(Re)new Journey

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I agree that having a somewhat fixed schedule makes it much easier to stick to a food plan. Have fun PUMPing :)
 
Well today was interesting. Started off with my first day at this new (temporary) job and it was much more challenging than I expected. It's going to be a long six weeks but I am up for it. Although I wanted to just go straight home and take a nap, I rushed over to the gym to make the 12:15pm pump class. This was a different instructor than last week and she was not nearly as motivating. That, along with the fact that I am so damn tired from waking up at 6am, made for a tough workout. I don't think it was my best effort, but at least I did it. It is now past 6pm and I am about to head out for a walk. I think I need the walk more for my mental health than my physical health today! Luckily it will benefit both. :)

Eating was good today. I had a banana and two hardboiled eggs for breakfast (6:45am). Unfortunately the morning was a tad crazy so I didn't get to eat my watermelon for a snack until I got out of work at noon. I'm hoping that won't be a daily occurrence because I am usually hungry every 3 hours or so. I ate a few carrots after the gym and then had my lunch of grilled chicken and more watermelon. I think for dinner tonight I'll make a taco salad type thing, basically a salad with the leftover chicken, topped with my favorite spicy salsa. Yum!

I am slowly starting to feel better after this weekend. I feel like I need a detox from some of the crap I ate. In all honesty, it wasn't even THAT bad. I used to eat much worse on an almost DAILY basis. I saw a 143 something on the scale today so I think the bloating may be going down. I talked to a family member this weekend about how wheat makes us bloat and I definitely believe it. She told me about a few books and movies that are educational on that topic so I might read/watch those at some point. I don't think I eat a lot of things with wheat in them these days anyway, but it might be good information to know. If anyone has insight on that, please share!

Anyway, I am off for a walk in this heat. A little victory for me... I am wearing shorts to work out for the first time in forever! Usually I wear capri-length pants ONLY. Well, obviously I wear a shirt too! I have a few pairs of workout shorts that I usually wear to bed but now they actually fit me or are too big. I am excited to let my legs breathe a little while I walk. Hear's to hoping that the chub rub (chaffing) doesn't come back full force!
 
Me again! Happy to report that the walk was a success in many ways. Managed to clear my head a bit, no chub rub on the legs, and burned some calories.

I came home and drank a good amount of water and a mug of green tea. Ate my dinner of salad, topped with grilled chicken and my habanero salsa. I'm happy to find a healthy way to eat the salsa without the carbs of tortilla chips! It was yummy.

Something I was thinking about on my walk was how I want to make a board to keep track of my running milestones. I spend a lot of time looking at Instagram postings of those into fitness and I recently came across a woman who had this beautiful display of her personal records for running. She painted an old door with chalk paint so she could use chalk to write in her best times. I love the idea and I want to try and come up with something of my own. I don't have any old doors lying around, but I sure am creative and will eventually think of something. Hers also had pegs to hang her medals from and I am hoping to be able to do that too, when I finally get to running some races. I will continue to think about it and see what I can come up with!

Tomorrow is going to be very hot here... about 93 degrees they say. I will work until 11:45am and then come home for lunch. I think I will then head to my family's pool for a bit to cool off. Then since it's Wednesday... it's step day! I'm hoping I am feeling good in class and hoping to challenge myself a bit. I also have the option to go to the pump class right before step, but I'm not sure I will be up for it since I did that class today. It's so great to have options and I am learning to listen to my body. Tonight I was reminded of how great a walk can be when I am feeling frustrated or just stuck in a rutt.

Off to get a good night's sleep!
 
Don´t believe everything you hear, Kakes. For people who aren´t allergic/intolerant to it, wheat is fine. It´s carbs, and carb-loading makes your tissues hold on to water a bit more, but that´s just normal physiology. I do think people eat waaay to much wheat (wheat bread, wheat pasta, wheat crackers, wheat cakes, wheat everything) and I prefer more variety, but that´s another story altogether. "Educational" stuff about health crazes is mostly very biased and unscientific..
 
LaMaria, that's why eating healthy is very confusing! Depending on who you talk to, you get a different story. Even people who are supposedly "experts" each have their own opinions. It seems these days that most things are based on opinion or theory, and not scientific fact. It's quite daunting for some of us who are just trying to do better by our health!
 
As far as I can tell, the general (scientific) consensus is to try and eat a varied diet, with at least half a kilo of veg and fruit a day and not too much processed crap. And enough calories, of course. All else is mostly personal preference/experience. But since it´s hard to make money on that platform people either try to make their own personal experience a solution for all the problems anyone can have or they try and make normal things sound like problems so they can sell us a solution.
 
That's exactly it, LaMa. There seems to be a simple solution... eat healthy and you will be healthy. But then there are all these fads and diets that make it confusing. I suppose it is like anything in life-- CONFUSING! I guess the bottom line is that one must learn what is needed for one's own body and that is all. The hard part is that there are so many factors to be considered so it takes a lot of time, energy, and perseverance to figure it out.

Today I'm feeling pretty good. Yesterday it was so hot out and I'm happy that it was a step day. Before step, I arrived at the gym early and did 10 minutes on the stair master to pass the time. I was dripping in sweat. Luckily the step room is air conditioned so it wasn't torturous. The class felt great but I was dead at the end. I didn't stay for the last few minutes of stretching and abs. I regretted it afterward but sometimes it gives me anxiety and I'm not sure why.

Today it is still quite hot out, but I think I will attempt to run in a few hours. I think I last ran on Monday so it's been a few days. I am a tad sore today but nothing too bad. I think I will go the long route and aim to run a 5k and then walk the rest. Who knows with this weather, though! I am looking forward to getting a good sweat in.

Tomorrow morning I am getting some blood work done at the endocrinologist. The doctor told me that she thinks she will put me on a certain medication but she wants to just check in with hormones and things first, just to make sure. I am excited to get the ball rolling on managing my PCOS. I'm interested to see if it affects my weight at all. I have done some poking around on the internet and it seems that the side effects are all over the place. Some people gained weight, some people lost weight, some didn't notice any loss or gain at all. Either way, it is just one more step in the right direction of having a healthier body.

Tomorrow I am headed down to my friend's beach house (rented) for the day. I don't think the weather is supposed to be all that good but we could end up going to the beach. You know what that means... bathing suit. I used to be so self-conscious in a bathing suit. Now, I am just SLIGHTLY self-conscious. I used to wear tankinis (bikini bottoms with a long tank top-like top, aka covered stomach), now I wear tops that don't cover my stomach. The last time I did that was probably my freshmen year of high school. Not that I have my dream body or anything, but I feel more comfortable in my skin. I don't think I look like a beached whale any longer. I think I will feel slightly uncomfortable but I am not letting my weight hold me back any more. That is my bathing suit and that is what I am going to wear.

Of course, being away from home for the day (and probably the night) comes with a few stressors. Firstly, I will most likely be drinking. I will be sure to purchase alcohol from the store for myself so that I can control what I am drinking. I will also try and alternate my alcohol consumption with water consumption. I don't drink a lot, or frequently for the matter, but I have noticed some issues the last few times I've been drinking. These issues include throwing up and also blacking out. I am guessing it is because I am not eating as much, not as many carbs, and also I weigh 30 pounds less than I used to. I don't want anyone to get the impression that I have a drinking problem, because I certainly do not. I am strictly a social drinker... I don't ever drink in my own house. When I am with friends, I like to kick back a bit but I need to adjust my habits now that I am smaller. I never even realized what was happening until the third bad experience with drinking. I don't think I would even mind not drinking at all, but I kind of want to find the balance and better understand my body. I can't just cut out every single thing that needs adjusting. Oddly enough, that would be taking the easy way out.

Aside from the drinking, I'm sure there will be non-healthy food options at the house. I will be arriving tomorrow at about lunch time so I will be sure to eat breakfast and either eat lunch on the road (about an hour to get to the house) or bring it with me. I'm sure there will be snacks around and I'm sure the dinner options will be less than desirable, but I'm confident that I can try and pick the best option for me. In all honesty, I don't want to be arriving to the house with hoards of healthy food, looking like a weirdo. I want to be a functional healthy person who doesn't appear to be obsessed or judgy about food. Just another thing that I need to figure out how to navigate.

141.9 on the scale this morning. That's where I was before the holiday weekend. I am getting close to being out of the 140s and it is getting me so excited for the 130s. My next mini goal is 137, because that will be 35 pounds lost since I started this lifestyle. 5 pounds to go until I reach that. I think getting back to work these past few days has helped me with my eating, but not so much with my exercise. Although I'm only working 4.5 hours per day, the work is tiring and draining. It has also been an adjustment waking up at 6am and getting myself going so early. Like I said, it has helped me to be less of a picker and boredom-eater, but also made me more tired and slightly less motivated to work out. I still have managed to work out every day, but I haven't felt as strong as I usually do. I'm hoping that it's just taking a few days to get adjusted and I will be better next week.

Tomorrow I will likely take as a rest day. I think my body needs it. For now, I am hearing some rolls of thunder outside so I'm hoping that passes quickly so I can go out for a run. If not, I will make myself go to the gym (even though I don't want to go). Have a wonderful night everyone!
 
but I feel more comfortable in my skin. I don't think I look like a beached whale any longer. I think I will feel slightly uncomfortable but I am not letting my weight hold me back any more. That is my bathing suit and that is what I am going to wear.
I love it! I loved all of your last post, but I especially love this. I'm with you with alcohol. I have had to adjust majorly with my alcohol intake, because I'm over 30kg less than I was. Have some protein before you have any alcohol. Always have some nuts(almonds?) in your bag so that you are always prepared. I have beef jerky these days as it's lighter & I love it. It's not an excuse to drink more, but even with just one glass it helps your body deal with it. Enjoy your weekend kakes xo Cate
 
Yes! I was going to quote that line but Cate beat me to it. Damn you, time zones! :p

Also: If the side effects of medication are "all over the place" the way you report it they may not be side effects of that drug but of life itself. Have fun on the beach!
 
Well. I suppose I managed to keep the drinking under control. The eating... not so much. For the sake of being honest, this is what I ate yesterday: Probably 5 chocolate chip cookies, a small Italian sandwich (and when I say small, I mean the bread was probably 6 square inches), a handful of BBQ chips, some fruit, a cheeseburger (with the bun... gasp!) and a piece of pizza. Wow. That's all I can say. Lots of carbs! The only positive is that I kept the portions under control. Aside from that, I had little to no self control. In my defense, it is really difficult to make healthy choices when you are with a group of friends, just hanging out. Continuing with the honesty train, I don't really feel bad about what I ate or drank yesterday. I feel slightly guilty but it was fun. I am guessing that the amount of calories was easily over what I usually eat in a day, but it's not the end of the world.

I was 140.5 yesterday on the scale before I left, and I just got home and weighed myself... 142.4. I'm only mad at myself because I was SO close to seeing the 130s! I suppose I am still close and I will be able to get back on track. I keep thinking that it will be easier to be more diligent with my eating if it wasn't summer, but then I catch myself and remind myself that there is always going to be something. In the fall, for example, I will be much busier and that will make it challenging to stay on track. The key is learning to take these things in stride and knowing when it is worth it to "live a little." It's weird because last week I beat myself up over the bad food choices that I made but today I don't feel as badly about yesterday's bad decisions. I want to be able to indulge once in a while but I need to figure out when it's worth it and when it is not. I am thinking about how I could have made better choices but I don't think I would change anything if I could go back and do it again. I enjoyed the burger and the pizza haha.

The best part about yesterday was the amount of compliments I got from my friends. Most of them I haven't seen in a few weeks, or even months, so they were really surprised at my weight loss. The compliments seemed endless. At some points, they made me uncomfortable, but I accepted them, nonetheless. It is nice to be recognized for your hard work. A few asked what I have been doing to lose the weight and I am always happy to answer that question. I think it gives people hope that you can successfully lose weight and get healthy by eating healthy and exercising. No tricks or fads or programs needed. The best part about the compliments, for me, is that it always motivates me to want to continue what I am doing.

Now that I am home, I am ready to move on from my day of bad eating and get myself back together. I am going to relax for a bit since I barely got any sleep last night from having to sleep near people who snore. Then I am going to go for a run/walk. Planning on doing 6 miles, half run, half walk. I absolutely NEED to get my eating back on track. I say that as if I've spent the whole week eating like crap. It's been only one day and I think my body is craving it's "normal" food. Right now I am feeling very bloated and I feel like my stomach has grown a few inches in the past 24 hours. I want to get back to feeling leaner and less blobby. A run will hopefully do the trick.

The most important lesson for me right now is that when I have a day like yesterday (very laid back on the food intake) I have to snap myself back the very next day. I can't let one day of indulging turn into two days, three days, and so on. One day. That is all. Of course I think I would prefer to not have those days at all, but I am still learning how to navigate this lifestyle and I am going to go easy on myself. Right now I am proud of myself for accepting the decisions that I made (not beating myself up for eating some bad foods) and now being able to get myself back in check the very next day.
 
The most important lesson for me right now is that when I have a day like yesterday (very laid back on the food intake) I have to snap myself back the very next day. I can't let one day of indulging turn into two days, three days, and so on. One day. That is all. Of course I think I would prefer to not have those days at all, but I am still learning how to navigate this lifestyle and I am going to go easy on myself. Right now I am proud of myself for accepting the decisions that I made (not beating myself up for eating some bad foods) and now being able to get myself back in check the very next day.
Yep. You've got this! :D
 
Thanks, Cate! I'm happy to be back on track. For some reason, I am very tired and don't feel like doing anything. The weather has been quite crappy this weekend so I'm sure that is playing a big part. I managed to go for a run yesterday (ran 4 miles, walked 2.4) and walked this morning (4.25 miles).

My walk this morning was great because I was able to clear my head a bit. I didn't listen to any music, just walked and thought. I was thinking a little bit about how I used to think that losing weight would make me happier. In some ways, it definitely has. But in other ways, it hasn't changed a thing. I think lately I'm struggling a bit, trying to figure out how to navigate it all. I love the changes that I've made for my body and my mind, but sometimes I'm reminded how there is no one fix for everything.

While I was walking, my mom called to ask me if I wanted to go out to eat at a restaurant with a few of my family members. I thought about it and then decided against it. This is a family-style restaurant, so it is large quantities of food served for the whole table. The food is basically endless roasted chicken, french fries, salad, and rolls. I decided not to go because I don't think I would be able to resist the french fries and rolls. Happy that I was able to make that good decision for myself. It wasn't worth it for me to go. I am going with a friend to the movies later, and she asked me to go out to eat beforehand. I agreed to go, but said that I would be getting a salad. Her response was: "me too." I was happy to hear that because it's nice to have someone on your side. She said that she is going to look up menus of places around the movie theatre so that we will choose a place that has a healthy option for us.

I am going to visit a friend next weekend and she offered to run a race with me! She is not a runner but she knows that I've been desperately trying to get someone to run a race with me. It is next Sunday. One can either run a 5k or a 10k. I am slightly tempted to go for the 10k but I think I'll choose to do the 5k for my first race. I usually just run by myself so it might be a little overwhelming to be surrounded by people on an unknown course. The 5k is the better choice I think. I am so excited to finally be able to do my first race. I have been thinking about making a display to hang in my bedroom for medals and PRs (personal records) and I think I've finally decided what I want to do. It will be a great motivator for me and something I can look at to remind me of my hard work. If I have time this afternoon, I might stop by the craft store to pick up the supplies.
 
I love this post. It's so easy to forget that losing those blasted pounds is just part of the journey. Yay for people who can combine good company and healthy living. 5k sounds good to me if your friend's not a runner!
 
Just checking in quickly to share some good news. I finally got myself up and showered. Since it's not very nice out today, I decided to go for some jeans. I chose a pair that I haven't been able too wear because they were too small. They have been stored away in my attic for the past few years and I only took them out a few months ago. I wanted to just try them on and see how they fit. Well, they fit! They are actually slightly big on me. The best part is that these are jeans that I wore in college. I graduated in 2011 so that puts things in perspective. They just might be headed for the 'donate' bin soon!
 
You have been making some really good decisions kakes & it is paying off. I'm glad you have some good support from your friend. It makes such a lot of difference. Did you pick up some craft stuff? YAY for the jeans!! :D
 
Thanks Cate! I do feel like I have made some poor decisions, but the good decisions seem to outweigh the bad. I went out tonight and got a salad. The salad was delicious and very filling. It did have some bacon on it, so felt like a little bit of a treat. I had water with it, no alcohol. We then went to the movies and I didn't get any snacks or anything. That right there is a good decision.

I did end up getting some craft stuff! I was really excited to do some shopping. I couldn't find exactly what I was picturing for the display, but managed to get the best thing I could find. I think it'll be awesome once it's done. My plan is to work on it this week so that it'll be done by the time I run my first race this weekend.

My friend asked me what I was doing tomorrow after work and asked me to go walking with her. It is so nice to have friends who support me. I know she wants to work on her health too, but I also know she sees me very committed. My plan for tomorrow is to go to the gym sometime in the afternoon to do some weight machines and then walk with her when she is out of work around 4:30 or so. I want to get the weights in because it's been some time since I've used them. I want to make sure I do weights every few days, in addition to my cardio. Looking ahead to the week... Monday- weights and walking
Tuesday- run
Wednesday- step class
Thursday- weights and cardio at the gym
Friday- whatever I feel like doing or rest
Saturday- hiking
Sunday- first 5K race!

I am looking forward to a successful week. Hoping that my job gets better but if not, I will rely on my workouts to boost my spirits (not food!). My goal for this week is to drink more water! I've been doing better in the last few days but need to keep it consistent!
 
That's the best thing: when you're trying to make healthy changes and discover other people are so relieved to have someone to share healtier things with! Also: congratulations on those jeans :)
 
Thanks, LaMaria! My friend came over after work last night and we walked 5.75 miles. It was so fun to have someone to walk with. Although I typically enjoy my walks, it was a nice change to have someone to chat with. Made the miles pass more quickly. Before the walk, I went to the gym to do some machines and a little bit of free weights.

I have been feeling quite energized lately, despite not getting as much sleep as I'd like. I have to chalk up the energy to my food choices. It only makes sense. I think I've been doing great with my food these past few days and my body seems thankful. Oddly I am feeling "jiggly" this afternoon, sort of like bloated but a little different. Overall I've been feeling good so I hope this passes. It is Tuesday, however, and there's something about Tuesdays for me. Usually on Tuesdays I feel kind of yucky so I'm not surprised.

140.9 on the scale first thing this morning. I'm getting very close to seeing the 130s! It would be nice if I could get there in the next few days since I think I was aiming for the first half of July. I am a little nervous since I am going away this weekend but it is to visit my best friend and she knows how important it is for me to eat healthy and stay active. I think she will try her best to not offer me unhealthy food while I am at her house. We also plan to be active (maybe a hike, kayaking, swimming, etc., depending on mood and weather). Also we are running a 5k on Sunday!

I started making a display for my running stats and medals (when I finally get some!). I'm loving how it is turning out so far. Perhaps I will try and post a picture when it's done. I wanted to finish it before I left for the weekend but I don't think I'll be able to. Originally I was supposed to leave Friday but I think I might leave Thursday instead. No problem, though... I will finish it when I get back.

Today it is hot out but I am still planning on going for a run in a bit once it cools off. I am hoping to do 4 miles. My goals for the next few days are to continue to eat healthy and drink water and at least one mug of green tea per day. Yesterday I had 2 and today I've already had one and it's not even 3pm. Also, run today, step tomorrow, and either a run or cardio at the gym on Thursday.
 
Yesterday I went for my run and it was rough. Firstly, my FitBit was telling me that a mile was wayyy past where it usually is. I started at the same place (my house) so I was very confused. I know technology isn't always perfect but it threw me way off. Not to mention it made my pace much longer, about 12 minutes vs the 11 minutes I had been doing. I'm going to drive the route in my car and see what that says. Generally my FitBit is fairly consistent so maybe it was just having an off day.

I am all registered for my race on Sunday! Originally I was going to run Thursday night for the last time before the race, but I think I will be headed to NY at that point. I could possibly have time to run in the afternoon before I hit the road but that'll depend on me being packed and ready to go beforehand. I'd really like to be able to fit a run in so I will do my best.

140.1 on the scale first thing this morning! I was excited to be so close to getting done with the 140s. Aside from that, I am enjoying getting dressed in the mornings much more than I used to. I still don't have a lot of clothing that fits me because most of it is too big and I don't want to buy new clothes since I am continuing to lose weight. However, I don't spend a ton of time digging through my closet, trying to find something I feel comfortable in like I used to. Sometimes at work when I walk by a mirror or a window I can see myself in, I am surprised by myself. I just overall and smaller and sometimes I forget that.

The scale seems to be moving much slower than it was when I first started a few months ago, but I understand why. I have also gained some muscle so that makes sense as well. Looking forward to being below 140 and then after that, next victory will be 137 (35 pounds lost) and then 135 (my first goal weight). Crazy to think that I am about 5 pounds away from my original goal! I never thought I would be 135 pounds again. Now I am still aiming for 125 pounds eventually. I don't know when that will happen but I just keep imagining how healthy I will feel and that keeps me going.

Tonight is step class. I am debating doing the pump class before it. It is my favorite instructor so I'm sure it'll be worth it. I'll see how I feel in a few hours. Either way, step class will be a good sweat and I'm looking forward to it. My friend that came walking with me on Monday is also coming with me to the class so that'll be fun. Food has been good today... 2 hardboiled eggs and grapefruit for breakfast, no snack because work was busy, grilled chicken and watermelon for lunch. I will probably have a snack before the gym (hopefully I can convince myself to have some vegetables, maybe carrots), and then dinner will likely be a turkey burger and some veggies. Still having a tough time convincing myself to eat veggies. I much prefer fruit but know I need to eat some greens. Most importantly, I have been eating (mostly) clean and feeling good about my food choices.
 
Having some hommus or another healthy dip with raw veg is a good way of including them in your diet. I love that you are so close to your original goal & I feel your excitement. I still get a surprise when I see myself in a window & it still makes me smile. It is great that you have a friend with a similar interest in being fit & healthy. That's a bonus. I will do a little imaginary happy dance with you when you hit the 130's, very soon :D
 
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