Last week was a bad week. Bad. Lots of personal stuff going on, huge amounts of stress. We had one day where we were super busy and driving all over, so we ended up eating out for breakfast, lunch and dinner. But, that's all in the past. The scale moved, and even if it's not as much as I wanted (because the prior week was up due to sodium), it's still a win. If I only lost half a pound, it's half a pound less to lug around.
I've been using my Body Media religiously and am in love with it! Seeing how long I sleep at night and how often I wake up, all the steps (or lack thereof) I take in a day, and how much I burn is super helpful. I'm seeing that the Fat2Fit calculators are within just a couple hundred or less of what this says I burn, depending on how much I get up and walk around throughout the day (not a lot at the moment.) It's a great motivator though and I love knowing how much I've done/not done. Highly recommend it!
My meeting with the nutritionist went well. I had lost another 3 pounds since seeing her, 4 if you count my weight the next day. For not exercising, I'd say I'm doing pretty well, though I know I need to add that in to maintain muscle and build up my heart. I'm just so unmotivated. Her goal for me though is to start taking at least 10,000 steps a day. I'm not sure if I will meet that or not by walking at lunch, but I'll have to see.
Things are pretty uneventful otherwise. This week I'm going to work on calming down. Today and tomorrow are supposed to be snowy and cold, but later in the week it should get a little warmer. Getting out and enjoying the air and, hopefully, the sun will help. I always feel so much better after taking a walk outside!
Monday, March 25, 2013
Monday, March 18, 2013
195.4 - .2 of a pound gained
I completely forgot to make an entry last week, and rather than write one up and try to remember things, I'll add it in here. Last week' weigh-in was 197, which was due to sodium obviously. I had way too much a few days leading up to the weigh-in and I really wasn't that shocked.
This last week I ate at TDEE (maintenance) all week, which was about 1900 calories a day. It was fabulous! I think that number is about 100 calories too low, but I'm not able to tell. I had too much sodium again before weighing in, so while the scale was the same as two weeks ago, I might be retaining still. Who knows!
I ordered a Body Media Fit Link last week that should be arriving any day now. I asked for feedback from people on MFP that have used it and all were positive. It's a bit pricey, but I think I got a really good deal from Costco ($127 with 12-months subcription vs $149 with 3-months), and I like seeing all the data and numbers. I hate guessing what my numbers are because I really don't want to eat too little again. That scares the hell out of me. So, this little device claims to measure your expended calories, you can input your consumed calories (via MFP no less!), and it tracks exercise, steps, and sleep. Knowledge is power, right?
I'm also trying to find a place that will test RMR (resting metabolic rate) to see where that hits, again, to confirm I'm not eating too little. Even at 1600 calories a day I am often starving. Part of my brain says "well duh - you're cutting calories!" but the other side knows that if I am truly hungry, I shouldn't be ignoring it. (Thanks to my nutritionist for drilling that into my head!)
Oh yeah, doctor's visit. I finally got my blood work results back last week too, and all looked good. Insulin, glucose, Vitamin D and iron all came back normal. My cholesterol levels were all okay, but need work. Triglycerides were high, but I think that was the only high one. Nothing shocking after eating so horribly for a few months. But, good news in my opinion!
This week I'm just going to focus on eating well. I'm stressed out to the hilt, I'm back to cutting, and I just want to make sure I do all I can to remain sane. Plus I'll have a good few days of using the Body Media before moving things around too much.
This last week I ate at TDEE (maintenance) all week, which was about 1900 calories a day. It was fabulous! I think that number is about 100 calories too low, but I'm not able to tell. I had too much sodium again before weighing in, so while the scale was the same as two weeks ago, I might be retaining still. Who knows!
I ordered a Body Media Fit Link last week that should be arriving any day now. I asked for feedback from people on MFP that have used it and all were positive. It's a bit pricey, but I think I got a really good deal from Costco ($127 with 12-months subcription vs $149 with 3-months), and I like seeing all the data and numbers. I hate guessing what my numbers are because I really don't want to eat too little again. That scares the hell out of me. So, this little device claims to measure your expended calories, you can input your consumed calories (via MFP no less!), and it tracks exercise, steps, and sleep. Knowledge is power, right?
I'm also trying to find a place that will test RMR (resting metabolic rate) to see where that hits, again, to confirm I'm not eating too little. Even at 1600 calories a day I am often starving. Part of my brain says "well duh - you're cutting calories!" but the other side knows that if I am truly hungry, I shouldn't be ignoring it. (Thanks to my nutritionist for drilling that into my head!)
Oh yeah, doctor's visit. I finally got my blood work results back last week too, and all looked good. Insulin, glucose, Vitamin D and iron all came back normal. My cholesterol levels were all okay, but need work. Triglycerides were high, but I think that was the only high one. Nothing shocking after eating so horribly for a few months. But, good news in my opinion!
This week I'm just going to focus on eating well. I'm stressed out to the hilt, I'm back to cutting, and I just want to make sure I do all I can to remain sane. Plus I'll have a good few days of using the Body Media before moving things around too much.
Monday, March 4, 2013
195.2 - 3 pounds lost
Considering the week I had, I was am in complete disbelief at the number on the scale. I made a pact with an MFP friend (thanks, Munz!) to again not look at the scale between weigh-ins. So not only did I have no idea where it was all week, but I also had a mini-binge Monday night where I just wanted to eat everything in site. Almost 900 calories later (thanks PMS) and I was sure the scale wouldn't budge this week.
On average, I consumed 1767 calories daily, which is a bit higher than I wanted, but good considering the scale moved. I'm still trying to find that sweet spot where I'm not losing too much or too little. After the last four weeks though, I am guessing that my estimated intake was a bit low.
Last week I said that I would make an appointment with my doctor, which I followed through on. She placed me back on my BP medication, but at half the dosage. I'm not entirely happy about it, but I also know that in terms of my health, it's important. And, it will just serve as more motivation. It came down a good bit from what it was 50 pounds ago, but it still has a little bit more to go.
In the next week or so, I'll be getting a blood panel done to check cholesterol (I'm scared it's high again), Vitamin D, iron, and some other stuff. I was supposed to get it done at a local lab, but since they don't accept my insurance and I realized they would be charging me as well, I figured I might as well go back to my doctor, have my BP checked out to make sure the dosage is right, and have the blood work done there. So, that's kind of half-met.
I still haven't gotten off my butt and started walking or anything. The thought of a treadmill at the moment is so unappealing, so I'm crossing my fingers that warmer, sunnier weather is on it's way!
Goals for this week:
On average, I consumed 1767 calories daily, which is a bit higher than I wanted, but good considering the scale moved. I'm still trying to find that sweet spot where I'm not losing too much or too little. After the last four weeks though, I am guessing that my estimated intake was a bit low.
Last week I said that I would make an appointment with my doctor, which I followed through on. She placed me back on my BP medication, but at half the dosage. I'm not entirely happy about it, but I also know that in terms of my health, it's important. And, it will just serve as more motivation. It came down a good bit from what it was 50 pounds ago, but it still has a little bit more to go.
In the next week or so, I'll be getting a blood panel done to check cholesterol (I'm scared it's high again), Vitamin D, iron, and some other stuff. I was supposed to get it done at a local lab, but since they don't accept my insurance and I realized they would be charging me as well, I figured I might as well go back to my doctor, have my BP checked out to make sure the dosage is right, and have the blood work done there. So, that's kind of half-met.
I still haven't gotten off my butt and started walking or anything. The thought of a treadmill at the moment is so unappealing, so I'm crossing my fingers that warmer, sunnier weather is on it's way!
Goals for this week:
- keep an average of 1600-1700 calories per day
- prepare to eat at maintenance (1900-2000 per day) next week in hopes of avoiding that dreaded plateau
- work on more positive affirmations to quiet the negative voice in my head
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
198.2 - 73.2 pounds to go
I think this last week went fairly well, so I'm trying not to let the scale get to me. My calories probably averaged around 1700 or so, which was probably too high. Until I get off my butt and start doing something, I can't justify fueling my body like it is active.
Instead of dreading my meeting with the nutritionist, I was actually looking forward to it since I had lost a few pounds - 6 to be exact! That was a pleasant surprise being as I felt like I've been moving in slow motion.
We discussed my obsession with the scale, and I've made a pact with an MFP friend to not weigh myself until my official weigh-in day. Because I cheated and stepped on the scale this morning, I actually changed my pact to not looking for 2 weeks. I'll still weigh-in on Sunday of this week for recording purposes, but I've decided I'm going to shut my eyes and ask my husband to record the number somewhere for a week. The obsession is far from healthy and it's only going to defeat me again if I keep this up. Ultimately, I'd like to weigh-in once a month when I see her, but baby steps first! So funny that for *years* I avoided that darn thing.
Same as the first time I started this journey, something just kind of clicked internally. The nutritionist said she could tell something had changed and that was really the best explanation I had for her. I can't pinpoint it or turn it off/on (I wish!) but it's back, so I'm not arguing. I had told myself that this year would be my year for positive changes, and so far it's shaping up to aim in that direction.
I started wearing make-up two weeks ago, which for me is just unheard of unless there is a special occasion. I think it's been a bit of self-discovery and feeling like I'm worth being noticed for once. I completely don't recognize this person I'm becoming, but I'd like for it to stick around. The nutritionist said she sensed that I had changed internally as well, like I am coming out of my shell.
Goals this week: Appointment with the doctor to discuss my BP (it's high again), and get my vitamin D and iron levels checked. Going to work on lowering my calories back down to 1500. I'm also going to move my ass, in some way, shape or form, and I'l adjust my calories up those days.
Instead of dreading my meeting with the nutritionist, I was actually looking forward to it since I had lost a few pounds - 6 to be exact! That was a pleasant surprise being as I felt like I've been moving in slow motion.
We discussed my obsession with the scale, and I've made a pact with an MFP friend to not weigh myself until my official weigh-in day. Because I cheated and stepped on the scale this morning, I actually changed my pact to not looking for 2 weeks. I'll still weigh-in on Sunday of this week for recording purposes, but I've decided I'm going to shut my eyes and ask my husband to record the number somewhere for a week. The obsession is far from healthy and it's only going to defeat me again if I keep this up. Ultimately, I'd like to weigh-in once a month when I see her, but baby steps first! So funny that for *years* I avoided that darn thing.
Same as the first time I started this journey, something just kind of clicked internally. The nutritionist said she could tell something had changed and that was really the best explanation I had for her. I can't pinpoint it or turn it off/on (I wish!) but it's back, so I'm not arguing. I had told myself that this year would be my year for positive changes, and so far it's shaping up to aim in that direction.
I started wearing make-up two weeks ago, which for me is just unheard of unless there is a special occasion. I think it's been a bit of self-discovery and feeling like I'm worth being noticed for once. I completely don't recognize this person I'm becoming, but I'd like for it to stick around. The nutritionist said she sensed that I had changed internally as well, like I am coming out of my shell.
Goals this week: Appointment with the doctor to discuss my BP (it's high again), and get my vitamin D and iron levels checked. Going to work on lowering my calories back down to 1500. I'm also going to move my ass, in some way, shape or form, and I'l adjust my calories up those days.
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
197.8 - 72.8 pounds to go
It may not been much of a loss, but considering I ate a paczki from Tim Horton's, plus half of an authentic one, and some of the cherry chocolate chip bread I baked, half a pound is a total win!
My aim last week was to up my calories a little bit, which I feel was skewed by the goodies I ate. So, trying that again this week in hopes of finding a sweet spot. I fear I am eating too little, at least according to the calculators I use, but I'm afraid of playing around too much. Instead, I'll see how well this week goes and what the average is for the week's calories.
I didn't get around to looking up meatless options, but I've been sticking with tuna, homemade bean soup, and Trader Joe's low sodium tomato soup, which is actually really good! I also need to look into more options for protein. I hate using protein powder - I'm much rather not deal with all the filler. But in the mean time, it serves it's purpose, which is to keep my protein up and my hangry levels down! It's kind of nice feeling a normal amount of hunger when I get home instead of the past "omg, feed me now or DIE!"
Nothing exciting otherwise. Still being lazy but justifying it as finding my calorie spot first. Once the weather stops freaking out though, I'd like to walk at lunch again. It was nice to get out and get some sunshine - it really improved my mood! I'm sure my vitamin D levels are low again. That reminds me that I should go see my doctor for another blood lab, but I've gained a little since I saw her, so I'm ashamed. /sigh
This week: still pre-planning; keeping protein up around 90-115g per day; checking out more lunch options.
My aim last week was to up my calories a little bit, which I feel was skewed by the goodies I ate. So, trying that again this week in hopes of finding a sweet spot. I fear I am eating too little, at least according to the calculators I use, but I'm afraid of playing around too much. Instead, I'll see how well this week goes and what the average is for the week's calories.
I didn't get around to looking up meatless options, but I've been sticking with tuna, homemade bean soup, and Trader Joe's low sodium tomato soup, which is actually really good! I also need to look into more options for protein. I hate using protein powder - I'm much rather not deal with all the filler. But in the mean time, it serves it's purpose, which is to keep my protein up and my hangry levels down! It's kind of nice feeling a normal amount of hunger when I get home instead of the past "omg, feed me now or DIE!"
Nothing exciting otherwise. Still being lazy but justifying it as finding my calorie spot first. Once the weather stops freaking out though, I'd like to walk at lunch again. It was nice to get out and get some sunshine - it really improved my mood! I'm sure my vitamin D levels are low again. That reminds me that I should go see my doctor for another blood lab, but I've gained a little since I saw her, so I'm ashamed. /sigh
This week: still pre-planning; keeping protein up around 90-115g per day; checking out more lunch options.
Monday, February 11, 2013
198.4 - 73.4 pounds to go
I feel like I nailed it last week. Not only did I try to keep my calories around 1450-1550 per day, but I focused on balancing macros and really making the food I ate count. With the help from some great MyFitnessPal friends, I decided to eat a few less carbs (not low carb - just not going over everyday!) and to make sure there is protein in as many meals and snacks as possible. The nutritionist has stressed in the past that I don't need as many grams of protein as I am consuming, but from a hunger standpoint, I do! I was starving all-the-time two weeks ago - seriously! I'd no sooner eat a meal or a snack and be hungry again. Now I feel like the hunger is manageable. I might still be hungry when I come home from work, but I'm not hangry (hungry and angry!)
I've not started up an exercise routine yet. Last week, I actually went to our gym and put our accounts on hold. Financially, the $50 a month we spend there is needed for other things, and since I can go to the campus gym for free, well, no-brainer! I've not yet been, but it's an option. Really, I'm hoping that the weather starts to stabilize a bit so I can get back to walking. The fresh air and sunshine did so much for my mood and energy levels, and I truly miss it. I loved exploring the area around our campus and home.
Keys to success this last week: pre-planning. It helps a ton when I get up in the morning to already know what to make for breakfast and pack for lunch. No more last minute grabbing of snacks from the cupboard. I'm also going to eat more in the 1550-1650 range. I have to keep reminding myself that eating too little is bad, bad, bad and will set me back into another long-term plateau if I am not careful, and I absolutely cannot re-live that just yet. Calculators have been putting me anywhere from 1400-1650 and being as I lost 2 pounds last week at the bottom-end, I'm going to see how the top-end does and adjust from there. It's nice losing 2 pounds in a week, two times in a row even, but I'd rather do this the healthy way than the quick way.
Focus for this week: continue pre-planning, and explore new meatless lunch options.
I've not started up an exercise routine yet. Last week, I actually went to our gym and put our accounts on hold. Financially, the $50 a month we spend there is needed for other things, and since I can go to the campus gym for free, well, no-brainer! I've not yet been, but it's an option. Really, I'm hoping that the weather starts to stabilize a bit so I can get back to walking. The fresh air and sunshine did so much for my mood and energy levels, and I truly miss it. I loved exploring the area around our campus and home.
Keys to success this last week: pre-planning. It helps a ton when I get up in the morning to already know what to make for breakfast and pack for lunch. No more last minute grabbing of snacks from the cupboard. I'm also going to eat more in the 1550-1650 range. I have to keep reminding myself that eating too little is bad, bad, bad and will set me back into another long-term plateau if I am not careful, and I absolutely cannot re-live that just yet. Calculators have been putting me anywhere from 1400-1650 and being as I lost 2 pounds last week at the bottom-end, I'm going to see how the top-end does and adjust from there. It's nice losing 2 pounds in a week, two times in a row even, but I'd rather do this the healthy way than the quick way.
Focus for this week: continue pre-planning, and explore new meatless lunch options.
Monday, February 4, 2013
200.4 - 75.4 pounds to go!
Apparently I needed a break: a long one that spanned 4-5 months and included whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted it.
The bad news? I went from my low weight in August of 179 back up to 205-ish. Yeah, that is a very harsh pill to swallow. Of course it wasn't worth it, I would change things if I could, blah blah blah.
The good news? I'm back on the horse again and I think the break was genuinely needed. Last year was rough for me. I stopped talking to my parents on two different occasions for several months at a time, we had several major home purchases crop up, and we had a roommate move in. Add to that the focus I was putting on myself to eat right and exercise and get the scale to move, only to see it move 15 pounds in 8 months, and you have a disaster on your hands! Of course, we all go through life's ups and downs. In my opinion, that's what makes life worth it! But, in the moment, italmost defeated me.
Our ex-roommate is a wonderful person, and I thoroughly enjoyed having him around and teaching him some of the things I was going on this journey. But, I let him become an excuse for how I made decisions. I cannot be trusted around food. Bottom line. If you suggest buying cookies at the store, I'm 99.9% likely to give in to your request. Start eating said cookies, and I am 99.9% likely to join you. Eat big portions of food, again, likely to join you. Things quickly spiraled out of control and while we weren't completely back to eating fast food and drinking pop, we were headed there fast!
The best news is that I am back. I had my fun, but I've had enough. My size 16 jeans that were a perfect fit are now a little snug. New bras that fit perfectly now require an extender. Shirts feel like they cling in places they didn't before. It is all a harsh reality that I not only gained back 25 pounds, but I gained back 25 pounds of pure fat. But, it's temporary!
Part of me was scared to try this all again. For 8 months I did as I normally was to lose just 15 pounds. Sure, now I think 15 pounds would be great! But all of that effort equating to that small of an amount, this early in the game, killed a little part of me. And now I have this little voice in my head telling me, "Why bother? It's just going to happen again, ya know!" Every day is a constant struggle to control that voice.
So, here goes a fresh start. I've been back to eating healthier foods and following the meal plan my nutritionist laid out for me. I cleaned out our pantry and tried to make the healthier snacks more accessible. And I'm just generally feeling more excited about feeling better. The scale not moving was rough, but I should have focused on the bigger picture. It's always important to celebrate the little things.
The bad news? I went from my low weight in August of 179 back up to 205-ish. Yeah, that is a very harsh pill to swallow. Of course it wasn't worth it, I would change things if I could, blah blah blah.
The good news? I'm back on the horse again and I think the break was genuinely needed. Last year was rough for me. I stopped talking to my parents on two different occasions for several months at a time, we had several major home purchases crop up, and we had a roommate move in. Add to that the focus I was putting on myself to eat right and exercise and get the scale to move, only to see it move 15 pounds in 8 months, and you have a disaster on your hands! Of course, we all go through life's ups and downs. In my opinion, that's what makes life worth it! But, in the moment, it
Our ex-roommate is a wonderful person, and I thoroughly enjoyed having him around and teaching him some of the things I was going on this journey. But, I let him become an excuse for how I made decisions. I cannot be trusted around food. Bottom line. If you suggest buying cookies at the store, I'm 99.9% likely to give in to your request. Start eating said cookies, and I am 99.9% likely to join you. Eat big portions of food, again, likely to join you. Things quickly spiraled out of control and while we weren't completely back to eating fast food and drinking pop, we were headed there fast!
The best news is that I am back. I had my fun, but I've had enough. My size 16 jeans that were a perfect fit are now a little snug. New bras that fit perfectly now require an extender. Shirts feel like they cling in places they didn't before. It is all a harsh reality that I not only gained back 25 pounds, but I gained back 25 pounds of pure fat. But, it's temporary!
Part of me was scared to try this all again. For 8 months I did as I normally was to lose just 15 pounds. Sure, now I think 15 pounds would be great! But all of that effort equating to that small of an amount, this early in the game, killed a little part of me. And now I have this little voice in my head telling me, "Why bother? It's just going to happen again, ya know!" Every day is a constant struggle to control that voice.
So, here goes a fresh start. I've been back to eating healthier foods and following the meal plan my nutritionist laid out for me. I cleaned out our pantry and tried to make the healthier snacks more accessible. And I'm just generally feeling more excited about feeling better. The scale not moving was rough, but I should have focused on the bigger picture. It's always important to celebrate the little things.
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