(Re)new Journey

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I can't believe I haven't updated yet this week. I must have been busy! Today was my last day of work until August 29th so I am feeling good!

133.2 on the scale today, which is exactly where I was on August 2nd. I'm happy that I have maintained that weight, especially considering I have spent two weekends away from home within that time. I wanted to be closer to 130 by mid-August but I am still content with where I'm at now. Now that my weight loss has slowed, I have to adjust my goals a bit. It would be nice to be under 130 by my first day of school (I'm a teacher starting a new job). That will be my new goal: under 130 on September 1st!

After that, I am still looking to get down to 125. My main goal is to build more muscle, however. I think I am headed in the right direction when it comes to the muscle building, so I just want to continue to balance out the cardio for weight loss and weights for muscle gain. That will mean keeping up with my running and also weights at the gym.

As I mentioned, I will be starting a new job on September 1st! It will be quite time-consuming, but I am excited for the challenge. I will not be able to exercise as much as I have been these last few months. It will be important for me to develop a routine and stick to it! I am thinking that I will continue to do my classes at the gym on Wednesday nights, run twice a week, and workout once on the weekend. That would be 4 of 7 days of exercise. I might find that it is too much, or even not enough, based on how busy/tired/stressed/etc. I am. That will remain to be seen but I like to have a vision. I will also have to be diligent about my grocery shopping, making sure to plan out my meals. I am thinking I might make it easy on myself and stick with my normal breakfast of hardboiled eggs and fruit, and then a lunch of a turkey burger and green beans. I think it'll simplify things and take out the guesswork. I will also have to have a snack during the morning (and maybe even in the afternoon!). I think it will actually be easier to stick to healthy food choices since I won't be able to munch and pick, as I sometimes do at home!

For the next few weeks before school starts, my goal is to really find my groove again. I have done some amazing work in the last few months and I really want to end the summer on a good note. That will require me really sticking to the plan and giving it everything I have. My food intake has been good and exercise as well. I don't think I have been as motivated to work out but I am still holding on. Tonight, for example, it is really hot out and I have been going back and forth about working out. I really just want to be lazy but I know that's not the right choice. I don't like doing cardio at the gym because I get bored. Walking is an option but sometimes that gets boring as well. I think I decided that I am going to run a 5k in the heat, suck it up and just do it! It is going to be hot but I will get more bang for my buck. Less than 35 minutes of my day I can certainly spare toward my health. Then I want to do some abdominal work when I get back because my midsection is the bane of my existence!
 
You continue to do well kakes & it's great to be able to soak up your positivity xoxo
 
Thanks Cate!

The pace of my weight loss has changed in the past few weeks. I am still committed to my new healthy life, but it has taken on the feeling more of "maintaining" to me, rather than weight loss. I actually am still losing weight (131.2 on the scale today) but it just has a different feel to it. I am nearing my goal weight of 125 ( I think it's my goal weight, anyway) so I know the last few pounds can sometimes be the most difficult to lose. My mindset is slightly different, but I am feeling great!

I think my food choices have been decent these last few days. Basically eating the same (fruits, vegetables, hard boiled eggs, turkey burgers, chicken, etc.) but carbs seem to be sneaking up on me. I'm not sure if my body is craving them or if I am giving into temptation too easily. I love salsa so I constantly want tortilla chips (multigrain). I also crave crackers, too. I try my best to stay within a portion if I end up eating them... but it's difficult! I know carbs aren't the worst thing in the world, so a little isn't going to kill me.

My exercise has taken a turn as well. This past week, I ran on Sunday morning at 7:30 to beat the heat. A 5k. Monday night I ran again to relieve stress. Another 5k at my best time: 31:19. Yesterday I was supposed to go walking with a friend but it rained so I ended up forcing myself to go to the gym and do the weight machines. Exercise is still a priority for me, but as I'm becoming busier as I approach going back to work (teacher), I am having to really push myself to get it done.

I love summer but I am slightly happy to make the transition to fall, if only for the fact that these weekend trips, BBQs, outings, parties, etc. have been a real challenge for me this summer. I think I have done exceptionally well, all things considered. I could just do without all the temptation and lack of control. I know the holidays will be right around the corner and will present their own challenge... but I think I can tackle those like I did the temptations this summer!

I will be going away to visit my boyfriend in NYC later this afternoon/evening. We are going to then drive to Atlantic City and stay over night Thursday and Friday. Then we will go back to NYC and I'll come home Monday morning. I am sure my food choices will be less than desirable, but I've come to realize that it's fine to enjoy myself a little, and then get right back on track. I desperately want to see my weight in the 120s in the next week or so, so I'm hoping this weekend won't be a set back for me.

Have a wonderful rest of the week and weekend everyone!
 
You HAVE done exceptionally well these past few months, despite all the temptation. I like that it´s starting to feel like maintenance right now even though you´re still losing some weight: that way you´ll probably just slowly drift to a weight that suits your body. Have fun!
 
:iagree: with LaMa. I love that you are easing into maintenance. When you get to 125 set an upper limit & let yourself go up & down a few kg's (5 lbs maybe). If you start to regain & don't keep an eye on it, it is very hard to get back into the mindset you have had for the last few months. I'm sure you will be able to do it. Have a great time in NY xo C
 
Hi everyone! Wow it's been quite some time since I have been on here. I am happy to have good news to report! It's been about 6 weeks or so since I have logged on here and I have maintained my weight for all of that time. That might not seem like an accomplishment to most people, but to those who have lost or been trying to lose weight, it's quite the accomplishment. I have been at or below 132 pounds all this time and I am so happy to be able to report that. The best part is that I have indulged at times, I have been strict at times, and other times I was somewhere in between. In this time I have also started a new job and started a new long distance relationship. I have been stressed out, happy, overwhelmed, excited, depressed, anxious, and downright confused. But here I am. Still maintaining my weight. I still would like to get down closer to 125 pounds but for now I am liking where I'm at. My clothes (albeit mostly new) are fitting better and I am feeling more comfortable in my own skin.

My eating habits have mostly been good. I have been sticking to my same diet but I must admit that I have slowly allowed myself to have tastes of some foods that had been off limits for a few months. I want to reteach myself how to not binge on food. I should be able to enjoy once in a while without feeling like the world is going to end. I am slowly getting used to that concept. I have also been to visit my boyfriend in NYC several times. When I do that, my portions are usually under control but my food choices aren't always the best. I think it is the portions that saves me from gaining. I have been great about packing my lunches for work the night before, which saves me from eating crap for lunch. Breakfasts are hard because it's usually last minute and I'm rushing to get out of the door. I want to do better with that. Dinners during the week are good. I typically stick to my usual chicken or turkey burger. I also must admit that I have been out to eat more than usual. I try to make the healthier choice and usually succeed. It's all a balance and there's also a learning curve that I'm still learning.

My exercise has been pretty good. Since I've gotten busier with work, it has been difficult to keep up with the exercise routine that I had during the summer. I am doing my absolute best, however. The weekends that I am home, I try to get at least one run in. Then during the week I will go to step and run at least one night, if not two. It is very difficult to find the energy to work out after working a 10 hour day but I do my best. I try not to beat myself up if I can't make it work. I must say though, no matter what when I lay my head on my pillow at night, I just let it go and look forward to tomorrow. It's a new mindset for me but I am always proud of how hard I am working.

My boyfriend is a runner. One weekend he ran a half marathon (without much training) and then the next weekend he ran a 10 mile race. I was there to cheer him on in the 10 miler. It was a great motivation for me to keep up with my running so that I can eventually do these bigger races. My goal is to run a 10 miler at some point. He is very supportive of my running, which is awesome. Just today I ran 5 miles. I haven't run more than 4 miles before (except maybe once or twice) but it felt great. My body was tired at the end but in a good way. My goal is to run 5 miles once a week for the next few weeks and then see how I'm feeling. With the New England winter fast approaching, I might need to try and make friends with the treadmill at the gym!

I am going to try and update on here more often to keep on track with maintaining my weight. As I said, I am still looking to lose 7-10 pounds but I'm not in a rush. I am more focused on my running and maintaining a healthy diet. I do want to cut back a little on the indulgences as I think those could quickly get out of hand. I do a decent job of picking healthy foods during the week, it is the restaurant eating and weekends away that are the challenge. Overall I am proud of myself to maintaining my weightloss (40 pounds!!!!) but I do not want to get comfortable as there is more work to be done.

For this week, I ran today so tomorrow is a rest day. Phew! Tuesday will most likely be a short run (5k) and Wednesday will be step class. Between Thursday and Friday I'd like to get another short run in and the other day will be a rest. Saturday I'd like to hit the gym for some cardio and weights. Then Sunday or Monday (since it's a holiday) I want to get another 5 mile run in. I have my lunch packed for tomorrow (grapes for mid morning snack, turkey burger and green beans, salsa and multigrain chips for lunch, sugar free pudding for late snack), chicken already cooked for dinner. I will also go grocery shopping tomorrow to get supplies for salads for lunches this week, as well as some healthy snacks and fruit. Grocery shopping is certainly a key to my success. If I spend the money on the food, I will be more apt to eat it, rather than reaching for something I didn't buy.

in terms of the weight, my goal is to really be as diligent as possible and try and be down to my goal weight by my birthday, which is November 28th. Back when I first started losing, I lost 10 pounds per moth for 4 months straight! Quite the feat if you ask me. Clearly that streak has come to an end so I know the weight is coming off much more slowly. 10 pounds in nearly 2 months is doable for me at this point. In all honesty, however, if I don't reach that goal it won't be the end of the world. I just want to continue to be healthy and at least maintain all the work that I have done so far this year. If I can do that, I will be one happy lady.

Have a great Monday everyone!
 
It is awesome that you are doing so well, but not all surprising. Well done kakes!!! Thank you for keeping us posted. It really does help people seeing that maintenance is possible & so is finding a balance. Lovely hearing from you again xoxo
 
Thank you LaMa and Cate. It is a great feeling to be able to report happy news. I do want people to know that it is possible to learn how to maintain after weight loss. As great as it is, however, it is really difficult. I like to be honest about that because I would hate for people to think that it is easy. I wouldn't say it is harder than it was to lose the bulk of my weight. It is just different.

Last night (Tuesday) I had planned to run but it just did not happen. I had a bad day at work and then had to bring a lot of work home with me. I also spent some time on the phone with one of my friends, venting about work. It was more productive than running would have been. Tonight, I did make it to step class, which was great. Feels good to get a sweat in after a long day.

Tomorrow is Thursday and I'm not sure what is in the cards for me. I may want to stay at work late to get some things done. I also might stop by and volunteer with a team that I help out. Or I might go for a run. I think I do well with listening to my body about what I need. I used to just take the "lazy route" and I never exercised. Now I actually really like running so I usually don't mind doing it. Some days, however, I don't want to do it but I just get up, get dressed, get my things, and hit the pavement. I don't let myself talk myself out of it. I just do it. It is part of my life now and I am so glad! For tomorrow, I will just go with whatever I feel like and then adjust my weekend accordingly.

Food today was not the best. We had a salad bar at work but there were also some other "non salad" options that may have found their way onto my plate. I didn't go too overboard, though. I also had one sugar cookie. Aside from that, we had a staff meeting after school, where there were treats provided. I had a few small pieces of chocolate and a small brownie-type dessert. I just can't help myself sometimes! I know I shouldn't beat myself up over it. It's not the end of the world. I just want to keep those splurges under control.

The number on the scale today was 128.7. I can't remember a time when I was in the 120s. I honestly remember when I was in high school and my weight got into the 130s. Then I feel like it just kept on climbing. I am thrilled to be this weight. I am inching my way to 125, but more importantly I am feeling great. Today at the gym, my size medium workout pants were too big and that made me laugh. When I started all of this, I was wearing a large and they were tight on me. That's insane for someone who is only 4 foot 11 inches. Tonight I could see myself in the mirror while doing step and I was not cringing at the sight of myself. That's a great feeling. Don't get me wrong... I am still very much a work in progress and have my "fat" days. I just want to stop and smell the roses a bit. Appreciate the work that I have done. And give myself the credit. I also want to remember what it feels like to feel good in my skin, so I can try my best to never stray from this lifestyle.

Have a great night everyone!
 
I think a few small pieces of chocolate and a small brownie are control. Better than having nothing AND better than having loads. And for smelling the roses? Well done! That may well be the most important thing.
 
Exactly, LaMaria. I don't want to take my progress for granted because I have worked so hard. Sometimes I forget how much weight I've lost so sometimes I have to stop myself and look back.

I've hit a new low with my weight. 127.7. I am still in shock at that number. When I started losing weight earlier this year, I don't think I ever really thought I would get my weight down this much. It is so awesome to know that it's all been worth it. Still trying to get down to 125 pounds (and possibly 120?) but I'm not in a rush for that. I had my mom tell me that I am now too skinny. It really bothers me when she tells me that because I strongly disagree. I feel healthy. I also still want to lose more so when she says that, it makes me mad. I reminded her that she is just used to seeing me much heavier.

Yesterday I treated myself to a small Dunkin Donuts iced coffee. It is great to be able to let myself have these things once in a while without feeling like the one iced coffee is going to out the 45 pounds back on. I also went out to dinner last night to celebrate some family birthdays. It was an Italian restaurant and I could have easily just ordered a salad. I had a salad for lunch, however, so I wasn't going to torture myself. I ended up getting cheese ravioli, which was good. I made sure to only order water for a drink and I also only had two small bites of the bread that was served. I don't need to banish myself from food, but I do need to choose wisely. I think I did that last night.

This past Thursday I came home from work and was so tired but I got my sneakers on and went for a run. I ended up doing a little over 2.5 miles and then went to help out the team I volunteer with. It was nice to be able to fit everything in. Yesterday was a rest day so today I want to go to the gym. Judging by how I'm feeling this morning though, it might take some convincing. Tomorrow or Monday I want to do a 5 mile run.

In terms of food, I already ate out last night so that's about it for the weeken. I need to be eating at home. I do have my cousins birthday party tomorrow so there will be temptations. I'm not too worried though. Sunday night I am going to the movies. I will not be ordering my own popcorn. However, I may steal a handful of someone else's! Next weekend my friends and I are renting a house. That means lots of bad food and alcohol. I certainly will try my best to not go overboard, but I know it will be difficult, just given the fact that my friends like to indulge. I am really looking forward to it and know that whatever happens, I will get myself back on track on Monday.

Well that's just a look into what's going on with me. Letting myself relax for a little while longer and then getting myself up for the day. I have some plans this morning anc this afternoon, but after that I really need to hit the gym. Of course I would be fine if I didn't go, but that's not the point. I might not always be motivated, but I am trying to keep myself disciplined so that I can still get it done. Have a great weekend everyone!
 
That´s the attitude that will not only (slowly) get you to a weight that´s healthy and fitting for you specifically but will also keep you there. You know, balance and stuff :p
 
Thanks kakes. Maintenance is not easy at all. As you have found out, it is well worth it. Having a good life is all about finding balance. I'm really happy for you that you are finding that balance & that you have come back in here to share that news with all of us. I think that helps everyone. Life is good, xo Cate
 
Cate, I think of it has only scratched the surface with this "maintenance" thing. I still really get nervous that I'm just going to go off the deep end and stray from the choices that I know are working for me. I am trying to think of it as "one meal at a time" and then "one day at a time" and I think that's good for now. As for the future, I am skeptical but optimistic, I suppose.

This second half of this past week I did everything I wanted to in terms of my exercise. Wednesday step class, Thursday run, Friday rest, Saturday gym (cardio and weights), Sunday rest, and Monday (today) I did a 5 mile run. Feels great to meet those goals. My food has been kind of up and down. I have been craving chips and crackers lately... pretty badly!! I do buy "healthier" options (i.e. PopChips if anyone has heard of those) but I know they aren't the best. With many fruits' seasons over, I'm finding it difficult to find good snack options. Eating smaller meals throughout the day means that snacks are essential so I must find some good options. I did well with eating all my meals at home this weekend, aside from my family party yesterday. I had some salad and one small piece of pizza. I could have easily chosen a bigger slice, or even an additional slice, but I did not. One thing happened that made me upset. My nana (who is my biggest supporter) said to me while I was just about to eat a small piece of birthday cake, "WHAT ARE YOU DOING WITH THAT?!" It embarrassed me a lot. I have worked so hard and I know she just doesn't want me to gain the weight back, but one slice isn't worth 45 pounds. I wanted to just throw the cake away but I stood my ground and ate it haha. I simply replied that I can eat what I want. She is older and I need to be respectful, but if it was someone younger I probably would have said a few choice words. Food is a very sensitive subject for us who have lost weight. It's better for people to say nothing. She had good intentions but it truly is my body and I get to decide what food goes in it.

For this week, I am so happy because today was a holiday so we are already one-fifth of the way to the weekend! Today I ran so tomorrow will be a rest day. Wednesday is step and then Thursday I want to do a short run. Next weekend I won't be doing any exercise because I will be away with my friends so next week I will be focusing on getting back into the swing of things. It is going to be nice to let lose a little this coming weekend. I think I do pretty well with getting back on track right away, so I am not worried. In terms of food for this week, I did my grocery shopping earlier this afternoon so I should be good to go. I have been craving salad lately, which is weird because I hardly ever ate salads the first 5ish months I was losing weight. I bought some lettuce and some veggies for that. Tonight when I'm making dinner, I'll cook up some chicken to throw into the salad. Then I have some salsa for a snack, along with some fruit (apples are aplenty this time of year!). Looking forward to a nice short week, hopefully filled with good food choices and productive work outs AND rest days!
 
Well done standing up for yourself! Your nana probably DOES mean well (especially when most of your family is overweight) but being able to live healthy moderation and model it for your relatives is invaluable.
 
Hello again... it has been quite a while since I've visited this site. I just spent some time reading through my older posts and it was very interesting, to say the least.

Just a small recap for anyone who may be interested, I am a 4'11" female who previously weighed upwards of 184 pounds at my heaviest. About a year ago I decided to start eating healthy and exercising. In a few short months, I lost a steady amount of weight and got down to about 130 pounds. It has been several months since I have written in this diary but I am so happy to say that I have maintained that weight loss since!! I just hit my one year mark of changing to a healthy lifestyle and I couldn't be happier.

I have been weighing in somewhere between 129 and 133 pounds over the last few months. While that is still considered "overweight" for a female who is only 4'11", I am so proud to say I have maintained this weight. My biggest fear was that I was going to lose the weight and then gain it back. Thankfully that hasn't happened. I remember when I was in high school, some 12 years ago, when my weight was increasing past 130 pounds, and it only continued to go up from there. It feels amazing to be back down to that weight again. I was worried about the holidays (as many people seem to gain weight during that month) and also a vacation I took in early March. I managed to enjoy myself (all inclusive resort!!!) but also maintain my balance. I must say that I have let my exercise and healthy eating habits slip over the past few months, so I kind of think that this 130 pound weight is more or less my "natural" weight. Not that it has been easy to maintain, but I have certainly indulged more than a few times over the past few months.

In the last few weeks, I have really stepped my game up in terms of eating healthy and exercising. This really seems to be the most motivating time of year for me as the weather is getting nicer. My mood is highly influenced by the weather so I can only be proud of myself for surviving a brutal New England winter. Now that Spring is upon us, I am looking forward to getting outside more and taking advantage of fruit season!

I have a stressful job and also have some big life changes (potentially) on the horizon in the next few months that are causing even more stress. All that considered, I am so very proud of myself for choosing exercise as an outlet, instead of eating. DISCLAIMER!!! I am absolutely obsessed with chocolate. It is my go-to when I am stressed out and I just can't seem to kick the habit. I also have found myself binging a few times but I always seem to catch myself before it gets out of hand. I don't want to paint the picture that I am perfect at saying no to bad foods, as I struggle with it almost daily. I do feel like I have a much more balanced head on my shoulder, but in all honesty, there have been some major slip-ups!! I will be the first one to admit it.

I am being conscious to slow myself down and thing about making healthy choices, one meal at a time. For this week, I made a turkey meatloaf (at the urging of my boyfriend!) and it was delicious. I had some for dinner last night and for lunch today. I don't think I will be able to stop myself from having it for dinner tonight either! It's really good and a healthier version than a beef meat loaf. I will have that for lunch tomorrow too, along with baked sweet potatoes (new obsession) I made today. I also pre-made a greek yogurt and fruit smoothie to grab out of the fridge tomorrow for breakfast. Thinking ahead for my meals has made a huge difference in making better choices.

For exercise, I've been doing really well in the past few weeks. This past week, I went to the gym last Sunday, Monday and Wednesday, where I have been working on increasing my single-mile speed on the treadmill. I hate running on the treadmill but until the weather improves, I have to make do. I also dabble with the stair master, stretching, free weights, weight machines, planks, abs, etc. as much as I can. I also spot gymnastics two nights per week where I physically have to lift girls and flip them over. Talk about a work out! I also went to the gym Saturday (yesterday) and I ran 3 miles outside today since it was nice out. Working exercise into my schedule isn't hard, it's just a matter of putting my gym clothes on and getting in the car. The rest is easy. Even if I don't look like an olympic athlete at the gym, I still am putting in effort and I am just a little bit healthier than I was the day before. That is my mind set, and I am sticking to it!

Well, that's my entry for now. If you haven't guessed, I am quite long-winded... but this site is great for me to be able to process my thoughts and check in with myself. Feel free to drop a question or comment at any time. I am excited to start using this forum again, more consistently. It worked well for me last year and now that I am really looking to jump start my weight loss/toning up/running again, I can use all the help I can get!
 
Hi, kakes. Never underestimate the positive flow-on effect of someone coming back & letting us know that maintenance is possible. We all have struggles & major challenges, but we are all in here trying & you have shown us that it is possible to find a balance. I think it's also important that everyone understands that you don't just get to your goal weight & then revert to old habits. It's hard work, but so worth it. Well done hon!! xoxo Cate
 
Nice to hear from you, Kakes! What Cate said. It sounds like your life has changed a LOT since you first started getting healthier - even apart from the weight loss - but definitely not in a bad way.
LaMa
 
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