Sunday 8 February 2009

Start of Week 2, 2009

Hey--154.4 today; down 2.2 pounds.

I really feel good about this week's effort. I don't know if it was because of the Switching technique I tried, but I did not fall into the old habit of reaching for sweets when tired. It seems to work. I may try it for other habits that I want to change.

Most days I managed to not eat more than one or two over 22 points. On Thursday, which had two group meals, I ate everything, but modest portions. I used my bonus points that day.

On Saturday Paul and I babysat four of our grandchildren at their home, and our daughter in law ordered in pizza. I had planned to eat one slice and even took a salad, banana and yogurt along to bolster my resolve, but it was just too delicious and I ate THREE pieces as well as all the pepperoni that Emily picked off her pizza. Well, these things happen.

Today the weather was so mild and sunny that I knew it was "the day." Molson and I went for a 3.5 km walk! Yeay--I am off the couch at last.

My pants still feel tight. Well, what can I expect after only 2.2 pounds? :) But I am on my way!

Tuesday 3 February 2009

Switching

Today I ate 27 points including 5 of my 35 extra points for the week.

Shan, thank you for your encouraging comment on the topic of exercise and expressing faith that I "can do it." I have yet to "do it," but I know that any day now I will burst from the couch and begin! I feel it coming and am working myself up to starting. :)

On Sunday, when I read my Weight Watchers Getting Started booklet, I decided to try the Switching technique. This is where you switch a habit you want to get rid of, for a more acceptable one by reprogramming your brain. I've never tried this before, but being desperate on Sunday, I thought that it was well worth trying, so I faithfully followed the instructions in the booklet and "switched" the habit of mindlessly cruising the snack cupboard in the evening, for making a cup of herbal tea. So far so good. I don't know if I've succeeded in brainwashing myself or not, but I did make a cup of licorice tea on Sunday evening, and it tasted decadently delicious.

I am encouraged and committed.

Monday 2 February 2009

I am afraid that since my last post I haven't done very well. On Sunday morning, which is going to be my new weekly weigh in day, I was 156.6lb, which is UP since the beginning of the year.

Not surprising, since I've been totally irrational when it came to eating, freely indulging in ice cream, desserts and other snacks. It's probably a wonder that I didn't gain more and the only reason I can think of is that my dark side takes over after 5.00 p.m. Usually until then I manage to eat quite sensibly.

Anyway, on Sunday, I decided I'd had enough. My pants are so uncomfortably tight and I refuse to buy a larger size. It is me that has to shrink!

So, I hauled out my Weight Watcher information and reread the beginner booklet. I love the Weight Watcher system and it really works for me. I love the ability to eat whatever I want as long as I plan for it, while keeping in mind the basic healthy eating guidelines.

Yesterday and today I managed to stay within my points allotment of 22 (without using any of the emergency fund of 35 weekly points).

I plan to post more frequently, just to keep a record of how it's going. That helps me and who knows? Maybe it will encourage someone else. :)

One thing that I have sadly lacked is exercise. I need to get moving. One thing at a time though. Maybe by the end of the week!

Thursday 1 January 2009

Happy New Year

This morning I weighed in at 155.2 lb, which is 6 pounds less than January 1st 2008. I took my measurements, hoping for more, but finding only half an inch gone from my hips and apparently nothing from anywhere else. What am I hoping for from 6 pounds? :)

I am starting out a new year with renewed determination not to gain weight and hope that I might lose those bothersome additional 13 pounds (as of today).

From the past year I have learned that:

a) Slow and steady really does win the race in the end.
b) Doing something like this in community is very helpful as well as fun.
c) I need to commit to regular exercise as part of my life.

Hey, I would love to hear from the other Slide Stoppers and regroup for a fresh attack on the fat!