Monday, August 30, 2010
Forgot to Mention the Verdict...
Sorry, I just realized that I forgot to mention last week's weigh in result. I lost 0.2. Considering some of my food choices, I was very relieved to see the small loss.
Filling Foods
I feel like I have to relearn healthy eating habits over and over. I seem to fall into patterns somewhat unconsciously and then I have to re-examine why I'm not making progress on my goal to eating healthy.
Case in point, lately I've been overeating on junk food. I've indulged in three pieces of pizza when I, a month ago, would only eat 1. I've found myself slowly but surely drifting back to old eating habits--such as a bowl of ice cream in the afternoon. THIS NEEDS TO STOP. So far, I haven't gone totally off the edge and binged and I have not seen a gain on the scale (fingers crossed!) but I know that I have fallen off the wagon of healthy eating.
And that's okay. No one's perfect. And I'll be the first to admit that I love food--especially junk food--which is why I was 90 pounds overweight in the first place. Those impulses are not going to disappear in 4 months. So I need to cut myself some slack and realize that this journey is going to take a while.
So I started to think about why I'm reverting back to old, bad habits, and it hit me: I'm eating a lot of unfilling foods that are easy to overdo--such as pizza and ice cream. Instead, I need to shift gears and start eating foods that fill me up and reduce the impulse to overeat. Part of the problem this week has been that I haven't had a chance to go grocery shopping, so I've been relying on leftovers, ramen, etc... But I will go grocery shopping and eliminate that problem.
So the plan today is to do the following:
B: oatmeal with banana (very filling)
L: Lunch 1/2 leftover ham sandwich with a small serving of potato salad
D: Grilled chicken with rice and beans and a side of collard greens.
I'm also headed to the gym after work (I even packed my bag). My knee has been bothering me a bit, so I'm going to focus on weights instead of cardio. Well, wish me luck and happy Monday!
Case in point, lately I've been overeating on junk food. I've indulged in three pieces of pizza when I, a month ago, would only eat 1. I've found myself slowly but surely drifting back to old eating habits--such as a bowl of ice cream in the afternoon. THIS NEEDS TO STOP. So far, I haven't gone totally off the edge and binged and I have not seen a gain on the scale (fingers crossed!) but I know that I have fallen off the wagon of healthy eating.
And that's okay. No one's perfect. And I'll be the first to admit that I love food--especially junk food--which is why I was 90 pounds overweight in the first place. Those impulses are not going to disappear in 4 months. So I need to cut myself some slack and realize that this journey is going to take a while.
So I started to think about why I'm reverting back to old, bad habits, and it hit me: I'm eating a lot of unfilling foods that are easy to overdo--such as pizza and ice cream. Instead, I need to shift gears and start eating foods that fill me up and reduce the impulse to overeat. Part of the problem this week has been that I haven't had a chance to go grocery shopping, so I've been relying on leftovers, ramen, etc... But I will go grocery shopping and eliminate that problem.
So the plan today is to do the following:
B: oatmeal with banana (very filling)
L: Lunch 1/2 leftover ham sandwich with a small serving of potato salad
D: Grilled chicken with rice and beans and a side of collard greens.
I'm also headed to the gym after work (I even packed my bag). My knee has been bothering me a bit, so I'm going to focus on weights instead of cardio. Well, wish me luck and happy Monday!
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
It's a Brand New Day
I am officially in my skinny pants. Since I have yet to do laundry, this morning I was a bit stumped about what to wear for work. So I grabbed a pair of the dark jeans I keep on the top shelf of my closet--the skinny jeans. Shockingly, they fit quite easily. In fact, they are a little bit loose in the thighs--not that I'm complaining. Then, I threw on my gray silk shirt, which has also been too snug, and it fit as well. So today I am wearing an outfit that I could not have squeezed into six months ago. It feels good.
So, I am pleased to inform you that I followed through on some of my goals last night. First and foremost, I exercised. Since it was so cool yesterday evening, I decided to go for a jog around my work. I believe the total distance I jogged was 1.2 miles. I walked an additional lap--so the total was about 1.5 miles. Compared to runners, that's a pitiful amount, but compared to where I was, it was a pretty significant accomplishment. Then, I went home and had a nice, relaxed dinner of a fried egg, english muffin, a small piece of leftover chicken parm, and a light beer. I know, it was kind of an odd assortment of food, but it definitely filled me up. Then, I hung out with my neighbor Colleen for a while on the balcony, and then I took a bubble bath, watched an episode of West Wing (Season 7), and went to bed at 9 pm. All in all, it was a very relaxing and restorative evening.
And I have stopped feeling bad about myself, thank goodness.
I am well aware that my weigh in tomorrow will probably be a disappointment, thanks to the junk food/ alcohol I've consumed this week, however I don't really care. I'm back on track again, and even if I gain a pound or two, that doesn't really matter. I feel great about my body, and I feel confident that I can continue to make healthy choices that will ultimately bring me to my goal.
Today, I brought some healthy-ish food for lunch, and I plan on going for another jog after work. I'm making tacos for dinner, which I am super excited about. Happy hump day!
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Meltdown
I had a meltdown last night...only partially related to food. I'm not sure how to describe what happened, other than by saying I temporarily lost my mind.
My other sister G came to visit (the second familial visit in three days), and we drank a bottle of wine and then went to N's restaurant. That should have been just fine, but while we were there I started to feel really insecure about everything--my lack of knowledge of music, my lack of knowledge of "partying," and most of all my weight. I started to feel really fat and unattractive, and I haven't felt that way in a long time. I felt like I had gained back 50 pounds overnight. I kept noticing a huge pimple growing on my face, and my hair was a mess, and I haven't done laundry in 3 weeks, and the list goes on and on.
Of course, the more I craved attention and confirmation that I was not boring, fat, and unattractive, the more everyone--N, G, and N's friends ignored me. Or so I thought. In retrospect, I think I got really quiet and stopped smiling. I honestly tried to get a hold of myself, but I basically ruined the evening at least for myself, and possibly for N and G as well.
Well, the damage is done. And I have to keep reminding myself that no one is perfect, and occasionally I'm not going to act as my best self. The question today is, What can I do to feel more secure about myself and be a happier, healthier person?
1. Eat healthy. I have been in party mood these last few weeks and I've indulged in all sorts of treats--ice cream, pizza, soft pretzels, hot dogs, and copious amounts of alcohol--but at the end of the day eating badly makes me FEEL BAD. I need to cut out some of the junk, drink more water, get in more fruits and vegetables, and basically get back on the WW wagon.
2. Exercise more. Not only does exercise help you lose weight and strengthen your muscles, but it also helps your mood. I need all the endorphins I can get right now. I have seriously been slacking on the exercise front, so starting today I'm going to get back to it.
3. Get more sleep. Running on 3-4 hours of sleep per night is enough to make any sane person crazy. I need to get back to my typical 8 hours of sleep per night.
4. Make some "me" time. I need to focus on making myself happy--whether that's taking an evening to do some laundry or buying a new book for myself.
5. Take care of things. I need to make sure that I take care of the things that stress me out, such as paying parking tickets and making sure all my bills are paid on time.
I think if I can focus on these goals, I'll be moving in the right direction. Wish me luck.
My other sister G came to visit (the second familial visit in three days), and we drank a bottle of wine and then went to N's restaurant. That should have been just fine, but while we were there I started to feel really insecure about everything--my lack of knowledge of music, my lack of knowledge of "partying," and most of all my weight. I started to feel really fat and unattractive, and I haven't felt that way in a long time. I felt like I had gained back 50 pounds overnight. I kept noticing a huge pimple growing on my face, and my hair was a mess, and I haven't done laundry in 3 weeks, and the list goes on and on.
Of course, the more I craved attention and confirmation that I was not boring, fat, and unattractive, the more everyone--N, G, and N's friends ignored me. Or so I thought. In retrospect, I think I got really quiet and stopped smiling. I honestly tried to get a hold of myself, but I basically ruined the evening at least for myself, and possibly for N and G as well.
Well, the damage is done. And I have to keep reminding myself that no one is perfect, and occasionally I'm not going to act as my best self. The question today is, What can I do to feel more secure about myself and be a happier, healthier person?
1. Eat healthy. I have been in party mood these last few weeks and I've indulged in all sorts of treats--ice cream, pizza, soft pretzels, hot dogs, and copious amounts of alcohol--but at the end of the day eating badly makes me FEEL BAD. I need to cut out some of the junk, drink more water, get in more fruits and vegetables, and basically get back on the WW wagon.
2. Exercise more. Not only does exercise help you lose weight and strengthen your muscles, but it also helps your mood. I need all the endorphins I can get right now. I have seriously been slacking on the exercise front, so starting today I'm going to get back to it.
3. Get more sleep. Running on 3-4 hours of sleep per night is enough to make any sane person crazy. I need to get back to my typical 8 hours of sleep per night.
4. Make some "me" time. I need to focus on making myself happy--whether that's taking an evening to do some laundry or buying a new book for myself.
5. Take care of things. I need to make sure that I take care of the things that stress me out, such as paying parking tickets and making sure all my bills are paid on time.
I think if I can focus on these goals, I'll be moving in the right direction. Wish me luck.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Eating Normally
I just returned from my Thursday weigh in, and was surprised (again) to learn that I had lost 1.2 pounds, despite not trying too hard this week to lose weight.
I just ate normally. There were a few days when I overate--ice cream on Thursday night and Sunday afternoon. And there were a few days when I'd simply have soup or a poached egg with english muffin for dinner. Yesterday, I splurged on homemade chicken parmigiana with garlic bread and drank about four glasses of wine.
I exercised twice. I ran on the treadmill both times.
Overall, it was a pretty typical week for me, and I didn't have to try too hard to eat "normally." Do you think this means that I'm making a real lifestyle change?
Instead of chastising me for not tracking, my WW Leader just told me to keep doing what I'm doing. I think I can manage that ;)
Happy Thursday everyone.
I just ate normally. There were a few days when I overate--ice cream on Thursday night and Sunday afternoon. And there were a few days when I'd simply have soup or a poached egg with english muffin for dinner. Yesterday, I splurged on homemade chicken parmigiana with garlic bread and drank about four glasses of wine.
I exercised twice. I ran on the treadmill both times.
Overall, it was a pretty typical week for me, and I didn't have to try too hard to eat "normally." Do you think this means that I'm making a real lifestyle change?
Instead of chastising me for not tracking, my WW Leader just told me to keep doing what I'm doing. I think I can manage that ;)
Happy Thursday everyone.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Before and Now
The picture on the left was taken right when I started WW, and the one on the right was taken today. I think I can see a difference...
Monday, August 16, 2010
The Challenge is Over
Happy Monday everyone. I'm sorry that I've been such a bad poster these last few days. Work got pretty hectic all of a sudden and I lost my internet connection in my apartment, so it's been hard to post.
I had a lazy, fun weekend. On Saturday morning I woke up reasonably early and made it to the Farmer's Market at Monument and Robinson. While there weren't too many booths, I was able to pick up some very yummy items--fresh peaches, swiss chard, a dozen fresh eggs, homemade pasta, hanover tomatoes, and some bell peppers. All for $20, so I did pretty well :) I really enjoyed shopping at the Farmer's Market more than going to the over-priced, organic grocery store. After I hit the Farmer's Market, I drove to a bakery in Carytown and picked up a loaf of bread. Then I went home and had a scrumptios brunch of fried eggs, toast with butter, tea, and sliced peach. So good!
Minus the tea, spices and butter, it was a totally local breakfast.
As for the local challenge, it is officially over, thank goodness. To be honest, I completely failed on my challenge to eat solely local foods. Even on my best "local" days I would break the challenge to use butter, spices, alcohol, non-local produce. And towards the end of the challenge, I just gave up and went out for sushi and pizza. However, I don't think that trying to eat local was a waste because I have discovered some local foods that I like and that are affordable. I love the local produce--especially the tomatoes and peaches--and I love freshly baked bread and fresh eggs. Also, the local ice cream I got was AMAZING. And the good thing is that those items are relatively inexpensive. On the other hand, it doesn't seem necessary to eat only local peanut butter, cheese, granola, wine etc...Also, eating only local products REALLY limits your options, and I am just not willing to give up eating bananas, mangos, collard greens, etc... Plus, I learned that I really don't like most Virginia beers, although the Virginia wine I got was pretty yummy. All in all, it was a learning experience.
Now, I am back to WW and COUNTING POINTS. I have been a little off-balance lately what with eating local (or trying to) and socializing A LOT, so I feel the need to get back on track with eating and exercising. After all, I still have 40+ more pounds to lose. I made it to the gym yesterday, and I want to go again today and return to my Body Jam class (I haven't been to that class in over a month). And I'm back to counting points today.
Wish me luck, and happy Monday!
I had a lazy, fun weekend. On Saturday morning I woke up reasonably early and made it to the Farmer's Market at Monument and Robinson. While there weren't too many booths, I was able to pick up some very yummy items--fresh peaches, swiss chard, a dozen fresh eggs, homemade pasta, hanover tomatoes, and some bell peppers. All for $20, so I did pretty well :) I really enjoyed shopping at the Farmer's Market more than going to the over-priced, organic grocery store. After I hit the Farmer's Market, I drove to a bakery in Carytown and picked up a loaf of bread. Then I went home and had a scrumptios brunch of fried eggs, toast with butter, tea, and sliced peach. So good!
Minus the tea, spices and butter, it was a totally local breakfast.
As for the local challenge, it is officially over, thank goodness. To be honest, I completely failed on my challenge to eat solely local foods. Even on my best "local" days I would break the challenge to use butter, spices, alcohol, non-local produce. And towards the end of the challenge, I just gave up and went out for sushi and pizza. However, I don't think that trying to eat local was a waste because I have discovered some local foods that I like and that are affordable. I love the local produce--especially the tomatoes and peaches--and I love freshly baked bread and fresh eggs. Also, the local ice cream I got was AMAZING. And the good thing is that those items are relatively inexpensive. On the other hand, it doesn't seem necessary to eat only local peanut butter, cheese, granola, wine etc...Also, eating only local products REALLY limits your options, and I am just not willing to give up eating bananas, mangos, collard greens, etc... Plus, I learned that I really don't like most Virginia beers, although the Virginia wine I got was pretty yummy. All in all, it was a learning experience.
Now, I am back to WW and COUNTING POINTS. I have been a little off-balance lately what with eating local (or trying to) and socializing A LOT, so I feel the need to get back on track with eating and exercising. After all, I still have 40+ more pounds to lose. I made it to the gym yesterday, and I want to go again today and return to my Body Jam class (I haven't been to that class in over a month). And I'm back to counting points today.
Wish me luck, and happy Monday!
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