10%

WHOHOO!!!

I never got around to posting last week - but last week I lost 3.8 pounds!!!

WHOHOO!!!

My calorie count was almost identical to the week before, as was my workouts... so I don't get it - but WHOHOO!!!

The only thing I started doing differently was taking Green Tea extract, CLA, and a multivitamin each day - hey, if that's it, rock on.

I celebrated in Weight Watchers for losing 10% of my body weight since I started March 26th.  I needed 19.1 pounds to hit that goal, and I am now 22 pounds down... WHOHOO!

Still keeping on.

Have I mentioned, WHOHOO!?!?!?!  :)

Almost 4 months

This coming Tuesday marks the 4 month mark in my journey.

Not much new to report.  I'm averaging about 1 pound a week weight loss.  My total lost is 18.2 pounds in 17 weeks.  Not terrible, not great.

I'm currently eating between 1100-1300 calories a day and working out 4-5 times a week.  How I only lose 1 pound a week is beyond me.  The other women at weight watchers continue to lose quicker than I do even though I'm busting my butt.

So, yes, I'm bummed - super bummed... I was hoping to be down 25-30 pounds at this point, but there is literally nothing more I can do.

So let's focus on the positive:
~ I've lost 18.2 pounds
~ My pants are starting to feel looser
~ I'm now able to run a full 5K again without stopping
~ I MUST be healthier

There's my update in a nutshell.  Keep on keepin' on.

Trying Something New

As of tomorrow, I am at my 3 month mark from when I began this journey (March 26, 2011).  Although I'm proud of the weight I've lost - I really wish it was more than 13.6 pounds.

But I really can't be upset with myself - there was really nothing I could've done better.  I've been busting my butt at the gym and COMPLETELY changed my entire nutrition plan... for the better.

But all that being said, it should be coming off faster and easier.

So I went to see a Weight Loss Specialist this past week.  I'm paying him a lot of money to help me lose quicker.  He's prescribed me blood work just to check everything out, and when I go back in two weeks he's giving me a metabolism test to determine my Resting Metabolic Rate.

In the meantime, he's put me on 1300 calories a day... regardless of exercise - 1300 calories, period.

Wow - that's hard!  Cutting down to 29 points was a challenge... this new program makes 29 points look like a flippin' feast!!!  Yippers.

But again, I'm doing it.

Thank goodness I'm so determined.  Thank goodness I have a bridesmaid dress to fit into in 2 months... it's truly keeping me going.

We'll see how this new plan works itself out... in theory I should be losing 2 pounds a week from here out - regardless of exercise... so hopefully my next post reflects that!

Fingers crossed...

Frustrations and Reaffirmations

I've lost 10.8 pounds in 11 weeks.

That's awesome.  And that sucks.

I figured I'd be losing quicker than this.  Especially because I've been BUSTING my butt doing all the right things.  I'm eating my WW points each day.  I'm filling up on fruits and vegetables.  I'm going to the gym - making cardio my main focus, but also doing a variety of weights each week.  I've limited my martini intake (and we all know how tough THAT is!)... so why am I not losing any quicker??

I sit in my WW meetings and listen to women all around me losing 3, 4 pounds a week WITHOUT going to the gym.

I talk to friends who lose 1-2 pounds a week just by cutting out sweets or soda.

I have a colleague at work who lost 9 pounds in half the time I did, and who eats at McDonalds and Dunkin Dounuts.

How is this fair??

I've been a queen of weight loss for a while.  It has always come off quicker than this.  Especially in the beginning.  I was really thinking I'd lose the first 10 pounds in 3 weeks and then settle down to a 1-2 pound a week loss.  I would've been tickled with this.  Yet I'm fighting the fight of my life and don't even have a 1 pound a week weight loss to show for it.

Last week I talked to my WW group leader.  She thinks I'm nuts - that I should be thrilled with what I've accomplished.  I also met with my General Practitioner.  She thinks I'm nuts too.  I've had my thyroid tested.  I'm the the normal range of normal normalness.

SO WHY IS IT COMING OFF SO SLOW?  AND WHY AM I NOT NOTICING A DIFFERENCE YET??

It's not like it's been a week, or a month... it's been 11 weeks - when do I get to see the change??

I'm going to a weight loss seminar this week.  A specialist is running a program where you can get your own personal metabolism tested to see how you tolerate certain foods, certain combinations of foods, at certain times, etc.

Anyway, I hope it sheds some light on my situation and I can start picking up the pace on this weight loss.

But I LITERALLY cannot do anything more.  I cannot eat any healthier, I cannot work out any more frequently.

So I hope it starts to give - soon.

But 10.8 pounds - yay, right?  A bit.

Weight Watchers - end of week 8

nothing lost, nothing gained.

Guess that's okay.

Friggin' SUCKS being a woman - the way your cycle can MESS up your weight loss plan.  But I can't be too upset - this week last month I GAINED a pound... so I'll take a 0.

Gonna hope (assume?) I get a big number next week like I did last month and try not to stress about it...

Awesome news is I ran 2 consecutive miles Sunday morning... more on that later - but I'm feeling pretty good.

:)

Weight Watchers - end of week 7

lost 1.2 this week

I'm aboard the weight loss train - who-whooooooooooo :)

Wasn't sure what this week would bring - after looking at how my body functioned month 1... so I was happy to see a loss of any kind.

Continuing to track everything I eat and workout as often as I can...

No new tricks this week - just the same old.

8.8 lost total!

woot :)

Weight Watchers - end of Week 6

down 2.2 this week!

Can I get a woot, woot?!?!?

SOO glad that my body seems to be catching up with itself.

The ironic thing is - I've lost more in the last two weeks and have done the least workouts in the last two weeks (still working out, just not as often as in other weeks)... so yeah, explain that one to me.

But I've stayed on track with my points, and got the gym when I could.  I only had 3 workouts this week after the Cancer Walk killed my legs... they hurt from Sunday-Thursday... like, HURT, hurt.

Total weight loss is 7.6 pounds.  That finally seems like something substantial to me.  Clothing still isn't feeling any different on, but I know that will come with time...

Kicking butt and taking names... :)

Weight Watchers - end of Week 5

down 2.8 pounds!!!!

THANK GOODNESS.

I was ready to go jump off a bridge if this number wasn't a good one.

I'm hoping now that all things have caught up with me and I'm good to go.  I really didn't do anything different this week compared to the 2 previous ones that I gained weight in.  In fact, I went to the gym LESS (only 3 days) due to being in NY for Easter.  So explain me that.

But as mom said, I can't keep eating the way I'm eating and working out the way I'm working out without the weight coming off... so gonna keep on doing what I'm doing and hope this trend continues.

Was VERY proud of myself that I stayed to my diet over Easter weekend.  Didn't have delicious looking biscuits, didn't have delicious looking desserts... it was hard, but I prevailed :)

Side note:  Got my first 5lb star from at the meeting... total lost so far is 5.4 pounds for 5 weeks.

Wish it came off quicker, but if it's gonna be 5 a month, that'll be 10 in 2 months and 20 in 4... can't really complain.

Bring it, week 6!  :)

Weight Watchers - mid of Week 4

gained 1.0

getting extremely frustrated.

everyone seems to think it's growing muscle... and I almost feel like it HAS to be with me working out hardcore 5 days a week and eating within my points.

still - i'm really ready for the scale to reflect my efforts.

sigh.

Weight Watchers - end of Week 3

FML

gained 0.4 pounds this week and I have NO IDEA WHY!!!

I worked out 5 times this week and ate well within my points.  


So what gives?


Too much fluid the night before??  Coming on that time of the month??  Building muscle??  I don't know - and the weight watchers lady offered me all these possible reasons.  All I know is, it's frustrating.


I understand at some point that fat turns to muscle, and I understand at some point that my weight will start leveling out - BUT NOT AT WEEK 3!!!!  NOT AFTER BUSTING MY ASS ALL WEEK!!!


So yeah, frustrated.


And angry.  


After crying when I saw the scale, I sat through the meeting and beat myself up at the gym.  And then did the same thing Sunday.  There is no way in HELL that I will have anything less than a spectacular number when I weigh in this coming Thursday.


ARG.

Soooo much harder

I've done this all before...

the weight loss
the running
the eating right

Why, oh WHY is everything so much harder this time around??  Everyone says it's harder to lose weight/ harder to get in shape the older you get - and boy are they right!  I lost 60 pounds doing Weight Watchers my first year teaching and on weeks where I worked hard - I could lose several pounds.  Now I'm busting my ass to just get a pound or two down.  Frustrating.

Then there was 2005 when I decided that I was going to train for a 5K.  Took a couple of months, but I was running with relative ease.  My legs were stronger, my breathing was easier - and it's SO hard coming back to it.

I figured it would be EASIER the second time around.  But I guess extra years and extra weight have other plans for me.

I'm not giving up.  Oh no - don't you worry about that... It's just frustrating how much harder (and PAINFUL) it is doing this now...

Truckin' on.

Weight Watchers - end of Week 2

Lost 2.4 pounds this week - WHOHOO!!!!

Made it to the gym 3 times this week and did about 14 miles of walking around DC for the Cherry Blossom Festival.  I stayed within my allowance points, but ate slightly more than last week.

It goes to show how weird my body works - I had less workouts this week, more food, and lost almost a pound more - go figure.

But the bottom line is, I'm doing what I need to be doing.  I'm eating smarter, staying in my points, and working out as much as possible.  It felt great this week to see more than a 2 pound weight loss... if I can keep that up, I'll be a happy camper.

And yes, I'm still having 3 or less martinis per week.  Had 2 week 1 and had 2 this past week.  Talk about deprivation!  lol

Ready for week 3!  :)

Weight Watchers - end of Week 1

Down 1.6 pounds after my first week on Weight Watchers!

Truthfully, I was a bit disappointed with this number.  I ate within my points everyday, and I worked out 6 out of 7 days.  I know once I'm knee deep in this journey that losing 1-2 pounds a week is going to be normal - and the HEALTHY way of losing weight as well.

Still, after my first week, I wanted more.

But as my mom said, it's going in the right direction.

And at the end of the day, THAT's what matters.  If I could do that for the next 23 weeks, I will be down 35 pounds for the wedding - so I just have to keep looking long term and big picture.

So, gonna keep on keeping on...  :)

Mom's Words

Today was the hardest day of the past week.  I was at school much later than expected, I had a huge headache and the gym was the LAST place I wanted to be...

but I went!

I have my mom's words to thank for that.

She made the point last night that actually getting changed for a workout and getting there is the hardest part.  Once you're there, dressed, ready to go - you're good.  So although I had to FIGHT my inner demons that wanted me to come home and nap I kept telling myself, just get to the gym... just get to the gym.

And once there - I was fine!  Caught my 2nd wind, lost the headache, and pushed myself to my hardest workout yet.

Mom knows best.

Go figure.  ;)

Weight Watchers - Week 1

Well, I did it... I bit the bullet and registered for Weight Watchers this weekend.

I have mixed feelings about this.  It was through using the Weigh Watchers POINTS system in 2003 that I lost 60 pounds.  I never attended a single meeting during this time, but had a colleague who was a member buy me the books so I could do it on my own.... and to great success!!!

Then, I joined (officially) in 2006-2007 when I had put some weight back on.  I did the POINTS again, went to meetings, etc.  But this time I did not succeed.  I had small losses here and there, but ended up quitting after a few months.  I could not get into the flow this time.

This time, however, I'm optimisitic.  They have revamped their system and it is now called POINTS PLUS.  Smartly, this time, carbohydrates are factored in when determining point values.  So, long story short, I get more points a day, but foods that are higher in carbs have higher point values.  There are other differences, but that's it in a nutshell.

And because I'm a teacher, organizer dork - I got completely excited about getting a new journal, having a new tracker, new food books, etc. - it really felt like a new start.  I really liked the people at the center and already became friends with the other newbie that was there.

So I did my weigh in, spent a good amount of time on Saturday reading through all the materials and getting myself organized and am ready to go!  I'm very excited about officially beginning this journey.  I have a gut feeling that this time is for real and for life.

And I'm ready.  :)

My Goals

Have you checked out the "My Goals" tab on my blog??  It's been updated :)

STARTING OVER

Ok, so... I'm starting over.  For real.

I had a good flow going at the start of 2011, and then theater rehearsals and ultimately illness derailed me.  Whether that's a reason, or an excuse, acceptable or not, that's what happened.

So here I sit on the evening of March 24, 2011 and calling for a do-over.

There is a big event in my life coming up - the wedding of my sister on September 3, 2011.  I do NOT want to look like a fat piece of crap in those pictures... so, that's the prize I have my eye on, so to speak - the "D day" of my weight loss.

September 3, 2011

As of tomorrow, that's in 163 days (23 weeks).

My goal is to lose between 1-2 pounds a week from now til then - which would put me between 23 and 46 pounds lighter than what I am now... not my ULTIMATE goal, but my "wedding goal".

I'm going to rejoin weight watchers this weekend.  Using the points system helped me to lose 60 pounds my first year of teaching, so I'm going to try that again.  Hopefully going to meetings will also give me the support and encouragement I need from people going through a similar struggle.  I'm going to get my butt to Planet Fitness at least 4 times a week.  Between the points, and the workouts - I should be able to lose between 23-46 pounds by September 3rd.

So here I go.  New challenge.  Life challenge.  Life change.  Getting wedding ready....

Day 1 - March 25th - starts tomorrow.

Day 58... OMG.

Well - I'm more than halfway through my 100 day challenge and nowhere near the 25 pounds I had hoped to lose.  I had a stomach bug for a week and a half that kept me from the gym... then I FINALLY got back yesterday and woke up today with a sore throat....

very frustrated.

when I had a the stomach bug I was only eating soup and mashed potatoes and yet I gained about 4 pounds... why isn't life fair??

Haven't weighed in yet tonight... but it'll be coming soon...

fingers crossed that I'm feeling like my old self soon

:(

Back on Track

Ok... this blah blah Winter Blech is DONE.

Today I got 3 workouts in!!!

I did Jillian Michael's 30 minute workout video...

THEN...

I joined Planet Fitness!  That's right - I joined the Judgement Free Zone as a black member.  That means I get unlimited access, free guest privileges, free use of the massage chair and tanning rooms...

So I restarted C25K with more Week 4 (this one is gonna be the death of me!)...

THEN...

I got off the treadmill and did half an hour on upper body weight machines...

So yeah - back on track and ready to go...

Stop me now.  I dare ya.  Gettin 'er done!

Week 5 Reflection

Well - another blah week.  Wasn't able to get myself motivated this week to workout... ate fairly well most of the time, but digressed a bit...

Don't know if it's the winter blahs, or just trying to catch up on sleep, but I was SEVERELY unmotivated this week.

However, it stops here.  I've promised and I've planned... and so it shall be.

Ready to rejuvenate!

Here we go Week 6!!

Week 4 Reflection

Well - not sure what's going on.

My weight stayed the same this week.  Didn't go up, didn't go down.

Not sure what that's all about.

Even though I only got two runs in this week, I still ate well, plus had the show... why I didn't lose - I don't know.  This is the part of the process that I hate.  The frustration and feeling of hopelessness.

I don't plan on quitting - far from it...

Just wish it made a little more sense....

The Tragedy of Hamlet

The true Tragedy of Hamlet??

...is that the rehearsal process has been so intense it kept me from my treadmill this past week and a half.  Rehearsals have been going past 11, and I knew that if I had any hopes of survival I HAD to nap in the afternoon.

Although I promised to make my workouts my priority through this process, I had to concede to the naps this past week and a half...

Good news??  The snow made sure I got out and at least shoveled on days when I didn't get on the treadmill...  so I'm not overly worried.  :)

Oh yeah, come see "The Tragedy of Hamlet" this Friday and Saturday at 8pm and Sunday at 3pm!

Week 3 Reflection

Very frustrated when I got on the scale this week... although I only got on the treadmill twice this week, I still ate right and kept to my diet.  I have NO idea why I had a 1.5 weight gain.

It's frustrating.

I'm not giving up - no, by any means... it just sucks when there's no reason for the gain.

So I'll sigh, *sigh* and move on....

Hopefully next Sunday's story will be MUCH different!

5 Ways to Keep the Weight Off

This was on Oprah this past week - thanks Arlene for sharing!  Figured I'd pass it along....


5 Ways to Keep the Weight Off


1. Have a clear vision of what you want. "Picture your life the way you want it," Bob says. "You could even be the most motivated person on the planet. If you don't have a vision for yourself, your motivation will take you somewhere away from the vision that you want for your life." 

Also, make sure your vision is realistic. "If you're 5'4" and you want to be 6'1", have a different vision," he says. "In your heart, you need to know that you can achieve it." 

2. Convince yourself that you are deserving. Bob says it's critical to break down this barrier. "[People] feel unworthy because that was reinforced growing up by either an unsupportive adult or authority figure,” Bob says. “You're reconfirming [that] by sabotaging your own efforts.” 

3. Identify the biggest barriers holding you back. Bob says there's a big difference between a barrier and an excuse. "I've heard every excuse imaginable—except a good one," he says. "A barrier is more of an issue." 

"We all have a natural aversion to discomfort and pain, and that's the irony on both exercise and diet. You don't want to give up. There's some discomfort giving up your favorite foods," he says. "If you're doing exercise right, you have a level of discomfort to get results. And we are wired to avoid discomfort and seek pleasure." 

4. Break through the barriers. Bob says the only way to break through a barrier is to identify what's holding you back. "You have barriers for a reason. They're coping mechanisms in many cases," he says. "So many people think getting on the treadmill or turning down your favorite foods is the hard part. That's the easy part. It's these issues and barriers of unworthiness—or being in a toxic relationship is a top one." 

Breaking through takes courage, but the benefits could last a lifetime. "I've never seen anyone successful long term that couldn't make at least one or more tough decisions," he says. 

5. Put yourself first. "Another way to say that is, 'Get the support you need,'" he says. "It's getting the people in your life on board." 

Bob says parents struggle with this the most and too many use their children as an excuse not to make themselves a priority. "What parent would [tell her child], 'Don't take care of yourself?' That's the message your kids are learning," he says. "Putting yourself first is not selfish. It's a way to become a more profound role model for children and those in your life."

Week 2 Reflection

Well, I was right on a couple of counts...

1 - I was not able to lose as much this week as I did last week
2 - It was slightly harder to stay motivated in the 2nd week v. the 1st week.

Those things said, I'm still plugging away!  Chipping away at the C25K program - I'm now in Week 4 and it's kicking my ass - in a good way.  It's scary how much training you lose when you stop.  When I was hitting the gym regularly in August and September I was able to do 5-8 minute runs with only slight rests in between.  It sucks starting from scratch - but I know it's the right AND safe way to do it.  I just wish I could jump to the point where I can do 5K runs on a regular basis again.

The eating went well this week as well.  Strayed from the NutriSystem diet a few times this week, but had salads when I was out - so stayed smart!

The hardest thing so far?  It'd have to be a tie between wanting to nap instead of getting on the treadmill, and drinking more martinis - I do miss them (but I let myself have 1 or 2 a week)

Still pleasantly plump, but celebrating my total 8 pounds loss.  :-)

Motivation?

Motivation is a tricky thing.  There are days where I don't need any of it because I'm fully stocked.  Then there are days where I have to talk myself into doing what I need to do.  Then there are days where try as I might, it just does NOT come.

How do YOU break through when motivation is lacking??

Taking ideas and suggestions....  :)

Week 1 Reflection

Well - I survived the first week!  (Well, the first 9 days really, since the 1st was a Saturday and I like my weeks to go Sunday to Sunday)... but I did it!  As always when I enter back into any workout/diet program, the first couple of days were torture.  My stomach was NOT used to the small portion sizes that NutriSystem provides, nor were my legs ready for the rigor of a treadmill!  But like all things, it got easier as the week progressed.

Making this journey public looks like it's going to be the best way for me to acheive my goals.  I've truly been touched by the amount of positive support, comments, and encouragement that I've received both here and on my facebook page.  It helps to have people checking in daily to see how I'm doing.  I've had offers for workout buddies and workout adventures in the future when my body is ready for them.  This has gone far to keep me motivated and going...

What's crazy is being called an inspiration.  "Brave" as many people called me when I posted my weight on facebook.  But I have nothing to lose and everything to gain.  Those close to me can see that I've gained weight.  Others can see that my clothes fit too snuggly on me.  So what's a number?  What's a picture?  It's no secret I'm the size I am.  But it will NOT be the size I stay.

So, it's been a good week.  It hasn't been overly hard motivating myself to get on the treadmill or to keep to my diet - by having to keep daily posts I know I'm accountable.  And I will NOT put myself in a place where I am making excuses for not following my goals.  So yeah, easy.  My only hope is that I stay this driven and motivated.

And hey, 6.5 pounds lost my first 9 days??  NOT BAD.  I understand this will not be a typical number for me, but it's one hell of a start.  :)

Officially Updating

Ok... with thanks to trial and error (and Lynne for her template inspiration) I think I now, truly, have a functioning block.  I even have different pages within my blog!!  So, thanks for stopping by, take a look around, and I'll have some reflection/progress coming soon from Week 1!

Trying this out

Well, I've never blogged before... I don't even know if I'm doing it right.  But I'm on a quest to lose weight and I figured the more ways I was held accountable, the better... will you follow me?  Encourage me?  Motivate me? Yell at me (if need be)? Help me encourage others??  Let's do this :)