Monday 31 March 2008

Monday before Tuesday

This has been an up and down week. I was doing well on Sunday until I had a low blood sugar attack in the middle of doing the five mile workout with Leslie Sansome. I put the dvd on pause and dashed downstairs and found nuts, which I had several handfuls of.

Back upstairs I went, and then heard grandchildren arriving downstairs. Soon Joshua (almost 4 years old) was upstairs and staring with a smile at Omie, exercising. A few minutes later, I heard Stephen downstairs calling, "Omie! Where are you?" and in response to my breathless, "Up here," he joined the viewing audience.

When I finally finished the longest five miles ever, Sue and Pete had made a pot of tea. I joined them and dug out some Peek Freans shortcake cookies; then filled the void that had opened up where my stomach is supposed to be!

Today was great until I got home from work. Then I started cooking for cell group tomorrow night. I feel as if I "tasted" a whole meal as I cooked (Indonesian Nasi Goreng and an Indian rice dish too). Oh, and I forget about baking Amish Friendship Bread on Saturday and "having to" taste some of that too.

So, I am not expecting great wonders when I step on the scales tomorrow morning. I just feel better letting you know now.

Thursday 27 March 2008

First, and Last.

It's my first post on Stopping the Slide....thanks for your patience Belinda.

I'm sitting solidly in third place here, with only 3 pounds lost. I had a setback a couple of weeks ago (I think it was a cycle thing) and I let it get me down. I kind of gave up for a week and made a series of bad choices.

Losing weight is tricky because you have to want it. Like, you have to want it MORE than you want food and all it represents.

I have trouble motivating myself to lose weight for complicated psychological reasons. I have a deeply ingrained attitude of defiance against the cultural ideal of thinness, and actually trying to make myself smaller always seems like giving in to an oppressor.

In my more objective moments I know that it's not so. It's not "giving up" to try to lose weight. It's not a victory to the patriarchy, if I try to go from a size 14 to a size 12.

I am 34 years old, with both diabetes and heart disease in my family. I am the dreaded Apple shape, with lean hips and legs, and a heavyset abdomen. This body type is notoriously resistant to weight loss, and infamous for its predisposition to both the illnesses mentioned above. Losing weight is probably never going to be any easier than it is right now - I've heard it gets harder as you get older.

So why don't I do it? Why have I been talking about it for so long, feeling vaguely like I should do something about it, but strangely reluctant to start?

Because weight and I have history.

Long, tangled, emotional history.


Which I'll tell you about next time.

Wednesday 26 March 2008

More on Habits

I think "habits" are what I was trying to talk about yesterday. My everyday habit is to eat moderately and count points with the Weight Watchers tools I have handy. Not rigidly mind you. Rigid doesn't work for me.

Anyway, today I took the remains of Victoria's birthday cake (we celebrated Victoria's 9th birthday at cell group last night), to work, where I presented all 8 remaining pieces to the hungry hordes. That way each piece will go into one mouth instead of several into mine. Victoria? She didn't even have a piece last night, even though it was her favourite vanilla cake. She chose icecream and was very happy with that. I had cake AND icecream and wondered why. I love both things separately but not really together. I got carried away in the moment. Silly but true.

The other thing I do after a big group dinner is look for someone to give the left overs to. Usually there is a friend or two who is delighted with a container of something nice. The main thing is to banish the leftovers to the freezer or friends!

Today I went to a meeting at which refreshments were across the room from where I was sitting and did not bother going over there. I had lunch in the car which I ate on the way back to the office. This may sound nutty, well it is--nutty. Paul and I have developed a liking for sandwiches with Philadelphia cream cheese with walnuts in the middle. It's a nice crunch and quite yummy.

Tuesday 25 March 2008

Week 13 Check In

152.8 this morning!

12 weeks have gone by and I have lost 8.6 lb. Some people may think that's not much, but if I could lose 8.6 more over the next 12 weeks, I will be 17.2 lb lighter. If I lost 12 lb more I would be good to go so I'm shooting for a pound a week now, for the next 12 weeks.

I admit that I can do much better at exercising than I have done. Mainly I've been busy and haven't seen it as my priority. But I have at least done one 5 mile workout a week. I want to ramp exercise up a notch and I know that will definitely boost my weight loss.

I was telling a friend today that my philosophy has become to enjoy the special meals with friends and family; they are part of life and a part that I enjoy very much. But I'm making it a habit when the company leaves to put away the leftovers in the freezer or ziploc bags out of sight, and forget about them as part of my everyday life.

It seems to work to eat moderately, simply and in a measured way on an everyday basis; to consider that my "normal" and then feel free to enjoy special meals too.

I'm still working on the getting enough sleep thing. I was quite exhausted over the weekend and felt so much better after having almost 8 hours last night.

Joyful Fox is having computer problems but she'll be back soon! I wonder how others are doing.

Tuesday 18 March 2008

Week 12 Check In

Hey Friends,
154.4 still this week. The same as last week.

Considering that we had a feast with friends here on Saturday, involving a delicious spiral ham, baby new potatoes, candied butternut squash and desserts that involved lots of sugary scrumptious stuff, I'm not surprised to have not lost weight this week. Oh, and there was a church pot luck the next day, to which I carted along a potato salad made from the left over baby new potatoes. I had to sample it as I made it! :)

I've also been very busy and not exercising. But I did do the five mile workout on Sunday afternoon, after a phone call from my Lightbulb friend stopped me from falling asleep on the couch! Thanks Lightbulb!

So here goes another week. Shan wondered if too much time on the computer was her problem. It could be mine too. I shiver at the thought of cutting back but I may have to set some better boundaries. Who would have thought that computers could be fattening!

Monday 17 March 2008

Week Four Check-In From the Lightbulb

Well Ladies, this has been a "break-even" week. Nothing lost, and nothing gained either. I was surprised I hadn't gained because the week-end involved a lot of unwise eating choices. I was stressed and ate quick "feel good" carbs and chocolate, lots of popcorn etc. Even during the week, I had a few social events and snacked in the evening, which is never wise. The week was busy and difficult so I was thankful for the results to not show up on the scale.

I did manage to exercise 4 times and did o.k. on the water. I drank more than I used to but not as much as the last couple of weeks. I am not discouraged and I'm trying to make wise plans and have my husband hold me accountable as I we go into Easter with several family celebrations where there will be food a la plenty.

Still 160 lbs. and hopefully can drop 2 this week. I'd really like to break into different integers. I like the ring of 158 lbs.

It's funny how exercise is so revitalizing and yet it is what we least want to do when we're busy and stressed. Here's to warmer weather and sunshine! May we all enjoy some exercise this week.

Lights Out from the Lightbulb

Tuesday 11 March 2008

Start of Week 11 Check In

This morning I was 154.4--up 1.2 lb from last week.

Last week was very busy with some long hours worked. I didn't have time for exercise and I'm sure that made the difference. I'm not discouraged though. There will be ups and downs. What matters is persistence and faithfulness over all.

So, friends who are stopping the slide into frumpiness--may the week ahead be a great and healthy one. I don't see exercise on my horizon again until Thursday, but I will try hard to get back on track then.

Monday 10 March 2008

Week Three Check-In From the Lightbulb

Beginning Week Three I am most thankful. I managed to lose 3 pounds this week, down from 163 at the beginning of Week 2.
I was careful with my eating on Saturday and Sunday and managed to walk in the early afternoon for 40 minutes in spite of the snowstorm.

After Saturday's weigh-in, I was a little discouraged but felt relieved later that day when I got my monthly. I usually bloat prior to, and then after day 2 of my cycle, I return to my regular weight. I was pleasantly surprised to see the scale read 160 lbs. this afternoon.

I struggle with drinking the 80-100 oz. of water every day. It's so easy to get busy and forget or to go out and not remember to take my water bottle. I will continue to battle because I know how important water consumption is for over-all health and weight-loss.

Although I'm mindful of every bite I put in my mouth, it is not always possible to count points daily. It is simply a time factor with educating the children and caring for the twins. I'v had to accept this and just monitor my eating vigilantly. Today I helped Hannah bake a cake for Daddy's birthday and didn't lick the batter bowl - Hooray for me!

I am going to try hard this month and April to exercise 5 times a week. Two times with weights for 40 min. each and 3 walks for 40 min. each. I have managed to do this for the past two weeks. Exercise provides a great mental space for me. Lifting weights is grueling but I really enjoy the walks. Being an at-home mom, I love to get out in the fresh air and have a complete break from everything at the house. As well as exercise, I am thankful for the time to pray and enjoy creation.

Although I rejoice at the 9 lbs. I have lost over the past two weeks, I know this is an unrealistic weight loss pattern. Weight watchers advocates losing 2-3 lbs. per week if you are more than 20 lbs. from your goal weight. My goal for the rest of March is to lose 2-3 lbs. weekly. In April, if I lose 2 lbs. per week, I will be satisfied.

Overall, if by May 1 I weigh 145 lbs., I will be delighted with my progress.

By May, I'm hoping to exercise 4 times a week and then down to 3 times at the beginning of June. For the long haul, it is a more realistic goal. I need to start out with a "bang" to lose this light bulb physique.

Thank you for indulging me in this detailed account. It does my soul good to see things like this written down. It keeps me accountable to each of you and allows me to measure the goals and achievement.

Next time I promise a point-form summary on water, food, and exercise.

I would love to be able to fit into more clothes but believe it or not, everything still feels quite snug.

That's all from Your Lightbulb Friend.

Sunday 9 March 2008

Not Letting Life Go By Wasted

This morning I was in the bathroom getting ready for church, listening to CBC radio as I do every morning and Jeff Goodes was sharing emails and phone messages about the 8 week Fitness Challenge that he started last week.

Jeff played a song by Carrie Underwood called Wasted. It's a song about hope and new beginnings and I loved it. You can listen to it on this website. ">http://music.aol.com/song/artist/carrie-underwood/2238561

I found it inspiring. It's about a different kind of addiction, but not so different. Here are some of the words:

Oh, I don't wanna spend my life jaded, waiting
To wake up one day and find
That I've let all these years go by wasted

Oh, I don't wanna keep on wishing, missing
The still of the morning, the color of the night
I aint spending no more time wasted

So friends, here's to spending no more time, wasted.

Saturday 8 March 2008

One Choice at a Time

I got on the scale this morning and it read 163 pounds. Same all week. I have till Monday to see it move for any weight loss this week. My initial response was 'discouragement'. I want instant gratification. I want to see the measure of my progress recorded by the needle on a steady course down, pound after pound after pound.

"Okay weight, Okay scale, Do your thing!"

After all, I've been faithful. I've drunk my 80-100 oz. of water daily. I exercised 4 times so far this week and I'm purposing for today to complete my fifth.

I've monitored my eating with less slip-ups than last week. I've slept about the same, perhaps even a little more. I've been visualizing myself as leaner, trimmer, more fit.

So, I demanded of my silent scale, "What's wrong with you? Why aren't you showing me the results I deserve - even just one measly pound?"

Then I remembered something that works. It's one choice a time. It isn't about the measurement of weight I read on my scale. It's about what I choose to do every time I have a choice.

Ooh I feel tired, maybe I'll just take a walk or lift those weights tomorrow. It would be a much better day tomorrow. Then I sigh, and say, "No, today is a good day. I will walk and feel more energized and glad I made a healthy choice."

Wow, those roasted potatoes sure taste good. I'll have another helping. No I'll stop now. I have had enough. They taste good but nothing tastes as good as being slim feels."
I don't serve myself that second helping. I celebrate because I made a wise choice.

I see the chocolate chips in my baking drawer of the fridge. Oh, I think I'd enjoy a handful of those. An apple would be a better choice. MMmmm, just one handful. I've been pretty good today. I lose the battle and take, not one, not two, but three large handfuls of the milky chocolate. They sure tasted good. I pass the fruit bowl and know I didn't make the best choice this time.

I don't get "knocked out" by my failure. I don't let myself keep making bad choices because I blew it already for today. I chose to get back on the "winning train" and I strengthen my resolve. It is one choice at a time. I failed the last one, but can succeed the next time.

So I encourage everyone today. Let's make one choice at a time. It's only one choice, succeed or fail. It's all those choices added up, hour by hour, that slowly form new habits. Eventually we choose a lifestyle - One Choice at a Time.

Tuesday 4 March 2008

Tuesday Check In number 10

Hey Friends--153.2 this morning. Yeay!!!

I'm down 8 pounds in 9 weeks, from 161.2 and I'm seeing the difference. Very soon I'll be trying on some clothes that haven't been worn for a while. A few more pounds--perhaps 150 will be close enough.

I'm cheering you on in the journey to fit and trim and strong of body! Let us lean towards lean!

Monday 3 March 2008

The Giant Citrus

Hey Friends in the Fight Against Frumpy,
After all the talk about pummelo's I Googled the fruit and found that you can spell it both ways. At HungryMonster.com I found the interesting information below.

I laughed at one of them keeping Shan busy for 15 minutes. Oh dear, one keeps me busy for a looong time. I tend to graze, and when I'm eating healthily, which I hope is forever after, I grab a handful of nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, or fruit such as our citrus friend.

When I'm off the wagon, I reach for the stash of mini chocolate bars that I buy for our grandchildren (what kind of a grandmother am I?). That's disaster, because whereas the nuts, or even a piece of cheese and even better some tangy, tongue tingling citrus is satisying; the chocolate is of the proverbial "one is one too many and a thousand's not enough" ilk. There is no end to how many I can eat before I stop.

My Lightbulb friend, congratulations on losing 6 whole pounds in one week. That is amazing! Way to go!

I just had a nice compliment from my dear Paul, who said that he noticed on Saturday that I was looking very good in "those blue jeans" and that "the exercises are really working." We can count on men to notice! :)

By the way, I have found that Costco pummelo's are the best! You get two for less than $5 and they truly do each equal several servings of fruit. My mouth is watering just thinking about them.

Besides eating pummelos raw, common uses for the pummelo in cooking include adding slices of the fruit to desserts and salads and squeezing juice out from the pummelo to make beverages. Pummelos are also highly nutritious and are a good food source for dieters. This is because 150 grams of pummelo, which is equal to approximately 1/4 cup, contains 60 calories. Additionally, pummelos do not contain any cholesterol, fat, or sodium. They are also an excellent source of the vitamin C. Pummelos also offer a delicious alternative to more caloric snack foods. Additionally, pummelos travel well to picnics and other outdoor activities because they have a hard outer skin and a compact round shape and size.
Pummelos have been treasured as a food source in Asia and other regions for many years. Now, the pummelo is finding its way into many culinary cultures. This is because the pummelo has a sweet citrus flavor that makes it appealing as a delicious, quick snack food or as an addition to more elaborate entrees and salads.

Sunday 2 March 2008

Sunday

I just thought I'd check in with a progress report. It's Sunday and I did a Leslie Sansome 3 mile workout tonight, with weights on one of the miles. Monday was the last time I'd managed to fit in exercise in a very busy week.

I've grown to love that big grapefruit like fruit called pummelo. If I'm hankering after dessert and have some pummelo instead, I find them a satisfying alternative, with interesting texture and tangy flavour. My tongue is totally distracted by the time I'm finished eating a couple of segments and I no longer crave ice cream or anything else sweet.

As the weeks go by, every fraction of a pound lost is a victory for me. It may not be going fast, but as I approach the week 9 check in, I know that I'm looking and feeling better even if the numbers aren't vastly lower.

On Tuesdays, which is a night when we have company each week, and on Sundays, when we often have company, I don't worry to much about what I eat, but I try to stop eating when I'm full. The rest of the week I try to be conscious of avoiding fat and sugar and eat higher fibre foods. I'm also eating enough dairy every day as it is supposed to be helpful for losing weight and is definitely good for our bones.

That's it for today!