My first (and hopefully last) attempt at a personal metamorphosis.

Just stopping by to say once again how much I looooove oatmeal. Knowing that it is good for me just makes me feel even better. I do put brown sugar in it but only about a teaspoon. Also try to add a bit of fruit like blueberries or raspberries if I have them. I never used to eat breakfast and now I haven't missed it since December.


Progress is slow, hoping it is just a combination of plateau and crazy work schedule. I do my best to eat well, but work can definitely make that difficult some days. Determined to drink 100oz of water every day!
 
MMM, I love oatmeal, I put just a tiny bit of peanut butter in it and then it tastes like a cookie :D


I'm sure your weight loss slowing down is just stress, happens to me all the time! It'll happen, just keep at it - seems like you've got the perfect mindset right now so I know you will!
 
Hey Alice29,

Good job on continuing to make good food choices...plateau's suck...I hit one in Feb, then it seems March it dropped off. Now, for April, I'm doing an experiment in calorie counting...as we lose weight, our target calorie count changes...I don't know much about all that yet, but I've started listening to fat2fitradio.com and what they say seems to make sense to me and I'm motivated to keep going. It's not a race...although, I'd love to just have the weight gone and magically be at my goal weight...but, I know it didn't go on that way...although it sure seems that it went on faster than it's coming off! Keep going girl...we can do it!

Sarah
 
Thanks for the link Sarah. I will check that out this weekend!


So I spent the week taking a Lifeguard Instructor course for my job. So what that means is that I can now teach Lifeguard/CPR/1st Aid classes through the Red Cross. Although I have been wanting to take the class for over a year, I always dreaded it because I knew I would have to wear a bathing suit in front of strangers for hours. Thank god I was 25lbs lighter! Although Im no where near my goal I definitely was not as self conscious as I was a few months ago. Also the physical skills in the class were far easier than I remembered. So I haven't made it to the gym this week since the class was over an hour away and I stayed with a friend. Headed back to do elliptical, etc. tomorrow and then again on Saturday and Sunday. Hoping to see some progress on Sunday!


Also looking to be home again so I don't have to constantly go out to eat and constantly want things I shouldn't have! (like soda, blah!)
 
Congratulations Alice on getting that certification:hurray:...and not feeling self conscious about yourself in the process.:coolgleama:..and in a bathing suit! :jump: Wow, I'm impressed! Not sure I could do that even if I really wanted to!

I'm sure you'll feel great when you get back to your exercise routine...I know I always do! Something about exercising and cleaning out the systems is always good. Keep up the good work girl...if I can do it, you can do it..and vis a versa! I count on the support I get in this forum from you and my other "regulars"!


Sarah
 
So i don't want to jinx myself but I think the plateau may be over. I was stuck at 215 for weeks. WEEKS. I know from reading peoples stories on here that plateaus can go on for much longer but I am glad mine seems to be over. Staying motivated was becoming a big challenge. Hopefully 215 is gone forever!


Weigh in this morning was 211. Success! The scale did not begin to move until a few days ago and I feel like some advice from fat 2 fit radio made the difference. Thank you so much Sarah for the recommendation! I have listened to a number of the podcasts, mostly focused on plateaus and while the advice sounded crazy, it seemed to have worked! So for anyone curious what the advice was ~ they said to eat more! At first I thought it was too good to be true. I increased for a few days (with veggies and protein) and I seem to have moved on from 215.


I highly recommend the podcasts. They are interesting, entertaining, and educational for all of us looking to make a permanent change in our lives.


So as I continue to approach my 1st goal of 208 (enter the overweight BMI category!) I am to the point where I really need new pants. Im off to the outlets today for a few pairs of jeans. It's so hard not to buy a ton because I am excited about smaller sizes. It just doesn't make any sense to spend too much on clothes that will only fit me for a few months tops :biggrin:
 
Found a new form of "workout". Gardening. I know what you're thinking, I felt the same way until the next day.


There's an area in my backyard that used to be a garden. Raised beds with so much potential yet barely visible due to high grass and weeds. I decided it would be a good weekend(s) project to try to bring it back to life and also grow some fruit and veggies that I like to incorporate them into my diet. I thought it might save a bit of money to grow my own veggies, but we'll see. Getting it up and running is going to cost a bit, but if I can maintain it I can grow things year round and eventually save a bit on groceries.


So after about 5 hours of clearing weeds and turning soil I uncovered 1/3 of the garden. I decided to plant everything in the bed before clearing the next section next weekend. Thank god because if I had tried to clear another 1/3 today I probably would have hurt myself. I have aches in muscles I didn't even know I had. My job is pretty physical but there are obviously muscles being left out.


It's nice to have something to focus on outside! I definitely spend a bulk of weekends inside watching tv or on the computer.


So far I have planted cucumbers, snow peas, basil, cilantro, and chives. I am planning to add tomatoes, strawberries, garlic, lettuce, green beans, kale, and some flowers.
 
Oh Alice, I love the gardening workouts...I really miss them here in China as I live in the concrete jungle! I'd love to see some pictures of your finished raised beds..my favorite type of gardening both for veggies and flowers...they get the best drainage. From your description, you had a big day of it! You go girl!


Sarah
 
Tough week cravings wise. So much chocolate around work and my self control was a bit weak. I cannot wait to have some slower times at work so I can focus on me again! I will be trying to make up for some of my bad choices this week with lots of fruit and veggies and swimming!


Gardening tomorrow and hoping to clear another 1/3 of the space. Sarah - I will post some photos tomorrow to show my progress so far. I spent time last weekend putting up deer fencing as they already got into the flower and ate all the blooms. Glad there is an easy way to keep them out!


This week, despite my poor choices, I feel physically smaller for the first time. My clothes feel too bulky and I am ready to go buy some new pants especially. I am comfortable in a t-shirt again (it's been a while, the huge muffin top was just a horrible experience) and don't wear hoodies all day every day. I think my obliques is where I notice the biggest difference. That is also where I put on the most weight over the past few years.


In 2007 I was between 190-200lbs. Even then I had very low self esteem so I know if will be a little while before I will truly be happy with my body, if ever. I can't honestly remember a time where I felt comfortable about my appearance. I am excited about the possibility, though!


This weekend ~ no sweets. I did enough damage during the week!
 
Oh Alice,

I can so relate to your stories about the clothes fitting and feelings of being smaller. I remember when that happened to me (and still does happen to me!). I caught a glimpse of myself in a glass building I walked by and saw my pants being so baggy and it made me think of my mom who lost alot of weight before dying of pancreatic cancer. It was such a weird feeling. It wasn't long after that I went out and had some new pants made for myself (still can't buy them off the rack here in China!) and I started to feel better about myself and people really started noticing my body had gotten smaller. Then, my mind played tricks with me again when I had the smaller pants that I had just taken off that fit wonderfully...and my brain said to myself as I was hanging them up "those will never fit"...and I had just taken them off...my brain hadn't caught up with my new body image yet...I'm still amazed by that sometimes.


So, go out and enjoy your garden (and I hope your dear fence works...they are jumpers you know!) and enjoy your workouts in the garden...and most of all, enjoy the new You, you are becoming! You've made alot of progress my dear..~30 pounds...you go girl!!


Sarah
 
Thanks Sarah for your words of encouragement!


On Sunday I went to a very interested Yoga class. It took place in a barn. Like the type of barn with sparrows flying in and out and goats wandering around the outside. It was very strange but so great at the same time. I like yoga even though it is still a bit out there for me. Honestly I think really stretching is something my body could use a ton of. There are certain poses that when I get about halfway to what it's supposed to be I realize I can't go any further. While it's a little embarassing I have to remember that it is about me and not how everyone else is doing. I have only been to a handful of classes so I can't be too hard on myself. It is such a great feeling in my core though for a few days after. A very nice "sore" but stretched feeling.


So as I contemplate what to have for dinner I realize it is so late. Then of course I get a call that my friends are going out for one of their birthdays. So I guess it will be cran/vodka for dinner tonight. I never drink so it will be a nice treat :)


Today I ate oatmeal with blueberries for breakfast and homemade pad thai for lunch. Not too bad, need more veggies!
 
About to head to the gym for the first time in a few weeks. Work is slowing down and so I need to start going again on a regular basis! All week I felt like I was smaller or had lost at least a pound but the scale would not budge. Then this morning I woke up to find it down 3.5lbs! Seriously? I am so baffled by this process sometimes. Regardless I assume it may fluctuate a bit but I'm just happy to see the number move. Makes me feel like I'm not losing it. So at 207.5 I have officially exited the obese BMI range and entered the overweight range. Reaching my first goal feels really good. I had hoped to be at this point two months ago but honestly now I am just grateful for the progress I have made. I will reach the other goals, it will just take a bit more time than I guessed.


Next up.... onederland :)
 
Had a good ole cheat day yesterday. Lot's of friend wanting to spend time out and about equaled breakfast and lunch out. I tried to be good, but hey I deserve a little treat here and there. Chose the egg white omelet but also had a biscuit and a mocha YUM! Saved the hash browns and ate them this morning for breakfast. After going out for breakfast I met a friend for lunch and had sushi. Yes I had tempura and yes it was amazing. I ate far less than I used to and was stuffed! Skipped the soda which was hard but worth it. Ended up not eating dinner since I was still full.


Finally went clothes shopping yesterday and spent the first half of my reward. The Gap outlet is so key for me in this process. Prices are ridiculously good ($12 for khakis? yes please!) and I pulled about 15 items into the dressing room with me. I have vivid memories of pulling lots of items into the dressing room and leaving with nothing. Nothing. Failure. Trying on clothes has been a phobia of mine for years because it always equaled disappointment. But not yesterday. The only items I left were items I took on a whim: a dress and a bathing suit. I did not expect to take them, tried them on more out of curiosity. Of course I would have bought them if they fit well :) So I left with 3 pairs of pants, 2 sweaters, 1 tank top, 1 pair of yoga capris, and 1 sports bra. Two of the pairs of pants were size 14, a size I have not worn in at least 4 years. The third pair was another pair of the $12 khakis in a size 12. I believe I will get there eventually and they are such cute pants I couldn't resist! I spent a whopping $118 and saved $147! God that felt good. That also means I have another $82 dollars to spend since I reached a goal.


I like losing weight almost as much as I like a bargain ;) Hence the second half of my yearly personal transformation. My debt deletion is right on track but very challenging to stick to. I have paid off $5300 on credit cards, $3000 in car payments, and almost $1000 in students loans. I still have a bit to go: $6800 in credit cards, $4900 in car payments (to pay off my car entirely), and $12,500 in student loans. I don't expect to pay all of it off by the end of the year but figure I will review how much I paid off at the end of June and plan to do the same or more for the other 6 months of the year. I know this is all a bit off topic but this whole thing is such a two part process for me. Everything in moderation!
 
Had a good day today as far as resisting temptation. Had my usual oatmeal with blueberries for breakfast. I did a presentation for work right near my favorite puerto rican restaurant and resisted getting their version of a po boy (fried shrimp goodness on a delicious roll with yummy spicy mayo) and instead had their limeade (so amazingly refreshing!). I'm sure it had a ton of sugar, but considering i used to get that, the sandwich, and sweet plantains I don't feel too bad about it. I picked up 2 tacos instead with carne asada and veggies only and that was more than enough. I had a bit of sausage and green beans for dinner and resisted breadsticks (they serve food at my work and it is all you can eat but not very good). These days are hard to record on the loseit app, but I feel like I have learned a ton about estimating over the past few months.


I'm going to try zumba tomorrow for the first time. A friend just started teaching a class at the community center and I want to go and support her while hopefully making some more progress! I'm so uncoordinated, this should be entertaining.
 
Well Zumba class last week was canceled and so I went this evening instead. It was definitely entertaining! I have no latin blood in me so the moves are a bit more robotic than they should be. Still a fun way to get moving and burn calories! I am going to try to go twice a month in addition to yoga twice a month and gym whenever I get a chance (aiming for twice a week). I really wish I had more time, but my work is so time consuming. The good part is often my work includes some form of exercise outside so it could be worse. Starting next week I have a 2.5 week break from busy work and will be able to get to the gym at least twice a week without a problem.


I am making a short term goal of reaching 203 by the time I leave for my cruise on June 8. I haven't moved below 207 but can tell the time of the month is near and so hopefully these few pounds are partially water weight. 4lbs in two weeks ~ here we go!
 
AHey Alice, thanks for stopping by my diary, and yes, I am loving the reactions from family right now! You will be turning heads on your cruise too! I'm betting you will make your goal for the cruise especially with the time off work and more time for cardio! I've found tha keeping my exercise routine intact on vacation is easier than I thought, and I actually enjoy some down time for me. Enjoy the cruise and your vacation!
 
I have been physically feeling yucky for the past few days. My digestive system seems to be out of whack so hopefully that will change soon!


Have been going to yoga regularly with a friend and it is very interesting. Only one of the classes was "hard" but it is painfully obvious that certain parts of my body need to be slowly stretched out to regain flexibility especially in my knees. I have a family history of bad knees and have had a few sports related injuries in my knees in the past. It hurts to squat, kneel, or any other position that puts stress on the joint. Also my hamstrings feel very tight. Funny I never noticed this before ~ since I have been pretty inactive for the past few years. I think my knees have gotten worse as a result and that with a bit of work and less weight to carry around I could be feeling much better without medication or surgery! I am going to use yoga as my way of remembering to stretch and tracking my progress as I am able to accomplish certain poses or stretch deeper.


I love this time of year when certain types of produce go in and out of season. Right now corn is so cheap! I love corn on the cob and when I can get it for 3/$1 (organic!) it is amazing. Cherries are next and then in a few weeks raspberries will be super cheap. Little events like this only make eating healthier a bit easier!


Have been considering going on a "run". A little nervous/embarrassed/scared as running is something I have always avoided. I just need to get over it! I told myself I would try to start running once I passed from the obese to overweight bmi range and I just accomplished this. Time to get movin!
 
AHey Alice, congratulations on passing from obese to overweight! Excellent! You go girl!
Hope you are feeling better with your digestive system, never fun to have something out of whack in that part of the body. As for your run, go for it! Don't worry about what people will think...you cAnt change that! It's for you and no one else, so if a run is what your brain wants to do, then let it! I would start with smal intervals of a run...like walk 1 min, then run 1 min, and then work your way up to longer runs. That will minimize the impact on your body and still get you running. Keep up the good work!
Sarah
 
Weighed in this morning and came up with 207. I am just happy to be back at my lowest weight so far on this journey. I was up to 211 last weekend but with feeling sick I was hoping it was just a fluke. I would like the scale to move a bit more before I leave for a cruise on Thursday. Time to push water and go on that run I have been putting off!


Sarah~ thanks for the continuous support! I so look forward to reading your diary as often as I can check in here and look forward to making future progress along side you!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top