This week's loss brings me to a total of 21.8 pounds lost. Some of the smaller losses can be disappointing - I am an impatient one. However, when I look at the big picture I am happy :) And 6 months from now I will be even happier!
We have now been on this new adventure for two months. As the newness of the adventure starts to wear off, how am I feeling, what I have learned and where do I go from here?
First, I am thankful for my husband's support. Doing this together has been key to our success. We have had fun trying new things. We have been able to talk each other off the ledge more than once. I have talked to other people that don't have the same support from their spouse. I don't mean to say that their spouses oppose their efforts. It is just that they don't necessarily do things they could do to make it easier. And a little praise and encouragement goes a long way when you are in this battle.
As far as my feelings go, I told my husband last night that I am feeling a bit trapped. I don't necessarily want to give up some of my favorite things. I don't want to think about what I am going to eat and how many calories every single day. However, if I don't do these things I am a bit terrified that I will fall off the wagon completely. For example, I have been craving nachos for weeks. My problem is that I don't want to make them at home because I don't want to buy all those ingredients for one meal - I don't want leftover chips, sour cream, cheese, etc. I know I can have all those things in moderation, but there is something very peaceful about a home without all the temptations to be debated everyday. Of course, I could "healthify" the nachos to a degree. But being completely honest, that is not what I am craving. And my concern is that it will just leave me dissatisfied and still craving. Now if I go somewhere to get nachos, we all know it will end up being a huge portion and not just a reasonable serving. I can try to figure out all the calories, but ultimately I am guessing - maybe somewhat educated but still guessing. I am afraid to open Pandora's box. What if that one splurge leads to another?
So, regarding nachos here is what I decided. Today for lunch I ordered a half order of nachos from a local BBQ place. I did my best to calculate the calories and put them in my tracker. I got my order to go and was happily surprised that they had packaged all the components separately - made it much easier to figure how much of everything. It came out to almost 700 calories. I think I can still make it through the day within calories...and I am going to try to do just that.
What have I learned? I can walk fast - even when I am not being chased :) Seriously, I have learned that this is a process that take time and dedication. There are going to be ups and downs, but I can persevere. Oh, and some days this is very hard!
Where do I go from here? Just keep doing a whole lot more of the same things I have been doing for the past two months. Work on believing I can do this and stop letting fear of failure take up residence in the back of my mind. Focus on what I am gaining not what I am losing.
In somewhat unrelated news...Millie got her first bag of big girl food today. She will be one year old on Saturday, so it is time to make the switch. When my husband carried the dog food in from the car he realized that heavy bag weighed as much as he has lost :) It is hard to imagine that he carried that much extra weight - no wonder he was tired all the time.
Official Dash and Splash 5K results (7-19-14):
Husband - 24:41
Nephew - 30:07
Nephew's friend - 41:34
Sister - 41:56
Me - 43:29
I didn't beat anyone in my group, but I did beat 10 random strangers :)
Great job this week, and almost 22 lbs lost is a great accomplishment! I don't label ANY foods as off-limit to myself, or else I get panicky and will go into full binge mode. Allowing myself to eat the foods I want but in smaller portions has worked really well for me!
ReplyDeleteThank you! I don't have any foods I have told myself I absolutely can not have. But some are just more difficult to fit into my calorie budget so I have avoided them. I feel I am at a bit of a sensitive point in my eating plan - I don't want to trigger a fall off the wagon.
DeleteGreat job on the weight loss this week!
ReplyDeleteThank you :)
Deletethat is an awesome loss. Glad you can look at the big pictures. Over twenty pounds lost go you!
ReplyDeleteAnd heck yeah you're a fast walker!
Thanks! It doesn't always work but I do try to remember the little losses will eventually add up.
DeleteExcellent loss! I think you did the right thing by ordering the half plate of nachos instead of buying the stuff to make yourself. If I have it in the house, I will eat it. And then allowing yourself one meal here and there won't break the cycle. If you deny yourself something, you will just want it even more I think. I really believe that moderation is the key.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on over 20 pounds gone forever!
Thanks for the affirmation. Today I don't feel bad about it because I feel like I did it in a somewhat responsible manner.
DeleteYou are doing so awesome. I know what you mean about not wanting to feel trapped. I don't mind at all counting the calories because I realize the calories are just simply awareness. I don't get to wrapped up in being perfect, so like you did I just try to estimate the best I can when I go out to eat. I do love nachos, but more than anything I just love the cheese dip. I have found ways that satisfy the part of the nachos that I really like. I do this so I can have them more often. I love using the mini bell peppers as a base instead of chips. I also, if I am using chips, love to load up on the veggie toppings like shredded lettuce, jalepenos, and all that. I also sometimes will use the fork method (like many do with dressing) for the cheese dip, so I an get the flavor in each bite without all the calories. Now I give all these examples not to say you should do that. I think you did awesome by getting the half portion. I just was saying that I have learned to honor the foods I really love, and try to find ways to make them work in my plan, but some things like deserts I have a harder time with. Anyway, I think at this point I'm rambling lol...
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing some tips. I have tried the pepper "nachos" - they are tasty. I love taco salad I guess that would be a way to lighten up the meal and still get some of the flavors. I wish they sold plain tortilla chips in small bags so I could just get a portion with no leftovers.
DeleteWell done on your weight loss so far chick :) xx
ReplyDelete