I've had a hard time this week finding time to do this blog. It has been a combination of getting stuff out for Christmas, medical scares, and tons of homework. I apologize to those of you who follow faithfully, even though this week seems like everyone has been hit with the busy bug....lol. I was doing the study for this blog on top of everything else and I just didn't have the time to do the work needed so I will pick it back up when things start to settle down. As for my diet, I have been really hard on myself this week because I felt like I was cheating a lot, but looking back and comparing to how I used to eat I was still doing really well.
I did partake in a few regrettable items though, like a cup cake yesterday, 3 extra pieces of garlic bread at dinner last night, lacking on my water intake the last 3 days, lacking on taking my "Berry Vomit", and lacking on my workouts (mostly due to injury, but still). I felt like my resolve was shaking, I felt like I had hit that motivational wall that you hit when first starting a new diet. I am talking about that moment that everyone realizes that they are doing well and they start to use that as a reason to treat themselves over and over again, and inevitably fall out of the diet. Its like the best friend who means well but keeps stabbing you in the back in the process, that little pat on the back that is poison for your program.
Everyone should know what I am talking about, you weigh yourself and see, lets say 20 lbs lost, and feel overwhelmed with joy. But the other part of that is you are really sick of giving up things to succeed, you are really tired of salad, you are really tired of the struggle of working out. So you decide, "I am doing well, so I CAN have this extra piece of cake" (or whatever treat), and never really show the same dedication, then your guilt and anger at yourself causes you to just say, "Well I've fallen this far I might as well enjoy myself for a couple of days and then I will start over." Then that couple of days never ends and you end up on the yo-yo and gaining all that you lost and then more.
I was doing this as a new way of eating, not just a diet. I do have a goal of loosing the weight, but I have a bigger goal of getting healthy and being a good example for my family. So when I started to feel the wall creeping in, I had to do an inventory and see that I was not viewing my journey the same as when I started. It had become a diet, and the chore of dieting came right along with it. The love for myself had slid into a loathing of my fat. This is the wrong approach. I had to re-evaluate, and not loose focus.
I learned a new factor to my addictions through this week though. I have a physical addiction to the way certain foods feel when I swallow them. This sound really weird, but it is the only way I can describe what what I mean. Flavor is a huge factor, but when a certain texture is added in to the equation, I go crazy for the food. If I don't satisfy that physical side to my eating, I am hungry or craving something else with in an hour. I discovered this last night, because the thought of McDonald's food makes me sick, but when thinking of the actual action of eating a Big Mac, and that mix of flavor and texture that a huge bite gives you, I want one in the worst way. I don't know what that is called, but I am exploring ways to satisfy, or at least relearn this reaction with other foods.
Any ideas?
12-09-10 Progress Report. Like I said, this week was a struggle, unlike any before. I have had to re-evaluate my approach and realize my true focus again. So, I was not expecting a big number at all this week. However, I have done a lot of strength training and Yoga, which is also doing strength training, so I really was not sure what effect, if any, that would have. Well, I lost another 10 lbs this week, the only thing I can attribute this too is the muscle gain from all the previous work I had done. Janell wants me to recognize that I am doing way better in my choices then I am giving myself credit for right now, but I know I can do better....lol. Anyway, I started at 534, and today I am at 504.2. My waist measurement was at 74 inches over a year ago and I know I was bigger when I started this, and today it is at 71, so I am on my way people. Once again I have to give you all credit for staying with me on this, the accountability has once again shined through trials that would have destroyed me before. I love you and thank god for your support everyday. James.
Awesome!! James. Did you know that Weight Watchers sells some really good Chocolate muffins that are really low in point value and filling? When I have a craving for cake I allow myself one. You might see if you can find them. I think Walmart sells them. They make other snacks too that are low in fat and high in fiber. I don't do it often but I do have some of them now and then.
ReplyDeleteI totally understand what your talking about, texture in food. It's really strange but we do crave them. Like I love them texture of orange sherbert and chips.
I eat something that I really want once a week when I work out every day. On weight watchers you earn 2 pts for every 40 mins of moderate exercise so I save my points every evening and choose a nice piece of cake or pie or Chicken sandwich or something I really love. Even an order of fries.
As I've told you before I have thyroid problems and my weight is unstable. At 5'2" Until I was 35 my weight was usually 115-120. Then in my 30's, up to 145, and up and down. Then I had to have a parathyroid glad removed, my weight got up to 153. I know you must get a huge laugh at that, but to me carrying around an extra 10 lbs is very painful to my bad back and my leg that's been broken. If I eat like I want and don't workout my weight hovers around 150, but I've been working hard and eating right the past few years and managed to stay about 135-137 at age 59 I'm just within my normal BMI, but when I gain to the 137 I'm overweight on the BMI chart. But my waist is 28, so I feel I'm at a good place. It's difficult when your hurting to stay up and stay moving, I know. There are many days when I just want to get my back flat and forget about it. But you know our bodies are made for movement and when we stop they stop doing what they are supposed to.
One of the things that's helped me get over the idea that I can reward myself for weight loss is I keep in mind that I'm not actually rewarding myself I'm hurting myself and it helps me to have more willpower. I look at it like this..if I lose 2 -5 lbs is it a reward to myself if I were to say get drunk? Or smoke a few cigs? Nope haha, I'm hurting myself. Same with food. It's not really that good for you when you get into all the chemicals and actually know what your eating. You have to change how you look at food. It's not for enjoyment, it's not a reward, it's fuel to give us energy. There are ways to have that cheese burger once in a while if you really want it once you get yourself under some control. Just count it into your daily food allowence and only one every other week or once a month. I eat all things in moderation a balanced diet is very important. I don't look at WW as a diet, to me it's a way of life. I plan out my meals and keep a food journal every day. It keeps me accountable. Also with WW I'm allowed 23-26 pts a day and If I decide to have a chicken sandwich or fries I know that that's almost all my pts for the day so I choose wisely. I hate being hungry later. Salad and fruit are really good for keeping full and you'll get use to it.
My husband Larry is one of those people that can eat 4times what I eat every day and not gain a lb. It's sickening. Don't you want to kick people that? I mean I have to be so careful and when I compare what I've eaten one day to what he has, it's just not fair.
Anyway, Your going to get this done keep up the good work. I gotta get to my walk.
Yvonne
James, I am glad you had the busy bug this week because I have had it too. I'm sure you have heard your mother stole a dog from me! Just kidding! I knew she wanted a dog so when we "acquired" one and had her for an overnight and a couple of days, saw that she was a good dog and not a maniac, I asked your Mom if she wanted to meet her. Which she did and little Cheyenne left with her immediately LOL.
ReplyDeleteOutside of that it has just been a busy week (since last Friday) and I think it's settling down now.
I am still doing the yoga with you, but for two days I havent done any of it so I will get back on it starting tomorrow. I apologize for falling off the wagon for a couple of days.
So... 10 MORE LBS! James that is fabulous! I can relate to the cheating and feeling all those things that go with it. For some reason, as soon as I started the yoga up, I started doing my late night munching again. When I say munching I mean GORGING. So, I also have to work on that one. (This probably also has to do with the quitting smoking going on in our house).
I wanted to talk to you about the textures and such. You can get that same experience of texture and burst of flavor in your mouth from a sub sandwich. I know there are certain things you are trying to cut out of your diet, but your mom can give you different kinds of breads that won't give you gluton etc. You can eat a steak sub, with only 4-6 oz of steak and then pack it with good stuff. Peppers, lettuce, tomato, spinach etc. You dont even need a spread when you have all those veggies as they give it plenty of moisture. I do realize it is not the same, but it actually helps with those kind of texture needs you are having. Its really hard to eat only raw foods with a few fillers here and there. Sub sandwiches are actually good for you and low in calories and fat if you use the right bread/low fat meat.
Im going to agree with you about the going overboard with the garlic bread and the cupcake. But use Yvonne's advice and go buy some of the weight watchers treats. I have heard that they taste great and you can set aside a reward day to have one in the week or something. As for garlic bread. this may sound strange, but go get some of those fancy breads your mom will tell you about. Then lightly brush them with olive oil, sprinkle them with garlic and add a little parsley. Olive oil is a good fat and your body needs it. I know its not butter but it actually tastes yummy and doesnt make you feel like you are missing out on one of the treats we've always enjoyed.
Those are the ideas I have at the moment. When you think of other things that you are craving let me know and hopefully I can find a healthy alternative that gives you the same texture, good flavor and less calories/fat!
I am really excited to hear of the last 10lbs! You have almost broke the 500's James! 30lbs so far! Do not beat yourself up too bad, but keep putting yourself in check. Dont fall into the category you were describing in this blog. Where you will start over in a couple of days.. then it becomes forever before you get back into it wholeheartedly. These needs you are having for texture and different flavors are legitimate. We all have them. But I do believe together we can all find ways to get the things we want, without losing our health in the process.
I'm willing to bet Andrea also has some really good breads she could point you to!
I love you James and Im so elated that you have already reached 30 lbs weight loss ON YOUR OWN! Do you have any idea what a great accomplishment that is?
10 pounds is amazing! I've learned that when hit with a temptation if I remind myself of my goal and the many ways it will better my life and the many ways the tempation will keep me from that goal, it seems to help. Along with loudly telling myself, "It's not worth it, it's not worth it, it's not worth it." and then maybe grumbling under my breath for a while afterwards about how much I want to but wont because my goals are much more important than my temptations. More like telling myself off for saying no, hahah, but knowing it was the better choice. Well that's all I have for right now... Sorry I haven't commented in some days, my busybug screams, pulls hair, giggles, cuddles and gets into stuff daily... About 7 pounds of complete destruction and happiness. =) I love you and am so very proud of you James =)
ReplyDeleteShe meant about 17 lbs LOL
ReplyDeleteHi James,
ReplyDeleteI am a friend of Margarets and have been following your blog and think that you are doing an incredible thing for yourself and your family. I wanted to suggest roasting garlic. It has a tremendous amount of flavor and the consistancy of butter, so spread on multigrain bread is a less-guilty side with dinner. Also garlic is very good for you, it's a natural antibiotic and can also help mamage cholesterol. Keep up the good work James. We all slide from time to time, don't let it get you down.
Like Maragret said..Olive Oil is really great stuff. On salads for dressing and for cooking too. We use for everything. Like raw almomds it's a healty fat, will bring the LDL down.
ReplyDelete