If you remember, I went to my doctor last week for a follow-up visit. The initial result of that visit was that my blood pressure has returned to normal. In addition to that, my doctor ordered blood tests to check my cholesterol, triglycerides, insulin levels, etc. I got my results earlier this week. EVERYTHING IS NORMAL!! My overall cholesterol was never high, but the LDL and HDL weren't where they were supposed to be...but they are now! And my triglycerides have been cut in HALF! I've been so excited I can hardly stand it (and I'll bet my family and friends are rolling their eyes, too). I've seriously never felt better in my life.
Now that I'm approaching the end of my official dieting period, the planning for maintenance has begun. In my mind it's just going to be more of the same, essentially, clean eating. Lots of fresh veggies and fruit, lean meats and healthy carbs. I will not, however, be depriving myself of sweets. I'll just be in control of it...a little goes a long way (in more ways than one!).
The next big thing that must be added to the plan is exercise. My husband (RB) has been consistently exercising since mid-April. I've been so impressed with his commitment and gentleness with himself. He walks every weekday Monday thru Friday and but does not walk on the weekends (or in severe thunderstorms, *whew*). And I want to be just like RB when I grow up! I have several other people in my life who have found exercise to be just the ticket for taking weight off and keeping it off. I totally agree with that concept, but it's been a struggle for me to be consistent at it. So now that I'm moving into maintenance with food, I'll be adding and shifting my focus and energy to exercising and finding what works for me.
LilySlim Weight loss tickers
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Monday, June 25, 2012
Guest Blog: Filling Myself Up
For today, I have a treat for you. Check out my sister-in-law's blog post: Filling Myself Up. She and I are on similar journeys and this post really sums up where I am. While you're on her blog, check out her other posts too. . .they're ALL good!
Rebecca Brindle: Losing It Little By Little
Rebecca Brindle: Losing It Little By Little
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Outward Praise vs. Inward Motivation
Today I saw my doctor for that follow up I mentioned yesterday. And everything went really well. She wants me to continue on my 1/2 dose of blood pressure medicine and agrees that if things keep progressing as they have been, I may be off the meds completely in about 3 months!
Good news! But at the same time, I found myself a little disappointed that she wasn't "overjoyed" at my success. She was happy for me, to be sure. But the level of excitement I was hoping for wasn't there. And it hit me that I've been wanting a jump-up-and-down reaction from a lot of people. Some of my closest friends haven't even mentioned the changes that I'm seeing in my physical appearance. With the exception of my sister and my best friend, that is! What I've come to see is that I have been longing for outward praise and recognition for my efforts and it's not happening. But really, who among us is brave enough to say "You've been losing weight!"?
So the work now for me is to remind myself that I'm doing this to feel better and live longer, not for other people to boost my ego. But every now and then it is nice to hear the words, "You are really looking great...good for you!" and there's nothing wrong with wanting to hear that.
The inward motivation is what must sustain me not only through the process of losing weight but of pursuing wellness for the rest of my life. And once the external transformation is complete, the comments of support and praise will naturally fall off too. So having my goal and "why" in place now will carry me through all the changes and challenges I will go through on this path I have chosen.
Good news! But at the same time, I found myself a little disappointed that she wasn't "overjoyed" at my success. She was happy for me, to be sure. But the level of excitement I was hoping for wasn't there. And it hit me that I've been wanting a jump-up-and-down reaction from a lot of people. Some of my closest friends haven't even mentioned the changes that I'm seeing in my physical appearance. With the exception of my sister and my best friend, that is! What I've come to see is that I have been longing for outward praise and recognition for my efforts and it's not happening. But really, who among us is brave enough to say "You've been losing weight!"?
So the work now for me is to remind myself that I'm doing this to feel better and live longer, not for other people to boost my ego. But every now and then it is nice to hear the words, "You are really looking great...good for you!" and there's nothing wrong with wanting to hear that.
The inward motivation is what must sustain me not only through the process of losing weight but of pursuing wellness for the rest of my life. And once the external transformation is complete, the comments of support and praise will naturally fall off too. So having my goal and "why" in place now will carry me through all the changes and challenges I will go through on this path I have chosen.
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
The Power of Choices
Not much to report by way of new insights, but I am still losing weight (yay!) I have a follow up appointment with my family doctor tomorrow, and I can't wait to show off my success! My blood pressure medicine has already been cut in half, maybe she'll take it away completely tomorrow? THAT is exactly why I began this journey in earnest this time around.
One thing I've been doing that may seem odd is I've been reading cookbooks. And not just the healthy variety, either. It's been oddly relaxing and comforting. Reading these cookbooks has reminded me that one day in the not too distant future I'll be able to have some of my favorite treats again, but having successfully lost weight and lowered my blood pressure (and thereby extended my life), I don't plan on losing control ever again. The key is moderation.
I've learned the power of a tall, cold glass of water when I think I'm hungry and I'm just really frustrated. I've learned he true joy of a good TV show or movie without having to have a snack to go with it. I'm not saying that I won't ever have popcorn at the theater again, but I won't NEED it anymore.
This experience is reminding me my true power. The power to make and stick to choices. And as I've taught my children, the power of choice amounts to nothing less than a super power!
One thing I've been doing that may seem odd is I've been reading cookbooks. And not just the healthy variety, either. It's been oddly relaxing and comforting. Reading these cookbooks has reminded me that one day in the not too distant future I'll be able to have some of my favorite treats again, but having successfully lost weight and lowered my blood pressure (and thereby extended my life), I don't plan on losing control ever again. The key is moderation.
I've learned the power of a tall, cold glass of water when I think I'm hungry and I'm just really frustrated. I've learned he true joy of a good TV show or movie without having to have a snack to go with it. I'm not saying that I won't ever have popcorn at the theater again, but I won't NEED it anymore.
This experience is reminding me my true power. The power to make and stick to choices. And as I've taught my children, the power of choice amounts to nothing less than a super power!
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
It's Not About Perfection
It's about progress. We've all heard this saying, or some form of it, before. And it's true, but when it comes to everyday life and my stubborn streak of perfectionism, it can be a bitter pill to swallow.
I had a weight loss disappointment yesterday. . .I gained weight for the first time since beginning this diet. And at first I was angry. Angry that I had adhered to the plan PERFECTLY and yet my body decided to not give up an ounce and, instead, added some. Now, I'm sure most people would start listing all the reason why this would happen, why it's normal, etc. But in reality, yesterday morning standing on my bathroom scale, I didn't want to hear it! I was pissed!!
But then I realized this is going to be an up and down struggle for awhile. It's not about each incremental loss or frustrating gain (in spite of perfect "performance"). It's about the progress I've made in how I approach food over all. In truth, about my relationship with food. This is proof that food cannot give to me what I want or need from it, other than sustenance. I need to come to a place that I use food solely for the reason it was created: to keep me alive and healthy. No more, no less.
It is not a tool to be used for keeping me company, or for patting me on the back, or even for making my body loose weight by my tyrant like control over what I eat. It is only for feeding the cells of my body.
So about halfway through the day, I decided, "I can roll with this." I'll keep plugging along and doing my best to conform to the guidelines, but I refuse to make myself crazy. And in spite of what I said in my first post about "this isn't a lifestyle change, it's a diet!". . .it really is a lifestyle change. But not about WHAT I eat, but HOW I eat it and my own mindset.
This morning, I lost what I had gained plus a little. Was that because I was perfect yesterday in my eating? Nope, cuz I wasn't! But I also didn't go crazy. All those reasons for seeing a gain came flooding in and I understood that, indeed, it isn't about perfection, but about progress. And I think I've made a LOT of that!
I had a weight loss disappointment yesterday. . .I gained weight for the first time since beginning this diet. And at first I was angry. Angry that I had adhered to the plan PERFECTLY and yet my body decided to not give up an ounce and, instead, added some. Now, I'm sure most people would start listing all the reason why this would happen, why it's normal, etc. But in reality, yesterday morning standing on my bathroom scale, I didn't want to hear it! I was pissed!!
But then I realized this is going to be an up and down struggle for awhile. It's not about each incremental loss or frustrating gain (in spite of perfect "performance"). It's about the progress I've made in how I approach food over all. In truth, about my relationship with food. This is proof that food cannot give to me what I want or need from it, other than sustenance. I need to come to a place that I use food solely for the reason it was created: to keep me alive and healthy. No more, no less.
It is not a tool to be used for keeping me company, or for patting me on the back, or even for making my body loose weight by my tyrant like control over what I eat. It is only for feeding the cells of my body.
So about halfway through the day, I decided, "I can roll with this." I'll keep plugging along and doing my best to conform to the guidelines, but I refuse to make myself crazy. And in spite of what I said in my first post about "this isn't a lifestyle change, it's a diet!". . .it really is a lifestyle change. But not about WHAT I eat, but HOW I eat it and my own mindset.
This morning, I lost what I had gained plus a little. Was that because I was perfect yesterday in my eating? Nope, cuz I wasn't! But I also didn't go crazy. All those reasons for seeing a gain came flooding in and I understood that, indeed, it isn't about perfection, but about progress. And I think I've made a LOT of that!
Thursday, June 7, 2012
It's working!
So excited! I've released almost 7% of my starting weight! And the best news is that my blood pressure is down significantly. At a recent doctor's visit it was 180/98...yikes! Today it was 150/82. That's not stellar, I know, but it's a huge step for me and a motivator to keep going!
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Patterns Emerge
I am truly fascinated by patterns. An example: I love that my oldest daughter was born on her great-great grandmother's and great-grandfather's birthday as well as the 8th anniversary of my husband's and my first date! But it's not only numbers, this fascination includes any kind of pattern be it dates, actions, outcomes, or the fact that I mistakenly and unintentionally dressed myself and BOTH my daughters in the same color on the same day.
Okay, enough my weirdness. As I am beginning to shed unwanted pounds from my body by following a rather rigorous diet, patterns are starting to show up. That happens when there isn't a great deal of food in the way. I began this diet knowing that my primary coping mechanism would be stripped away. And make no mistake, it is a DIET (not w lifestyle change)...I can't live the rest of my life eating this way, but for me it's a start. Plus, I already have in place a maintainence plan. (Feeling really good about that.)
Anyway, the patterns which are coming to the fore are not unknown to me. I have seen their hideous work before. It boils down to this, whenever I am stressed out (especially if it involves my children) or bored, I want to eat. Anything. At all. I'm not picky. But therein lies the problem, I completely give away my power to choose and hand it over to the pantry or fridge.
What this new program has done for me is restricting my diet so much that there is NO wiggle room. I don't have the option to have "this" now, but not "that" later. Like I said, stripped away. So I have had to cope in a more thoughtful, focused way. And you know what, it hasn't been that hard. When the thought comes, "I want (read: deserve) something to eat, I simply say, "That's not an option.", and I get cold water to drink and move on to something else. In the past when I tried doing something like this I ended up feeling neglected and sad. But now I know that I'm taking the high road and choosing a better life for myself and by extension, my family, and I can DO it! As a bonus I'm really, really proud of myself!
Pretty patterns, who knew?
Okay, enough my weirdness. As I am beginning to shed unwanted pounds from my body by following a rather rigorous diet, patterns are starting to show up. That happens when there isn't a great deal of food in the way. I began this diet knowing that my primary coping mechanism would be stripped away. And make no mistake, it is a DIET (not w lifestyle change)...I can't live the rest of my life eating this way, but for me it's a start. Plus, I already have in place a maintainence plan. (Feeling really good about that.)
Anyway, the patterns which are coming to the fore are not unknown to me. I have seen their hideous work before. It boils down to this, whenever I am stressed out (especially if it involves my children) or bored, I want to eat. Anything. At all. I'm not picky. But therein lies the problem, I completely give away my power to choose and hand it over to the pantry or fridge.
What this new program has done for me is restricting my diet so much that there is NO wiggle room. I don't have the option to have "this" now, but not "that" later. Like I said, stripped away. So I have had to cope in a more thoughtful, focused way. And you know what, it hasn't been that hard. When the thought comes, "I want (read: deserve) something to eat, I simply say, "That's not an option.", and I get cold water to drink and move on to something else. In the past when I tried doing something like this I ended up feeling neglected and sad. But now I know that I'm taking the high road and choosing a better life for myself and by extension, my family, and I can DO it! As a bonus I'm really, really proud of myself!
Pretty patterns, who knew?
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