Going Slowly

OK, so I know some say that losing slowly is the best way for sustained weight loss. And I'm cool with that. With the exception of one week, I've lost a pound or more each time I've weighed in. It doesn't help that I missed two weigh-ins. I'm down 5 pounds since I started Weight Watchers, which isn't a lot. Of course, if it was gain I know I'd think it was a huge amount.

But seriously, I was all excited to be down a total of five pounds... and then someone else lost 5.8 this week. I decided I need to start putting more effort into losing weight and getting healthy. While a pound a week is good, I know I could possibly be doing more. I need to be more accountable with what I'm eating. I've done a little too much "guestimating" when it comes to tracking. And you can forget exercise. That's been hit-or-miss lately.

So, I'm going to take it one week at a time. This week I'm going to focus on tracking better and getting more activity in. I'd really like to see what I could do if I put forth a real effort.

Shopping

Note to self: When shopping for bras, even if you are buying the same size you are currently wearing, try them on before purchasing.

That is all. You're welcome.

Love, Me

Before I'm 40.....

I was just on Facebook (no surprise there) and noticed a friend is 40 today. She is stunning, both inside and out. She's vibrant, healthy.

Reading her birthday messages and the messages her husband has been posting really made me stop and think. (I've been doing that a lot lately.) When I'm 40, I want someone to look at me and think the same things I think about her. But more importantly, I want to feel that way about myself. I want to feel stunning, both inside and out. I want to feel vibrant and healthy.

So, I have until September 2015. That's when I will be 40. I'm starting now - if I get there before 9/2015, then all the better for me. Losing weight, getting healthy and fit... that's a plus for me and for my family.

Not sure if my friend will ever see this post, but just in case - Happy Birthday! Thank you for being such a great person, a friend... and, even though you probably had no idea you did it, thanks for that extra bit of inspiration to get my act together.

A New Beginning

Oh, where to begin??

I'll just put it out there. I'm fatter than ever, but I am optimistic that this is my time. I'm ready. I went to the gym today - first time I've been to the gym in months. My knee injury just wouldn't allow it. I was released by the doctor to start exercising again - easy stuff like walking or swimming - in November, but today was the first day I went back. I did a water aerobics class. My knee definitely knows it's been worked, but I'm going to keep at it. I've got to get it stronger. I'll be going back tomorrow for another water aerobics class. I'm optimistic that one day I'll be back in the class I used to go to and loved.

I'm trying to figure out what I'm going to do to get my eating in check. I know I need to make changes, not just "cut back." I need to adopt a whole new, healthy way of eating. I read "Eat to Live" by Dr. Joel Fuhrman, and I do not think that's the plan for me. I'm now ready "The Eat Clean Diet" by Tosca Reno. I'm not sure that's the way to go, either. I really want to go back to Weight Watchers, but I'm not sure it's in the budget right now. I remember being successful on the WW plan in the past, and I wouldn't have quit the last time (when I was doing so well) had I not lost my job. Maybe I can swing it by February or March, but I can't wait that long to begin something.

What I'm really excited about is that I've got some loved ones (who shall remain nameless because it's not my place to blab about who is doing what) who are one this journey, too. We may all follow different plans, but it's nice to know that I'm not alone. I know we will encourage each other, whine to each other, and maybe even scream and cuss at times about how frustrating this journey can be. But these are my girls, and I'm glad to be doing it with them

What Doesn't Motivate Me

A person I love, who shall remain nameless, has made comments to me regarding my weight. I know this person means nothing but love and encouragement - but it doesn't help. Telling me my butt isn't getting smaller, I was pretty when I thinner, I'd be so pretty if I lost weight... you get the idea... does not motivate me.

I'm trying... really trying... to take the negative comments as encouragement, but it's hard.

I have learned that I do so much better when I'm on Weight Watchers, so I'll be looking to head back there very soon.

**Sigh**

Out of the mouths of babes...

OK, so out of the mouth of one babe in particular. Today while standing in line at Kroger C looked over at the cover of the magazines. There was the National Inquirer staring her in the face. It was this cover.

And then, with no ill intent or meanness to her voice she said, "Look at that girl, Mommy. It looks like you."

There I stood, no idea what to say... beet red with embarrassment. How could I get on to her for stating what she saw. She wasn't trying to be mean or to hurt my feelings. And later on, she was hugging me and loving on me. My size didn't affect her love for me.

But I cringed. I don't want to be a rail-thin model (who I know is most likely airbrushed on the magazine covers), but I don't want to be that obese person, either. It was eye-opening. It strengthens my resolve to have no excuses for why I can't exercise and why I can't stick to a healthy eating plan. C isn't going to love me any less if I don't lose weight, but I hope that in the process I can make my six-year-old daughter proud of me. I want to be a good role model for her in so many ways, good health being one of them.

No Excuses

I listen to a station called The Fish. This morning they were talking about overcoming obstacles. A lady named Sandra called in and shared her story. She and her husband had been in an accident, and in that accident she lost her husband and her ability to walk. She had to relearn how to do it. Before the accident nine months ago she had been a runner, so it was a big adjustment for her to have to have a wheelchair or walker. Since relearning how to walk she has done three 5Ks and is planning on doing more.

It got me to thinking. Sandra could have very well said after the accident, “Well, guess I can’t walk anymore.” She could have accepted that this was her new life. But she didn’t. She didn’t make excuses for why she couldn’t do it. She just did it… even when it was hard… probably even when she didn’t want to. She didn’t give up on what she wanted because getting there required work.

Sandra probably had no idea when she called the radio station this morning that she would touch someone. She made me realize that I have no excuse for not eating right and getting to the gym. “I’ve had a long day at work” won’t cut it. “I’m too tired” shouldn’t really be in my vocabulary. I’ve got a lot of weight to lose, and sitting around wishing I could lose weight is not going to make it happen. If I want it, I have to be willing to work for it. No excuses. If I’m too tired work or cook a healthy meal, I probably don’t want to reach my weight loss goal badly enough. I need to determine if my reason is valid or not. If it’s not a valid reason, then I need to do what my body needs.