It's not all about the # on the scales

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!

Baby Steps

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!

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.

Another Start

Well, 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!

I'm BAAAaaaack

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.....

Third Week in Review

Previous Week's Weight: 314.8
This Week's Weight: 317.8
GAIN This Week :( : +3
Pounds Gone for Good: -2.2

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!

Second Week In Review

Previous Week's Weight: 317.2
This Week's Weight: 314.8
Loss This Week: -2.4
Total Pounds Gone For Good: -5.2

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.

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.

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.

FIRST WEEK IN REVIEW

Previous week's weight: 320
This week's weight: 317.2
Loss this week: -2.8 lbs gone FOREVER!!!

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.

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!

Keep the comments coming! They all help inspire me.