Maryann's trail....Rotation Diet "version"....

[MaryannC]

Hi all - Happy Monday !


Day 1 of "tweaked" fat fighting for me -



calories today: (budget 1,600 - high carb day) - I came in at 1,620 .

exercise : did my 60 minutes ! yay - 1/2hr noon walk & 1/2hr done tonite on treadmill.

(+ took Koko for walk also - but that was less than 30mins-so didn't include in the count...)

... so - here's hoping the 60minutes/day + high/low carb rotate shakes up my fat.


wishing everyone a good evening & good choices,


time to go have supper ( chicken breast, rice and veggies.)


cheers, Maryann

 

[MaryannC]

Hi folks - Happy Tuesday - day2 of my "tweak week" -

Exercise - noon walk - yes, treadmill- yes - so got 2 "checks" today on exercise.. yay.

food: it's a low-cal/low-carb/more fat day - did ok - calorie budget- 1,200 , actual 1,200 - bang on ! ...

( & I was in city today-did drive-thru coffee ( just latte- skim milk - no sugar) & NO DONUT....(good 4 me)


so- today- was on-track.


now off to do some monotonous course work ( I'm TA for an on-line course currently)...then some R&R time.

(glad I did my Treadmill right when I got home - 'cause I sure don't have the energy for it now...)


cheers all,

wishing everyone an evening with good healthy choices,


Maryann C.

 

[MysticRealm]

Good job! Sounds great!

 

[MaryannC]

Hey folks - Happy Wed.-Day3 of new routine for me..


~ crazy weather here today - lots of heavy snow , and wind - ie. blizzard....eeek.

~ but I did get lots exercise ( snow shovelling ! )

Exercise today: 1 hr snow-shovelling

+ 1/2 hr treadmill

= made my 60mins. exercise goal today

Calories - today is 1,600cal/high-carb day - calories today - 1,560

Tired of gray weather ...really need some sunshine here....


well - off to do a bit of R&R... am pooped after all the shovelling,


wishing good -healthy choices to all,

maryann .C.

 

[scbibhouse]

ASounds like you are "bang on" your new supped up plan! I love it! I love your check mark system too...good job! I'm sure this will jump start your fat loss again! Keep up the great work!
Sarah

 

[Cate]

Doing a great job Maryann! I'll try sending you some of our Tassie Spring sunshine! Brrrr. It makes me feel cold, just thinking about all that snow....I can't imagine having to shovel yourself out, although I used to hear about it from my late older sister, who used to live in Baltimore. It's not exactly hot here today though. I'm enjoying seeing how determined & committed you are now. Cheers (with a peppermint tea) xo Cate.

 

[MaryannC]

Hey folks - Happy Snowy Thursday.

Thanks for the visits Cate & Sarah - always cheers and inspires me to hear an encouraging word or two.


~ I know the check-marks might be bit "goofy"- but it gives me incentive on the exercise to be able to post them - at any rate- its' worked so far this week - got my 1 hr + more in again today.

~ the snow is getting tiresome ( more again today )..

.. YES Please on your offer of Tassie Spring Sunshine Cate !


~ my exercise today:

-1/2hr noon walk ( was cold- -8C ...& a wind - had my mitts on, head-band, hood-up , scarf snugged around my face- only my eyes were exposed....)( I really did look just like the little guy above- except my scarf is brown ....lol ) ..... but I did get that outside walk done ( am thinking I might look into a small below-desk peddle bike or something - so I can burn some calories indoors on my noon break at work - ...don't think I'll want to brave the cold outside every day much longer..but it's nice to fit some exercise in during my noon break. ) ( my workplace is a small hospital - only 1 level - so not even any stairs that I could do....)

- 1/2hr treadmill once home & also about 20minutes snow shovelling .


~ Food today - low-carb/1,200 cal day - did ok - my total is 1,210...bit hungry - but not too bad - I had some nice organic-grown tomatoe-basil soup for supper - hit the spot! warm/filling - just right on this grey-snowy day- warmed me right up !


...wishing everyone a nice evening & lots of healthy choices,

cheers, Maryann

 

[MysticRealm]

Good job today. It's crazy snowing today here as well and I certainly did NOT spend any additional time outside!! Glad I don't have a driveway to shovel, though I am sure it's a great form of exercise!

 

[MaryannC]

Hi everyone - Happy Friday ! ...almost the weekend - YAY !


Hey Mystic - thanks for the support & yup - the shovelling is pretty good weight-resistance work - I always have sore arms/shoulders the first couple times out each year- so I know it does make me work.

My Scale was HapPPy this morning - 2 lbs. down - Yay !

..looks like the "tweaks" in my routine worked this week - will try to keep it going... 60mins.exercise daily(no slacking) + calorie alternating hi carb day/low carb day

& I'm thinking all that snow-shovelling this week didn't hurt either.....

so....Bring it ON Mother Nature - if shovelling helps me lose weight - the LEt it SNOW !.....lol....

Happy Weekend everyone ....wishing everyone a weekend full of healthy choices.

cheers,

Maryann

 

[Cate]

What a great attitude Maryann! It's great to be able to turn something negative into something very positive. That soup sounded yummy. I LOVE soup & have not eaten a good tomato soup for YEARS. Organic tomatoes, fresh basil....... You're making my mouth water. Well done on shedding the extra 2lbs!! WEE HOO!!!! xoxo Cate

 

[MaryannC]

Hi all, Happy Friday


Hi Cate - thx for the support on my 2 lbs. lost - I was quite happy this morning - it's a been a few weeks just same - so was really perked-up to see a loss.


It's still snowing

again today....my oh my....Mother Natures' really trying to help me work some calories off....lol.


Exercise today: got in my 60mins. ( all snow shovelling ) ...

Food today : goal- high-carb/1,600 cal day - my total: 1,510

so- am good for today -

... tomorrow - may take a "day off" from food logging - will just be sure to get my 60mins. exercise , and keep to healthy choices and serving sizes.


Going to go watch my nephew play hockey tomorrow - just luv the energy & spirit those young kids put into the game.... & maybe hit a sports-store - to see if I can snap up an under-desk exerciser of some sort for work ( to use on my lunch breaks.) (those outside noon walks just getting too nippy & snowy walks getting icy & slippery)....


Wishing everyone a good weekend with lots of healthy choices,

Maryann C.

 

[scbibhouse]

Hey Maryann, Congratulations on the 2 pound loss!! Those 60 minutes of exercise and the new calorie cycle is paying off!! So happy for you!! It's always good to get positive reinforcement along this journey to keep us motivated...from someone on this journey now for over 17 months, I can tell you it's tough some days when you're on a plateau, tough some days when you're gaining despite all the "right choices' in the world, and tough some days when you see others eating lots of sinful foods with seemingly impunity (they're not though...I believe that what goes around comes around!). Then there are the good days when that new pair of jeans fits and it's not so snug, and when you finally take the big clothes out of the closet and donate them to charity, and when you see the number on the scale show a number that meets your "short term" goal and best of all when someone you love and trust tells you that you really do look great..and you know they mean it..and all the effort seems worthwhile and it somehow mobilizes even more determination and desire inside to go on to the goal!

Not sure where all that came from...just know you are inspiring me right now and I want to say thank you!! Now, enjoy your day off of snow shoveling and calorie counting and reflect on your journey so far and give yourself a pat on the back!! You're doing great!!


Sarah

 

[MysticRealm]

Great job on the 2 pound loss, that's awesome!!

 

[MaryannC]

Hi All - Happy Weekend !

Have Sunshine here today - yay ! finally !

( although not quit sun-tan weather - sunny but -16C this am - brrr )( but still feel more cheery with the sun shining ! )

Mystic - thanks for the support - every kind word gives me extra "oompf" to keep on with the "healthy" track......


Sarah - - I inspire you?...( ... I am just slugging along here - faith in the process - so humbling to think my humble efforts can inspire someone like yourself who is such an inspiration for so many of us with your incredible journey you are sharing... but am so glad that I can give you a boost - so far along on your trail - must be a challenge some days to look for fresh kick-start / stick-to-it-ness .... ) - - U are definately MY Hero !


It is a nice "reflective" Saturday for me here .... trip to watch Nephew play hockey got rain-check - roads are too bad & don't usually like to go on highway when this cold ( -16c) unless an urgent trip - so plan is now to stay-put whole weekend -( & it' a long weekend- have Monday stat)

& that suits me just fine ( got lots to catch up at home here - as am off on my Florida trip in just 2 weeks.... yay....)


~ I like your idea about clothes & closet purge Sarah , I was finding my work-pants quite loose this week - I think this afternoon might be fun to dig in my closet - try on a couple pairs of next size smaller work pants ( I have a few pairs pants stashed in a few sizes - had the habit of buying 1 size smaller to wear once I lost a bit- so have a few of those saved)...would be so cool to actually be able to start wearing some of those...


~ I had planned to take day-off from logging-food , but me& hubby decided on a stay-at-home treat this morning - pancakes !.

.. & after 3+ months now of calorie counting - I just couldn't do it - couldn't just "free range eat"... just had-to look up the calories of the bacon , pancakes, syrup, bit of margarine... if someone had told me 3 months ago that I'd be looking up calories of bacon & pancakes...I would have laughed at them - but there I was ( did you know that the calories per slice(150) are actually listed on the bacon pkg?...I'm 51yrs old - just discovered this today- Amazing ! ) ....so- it turned out to be a good learning for me - I had the 2 pancakes & 2 slices bacon & 2 Tbsp. syrup( natural maple syrup-yum&healthier than the sugary regular one), and 2 tsps.margarine - calorie total was 575 - not too crazy - & will incorporate into my daily cal total - ....

and now - I am happy & satisfied ( not feeling deprived) - was able to enjoy a decent/satisfying/but not rediculous - serving of pancakes/bacon brkfst - but also Free of Guilt - I know exactly how many calories it was - so don't feel bad - .... & now I know- if faced with breakfast out - that 2 slices bacon/2pancakes + syrup/marg is doable & reasonable serving for me.... win-win ! ... ( and that the usual 3 pancakes & 4+ slices of bacon in my past were likely part of my weight-creep... )

& interesting - when I offered my hubby more bacon before clearing the table - he said "...no- I've had 4 slices bacon - I'm good "...I had no idea he was aware of/counted how much he eats - that was a "learning" for me about him..... ( so much "learning" & "awareness" this weight loss journey to healthy...)


~ so , off for a nice, satisfied , non-guilty morning , plan for some tread-mill today ( likely 1/2hr around noon , & 2nd 1/2hr later in aftn) - and maybe a brief outside walk with Koko in aftn in the sunshine ( once a bit less cold - high is forecast for -12....eeek.) & bit more shovelling -we had some light-snow over nite - but nothing too major - will likely only take me 20mins. or so...


Cheers everyone , wishing you all a nice Saturday with good healthy choices,


maryann c.

 

[Cate]

Hi Maryann, So much of what I hear you say in your diary reminds me of my original weight-loss 'journey' in 2007. I had so many light bulb moments & still do. Being aware of what we are eating & doing; realising that everything counts & that you can indulge in favourite foods, guilt-free; means that you are constantly learning and most likely means that you will change your life-style for good. I am really enjoying reading your diary, including your so-called "goofy" ticks, photos etc. It beats boring any day! Thanks for your regular posts in my diary. I sure do appreciate them, xoxo Cate

 

[scbibhouse]

Hey maryann,

I agree with Cate..you are having so many good "light bulb moments" and really getting to know alot about yourself! Good job on knowing what you eat! That has been one of the best things about me counting calories for the past 6 months...I had been making some good nutritional choices before that, but I never really did much work on calories in vs calories out, and that it was the little things each day that cause the weight creep up and the extra 100 calories adds up.

Yes Maryann, you do give me a boost! This forum has really helped keep me motivated...new cyber friends come an go and all have helped me along the way.

Continue with your self awareness and great choices..and yes, especially the exercise!

Good choices girl!


Sarah

 

[MysticRealm]

AGood job on the guilt free treat of pancakes and bacon!

 

[MaryannC]

Hi Folks- Happy Cold Sunday ( -19c/-2F ) here this AM ....brrr

...Am enjoying a cozy weekend (inside) at home - having a nice hot cup of tea right now.


Hi Mystic - thanks for the moral support - was so good to have a nice brekkie with my husband- & be guilt free- it felt really good


Hi Cate - so fun that my "light bulbs" are similar to what you found in '07 - and that balance, moderation in servings, and daily activity and exercise ( forever...) really are the keys to getting slim & keeping slim & healthy for good - it really encourages me that you've been able to keep stable for 5 yrs now... proof that it can be done....I'm glad you enjoy my "goofy stuff" - I really enjoy posting here daily & the responses/support & everyone' elses posts - helps me keep my focus on the healthy-side of choices...


Hi Sarah - yes- the learing I am finding this time around with my weight-loss journey is suprising even me... ( I've tried many times over the years to lose-some successful, some not , but this time (maybe because I'm older/more mature) - I really seem to be seeking out, absorbing, and embracing all that I'm learning. I am finding the more resources I seek out - the better my success - I've got the support of my co-worker ( it really is helping me being open with her & telling her about my healthy efforts - she gives me excellent feedback & "cheerleading" ) & the internet is so amazing - ...if I am curious about something - I just "google" ...get tons of info , calorie counts of foods , calculators for exercise/calorie budget for my age/heigth/weight for weight loss, healthy recipes - all right there for me...just gotta type & read...so easy...

-Also - interesting too - it's not just the knowledge- but putting into Action that's important...I was listening to some Fat2Fit Powertips this week (on my cold walks)- and one point the guys brought up is that Gaining knowledge is just 1/2 of the job - Using that knowledge-Putting it into Action in your daily life - that's the cruicial 2nd 1/2 !! ... & I sure saw that Action in Motion this week when I religiously followed the exercise/calories - and got my good result.

- I totally agree with you on the value of this forum - both in concrete knowlege ( like the Mr.Vee's link to the Ibm calculator ) and in the support , sharing and feedback/replies - we learn from each other - such strong support and motivation - folks come & go - but we share & learn from each of them - ...


cheers Mystic, Cate & Sarah , wishing you ladies a lovely, cozy, Sunday


Maryann

 

[MaryannC]

Interesting morning ........ with my cozy at-home weekend , found my myself watching a local weight-loss/fittness show episode - "X-weighted" - they feature 1 person each week - weight loss journey - initial weigh in/history, then follow that person for 6 months ( diet/trainer) & see how they fair to achieve their goal... it's quite good & features local western-Canadian folks - so really relevant... ( not as "fancy" & extreme as "Biggest Loser" show)...


- today's episode featured- Valencia - 33yo female, ht: 5'1", wt: 228lbs, measurements: chest 51", waist 50", hips 49" ....

....hmmmm...caught my interest - she's similar height & weight to myself ( I'm about 10lbs.heavier currently) & yet she looks Really Chunky to me...( eeek -I must look that "chunky"...)( so glad I've started my healthy journey- or that thought would have really floored me...)


so....now am curious how my measurements compare to hers...( I haven't measured myself in years - but now am curious( & I've noticed lots of folks on this site also do measurements...)....so....off to sewing basket- pulled out the tape measure ....


chest 53", waist 49", hips 56"

( eeeek ! ...my waist used to be 28" a few years back....and my hips are 7" Bigger than Valencias !! OMG - no wonder my hubby teases me about a "big butt"....


So..... glad I took the plunge & measured....and now will use this knowledge to give me "extra" motivation -

- am adding some "mini-goals" to help motivate me even more -


~ as looks like I am managing to lose about 5lbs./month so far ( ~ 1lb/week).... have set goal of:

Jan.1/2013 - get to Valencia's weight - ~ 230lbs. ( that would mean 5lbs. loss per month Nov & Dec.- I think that's doable).

Jun 1/2013 - get to 205 lbs. ( almost 200lb. marker - and that would still be at a rate of ~ 1lb/loss per week - should be able to do it reasonably.)

Measurements - plan to re-check my measurements on those 2 dates & see if any changes ( hopefully)....


~ and while I did find it "hard" to accept that I look a lot like Valencia now , I am focusing that I have already lost 15lbs. ( good start )( & know that I can lose weight) , that with 121lbs. more to come-off my body to get to goal weight - there's huge opportunity to improve my appearance - 121 lbs. - that's 6 x 20lb. sacks of flour - that's a lot "less" me...( sheesh - I'm carrying around a lot of extra-"sacks" everyday- just think how much perkier & less fatigued I can be with all those flour-bags gone off my body ! )




~ well, enuf typing - time to go do my Treadmill 1/2hr , then try on some of those smaller dress pants I dug out of the closet ( see what those 15lbs.did for the "fit") ( & dream about each size down in pants I'll go - with each treadmill session- walking towards skinny me- "minus the big-caboose".... lol.


cheers Everyone, hope you're having a healthy, happy , Sunday.


Maryann C.

 

[MysticRealm]

Yes it can be very good motivation to do measurements! And really helps to see where you are actually at. I used to watch X weighted a lot haha.