11-3-10 Post #2

I was up late last night, lost in thought. I still don't have the answers, but I feel I reached a good turning point. As much as I like the idea of making a huge change in my meal plan for a few weeks and then maintaining a healthy lifestyle afterward, that isn't the answer. I need something I can start now and always maintain. I realize I won't see quick results that way, but I suppose most things that promise "quick" results are likely some nature of a gimmick. I feel so foolish.

I do have a lot to be thankful for, though. I'm thankful that the majority of my baby weight was water and I therefore lost it quickly. I'm only trying to lose about fifteen-twenty more pounds. In the grand scheme of things, that isn't that much. It will come off, if I want that badly enough, but perhaps it won't be fast. Perhaps it will take time and a continued effort. I am saving my biggest blessing to list last, read on!

I am definitely going to continue with my idea of a lifestyle change, and really do that this time, but in the mean time I have so much to be thankful for. I have such a wonderful baby boy. He changed my life. If I struggle with my weight for the rest of my life, I'd still do it over and over again [so to speak] for him. I thank God for giving us such a blessing, such a miracle!

11-3-10

I'm torn, sad, and discouraged. I keep saying that this is not a diet. This is a lifestyle change. My plan was to go on this three week meal plan, drop serious pounds, and continue with a healthier lifestyle from there. Perhaps I'm just fooling myself. I still haven't weighed myself since my first week because I've been scared of disappointment.

I also feel discouraged because I feel that I have possibly already blown this. I am a big believer in doing things, wholeheartedly. If I do something I am going to give it my all. On Saturday when I went to the concert I was out all day. During that time I ate out THREE times. While none of my meals were what I would deem at all unhealthy, only one of them fit into my strict meal plan. This evening I ate at Chili's for dinner. I opted for the bottomless soup and salad. Again, my meal was fairly healthy but it didn't fit into this plan. I'm disappointed in myself.

I think I'm looking for a miracle "drop 20 lbs in a brief time period" sort of change. I saw hope for that with this meal plan. I'm beginning to lose faith in myself to stick to it as a black and white thing, though, nor am I even sure if that's what I want anymore. Tonight a dear friend of mine confided in me that when she has gone on "crash" things like this in the past it has slowed her metabolism down to a point that she can hardly allow herself to eat "normally" without gaining weight. The last thing I want is to slow my metabolism down even more!

Maybe there isn't a quick answer. Maybe this won't be a fast change. Maybe I just need to start NOW with making better choices and watching my portions. I know that working out is a good thing, also, and I definitely plan to continue that.

I wish I could continue my optimism about this, but right now I just feel discouraged.

**POSITIVE NOTE**

I just braved it and stepped on the scale. This is the end of the day, and I have generally been weighing myself in the morning. Good news. I, at the END of the day, weigh exactly the same as I did one morning last week. Apparently I am still dropping (or at least maintaining] weight even when I allow myself minor "splurges". I suppose the number on the scale tonight was good or bad, depending on how I choose to look at it.

10-29-10

Wow, so it's almost been an entire week! I'm excited. I'm still "only" about five pounds down, but I suppose that isn't any reason to be discouraged. I realize that the fact that I even saw that much of a difference this fast is remarkable. Today another person complimented me on my [noticeable] weight loss! How encouraging!



As of tomorrow I am on week two of this meal plan. I'm really looking forward to it!



Until tonight I have stuck quite strictly to this meal plan as a very black and white thing. My very good friend [and fellow "dieter"], Candice, gave me some very good advice, which [tonight], I took! Candice advised me that I shouldn't worry so much about sticking so strictly to a concrete meal plan. Having it there is all well and good, but I should allow myself little "treats" now and then. It is when people suppress all of their desires and stick to a black and white plan that they tend to go the other extreme after the "diet" is over. If I occasionally allow myself little "treats", that isn't going to stop me from losing weight and that will help me in the long run. I paraphrased her words, because [although I don't know, personally] I believe that is [logically] very true.



Anyway, tonight my mom took me out to Tequila Mexican restaurant for dinner. It's funny how even a little "splurge" or "treat" from this meal plan is still not nearly as unhealthy as what I would have eaten, before! Tonight I ordered a Quesadilla Verde with grilled chicken and I added on a side of avacado salad. The remarkable thing is that I only ate about 2/3 of my quesadilla! I truly have "shrank" my stomach! How remarkable! It used to take so much to fill my stomach! I always ate like a pregnant person! lol



Tonight was my first time having meat, of any kind in a week (well a week as of tomorrow). I'm really proud of myself! I have a lot more self control than I realized!



I'm excited that tomorrow starts week 2 of my meal plan. It is the same as week one, except I am allowed to have chicken and tuna in my salads.



Hats off to week one! One week down; two more to go! I can't wait to see my results at the end of three weeks and I vow to keep/improve them, from there!

10-27-10 ALREADY SEEING RESULTS!!!

Okay, it's time to catch up. The past couple of days have just been very busy and I haven't been able to find time to post an update. Even this one is going to have to be quick. When you're a mom of two (a 1 yr old and a 10 yr old) these chances tend to be quite fleeting!



I've still been sticking to this meal plan. It has been wonderful, and I feel myself actually getting full! I have trained my stomach to be full off of nothing but salads, fresh, veggies, fresh fruit, and protein shakes! The work-outs are definitely helping, as well!



Yesterday I wore pants that haven't fit me since before I was pregnant! Actually, I did the day before, as well! I am already down a size! Two people have already made a comment to me (about my appearance that they can tell I'm losing weight). It's true, too- I've already lost 5 pounds! I talked to Cassie yesterday, as well- she was very proud of me for sticking to it and already seeing results. She said I am going to do very well with this! I'm telling you, this is the best thing I've ever done for my body! It's amazing what happens when you cut out all of the bad!

10-24-10

For breakfast this morning I had a shake. Then as the morning went on I snacked on some fresh fruit and had a salad, for lunch.

I began to get the munchies again while dinner [for the family] was in the oven, so I snacked on some fresh veggies (dipped in ranch) and had another shake. While my family was eating pizza, I ate a salad. This one was from a salad mix I bought- extra carrots in a lettuce/cabbage mix. After all of that I truly was full [and I still feel that way]. This is so good for me. My friend Erika's words are very true- It's like a "detox for my body"! So far so good. I'm still going strong on this diet and feeling better than ever!

First Day, BIG Tests= PASSED!

I woke at 7:30 this morning and drank a protein shake. The container says it can be mixed with water or any beverage of your choice. I chose to mix it with milk. GOSH, it was SO GOOD! It tasted like a much more rich, filling version of chocolate milk! Yum! After waking Luke and going through his morning routine we went to Nanny's, where Katelyn had stayed the night. We picked her up and at about 10:30 I was hungry. I munched on celery sticks, carrot sticks, and cherry tomatoes, all of which I dipped in a small amount of ranch dressing (Cassie says that's still okay).

We headed on our way to Cassandra's 4th birthday party, which we arrived at at about 11:00. Naturally, there was cake, ice cream, and pizza galore. Not only did I not touch ANY of that, I actually fed it to Luke! On the way home, though, I did snack on some celery and carrot sticks that I had packed in a zip-loc bag, should hunger strike.

We arrived at the second party at 3:00. This one was a cook-out, with all of the traditional foods (hot dogs, hamburgers, french fries, cole slaw, baked beans, etc). While everyone was eating all of this, I sat at the table and ate a pre-made salad (with a small amount of ranch dressing)! It was SO good! It was from Ingles, and it had lettuce, tomatoes, green pepper, and cucumbers in it. Mmmmm! It also had half a boiled egg in it. I don't really know whether or not that's allowed in this meal plan, but since it was only half an egg I didn't see the harm. I don't plan to make a habit out of it. In addition to the other temptations I resisted at this party, I also resisted cake and ice cream...and again, served it to my children!

This evening when I got hungry I snacked on some fresh fruit!

I feel that of all days I could have started, in many ways this was a perfect one. Although it caused me to miss out on a lot of things I'm sure I would have loved, it gave me a certain confidence. If my first day is THAT much of a test and I can still make it through, what do I have to worry about? I know that these next several weeks are going to continue to be very challenging, but it is worth it to me. I want to be fit [again]!

10-22-10 Ready to Get Started!

I wasn't able to do my shopping until this afternoon, so my lunch [admittedly] could have been healthier. For lunch I ate a PB& J and a turkey and cheese, both on wheat bread. The turkey and cheese was very light on condiments (though I realize I would have been better off without any added at all). Also, I ate a chocolate chip cookie. It's funny how times change a person's idea of a healthy lifestyle. I wouldn't have thought twice about eating such a couple of years ago, nor would I have deemed that an unhealthy lunch (it sure beats some things I could have eaten). Afterward I did go on another 1.2 mile, hilly walk while pushing a stroller, though.



Along with other errands this afternoon I made it to the grocery store and stocked up for my new meal plan. We ate dinner at Jesse's Nanny's though, so I indulged in what was served (though I definitely cut back on portion sizes). I ate half a baked pork chop, a serving of green beans, a serving of okra, a serving of corn, and a biscuit. No seconds!



Since I am geared up with my groceries now, I suppose tomorrow is the day! There is no better time than now! I am determined. I am not going to look pregnant [when I'm not] and I am going to be a "hot mom" again! Wish me luck!

10-21-10

While I haven't been able to go grocery shopping yet, that hasn't hindered me from at least doing what I can. Last night for dinner I had a grilled chicken caesar salad (light on the dressing) and for lunch today I had a grilled chicken sante fe salad (also light on my dressing). This afternoon I also took Luke on a stroll. We walked 1.2 miles on a somewhat hilly terrain. Now to start on dinner...

**EDIT** 8:14 PM

Dinner was a success and both kids are already bathed and in bed. Yay! :)

Our dinner was a concoction from my own imagination and it was really quite delicious!

I lined the bottom of a roaster pot with boneless, skinless chicken tenders and let them cook at 350 for about 45 minutes or so. While the chicken was in the oven I boiled some rice. At the 45 minute mark when all of my chicken was done I sprinkled the rice, grated cheese, and crushed tortilla chips over it. I put it back in the oven for about 5 more minutes. People added to their own plate as they wished, and I found that it is especially good with jalepeno pieces and [fat free] ranch dressing drizzled over it.

I hope I am able to go grocery shopping tomorrow so I can purchase some necessities for the weight loss plan based on the Marine "diet"!

Diet of a Marine

One of my best friends, Cassie, is a Marine. She obviously knows what it is like to be required to maintain a certain weight and health. She wrote me out a plan. I haven't started it yet, though, because I need to go grocery shopping! I also am curious as to what I should do once this three week plan is over. I know I [obviously] can't just go back to eating the way I was before. **EDIT** I talked to Cassie, and she wants me to call her when the three weeks is up. Based on how much weight I've lost she'll tell me where to go from there. :)

Here's the plan:

Week 1
Breakfast: Shake
Lunch: Salad (no meat)
Dinner: Salad (no meat)
Snacks: Whole fruit or veggies

Week 2
Breakfast: Shake
Lunch: Salad w/ tuna
Dinner: Salad w/ chicken
Snacks: Fruits/veggies

Week 3
Breakfast: Special K/Cheerios or fruit and yogurt
Lunch: Tuna wrap (preferably) or sandwich
Dinner: Salad with chicken or tuna
Snack: Shake

During weeks 1 & 2 try and substitute salads for fruits and veggies plus a shake to drink. You'll see results quicker, but if you're hungry eat the salad! The key is no snacking but if you must snack eat the fruits and veggies or have a shake!

You can buy protein shake mix from Wal-Mart or you can drink Ensure or Slimfast.

It's NOT a diet- it's a LIFESTYLE!

This fall I started taking Zumba classes at a local fitness center. Zumba is a Latin dance class which is both a cardio workout as well as a general muscle workout. After taking these classes 2 days a week for a month or so I have noticed my pants fitting more loosely, but my weight hasn't changed.

I'm not a believer in "typical" diets. If you look at a "diet" at face value you are expecting to "go on it", lose weight, and then your diet is over. WHAT?? Don't you know your weight will just go right back to what is was before? I've determined that losing weight and staying healthy is about a person's entire lifestyle. It isn't a temporary thing. I don't have all of the answers, but this is a diary of my journey!

Let's get to Know One Another

Throughout my childhood I was a very small girl. I was always both very short and very slender. Even at age 14 I was only 4'11" and 90 lbs. This all changed when I hit a growth spurt in high school. I maintained my slim body build but actually grew to be relatively tall. At age 16 I was 5'7 and between 105-110 pounds. I actually didn't like my slender build. I felt like I was "too" skinny. Now I wish I had just enjoyed it while it lasted! At any rate at age 16 I was involved in a major car accident, as a result of which I was hospitalized for months and in a coma for almost a month of that. This was obviously a pivotal turning point in my life, thus far, but since that is not the focus of this blog it is only being mentioned as a foot note, in relation to my weight. Upon my release from the hospital I weighed 92 pounds. Within a couple of months after my release I gained to a "whopping" 125. Medical experts say that physically traumatic occurences change your life, in a medical sense, and while it changed my life in other ways than this, it certainly slowed my metabolism down. As I ventured into my 20's and entered motherhood my eating habits changed. Meals often became mostly about convenience. Foods like pizza, french fries, and chicken nuggets became household staples. At any rate at age 24, in fall of 2008, I weighed 145 lbs. I was very happy with this weight, and I still feel that somewhere close to that is probably ideal.

One day in November of 2008 I stepped on the scale to see 145. Four days later I stepped on the scale to a shock of 154 pounds. My jaw dropped, but of course the following day I took a pregnancy test and understood my reason for sudden weight gain. My weight gain was constant and consistent (though it was more than books said I should have been gaining) throughout my pregnancy, until it took a sudden 13 pound leap during my last week. My son was born on 7-11-09 and on that day I weighed 213 lbs. I quickly lost the bulk of my weight with little effort, on my part. It was water weight, so within a couple of months I was down to 165. Now, at 26 years old, I have not lost any more weight than that.

I get discouraged about my weight. Sometimes I don't think 165 is really that bad, and then I get reminded of how heavy that is when someone points at my belly and asks how far along I am. I'm not used to being heavy and I think that's why it's taken me this long to realize that I am. I am bound and determined to change this!