I have come to discover that weekdays are really the most conducive to dieting. Routine is there, little appears to be going on that breaks routine, and distraction is a lot more avoidable. Especially when distraction so often equals temptation.
I have also come to discover that I am best motivated when I have others to hold my feet to the fire. It's great, because I have a standing date with my friend Tracy to walk every day at 5 (which we've been able to do on weekdays; weekends are a different story). When I don't feel like walking, she shows up and I realize that I'm not only getting the benefit of exercise, but I also get to spend quality time with a dear friend!
It begs the question: Why do I have trouble doing this for myself? I focus on work and am successful; I focused on school and was successful...there are many things that, when I put my mind to it, I get done and I get them done quite well <pats self on back>. Why is it, then, that I have an incredibly hard time when it comes to sticking to something like an exercise program that is so good for me? If I didn't have my standing date, would I honestly get my lazy butt outside and walk for 45 minutes? Honestly, I am doubtful.
This is something that I struggle with anytime I am on any type of weight loss program. I am not a particularly selfless individual, so I can't say that it's because it's for me and I don't like to spend the energy when I'm the only person who benefits. I think it may be one of the simplest answers in the world: I hate exercising and I don't like doing things that I hate, regardless of who benefits. This is something that I have to actively work on. I have to work on my negative association with exercise and why my stomach turns at the idea of going to a gym. Walking with my friend is a total ruse on my part because I don't look at it as exercise. I look at it as getting to spend quality time and I happen to be walking while I'm doing it.
Today, I just don't have many answers outside of the obvious. I know I need to consider this more and really dig into that particular barrier. I can't put the onus on my friends or family to get me off my butt. I have to own that, just like I have to own what food I put into my mouth. Exploring and understanding that issue going to be a short-term goal of mine, I think. I need to figure out where the association comes from and work through it. At least, I hope it's a short-term goal.
In the meantime, I'll continue walking and hanging out, because that part I totally dig.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Monday, March 28, 2011
Day 8, 9, 10 and 11 - Sticking to It and Dropping Pounds
Well, I weighed on Friday. My weight was 231.5, which is a 6 pound loss! I am absolutely thrilled, to say the least. This is the payoff I have been hoping for.
We went out to eat on Saturday and ended up going to Red Lobster where Kevin and I both ate very healthy dishes. I'm finding that going out to eat is not that difficult. The keys that I have discovered are:
Go to the web and pick out a meal (checking the nutrition information, of course) BEFORE you go
Don't look at a menu
Turn away the bread when the server brings it
Unsweetened tea with Splenda does the trick for me
I am so pleased that it has worked out so well. I continue to stick to the plan like glue and am discovering that walking during the week is very doable. The weekends are more difficult with so much going on, but that's ok - I can deal with it as long as I plan, plan, plan.
I am excited to go into the Dr. office on Friday morning to 'officially' weigh, pick up my food, and start the next two weeks all over again. I am hoping to be down a total of 10 pounds by Friday. I will be satisified regardless, as I am very confident in my food choices this past two weeks. I can do this. As the great Yoda once said: "Try not. Do or do not. There is no try."
Hell yes, Yoda. Hell, yes.
We went out to eat on Saturday and ended up going to Red Lobster where Kevin and I both ate very healthy dishes. I'm finding that going out to eat is not that difficult. The keys that I have discovered are:
Go to the web and pick out a meal (checking the nutrition information, of course) BEFORE you go
Don't look at a menu
Turn away the bread when the server brings it
Unsweetened tea with Splenda does the trick for me
I am so pleased that it has worked out so well. I continue to stick to the plan like glue and am discovering that walking during the week is very doable. The weekends are more difficult with so much going on, but that's ok - I can deal with it as long as I plan, plan, plan.
I am excited to go into the Dr. office on Friday morning to 'officially' weigh, pick up my food, and start the next two weeks all over again. I am hoping to be down a total of 10 pounds by Friday. I will be satisified regardless, as I am very confident in my food choices this past two weeks. I can do this. As the great Yoda once said: "Try not. Do or do not. There is no try."
Hell yes, Yoda. Hell, yes.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Day 7 - One Week Down, Many to Go
Well, I can honestly say that the first week was freaking hard. Dieting sucks.
On the bright side, I have been able to consider a whole bunch of ideas beyond a depth that I had previously considered them. It's been eye-opening, exhausting, and uplifting all at the same time (along with many, many other adjectives).
Tomorrow is the big weigh-day. I'll be posting my weight at the end of the day when I write the blog. Here's the weeks breakdown:
7 days of no cheating, staying within calorie limits, and 3 days of exercise. I think this is the most success I've ever had on any weight loss program in such a short time. This time around, I hope not to measure ALL of my success by the scale; rather, I'd like to measure my successes in lessons learned and habits changed.
On the bright side, I have been able to consider a whole bunch of ideas beyond a depth that I had previously considered them. It's been eye-opening, exhausting, and uplifting all at the same time (along with many, many other adjectives).
Tomorrow is the big weigh-day. I'll be posting my weight at the end of the day when I write the blog. Here's the weeks breakdown:
7 days of no cheating, staying within calorie limits, and 3 days of exercise. I think this is the most success I've ever had on any weight loss program in such a short time. This time around, I hope not to measure ALL of my success by the scale; rather, I'd like to measure my successes in lessons learned and habits changed.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Day 6 - Oy, Exercise...
Thank God for my friend Tracy. For real. I think the other really crappy thing about dieting is you have to exercise, too. I know, I know...healthy-healthy-healthy! I have come to discover that I only enjoy exercising when I don't realize I'm doing it like, for example, when walking with a friend and talking the whole time. 20-30 mins can go by in a zip.
This is most definitely a hurdle for me. I feel like I'm changing so much with my eating habits as it is that it just doesn't seem fair to have to physically bust my butt to get rid of said butt! Luckily, my friend and I are keeping each other honest. Speaking of honest, honestly, she's the one keeping me going. She's on a great path and I am happy to be on it with her! It sort of leads me to the realization that it's ok to ask for support from the ones you're close to.
There really is no shame in dieting. I used to be embarrassed, but when I think about it, it's silly. Seriously. When people go back to school, they are bettering themselves. The same goes with dieting. Why is it, then, that so many people diet behind closed doors? I did that for years and I realize now that it sets me up to fail. If I'm too ashamed to tell people I'm on a diet, then how do I justify trying to change behavior? If they love me (or hell, like me), they'll be just as supportive with the dieting as they would if I were changing jobs, getting more education, or quitting smoking. It's hard, though, because I tend to notice the look-me-up-and-down behavior from people when they find out that the fat girl is on a diet. Even if the up and down look is innocent, it screams "What's the point!? You're fat!" to those of us who approach this whole endeavor with trepidation and, let's face it, fear.
I guess my point with today's post is that I'd like to ask you all (all 6 of you) to consciously support your friends if they're trying to make a positive change. It doesn't take much. They are taking a hard step in trying to walk a different path - they don't need people they care about sabotaging their efforts. So, this is me, paying it forward I guess. For anyone who happens along this blog, I support you. You can do it, because I can do it. And if I can do it, anyone can.
I am 6 days in, have walked 2 of those days, and have not cheated on my diet once. Every meal has been within my calorie range and the only other things I have consumed have been the shakes and the sanctioned snacks. I couldn't do it without the venting (so thank you, dear shrink, for the homework). I most certainly couldn't do it without support. Thank you guys - you rock.
This is most definitely a hurdle for me. I feel like I'm changing so much with my eating habits as it is that it just doesn't seem fair to have to physically bust my butt to get rid of said butt! Luckily, my friend and I are keeping each other honest. Speaking of honest, honestly, she's the one keeping me going. She's on a great path and I am happy to be on it with her! It sort of leads me to the realization that it's ok to ask for support from the ones you're close to.
There really is no shame in dieting. I used to be embarrassed, but when I think about it, it's silly. Seriously. When people go back to school, they are bettering themselves. The same goes with dieting. Why is it, then, that so many people diet behind closed doors? I did that for years and I realize now that it sets me up to fail. If I'm too ashamed to tell people I'm on a diet, then how do I justify trying to change behavior? If they love me (or hell, like me), they'll be just as supportive with the dieting as they would if I were changing jobs, getting more education, or quitting smoking. It's hard, though, because I tend to notice the look-me-up-and-down behavior from people when they find out that the fat girl is on a diet. Even if the up and down look is innocent, it screams "What's the point!? You're fat!" to those of us who approach this whole endeavor with trepidation and, let's face it, fear.
I guess my point with today's post is that I'd like to ask you all (all 6 of you) to consciously support your friends if they're trying to make a positive change. It doesn't take much. They are taking a hard step in trying to walk a different path - they don't need people they care about sabotaging their efforts. So, this is me, paying it forward I guess. For anyone who happens along this blog, I support you. You can do it, because I can do it. And if I can do it, anyone can.
I am 6 days in, have walked 2 of those days, and have not cheated on my diet once. Every meal has been within my calorie range and the only other things I have consumed have been the shakes and the sanctioned snacks. I couldn't do it without the venting (so thank you, dear shrink, for the homework). I most certainly couldn't do it without support. Thank you guys - you rock.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Day 5 - Getting Into a Rhythm
Today was the easiest day yet. This is one of those scenarios where working from home really is the greateset thing for me right now. The only food I could have was the food that I went and made. I have removed all of the snacks from my office so that each time I was hungry, I would have the opportunity to consider what I was going to grab when I went upstairs to get my food. Each time I went, it was either time for a shake, coffee, CMWL snack, or piece of fruit. As far as hunger days go, today was most definitely on the low-end.
I have a lot of work on my plate right now. Working from home is great, but I think I add pressure to get more done than the average bear so that I can prove to the company I work for that yes, work from home is a fantastic idea. So far, I've been successful, but I noticed the other day that the stress from work tends to drive me to cope. What is my most favorite coping mechanism?? Take a wild guess...
Today, when I got stressed out, I went outside with the dogs and took them for a teeny-tiny walk, just to get some air. Worked beautifully. As the end of the workday neared, I started to have a little bit of anxiety about what we were going to have for dinner. I happen to be one of the fortunate women (or unfortunate, depending on how you look at it) of being married to someone who really can cook. I don't mean grab-a-box-and-nuke-it cook, I mean make-from-scratch cook. Having someone like that around can really do a number on my resolve, let me tell ya.
Luckily, I also am one of the fortunate women who - when push comes to shove - has someone willing to support her in her efforts. I did have some heartburn about that at first, because my husband likes to cook new and different things and one of his favorite ingredients seems to be butter. I went out on a limb and let him know how serious I was about trying to get some of this weight off and he has only responded with support. Tonight, he made crab legs, shrimp, potatoes, and corn - all steamed in water and Old Bay spice. No butter. No olive oil. No added fat. I was able to enjoy a rather large meal while still staying well under my 550 calorie limit for dinner. I still have my fruit to enjoy later.
Yes, today is a good day. I'm focused, determined, and supported. What more can I ask for? Now, all I have to do is stay that way...at least most of the time.
I have a lot of work on my plate right now. Working from home is great, but I think I add pressure to get more done than the average bear so that I can prove to the company I work for that yes, work from home is a fantastic idea. So far, I've been successful, but I noticed the other day that the stress from work tends to drive me to cope. What is my most favorite coping mechanism?? Take a wild guess...
Today, when I got stressed out, I went outside with the dogs and took them for a teeny-tiny walk, just to get some air. Worked beautifully. As the end of the workday neared, I started to have a little bit of anxiety about what we were going to have for dinner. I happen to be one of the fortunate women (or unfortunate, depending on how you look at it) of being married to someone who really can cook. I don't mean grab-a-box-and-nuke-it cook, I mean make-from-scratch cook. Having someone like that around can really do a number on my resolve, let me tell ya.
Luckily, I also am one of the fortunate women who - when push comes to shove - has someone willing to support her in her efforts. I did have some heartburn about that at first, because my husband likes to cook new and different things and one of his favorite ingredients seems to be butter. I went out on a limb and let him know how serious I was about trying to get some of this weight off and he has only responded with support. Tonight, he made crab legs, shrimp, potatoes, and corn - all steamed in water and Old Bay spice. No butter. No olive oil. No added fat. I was able to enjoy a rather large meal while still staying well under my 550 calorie limit for dinner. I still have my fruit to enjoy later.
Yes, today is a good day. I'm focused, determined, and supported. What more can I ask for? Now, all I have to do is stay that way...at least most of the time.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Day 4 - The Movies Without Popcorn!!???
Today has quite possibly been the hardest day yet. I went to see a movie with my husband tonight, and we didn't get popcorn. Good for me? Good for ME, you say? God, it SUCKED!!! Not the movie, the lack of popcorn. That part sucked. The movie was quite entertaining.
I found myself, for the first time in this whole business, really considering the implications of cheating on my diet tonight. Heh...only took 4 days. Luckily, my husband has been extremely supportive and my dear friend Tracy got me up off my arse for a nice, long walk today. Even with that, I found myself wondering how many calories a small popcorn would set me back.
After all...I earned it, right?
WRONG. Another positive lesson learned is that rewarding myself with food is just not the answer. Rewarding myself with food is the exact opposite of what I want to be doing, as a matter of fact. I used to reward myself with a pedicure, a new purse, or a new book each time I hit small goals. That is what I'm focusing on now. If I make it a full week sticking to my plan, I shall reward myself with 3 hours of video gaming this weekend. Sound lame? Well, I have Dragon Age 2 still in the shrink that would argue otherwise, thank-you-very-much.
I have set an overarching goal. Anyone who knows me truly understands that I am a purse nut and I have a soft spot for Coach bags. Wanna see my reward for losing 35 pounds when (yes, when...not if) it happens?
Hello, lover....
A couple of days ago I talked about asking myself whether something was worth it or not. Popcorn is not worth making myself wait to get something I can truly enjoy for longer than a moment. This bag? Oh, this bag I shall enjoy for a long, long time...<sigh>....
I found myself, for the first time in this whole business, really considering the implications of cheating on my diet tonight. Heh...only took 4 days. Luckily, my husband has been extremely supportive and my dear friend Tracy got me up off my arse for a nice, long walk today. Even with that, I found myself wondering how many calories a small popcorn would set me back.
After all...I earned it, right?
WRONG. Another positive lesson learned is that rewarding myself with food is just not the answer. Rewarding myself with food is the exact opposite of what I want to be doing, as a matter of fact. I used to reward myself with a pedicure, a new purse, or a new book each time I hit small goals. That is what I'm focusing on now. If I make it a full week sticking to my plan, I shall reward myself with 3 hours of video gaming this weekend. Sound lame? Well, I have Dragon Age 2 still in the shrink that would argue otherwise, thank-you-very-much.
I have set an overarching goal. Anyone who knows me truly understands that I am a purse nut and I have a soft spot for Coach bags. Wanna see my reward for losing 35 pounds when (yes, when...not if) it happens?
Hello, lover....
A couple of days ago I talked about asking myself whether something was worth it or not. Popcorn is not worth making myself wait to get something I can truly enjoy for longer than a moment. This bag? Oh, this bag I shall enjoy for a long, long time...<sigh>....
Day 3 - Weekends are the Devil's Work
I have to say, I am honestly looking forward to the reliable schedule of the work week. I love my weekends from a relaxation standpoint, but the food is SO hard to manage! I have done well these first couple of days because there is a nice novelty factor involved. When the novelty wears off and I really start getting sick of this, I have a feeling that weekends will become harder and harder.
One of the things I learned from past successes is that planning really is key. We went out to Applebees this weekend and I didn't bother to look at the menu. I knew exactly what I wanted/needed and ordered it. Looking at the menu can detract from the plan. Words like cheesey, gooey, succulant, and such can really make my resolve waver, so I choose not to even go there. It's much easier to read those words at home and not have to worry about impulse taking control. This weekend was planned very well. Hopefully, I can continue that line of thinking. It worked well for me in the past. Thankfully, this is one habit I don't think I'll have trouble picking up.
On the bright side, the work week is starting and it's back to being at home full-time. I don't expect any spontaneous trips to the office for quite a while, so that makes it easier on me. I am trying to approach this week with a positive attitude about everything. Change of attitude, change of mind, change of body.
Keep on keepin' on is my motto today.
One of the things I learned from past successes is that planning really is key. We went out to Applebees this weekend and I didn't bother to look at the menu. I knew exactly what I wanted/needed and ordered it. Looking at the menu can detract from the plan. Words like cheesey, gooey, succulant, and such can really make my resolve waver, so I choose not to even go there. It's much easier to read those words at home and not have to worry about impulse taking control. This weekend was planned very well. Hopefully, I can continue that line of thinking. It worked well for me in the past. Thankfully, this is one habit I don't think I'll have trouble picking up.
On the bright side, the work week is starting and it's back to being at home full-time. I don't expect any spontaneous trips to the office for quite a while, so that makes it easier on me. I am trying to approach this week with a positive attitude about everything. Change of attitude, change of mind, change of body.
Keep on keepin' on is my motto today.
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