The Awful Truth

Yay for one pound! Its never as much as we want, but we'd be dumb to think it wasn't enuf :)

Sooo sorry bout the all or nothing. What a shitty thing to have happen... I hope it turns out his boss is just bluffing, trying to get the position filled quickly so he doesn't hafta keep looking for someone. Its definately not easy dealing with diet and exercise when something like that goes down, but don't forget about YOU. You may have to work harder to make more money, but try to give yourself a little time each day to focus on yourself- for whatever you need it for. If I didn't have nap time, I'm pretty sure I'd be crazy right now :)
 
Veronica said:
Day 26

Weigh in this morning was a sad, puny 1 lb loss. I was expecting more since I worked out 6 days last week and ate well all week. I'm blaming minimum loss on my TOM which came just two days ago. Perhaps all the water weight will vanish this week and aid in next week's losses.

Things have been stressful around here. My hubby's employer has offered him a promotion. Sounds good at first but there's a catch. We have to move back to the city we lived in before here to get it. We still own our house back there (3.5 hours away) so we would have a place to go but we have fallen in love with our new town. Plus our new house is very close to our dream home. Everyone that comes here asks if they can move in and surely, we don't want to move out. So the proposition from his boss is accept the promotion (leave dream home, good friends, great church, cool hockey crowd) and move back to average home in small town with minimal friends for more pay. OR stay put, lose job, and hope to find decent employment that pays enough to sustain dream home. It sucks. This ALL or NOTHING offer pisses me off. So my husband and I talked about it at length this weekend and we have come to the conclusion that we are going to stay here, hope to some extent that he is bluffing, and if not, find work wherever we can get it. For us, the home and family of friends we have made here far outweigh the potential loss of a job.

So with all of that mess going on, it has been hard to focus on diet and exercise when I need to hit up my clients for work. But I'm not going to lose focus. Just gonna keep my head down and keep working at it and all will turn out well. I've got my fingers crossed.
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Wow Veronica! You have a lot going on. First, congratulations on working hard this week toward your fitness goals. You are moving in the right direction 1 lb at a time. We forget sometimes that stress causes us to retain weight as well, so it's great you didn't gain this week. Wishing you and your husband all the best in this difficult decision. Kudos for refusing to let this derail your steady progess!
 
As others have already said, well done on losing at all when you're going through such a tricky time.

I hope whatever decision you make you are happy with, and that things get on the right track for you soon x
 
Day 28

I know it is said that 28 days makes a habit but I have to confess. I'm still not in the habit of working out. It still feels like effort to get on the treadmill every day. It still feels like a game of tug of war between my head and my stomach when it comes to food choices. Ugh.

Almost one month into the new year and I have only lost 3 lbs so far. Yes, I know that 3 pounds is better than nothing but shouldn't it be more? Did I somehow waste another month of my life? All I can think about is being thin again, the outfits I want to wear again, the life I had back then. I have motivation and am goal oriented but this slow as a snail process is killing me! At this rate it will take me 97 more weeks to lose the weight. That's not hitting my goal weight until December of NEXT year! I don't have that long for this process to take. My husband and I want to have a baby soon and I won't do it while overweight. I'm 36 this year and if it takes almost 2 years to lose the weight, we're talking being 38 before even getting pregnant. That's scary to me!

So here's what I'm doing and everyone can decide for themselves what I need to change to start losing faster....

Eating 1600 calories a day consisting of 80g protein, 30g fiber, less than 25g fat, and less than 250g carbs. I eat 5-6 small meals a day, including breakfast, and never eat after 8pm which should be fine since I don't go to bed until after midnight. Also I drink water like a fish, roughly 2 gallons a day and have to pee every half hour because of it.

Working out 1-2 hours a day doing cardio (this includes treadmill, stair stepper, elliptical, bike, wii active & fit, kickboxing, yoga, & more) as well as 1 hour of lifting and 1 hour of stretching & ab workouts. Basically I work out between 3-4 hours a day and keep alternating certain workouts so that my body doesn't get too used to any one. Every personal trainer I have ever said has always reinforced the need to change your workout a couple of days a week in order to shock your body.

Also, I sleep a full 8 hours a night, always stretch before and after workouts, take no medications, use heat or ice on any injuries as needed, don't drink soda, and avoid all junk and greasy foods. So if anyone has any suggestions on how to get this body to start doing what I want it to, I'm ready to hear it. Just seems to me that something more than one pound a week should be a reality with everything I am doing.

Oh, and on a side note. No, my clothes aren't fitting any better and my measurements haven't budged even a 1/4 of an inch. I do feel stronger and my endurance is up but that's sadly all I have accomplished this month. Perhaps February is my month to shine. Here's hoping!
 
Eating 1600 calories a day consisting of 80g protein, 30g fiber, less than 25g fat, and less than 250g carbs.
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That seems to be 63% carb, 20% protein, 11% fat +- a few percent.

I'm no advocate of ultra low carb diets but I really think your carb percentage is too high and your fat percentage is a bit low. Maybe try shooting for a 50/30/20 (carb/protein/fat) ratio and see what happens. And the fats should be "good" fats (poly or mono).

How are you tracking your intake? Got a fitday or similar account? Are you measuring your food? It's easy to underestimate calories.
 
Veronica said:
My husband and I want to have a baby soon and I won't do it while overweight. I'm 36 this year and if it takes almost 2 years to lose the weight, we're talking being 38 before even getting pregnant. That's scary to me!
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Veronica, I just wanted to share something with you. I know that it is scary to be overweight and thinking about pregnancy, and of course it is inevitably your decision. But I don't want you to think that you need to be at your goal weight before you can try to conceive. I would say, give yourself a goal of a certain number of pounds to lose that you're not likely to gain back during the pregnancy. So, for example, an average (healthy) amount of weight to gain with a baby is about 25-35lbs. So if you lose 50lbs (half of your full goal), you will still weigh less than when you started, even at full-term pregnancy weight, and it isn't likely to be a really dangerous weight level for your pregnancy. Plus, pregnancy and breastfeeding can often help you lose weight quickly (once you've had your baby) because they both encourage nutritious eating habits.

When I conceived my daughter unexpectedly, I was 320lbs. You may not believe me, but I had an extremely healthy pregnancy and delivery. By the end of my pregnancy I weighed 322lbs. (it is quite common for overweight and obese women to lose weight throughout the first two trimesters -- and not dangerous, of course your doctor will know what weight gain is appropriate for you.) After 3 weeks of breastfeeding I was down to 294lbs. and I hovered right around 300-310lbs for about a year and a half before putting on the rest to get to where I was when I started this time.

Anyway, my point is that you don't have to be at your goal weight to have a baby. You can have a perfectly healthy pregnancy even at a really high weight. It depends more on the rest of your body than it depends on your mass.

The other thing that I wanted to mention to you about the changes you've been making is that I find with myself, if I concentrate too much on what I am doing and I don't allow myself a break every now and then with my workouts and calorie counting, I tend to get really stressed which makes my weight linger and not drop even when it seems like I'm doing everything right. I would suggest letting yourself relax ever so slightly with your workout and eating regimen--for example, make sure you have a very healthy morning food-wise so that you can have a little extra room for a treat at the end of the day, or do half your normal workout and then take a long hot bath. I'm not saying drop the ball completely, but just loosen it up a little bit for one day. Sometimes that anomaly is all that your body needs to start dropping the weight. Make sure you're getting your proper water intake when you do this though.

Best wishes, I'm sure that things will fall into place. :)
 
I am totally impressed with your diet and exercise plan. I want to encourage you to keep up with it because when you are doing all the right things eventually your body has to burn fat and build muscle - it has no choice! I suspect that while the plan hasn't been fully implemented daily because life gets in the way you are still making progress. All that exercise probably is causing some gain in muscle that is countering some of the loss in fat. And even if you can't measure it yet good changes are taking place. Picture that 3 pound loss as being 12 sticks of butter and it will seem more impressive.

Even if it takes you longer to reach your goal than you had hoped you will get there if you don't give up!
 
Veronica, I can understand your desire to not want to be overweight and get pregnant. I have the exact same goals. I want to have healthy pregnancies and the best way to start that is to be healthy myself.

Now though I do agree with Addie that you don't have to wait until you reach your goals to conceive, however, if you have the time to wait then it can't hurt.

I don't think I will be getting pregnant for at least a year or two (want to pay off some debt, try to get a house, etc) so for me I have the time to try to get healthy before I have a baby. However if in 1-2 years if for some reason I lost my way again and I wasn't at my goal, I would still try and have a baby!

I think it's a great goal to have! What better way to keep you motivated than by wanting to be healthy for the little life you'll bring into the world. Also, that child will grow up with healthy influences rather than not, so they'll be on the right track from the beginning!
 
Veronica said:
I wish I knew what the first sign was, the first thing that should have told me that I was gaining weight. Was it my clothes digging into me? Getting out of breath climbing the stairs? I don't remember.... Isn't that sad?

I can, however, tell all of you the thing that started recently that 'woke' me up. My knees have started giving out from under me when I try to stand up. I always thought that only happened to people who were 300 lbs overweight, NOT to me. And now that it is happening, I am starting to remember all those awful signs I missed along the way. Apparently my road trip into obesity had a million billboards along the road that I somehow ignored, told myself that they weren't referring to me. ME? The woman that has never been overweight a day in her life!

Unfortunately, I turned a cheek to all of them and am paying for it now. So here's my devastatingly real recap of what those signs were:

Unable to tie shoes with ease
Having to shop for pants in the plus size section
Swapping my Victoria's Secret bras for sport bras for comfort
Wearing Spanx every day under everything!
Chaffing
Being out of breath carrying in the groceries
Watching my underarms jiggle as I wave
Heartburn
Sleeping more
Depression
Ignoring social calls due to weight
Avoiding every picture taken
Inability to sit Indian style or cross legs
Having to roll out of bed

Just to name a few...

So here's the jist of my situation. I have always been 125 lbs, at least for the majority of my life. At age 30, on my honeymoon, I fell down a flight of stairs and spent the next 12 months in a wheelchair and physical therapy. Of course, I gained weight while being stagnant especially since I was hyperactive before the fall. My weight blossomed to 175 lbs during that time and I used the accident as an excuse for the weight. The problem is that I used that same tired excuse for the next five years all the while gaining more weight. I told myself that I was scared to work out for fear of reinjury, of feeling that pain and setback again. But that's a bunch of crap! I know that now.

So here I sit, the day before resolutions begin.... contemplating what my resolution should be... I want to lose weight but it is more than that. I want to regain my self respect, my desire to live life to its fullest again. I want the skinny me that thrives on fashion and frilly accessories that draw attention to me instead of hiding behind heavy coats and frumpy sweatshirts. I need a new life, a new way of eating and exercising that still feels like living because this body feels like a prison.

At 35 years old and 225 lbs, I know I have a huge task at hand. I hear it echo in my head...100 lbs....100 lbs... It seems so daunting. But I am going to conquer it, one stubborn pound at a time. And for those of you that are willing to read along with this oh so monumental ride, thank you.

Wish me luck!
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Hello Veronica! Your first post in your thread was so genuine and real! I can't believe how much that sounds like me (minus the fall down the stairs)!! It's like you wrote the thoughts directly from my head, and I do enjoy the fact that you are an articulate writer.
 
Sorry you're feeling a bit stalled. Sounds like it took you a year to put on the first 50 pounds....to get to 175 and maybe a year or more to put on the next 50? At this rate (3lb/mo), you'd be losing at about the same rate you gained. I know that's not what you want. It's not what I'd want for myself either.

I met with a trainer when I joined my gym and she stated that weight loss can be slower 1) for women 2) in your 30's & up. Also, a 40 year old needs less calories than an equally active 30 year old, and so on. Not sure what calorie calculator you're using but I'd suggest using one that takes age into account. Finally, if you're taking any medications that can impede weight loss, that could play a part.

You've been working so hard and inspiring so many of us on the forum. Keep your head up and see how Feb goes. If you're not satisfied with next month's progress, you can always meet with a physician, nutritionist, and/or a trainer that can coach you through the loss.

We believe in you!!
 
Veronica said:
Day 28

Working out 1-2 hours a day doing cardio (this includes treadmill, stair stepper, elliptical, bike, wii active & fit, kickboxing, yoga, & more) as well as 1 hour of lifting and 1 hour of stretching & ab workouts. Basically I work out between 3-4 hours a day and keep alternating certain workouts so that my body doesn't get too used to any one. Every personal trainer I have ever said has always reinforced the need to change your workout a couple of days a week in order to shock your body.
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I think your over doing your workout, the body needs rest and time to adapt, you shouldn't be trying to lift every day. By doing that much cardio you are more than likely creating to large a calorie deficit and need to eat more.
 
Vernoica, I actually started here in June of 2007 and was 300 pounds. I had lost the first twenty pounds on my own, but needed more support. I made friends, but from June to Sept, didnt lose an oz, but they kept telling me after a while my body would respond, and I went up and down, but I walked as much as I could and talked on here as much as I could muster, because it seemed like the scale would never move and than I started losing weight and before you knew it on the VDAY challenge I lost nine straight pounds. I was reading this book about food addiction and ways to retrain your brain to think of food and head of possible food binges. I still read it from time to time and will be reading it today... I shall have to put it on your diary if you want, just ask me for the author and title and I will give it to you...
but have faith.. its not going to happen at once.. your body will do it... you can do it... it just takes time to for the body to start the process of losing weight .. it took me five months until I took of six pounds. In Five months! But I did it, kept with it ..and it worked and now I went from 300 to 269... than I stopped coming here, and peeps were yelling at me in the new city I lived in and I didnt go out ... and than I decided its high time I take my butt out... so first the food.. in the Summer I weighed 299 pounds, now I am 284 from diet. Now its time for exercise and the rest will be history. but I just gained back four pounds from lack of exercise and too much eating, so all I have lost this month is .4 oz.. but I am not going to stop.. I plan to be at least one pound, only one pound down by the fifth of February...

keep trecking hun
the point is ..dont give up, its takes a while for it to happen, but it will, keep trecking .. stay on here...

You cant go wrong here, You will lose! The support here is wonderful!
Keep trecking hun and keep your chin up..
Always
Natsky:seeya:
 
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Veronica, think positive. I know it's hard to do when you dont feel you're making progress (I have DEFINATELY felt that way this week!) But the key is to keep on and on and on. You WILL see results, if you just keep going. Hope this week sees things turn round for you. x
 
Thanks to everyone for their support and helpful tips!

Day 31

Today is my day off but I might make a quick appearance on the treadmill to counter last night's dinner of Fettuccine Alfredo with blackened chicken, Caesar salad, sourdough bread, and fudge brownies for dessert. We had a dinner party last night so I didn't want to be the host that didn't eat along with my guests. Made the food, portioned out the plates and made sure I took the smallest portion. Food of course, was yummy. I felt a little guilty eating it but damn, it was worth all 65 grams of fat! Luckily I only make this meal for such gatherings as I know it blows my diet out of the water.

Overall, outlook is positive. Energy level is up. Water intake good. Calories for today, better. So one month down for the new year and 11 more to go...Bring it On 2010!
 
Never mind just the brownies... the whole darn thing sounds yummy! Once in a while won't kill ya to eat something like that. It's good you only make it for certain occasions though!
 
Mmmm, the meal sounds delish! Theres GOTTA be a way to make these healthier options, yeah?? I'm fairly certain a friend ofmine makes blackened chicken as a diet option.. I'm gonna hafta look it up, cuz now I'm craving it :rolleyes: Did ya end up getting on the treadmill for a bit today??
GO TEAM BLACK!! WOO!
 
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