Sam's Journal
- Thread starter SamanthaMacG
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SamanthaMacG
New member
Thanks for such positive words, everybody - Have I mentioned I adore you guys?!
Question - does anyone else get SUPER annoyed when googling "before and after" weight loss results and get these obviously fake ads? (Other people do this, right?) Like, "thank you thin blonde and gorgeous lady for SUCKING IN YOUR GUT!" or "Lose 100 billion lbs just by taking this one pill..."
So much no!
I just want to be encouraged by real people who have lost some weight but instead, I'm bombarded by thin people sticking their stomachs out and slouching in the 'before' picture, a new, miracle weight-loss drug and a whole lot of garbage. I can't just blame Google - any search engine/pinterest etc is JUST as bad and just as annoying.
Now back to me (the subject, I do love to write about)...
I'm starting to really get into this lifestyle - I can't say 'diet' because it's not a short-term thing. This is just eating to live and exercising because...it's fun! The past week, I haven't been able to get to the gym. I've been trying to do other things instead. It's not cardio (which has been a great break), however, my arms are KILLING me from playing with the kids more (pop goes the weasel is a big hit where 'pop' = rocket the kids up in the air). Even though I haven't been to the gym, I've still lost 3lbs AND my wedding ring is starting to slip off even more! Yep, I'm there.
I don't know the exact weight I want to be (probably around 160lbs) and that's okay right now - I'm more concerned with how I feel and getting fitter, healthier, and more energy to keep up with these crazy, little hooligans, I call my spawns (Spawns of Sammy!). I feel like this is a work in progress and frankly, I feel like it's okay. I gained the weight having two amazing little babies and keeping my body still so that they would stay put and grow properly - I ate a LOT of fast food sitting at the airport every single week with Isaac trying not to sob as we had another trip booked the next week. It was a really sad place in my life and it felt like it would last forever.
I'm not sad anymore though - and if I were, I feel like I have the gym to work out instead of eating St. Hubart's (although their pulled pork is delicious)...but if someone put these donuts in front of me when I was having a day like today, I would hug them (and not share one bite).
It's so weird how my relationship with food is changing back to 'normal' - it's not something to appease my emotions, it's something that keeps me going. It really bothers me that I've been at both ends of food issues - overeating due to stress and 'eating for 2' and a fear of food that once left me pretty sick. I feel like, as more important things have came into my life besides just me, I am able to see a bigger picture and that health really is more important than a dress size (although I still want to get into a size 10-12 again which is good for me).
I'm going to do a quick recap in numbers of my journey so far:
Original weight (Oct 18th, 2016): 251lbs
Current Weight (Nov 24th, 2016) 230lbs
Down: 21lbs
GOALS! I divided my goal of losing 71lbs (from 251 to 180) into quarters. This equals 17.75lbs/quarter which sounds SO much easier. I should probably keep up with this weekly as it's nice to see how close I am and keep on a rigid weight-loss schedule.
Days left until April 9th, 2017 (Friend's wedding) 135
Q1: Dec 7th 233.25lbs (-17.75lbs)
Q2: Jan 17th goal 215.5lbs (-35.5lbs)
Q3: Feb 27th 197.75 (-53.25)
Q4: April 9th 180 (-71lbs)
I've hit goal one a bit early (I also started it a week or two earlier than I started recording) so I'm into quarter two already and am on track to lose 15.5 more pounds before January 17th. I am really good at being competitive and setting goals that I really strive to hit every time.
Also, I get to go dress shopping here soon! My husband's work is holding their annual Christmas party which means a new dress!
Question - does anyone else get SUPER annoyed when googling "before and after" weight loss results and get these obviously fake ads? (Other people do this, right?) Like, "thank you thin blonde and gorgeous lady for SUCKING IN YOUR GUT!" or "Lose 100 billion lbs just by taking this one pill..."
So much no!
I just want to be encouraged by real people who have lost some weight but instead, I'm bombarded by thin people sticking their stomachs out and slouching in the 'before' picture, a new, miracle weight-loss drug and a whole lot of garbage. I can't just blame Google - any search engine/pinterest etc is JUST as bad and just as annoying.
Now back to me (the subject, I do love to write about)...
I'm starting to really get into this lifestyle - I can't say 'diet' because it's not a short-term thing. This is just eating to live and exercising because...it's fun! The past week, I haven't been able to get to the gym. I've been trying to do other things instead. It's not cardio (which has been a great break), however, my arms are KILLING me from playing with the kids more (pop goes the weasel is a big hit where 'pop' = rocket the kids up in the air). Even though I haven't been to the gym, I've still lost 3lbs AND my wedding ring is starting to slip off even more! Yep, I'm there.
I don't know the exact weight I want to be (probably around 160lbs) and that's okay right now - I'm more concerned with how I feel and getting fitter, healthier, and more energy to keep up with these crazy, little hooligans, I call my spawns (Spawns of Sammy!). I feel like this is a work in progress and frankly, I feel like it's okay. I gained the weight having two amazing little babies and keeping my body still so that they would stay put and grow properly - I ate a LOT of fast food sitting at the airport every single week with Isaac trying not to sob as we had another trip booked the next week. It was a really sad place in my life and it felt like it would last forever.
I'm not sad anymore though - and if I were, I feel like I have the gym to work out instead of eating St. Hubart's (although their pulled pork is delicious)...but if someone put these donuts in front of me when I was having a day like today, I would hug them (and not share one bite).
It's so weird how my relationship with food is changing back to 'normal' - it's not something to appease my emotions, it's something that keeps me going. It really bothers me that I've been at both ends of food issues - overeating due to stress and 'eating for 2' and a fear of food that once left me pretty sick. I feel like, as more important things have came into my life besides just me, I am able to see a bigger picture and that health really is more important than a dress size (although I still want to get into a size 10-12 again which is good for me).
I'm going to do a quick recap in numbers of my journey so far:
Original weight (Oct 18th, 2016): 251lbs
Current Weight (Nov 24th, 2016) 230lbs
Down: 21lbs
GOALS! I divided my goal of losing 71lbs (from 251 to 180) into quarters. This equals 17.75lbs/quarter which sounds SO much easier. I should probably keep up with this weekly as it's nice to see how close I am and keep on a rigid weight-loss schedule.
Days left until April 9th, 2017 (Friend's wedding) 135
Q1: Dec 7th 233.25lbs (-17.75lbs)
Q2: Jan 17th goal 215.5lbs (-35.5lbs)
Q3: Feb 27th 197.75 (-53.25)
Q4: April 9th 180 (-71lbs)
I've hit goal one a bit early (I also started it a week or two earlier than I started recording) so I'm into quarter two already and am on track to lose 15.5 more pounds before January 17th. I am really good at being competitive and setting goals that I really strive to hit every time.
Also, I get to go dress shopping here soon! My husband's work is holding their annual Christmas party which means a new dress!
Sunflower_
Well-known member
You're such a ray of sunshine, lovely lady. Keep going!
SamanthaMacG
New member
Quick update:
Weight: 228.2
Total: -22.8
Weight to goal2: 12.7lbs left to goal.
Weight: 228.2
Total: -22.8
Weight to goal2: 12.7lbs left to goal.
SamanthaMacG
New member
We got for a 6.5km hike today - the boys were perfectly content in the stroller and I pushed the entire time. It really felt like a quick walk now where a month ago, it would have felt like a LONG, EXHAUSTING process. The kiddos are exhausted now and I am picking up the babysitter in an hour to watch the boys while I go and get my reward for losing 20lbs - a haircut and eyebrows dyed (they are super-blonde and non-existent when not filled in). Pictures to follow!! !
-Sammy
-Sammy
Cate
Long term member
Excellent Sammy! Well done
SamanthaMacG
New member
I always find when I lose a couple of lbs, it doesn't do much - maybe it does but I don't see it so I want to keep track of every 5-10lbs. The last picture I have was from 236ish and I'm down to 227-228lbs.
Excuse the mess - I literally JUST woke up and decided to go for a hike with the kiddos so I was getting ready to go. Also, I figured I'd redo my measurements here soon too!
Oh yeah, I went and treated myself to an AMAZING new haircut and eyebrow tint. I got a scalp massage, oil treatment, shampoo, cut, style, blowout and felt 100% relaxed, pampered and deserving. I needed to be more than just mommy today and I survived this week without my husband as my primary support, I didn't binge ONCE, I didn't refuse myself food, and I'm still losing weight. I did forget to eat for a couple of days this week though - I know, right? Who forgets to eat?
Moi.
Take one sad Sammy who misses her husband and is really busy with the kiddos and cleaning - I forgot to eat for almost 48 hours. That wasn't fun and I made sure to have small snacks with me because apparently, I don't really get hungry that often.
Anyways, I am feeling amazingly pampered, beautiful and enjoying my last few hours at home alone. I cannot wait for my husband to get back home! I miss him.
Excuse the mess - I literally JUST woke up and decided to go for a hike with the kiddos so I was getting ready to go. Also, I figured I'd redo my measurements here soon too!
Oh yeah, I went and treated myself to an AMAZING new haircut and eyebrow tint. I got a scalp massage, oil treatment, shampoo, cut, style, blowout and felt 100% relaxed, pampered and deserving. I needed to be more than just mommy today and I survived this week without my husband as my primary support, I didn't binge ONCE, I didn't refuse myself food, and I'm still losing weight. I did forget to eat for a couple of days this week though - I know, right? Who forgets to eat?
Moi.
Take one sad Sammy who misses her husband and is really busy with the kiddos and cleaning - I forgot to eat for almost 48 hours. That wasn't fun and I made sure to have small snacks with me because apparently, I don't really get hungry that often.
Anyways, I am feeling amazingly pampered, beautiful and enjoying my last few hours at home alone. I cannot wait for my husband to get back home! I miss him.
SamanthaMacG
New member
Top Ten List: Rewards
Food can be a reward, albeit it a pretty terrible reward - so what's a girl to do when she starts losing weight and goes to reward herself with an ice cream sundae? Back away slowly and read my top ten rewards list.
1) Exercise Gear - Don't tell me a bright, new, strappy, tank top doesn't catch your eye? A new pair of leggings or running shoes? Why, yes, yes I do need new workout gear? Take the money you're saving from junk food binges and put it in a Lulumon fund (or 'that cute workout top' fund)! I personally have an unhealthy obsession with all things Lulumon.
2) Take an adventure - It doesn't need to be far from home but go do something new. Be it canoeing, horse-back riding, a trip to the zoo for the day or anything that gets you moving and not eating food that you don't need or even really want.
3) Buy a new fruit - or 3. I LOVE fruit and one of my favorite things to do is try new foods so if you're going to treat yourself, do it with something healthy and delicious. If it ends up being gross, throw it out and try again!
4) Pamper yourself - get a massage, a haircut, a pedicure - whatever floats your boat! Just go get it and brag that this is your reward for losing X-amount of pounds.
5) Buy a new hot sauce - Because hot sauce is delicious and if you put it on apple pie, cheesecake or chocolate chip cookies, you'll be less inclined to eat them.
6) Buy a craft - I love to knit so new yarn or needles are amazing! Also, cross stitching is wonderful! Anything that gets you using your hands means you'll not be as interested in those late evening munchies...as much.
7) Take a class - book a cooking class, take an art lesson, enjoy learning to play the cow-bell with other cow-bell enthusiasts! Go do something fun and use your newfound talents (except the cowbell). Exercise classes count too!
8) Buy some new lingerie. Look, we all say "when I'm this weight, I'll wear x" or we wait until we are 'x' weight to buy an outfit that will look JUST as gorgeous 10lbs ago. We need to love our bodies now - not just when we think they'll be better and buying something just for you - be it a great bra or some sexy undies is a great way to treat yourself!
9) Buy some exercise equipment! I HATE doing weight lifting at the gym right now so I bought hand weights. You can often find these at yard sales and when they're too light for you, pass them along to someone else! If you lose a significant amount, consider buying your own favorite cardio piece or maybe a weight system that you have fallen in love with (or prepay for another year at the gym).
10) Take a picture - Feel tall, feel thinner and the cheapest reward of all - get pictures taken! Don't put them off, don't say 'when I'm thinner/fitter' but get them done and be PROUD! You are beautiful now. You are being healthy NOW. You are a wonderful human being taking control of your life NOW - go show that moment in your life off!!
Food can be a reward, albeit it a pretty terrible reward - so what's a girl to do when she starts losing weight and goes to reward herself with an ice cream sundae? Back away slowly and read my top ten rewards list.
1) Exercise Gear - Don't tell me a bright, new, strappy, tank top doesn't catch your eye? A new pair of leggings or running shoes? Why, yes, yes I do need new workout gear? Take the money you're saving from junk food binges and put it in a Lulumon fund (or 'that cute workout top' fund)! I personally have an unhealthy obsession with all things Lulumon.
2) Take an adventure - It doesn't need to be far from home but go do something new. Be it canoeing, horse-back riding, a trip to the zoo for the day or anything that gets you moving and not eating food that you don't need or even really want.
3) Buy a new fruit - or 3. I LOVE fruit and one of my favorite things to do is try new foods so if you're going to treat yourself, do it with something healthy and delicious. If it ends up being gross, throw it out and try again!
4) Pamper yourself - get a massage, a haircut, a pedicure - whatever floats your boat! Just go get it and brag that this is your reward for losing X-amount of pounds.
5) Buy a new hot sauce - Because hot sauce is delicious and if you put it on apple pie, cheesecake or chocolate chip cookies, you'll be less inclined to eat them.
6) Buy a craft - I love to knit so new yarn or needles are amazing! Also, cross stitching is wonderful! Anything that gets you using your hands means you'll not be as interested in those late evening munchies...as much.
7) Take a class - book a cooking class, take an art lesson, enjoy learning to play the cow-bell with other cow-bell enthusiasts! Go do something fun and use your newfound talents (except the cowbell). Exercise classes count too!
8) Buy some new lingerie. Look, we all say "when I'm this weight, I'll wear x" or we wait until we are 'x' weight to buy an outfit that will look JUST as gorgeous 10lbs ago. We need to love our bodies now - not just when we think they'll be better and buying something just for you - be it a great bra or some sexy undies is a great way to treat yourself!
9) Buy some exercise equipment! I HATE doing weight lifting at the gym right now so I bought hand weights. You can often find these at yard sales and when they're too light for you, pass them along to someone else! If you lose a significant amount, consider buying your own favorite cardio piece or maybe a weight system that you have fallen in love with (or prepay for another year at the gym).
10) Take a picture - Feel tall, feel thinner and the cheapest reward of all - get pictures taken! Don't put them off, don't say 'when I'm thinner/fitter' but get them done and be PROUD! You are beautiful now. You are being healthy NOW. You are a wonderful human being taking control of your life NOW - go show that moment in your life off!!
SamanthaMacG
New member
beginning of month
Bicep 13
Chest 49
Waist 43
BB 48.5
Hips 52
Thigh 28
Calf 17.5
Nov 25
Bicep 12.25
Chest 47
Waist 40
bb 49
hips 49
thigh 28
calf 17.5
Bicep 13
Chest 49
Waist 43
BB 48.5
Hips 52
Thigh 28
Calf 17.5
Nov 25
Bicep 12.25
Chest 47
Waist 40
bb 49
hips 49
thigh 28
calf 17.5
SamanthaMacG
New member
I got to the Old Navy weekend sale and scored a pair of jeans for 12$!!! Best part? They're 4 sizes smaller than my last pair of jeans!
Cate
Long term member
Woot! Well done Sammy! 
SamanthaMacG
New member
Back up to 232 today - which is kinda of expected because while hubby was gone, I wasn't really eating. I'm looking into intermittent fasting which I find interesting - would love to hear if anyone has experience with this. I am terrible for not eating meals as is and meal planning right now just doesn't interest me. Could I do it? Sure. Am I going to do it right now? Probably not...
So tonight is mommy group, gym, then home to bed!!
Anywho, there really isn't much to say - I didn't go to the gym yesterday and feel like crap today. Just low energy and icky (The no water throughout the day didn't help either). Today I'm drinking water like a fish, cleaning my house, cooking for the family, and working off a huge binge last night. If I don't drink water throughout the day, I get ridiculously hungry at night....so drink the water!
So tonight is mommy group, gym, then home to bed!!
Anywho, there really isn't much to say - I didn't go to the gym yesterday and feel like crap today. Just low energy and icky (The no water throughout the day didn't help either). Today I'm drinking water like a fish, cleaning my house, cooking for the family, and working off a huge binge last night. If I don't drink water throughout the day, I get ridiculously hungry at night....so drink the water!
SamanthaMacG
New member
Oh yeah, I got my holiday dress to wear to hubby's Christmas party on Friday!!!! It's so freaking cute...and yes, there will be pictures! I am going to be majorly working out at the gym this week, I think. Ouch!
It's so freaking cute...and yes, there will be pictures! I am going to be majorly working out at the gym this week, I think. Ouch!
SamanthaMacG
New member
Just finished a short arm workout
10x3 Arm lift things (5lb)
10x3 Bicep Curls (5,15,5lbs)
10x3 Dead lifts (15lbs)
10x3 Overhead press (5,15,5)
10x3 Back Lift thingy (15)
10x3 Arm lift things (5lb)
10x3 Bicep Curls (5,15,5lbs)
10x3 Dead lifts (15lbs)
10x3 Overhead press (5,15,5)
10x3 Back Lift thingy (15)
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