I haven't posted in awhile. It's been odd, but I haven't been terribly sure what to say lately.
That is definitely not like me.
So, here is an update of life lately:
I haven't blogged about it much (if at all), but I got horrible blood test results back in February and March. The doctor really scared me. I knew that I was overweight, but I didn't realize that my health had gotten quite so bad. I wasn't just "fluffy." I was a ticking time bomb.
So on March 28, 2010, the doctor's blood tests confirmed that my efforts (and they had truly been genuine) to make improvements through diet weren't working, so he put me on a diet which he had found to be truly helpful. It involved buying my foods, drinks, shakes, etc. from a particular company. It was a "moderately low carb" plan.
I was (and am) seriously averse to "frankenfoods." I had begun eating clean and following a good plan on Sparkpeople.com that follows the USDA guidelines, so I had already been cutting out a lot of processed foods from my diet. That left me in a quandry.
The program that the doctor uses has a great history of success, but it is also expensive. I realize that I probably spend close to this for food for myself each month, but certainly not in a single payment! I just don't have that kind of cash to throw around, so I did lots of research and asked my doctor lots of questions and came up with a way to do this myself.
I went back to check a lot of the original research that was done on low carb diets. I know, I am a nerd, but I really wanted to understand how to make this work without the fake foods. Eventually, I settled on a more moderate version of the Atkins plan. Dr. Atkins had done all of the original research, but I took my doctor's advice and went fairly moderate. I never went into Induction at all, but went straight to the On-going Weight Loss phase (OWL).
So far, from March 29th through today, I have lost 38 lbs. and am feeling better than I have felt in years. I am walking every evening with my family and it feels pretty good (even if it is HOT!). I seem to have lost my taste for, and cravings for, intensely sugary foods. I don't even really want them. Believe me when I tell you that this has never been true for me in the past, no matter what diet I tried.
My goal was always to lose enough to be in a healthy BMI with about 5 lbs. of wiggle room for maintenance. That is a goal of 120 lbs. It seems unbelievable that I could ever be that weight. The last time I weighed that was probably in 7th grade (1979 or so). To reach that weight will entail a loss of 118 lbs or so. Literally, half of me. It's a daunting goal.
As far as mini-goals, I had hoped to lose 50 lbs. by my birthday in early October. I really think that I might be able to pull that off now. It's amazing. I have tried so many times and not experienced any success. It seems foreign to me that I could actually pull this off, but I really seem to be doing it.
My doctor says that my metabolism has been so damaged over the years (not so much from yo-yo dieting, because I was never very successful with dieting) from a slow, continual climb in weight that this program is just about the only way for me to lose. I don't know that it would be right for everyone, but it is certainly a healthy option for me.
Oddly, I was so focused on improving my health that I didn't really realize how much that my quality of life would improve. Or, how much I would enjoy going blueberry picking, or for a brisk walk on the beach during vacation or just our little walks on the track every evening.
I think I haven't blogged about this until now because I was very ashamed of how unhealthy I had become. I also don't think that I ever really believed that I could do this successfully.
It's taken me 38 lbs and almost being out of the dreaded "200s" to feel like maybe, just maybe, I was wrong. Maybe I can make this happen. Maybe I can shop in regular size stores. Maybe I can feel young again.
Just maybe.
Showing posts with label weight loss. Show all posts
Showing posts with label weight loss. Show all posts
Monday, June 28, 2010
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Lost 10 pounds!
It's amazing what 2 weeks can do for a girl. Sparkpeople.com is really helping with the accountability factor and support. Love it.
Friday, January 18, 2008
I've been sparked!
After watching the E! Entertainment show on fad diets and seeing SparkPeople.com offered as a sane and rational alternative to the fads, I decided to check it out.
Turns out, it is a blend of support, accountability, and goal setting. There is a lot of motivational information there and I have already met some really nice people. The articles are great and I find that when I have to log in my choices and have them stare me in the face, that I have no room for selective memory about the choices that I am making.
I am loving this so far and I have lost 7 pounds this week. Okay, okay, I know that it is mostly water, but it feels pretty darn good to be able to much more easily button my jeans.
Turns out, it is a blend of support, accountability, and goal setting. There is a lot of motivational information there and I have already met some really nice people. The articles are great and I find that when I have to log in my choices and have them stare me in the face, that I have no room for selective memory about the choices that I am making.
I am loving this so far and I have lost 7 pounds this week. Okay, okay, I know that it is mostly water, but it feels pretty darn good to be able to much more easily button my jeans.
Monday, October 15, 2007
working out
I made it up this morning to work out a bit before getting ready for work. It's amazing to me that this has been such a struggle, when I regularly did this for months before I broke my foot.
Anyway, I got up and did 20 minutes on the elliptical. Not much, I realize, but maybe enough to spur my metabolism a little bit. I will do a resistance band workout after work.
Now if I can only do this again tomorrow...
Anyway, I got up and did 20 minutes on the elliptical. Not much, I realize, but maybe enough to spur my metabolism a little bit. I will do a resistance band workout after work.
Now if I can only do this again tomorrow...
Sunday, September 2, 2007
clomp, step, clomp, step
Okay, I am getting somewhat used to the sound of trying to be mobile in an aircast boot. On the whole, I think I am doing pretty well. I am still bummed about the walk, but I have accepted that. Basically, I am really missing my early morning walks. It was a reason to get up in the morning. It gave structure and purpose to my day. It was social time, too. I was walking and enjoying the company of a good friend.
My doctor has approved that I can ride an exercise bike and resume my elliptical as long as I build up slowly. But, while it has seemed so easy to get up and meet Misty, I can't seem to make myself do it just for me. Plus, my foot aches and throbs just from my daily grind of being on my feet, so I am not terribly crazy about trying to do more and making my life miserable earlier in the day.
I have found a way to help ease my stress. I have gotten out my knitting and began to start making a few things again. It helps to feel like I am being somewhat productive, at least. Last night, I decided to give crocheting a whirl. I knew how to do a very little bit of crocheting from when I was a little girl and a neighbor showed me. I found a good tutorial on the internet and followed along. I don't know if it was due to the fact that I had played around with a hook and yarn so many years ago, or if it is just easier in that I only had to learn to really manipulate one hook with one hand as opposed to two needles in both hands, but I seemed to pick it up really simply. Don't get me wrong, I am by no means an expert, but I didn't struggle for days in order to feel comfortable making basic stitches. It took DAYS and DAYS with knitting and my tension is still not the best and I have been playing with it off and on for 3 years or so. For what it's worth, I am enjoying it. I love having options.
I have scored some awesome fabrics from the dollar table at Wal-Mart in the last 10 days or so. I don't have much time to sew and I am a very rank beginner, but my Mom has gotten excited that I have lost my 40 lbs or so and she is helping me a bunch! She has made up a beautiful microsuede into a full, gored skirt that is dreamy. It is a dark, chocolate brown and with topstitching, it looks just like suede. It's going to be gorgeous for this fall. She is also making a matching jacket. It's yummy. I did find some gorgeous taupe fabric for a suit and some khaki for a light cardigan with 3/4 sleeves. I will likely wear that lots at school when it gets chilly.
Mom also found some fabrics that I had bought years ago (before my weight had gotten so high) and pulled it out and some of it was in colors that I am trying to work around. Subtle greens, browns, touches of burgundy. So, my wardrobe is growing without my having to spend much money. It's good since I don't have much left since losing weight. Instead of grungy t-shirts and jeans that don't fit, I will have a few skirts, pants, and such that can be put together in a number of ways. I've never been this coordinated in my wardrobe and I think I am going to really like it!
School is going well this year, so far. Other than a few issues with enforcing dress codes, I haven't had any real problems. I am sticking to my high standards and insistence in classroom order to really push the kids. I think it's going to pay off, overall. I think we will see an increase in SAT scores in the next couple of years. Plus, I have seen a decline in both work ethic and critical thinking skills over my career. So, that is what I am stressing. Critical thinking and the desire to work hard to achieve a goal is likely to be a definitive factor in future success for these kids. Oh well, I will get off of my soapbox for now!
Happy Labor day!
My doctor has approved that I can ride an exercise bike and resume my elliptical as long as I build up slowly. But, while it has seemed so easy to get up and meet Misty, I can't seem to make myself do it just for me. Plus, my foot aches and throbs just from my daily grind of being on my feet, so I am not terribly crazy about trying to do more and making my life miserable earlier in the day.
I have found a way to help ease my stress. I have gotten out my knitting and began to start making a few things again. It helps to feel like I am being somewhat productive, at least. Last night, I decided to give crocheting a whirl. I knew how to do a very little bit of crocheting from when I was a little girl and a neighbor showed me. I found a good tutorial on the internet and followed along. I don't know if it was due to the fact that I had played around with a hook and yarn so many years ago, or if it is just easier in that I only had to learn to really manipulate one hook with one hand as opposed to two needles in both hands, but I seemed to pick it up really simply. Don't get me wrong, I am by no means an expert, but I didn't struggle for days in order to feel comfortable making basic stitches. It took DAYS and DAYS with knitting and my tension is still not the best and I have been playing with it off and on for 3 years or so. For what it's worth, I am enjoying it. I love having options.
I have scored some awesome fabrics from the dollar table at Wal-Mart in the last 10 days or so. I don't have much time to sew and I am a very rank beginner, but my Mom has gotten excited that I have lost my 40 lbs or so and she is helping me a bunch! She has made up a beautiful microsuede into a full, gored skirt that is dreamy. It is a dark, chocolate brown and with topstitching, it looks just like suede. It's going to be gorgeous for this fall. She is also making a matching jacket. It's yummy. I did find some gorgeous taupe fabric for a suit and some khaki for a light cardigan with 3/4 sleeves. I will likely wear that lots at school when it gets chilly.
Mom also found some fabrics that I had bought years ago (before my weight had gotten so high) and pulled it out and some of it was in colors that I am trying to work around. Subtle greens, browns, touches of burgundy. So, my wardrobe is growing without my having to spend much money. It's good since I don't have much left since losing weight. Instead of grungy t-shirts and jeans that don't fit, I will have a few skirts, pants, and such that can be put together in a number of ways. I've never been this coordinated in my wardrobe and I think I am going to really like it!
School is going well this year, so far. Other than a few issues with enforcing dress codes, I haven't had any real problems. I am sticking to my high standards and insistence in classroom order to really push the kids. I think it's going to pay off, overall. I think we will see an increase in SAT scores in the next couple of years. Plus, I have seen a decline in both work ethic and critical thinking skills over my career. So, that is what I am stressing. Critical thinking and the desire to work hard to achieve a goal is likely to be a definitive factor in future success for these kids. Oh well, I will get off of my soapbox for now!
Happy Labor day!
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Another pound gone!
I attribute it to the long walk yesterday more than to the new diet pill that I have taken exactly one time, but I have lost another pound! Woo Hoo! Yay for me! Yipee!
So, now it is a total lost of 38.4 lbs. All of these little losses are finally starting to add up into something that feels substantial. I like that feeling!
I took today off from walking because my muscles are very sore and locked up in my lower body. A little google research (and advice from my walking buddy) indicates that since my potassium levels can't be depleted with the amount of sports drinks (sugar free, of course) and bananas I am eating, that I probably have lactic acid locked up in my muscle fibers and I need to get it out.
I am sending out another round of fundraising letters today and tomorrow, so I can finally reach my goal.
So, now it is a total lost of 38.4 lbs. All of these little losses are finally starting to add up into something that feels substantial. I like that feeling!
I took today off from walking because my muscles are very sore and locked up in my lower body. A little google research (and advice from my walking buddy) indicates that since my potassium levels can't be depleted with the amount of sports drinks (sugar free, of course) and bananas I am eating, that I probably have lactic acid locked up in my muscle fibers and I need to get it out.
I am sending out another round of fundraising letters today and tomorrow, so I can finally reach my goal.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
12 miles--whew!
Well, my walking partner and I have walked for 12 miles this morning and I must admit that I am pretty tired now. We left at 5 am and walked till 9 am. We are definitely not pushing for speed, but only for endurance this time.
I really hurt when I finally finished. After some alleve and a hot shower, I was feeling much better in time to rush eldest son to his Asperger's behavioral therapy group session. While he was in the session, I took flyers to Scrapbooks, Invitations, and More in Peachtree City. It was the first time I had been there and it was amazing! It took my breath away with all of the beautiful embellishments and stickers. They also had loads and loads of stuff with guy themes. It's easy to find girly stuff, but some of us have little boys (not so little anymore).
Now, I really don't feel bad overall, but my feet are a tad sore and I am kind of stiff when I move in certain ways. I can definitely tell that I worked hard!
I also had my follow up appointment with the doctor yesterday. She recommended that I keep with the new antidepresant regimen and add a small, half dose of an diet pill in order to help kick my metabolism up a notch. So, today is the first day that I will have tried it. We'll see how it goes. If it goes well this month, I may be able to move up to a whole dose in a month or so. I'm holding my breath to see if it helps. I sure hope so.
Now, I just have to continue on with fundraising.
I really hurt when I finally finished. After some alleve and a hot shower, I was feeling much better in time to rush eldest son to his Asperger's behavioral therapy group session. While he was in the session, I took flyers to Scrapbooks, Invitations, and More in Peachtree City. It was the first time I had been there and it was amazing! It took my breath away with all of the beautiful embellishments and stickers. They also had loads and loads of stuff with guy themes. It's easy to find girly stuff, but some of us have little boys (not so little anymore).
Now, I really don't feel bad overall, but my feet are a tad sore and I am kind of stiff when I move in certain ways. I can definitely tell that I worked hard!
I also had my follow up appointment with the doctor yesterday. She recommended that I keep with the new antidepresant regimen and add a small, half dose of an diet pill in order to help kick my metabolism up a notch. So, today is the first day that I will have tried it. We'll see how it goes. If it goes well this month, I may be able to move up to a whole dose in a month or so. I'm holding my breath to see if it helps. I sure hope so.
Now, I just have to continue on with fundraising.
Friday, July 20, 2007
A little help from my Mom
It's really kind of unbelievable--really too good to be true. I have lost weight again, overnight. I have now lost 37.4 pounds. Believe it or not, this whole thing with breaking the plateau and all is my Mom's fault.
She called me a couple of days ago and told me about an article that she had seen in a magazine while waiting in line to check out at the local grocery store. It talked about a person who had a metabolic imbalance. Supplementing her diet with digestive enzymes allowed her to lose a significant amount of weight after really struggling with it for a very long time. Mom knew that my Aspie takes digestive enzymes to help him with stomach aches, constipation, etc.
She told me about the story and asked me if I had ever considered taking enzymes myself. I explained that I knew it wouldn't hurt me as long as they are plant-derived. But, even though I had read books about enzyme therapy when determining whether to try them with my son, I had never read anything that made the connection between supplementation and weight loss.
So, being the computer nerd that I am, I immediately did a Google search with my Mom on the phone (Love DSL!) and began reading articles that I found. It became very clear, very quickly that it was certainly possible that this could be helpful for certain folks. I determined a reasonable supplementation schedule (had a bit of experience with that part due to my son) and started that very evening. That was Wednesday night.
All that I have changed in my diet and exercise plans is adding the enzymes with water. So far, I am going to the bathroom way more than I used to and I feel a tad more energetic. It really seems like it is causing my system to be able to flush out the fat. It's a dumb analogy, but I really think that I have spending this time eating well and exercising to "prime the well-pump" so to speak. Now I am waiting for the water to flow and flow and flow.
Even if this is a short lived phenomenon, I am going to ride it until the wheels fall off and enjoy every minute of it!
She called me a couple of days ago and told me about an article that she had seen in a magazine while waiting in line to check out at the local grocery store. It talked about a person who had a metabolic imbalance. Supplementing her diet with digestive enzymes allowed her to lose a significant amount of weight after really struggling with it for a very long time. Mom knew that my Aspie takes digestive enzymes to help him with stomach aches, constipation, etc.
She told me about the story and asked me if I had ever considered taking enzymes myself. I explained that I knew it wouldn't hurt me as long as they are plant-derived. But, even though I had read books about enzyme therapy when determining whether to try them with my son, I had never read anything that made the connection between supplementation and weight loss.
So, being the computer nerd that I am, I immediately did a Google search with my Mom on the phone (Love DSL!) and began reading articles that I found. It became very clear, very quickly that it was certainly possible that this could be helpful for certain folks. I determined a reasonable supplementation schedule (had a bit of experience with that part due to my son) and started that very evening. That was Wednesday night.
All that I have changed in my diet and exercise plans is adding the enzymes with water. So far, I am going to the bathroom way more than I used to and I feel a tad more energetic. It really seems like it is causing my system to be able to flush out the fat. It's a dumb analogy, but I really think that I have spending this time eating well and exercising to "prime the well-pump" so to speak. Now I am waiting for the water to flow and flow and flow.
Even if this is a short lived phenomenon, I am going to ride it until the wheels fall off and enjoy every minute of it!
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Finally!
I did it! I really, really, finally did it! The scale has dropped below the horrid 200 mark. I have struggled and struggled for over a month wondering if I would ever see another loss or if I was forever stuck at this weight. Whew! I am SO glad that is over and I can continue on with my progress. Never before have I been able to stick with anything long enough to get past a plateau. I have never been able to lose more than 10 pounds or so--ever. Now, I can say that I have lost 35.8 pounds.
I have hated each and every day of this plateau and each and every step I have logged during it because it seemed like all of my efforts would never pay off. Now I can honestly say that sticking with it has been worth it.
I have to admit that I am still a little bit disapointed that I haven't lost more of my weight over the summer while I have had more time to devote to planning, working out, cooking, etc. But, I am pleased with my loss. Now, I guess it is time to set a new goal. So, here goes: I would like to be able to say that I have lost 40 pounds by the time school starts. That amounts to a little less than 5 lbs to lose in about 2-3 weeks. Now, I just have to make that happen.
By the way, walked 6 miles with Misty and did well. It was awfully muggy today, though.
I have hated each and every day of this plateau and each and every step I have logged during it because it seemed like all of my efforts would never pay off. Now I can honestly say that sticking with it has been worth it.
I have to admit that I am still a little bit disapointed that I haven't lost more of my weight over the summer while I have had more time to devote to planning, working out, cooking, etc. But, I am pleased with my loss. Now, I guess it is time to set a new goal. So, here goes: I would like to be able to say that I have lost 40 pounds by the time school starts. That amounts to a little less than 5 lbs to lose in about 2-3 weeks. Now, I just have to make that happen.
By the way, walked 6 miles with Misty and did well. It was awfully muggy today, though.
Saturday, July 7, 2007
Doctor's visit
I saw the Nurse Practitioner yesterday and we talked a great deal about the anxiety symptoms that I have developing as well as metabolic issues. She agreed that I should be seriously dropping weight with the amount of exercise I am getting and the calories that I am taking in. I feel somewhat vindicated now. I really thought that I was working awfully hard for the small losses that I am experiencing. She also is going to try and help me find the answer to my hair loss issues. I don't know that anything much can be done, but at least I will know for sure.
I go in to the doctor's office early on Monday and get fasting blood work done. The Nurse Practitioner is running lots of tests to see what can be reasonably done to bump up my metabolism. I am already taking synthetic thyroid hormone and it may be time to increase my dosage.
I am on a different anti-depressant for now. I am to try it for 3-4 weeks to determine how effective it is at this dosage. If all goes well, I may be a good candidate for shots to help maximize my liver function. This may help to boost my metabolism by allowing fat to be mobilized out of my system faster. There are some other options. We'll discuss those when I go back for my follow up visits.
I guess the story is that there is some hope on the horizon. With any luck (and prayers) my weight loss will be appropriate for the amount of work I am putting into this. The less weight I have hanging on my joints for the 3-day, the better off I will be.
I go in to the doctor's office early on Monday and get fasting blood work done. The Nurse Practitioner is running lots of tests to see what can be reasonably done to bump up my metabolism. I am already taking synthetic thyroid hormone and it may be time to increase my dosage.
I am on a different anti-depressant for now. I am to try it for 3-4 weeks to determine how effective it is at this dosage. If all goes well, I may be a good candidate for shots to help maximize my liver function. This may help to boost my metabolism by allowing fat to be mobilized out of my system faster. There are some other options. We'll discuss those when I go back for my follow up visits.
I guess the story is that there is some hope on the horizon. With any luck (and prayers) my weight loss will be appropriate for the amount of work I am putting into this. The less weight I have hanging on my joints for the 3-day, the better off I will be.
Thursday, June 7, 2007
Just Plugging Along...
As of this morning, I have lost exactly 31 pounds! So, yay for me!
I have been walking in the early mornings with my Dad this week, desperately trying to stay out of the horrible heat and humidity. It was 101 degrees yesterday, not a lot of fun for a fair chick like me. Next week, the friend that I usually walk with will likely be available again.
I have been walking in the early mornings with my Dad this week, desperately trying to stay out of the horrible heat and humidity. It was 101 degrees yesterday, not a lot of fun for a fair chick like me. Next week, the friend that I usually walk with will likely be available again.
Friday, June 1, 2007
Yay!
For the past two days, my friend Misty has called me at the crack of dawn and I head over to her house to walk together. It sure goes faster when you have someone to talk to--and we do! It's truly social time as well as time to take care of me. I am loving every minute of it.
Today, we walked 5 miles before it got too hot. I am supposed to walk 6 tomorrow, but I may keep it to 5 until Sunday since I am really feeling my knees. Misty's husband uses Osteo-Bi-Flex and says that it helps him alot. So, I will get some today and see how it goes.
Still hoping to be under 200 lbs. for my anniversary. 12 days, including today. Hoping that I can make it. This it the first short term goal that I have set for myself and it will stink horribly if I don't make it.
Well, time to take a quick shower and go grocery shopping. Got a huge bag of hand me downs from Misty (her fat clothes, my skinny clothes!). Can't wait to dig through and see what works. Yipee!
Today, we walked 5 miles before it got too hot. I am supposed to walk 6 tomorrow, but I may keep it to 5 until Sunday since I am really feeling my knees. Misty's husband uses Osteo-Bi-Flex and says that it helps him alot. So, I will get some today and see how it goes.
Still hoping to be under 200 lbs. for my anniversary. 12 days, including today. Hoping that I can make it. This it the first short term goal that I have set for myself and it will stink horribly if I don't make it.
Well, time to take a quick shower and go grocery shopping. Got a huge bag of hand me downs from Misty (her fat clothes, my skinny clothes!). Can't wait to dig through and see what works. Yipee!
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Thanks everyone! I made my $500 goal plus!
Wow! I am bowled over by the support that I have received from so many wonderful people as I have tried to meet my initial 60 day fundraising goal. Since my last post, Linda Boucher, Bill Hatchett, and Maggie Parrish have all sent in generous donations. I guess I have some thank you notes to write :-)
The weather is beautiful this week and with only one more work week until spring break, I see training walks resuming very soon. My rash is almost gone. I am ready to get back to it and keep it going. It's just a few weeks until I have to actually adhere to a training schedule and not just "wing it." Of course, my winging it has kept me right on target with the recommended training schedule for 24 weeks, so I don't feel like I have been lazy about it.
Of course, it wouldn't break my heart if I could lose another size or two before the end of the school year. Hmmm.
The weather is beautiful this week and with only one more work week until spring break, I see training walks resuming very soon. My rash is almost gone. I am ready to get back to it and keep it going. It's just a few weeks until I have to actually adhere to a training schedule and not just "wing it." Of course, my winging it has kept me right on target with the recommended training schedule for 24 weeks, so I don't feel like I have been lazy about it.
Of course, it wouldn't break my heart if I could lose another size or two before the end of the school year. Hmmm.
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