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junebug
Senior Member
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Posted: 10 July 2005 02:25 am |
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Ok, so I have toyed with the idea of starting a journal now that Peter has offered us that option. Hopefully, my computer will cooperate, since I invested in a new power source and fan to keep it running.
Here is a brief history of my weight loss journey to date. At the turn of the year I realized that I had put on a total of 24 lbs in a little less than a year and a half. YIKES!!! Most of that was due to pregnancy, but I put that on in four months!! Unfortunately, I lost the baby and suffered pretty major depression as a result. That helped me to put on the rest of the weight, because I just did not feel like doing much of anything, not really because I ate much more. Actually I am the sort of person who tends to undereat if stressed or depressed, so I can't even blame the additional weight gain on the miscarriage. (Bummer, no excuse to fall back on, just laziness).
So, it is over six months later and I have managed to take off 22 lbs, I have gone from 146 to 124, but since I was injured a couple of weeks ago, I have been unable to exercise to the extent I would like to, I still lift weights, but have done no cardio, so although I have not gained any weight, I have stagnated. By the way, I have lost this weight with no aids or programs other than Peter's wonderful website. By journaling my intake and calories expenditures. GO PETER!!!! You are the Greatest my friend!!
I am 43, 5'4" and very small framed. I have never had a weight problem to speak of, although my father seems to think in order to look good, one needs to weigh approximately 10 lbs less than what my goal is, and what I have read is the "perfect" weight for my height, that being 120. (No wonder I have never been overweight, I hate hearing the question "How much do you weigh now?"  from him, unless I weigh in the low one hundred "teens", meaning 115 and under). So even though I haven't had what I think would be considered a true eating disorder, I do have a negative body image thanks to dear old DAD, and I do love him mind you, just have issues with having my self worth measured in pounds!! Ha ha.
So I am hoping with the aid of this diary, and any feedback other users would like to offer, I will be able to lose the last 6 lbs to reach my goal of 118. I want to weigh a little less than the 120 because of my very small frame. Also, I want to quit smoking soon, and I think having a couple of extra lbs off will help. I know many people gain weight at first when they quit smoking.
I would apologize for the long post, but this is my journal right??? I can get as long winded as I want!! Ha ha!:D Thanks to Peter and CPH, I am 3/4s of the way to my weight loss goal. I have just started this journal, and am sure to have an additional entry this evening, even as I type this, I can think of more issues I need to address.
God Bless everyone who stumbles across this diary. Peace
Betsy
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klunger
Senior Member
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Posted: 10 July 2005 09:29 am |
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Betsy,
It seems like you've got your weight under control! 6lbs isn't much, but I've heard (from my Mom) that in your 40's it gets more difficult to lose the weight. I wish you all the best- and forget what dear old Dad thinks- my Dad is the same way (I've been called some pretty horrible names, even when i was at my ideal body weight.) Keep it up!!!! (wait- I need to be telling myself that!)
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Gswans001
New Member
| Joined: | 10 July 2005 |
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| Posts: | 1 |
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Posted: 10 July 2005 11:47 am |
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Betsy,
Great journaling!! I've never been much for it, but I need all the support I can get to lose this excess wieght. I recently quit smoking, with the help of the Nicoderm Patch, and I am worried that I'll gain even more wieght. Im eating healther and exercising daily, but Im not documenting my intake in calories, fat, carbs, ect.
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junebug
Senior Member
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Posted: 11 July 2005 01:56 am |
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| Wow, don't know how I did it but I lost another lb this week, bringing me down to 123. Only 5 more lbs to go. I didn't eat much at all yesterday, just some toast, jam and baby carrots. Haven't been feeling too well, but today I have my appetite back with a vengence, and have already eaten fast food. Oh well, I rarely indulge so I won't beat myself up for a chicken sandwich, at least I was strong and didn't have fries. Tonight I am cooking steak and making a big salad. That should make up for lunch!!
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junebug
Senior Member
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Posted: 12 July 2005 12:59 am |
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Whew, is it hot here in Toronto today, 96 with a humidex of about 110. Too hot to get out and walk for sure, but I did 20 min on my bike, had to stop at that because of my ankle. I went to the grocery and bought some fresh produce, extra lean turkey and low fat Alpine Lace cheese, which I had cut very thinly to cut down on the calories and fat. So far I have had a sandwich and two glasses of water, I am working on my third. Tonight I am grilling salmon fillets, brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes and cauliflower. I will spluge and make my special cauliflower, I boil it and pat it down, make a paste of dijon mustard and lowfat mayo, spread it on the cauliflower, grate reduced fat cheddar and press that into the mayo mixture, bake for about 5 min to melt the cheese. I also bought some fresh bread at the bakery, and will have a small slice of that. Since I am just a few lbs from my goal of 118, I am allowing myself a few more calories daily. Since beginning this lifestyle change, I am eating much lower fat foods and many more fruits and vegs. I have practically cut out sweets, which were a real problem for me 6 months ago. I have found that I do not crave them as I once did. If I have a SERIOUS desire for something sweet and decadent, I keep a stash of mini chocolate bars, about 50 cals each, and I have one and call it quits. I must be doing pretty well because I have had this bag of chocolate for almost a month and have only broken into it maybe 5 times. I find that Watermelon has become my new "sweet of choice", mmmmmm.
When I got on the scale this morning it said I weigh 122, which is one lbs lower than yesterday, but I think I am either going blind, someone has bribed my scale, or I am dehydrated. I am still going with the 123 weight, until I am sure the 122 is correct, like maintaining it for several days!!!! I have noticed that I am now wearing my size 6 clothes with no trouble at all. YAY!!
If I have time I will check in again tonight and report if I made any slipups in my planned menu.
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junebug
Senior Member
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Posted: 12 July 2005 05:13 am |
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It is after dinner and I ate way too much, but it was all healthy (except for the bread). I didn't eat but a bite or two of my sweet potato, I am not a huge fan but I am trying to eat things that are good for me, even if they are not my favs. Before this lifestyle change, I would have used a couple of tablespoons of tartar sauce on my salmon, but I have learned to use just a tad of olive oil, soy sauce and rosemary, it tastes so yummy that way I no longer need anything else, saving me much fat and many calories. Anyway, since I tend to overestimate my caloric intake and underestimate my activity, I am probably under the 1317 calories the calculator indicates I have eaten, and over the 200 or so calorie deficit the calculator indicates as well.
So I suppose I have done pretty well today, and hopefully will stay out of the kitchen for the rest of the night, but if I find myself wandering around a bit hungry later, I have some beautiful watermelon waiting, in the front of the fridge so it will get my attention before something fattier (which by the way, I try not to buy high calorie or empty calorie ridden food, cuts down on the temptation, it works for me, because I am not likely to get in the car in my jammies to get a junk food fix!!). Until tomorrow!
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junebug
Senior Member
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Posted: 12 July 2005 10:36 pm |
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Doing pretty well, last night I made no excursions into the kitchen at all, so I was down about 400 calories for the day. Today I have just had my sandwich-whole wheat bread, alpine lace cheese sliced thinly, extra lean turkey and low fat mayo, desert or afternoon snack of a mini mars bar. This morning just had coffee with a little milk and sugar to jump start my metabolism. Have done laundry and cleaned house most of the day. Tonight's menu: pork sirloin chops, green beans and mac and cheese, probably some bread. That comes to about 1000 calories and I am thinking of having a couple of glasses of wine as well for a total of about 1200-1300. I am pretty psyched that I am edging closer to my overall goal. When I started this I gave myself several mini goals, usually 5-10 lb losses. Now I have only the one last mini goal of 5 lbs and I am done. I do wonder if at that point I will just naturally plane off at 118, or if I will need to consume closer to 1500 calories a day to maintain? I am not at all worried yet, but I have been known to drop down to the low 100 teens, once I dropped down to 108 and another time under 100 lbs, but those two time were due to extreme stress, ie family illness or death. So, barring any tragedies, perhaps I will level off and stay around the 118 range. HMMMMMM??
I have a short stroll planned for later this afternoon, I am going to walk to the market and pick up some summer squash and that wine I referred to earlier. It is soooo hot though, I am going to try and take it easy and not walk too fast, as the heat and humidity get to my asthma.
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junebug
Senior Member
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Posted: 13 July 2005 01:07 am |
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| Oh yeah, forgot to add that my scale still says 122, and that was this evening, after lunch and many glasses of water!! Yay!
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junebug
Senior Member
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Posted: 13 July 2005 11:04 pm |
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The scale is hanging tough at 122 now for a few days, so I suppose I will give in and take that as my new weight. I am always hesitant to give validation to what the scale says in terms of believing I have lost more weight. Don't know why, just guess I can't believe that this has become so easy. My new BMI is 20.9 according to the calculator, YAY!! In just over 6 months I have reached this weight and BMI. I am pretty thrilled. I don't feel too great today, won't give TMI, but I have IBS and it flares every few weeks, I have come to expect it and tonight will just eat what I want, cut down on the fiber at least the raw vegs until this passes in a couple more days. Tonight is "comfort food" day. I am grilling extra lean hamburgers marinaded in Dale's sauce (I have to smuggle that into the country from the States when I go to visit, there is nothing here that compares!!) I will splurge and have chips, which I do once a week, no more. I can't believe that I have been able to cut out the chips, I used to eat them once a day, they were a VEG for me six months ago!! Geez I had poor eating habits!! Also will have some baked beans with onion and green peppers, a bit of brown sugar and garlic. It is a good thing I love to cook, actually, I just like my own food better than most I can get out, except of course for MEXICAN. I was just talking to my best friend last night, and we made plans to go out to our favorite Mexican restaurant when I go down to visit him at the end of the summer. YUMMY!!!! I can hardly wait. My attitude about this life style change is that there are no "off limits" foods. If I deprive myself of something, it will just increase my cravings and I will have it and then feel depressed because I have "cheated". Instead, I know I can have anything I want in moderation, and that knowledge has helped me to pass by the fatty foods at the grocery. I see those Krispy Kreme donuts in the bakery every week. I know I can buy them and that I can have one or two, but I also know that is not the best choice I can make and head for the fruit instead. I have gotten so good at this, that I can even buy my fiancee all kinds of junk food, and not be tempted by it. I do have ice cream maybe once a month. I had some last night, it was the best thing ever, I had not had it in a long time. But I only had a little because it is so sweet to me now. My, how my taste buds have changed!!
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Krystin
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 15 July 2005 12:15 am |
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Hi Betsy!
I have really enjoyed your journal, as it offers exceptional enthusiasm and your simple tips for adding flavor without calories are wonderful! Good luck on your journey to the healthiest you yet! -Krystin
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junebug
Senior Member
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Posted: 16 July 2005 12:46 am |
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| Too busy yesterday to post but I did pretty well. Toast with jam for bfast and a pretty healthy dinner of boiled shrimp, large salad and baked potato with cheese and low fat Becel. I need to try and find a more flavorful low fat margarine type spread as the Becel is pretty bland. I am going to the grocery tomorrow to check it out. Today my finacee has to work until 10pm, and I do not eat near as much if he is not here to cook for, so I have only had the low fat turkey/swiss sandwich so far and am not really hungry for dinner at all, so maybe will just have some BROCCOLI SLAW, mmmmmm, I just love that stuff. Tomorrow night we are going out for a much needed break for him as he has been working two jobs this past week. I think we have decided on Chinese, one of my favs, and I love their beef and broccoli. I always get the steamed rice, good thing I don't like the fried rice, one less thing to have to change in my diet/lifestyle change. I am staying off the scale for a few days because during this TOM it always freaks me out to see my weight fluctuate, even though I know it will go back down in a couple more days. I know that the scale said 122 for several days so I am just trying to avoid looking at it right now. I wonder if anyone else here is obsessed with weighing themselves. There was a time when I weighed 3-4 times a day!! YIKES!! It was like I didn't believe that it was true, I was losing weight steadily. Now I know that I am, so I find it easier to believe. I have had 36 oz of water today as well, so that is getting easier.
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nee
Senior Member
| Joined: | 25 June 2005 |
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| Posts: | 45 |
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Posted: 16 July 2005 09:59 pm |
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| I weigh myself every morning, so you could say I'm obsessed. And speaking of TOM, I've always had two of those where my weight goes up: a big one mid-month, and a smaller one at the end. The thing is, since May 10th, when I stopped eating junk and started eating quality unprocessed food, the three mid-month weight gains have been much less uncomfortable and the three at the end of the month practically nonexistent. I'm having my TOM right now, as a matter of fact, and I've lost 4 pounds this week. Last edited on 17 July 2005 12:01 am by nee
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Peter
Founder, caloriesperhour.com
| Joined: | 24 May 2005 |
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| Posts: | 4179 |
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Posted: 17 July 2005 02:20 am |
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Obsessed? Once someone counseling me asked me how often I weighed myself. I counted, and was surprised to find I did it regularly SEVEN times a day. I'm glad to say I've moved beyond that now.
Peter
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junebug
Senior Member
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Posted: 18 July 2005 03:10 am |
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Ok, good to know I am not the only one. Get this, I weighed myself twice today, knowing full well it is the absolute worst time for me to weigh, good thing is, this morning the reading was much higher than it was this evening, so the worst of this month is over. Whew! So, instead of eating chinese last night for dinner, I am making it tonight at home, so it should be even healthier than if I went out for it, even with all the stipulations I give the waiter to prepare it. I have felt pretty much like crud for a couple of days now, so I haven't done anything exercise wise, just the usual laundry and cleaning/cooking, etc. Tomorrow I will get back on it if I feel better, and I know that I probably will. Good thing is when I feel like this, I don't feel much like eating. It all evens out I guess. I have been doing pretty well with my water.
I would like to lose 2 more lbs by 08/06/05, we have a big function at my fiancee's brother and SIL's house that day. I would love to be 120 by then. His family has been very supportive of my weight loss efforts, as a matter of his brother was the first to comment that I looked like I had lost a lot of weight "have you been sick?", that was when I had lost only 12 lbs, needless to say, his bros is my HERO!!!! I swear, my fiancee didn't notice until it was pointed out to him. Oh well, men, gotta love 'em! :P
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Peter
Founder, caloriesperhour.com
| Joined: | 24 May 2005 |
| Location: | |
| Posts: | 4179 |
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Posted: 18 July 2005 04:37 am |
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Positive comments do wonders. When someone says something about my muscles, it easily fuels another six months of working out!
Of course the ones we want to notice and say something never do, but it all counts.
Peter
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junebug
Senior Member
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Posted: 21 July 2005 12:36 am |
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Still feeling poorly, which helps me not eat near as much, but I do not feel like exercising at all right now. I did manage to work with my weights for about 15 minutes today. It has been quite a while since I had an IBS flare up for this long. Maybe I am stressed out and don't know it???? Hopefully I will be feeling better this weekend, I have not weighed in two days, because I know that I am bloated and it will be reflected on the scale, so no need to set myself up for disaster, ha ha.
I had a muffin and a turkey sandwich today. Tonight I am making steak salad and red potatoes. I would usually love this meal, but don't really have much of an appetite right now for it. But, the fiancee is a working man, and wouldn't you know it, tall and slim, so I need to cook for him. All I really want to do is sleep. Yawn.
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junebug
Senior Member
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Posted: 23 July 2005 10:38 pm |
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I guess I am going to have to face the fact that I am evidently extremely stressed out now. The IBS is going strong and food is no longer much of an issue for me right now, some things never change, and I guess it is just the way I respond to stress ie: losing my appetite. ARGH, ha ha, I want to lose weight, but not like this!! Oh well, I am hoping that things will plane off in the next few months, but I am being realistic by realizing that I have at least 3 if not more, hard months ahead of me. My challange to myself is to avoid the old behaviors of the past, when I would lose my appetite, and basically consume soda, chocolate and chips with cheese. Believe it or not, I lose a lot of weight when I am eating this stuff, because I am not eating much of it. So, from this point on, I am going to try and eat better foods, I saw the old behaviors repeating themselves, when I bought a chocolate cake at the grocery yesterday, and that was all I had for lunch/dinner, along with a Coke.  YIKES!! I remember a few years ago getting on a chicken broth kick, that is all I craved, I suppose for the salt content. At 15 cals a cup, I ate it for lunch, dinner and snacks. (Got down to 104 that round). I don't know how people use food for comfort!! I get downright ill when I smell food cooking sometimes, last night I made pasta for my fiancee, and was starving until I sat down to eat, and then YUCK. Oh well. I am making chicken tonight, but I am also going to have some of my fav Broccoli Slaw on the menu, so maybe that will make it down my throat, I know there are very few calories in it, but it is good for me!!
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junebug
Senior Member
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Posted: 26 July 2005 12:45 am |
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| Trying my best to get my diet back to normal. Yesterday was better, I ate chicken, roasted potatoes, broc and carrots for dinner. Today it was back to my lowfat turkey sandwich for lunch, but I did have some chips with it. Oh well. Tonight I am making steak fajitas, refrieds, etc. Overall it is about 1450 cals for the day. Not too bad considering I am not really trying to lose weight right now, just maintain and get back to a healthy diet before I let it spiral out of control. I am drinking lots of water as well, I am on my 4th litre, at around 5pm, probably because today's heat index is over 100. Blech. Ok, off to chop some vegs for dinner. Today was a banner day in other ways though, also perhaps just due to the heat, my cat is lying in front of the fan he ran from up until last night, and he didn't move from his earlier sleeping location when I vaccuumed the house. It must be the Heat!!! Makes him too lazy to move even to excape the noise of the vac, and hot enough to lie in front of the dreaded Fan demon!! Ha ha.
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junebug
Senior Member
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Posted: 27 July 2005 12:32 am |
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| A better day, actually lifted weights for about 20 min again today. Stained a table I was meaning to do before summer ends and have another I am eyeing for tomorrow!! Have to do them one at a time so I still have one to use in the living room! Today I have managed to eat regular food again, and tonight am having pork loin chops, cauliflower and rice. I bought cheese nips and made 100 calorie snack bags since I cannot get the Keebler or Nabisco versions of those items here in Canada. I thought rather than mindlessly eating out of the box, it would make me think if I had to open a little bag each time I wanted more. I haven't broken into any of them since I made them last night, but tonight might be the night. I have to go to the market and purchase more fruit as I am about out. mmmmmm watermelon, think I need a fix!! Oh yeah, I think the chocolate crisis is almost over. Hershey's almond with toffee chocolate bars are the devil!! The best I have had in a long time, but I just bought one and am still picking at it three days later, and it was a small one at that, only 230 calories per bar. YUM.
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tatu_me
Senior Member
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Posted: 27 July 2005 04:24 pm |
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Isn't it amazing how much better we feel with ourselves once we get something done? I find that even vacuuming the house during the week is a big pick me up. Just because I did it! Good luck with your second table. I am still trying to figure out when I am doing the furniture in my sons room. Maybe this fall when it is not 120 degrees!!!
Rachael
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Peter
Founder, caloriesperhour.com
| Joined: | 24 May 2005 |
| Location: | |
| Posts: | 4179 |
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Posted: 27 July 2005 06:40 pm |
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Maybe 30 years ago I was having this very philosophical discussion with a friend and we were talking about the rewards of accomplishing something. How getting something done makes us feel better.
He pointed out that so many things we do in life take a long time -- like losing weight successfully. But other things, like cleaning toilets, bring us instant gratification!
I am still laughing about that 30 years later because it's so true. Accomplishing something makes us feel better... and cleaning something does it instantly. Even toilets!
Peter
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junebug
Senior Member
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Posted: 28 July 2005 10:59 pm |
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Yes, it does make one feel good to get things done, I am borderline OCD I think, very organized, I don't know what happened with these two tables!!! But, I have been busy with a couple of friends who are very ill, so I guess I will cut myself some slack. I have now stained the bottom and legs of the second table, whew does that stain smell up the house, but it is cool and pretty here in Toronto today, so I have the windows open, don't want to give the cat a buzz from the fumes!!  Tonight's menu: Roasted chicken, corn on the cob (I don't eat it but my fiancee is wild for it), salad and new potatoes. Today all I have had is toast, I made myself eat that around 2, I have just been so busy trying to do a million things at once for the past few weeks, sometimes I forget to eat. Yep, that is what I said, FORGET to eat!! This weekend is the long weekend here, I forget what the holiday is, but of course there are a couple of cookouts to attend!! Yay, someone else cooks!!! I am lucky though, both households we are visiting are very health conscious, so it shouldn't be too hard. I will just have to lay off the wine, etc. HA!!
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junebug
Senior Member
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Posted: 29 July 2005 07:19 am |
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| Dinner was great. DF was too tired for dessert, so I cut out the extra calories I would have spent on Watermelon, but if I have it later, I will be more proud than worried. I need to get in as many fruits and vegs as I can. I have decided to post in the new forum regarding eating and emotions. I think that even though my issues with food don't involve overeating, I still have some things on which I need to work. The Chicken agrees!!
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junebug
Senior Member
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Posted: 1 August 2005 09:28 pm |
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| Woo Hoo, I went on holidays and managed to lose a lb of the 3 I gained over the last few weeks I have been fighting the old IBS flareup. The IBS is still going strong, but I have managed to improve the way I deal with it. Instead of a bunch of chocolate, Coke and chips, I have just eaten the right foods. I also got a bit of exercise as well, so I am sure that helped. I finished the second table as well. Now I am eyeing the cart in the kitchen as my next victim. It will take a while as it has many shelves etc, but I think it will look much better with my kitchen table and chairs once it is stained. I have resigned myself to the fact that I will not be 120 by next weekend, as the scale now says 125, but that is ok as well, I can not change the fact that I have IBS and that it sometimes makes me retain water, but I can change the way I deal with it. I am seriously considering some "shopping therapy" or a little vacation, I have had a rough summer and perhaps giving myself a break will help. I know I need to lighten up on myself, I am easy on everyone in my life except for me!! So, I am shopping online for a car and researching destinations for a mini trip. I probably will end up just going to Philly to see my sis, her hubby, and the love of my life, my little neice. Friday I called and she asked her mom who was on the phone, my sis said Betsy, and my little neice said "My Betsy?". Oh my, the gift of love from a two yr old, there is NOTHING better than that!!! I can not wipe the smile off of my face!! So, I am off to make some banana bread, I have been willing some bananas to get brown, and I think they are about ready. I also picked some apples from my friend's tree, and I am going to try and find a recipe for those.
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junebug
Senior Member
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Posted: 22 August 2005 09:34 pm |
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| I feel as if it has been forever since my last entry. Between the family emergency I just took care of and the flood, there has been no time to log on, not to mention that the flood wiped out my computer. Sigh. Good thing, even with having to eat out almost every meal for over 3 weeks, I have only gained a couple of lbs. I am hoping to start over again today as my kitchen is now in working order (somewhat, still no oven). Tonight's menu, grilled chicken, carrots, broc and new potatoes. I am going to go ahead and put in today's calorie count on the calculator, as I will not be online the rest of the day. I can not monopolize my neighbor's computer.
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Peter
Founder, caloriesperhour.com
| Joined: | 24 May 2005 |
| Location: | |
| Posts: | 4179 |
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Posted: 23 August 2005 03:40 am |
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Welcome back!
Missed seeing that hockey puck. Oh yea, you said it's a chocolate donut!
Hang in there,
Peter
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