This week of WW was a bit of a game changer. The top people at WW decided to tweak the point system a bit, again. Let's see it used to be the lowest you could go was 18 points, then it was 29 and now it's 26. The good thing is that I and anyone else doesn't have to stick to 26 points. Instead you can hover between 26 and 29 and use the remaining three points and be on track. I wasn't sure how my body would take it. But on Monday I thought well, why not?
This whole week I focused on eating mindfully and eating 26 points. It turned out that three measly points were simply that, measly. If I got hungry I added more fruit or water. I asked myself "Am I hungry or am I tired, bored, sad, or stressed?" Those three points didn't matter. When I wanted a piece of chocolate I allowed it and I felt fine.
I went through the whole week this way and upped my activity. On my weigh in I found I had lost the weight I gained the previous week. It was so simple and I never felt deprived. Losing weight is still slow going but I think I can live with it now. And knowing that I think I will stick with it.
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Sunday, December 4, 2011
One step forward
Although, I've been on the Weight Watchers points plus program for four weeks now it is still technically week three for me. I was supposed to head to my third weigh-in after the Thanksgiving holiday and move onto week four. But my husband and I decided to visit his family in Midland the Friday after Thanksgiving. I tried to avoid all temptation. During the holiday at my grandparents' house I ate light and only had a slice of low cal pumpkin pie. Satisfied, I thought I can handle this.
But once we hit the road to Midland I grew uneasy. I did well, I thought but something about making that five hour road trip always causes me to have problems in the digestive arena. We gave a heads up to my mother-in-law that I was back to counting points. She bought pizza for dinner the night we arrived. I tried to make light of it and had a slice of pizza. I loaded my plate with fruit and other vegetables. The rest of our time in Midland consisted of good home cooked food I love but was now fearful of.
When we got back I was determined to exercise or exorcise the holiday out of me. I started jogging. I drank more water and less coffee. And I watched my points. Nonetheless I was still disappointed to find I had gained 0.8 pounds at my next weigh in. I sighed and shook my head, got angry, and despaired.
I realize it's a small amount 0.8 lbs. But for me every week that I don't lose is a huge failure for me. I try to be realistic. I know losing weight doesn't happen all at once. Still it's hard to see your numbers go up when in your head you can't wait for them to go down to that magical number so you can finally be that perfect size 8 or 6 or anything that's not a double digit.
I blamed my husband for the weight gain. The stress of the trip and the food made me constipated and irritable and now I had gained instead of lost weight. This is the part my husband fears the most: my disappointment. When I am discouraged or disappointed I want to quit and I fight with everyone to make it OK to do so.
But this time I let it go. After feeling sorry for myself for a while I let the anger and frustration go. There is bound to be more obstacles ahead, a piece of cake, or a meal that my husband brought home that I won't have accounted for. These and many more will all happen at some point or the other. And when they do I will try to make the best decision I can and try to be happy with whatever the outcome.
But once we hit the road to Midland I grew uneasy. I did well, I thought but something about making that five hour road trip always causes me to have problems in the digestive arena. We gave a heads up to my mother-in-law that I was back to counting points. She bought pizza for dinner the night we arrived. I tried to make light of it and had a slice of pizza. I loaded my plate with fruit and other vegetables. The rest of our time in Midland consisted of good home cooked food I love but was now fearful of.
When we got back I was determined to exercise or exorcise the holiday out of me. I started jogging. I drank more water and less coffee. And I watched my points. Nonetheless I was still disappointed to find I had gained 0.8 pounds at my next weigh in. I sighed and shook my head, got angry, and despaired.
I realize it's a small amount 0.8 lbs. But for me every week that I don't lose is a huge failure for me. I try to be realistic. I know losing weight doesn't happen all at once. Still it's hard to see your numbers go up when in your head you can't wait for them to go down to that magical number so you can finally be that perfect size 8 or 6 or anything that's not a double digit.
I blamed my husband for the weight gain. The stress of the trip and the food made me constipated and irritable and now I had gained instead of lost weight. This is the part my husband fears the most: my disappointment. When I am discouraged or disappointed I want to quit and I fight with everyone to make it OK to do so.
But this time I let it go. After feeling sorry for myself for a while I let the anger and frustration go. There is bound to be more obstacles ahead, a piece of cake, or a meal that my husband brought home that I won't have accounted for. These and many more will all happen at some point or the other. And when they do I will try to make the best decision I can and try to be happy with whatever the outcome.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Week 2
So hello again,
It is my second week on Weight Watchers and I am mildly surprised. I lost another pound. But I can't say I wasn't hoping for a little more. After all, I lost roughly three and a half pounds the first week. If I have to be honest I got a little ahead of myself and was hoping to lose that same amount this week.
But, before I got on the scale I decided that I needed to be happy with the result as long as I hadn't gained. The road to weight loss and my ultimate goal is going to be hard. And possibly long. If it's going to be a lifetime goal and change the results and the work can't be a quick fix. So when I found out I lost a pound I smiled and rewarded myself by sharing the news.
In the meeting I learned a few things that will help in the coming holiday and I plan to put them to use. I will eat off a smaller plate and choose wisely. I will move more instead of going into a turkey coma. I will work to lose weight and not let myself go overboard with holiday cheer.
I will meet my goal this time around!
It is my second week on Weight Watchers and I am mildly surprised. I lost another pound. But I can't say I wasn't hoping for a little more. After all, I lost roughly three and a half pounds the first week. If I have to be honest I got a little ahead of myself and was hoping to lose that same amount this week.
But, before I got on the scale I decided that I needed to be happy with the result as long as I hadn't gained. The road to weight loss and my ultimate goal is going to be hard. And possibly long. If it's going to be a lifetime goal and change the results and the work can't be a quick fix. So when I found out I lost a pound I smiled and rewarded myself by sharing the news.
In the meeting I learned a few things that will help in the coming holiday and I plan to put them to use. I will eat off a smaller plate and choose wisely. I will move more instead of going into a turkey coma. I will work to lose weight and not let myself go overboard with holiday cheer.
I will meet my goal this time around!
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Hello Weight Watchers My Old Friend
I decided to rejoin Weight Watchers and adjust my attitude. I had been counting calories at home on my own but cheated more often than not. With the program I don't have to feel guilty about eating ice cream.That doesn't mean that I can eat junk food all day in my points range. Well, I guess I could but I would just be shooting myself in the foot.
Anyway, during my first week I lost 3.6 lbs. I am quite surprised considering how my last try went. But I am happy. I'm going to continue working out and counting my points. I've decided to change the way I think about losing weight too. Instead of only focusing on the number on the scale I am going to focus on how my body feels.
It's only a beginning but I can say I pushed myself more this week than I have in quite a while. My body is sore and tired but I feel so good. I ate less but I didn't deprive myself. When I wanted a piece of candy I had a piece and tracked the points. I limited myself to a piece and didn't waste anytime feeling guilty. As a result of knowing I could have what I wanted I found I wanted less. And that felt good.
I still have 31.4 lbs to go and I am not going to quit working the program until I am at my goal. So maybe Weight Watchers is clicking for me after all.
Anyway, during my first week I lost 3.6 lbs. I am quite surprised considering how my last try went. But I am happy. I'm going to continue working out and counting my points. I've decided to change the way I think about losing weight too. Instead of only focusing on the number on the scale I am going to focus on how my body feels.
It's only a beginning but I can say I pushed myself more this week than I have in quite a while. My body is sore and tired but I feel so good. I ate less but I didn't deprive myself. When I wanted a piece of candy I had a piece and tracked the points. I limited myself to a piece and didn't waste anytime feeling guilty. As a result of knowing I could have what I wanted I found I wanted less. And that felt good.
I still have 31.4 lbs to go and I am not going to quit working the program until I am at my goal. So maybe Weight Watchers is clicking for me after all.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
If You Are What You Eat...
I guess I am a chocolate filled pastry and coffee. I know, I know junk food is bad for the waistline. But I really do try. I try until I get bored, and then I eat, and then I get discouraged. The cycle is recycled. These past few weeks haven't been stressful. Not because I am busy. Far from it. There just has been a lot of changes in my life.
I've closed the door on graduate school as my thesis did not seem to have an end. And I started a new job. It's not that demanding but it has its pressures. Food is how I deal. I need a better way to deal. I was thinking about that today as I walked my dog. My husband is notorious for running off the stress. I think the endorphin high is a perk. I enjoy walking the dog. But I am not sure that trying to get my dog to stop chasing squirrels as we walk is going to make me enjoy it enough to get an endorphin high.
I try lunges, crunches, and rows but that just feels like work. To get through it I sometimes swear at my husband. He thinks the idea of my prim and proper self cursing through crunches is the best way to get a little comic relief. I asked my husband why he works so hard at exercising. Aside from the physical results, it gives him time to just be himself without pressure, and it makes him feel good. So it seems I am on a search to find an exercise routine that I can love. A routine that helps the endorphins rise and gets me to want to keep doing it. I have always wanted to try rock climbing, just a thought.
I've closed the door on graduate school as my thesis did not seem to have an end. And I started a new job. It's not that demanding but it has its pressures. Food is how I deal. I need a better way to deal. I was thinking about that today as I walked my dog. My husband is notorious for running off the stress. I think the endorphin high is a perk. I enjoy walking the dog. But I am not sure that trying to get my dog to stop chasing squirrels as we walk is going to make me enjoy it enough to get an endorphin high.
I try lunges, crunches, and rows but that just feels like work. To get through it I sometimes swear at my husband. He thinks the idea of my prim and proper self cursing through crunches is the best way to get a little comic relief. I asked my husband why he works so hard at exercising. Aside from the physical results, it gives him time to just be himself without pressure, and it makes him feel good. So it seems I am on a search to find an exercise routine that I can love. A routine that helps the endorphins rise and gets me to want to keep doing it. I have always wanted to try rock climbing, just a thought.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
When you're hungry
When you've gotten into the habit of indulging it's hard to cut back. Just eating responsibly can be torture. Or at least it feels that way for me. The last few days I've returned to counting calories. It's helped a bit. I've actually lost a couple of pounds in spite of my forays into candy land. The hard part is not getting ahead of myself.
Yesterday I ate oatmeal for breakfast with almonds and cranberries. I logged that at 300 calories. Lunch was simple at another 300 calories. I snacked on fruit and managed to be full. Then I headed home and the wait in traffic fueled my hunger. I decided to make tacos and added lots of veggies for extra crunch. In all the time it took to prepare it I grew hungrier.
As I sat down to dinner I forgot all about pacing myself and ate, and ate, and ate. I overdid it and I blew my calorie limit. I could kick myself and feel guilty but I decided to pace myself today. It seems that I had to as I ate so much that I was still full this morning. Being ill from food gave me time to think and relax when I had dinner tonight. Maybe I went about it the wrong way but it seems I taught myself a little something. It's important to pace yourself; even when you're hungry.
Yesterday I ate oatmeal for breakfast with almonds and cranberries. I logged that at 300 calories. Lunch was simple at another 300 calories. I snacked on fruit and managed to be full. Then I headed home and the wait in traffic fueled my hunger. I decided to make tacos and added lots of veggies for extra crunch. In all the time it took to prepare it I grew hungrier.
As I sat down to dinner I forgot all about pacing myself and ate, and ate, and ate. I overdid it and I blew my calorie limit. I could kick myself and feel guilty but I decided to pace myself today. It seems that I had to as I ate so much that I was still full this morning. Being ill from food gave me time to think and relax when I had dinner tonight. Maybe I went about it the wrong way but it seems I taught myself a little something. It's important to pace yourself; even when you're hungry.
Monday, October 10, 2011
Diet? What diet?
Sorry I have been gone the last two weeks. I wish I could say it was a need to reflect on life that kept me but really it was a job. I started a new job roughly two weeks ago. So far so good. But it's kind of undone my schedule and my diet.
I realize most people would kill for a job right now but I hate anything that disrupts my routine. For example, up until two weeks ago I walked my dog every morning for two miles. We often went to a trail because the trail changes just a bit day to day and it offers a challenge. I also stuck to counting calories and often ate similar meals day to day. I also moved a lot more. Even after exercise I found myself heading outside just to enjoy the outdoors.
Then I accepted a position with a sales group in Dallas. It's not a bad job. Just different from everything I had been doing for months. In just the past two weeks my routine has been falling apart. I can't walk the dog in the morning. I have to be at the office at 8 and that means I have to leave early to sit in traffic and then sit at a desk. I try to walk him when I get home but after being in traffic on my way home sometimes I end up asleep.
Sleep. That's another thing I miss. I will admit it, I am a bit lazy. I love to sleep and without a good 10 hours, yes, 10, I drag. This leads me to my diet. When I'm tired, and zapped of the energy I get during my morning walk I turn to food. Mainly sugar. I have a candy jar at my desk. At first I wasn't that interested in the candy. I even put the candy in a dark dish so I couldn't see it. After a while when my head would droop at my desk I would shovel some candy in my mouth. That worked for a little while. Until lunch anyway.
The building I work in conveniently has a deli downstairs stocked with all types of treats. I started heading down to the deli around lunch to grab a soft drink. Then after a few days I added chips. After the end of my first week I had eaten so much junk food that my stomach ached everyday and yet I continued to eat.
After a tough weekend I decided to be honest. I am working on changing my diet as much to get into smaller clothes as to have a healthier body. I'm not going to get very far on a diet made of junk. Today I did better. I drank water, ate fruit and veggies and have decided to turn in early tonight. I did eat a bit more but it is my first day back after all. It's all about the baby steps. Take enough baby steps and that will add up to a big step. At least I hope.
I realize most people would kill for a job right now but I hate anything that disrupts my routine. For example, up until two weeks ago I walked my dog every morning for two miles. We often went to a trail because the trail changes just a bit day to day and it offers a challenge. I also stuck to counting calories and often ate similar meals day to day. I also moved a lot more. Even after exercise I found myself heading outside just to enjoy the outdoors.
Then I accepted a position with a sales group in Dallas. It's not a bad job. Just different from everything I had been doing for months. In just the past two weeks my routine has been falling apart. I can't walk the dog in the morning. I have to be at the office at 8 and that means I have to leave early to sit in traffic and then sit at a desk. I try to walk him when I get home but after being in traffic on my way home sometimes I end up asleep.
Sleep. That's another thing I miss. I will admit it, I am a bit lazy. I love to sleep and without a good 10 hours, yes, 10, I drag. This leads me to my diet. When I'm tired, and zapped of the energy I get during my morning walk I turn to food. Mainly sugar. I have a candy jar at my desk. At first I wasn't that interested in the candy. I even put the candy in a dark dish so I couldn't see it. After a while when my head would droop at my desk I would shovel some candy in my mouth. That worked for a little while. Until lunch anyway.
The building I work in conveniently has a deli downstairs stocked with all types of treats. I started heading down to the deli around lunch to grab a soft drink. Then after a few days I added chips. After the end of my first week I had eaten so much junk food that my stomach ached everyday and yet I continued to eat.
After a tough weekend I decided to be honest. I am working on changing my diet as much to get into smaller clothes as to have a healthier body. I'm not going to get very far on a diet made of junk. Today I did better. I drank water, ate fruit and veggies and have decided to turn in early tonight. I did eat a bit more but it is my first day back after all. It's all about the baby steps. Take enough baby steps and that will add up to a big step. At least I hope.
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