Thanks for the comments on my post from this morning. I never thought that the comment could have meant not my style. I am still not sure exactly what was meant by the comment. I do know this friend knows my struggles with body image and weight and she is very sweet so probably did not mean it the way I took it as she would know it would hurt me. I also realize that it really should just not matter. The fact that it did speaks volumes on how I think of myself.
Today I bought snacks at Walmart for our trip to Florida. We are flying but as they do not feed you, I thought have a few snacks for the kids instead of buying airport food. I bought a box of Teddy Grahams (little graham crackers). Anyway, on my way home from work. I felt myself migrating towards the bag to open the box. Now I felt this in my head - I was not physically doing it but could feel myself thinking about doing it. As I have been trying to keep in touch with my thoughts. I realized it. I was quite surprised to realize I think about these things before doing them. (That whole gap concept in my book where between thinking it and doing it is the gap where you can make a decision) Anyway, so I listened to myself and here is what I heard:
Snack eater voice: It has been 4 hours since lunch and you are hungry. You can open the box and just have a few. You won't eat them all.
I really kind of chuckled here as I thought. Yea right! I will eat 1/2 that box before getting home if I open it. I realized, I probably mentally tell myself this lie all the time. If I catch it and correct it, maybe I will start to realize that it is better to just not even start.
A bit of a break through.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Self Doubt
I had an experience Saturday that was upsetting that made so much more sense to me Sunday after reading another chapter in my emotional eating book.
Saturday was an annual girls day out event I have with some girlfriends where we shop for last minute items for our Spring Break trip. My list this year was very small for myself. I either wanted a new pair of sunglasses or a casual sun dress to wear out to dinner in Florida. I really struck out on both. Our last stop was Target and they had some casual sun dresses that were definitely above the knee. I realize that this is not a great length on me but was sorting through the rack just sort of browsing. My friend said - aren't those too short for you. I immediately said - yes I am just looking.
Now I know mini skirts aren't flattering on me or most women really but it wasn't that short. Would have been a couple inches above the knee but not at the crotch short so I didn't think this option was completely crazy for me to look at. But my friend casually said this - not maliciously - and isn't that what a good friend is for, to be honest when you need them to be. So, I walked away thinking "I guess she thinks I am too fat for shorter skirts" and was a little depressed internally the rest of the trip.
Some points to make.
1st - Notice how I took that comment and internalized it. It must be true! I see other women heavier, same size or smaller than me and I very rarely find myself saying - why is she wearing that. Now I have said that seeing very obese woman wearing a midriff top or daisy duke shorts but for the most part. I tend to think, "She has body confidence" because isn't that what it takes to carry off clothes - confidence.
2nd - Notice how I misinterpreted what she said and thought the most absolutely catastrophic thought - it must mean I am horribly fat and was immediately depressed where all day I had been upbeat and optimistic about the progress I had made. Found this type of thinking in my reading last night - A situation happens, you feel overwhelmed and powerless, you misinterpret the comment or situation and turn it into a catastrophe, you overeat. Being in public with a group of women, there was no overeating involved but I definitely overreacted to the comment.
3rd - This really filled me with self doubt. The title to Chapter 3 was "Your Self Doubt Layer". The first example the author gives is of his patient shopping at a store with their much smaller friend who pointed out to the overweight friend that she might consider Lane Bryant for her clothes. (OK a bit worse but along the same lines) Immediately she started a self critical judgment of herself - that feeling of judgment led the lady to overeat at the food mall and then to be angry at herself for overeating. The focus went from the feeling of being judged by her friend to the anger at herself for overeating. she displaced her feelings.
Displacement of emotions with overeating is not a new concept with me but one I fully understand. I do this. I am angry at boss, child, husband, friend, etc... I cannot handle those feelings they are too much. I find myself eating. I am angry at self for binging. I am used to dealing with the binging and the hatred that comes from that but to dive into my job or situations with loved ones that are difficult or troubling... too hard... so overeat and displace the emotions.
The author dives into self doubts at this part of the book and I read just a bit before realizing that there is so much work for me to do here. We all are afraid of not being accepted by others. I plan to spend some time in this chapter for a few days I would really like to find new ways to deal with self doubt.
Saturday was an annual girls day out event I have with some girlfriends where we shop for last minute items for our Spring Break trip. My list this year was very small for myself. I either wanted a new pair of sunglasses or a casual sun dress to wear out to dinner in Florida. I really struck out on both. Our last stop was Target and they had some casual sun dresses that were definitely above the knee. I realize that this is not a great length on me but was sorting through the rack just sort of browsing. My friend said - aren't those too short for you. I immediately said - yes I am just looking.
Now I know mini skirts aren't flattering on me or most women really but it wasn't that short. Would have been a couple inches above the knee but not at the crotch short so I didn't think this option was completely crazy for me to look at. But my friend casually said this - not maliciously - and isn't that what a good friend is for, to be honest when you need them to be. So, I walked away thinking "I guess she thinks I am too fat for shorter skirts" and was a little depressed internally the rest of the trip.
Some points to make.
1st - Notice how I took that comment and internalized it. It must be true! I see other women heavier, same size or smaller than me and I very rarely find myself saying - why is she wearing that. Now I have said that seeing very obese woman wearing a midriff top or daisy duke shorts but for the most part. I tend to think, "She has body confidence" because isn't that what it takes to carry off clothes - confidence.
2nd - Notice how I misinterpreted what she said and thought the most absolutely catastrophic thought - it must mean I am horribly fat and was immediately depressed where all day I had been upbeat and optimistic about the progress I had made. Found this type of thinking in my reading last night - A situation happens, you feel overwhelmed and powerless, you misinterpret the comment or situation and turn it into a catastrophe, you overeat. Being in public with a group of women, there was no overeating involved but I definitely overreacted to the comment.
3rd - This really filled me with self doubt. The title to Chapter 3 was "Your Self Doubt Layer". The first example the author gives is of his patient shopping at a store with their much smaller friend who pointed out to the overweight friend that she might consider Lane Bryant for her clothes. (OK a bit worse but along the same lines) Immediately she started a self critical judgment of herself - that feeling of judgment led the lady to overeat at the food mall and then to be angry at herself for overeating. The focus went from the feeling of being judged by her friend to the anger at herself for overeating. she displaced her feelings.
Displacement of emotions with overeating is not a new concept with me but one I fully understand. I do this. I am angry at boss, child, husband, friend, etc... I cannot handle those feelings they are too much. I find myself eating. I am angry at self for binging. I am used to dealing with the binging and the hatred that comes from that but to dive into my job or situations with loved ones that are difficult or troubling... too hard... so overeat and displace the emotions.
The author dives into self doubts at this part of the book and I read just a bit before realizing that there is so much work for me to do here. We all are afraid of not being accepted by others. I plan to spend some time in this chapter for a few days I would really like to find new ways to deal with self doubt.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Powerlessness
I have actually had 2 days where my calorie intake was in an acceptable range and after my recent experiences with overeating, I need to take some time and consider why I am overeating and participating in such self defeating behaviors. Carol suggested a book that gets at why you are eating. I do not own this book but I have plenty of others on my bookshelf from previous dieting attempts and so I picked one up last night and started reading.
The title of the book is "Shrink Yourself. Break free from emotional eating forever!" I bought it years ago, read a few chapters and when there was no miraculous shedding of weight, it went on the bookshelf. I imagine that we all have that shelf filled with books from the past. I am not making any promises that this time I will finish it and do all the exercises. I do not want to set myself up for failure. I am just going to read it and if it helps, keep reading. If it is not helping, stop reading. Just trying to keep it simple.
This psychiatrist's theory is that all overeating is a result of feeling Powerless. When we feel powerless, we eat. His opinion is there are 5 situations that bring about feelings of powerlessness and cause overeating:
1. Powerless over how to deal with self-doubts
2. Powerless about how to get real satisfaction in life.
3. Powerless to insure own safety.
4. Powerless to appropriately assert independence.
5. Powerless to fill yourself up when empty inside.
When you feel powerless, you are immediately drawn to eat. When this feeling comes along, before you eat, there is a gap where you make a decision to eat or not and this is what you need to work on changing - that decision.
In the introduction of the book the author tells of the Native American folk tale where a grandfather explains to his grandson that there are two wolves inside of him. One wolf fills him with hope, the other fills him with doubt. The grandson asks his grandfather which wolf wins. The grandfather answers, whichever wolf you feed. So when I feel powerless, before I eat, in that gap - which wolf will I decide to feed. The one that gives me hope and tells me that life is wonderful and full of opportunity or the one that fills me with dread and tells me it is not worth the effort.
I have only read the 1st chapter and plan to take it 1 chapter at a time and try to learn something about myself and the emotional or spiritual part of this journey. I have much room for growth in this area and feel if I can make strides here, my weight loss goals are not so far out of my reach.
The title of the book is "Shrink Yourself. Break free from emotional eating forever!" I bought it years ago, read a few chapters and when there was no miraculous shedding of weight, it went on the bookshelf. I imagine that we all have that shelf filled with books from the past. I am not making any promises that this time I will finish it and do all the exercises. I do not want to set myself up for failure. I am just going to read it and if it helps, keep reading. If it is not helping, stop reading. Just trying to keep it simple.
This psychiatrist's theory is that all overeating is a result of feeling Powerless. When we feel powerless, we eat. His opinion is there are 5 situations that bring about feelings of powerlessness and cause overeating:
1. Powerless over how to deal with self-doubts
2. Powerless about how to get real satisfaction in life.
3. Powerless to insure own safety.
4. Powerless to appropriately assert independence.
5. Powerless to fill yourself up when empty inside.
When you feel powerless, you are immediately drawn to eat. When this feeling comes along, before you eat, there is a gap where you make a decision to eat or not and this is what you need to work on changing - that decision.
In the introduction of the book the author tells of the Native American folk tale where a grandfather explains to his grandson that there are two wolves inside of him. One wolf fills him with hope, the other fills him with doubt. The grandson asks his grandfather which wolf wins. The grandfather answers, whichever wolf you feed. So when I feel powerless, before I eat, in that gap - which wolf will I decide to feed. The one that gives me hope and tells me that life is wonderful and full of opportunity or the one that fills me with dread and tells me it is not worth the effort.
I have only read the 1st chapter and plan to take it 1 chapter at a time and try to learn something about myself and the emotional or spiritual part of this journey. I have much room for growth in this area and feel if I can make strides here, my weight loss goals are not so far out of my reach.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Reasons
I woke up this morning with a binge hangover from last night. Yes after my post yesterday where I discussed how I lack the capacity to motivate myself and allow myself all to easily and all to frequently to lapse in my eating habits, at 9:30 with merely 1/2 hour to go on Lost where I would be heading to bed, I proceeded to have a glass of wine while eating direct from the Goldfish cracker box - for 1/2 hour straight. Self defeating obviously.
So this morning I woke up mad at myself and frustrated but also a little curious as to why I continue to repeat these behaviors and sabotage my own success. I decided to think about why I am trying to not only lose weight but also change how I interact with food on a daily basis. I started a list of reasons why I get up every day and go through this process. Why - do I even know? Is it because I am societally unacceptable as a size 12 - 14? Shouldn't I be a 6 or 8? Isn't that how it should be. Is that why I do this? Or do I have a more compelling reason. Or maybe I really don't' know why - what is my reason - maybe I really don't' know and that is why I flounder and retreat in the wrong direction over and over again.
I must have a purpose!
So here is my list:
1. My cholesterol can be high and I want to maintain it without prescription drugs below 200.
2. I want to be physically and mentally healthy and my overeating seriously interferes with my mental health.
3. I want to feel positive and upbeat about my future.
4. I want to know the clothes in my closet will fit and I won't be faced with having nothing to wear.
5. I want to be comfortable in my own skin and when I am, when I feel this way, it is when I am taking care of my health and eating well. And I have felt this way and not been at goal weight. THAT TELLS ME IT IS NOT JUST ABOUT WEIGHT BUT ABOUT ACTIONS.
6. Waking up each day with hope not with regret over the previous day's binge and the hopelessness that comes with the day after a binge.
7. I want the years to stop passing where I have uncontrollable eating and look back at the passing of time and find myself shocked at the years that have gone by. Did I think at 20 that I would be 30 and still facing being overweight or now approaching 40 and realizing that 20 and 30 passed. Do I want to be 50?
How do I sum this all up? I don't know. There are compelling reasons there to resolve this and not all of them have to do with body size. I realize alot of it has to do with general good feelings of well being and peace that accompany having your act together. When something is out of balance, it throws your soul/spirit out of balance whatever your addiction is. I want to be in balance.
Carol recommended the Beck Diet Solution which I may read when I return from my vacation.
I realize this is part of my process. Where I lack in will power I have got staying power - I will continue on this process and do the work it takes to get healthier. I just want my time to be more productive.
So this morning I woke up mad at myself and frustrated but also a little curious as to why I continue to repeat these behaviors and sabotage my own success. I decided to think about why I am trying to not only lose weight but also change how I interact with food on a daily basis. I started a list of reasons why I get up every day and go through this process. Why - do I even know? Is it because I am societally unacceptable as a size 12 - 14? Shouldn't I be a 6 or 8? Isn't that how it should be. Is that why I do this? Or do I have a more compelling reason. Or maybe I really don't' know why - what is my reason - maybe I really don't' know and that is why I flounder and retreat in the wrong direction over and over again.
I must have a purpose!
So here is my list:
1. My cholesterol can be high and I want to maintain it without prescription drugs below 200.
2. I want to be physically and mentally healthy and my overeating seriously interferes with my mental health.
3. I want to feel positive and upbeat about my future.
4. I want to know the clothes in my closet will fit and I won't be faced with having nothing to wear.
5. I want to be comfortable in my own skin and when I am, when I feel this way, it is when I am taking care of my health and eating well. And I have felt this way and not been at goal weight. THAT TELLS ME IT IS NOT JUST ABOUT WEIGHT BUT ABOUT ACTIONS.
6. Waking up each day with hope not with regret over the previous day's binge and the hopelessness that comes with the day after a binge.
7. I want the years to stop passing where I have uncontrollable eating and look back at the passing of time and find myself shocked at the years that have gone by. Did I think at 20 that I would be 30 and still facing being overweight or now approaching 40 and realizing that 20 and 30 passed. Do I want to be 50?
How do I sum this all up? I don't know. There are compelling reasons there to resolve this and not all of them have to do with body size. I realize alot of it has to do with general good feelings of well being and peace that accompany having your act together. When something is out of balance, it throws your soul/spirit out of balance whatever your addiction is. I want to be in balance.
Carol recommended the Beck Diet Solution which I may read when I return from my vacation.
I realize this is part of my process. Where I lack in will power I have got staying power - I will continue on this process and do the work it takes to get healthier. I just want my time to be more productive.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Determination and persistence win out - at least on the BL
Well last night was another Biggest Loser night. I enjoyed the show and learned a lot about myself as usual.
First I am a big Tara fan. I see alot of myself in her - minus her unbelievable determination and persistence. Maybe I really do not see myself in Tara but see Tara as the person I want to be. Somthing to think about there.
The challenge last night was 2 parts. First the amount of weight contestants lost could be placed on another contestant for part 2 of the challenge. Of course everyone ganged up on Tara and gave her extra weight. I am a very emotional person for sure and during the first part of the challenge when everyone was giving her pounds, I was just seeing her standing there and trying to not let it get to her and if it was me, I would have cried for certain. It just sucks how others can bring us down and a part 1 of this challenge was a picture of the human emotions of jealously and resentment. We all want to be on top and whoever is on top has to have eyes on the back of their head as people are gunning for them. In the end, Tara took it very personally - rightfully so - got sad and then got angry and then took them all out even with her 257 lbs of extra weight hauling that car around the track. I was so glad to see her win. Part 2 of the challenge showed determination and persistence can lead us to victory when the odds are not in our favor. She beat a man pulling more weight. Mentally she was able to do what physically seemed impossible.
As a person I tend to be very mentally weak -- I am so quick to cave against my resolve. I have best of intentions to stick to my 1500 calories a day but find myself logging 1700 - 1800. I have a food plan I fall off of by 2 pm. I plan on avoiding refined foods and eat natural foods and then find myself digging into Wheat Thins at 2 pm. And honestly, without a lot of internal struggle. I just get up and grab the box and eat.
How can I become a person with more determination to change my behaviours? How do I push myself beyond the boundaries that seem inconquerable to me right now? How do I tap into my own determination and persistence to have victory over my weight battle that has loomed on and on and on all of my adult life? I guess if the answer to that was easy, I would have figured it out by now.
On a positive note, I tried on my shorts from last summer size 12's that were too tight last year and they do fit now and fit comfortably so I will have clothes to wear and Florida and will not have to buy anything - I may splurge for a new pair of flip flops.
I acknowledge I have seen progress in the last 3 months. And this is not a 3 month race for me. I am fully committed to losing the 25 - 30 lbs I need to lose over 9 - 12 months. I want to put my best effort foward every day and let the weight come off as a result of my best efforts and that is the frustration I have - I do not always put forth my best efforts. I am too quick to let myself down. And in the end - I do LET MYSELF DOWN - not anyone else.
First I am a big Tara fan. I see alot of myself in her - minus her unbelievable determination and persistence. Maybe I really do not see myself in Tara but see Tara as the person I want to be. Somthing to think about there.
The challenge last night was 2 parts. First the amount of weight contestants lost could be placed on another contestant for part 2 of the challenge. Of course everyone ganged up on Tara and gave her extra weight. I am a very emotional person for sure and during the first part of the challenge when everyone was giving her pounds, I was just seeing her standing there and trying to not let it get to her and if it was me, I would have cried for certain. It just sucks how others can bring us down and a part 1 of this challenge was a picture of the human emotions of jealously and resentment. We all want to be on top and whoever is on top has to have eyes on the back of their head as people are gunning for them. In the end, Tara took it very personally - rightfully so - got sad and then got angry and then took them all out even with her 257 lbs of extra weight hauling that car around the track. I was so glad to see her win. Part 2 of the challenge showed determination and persistence can lead us to victory when the odds are not in our favor. She beat a man pulling more weight. Mentally she was able to do what physically seemed impossible.
As a person I tend to be very mentally weak -- I am so quick to cave against my resolve. I have best of intentions to stick to my 1500 calories a day but find myself logging 1700 - 1800. I have a food plan I fall off of by 2 pm. I plan on avoiding refined foods and eat natural foods and then find myself digging into Wheat Thins at 2 pm. And honestly, without a lot of internal struggle. I just get up and grab the box and eat.
How can I become a person with more determination to change my behaviours? How do I push myself beyond the boundaries that seem inconquerable to me right now? How do I tap into my own determination and persistence to have victory over my weight battle that has loomed on and on and on all of my adult life? I guess if the answer to that was easy, I would have figured it out by now.
On a positive note, I tried on my shorts from last summer size 12's that were too tight last year and they do fit now and fit comfortably so I will have clothes to wear and Florida and will not have to buy anything - I may splurge for a new pair of flip flops.
I acknowledge I have seen progress in the last 3 months. And this is not a 3 month race for me. I am fully committed to losing the 25 - 30 lbs I need to lose over 9 - 12 months. I want to put my best effort foward every day and let the weight come off as a result of my best efforts and that is the frustration I have - I do not always put forth my best efforts. I am too quick to let myself down. And in the end - I do LET MYSELF DOWN - not anyone else.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Springtime in Indiana
Well it is springtime here in the midwest and that means --- really inconsistent weather swings! It was 60 on Saturday, 70 on Sunday, 55 yesterday and barely 60 today. I am really glad I went for my outdoor exercise session on Sunday.
In honor of our cooler temperatures, I made split pea soup from scratch. I love this soup but have to admit that the eye appeal is really lacking. My son was quite shocked when he saw the color of my soup. It does look pretty nasty but tastes good.
I have been trying to incorporate more beans and legumes into my diet to up my fiber intake and get a good protein source not from an animal. I definately consider meat my least favorite food group.
I had a better sleeping night last night. It was a bit iffy at first, I just kept saying to myself... relax... relax... relax... Partly I am worried that it will become mental for me. I am going to keep an eye on the situation and make a note each day in my food journal if I slept ok or not. That way I can establish patterns to see if it could be hormonal related as Carol suggested.
In honor of our cooler temperatures, I made split pea soup from scratch. I love this soup but have to admit that the eye appeal is really lacking. My son was quite shocked when he saw the color of my soup. It does look pretty nasty but tastes good.
I have been trying to incorporate more beans and legumes into my diet to up my fiber intake and get a good protein source not from an animal. I definately consider meat my least favorite food group.
I had a better sleeping night last night. It was a bit iffy at first, I just kept saying to myself... relax... relax... relax... Partly I am worried that it will become mental for me. I am going to keep an eye on the situation and make a note each day in my food journal if I slept ok or not. That way I can establish patterns to see if it could be hormonal related as Carol suggested.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Trouble Sleeping
For the past month or so, I have intermittently had trouble sleeping. Usually I wake up around 2 am and then cannot fall back asleep. Saturday night this happened to me and I just lay there trying to go to sleep and cannot and it is incredibly frustrating. I have tried multiple techniques to clear my mind. I feel like I have so many thoughts racing through my mind as I lay there - songs I can't get out of my head, thoughts about things I need to get done, worries about my kids, etc... I try to clear them out and replace them with something more relaxing and as I lay there, I hear them coming back in.
Last night, I could not fall asleep. Yesterday here it was mid 60's and I exercised outside and then did outdoor chores for about 4 hours. I was sore and tired but when I got into bed, here came the tape player of mutiple messages, worries, songs on the radio - and I laid in bed for 2 hours unable to fall asleep. I ended up turning on the light besides my bed and reading for an hour which did help some. I managed to sleep for the most part from midnight until 6:45 so I feel mostly rested this AM.
I am usually the person who is asleep before their head hits the pillow and never will wake up at night - even sleeping through horrible thunderstorms. I do not feel like I am horribly stressed about anything right now and am afraid this is becoming a habit I will not be able to shake. I am trying not to worry about falling asleep before I go to bed but it is in the back of my mind.
Any suggestions?
Last night, I could not fall asleep. Yesterday here it was mid 60's and I exercised outside and then did outdoor chores for about 4 hours. I was sore and tired but when I got into bed, here came the tape player of mutiple messages, worries, songs on the radio - and I laid in bed for 2 hours unable to fall asleep. I ended up turning on the light besides my bed and reading for an hour which did help some. I managed to sleep for the most part from midnight until 6:45 so I feel mostly rested this AM.
I am usually the person who is asleep before their head hits the pillow and never will wake up at night - even sleeping through horrible thunderstorms. I do not feel like I am horribly stressed about anything right now and am afraid this is becoming a habit I will not be able to shake. I am trying not to worry about falling asleep before I go to bed but it is in the back of my mind.
Any suggestions?
Saturday, March 21, 2009
More Magazine April 2009
I received my favorite magazine, More, in the mail Thursday. I sat down this morning and read it while drinking my coffee. This month they had several articles that truly motivated me.
The first was on cover model Dara Torres. What an amazing woman. She is 41 and has an incredibly fit body. She is a world class athlete competing against women 20 to 25 years younger than her and winning! Very inspiring. The article is an excerpt from her new book publishing soon. When answering questions from the journalist she said, "I'm still testing the waters to see where my limits are" Reading this article made me realize that I have set limits on myself that I really need to shake off. Dara Torres who competed as an Olympian at 41 is still testing her limits! I really need to search my heart to see where I am limiting myself. My potential is only limited by my self-imposed limits. I am certainly no Olympic class athlete but during my morning circuit training routine I pushed myself farther and harder than prior workouts. My arms felt like noodles when done.
There was also an article on a new food labeling system called Nuval. Now maybe I am the only one who had not heard about this but the most exciting part was Meier, one of my local grocery chains, is going to start labeling their food this fall. The system basically assigns a score to a food with 100 being perfect and 1 not so great. The numbers are based on a mathematical formula dividing the good stuff (fiber, protein, omega 3's, vitamins) by the bad stuff (trans fats, sodium, etc) You can go to www.nuval.com to see the foods they have converted so far. How exciting that they are making food choice selection so much easier. Sometimes reading labels can be a chore and a number on the front of packaging - how much easier can it get!
Lastly there was an article called, "Are you Fit Enough for your Future". This article gave 5 tests you should take to assess your "body age". The tests were in Strength, Core, Flexibility, Balance and Cardio. Based on how you perform, you figure out if your body is in its 20's, 30's, 40's, 50's or 60's+. My body age was lower or same as my biological age on all tests except flexibility. I have really got to work on this. I always have a hard time fitting Yoga in with the strength and cardio I do - it is important though. Core I was weaker on so need to train my abs more often.
I really enjoy this magazine and recommend it as worthy of a subscription. There is substantial content here. The women are real women not celebrities - they are successful women and there is always a story at the end about a woman who reached a goal or dream or re-created herself after 40. The clothes are beautiful - and way out of my price range - but nice to look at. And there are always health related articles to help me reach for my fitness goals.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Struggling
For the past few days I have been a little off my "A" game and I really needed a swift kick in the rear and I got it from fellow blogger Carol. Her post was exactly what I needed to read and remember. So thank you!
As I said, I have been struggling. Overeating and making some bad choices. I have been putting in more hours at work and having less time for me - working out, making my healthy lunches, etc... Lots of excuses here if you cannot read between the lines.
Bottom line is, I have not been doing what I need to do to be successful. Reading Carol's post about successfully maintaining helped me to remember how I struggle that way, successfully losing and then regaining the same 15 pounds over the last 4 years and never being able to keep my momentum going to even get to the true maintenance phase... it isn't easy and it isn't supposed to be. But is it worth it - Yes it is - it is for me so I will continue on. Hope to have more inspiring posts of my own in the future.
As I said, I have been struggling. Overeating and making some bad choices. I have been putting in more hours at work and having less time for me - working out, making my healthy lunches, etc... Lots of excuses here if you cannot read between the lines.
Bottom line is, I have not been doing what I need to do to be successful. Reading Carol's post about successfully maintaining helped me to remember how I struggle that way, successfully losing and then regaining the same 15 pounds over the last 4 years and never being able to keep my momentum going to even get to the true maintenance phase... it isn't easy and it isn't supposed to be. But is it worth it - Yes it is - it is for me so I will continue on. Hope to have more inspiring posts of my own in the future.
Conversation with Myself
Carol - yes I did run again! Monday afternoon. Here in Indiana it was right at 70 and a bit warm but it felt great to be outside. Last week I walked to warm up then ran 15 minutes out and 15 minutes back then walked to cool down. This week I went 20 minutes out and tried to do 20 minutes back but ended up walking a bit on the back which shows I should just stick to the 15. Knee - so far so good. Will continue to try to go once a week 30 - 40 minutes.
Yesterday I ended up having a conversation with myself. Monday night, I made a batch of cookies for my sons' daycare. They don't normally go but this week I have software training so she is helping me out. One of the days is 1/2 day off school so I made some cookies for snack time.
As I progress in my moderation approach to eating, I want to become comfortable around trigger foods. With this instance, the cookie making, I ate several tastes of the dough and 2 cookies once done. I went too far I know but yet managed to stop short of any prior time with baking sweets so feel it is progress even though I ate too much.
Yesterday, Tuesday, I got home after 10 hours of computer training and walked in the door to an empty house- put pork loin on the grill for dinner and got changed to work out. There are about a dozen cookies in my house at this point and I walked by and grabbed one and started eating it. BEFORE my work out mind you. I ate 1/2 the cookie, realized what I was doing and pitched it in the trash then got on my spin bike to warm up for my circuit training. Now I said empty house earlier as kids and husband were at baseball. While warming up I proceed to talk out loud to myself, coaching myself on how can I make the choices I want to make. I gave voice to the internal discussions I have around these temptation foods. What I hear myself saying and then what I actually do in response to those voices. I ended up declaring what I want my new behavior to be felt sufficiently motivated to finish my work out and stay out of the cookies rest of the evening.
I am not making this sound near as crazy as it would have sounded had anyone else heard me. But I felt so much better when I was done. Sometimes I just want to ignore that internal critic and then I end up overeating. Hearing the internal voice helped me realize I don't' have to believe it. I can question it and correct what it is saying.
I still haven't decided if I will try again to make baked goods in my house. I do not normally keep sweets around but occasionally we will have them. I no longer want them to have power over me but realize I am early in this process. I learned quite a bit from this situation I can apply to the next time I am faced with temptation.
Yesterday I ended up having a conversation with myself. Monday night, I made a batch of cookies for my sons' daycare. They don't normally go but this week I have software training so she is helping me out. One of the days is 1/2 day off school so I made some cookies for snack time.
As I progress in my moderation approach to eating, I want to become comfortable around trigger foods. With this instance, the cookie making, I ate several tastes of the dough and 2 cookies once done. I went too far I know but yet managed to stop short of any prior time with baking sweets so feel it is progress even though I ate too much.
Yesterday, Tuesday, I got home after 10 hours of computer training and walked in the door to an empty house- put pork loin on the grill for dinner and got changed to work out. There are about a dozen cookies in my house at this point and I walked by and grabbed one and started eating it. BEFORE my work out mind you. I ate 1/2 the cookie, realized what I was doing and pitched it in the trash then got on my spin bike to warm up for my circuit training. Now I said empty house earlier as kids and husband were at baseball. While warming up I proceed to talk out loud to myself, coaching myself on how can I make the choices I want to make. I gave voice to the internal discussions I have around these temptation foods. What I hear myself saying and then what I actually do in response to those voices. I ended up declaring what I want my new behavior to be felt sufficiently motivated to finish my work out and stay out of the cookies rest of the evening.
I am not making this sound near as crazy as it would have sounded had anyone else heard me. But I felt so much better when I was done. Sometimes I just want to ignore that internal critic and then I end up overeating. Hearing the internal voice helped me realize I don't' have to believe it. I can question it and correct what it is saying.
I still haven't decided if I will try again to make baked goods in my house. I do not normally keep sweets around but occasionally we will have them. I no longer want them to have power over me but realize I am early in this process. I learned quite a bit from this situation I can apply to the next time I am faced with temptation.
Monday, March 16, 2009
A New Answer
I have been waiting for someone to notice I have lost some weight and how would I handle the inevitable question of "How did you do it" In the past, I could have said Weight Watchers, Herbalife, Atkins, etc... This time I am not on a program. I thought about answering the question with "eat less, exercise more" or "portion control" which are both true in a sense.
Well I got the question over the weekend and I said - "I am on the either or plan" and my friend looked at me and I said I can have either this or that but not both. The this and that in question this night was either an alcoholic drink with dinner or a dessert after dinner but could not have both. I chose the drink by the way - the cookie could not be savored like my glass of wine.
My friend laughed and I elaborated by saying - in the past I was all or nothing and now I am learning balance and I can have some things to eat that are not "diet foods" but I just can't have them all the time and every day. I am learning I can be an "either or" person instead of a "both" person and it is working for me.
It was the first time I felt good about my answer. I will keep moving forward towards optimum health and fitness.
Well I got the question over the weekend and I said - "I am on the either or plan" and my friend looked at me and I said I can have either this or that but not both. The this and that in question this night was either an alcoholic drink with dinner or a dessert after dinner but could not have both. I chose the drink by the way - the cookie could not be savored like my glass of wine.
My friend laughed and I elaborated by saying - in the past I was all or nothing and now I am learning balance and I can have some things to eat that are not "diet foods" but I just can't have them all the time and every day. I am learning I can be an "either or" person instead of a "both" person and it is working for me.
It was the first time I felt good about my answer. I will keep moving forward towards optimum health and fitness.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Cyclical emotions with perspective
24 hours after my last post, I really have a different perspective. I have been considering my prior attempts at changing my nutritional habits and how I really am different this time. This doesn't mean I will not have cyclical emotions but how I am going to interact with them, will be different.
I first gained weight - around 40 lbs - as a 14 year old girl whose parents went through a divorce. My first diet was at 15. Today I am 38. For the majority of my life, I have fluctuated between 170 and 180 pounds. Post - pregnancy I was 205 but managed to lose into the 170 - 180 range 2 years after my 2nd child was born but for the past 6 years, I have gone up and down in this range without successfully ever achieving the 150's which I consider a rough goal weight for myself.
In this 20+ years of dieting, my usual pattern is. Start something (name any plan from Weight Watchers to Atkins to any diet book out there) last a couple weeks half-heartedly where I do what is expected of me 80% of any day but can't quite count all my points or completely cut out carbs or eat a head of lettuce or ______________ (fill in blank with whatever said diet requires) then I quit and eat everything I want then I feel remorse then I say well that diet wasn't right there is a new book or a new infomercial or a new magazine article that says I should do this and so I try the new plan only to repeat the entire process.
As soon as I start to feel let down by my results or my efforts I quit and move on because it couldn't possibly be me it has to be the program that I picked.
January 2nd I knew that if I started a program of any sort that I was doomed to failure as that is what will not work for me. I have to find my own path to success and it cannot be defined in any one set program. I have looked at many sources over the past 3 months to get ideas on how to be healthy - Prevention magazine, Jillian Michael's website, many of the wonderful blogs here, books about healthy habits not diets, etc... I am not doing what I did before.
So when I have these changes in perception of myself brought on by hormones or just bad days (bad body days like bad hair days) I can react differently. I don't have to dive into a bag of chips or a gallon of ice cream only to the next day or week start a new program. My program is my life. Every day making choices that are bringing me closer to optimal health. And yes, one day that may mean me having a sugar craving and ALLOWING myself a cookie or a piece of candy but nothing is forbidden for me anymore.
I know I am rambling here but even though I am still sort of feeling "bluesey" about my body, I still sense at the root of my spirit optimism that I can handle it. I am not still dieting. One book I go to for inspiration is Joanna Lund's book "String of Pearls". In one of her mini lessons on how she recaptured her health she says:
"For years, many of us found ourselves on the dieting treadmill, never actually reaching our destination or goal but covering those same old miles (pounds) again and again. The scenery never changed, the path never varied and the results, eventually were always the same. We were still just dieting. One of the main reasons I've been able to jump off that treadmill is that I was ready to do something different, because I wanted a different result. This time, I wasn't out there searching for the next quick fix or the magic diet, the one that told me if only I ate special combinations of foods at particular times of day, I'd lose the weight and keep it off forever. This time, I decided I wasn't buying into that philosophy anymore."
And that sums up how I feel. I am in charge of my health now not some plan. And I can handle these emotions in a new way. Will keep you posted.
I first gained weight - around 40 lbs - as a 14 year old girl whose parents went through a divorce. My first diet was at 15. Today I am 38. For the majority of my life, I have fluctuated between 170 and 180 pounds. Post - pregnancy I was 205 but managed to lose into the 170 - 180 range 2 years after my 2nd child was born but for the past 6 years, I have gone up and down in this range without successfully ever achieving the 150's which I consider a rough goal weight for myself.
In this 20+ years of dieting, my usual pattern is. Start something (name any plan from Weight Watchers to Atkins to any diet book out there) last a couple weeks half-heartedly where I do what is expected of me 80% of any day but can't quite count all my points or completely cut out carbs or eat a head of lettuce or ______________ (fill in blank with whatever said diet requires) then I quit and eat everything I want then I feel remorse then I say well that diet wasn't right there is a new book or a new infomercial or a new magazine article that says I should do this and so I try the new plan only to repeat the entire process.
As soon as I start to feel let down by my results or my efforts I quit and move on because it couldn't possibly be me it has to be the program that I picked.
January 2nd I knew that if I started a program of any sort that I was doomed to failure as that is what will not work for me. I have to find my own path to success and it cannot be defined in any one set program. I have looked at many sources over the past 3 months to get ideas on how to be healthy - Prevention magazine, Jillian Michael's website, many of the wonderful blogs here, books about healthy habits not diets, etc... I am not doing what I did before.
So when I have these changes in perception of myself brought on by hormones or just bad days (bad body days like bad hair days) I can react differently. I don't have to dive into a bag of chips or a gallon of ice cream only to the next day or week start a new program. My program is my life. Every day making choices that are bringing me closer to optimal health. And yes, one day that may mean me having a sugar craving and ALLOWING myself a cookie or a piece of candy but nothing is forbidden for me anymore.
I know I am rambling here but even though I am still sort of feeling "bluesey" about my body, I still sense at the root of my spirit optimism that I can handle it. I am not still dieting. One book I go to for inspiration is Joanna Lund's book "String of Pearls". In one of her mini lessons on how she recaptured her health she says:
"For years, many of us found ourselves on the dieting treadmill, never actually reaching our destination or goal but covering those same old miles (pounds) again and again. The scenery never changed, the path never varied and the results, eventually were always the same. We were still just dieting. One of the main reasons I've been able to jump off that treadmill is that I was ready to do something different, because I wanted a different result. This time, I wasn't out there searching for the next quick fix or the magic diet, the one that told me if only I ate special combinations of foods at particular times of day, I'd lose the weight and keep it off forever. This time, I decided I wasn't buying into that philosophy anymore."
And that sums up how I feel. I am in charge of my health now not some plan. And I can handle these emotions in a new way. Will keep you posted.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Cyclical emotions
I have to be real today about how I am feeling. I seem to follow a pattern in how I think and feel about my weight and body image. Each month I go through a period of acceptance and optimism where I know I will achieve my goals and I am accepting of the process and the patience it will take to get there. Then I seem to slide a bit into a more passive attitude where I feel my body is just ok and that change will come even though I feel I am plodding along towards my goal. Before I know it, all of a sudden I am despondent over how I look in a mirror and I have lost all my optimism and feel that everything I am doing is a waste of time.
Usually these cycles are monthly and I am not a GYN but have to think it has something to do with the various hormone levels throughout the month.
It is frustrating! I love the way I feel when I am accepting of myself and where I am and realize that the work will pay off and I will get there. I am willing to be patient with my body and lose this weight slowly and healthfully without eliminating food groups or drinking protein shakes. I feel capable and confident.
I have started to notice the change just yesterday. To start, I could find nothing that fit right yesterday and everything I tried on wasn't comfortable. I kept telling myself, these are the same clothes you felt great in last week. Than I worked out later in the day and it was dark out and I could see my reflection in the windows and I just kept fixating on the flabbier parts of my body. When I got done, I put my kids to bed and in the mirror in their room, I saw myself and thought "You look so fat". What happened to those thoughts where I could see past the flab and notice the developing muscle tone - GONE.
I realize this pattern and I guess that is the first step right. I also realize that this is usually the period where I am most prone to binging. The negative feelings tab my subconscious which says - chocolate will make it all better or how about 3 bowls of cereal after dinner. I need to be prepared for this and not jump off the cliff.
Dealing with these emotions in a new way will help me continue this process of permanent change and permanent weight loss. Any ideas?
Usually these cycles are monthly and I am not a GYN but have to think it has something to do with the various hormone levels throughout the month.
It is frustrating! I love the way I feel when I am accepting of myself and where I am and realize that the work will pay off and I will get there. I am willing to be patient with my body and lose this weight slowly and healthfully without eliminating food groups or drinking protein shakes. I feel capable and confident.
I have started to notice the change just yesterday. To start, I could find nothing that fit right yesterday and everything I tried on wasn't comfortable. I kept telling myself, these are the same clothes you felt great in last week. Than I worked out later in the day and it was dark out and I could see my reflection in the windows and I just kept fixating on the flabbier parts of my body. When I got done, I put my kids to bed and in the mirror in their room, I saw myself and thought "You look so fat". What happened to those thoughts where I could see past the flab and notice the developing muscle tone - GONE.
I realize this pattern and I guess that is the first step right. I also realize that this is usually the period where I am most prone to binging. The negative feelings tab my subconscious which says - chocolate will make it all better or how about 3 bowls of cereal after dinner. I need to be prepared for this and not jump off the cliff.
Dealing with these emotions in a new way will help me continue this process of permanent change and permanent weight loss. Any ideas?
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Conflict Resolution
I am a Biggest Loser watcher and my husband thinks all reality TV is mindless and cannot watch it. He has tried but the drama is the part he cannot stand. So last night while watching the show, I realized there is so much needless drama. Now I know we are human and conflict resolution is not easy for most of us. But, really the situation with Filipe was classic poor conflict resolution.
Quick background, a couple episodes ago, the teams got mixed up and Filipe and his cousin Sione moved from Bob's to Jillian's team. As Bob and Jillian take completely different approaches to training, Filipe and Sione were not happy. They wanted Bob.
Last night, the conflict started when Jillian did not train Filipe individually. She worked with the rest of the group while he did his cardio on multiple machines while waiting and stewing. As Filipe told the camera, "She is not working with me. She is working with everyone else but not me". I am sure the contestants are in the gym for 6 or 8 hours and during all that time, he could not have walked up to Jillian and said - "When will it be my turn?" or "I am ready to train am I going to get a shot today?" Instead, he blows up at her much later on in the show while she is reaming them for a food and booze binge at their 24 hour spa "relaxation reward". He walks off, says I am not training with you and goes running to Bob.
At the end of the segment where Filipe complained about not being trained, I turned to my 10 year old son and said - Why didn't he just ask her. They could have discussed it, argued about it, gotten their frustrations out and moved on. Instead, he is going to bottle it up and it will come out later at some point. My boys never get to watch the entire 2 hour show due to bed time but their last segment was the "blow up" segment where I told Luke - See - it comes out later on and when it does, it is always bigger than it would have been had he handled it better when he first encountered the conflict.
I used to avoid conflict and I still have to challenge myself to face it. Due to family dynamics growing up, I was just better off to keep quiet and not "stir the pot". That was my role. But now as an adult, that role does not serve me well in life. I have slowly learned to face conflict with my husband, mother in law, employer, etc... Sometimes it can be the most minor thing that is bothering me but I give it a voice or else it festers inside and comes out later like a volcano. If only Fione had talked to Jillian, she is not completely heartless, she could have addressed their lack of trust and Fione would not have had to run away from training with her. Resolving conflicts is a life long skill he will need off campus when he returns home if he wants to keep from eating out of frustration and regaining his weight.
On a different note, I want for a very short run yesterday. Finding these great blogs with people who run, just gives me the itch. I cannot go very far or very often. Maybe once a week for 3 miles max but I am going to test my knee to see if it can manage that much. If not, I will survive or have knee surgery who knows. My run last night was awesome. All the work I have done this winter spinning and doing the circuits have really strengthened my legs. I ran very strong and fast for me and my lungs felt great. I was just pumped when I got home - LOVE THE RUNNER'S HIGH. Anyway, exercise is just awesome and a wonderful way to deal with conflict! Who wants to fight with all those endorphins.
Quick background, a couple episodes ago, the teams got mixed up and Filipe and his cousin Sione moved from Bob's to Jillian's team. As Bob and Jillian take completely different approaches to training, Filipe and Sione were not happy. They wanted Bob.
Last night, the conflict started when Jillian did not train Filipe individually. She worked with the rest of the group while he did his cardio on multiple machines while waiting and stewing. As Filipe told the camera, "She is not working with me. She is working with everyone else but not me". I am sure the contestants are in the gym for 6 or 8 hours and during all that time, he could not have walked up to Jillian and said - "When will it be my turn?" or "I am ready to train am I going to get a shot today?" Instead, he blows up at her much later on in the show while she is reaming them for a food and booze binge at their 24 hour spa "relaxation reward". He walks off, says I am not training with you and goes running to Bob.
At the end of the segment where Filipe complained about not being trained, I turned to my 10 year old son and said - Why didn't he just ask her. They could have discussed it, argued about it, gotten their frustrations out and moved on. Instead, he is going to bottle it up and it will come out later at some point. My boys never get to watch the entire 2 hour show due to bed time but their last segment was the "blow up" segment where I told Luke - See - it comes out later on and when it does, it is always bigger than it would have been had he handled it better when he first encountered the conflict.
I used to avoid conflict and I still have to challenge myself to face it. Due to family dynamics growing up, I was just better off to keep quiet and not "stir the pot". That was my role. But now as an adult, that role does not serve me well in life. I have slowly learned to face conflict with my husband, mother in law, employer, etc... Sometimes it can be the most minor thing that is bothering me but I give it a voice or else it festers inside and comes out later like a volcano. If only Fione had talked to Jillian, she is not completely heartless, she could have addressed their lack of trust and Fione would not have had to run away from training with her. Resolving conflicts is a life long skill he will need off campus when he returns home if he wants to keep from eating out of frustration and regaining his weight.
On a different note, I want for a very short run yesterday. Finding these great blogs with people who run, just gives me the itch. I cannot go very far or very often. Maybe once a week for 3 miles max but I am going to test my knee to see if it can manage that much. If not, I will survive or have knee surgery who knows. My run last night was awesome. All the work I have done this winter spinning and doing the circuits have really strengthened my legs. I ran very strong and fast for me and my lungs felt great. I was just pumped when I got home - LOVE THE RUNNER'S HIGH. Anyway, exercise is just awesome and a wonderful way to deal with conflict! Who wants to fight with all those endorphins.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Swimsuit shopping
Well I am heading off to Florida in 3 1/2 weeks and I went to get my swimsuit yesterday. I have realized by observing and listening to my thin friends that no one really likes to go swim suit shopping regardless of what their size is! Even my tiny friends do not look like the women in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition. Most women outside of Hollywood have some body flaws. As I have matured/aged I realize that I am not Giselle Bundchen and I am never going to turn heads on the beach.
With this in mind, I try to find a suit I will be comfortable in that is still somewhat fashionable. My first stop was Kohl's and their in store selection DID NOT match their website. I do live in Indiana and it is not exactly swimsuit season around here so maybe that explains it. I tried a couple on and did not really like them. Target was my next stop and I found a suit I loved in a color that will flatter my skin tone. I was very happy all for $30. Then today while online I found the almost identical suit on a Fox News Feature on swimsuits for pear shaped women. So I must have made a good choice. Of course none of the models in the pictures were pear shaped which I found rather amusing.
My spirits were really raised by the whole experience which is new for me. I went into the experience being really honest about my body and it's current size - I am not at my goal weight so I went in being realistic. As I tried on suits, I still have the same areas of my body I wish had less cellulite, more toned, etc... but I did not pick them apart in the dressing room. I was able to notice the positives about my body. My top is slimmer especially my shoulders and my arms are looking toned. My legs although the largest part of my body along with my behind are still well, larger but I was able to see the incredible muscle tone I am developing in my quads. I realize that as I shed some more pounds that my muscle tone will shine through and I will look amazingly fit.
I am so hopeful for what my body will become and so accepting of what it is today. Besides, I have great friends I am going on vacation with who could care less what I look like in a suit and I am going to have a great vacation regardless of the remaining cellulite on my thighs.
With this in mind, I try to find a suit I will be comfortable in that is still somewhat fashionable. My first stop was Kohl's and their in store selection DID NOT match their website. I do live in Indiana and it is not exactly swimsuit season around here so maybe that explains it. I tried a couple on and did not really like them. Target was my next stop and I found a suit I loved in a color that will flatter my skin tone. I was very happy all for $30. Then today while online I found the almost identical suit on a Fox News Feature on swimsuits for pear shaped women. So I must have made a good choice. Of course none of the models in the pictures were pear shaped which I found rather amusing.
My spirits were really raised by the whole experience which is new for me. I went into the experience being really honest about my body and it's current size - I am not at my goal weight so I went in being realistic. As I tried on suits, I still have the same areas of my body I wish had less cellulite, more toned, etc... but I did not pick them apart in the dressing room. I was able to notice the positives about my body. My top is slimmer especially my shoulders and my arms are looking toned. My legs although the largest part of my body along with my behind are still well, larger but I was able to see the incredible muscle tone I am developing in my quads. I realize that as I shed some more pounds that my muscle tone will shine through and I will look amazingly fit.
I am so hopeful for what my body will become and so accepting of what it is today. Besides, I have great friends I am going on vacation with who could care less what I look like in a suit and I am going to have a great vacation regardless of the remaining cellulite on my thighs.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
To Weigh or not to weigh
The past 2 weeks, I have not been weighing. I tend to go through cycles where weighing does not feel like a chore and when it does. Right now, I just really have no desire to see that number.
It is not like I am avoiding the scale. I feel like I am down even more. I am fitting into all of my work clothes now and that has not happened in a year. I had someone call me "slim" at work this week and I feel so much better about my appearance. I feel like if I was to weigh, I would probably be happy with the result.
But, I am still hesitant to weigh. I do have a tendency to fixate on numbers. Part of the reason I guess is I am probably at that weight I have never been able to get past. I have successful gotten to 168 or 167 several times but can never drop below that. My goal is 155. So right now I am down around 13 lbs of my total goal to lose 26. I really want to keep at it and the weight is coming off very slow. I will weigh again, maybe the end of March and hope to be around 165. I want to break past that "stuck" point on my scale before I see the number again.
Right now I am feeling pretty optimistic. I have been far from perfect but I realize how much of a process this is and not an overnight thing. I will get there eventually but maybe not until the middle to the end of summer and I am ok with that. When I am ready I will weigh but not before then. And I will know when I am ready.
It is not like I am avoiding the scale. I feel like I am down even more. I am fitting into all of my work clothes now and that has not happened in a year. I had someone call me "slim" at work this week and I feel so much better about my appearance. I feel like if I was to weigh, I would probably be happy with the result.
But, I am still hesitant to weigh. I do have a tendency to fixate on numbers. Part of the reason I guess is I am probably at that weight I have never been able to get past. I have successful gotten to 168 or 167 several times but can never drop below that. My goal is 155. So right now I am down around 13 lbs of my total goal to lose 26. I really want to keep at it and the weight is coming off very slow. I will weigh again, maybe the end of March and hope to be around 165. I want to break past that "stuck" point on my scale before I see the number again.
Right now I am feeling pretty optimistic. I have been far from perfect but I realize how much of a process this is and not an overnight thing. I will get there eventually but maybe not until the middle to the end of summer and I am ok with that. When I am ready I will weigh but not before then. And I will know when I am ready.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Prevention Magazine
I really enjoy this magazine. I just started subscribing and received my 3rd issue last night and it has so much useful information. They also have a great website I was checking out this AM
This month's issue had an article on walking marathons. I am a former runner and ran 3 1/2 marathons in the past. I hurt my knee when training for the Chicago Marathon 3 years ago. It was a meniscus injury. The MRI showed it like a stress fracture inside my meniscus but not a complete tear. The Doctor gave me a cortisone shot told me to wait 6 months and then if that didn't work, they could do exploratory surgery. I injured myself in July and waited until the following Spring to really try to run outside again and the pain returned.
So - I decided to try to find fitness without running. Other forms of exercise existed and surgery frightened me so I moved on. I haven't tried a full fledged running program in a long time and even if I did try to add running to my fitness schedule, I would never try to train for a marathon or 1/2 again as that would definately mess with my knee.
I never considered walking a marathon but this Prevention episdode got me a little pumped about that. They have Team Prevention that walks together at several races in the Fall (none of which are really close to my house though). Alli who won TBL 2 seasons ago is walking in one this Spring. It has always been my goal to complete a marathon. When I hurt my knee I figured that goal had to be off my list of things to do with my life. But, possibly I could pencil that one back in but with walking.
I feel it is important to have something you are shooting for. Training for the halfs gave me much discipline and were so rewarding to finish. I like to have a goal and achieve it. I haven't had anything to train for in awhile so I am going to reflect on this and see if I really want to do this and take the time to train and complete this long of a walk. Not commiting yet but considering it! I would love to walk with Ali's team but that is 8 weeks away - not sure I am in that kind of shape yet.
This month's issue had an article on walking marathons. I am a former runner and ran 3 1/2 marathons in the past. I hurt my knee when training for the Chicago Marathon 3 years ago. It was a meniscus injury. The MRI showed it like a stress fracture inside my meniscus but not a complete tear. The Doctor gave me a cortisone shot told me to wait 6 months and then if that didn't work, they could do exploratory surgery. I injured myself in July and waited until the following Spring to really try to run outside again and the pain returned.
So - I decided to try to find fitness without running. Other forms of exercise existed and surgery frightened me so I moved on. I haven't tried a full fledged running program in a long time and even if I did try to add running to my fitness schedule, I would never try to train for a marathon or 1/2 again as that would definately mess with my knee.
I never considered walking a marathon but this Prevention episdode got me a little pumped about that. They have Team Prevention that walks together at several races in the Fall (none of which are really close to my house though). Alli who won TBL 2 seasons ago is walking in one this Spring. It has always been my goal to complete a marathon. When I hurt my knee I figured that goal had to be off my list of things to do with my life. But, possibly I could pencil that one back in but with walking.
I feel it is important to have something you are shooting for. Training for the halfs gave me much discipline and were so rewarding to finish. I like to have a goal and achieve it. I haven't had anything to train for in awhile so I am going to reflect on this and see if I really want to do this and take the time to train and complete this long of a walk. Not commiting yet but considering it! I would love to walk with Ali's team but that is 8 weeks away - not sure I am in that kind of shape yet.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
The Parts of Sharon in the Green Team
Each season of the biggest loser I will usually pick a favorite team to watch. This year it was Dan and Dave because I just sympathized with Dan as being so overweight and so young and I really wanted him to have a chance. As they got voted off early, I had to pick a new team and picked the green team. Mostly because I see parts of myself in both Tara and Laura. That was a key element in last nights story line and I was thinking about it even as I tried to go to sleep.
Tara is me as an exerciser. I do not go at it 6 - 8 hours a day but when I work out, it is intense, full on sweat, and I can really push myself. I have no problem doing it 6 days a week and enjoy it. I even am like Tara as she loves the gym and missed the gym that one episode where they lost access for a week. I am a gym rat (Can't wait to get my Y membership back this Fall)
Laura is me as a dieter. No confidence. Play the victim. Last night Jillian "outed" her as the weak link on the team and Laura left the gym in tears. When Jillian went to find her to discuss it, Laura could not articulate to Jillian how she feels about her contributions to the team at all. I think she is at a loss to state how she allows herself to give less than 100% so she comes off as sounding clueless.
This is how I behave as a dieter. I continue to sabatoge myself and overeat at times and not follow through on what I say I will do and allow myself to overeat most days in the afternoon and evening. Yet fail to find a solution to break this pattern of behavior. I usually allow it to repeat and then decide afterwards, "I really need to change this". Never before it happens but after.
I have to challenge myself as Jillian is pushing Laura to. I can no longer just allow this to be the status quo in my life. I would love to have Jillian give it to me straight and yes I would probably be just like Laura and run away in tears but we need to get to the root of things to fix them.
One other part of the show I loved last night was Sugar Ray Leonard's appearance to promote his boxing class. He told the group how weight loss and fitness is mental and to get tunnel vision on your goal. He emphasized this by cupping his hands around his eyes and blocking his vision to the sides. This will be a good visual for me today to keep my focus on clean eating and block out the food that will prevent me from my goal.
Tara is me as an exerciser. I do not go at it 6 - 8 hours a day but when I work out, it is intense, full on sweat, and I can really push myself. I have no problem doing it 6 days a week and enjoy it. I even am like Tara as she loves the gym and missed the gym that one episode where they lost access for a week. I am a gym rat (Can't wait to get my Y membership back this Fall)
Laura is me as a dieter. No confidence. Play the victim. Last night Jillian "outed" her as the weak link on the team and Laura left the gym in tears. When Jillian went to find her to discuss it, Laura could not articulate to Jillian how she feels about her contributions to the team at all. I think she is at a loss to state how she allows herself to give less than 100% so she comes off as sounding clueless.
This is how I behave as a dieter. I continue to sabatoge myself and overeat at times and not follow through on what I say I will do and allow myself to overeat most days in the afternoon and evening. Yet fail to find a solution to break this pattern of behavior. I usually allow it to repeat and then decide afterwards, "I really need to change this". Never before it happens but after.
I have to challenge myself as Jillian is pushing Laura to. I can no longer just allow this to be the status quo in my life. I would love to have Jillian give it to me straight and yes I would probably be just like Laura and run away in tears but we need to get to the root of things to fix them.
One other part of the show I loved last night was Sugar Ray Leonard's appearance to promote his boxing class. He told the group how weight loss and fitness is mental and to get tunnel vision on your goal. He emphasized this by cupping his hands around his eyes and blocking his vision to the sides. This will be a good visual for me today to keep my focus on clean eating and block out the food that will prevent me from my goal.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Moving forward
Today I woke up and committed to moving forward. I cannot look back with regrets over poor food choices made. I can only take from that experience knowledge of how to prevent it in the future. Regret for me often leads to more eating.
I will spend some time tonight meditating on why my health is important to me and compile a list that I can go to in times of temptation.
I want to thank everyone for the comments on my post yesterday. They were very helpful. Sometimes I feel very alone in my journey. Living in a house with 3 males - all without any weight issues at all, I feel like an island. This blog is really helping me feel connected.
I will spend some time tonight meditating on why my health is important to me and compile a list that I can go to in times of temptation.
I want to thank everyone for the comments on my post yesterday. They were very helpful. Sometimes I feel very alone in my journey. Living in a house with 3 males - all without any weight issues at all, I feel like an island. This blog is really helping me feel connected.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Understanding
I am trying to understand how my mind/mouth work sometimes. I have struggled with consistency in my eating, which explains why my oldest son is 10 and I still weigh 8 pounds more than my pre-pregnancy weight which was 13 pounds more than my goal weight.
I do not want to throw a bunch of excuses for my failure based on childhood habits learned. I can only say that I have been breaking my diet with uncontrollable binges for as long as I can remember. What I have continued to do is to forgive myself and keep moving forward.
What I would like to consider and would appreciate any advise on is how do I reduce these episodes. I am beyond thinking that I will ever completely stop. But how do I move past this pattern on behavior. I recognize it is completely destructive and manages to "undo" the good I have done. I realize it prohibits me from achieving my goals. I also acknowledge that I really do not like myself when I do this.
I am proud of the fact that I always regroup and start again but I need to grow and get out of this place I keep ending up - bloated and disappointed.
I do not want to throw a bunch of excuses for my failure based on childhood habits learned. I can only say that I have been breaking my diet with uncontrollable binges for as long as I can remember. What I have continued to do is to forgive myself and keep moving forward.
What I would like to consider and would appreciate any advise on is how do I reduce these episodes. I am beyond thinking that I will ever completely stop. But how do I move past this pattern on behavior. I recognize it is completely destructive and manages to "undo" the good I have done. I realize it prohibits me from achieving my goals. I also acknowledge that I really do not like myself when I do this.
I am proud of the fact that I always regroup and start again but I need to grow and get out of this place I keep ending up - bloated and disappointed.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Patience
Romans 12:12
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer
This bible verse today really says what my heart is feeling. I am all of these things, joyful in hope for a bright future. Patient in my affliction of overeating and excess weight. And faithful in prayer that God hears me when I ask for help... and for patience... and for hope!
Patience is where I sometimes get stuck. In our need it now society, sometimes I want the results now - not 3 months from now. I receive a daily email from the Jillian Michaels' website and today's reader questions was. "I know your website gives me the plan to lose 2 pounds per week but how do I lose 4 or 5 pounds per week" Great question I thought, cannot wait to see what Jillian says as I would love this plan! Jillian's answer, do 2 extra hours of cardio a day to burn an additional 1000 calories. Hmmm maybe I really do not want that plan.
Maybe patience is exactly what I need. My body loses weight pretty slowly -- A LOT slower than I would like it to be. But maybe that is exactly what I need. This gives me time to reflect on why I want to lose weight. It gives me the opportunity to be happy while my weight loss sort of creeps along. I have to learn to love myself as I am. And this is key. When I reach 155 on the scale, my life will be the same - sure I will wear a smaller pant size but other than that - I will have what I have right now at 171. And honestly, I have a pretty good life.
If I didn't need the patience I pray for, if my weight just flew off, maybe I would not be learning all I am about myself. If I really mean what I mean when I say this process for me is about the jouney and not just the destination, then I need to patiently enjoy this journey.
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer
This bible verse today really says what my heart is feeling. I am all of these things, joyful in hope for a bright future. Patient in my affliction of overeating and excess weight. And faithful in prayer that God hears me when I ask for help... and for patience... and for hope!
Patience is where I sometimes get stuck. In our need it now society, sometimes I want the results now - not 3 months from now. I receive a daily email from the Jillian Michaels' website and today's reader questions was. "I know your website gives me the plan to lose 2 pounds per week but how do I lose 4 or 5 pounds per week" Great question I thought, cannot wait to see what Jillian says as I would love this plan! Jillian's answer, do 2 extra hours of cardio a day to burn an additional 1000 calories. Hmmm maybe I really do not want that plan.
Maybe patience is exactly what I need. My body loses weight pretty slowly -- A LOT slower than I would like it to be. But maybe that is exactly what I need. This gives me time to reflect on why I want to lose weight. It gives me the opportunity to be happy while my weight loss sort of creeps along. I have to learn to love myself as I am. And this is key. When I reach 155 on the scale, my life will be the same - sure I will wear a smaller pant size but other than that - I will have what I have right now at 171. And honestly, I have a pretty good life.
If I didn't need the patience I pray for, if my weight just flew off, maybe I would not be learning all I am about myself. If I really mean what I mean when I say this process for me is about the jouney and not just the destination, then I need to patiently enjoy this journey.
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