It may not have been a "plateau" plaguing me over the past 4 weeks, but I was definitely checking out the "foothills" and feeling a bit down! Frustrating as it may have been, I had an amazing week which ended in a breakthrough (both mental and physical!)
First, I realized that I need to stay inspired. Watching friends lose week to week is exciting- but this week I had the opportunity to visit a "new meeting" and get some outside motivation. I would never dream of missing my own meeting if I could help it, but I did love getting an extra-dose of WW in. I think I might consider this when I get in that funk again!
Secondly, Adrienne was out on vacation, but she arranged for one of our favorite "guest leaders" to step in. I swear if I didn't know better the lesson was directed at our side of the room. (At least that is what the head nodding and groaning told me.) Of course the topic was about.... you guessed it, plateaus. Basically, I found out that I was a whiny baby who was not on one...and that not everything has to be about the number on the scale. Stephanie was able to remind me that I am doing this to be healthy...and exercise is part of that, no matter how frustrating the ups and downs that come with it are!
Speaking of plateaus, I know lack of sleep and stress fall in there somewhere. I have to find ways to continue to work through those challenging areas- because I DO believe that those are two biggies that will continue to haunt me from time to time.
It is funny how there are those weeks where you get exactly what you need. I am so thankful!
I found this movie attachment funny- because believe it or not this song is on my workout play list. (Can you believe I have a workout play list???) I think Jack is a better dancer, however! I love the catch your breath part... :)
Monday, July 12, 2010
Sunday, July 4, 2010
It is Independence Day!
On the Fourth of July, most Americans celebrate the adoption of the Declaration of Independence with picnics, parades and of course fireworks. While I am proud to live in a country where independence and liberty are valued, (in most states anyway) this year I will spend a large part of my day thinking about the word independence and what it means to me.
Last June, I realized my battle with food addiction was literally killing me. As I flirted with the 400 pound mark it became very evident that I had an increasing number of medical challenges, I was lost between somewhere between anger and depression, I hated leaving the house because I was so overweight, I struggled with putting on my own shoes and performing daily hygiene chores, I even stopped wanting to be intimate with my best friend... I was dying inside and out.
On June 2nd, I made a resolution to change the way I lived.
I decided to approach my battle much like an alcoholic does their urge to drink. My AA was WW. (Weight Watchers) I went to my first Weight Watchers meeting expecting to find a group of people suffering from the same negative self images, cravings, and challenges that I was. What I found instead was a family of people ready to embrace a new lifestyle (and me!) They were not suffering, but engaged in the challenge of weight loss. The leader and her cronies were not judgmental- but supportive, and together they shared stories from the different phases of their personal journeys. Sitting my butt in a chair and waiting for a miracle to happen was not going to be an option. They were going to hold be accountable, but with love and understanding. And so began my journey...
A month later, I was struggling, I mean really struggling! Every fat cell in my body was screaming for bacon covered, pizza flavored cupcakes. I was still afraid of being in my car alone. I just knew the McDonald's Arches were going to force me into a drive through where I would have no choice but to order 3 big-macs and 2 cokes. (The 2 cokes proved I wasn't going to eat it all myself-even though I was.) I was still terribly fearful that I wasn't going to be able to shed the 200lbs of personal tyranny I had accumulated. Still, I was learning to make wise decisions and my family and friends were beginning to encourage my efforts. Hopeful, I promised to continue to use the tools I was being given in the meetings and trust that if I just stayed on plan- I would see results.
This year, I am proud to celebrate my independence from food. I now control my constitution and amend it when needed. I am happier and healthier than I can remember, I have added exercise into my regimen, and have discovered and renewed personal relationships. Knowing what it takes to be successful is essential and I frequently have to review "the basics" and identify pesky habits that attempt to creep back into my lifestyle. It helps to be armed with the right tools and the right people. With their help, I have learned how to avoid and eliminate trigger items and effectively handle the emotions that contributed to my overeating.
We often celebrate the birth of our country by lighting up the sky... this year those fireworks have a different meaning for me. They celebrate my success and victory over food, (and the successes of my WW family) they encourage me in my efforts over the next year, and best represent how I feel each morning when I look in the mirror.
Happy Independence Day!
Last June, I realized my battle with food addiction was literally killing me. As I flirted with the 400 pound mark it became very evident that I had an increasing number of medical challenges, I was lost between somewhere between anger and depression, I hated leaving the house because I was so overweight, I struggled with putting on my own shoes and performing daily hygiene chores, I even stopped wanting to be intimate with my best friend... I was dying inside and out.
On June 2nd, I made a resolution to change the way I lived.
I decided to approach my battle much like an alcoholic does their urge to drink. My AA was WW. (Weight Watchers) I went to my first Weight Watchers meeting expecting to find a group of people suffering from the same negative self images, cravings, and challenges that I was. What I found instead was a family of people ready to embrace a new lifestyle (and me!) They were not suffering, but engaged in the challenge of weight loss. The leader and her cronies were not judgmental- but supportive, and together they shared stories from the different phases of their personal journeys. Sitting my butt in a chair and waiting for a miracle to happen was not going to be an option. They were going to hold be accountable, but with love and understanding. And so began my journey...
A month later, I was struggling, I mean really struggling! Every fat cell in my body was screaming for bacon covered, pizza flavored cupcakes. I was still afraid of being in my car alone. I just knew the McDonald's Arches were going to force me into a drive through where I would have no choice but to order 3 big-macs and 2 cokes. (The 2 cokes proved I wasn't going to eat it all myself-even though I was.) I was still terribly fearful that I wasn't going to be able to shed the 200lbs of personal tyranny I had accumulated. Still, I was learning to make wise decisions and my family and friends were beginning to encourage my efforts. Hopeful, I promised to continue to use the tools I was being given in the meetings and trust that if I just stayed on plan- I would see results.
This year, I am proud to celebrate my independence from food. I now control my constitution and amend it when needed. I am happier and healthier than I can remember, I have added exercise into my regimen, and have discovered and renewed personal relationships. Knowing what it takes to be successful is essential and I frequently have to review "the basics" and identify pesky habits that attempt to creep back into my lifestyle. It helps to be armed with the right tools and the right people. With their help, I have learned how to avoid and eliminate trigger items and effectively handle the emotions that contributed to my overeating.
We often celebrate the birth of our country by lighting up the sky... this year those fireworks have a different meaning for me. They celebrate my success and victory over food, (and the successes of my WW family) they encourage me in my efforts over the next year, and best represent how I feel each morning when I look in the mirror.
Happy Independence Day!
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| From mix |
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Up to no good...
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| From mix |
"Ladies glow, men perspire and winners sweat their asses off”
(The also have really cheesy grins on their faces and take stupid pictures of themselves in a gym locker room.)
Had a great night at the gym- Completed a high-intensity work out (with interval sprints) and managed not to trip over the vacuum cord. (Yes- I've done it twice now.)
I did notice that the gym attracts all kinds of strange people. Tonight I kept pace with a lady who kept looking over her shoulder at ME like I was physically trying to chase her. After about 20 minutes of this, I decided it would be fun if I did! If she sped up, I sped up... if she slowed down, I slowed down. I know I should feel badly -but it was fun.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Neck Bones gonna rise again!
Goofing around with the camera before work! Mike says I have a Helen Hunt neck... whatever!
I'm just thankful- I am developing a neck!
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| From After |
HUGE success or disappointment?
I just watched the pilot episode of HUGE on ABC Family. At first I thought the show's message was a bit bipolar, but a closer look revealed a teenage struggle between being proud of your fat, hiding behind your fat, or taking action against your fat. I think it also made an honest effort to demonstrate the emotional, physical, and mental states of being healthy and how labels can negatively impact each of these. It will be interesting to see how the show develops. It definitely had me drawing on a few forgotten memories. Two quotes that resonated with me:
- It doesn't get easier- you just start wanting it more...
- You would rather risk your life than change your life...?
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| From Blogger Pictures |
Sunday, June 27, 2010
You want me to what?!?!
I had a great weigh in last week and met my goal of 250lbs! Seems like the increase in activity paid off. Woot!
Before I could even step off the scale- Adrienne (my devoted leader) was there giving me a hug and singing my praises. Everyone was smiling and all was right in the world of weight loss... that was until she decided that it was a great time to mention THE goal. Seriously?! How does she do it? It is like she instinctually knows what drives each of us. I nodded and smiled... I think I even glared at one point during the meeting. (Weight loss is a love/hate relationship- thankfully, she doesn't take it personally!) Finally the meeting was over and I left there in deep calculation.
The theme continued throughout the week as people in the gym, at work, and even at the supermarket asked me what my final goal is. Well Crap! I started thinking maybe it was time to set it.
Before I could even step off the scale- Adrienne (my devoted leader) was there giving me a hug and singing my praises. Everyone was smiling and all was right in the world of weight loss... that was until she decided that it was a great time to mention THE goal. Seriously?! How does she do it? It is like she instinctually knows what drives each of us. I nodded and smiled... I think I even glared at one point during the meeting. (Weight loss is a love/hate relationship- thankfully, she doesn't take it personally!) Finally the meeting was over and I left there in deep calculation.
The theme continued throughout the week as people in the gym, at work, and even at the supermarket asked me what my final goal is. Well Crap! I started thinking maybe it was time to set it.
Today I sat down and evaluated the BMI charts.... and I just CAN'T do it! The number just seems too foreign. It's like going to QT and paying $1.60 for gas instead of $2.50 - can you imagine the pandemonium?
No reason to panic, My BMI research was not a total loss. I decided my next mini goal would be 202.5 lbs. Yes, a slightly strange goal but this number will successfully bring me out of the obese category. (Something that hasn't happened since I was in adolescence)
In order to appease my guilty conscience I decided to begin journaling in the form of a blog. After all, journaling is a form of evaluation and goal setting, right?
I am hoping that tracking and journaling my progress will help me to stay focused and accountable. I'll work to write down weekly goals, exercises, feelings and what small changes I am noticing in everyday life.
No reason to panic, My BMI research was not a total loss. I decided my next mini goal would be 202.5 lbs. Yes, a slightly strange goal but this number will successfully bring me out of the obese category. (Something that hasn't happened since I was in adolescence)
In order to appease my guilty conscience I decided to begin journaling in the form of a blog. After all, journaling is a form of evaluation and goal setting, right?
I am hoping that tracking and journaling my progress will help me to stay focused and accountable. I'll work to write down weekly goals, exercises, feelings and what small changes I am noticing in everyday life.
So here is to the first post and to the next 46 lbs! *Cheers*
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