tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79184152882042770652024-03-14T07:19:31.276-04:00THIS IS ITMelodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07626788846365188704noreply@blogger.comBlogger10125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7918415288204277065.post-38032843495684054472010-03-16T13:16:00.003-04:002010-03-16T13:22:32.003-04:00It's not all about the # on the scales<span style="font-family:verdana;color:#cc33cc;">So, I weighed today since it's been a week since my last weigh-in when I decided to change my lifestyle. I stepped on, telling myself that "it's not about what the scale says, it's about how I feel." And, I feel pretty good. Much better than I did a week ago. Better physically and mentally. I don't feel as tired, hopeless, and negative as I did. That alone makes me very happy. But, as I stepped on and looked at the number, I realized I've lost 3 pounds! And I didn't even do it by "counting points," exercising like a maniac, or any strict diet plan. I just made much better food choices, listened for my body to tell me it was physically hungry, and walked my dog (and 2 year old) around the neighborhood some days. YAY! I can REALLY do this!</span>Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07626788846365188704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7918415288204277065.post-20024928522831108612010-03-11T15:00:00.003-05:002010-03-11T15:28:40.416-05:00Baby Steps<span style="color:#cc33cc;">As you know, I've recommitted to my healthy lifestyle/weight loss goal this week. I'm trying to just take "baby steps" this time instead of taking an "all or nothing" approach. For instance, I haven't jumped into doing the Weight Watchers program (on my own) or anything else structured. For now, I'm just focusing on making healthier food choices and trying to pay attention to my body/brain signals that I'm really hungry and need to eat something, instead of eating out of boredom, habit, or any other emotion. I'm also making it a point to be physically active. I've started going for walks outside now that the weather is warming up, and when weather doesn't permit, I plan to walk on my treadmill. I've done Weight Watchers in the past (and was successful, losing 80 lbs), but I'm not sure yet if that's the approach I want and need to take this time. I also have a book called 'The Complete Beck Diet for Life' that I've started reading previously and I may decide to finish it and start trying that approach. Or, maybe this "healthy choices and doing more activity" jumpstart will work well and I'll stick with it. In the past, I've needed strict structure (like Weight Watchers) to be successful. At this point in my life though, it seems like I may need less structure. So, I'm just going to see how it goes for awhile and then make changes if and when it's necessary. Thank you for taking this journey with me. I need all the support I can get!</span><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;"></span><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;">Oh, and I'd like to add, I went grocery shopping today and didn't buy any junk food! I had to pass the display of Reese's Eggs and Cadbury Eggs! I didn't even slow down. I walked down the baking aisle and didn't study the cake and brownie mixes. Then I had to walk by the bakery and stand at the deli counter as the donut case stared me down! I just said NO! If you don't already know, sweets are my huge downfall. I LOVE them, I CRAVE them, and I feel like I can't live without them. Ironically though, I've realized that I have to live without them if I want to live at all. And I do.</span>Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07626788846365188704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7918415288204277065.post-88323239788681576732010-03-09T09:39:00.002-05:002010-03-09T09:44:41.420-05:00Another StartWell, it's now March 2010 and here I am now at 330 lbs. I'm ashamed, I'm scared, I'm disgusted. I HAVE to do something, but I just can't seem to get STARTED. I jumped onto sparkpeople.com this morning and decided to try to start with that to help motivate me. They have community boards and you can have friends with the same problems you are struggling with. This really HAS to be it or I fear for my life. I'm going to keep it at that for this post. I'll definitely plan to stop in here a few times a week and post updates on my progress, as well as use this as a personal journal for myself. Thanks for reading and sticking with me!Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07626788846365188704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7918415288204277065.post-70586880796177559012009-11-03T10:33:00.002-05:002009-11-03T10:36:43.016-05:00I'm BAAAaaaack<span style="color:#cc0000;">I just want to pop in to say that I'm back on track starting today. I will post a more detailed blog later in the week once I have composed my thoughts. Stay tuned.....</span>Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07626788846365188704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7918415288204277065.post-24879369178365609352009-10-07T13:13:00.003-04:002009-10-07T13:31:42.054-04:00Third Week in Review<span style="color:#993300;">Previous Week's Weight: 314.8</span><br /><span style="color:#993300;">This Week's Weight: 317.8</span><br /><span style="color:#993300;">GAIN This Week :( : +3</span><br /><span style="color:#993300;">Pounds Gone for Good: -2.2</span><br /><span style="color:#993300;"></span><br /><span style="color:#993300;">Please forgive me for the late weekly review post. I went out of town for the weekend to celebrate my 5th Wedding Anniversary and have had a hard time getting back into the groove of "normal life." Also, I'm sure the fact that I gained 3 lbs. didn't encourage me to hurry and post the bad news. Why did I gain? Well, mostly because I went away for the weekend and chose not to count points while I was gone. Obviously, I have a lot of work to do in figuring out how to handle myself during special occasions. I did have a plan, but it did not come together as I hoped. I'm trying not to beat myself up, but it's hard not to. It is SO discouraging to have a gain that it's VERY hard to get back on the plan. But, I did, on Monday. I have to admit that it does feel really good to be in control again!</span>Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07626788846365188704noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7918415288204277065.post-28397281182616079872009-09-28T10:19:00.002-04:002009-09-28T10:34:07.523-04:00Second Week In Review<span style="color:#990000;">Previous Week's Weight: 317.2</span><br /><span style="color:#990000;">This Week's Weight: 314.8</span><br /><span style="color:#990000;">Loss This Week: -2.4</span><br /><span style="color:#990000;">Total Pounds Gone For Good: -5.2</span><br /><span style="color:#990000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#990000;">I am very pleased to have lost 2.4 lbs this week! It's hard to believe that you can actually lose weight and not feel deprived at all. I dined out three times this week, had a small sundae from DQ and went to a movie and had some candy. It's just all a matter of making the right choices. At McDonald's I got the Mushroom Swiss Angus Burger without the mayo and asked for a packet of light mayo and drank diet coke instead of regular. At Max & Erma's I ordered the Hula Bowl Salad which is one of their healthy menu choices. At Chick-fil-a I ordered the chargrilled chicken sandwich with fruit instead of fries. I love eating out and am so glad I can still do that while following the Weight Watchers Points System.</span><br /><span style="color:#990000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#990000;">As far as activity, I didn't get as much planned activity as I would like to, but I did take a walk a couple times and I cleaned one day and went to the mall one day. And of course I chase my 22 month old around when we play, so that gives me some activity. </span><br /><span style="color:#990000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#990000;">My challenge this week is that my 5th wedding anniversary is Friday and we are going away for the weekend and will be dining out the entire time. We are going to a nice restaurant Friday evening and I do want to enjoy that meal without worrying about what I choose from the menu. So, I will allow myself to order what I want that night. I will just plan to save my weekly WW Flex Points for the weekend. As long as I don't gain next Monday, I'll be happy to just stay the same.</span>Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07626788846365188704noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7918415288204277065.post-66753604203794841672009-09-21T13:04:00.002-04:002009-09-21T13:13:43.126-04:00FIRST WEEK IN REVIEW<span style="color:#cc0000;">Previous week's weight: 320</span><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;">This week's weight: 317.2</span><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;">Loss this week: -2.8 lbs gone FOREVER!!!</span><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;">I am happy with myself for losing 2.8 lbs this week. It's just really hard not to look at it as "ONLY 2.8 lbs" when it seems I have so far to go. However, studies have shown that a loss of 1 to 2 pounds a week is ideal for health and for maintaining loss in the future. </span><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;">I counted Points (using the Weight Watcher's method) this week and walked every day except one. I even got to eat out twice and don't remember feeling deprived or physically hungry at all. Those things considered, a 2.8 lb loss looks GREAT!</span><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;">Keep the comments coming! They all help inspire me.</span>Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07626788846365188704noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7918415288204277065.post-62095610396708545972009-09-17T09:51:00.002-04:002009-09-17T10:00:56.575-04:00<div align="center"><span style="color:#663366;">INSPIRATIONS FOR LOSING</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#663366;"></span> </div><div align="left"><span style="color:#663366;">Without reasons to inspire us to lose weight, we would never attempt to. Here are some of my reasons, which I like to remind myself of daily:</span></div><div align="left"><span style="color:#663366;"></span> </div><ul><li><div align="left"><span style="color:#663366;">better overall health</span></div></li><li><div align="left"><span style="color:#663366;">breathe easier</span></div></li><li><div align="left"><span style="color:#663366;">feel more comfortable in public</span></div></li><li><div align="left"><span style="color:#663366;">feel better about pictures of myself</span></div></li><li><div align="left"><span style="color:#663366;">won't be consumed by thoughts of food</span></div></li><li><div align="left"><span style="color:#663366;">won't have to worry about limitations because of my weight</span></div></li><li><div align="left"><span style="color:#663366;">my son deserves a healthy mom</span></div></li><li><div align="left"><span style="color:#663366;">my husband deserves a healthy wife</span></div></li><li><div align="left"><span style="color:#663366;">more fit for vacations</span></div></li><li><div align="left"><span style="color:#663366;">others will be proud of me</span></div></li><li><div align="left"><span style="color:#663366;">I will be proud of myself</span></div></li><li><div align="left"><span style="color:#663366;">will no longer feel out of control</span></div></li><li><div align="left"><span style="color:#663366;">better appearance</span></div></li><li><div align="left"><span style="color:#663366;">lower blood pressure</span></div></li><li><div align="left"><span style="color:#663366;">my feet won't hurt </span></div></li><li><div align="left"><span style="color:#663366;">ability to do physical activities without being so out of breath</span></div></li><li><div align="left"><span style="color:#663366;">more self-confidence</span></div></li><li><div align="left"><span style="color:#663366;">nicer clothes</span></div></li><li><div align="left"><span style="color:#663366;">won't be a "fat Mom"</span></div></li><li><div align="left"><span style="color:#663366;">longer life</span></div></li><li><div align="left"><span style="color:#663366;">set a good example for my son</span></div></li><li><div align="left"><span style="color:#663366;">be active with my family</span></div></li><li><div align="left"><span style="color:#663366;">more energy</span></div></li><li><div align="left"><span style="color:#663366;">lower cholesterol</span></div></li></ul>Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07626788846365188704noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7918415288204277065.post-89904318220271292202009-09-15T09:34:00.004-04:002009-09-15T11:36:46.810-04:00"Dear Food"<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIqyRLoYb6vD1J0r7kbUvWsGWMJG1s4RQ3eSuTwQW52NBNQV0P0tGsAP244MCq7i28TS0BVH5YEcVnobwAruDW1eSiNjs0shnOuFBOWDNs1CWmAj_fBVmkFZmLKyb9susXHG_Io6k2eSYb/s1600-h/blogfoodpic.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381718482146651426" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIqyRLoYb6vD1J0r7kbUvWsGWMJG1s4RQ3eSuTwQW52NBNQV0P0tGsAP244MCq7i28TS0BVH5YEcVnobwAruDW1eSiNjs0shnOuFBOWDNs1CWmAj_fBVmkFZmLKyb9susXHG_Io6k2eSYb/s320/blogfoodpic.jpg" /></a><br /><div>Dear Food,<br /><br />You are no longer in control of my life. I am in control of YOU.<br />You will not consume my thoughts.<br />I will eat to live, not live to eat.<br />I will not turn to you in times of celebration, sadness, stress, nervousness, or boredom.<br />I will rely on you for nourishment only.<br />I will not depend on you for happiness.<br />I will make smart choices when it comes to you.<br />You will not be the center of attention in times of celebration and get-togethers.<br />I will not give in to you in times of cravings.<br /><br />Sincerely,<br /><br />Melody</div>Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07626788846365188704noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7918415288204277065.post-86764345957426063092009-09-14T10:46:00.001-04:002009-09-14T14:04:16.408-04:00Welcome To My Blog<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYuZyBkzx19nV2z_ODZGYEYGac4XfEkpJ5dFvY4Lza15WWp1NWMSDYXtPFOZzMFTZRj2jsVjDq144eZWcCtYpvLHHlYq9besyoMlSN3sRwr0zfD5kYlxTTAI16QUZ3o9H9MFVjU_D5AWLv/s1600-h/mebefore.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; WIDTH: 216px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381340613956425730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYuZyBkzx19nV2z_ODZGYEYGac4XfEkpJ5dFvY4Lza15WWp1NWMSDYXtPFOZzMFTZRj2jsVjDq144eZWcCtYpvLHHlYq9besyoMlSN3sRwr0zfD5kYlxTTAI16QUZ3o9H9MFVjU_D5AWLv/s320/mebefore.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(204,51,204)">"This Is It." It is September 14, 2009 and I am at my highest weight ever. I'm 5'5" and weigh 320 pounds. That's right. I'm posting my weight on a blog for the whole world to see. That alone should be inspiration! In a way, I think "I don't know how I got to this point," but in other ways, I do know. Am I ashamed? No. But, I am disappointed in myself. I have high cholesterol and borderline high blood pressure. I have talked my doctor into letting me stay off the high cholesterol medication, vowing to eat healthy and exercise. I really do not want to be on medication at the age of 33. I'm too young for that! I am at the point where I feel like I HAVE to do SOMETHING about my weight. I have a toddler who needs me around for a long time, and a husband who wants me around for a long time. I've put this off, I think because I'm scared and I feel hopeless at times. But, I've decided THIS IS IT! I HAVE to do this. I've lost almost 80 lbs before, so I know I CAN do it. Right now, I'm 100 lbs heavier than my weight when I got married in 2004. Sometimes, in my mind I just think "what's the use, I'll just gain it back AGAIN!" I am going to STOP those negative thoughts and LOSE IT FOR GOOD! And I'm not just going to lose weight, I'm going to do it in a very healthy way. I plan to exercise moderately, eat healthy, and nurture myself psychologically. My tools will be the Weight Watchers Points system and the book "The Complete Beck Diet For Life" by Judith Beck. And, of course, this blog and YOU, my readers! I welcome any comments and suggestions from all of you! Thank You for taking this journey with me. I look forward to sharing the joys of celebration, as well as the tears of disappointment with you.</span>Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07626788846365188704noreply@blogger.com6