Ah well, it's been up and down for the past three weeks. First I gained a couple, then lost couple..then, I went to Cuba for a week and a few Mojitoes and an all inclusive resort in the sun later and I gained couple (actually I precisely gained 1 and 3/4 pounds back..let's be specific here!)So the total weight loss is holding steady at a measly little ten pounds.
It's a bit discouraging after 7 weeks to have only lost ten, but I guess I'm somewhat thankful I didn't gain it all back on vacation. (I even managed to get up early enough to work out a couple of times before it got too blisteringly hot and all ambition to exercise was soundly drowned out by the allure of a warm beach, cool water and cold drink..damn you island temptress!) I know, I know, you're feeling oh so sorry for me right now.
Although on the grand scheme of things I am doing well, I have become very aware of the fact that I am fast approaching the end of the fundraising aspect of this little endeavour. Less than four weeks left! Forty is furiously gaining on me and I am far from fabulous! What's a slightly neurotic, somewhat plumpish girl deep in the throngs of yet another mid-life crisis to do when she has reached the impasse of the diet plateau?
Finding the answer to that I guess is this week's challenge. How do I change up my exercise and diet routine to blast past the plateau? And how do I do it in the minute amount of time and energy left in between taking care of the kids, homework sessions, karate classes, kung fu classes, softball, football, cleaning, cooking and what else? Oh yeah, working. Ha..should be a breeze (famous last words)
So, dear readers and sponsors, those of you sponsoring me on a 'per pound' basis, suffice it to say I haven't bankrupted anyone this week! Anyone with advise on fixes to the diet blues please feel free to share them here!
Until next read dear readers, be well and be strong in mind and body.
Ciao
Monday, May 31, 2010
Monday, May 17, 2010
Three Steps Forward, one step back
Well dear friends and family, my weekly progress report seems to have turned into a bi-weekly report. The chaos of life just keeps getting in the way of having a few moments to write to you. But do not fret, I am still working on this little project.
This report I'm afraid to say is a little bitter sweet. I am just finally starting to recover form one of the worst colds I've ever had so week 4 was a bit of a difficult one in terms of keeping up with my work outs. That and a big Mother's day meal made for a tough go. But I still managed to lose 1/2 a pound, so while I was a little disappointed at the small progress, at least it was progress.
Week 5 was really disappointing. I felt a bit better and got in more workouts, and while I was good most of the week, I spent this past weekend at a family gathering for my Mom's birthday, which of course meant food, food and more food and I gained that 1/2 pound back. Very disappointing.
I do take a bit of comfort in the fact that working out is getting a tad easier and, it's a small victory, but I do have one pair of pants that is getting baggy. OK, so it's a size 16, but hey..it's baggy and I'll take it dammit!;)
So, week four and I am holding steady at 10 pounds lost. Good news for those of you sponsoring me on a "per pound" basis::)) No so great for me, but I know the trick here is to not let one mild set back knock me off track.
It's a new week though, and I guess the lesson learned here is that although focussing on allot of exercise and activity is healthy over all, it is only 1/2 of the weight loss formula. Clearly just cutting out my bad habits is not enough of a diet plan. Time for me to find something of an organized regimen in terms of food and to stick to it.
That will be a challenge, but no one said it would be easy.
So dear readers, until next time, be well and take care. And anyone who know a good book or website on vegetarian dieting, I would greatly appreciate it. As always, thank you all for all the feedback, advice and words of encouragement. They are keeping me honest and are really appreciated.
Thanks!
Nat
This report I'm afraid to say is a little bitter sweet. I am just finally starting to recover form one of the worst colds I've ever had so week 4 was a bit of a difficult one in terms of keeping up with my work outs. That and a big Mother's day meal made for a tough go. But I still managed to lose 1/2 a pound, so while I was a little disappointed at the small progress, at least it was progress.
Week 5 was really disappointing. I felt a bit better and got in more workouts, and while I was good most of the week, I spent this past weekend at a family gathering for my Mom's birthday, which of course meant food, food and more food and I gained that 1/2 pound back. Very disappointing.
I do take a bit of comfort in the fact that working out is getting a tad easier and, it's a small victory, but I do have one pair of pants that is getting baggy. OK, so it's a size 16, but hey..it's baggy and I'll take it dammit!;)
So, week four and I am holding steady at 10 pounds lost. Good news for those of you sponsoring me on a "per pound" basis::)) No so great for me, but I know the trick here is to not let one mild set back knock me off track.
It's a new week though, and I guess the lesson learned here is that although focussing on allot of exercise and activity is healthy over all, it is only 1/2 of the weight loss formula. Clearly just cutting out my bad habits is not enough of a diet plan. Time for me to find something of an organized regimen in terms of food and to stick to it.
That will be a challenge, but no one said it would be easy.
So dear readers, until next time, be well and take care. And anyone who know a good book or website on vegetarian dieting, I would greatly appreciate it. As always, thank you all for all the feedback, advice and words of encouragement. They are keeping me honest and are really appreciated.
Thanks!
Nat
Monday, May 3, 2010
Week 3 - OOPS..what happended to week 2?
So, it occurred to me that week 2 came and went and I failed to post a blog. I am so sorry about that faithful readers and followers. Life suddenly became crazy and hectic (well crazier and more hectic than usual) and I failed to hold up my end of the bargain. After all, you can't read and comment on my wisdomless words if I fail to impose them on you can you?
So, my apologies, and/or to those of you who welcomed the break from my inane and often pointless blabbing...you're welcome!
Week 2 weigh was a bit nerve wracking but I found that I had lost a respectable 2 pounds making that a total loss of 6 pounds.
Week 3 did not have a stellar start I must admit. I was out for a late dinner and a drink early in the week, although I did manage to not scoff down the entire roasted vegetable roti by eating more slowly than my normal "swallow everything within sight at light speed before anyone notices that the food has hit the table". By actually letting it hit bottom I felt full about half way through a large meal, and, get this...I stopped eating! I know that seems obvious to most normal human beings, but I have unconsciously trained myself to eat for the sake of eating for 39 years. (Hey I grew up the youngest of 6 kids, so it was a basic law of the jungle upbringing of eat fast or go hungry:) So to actually put some thought into what I am shoving into my mouth and weather or not I am actually hungry is a revelation for me.
I've also learned that on the occasion where I might have a drink, I enjoy a simple Vodka and Soda with a slice of lime.
Work out wise I was pretty good about training hard as often as possible. I haven't managed to wake up early enough any day this past week to ride my bicycle to work (just keep hitting that snooze button) but I have incorporated Dr Rachelle's concept of "High Intensity Interval Training" and oh my god is my butt sore! And, on the first glorious Sunday of the spring, I took the family hiking for a good 4 hours. (Incidentally, it is indeed time to break out the sun block..the back of my neck is now lovely shade of lobster red).
OK, so insert drum roll here! The weight lost for week 3 is...... 4 pounds! Making it a grand total of 10 pounds lost. Tada!! And so goes the water weight. I expect the amount of pounds I lose on a weakly basis to slow down somewhat at this point.
I must say I'm fairly happy and proud. Although I don't feel a huge change in how my clothes fit yet, it does feel encouraging to see that number on the scale shrinking every Monday. By the way, I think publicly weighing in Monday mornings may well have been my best incentive to keep from cheating too much. Knowing I have to tell everyone how I did every Monday keeps me fairly honest on the weekends.
I am starting to notice an improvement in my energy level and my ability to feel satisfied by less food. So there is allot to be said for small healthy snacks throughout the day when you feel hungry, drinking allot of water and fitting in some sort of physical activity into everyday (even 10 minutes is better than nothing).
I am also now the proud owner or a stationary bike which I picked up at a garage sale for $20. I spent twenty minutes on it tonight while waiting for a load of laundry to finish and with my work book in hand and I had a brilliant million dollar idea I simply feel compelled to share with you all. Forget the stationary bikes that have little tv screens attached to them so you can watch your favorite show while sweating and panting away. What we should have is a stationary bike with a television that is powered by riding the bike itself. Imagine if you could only find out if Bella chooses Edward or Jacob by peddling at 30 km per hour? What a nation of skinny biatches we'd be! It has probably already been invented, but hey, if not, that's my million dollar idea for you. You're welcome.
That's all for this week. As always, thank you all so much for the constant words of encouragement and fantastic advice. I am trying to incorporate it all, though I'm sorry Laurie, I still take cream in my coffee. Do you have a brand of coffee you recommend?
Next week - to crunch or not to crunch? How do you tackle the flabby abs? And in my case... thunder thighs and gargantuan behind. Yes, this baby's got back!
Until next week, be well
So, my apologies, and/or to those of you who welcomed the break from my inane and often pointless blabbing...you're welcome!
Week 2 weigh was a bit nerve wracking but I found that I had lost a respectable 2 pounds making that a total loss of 6 pounds.
Week 3 did not have a stellar start I must admit. I was out for a late dinner and a drink early in the week, although I did manage to not scoff down the entire roasted vegetable roti by eating more slowly than my normal "swallow everything within sight at light speed before anyone notices that the food has hit the table". By actually letting it hit bottom I felt full about half way through a large meal, and, get this...I stopped eating! I know that seems obvious to most normal human beings, but I have unconsciously trained myself to eat for the sake of eating for 39 years. (Hey I grew up the youngest of 6 kids, so it was a basic law of the jungle upbringing of eat fast or go hungry:) So to actually put some thought into what I am shoving into my mouth and weather or not I am actually hungry is a revelation for me.
I've also learned that on the occasion where I might have a drink, I enjoy a simple Vodka and Soda with a slice of lime.
Work out wise I was pretty good about training hard as often as possible. I haven't managed to wake up early enough any day this past week to ride my bicycle to work (just keep hitting that snooze button) but I have incorporated Dr Rachelle's concept of "High Intensity Interval Training" and oh my god is my butt sore! And, on the first glorious Sunday of the spring, I took the family hiking for a good 4 hours. (Incidentally, it is indeed time to break out the sun block..the back of my neck is now lovely shade of lobster red).
OK, so insert drum roll here! The weight lost for week 3 is...... 4 pounds! Making it a grand total of 10 pounds lost. Tada!! And so goes the water weight. I expect the amount of pounds I lose on a weakly basis to slow down somewhat at this point.
I must say I'm fairly happy and proud. Although I don't feel a huge change in how my clothes fit yet, it does feel encouraging to see that number on the scale shrinking every Monday. By the way, I think publicly weighing in Monday mornings may well have been my best incentive to keep from cheating too much. Knowing I have to tell everyone how I did every Monday keeps me fairly honest on the weekends.
I am starting to notice an improvement in my energy level and my ability to feel satisfied by less food. So there is allot to be said for small healthy snacks throughout the day when you feel hungry, drinking allot of water and fitting in some sort of physical activity into everyday (even 10 minutes is better than nothing).
I am also now the proud owner or a stationary bike which I picked up at a garage sale for $20. I spent twenty minutes on it tonight while waiting for a load of laundry to finish and with my work book in hand and I had a brilliant million dollar idea I simply feel compelled to share with you all. Forget the stationary bikes that have little tv screens attached to them so you can watch your favorite show while sweating and panting away. What we should have is a stationary bike with a television that is powered by riding the bike itself. Imagine if you could only find out if Bella chooses Edward or Jacob by peddling at 30 km per hour? What a nation of skinny biatches we'd be! It has probably already been invented, but hey, if not, that's my million dollar idea for you. You're welcome.
That's all for this week. As always, thank you all so much for the constant words of encouragement and fantastic advice. I am trying to incorporate it all, though I'm sorry Laurie, I still take cream in my coffee. Do you have a brand of coffee you recommend?
Next week - to crunch or not to crunch? How do you tackle the flabby abs? And in my case... thunder thighs and gargantuan behind. Yes, this baby's got back!
Until next week, be well
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