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!
Thursday, 1 January 2009
Wednesday, 31 December 2008
Thank You
I haven't written anything here for the past while, having been very busy over the past few weeks.
But I didn't forget that I had a small group of buddies here all in the same battle with me and with whom I would be honest. That really has helped me.
I started the year weighing 161.2 lb. My legs felt like tree trunks and my face was becoming moon shaped. The worst of it was that at that point, my weight was steadily going up and I had to do something! I began this blog just to record my weight weekly and share small victories and large struggles.
I weighed in this morning at 153 lb.
I just want to celebrate tonight with my friends. I'm not where I want to be yet. I could lose another 10lb and look better, but you have all helped me get to where I am.
I'm afraid that exercise is sadly lacking and that is a goal for the new year. I am aiming to develop better sleeping patterns and I sure would love to lose those 10 pounds.
Tomorrow I will weigh in officially for January 1st, and start again.
Happy New Year Slide Stoppers!
But I didn't forget that I had a small group of buddies here all in the same battle with me and with whom I would be honest. That really has helped me.
I started the year weighing 161.2 lb. My legs felt like tree trunks and my face was becoming moon shaped. The worst of it was that at that point, my weight was steadily going up and I had to do something! I began this blog just to record my weight weekly and share small victories and large struggles.
I weighed in this morning at 153 lb.
I just want to celebrate tonight with my friends. I'm not where I want to be yet. I could lose another 10lb and look better, but you have all helped me get to where I am.
I'm afraid that exercise is sadly lacking and that is a goal for the new year. I am aiming to develop better sleeping patterns and I sure would love to lose those 10 pounds.
Tomorrow I will weigh in officially for January 1st, and start again.
Happy New Year Slide Stoppers!
Tuesday, 25 November 2008
Um....wow.
Note: sorry Belinda for pushing your post down - I can't get the 'post scheduling' option to work! I tried to schedule this to post two days from now but....failed. So, SEE BELOW FOR BELINDA'S LAST POST.
-------------------------
Okay, so you know how I had put on like ten pounds in one month, not riding my bike? Well, on that day (Thanksgiving) I got my motivation. I said "Enough is enough". Since then, since October 13, I have lost the following:
15 pounds (I'm at 178 now)
3.5 inches off my waist
2 inches off my bust
2 inches off my hips
!!!!
How did I do it, you ask? This is how I did it.
I plan to carry on with Cinch indefinitely. I am doing the two-a-day loss plan right now, and will switch to one-a-day maintenance when I have reduced my waist and weight to the high end of my recommended body mass (as defined by the Index). I am supposed to be 160 pounds, but I will be happy if I can hover around 170. We'll see.
When I started out on this Stopping the Slide journey, I had no real intention to do any sort of concerted plan. I normally don't approve of them because I feel they don't change your habits in any long-term way. After gaining all that weight and feeling, frankly, physically uncomfortable, I just had to put my foot down and try something drastic. I'm so glad I did, not just because I am shrinking as we speak, but because normally my weight loss is so slow that the lack of visible progress tempts me to give up. This plan gave me a huge kick start and a solid reason not to cheat...and I could see the benefits after a mere couple of days.
Plus, there is a whack of nutritional advice given with the plan, and it has changed my eating habits noticeably...I am way, way down on my starches and I don't think I can ever go back. When I eat those now, after six weeks on Cinch, I feel so stodgy. I certainly don't have the capacity I once had.
So we'll see how this works out in the long term. For now, it feels great and I am loving it. The first week was hard, naturally, with the lower amount of starch and with trying to get creative with my protein choices (I have to have 8 servings per day), but everything is going so beautifully now...I'm really wondering if this could be the leg up I needed.
-------------------------
Okay, so you know how I had put on like ten pounds in one month, not riding my bike? Well, on that day (Thanksgiving) I got my motivation. I said "Enough is enough". Since then, since October 13, I have lost the following:
15 pounds (I'm at 178 now)
3.5 inches off my waist
2 inches off my bust
2 inches off my hips
!!!!
How did I do it, you ask? This is how I did it.
I plan to carry on with Cinch indefinitely. I am doing the two-a-day loss plan right now, and will switch to one-a-day maintenance when I have reduced my waist and weight to the high end of my recommended body mass (as defined by the Index). I am supposed to be 160 pounds, but I will be happy if I can hover around 170. We'll see.
When I started out on this Stopping the Slide journey, I had no real intention to do any sort of concerted plan. I normally don't approve of them because I feel they don't change your habits in any long-term way. After gaining all that weight and feeling, frankly, physically uncomfortable, I just had to put my foot down and try something drastic. I'm so glad I did, not just because I am shrinking as we speak, but because normally my weight loss is so slow that the lack of visible progress tempts me to give up. This plan gave me a huge kick start and a solid reason not to cheat...and I could see the benefits after a mere couple of days.
Plus, there is a whack of nutritional advice given with the plan, and it has changed my eating habits noticeably...I am way, way down on my starches and I don't think I can ever go back. When I eat those now, after six weeks on Cinch, I feel so stodgy. I certainly don't have the capacity I once had.
So we'll see how this works out in the long term. For now, it feels great and I am loving it. The first week was hard, naturally, with the lower amount of starch and with trying to get creative with my protein choices (I have to have 8 servings per day), but everything is going so beautifully now...I'm really wondering if this could be the leg up I needed.
Sunday, 23 November 2008
Checking In
It's been a couple of weeks since last officially checking in. I was having trouble staying on track, and honestly, it's hard to check in when you feel like you are spiralling down.
In spite of not visibly connecting though, I was helped by thinking about the fact that on January 1st I started a journey on this blog in a desperate need for accountability and support, without condemnation or guilt.
I looked at a photo I took of myself at that point. Although I was only about 8 pounds heavier then, they were "tipping point" pounds, with which I began to feel frumpy and fat. And I was slowly but surely, on the way up. With losing those few pounds I am not noticably fat, but I still have clothes I can't wear because they are too small. I need to lose another 10lb.
The last two Tuesday's, when I didn't record my weight here, it was 154 and 154.6. If this blog didn't exist, I know that I would have continued with the abandoned eating patterns that were taking hold again. I'd been to a work training where there the meals were delicious and plentiful and I was falling prey to binging on chocolate and cookies at home.
Looking at the photo of myself, reminded me that I would hate to regain those pounds, and furthermore I want to carry on with the journey of losing more of them. So I have got back on the horse this week and eaten more moderately, while still enjoying good food.
I have not done any exercise friends. The snow has landed in Ontario and it is so much easier to stay snugly inside and to focus on all that I have to do. I am very busy right now with the extra load of Christmas preparations but I need to do something to get moving. I will try to get moving this week.
Today my weight is down but it isn't my official day to report until Tuesday so it doesn't count. I might go up by then, although I hope not. Hey, it might even go down! How is the rest of the gang doing? Please let me know.
In spite of not visibly connecting though, I was helped by thinking about the fact that on January 1st I started a journey on this blog in a desperate need for accountability and support, without condemnation or guilt.
I looked at a photo I took of myself at that point. Although I was only about 8 pounds heavier then, they were "tipping point" pounds, with which I began to feel frumpy and fat. And I was slowly but surely, on the way up. With losing those few pounds I am not noticably fat, but I still have clothes I can't wear because they are too small. I need to lose another 10lb.
The last two Tuesday's, when I didn't record my weight here, it was 154 and 154.6. If this blog didn't exist, I know that I would have continued with the abandoned eating patterns that were taking hold again. I'd been to a work training where there the meals were delicious and plentiful and I was falling prey to binging on chocolate and cookies at home.
Looking at the photo of myself, reminded me that I would hate to regain those pounds, and furthermore I want to carry on with the journey of losing more of them. So I have got back on the horse this week and eaten more moderately, while still enjoying good food.
I have not done any exercise friends. The snow has landed in Ontario and it is so much easier to stay snugly inside and to focus on all that I have to do. I am very busy right now with the extra load of Christmas preparations but I need to do something to get moving. I will try to get moving this week.
Today my weight is down but it isn't my official day to report until Tuesday so it doesn't count. I might go up by then, although I hope not. Hey, it might even go down! How is the rest of the gang doing? Please let me know.
Tuesday, 4 November 2008
Me Updating
Dear Fellow Slide Stoppers,
I'm sorry for vanishing from the scene, although not really.
I just got back on Saturday from two weeks in England, where I was visiting my family, and also enjoying the fat of the land, literally! I did enjoy fish and chips as often as I could, but I split each order (they are giant sized) with my mum. Admittedly "splitting" meant me having 2/3 at least, but we were both happy with our portions. I also relished fresh cream cakes whenever I could lay my hands on one.
On the other hand I did lots more walking than I usually do and I did not cast off all restraint. I feel as though it was a good balance of enjoying life and being moderate and sensible (even though it doens't sound like it from what I just wrote.)
Today I am 151.2 on the new scales, which read 1 pound less than my old ones. I'm going to forget about that pound, which I feel compelled to tell you about. If you care about it (which I doubt), you now know to add it to any further weight reports from me! :) Truly I only report my weight for my own benefit and accountability. I don't think that anyone else takes note.
I've decided to walk at lunchtime at work whenever I can. Yesterday I walked 2.5 km in half an hour and found it cleared the cobwebs that were gathering after a morning at my desk. I came in from the cool fresh air feeling envigorated.
How is everyone else doing?
I'm sorry for vanishing from the scene, although not really.
I just got back on Saturday from two weeks in England, where I was visiting my family, and also enjoying the fat of the land, literally! I did enjoy fish and chips as often as I could, but I split each order (they are giant sized) with my mum. Admittedly "splitting" meant me having 2/3 at least, but we were both happy with our portions. I also relished fresh cream cakes whenever I could lay my hands on one.
On the other hand I did lots more walking than I usually do and I did not cast off all restraint. I feel as though it was a good balance of enjoying life and being moderate and sensible (even though it doens't sound like it from what I just wrote.)
Today I am 151.2 on the new scales, which read 1 pound less than my old ones. I'm going to forget about that pound, which I feel compelled to tell you about. If you care about it (which I doubt), you now know to add it to any further weight reports from me! :) Truly I only report my weight for my own benefit and accountability. I don't think that anyone else takes note.
I've decided to walk at lunchtime at work whenever I can. Yesterday I walked 2.5 km in half an hour and found it cleared the cobwebs that were gathering after a morning at my desk. I came in from the cool fresh air feeling envigorated.
How is everyone else doing?
Monday, 13 October 2008
intervention needed
Well, something terrible has happened - I don't quite know what it is...well, I know what but not how or why. I've gained EIGHT POUNDS in the last month.
And to that I can only say WTF??!!??!
I have no idea why. The ONLY thing is that my bike was stolen but SURELY, SURELY I could not have been getting THAT much out of my bike rides?
I'm upset and bewildered and kind of panicky. Any encouragement would be gladly accepted right now...
As to details, I haven't changed my diet at all, except in the last week I have gone completely off bread, because I like it too much. Other than that, I am not eating ANY more than I used to.
And to that I can only say WTF??!!??!
I have no idea why. The ONLY thing is that my bike was stolen but SURELY, SURELY I could not have been getting THAT much out of my bike rides?
I'm upset and bewildered and kind of panicky. Any encouragement would be gladly accepted right now...
As to details, I haven't changed my diet at all, except in the last week I have gone completely off bread, because I like it too much. Other than that, I am not eating ANY more than I used to.
Saturday, 11 October 2008
Encouragement to MOVE!
Hey Everyone,
Today I had an email from Brenda, Susan's sister, who wanted to share what works for her. It gave me the motivation to get moving again because I know that what she said is true, so I asked her if I could post her "nudge" here. She said yes! Here it is:
I bike for 10 k. almost every day and this summer I lost 8 lbs. and I seem to be able to eat anything I want and not gain anything. Maybe what you need is some more aerobic activity? Those hills on my route really make my heart beat faster. I assume that the muscle I have developed in my legs is burning the calories. It's very freeing to not have to worry about what I eat anymore. Once the cold weather hits I plan to put the bike away and take up ice skating at the local arena.
Yes, Brenda, I do need more aerobic activity. Today I intended to take Molson out for a walk in the glorious fall sunshine, but I ended up spending a huge chunk of the day cleaning out our upright freezer and throwing out the fossilized food I found in there! It wasn't exactly aerobic, but I did lots of bending and carrying and stretching.
Today I had an email from Brenda, Susan's sister, who wanted to share what works for her. It gave me the motivation to get moving again because I know that what she said is true, so I asked her if I could post her "nudge" here. She said yes! Here it is:
I bike for 10 k. almost every day and this summer I lost 8 lbs. and I seem to be able to eat anything I want and not gain anything. Maybe what you need is some more aerobic activity? Those hills on my route really make my heart beat faster. I assume that the muscle I have developed in my legs is burning the calories. It's very freeing to not have to worry about what I eat anymore. Once the cold weather hits I plan to put the bike away and take up ice skating at the local arena.
Yes, Brenda, I do need more aerobic activity. Today I intended to take Molson out for a walk in the glorious fall sunshine, but I ended up spending a huge chunk of the day cleaning out our upright freezer and throwing out the fossilized food I found in there! It wasn't exactly aerobic, but I did lots of bending and carrying and stretching.
Wednesday, 8 October 2008
Small Changes Make a Big Difference
I got tired of the wonky scale in our downstairs bathroom. It had developed digital dementia and registered random weights; sometimes many different ones within a few seconds!
"Enough!" I thought, and caved in and bought a new Weight Watchers one. It was wonderful not to see blinking, rapidly changing, numbers and not to have to weigh several times to be certain of the truth.
The new scale reads one pound less, which made me like it even more, but for the purposes of this blog I will add a pound when I report in.
On Tuesday I was 150.6. It has been a good week even without startling weight loss, because I kept in my mind as a mantra, "Being faced with the same situation you failed in and doing properly this time," only I just thought of it as doing "differently" rather than "properly."
Small changes make a big difference in the long run.
For a guaranteed smile, go to my friend Kim's fitness blog and check out her latest interview with Bonnie Grove, of Saskatchewan. Bonnie's answers are hilarious.
Fit for Faith
"Enough!" I thought, and caved in and bought a new Weight Watchers one. It was wonderful not to see blinking, rapidly changing, numbers and not to have to weigh several times to be certain of the truth.
The new scale reads one pound less, which made me like it even more, but for the purposes of this blog I will add a pound when I report in.
On Tuesday I was 150.6. It has been a good week even without startling weight loss, because I kept in my mind as a mantra, "Being faced with the same situation you failed in and doing properly this time," only I just thought of it as doing "differently" rather than "properly."
Small changes make a big difference in the long run.
For a guaranteed smile, go to my friend Kim's fitness blog and check out her latest interview with Bonnie Grove, of Saskatchewan. Bonnie's answers are hilarious.
Fit for Faith
Friday, 3 October 2008
"True repentance is being faced with the same situation you failed in, and doing properly the next time. "
I saw this definition on a great blog this morning, and while it wasn't meant in regard to healthy behaviours, I see the application and am encouraged. We keep striving to do better as we face the same situations. I love thinking of it this way. There is so much grace in this definition of repentance, as well as healing.
I saw this definition on a great blog this morning, and while it wasn't meant in regard to healthy behaviours, I see the application and am encouraged. We keep striving to do better as we face the same situations. I love thinking of it this way. There is so much grace in this definition of repentance, as well as healing.
Thursday, 2 October 2008
Still Stopping the Slide
Dear Friends,
It's been a busy three weeks, but the dust is settling and here I am again.
I must confess that the week after I had a bout with a stomach bug and was down to 149.8, I didn't want to confess that once I stopped having the runs as often, I was back up to 152.8. The two weeks since then I have been 151.8, and this week I'm slowly edging down. Maybe next Tuesday I will have something more inspiring to report in terms of weight loss, but the real battle isn't on the scale at all, but in my head.
I was talking to Libby this morning about that; how we seem to hit an invisible barrier that is hard to get beyond. If I really want to get beyond where I am, icecream, high fat cookies, pie and chocolate bars, cannot be part of my every day life and I have to ask myself which I want more, because I can't have both. I do want to shed the 10 pounds that represent icecream, cookies and chocolate. A day every now and then, even once a week, where that rule is broken, won't upset 6 days of a healthier pattern. Can I do it? Do I really want to? Or am I just fooling myself and content to stay as I am.
At this moment at least, I really want to. I can only take it moment by moment and try to make choices that are consistent with my goal, knowing that it will take a lifetime of living this way to stay where I want to be once I get there. So I'm trying. And I'm drinking more water after talking to Libby, who tells me that it really does make a difference.
Shan, I gave up the push ups. How are you doing? I would like to try again; I haven't done a lot of walking either. I do have a new time management plan that I'm working on. This may help with fitting in more exercise more faithfully.
It's been a busy three weeks, but the dust is settling and here I am again.
I must confess that the week after I had a bout with a stomach bug and was down to 149.8, I didn't want to confess that once I stopped having the runs as often, I was back up to 152.8. The two weeks since then I have been 151.8, and this week I'm slowly edging down. Maybe next Tuesday I will have something more inspiring to report in terms of weight loss, but the real battle isn't on the scale at all, but in my head.
I was talking to Libby this morning about that; how we seem to hit an invisible barrier that is hard to get beyond. If I really want to get beyond where I am, icecream, high fat cookies, pie and chocolate bars, cannot be part of my every day life and I have to ask myself which I want more, because I can't have both. I do want to shed the 10 pounds that represent icecream, cookies and chocolate. A day every now and then, even once a week, where that rule is broken, won't upset 6 days of a healthier pattern. Can I do it? Do I really want to? Or am I just fooling myself and content to stay as I am.
At this moment at least, I really want to. I can only take it moment by moment and try to make choices that are consistent with my goal, knowing that it will take a lifetime of living this way to stay where I want to be once I get there. So I'm trying. And I'm drinking more water after talking to Libby, who tells me that it really does make a difference.
Shan, I gave up the push ups. How are you doing? I would like to try again; I haven't done a lot of walking either. I do have a new time management plan that I'm working on. This may help with fitting in more exercise more faithfully.
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