my eating well that day and by 9 p.m. I was starving ... so I stopped at Taco Bell.
Now, this new week (which starts on Fridays for weigh-in purposes) isn't off to a very good start either. We had a bake sale at work to raise money for the United Way. I should have eaten one sweet treat and given the rest away. Instead, I had about eight things Friday. Then, because it had been an emotionally draining day at work, I had pizza for dinner. I'd been thinking about pizza for days. I finally went off the deep end and got one. I didn't eat the whole thing, but I came close. (And, if I'm honest, I'll probably end up eating the leftovers today.)
So, once again, I let stress and emotion keep me from achieving my goal this past week. And it's becoming clear that the number on the scale is slowing creeping up. I must figure out a way to stop it before it's too late.
Friday, October 14, 2011
Weekly weigh-in: A bit of a boost
Last week's weight: 189.2
This week's weight: 188
Difference: -1.2
Total weight lost since January 2010: 83.8
Today's weigh-in went well ... perhaps better than I expected. I didn't exercise as much as I had hoped this week and may eating habits still aren't where they need to be. But I did eat better than I did the previous week and there were a few times where I consciously made the right choice. For example, I had a really long day at work yesterday (and it had already included eating blueberry pie). When I got home, I had the Chinese menu in one hand and my cell phone in the other. I was so close to ordering delivery. But I weighed my choice and heated up leftover soup. I was so proud of myself in that moment. Sure, I've had moments where I made the wrong choice, but at least I'm seeing the right choices again. That's progress. I'm feeling a bit of momentum this week. In fact, I'm up early on my day off to walk with a co-worker. Then I'm also participating the Cape Fear Heart Walk on Saturday morning. The fact that this sort of thing has become part of my regular life is progress.
This week's weight: 188
Difference: -1.2
Total weight lost since January 2010: 83.8
Today's weigh-in went well ... perhaps better than I expected. I didn't exercise as much as I had hoped this week and may eating habits still aren't where they need to be. But I did eat better than I did the previous week and there were a few times where I consciously made the right choice. For example, I had a really long day at work yesterday (and it had already included eating blueberry pie). When I got home, I had the Chinese menu in one hand and my cell phone in the other. I was so close to ordering delivery. But I weighed my choice and heated up leftover soup. I was so proud of myself in that moment. Sure, I've had moments where I made the wrong choice, but at least I'm seeing the right choices again. That's progress. I'm feeling a bit of momentum this week. In fact, I'm up early on my day off to walk with a co-worker. Then I'm also participating the Cape Fear Heart Walk on Saturday morning. The fact that this sort of thing has become part of my regular life is progress.
Friday, October 7, 2011
Weekly weigh-in: I'm being tested
Last week's weight: 189.2
This week's weight: 189.2
Difference: 0
Total weight lost since January 2010: 82.6
Blah. Blah. Blah. How many weeks in a row can I say the same thing? So I didn't gain. I'm actually surprised. But I didn't lose. And I exercised a lot! This week has been filled with lots of emotional ups and downs. In fact, this whole year has been that way.
If I'm being honest (to quote Simon Cowell), I want to eat all the time. And some days, I do. I guess the bright spot is that I don't pig out on awful foods. If I get derailed, it's usually not that bad. So I'm maintaining.
Honestly, I just need something positive to focus on. Too much negativity surrounding me these days. I don't like emotional drama. When I get dragged into it, I don't handle it well. And the past year has been one bad thing after another.
It's time for something good to happen to me. Seriously. Enough is a enough.
This week's weight: 189.2
Difference: 0
Total weight lost since January 2010: 82.6
Blah. Blah. Blah. How many weeks in a row can I say the same thing? So I didn't gain. I'm actually surprised. But I didn't lose. And I exercised a lot! This week has been filled with lots of emotional ups and downs. In fact, this whole year has been that way.
If I'm being honest (to quote Simon Cowell), I want to eat all the time. And some days, I do. I guess the bright spot is that I don't pig out on awful foods. If I get derailed, it's usually not that bad. So I'm maintaining.
Honestly, I just need something positive to focus on. Too much negativity surrounding me these days. I don't like emotional drama. When I get dragged into it, I don't handle it well. And the past year has been one bad thing after another.
It's time for something good to happen to me. Seriously. Enough is a enough.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Turning the corner?
Every day I set out to eat the right foods and regain my resolve. And every day I slip at some point. I was fighting hard today. Then Bojangles delivered free biscuits to the newsroom this afternoon. I ate two!
The good news, however, is that I came home and walked three miles. I had similar experiences over the weekend. I made poor food choices, but I exercised to make up for it.
Unfortunately, I don't think I'm necessarily doing enough exercise to burn the extra calories. So I know that over time, the poor food choices will catch up with me. Still, for now, I at least feel like I'm maintaining and I'm not giving up.
I've also decided to make October a reward month. As you know, I love to shop and I love music. For every pound I lose this month, I'm going to put away $20 to spend on whatever I want. The goal will be to spend it something I truly consider a reward. To make sure I stick with the exercise, I'm also going to allow myself to buy one new song on iTunes for every mile I walk.
I'm hoping these rewards will motivate me and will help me stay focused on my goal. Wish me luck.
The good news, however, is that I came home and walked three miles. I had similar experiences over the weekend. I made poor food choices, but I exercised to make up for it.
Unfortunately, I don't think I'm necessarily doing enough exercise to burn the extra calories. So I know that over time, the poor food choices will catch up with me. Still, for now, I at least feel like I'm maintaining and I'm not giving up.
I've also decided to make October a reward month. As you know, I love to shop and I love music. For every pound I lose this month, I'm going to put away $20 to spend on whatever I want. The goal will be to spend it something I truly consider a reward. To make sure I stick with the exercise, I'm also going to allow myself to buy one new song on iTunes for every mile I walk.
I'm hoping these rewards will motivate me and will help me stay focused on my goal. Wish me luck.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Can't stop cravings
I so wanted this to be a good day. I walked the Loop at Wrightsville Beach this morning and my eating stayed on track until ... about 3 o'clock. Boredom set in and I found myself snacking on rice cakes, cheese, turkey slices, pickles, popcorn and finally I pigged out on chocolate-covered almonds.
Of course, then I started feeling really guilty. So I did 20 minutes of cardio. I know that's not enough to make up for the snacks. But at least I did something.
The real problem is that all afternoon I felt like I was craving all sorts of "bad" foods. I considered ordering pizza. Then I thought about going out for tacos. Ice cream and brownies also crossed my mind. At one point, I found myself staring in the cabinet, thinking about making pasta.
I guess the good news is that the almonds were the only really bad thing I ate. I could have done so much worse.What I really want is to figure out how to not want those bad foods. Obviously, limiting what and how much I eat makes me lose weight. So how can I stop myself from eating too much and from wanting high-fat, high-carb foods?
Of course, then I started feeling really guilty. So I did 20 minutes of cardio. I know that's not enough to make up for the snacks. But at least I did something.
The real problem is that all afternoon I felt like I was craving all sorts of "bad" foods. I considered ordering pizza. Then I thought about going out for tacos. Ice cream and brownies also crossed my mind. At one point, I found myself staring in the cabinet, thinking about making pasta.
I guess the good news is that the almonds were the only really bad thing I ate. I could have done so much worse.What I really want is to figure out how to not want those bad foods. Obviously, limiting what and how much I eat makes me lose weight. So how can I stop myself from eating too much and from wanting high-fat, high-carb foods?
Weekly weigh-in: Trying to stay positive
Last week's weight: 189.8
This week's weight: 189.2
Difference: -0.6
Total weight lost since January 2010: 82.6
I knew it was going to be a tough week because I was headed out of town for a few days. I made some bad choices, but I also made some good ones. So I'm going to focus on the positive. I did the Jillian Michaels cardio workout three days in a row early in the week. I didn't get a lot of exercise after that, but I did a little walking each day. On the food front, it was a mixed bag. The bright side: I could have made much worse choices.
What I'm most proud of from the past week, though, is that it was emotionally difficult. Yet I didn't deal with those emotions, for the most part, by stuffing my face. Yes, I splurged a little, but I really didn't go overboard. I've thought a lot about my success from last year. And it comes down to being able to deal with my emotional eating. I'm not there yet, but I'm getting better. There's nothing wrong with splurging as long as those splurges are tied to special events ... not a bad day.
This week's weight: 189.2
Difference: -0.6
Total weight lost since January 2010: 82.6
I knew it was going to be a tough week because I was headed out of town for a few days. I made some bad choices, but I also made some good ones. So I'm going to focus on the positive. I did the Jillian Michaels cardio workout three days in a row early in the week. I didn't get a lot of exercise after that, but I did a little walking each day. On the food front, it was a mixed bag. The bright side: I could have made much worse choices.
What I'm most proud of from the past week, though, is that it was emotionally difficult. Yet I didn't deal with those emotions, for the most part, by stuffing my face. Yes, I splurged a little, but I really didn't go overboard. I've thought a lot about my success from last year. And it comes down to being able to deal with my emotional eating. I'm not there yet, but I'm getting better. There's nothing wrong with splurging as long as those splurges are tied to special events ... not a bad day.
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