Saturday, January 30, 2010

And...Go!

And I'm off! The weight loss is, well, stagnant but the clothes fit a whole lot better! Which is good, because it means I'm building muscle mass, which will increase the level of weight loss. What's more fun is the effect of the diet on my body. Last night, due to bad weather, we held a bridal shower for my friend Sarah (it was supposed to be this afternoon). It ended up being a much smaller affair due to the last minute change, but we still had all the food. So I did my part by having mimosas and cake. Well, I had the worst headache and woke up this morning feeling hungover and gross. For the record, I had only one drink. So it's quite shocking the effect that reintroducing white sugar has on my body. I've decided to stick with this till March and the wedding. Then we'll see where I am. It's so hard to stay away from white sugar, since it's everywhere. I just wish it didn't shock my body so badly.

In other news, I am snowed in! Well, in NC. It's icy and snowy, and while I could get out of here tomorrow, I'm not sure where I would go. DC is getting about 10 inches of snow today, and last time that happened it took a couple days to clear the highways! I may be stuck here a lot longer, which isn't good for my magazine. We're in the final stages of content development and a little behind, so when the editor (me) isn't there to move things along, it just doesn't happen. Good thing this issue is so light! I think the readers will forgive me (I hope!). It's one of those things...If I am not there, nothing happens. So frustrating! Oh well, I know there isn't anything I can do about it so why bother stressing? I'm going to snuggle up with a blanket, tea and a good book and enjoy the break while I have it.

Saturday, January 23, 2010

Built Ford Tough

Current Weight:  185
Pounds to Go:  40

One week after I started my RESET, and I have lost 5 pounds! Granted, four were because of RESET, but one since is still something exciting to brag about! I feel really good. Thursday night I went to a dinner party, and while there was plenty I could eat, I felt bad about not being able to sample everything the host made. I did take a lot of leftovers from her, though, and she seemed to appreciate that.

Over the last couple of days, though, I feel myself getting more and more hungry. Not for bad food, just for solid food. I think my body is just telling me to eat. Now, let me set the record straight. I do not think nor feel that I am starving myself. I think I'm just really tired of the mostly-liquids diet. I am going to do my best to go as long as I can, but I am not sure how far I want to go for two reasons. First, the shakes and protein bars are pricey. Now, I know I'm not buying nearly as many groceries as I have in the past, and that certainly helps. But I'm still spending 3 times as much money on food than I typically would. This bothers me because I'm trying to save for my move and whatnot. Second, if I am spending my money on shakes to lose weight, I won't have any money left over to buy new clothes once mine stop fitting. It could only be a matter of a month before my work clothes no longer fit. I've been this size for so long, that I don't have any skinny clothes anymore and with my financial goals for the summer in place, there isn't a lot leftover for wardrobe.

Sure, a lot of that is just excuses. If I were serious, it shouldn't matter. The truth is I don't know how long I can avoid other foods beyond bunny food. Plus, since I am being fiscally conservative with my food budget, I'm scared to overeat my veggies because if they run out before my grocery budget is replenished, I'm pulling cash from other budgets to cover food and Dave Ramsey wouldn't be happy about that. Maybe I just need to give it time to find a good balance.

On a funny note, I was talking to my sister the other night about our bodies and she goes, "We're built Ford tough." It's true, our bodies are resilient, meant to be working to fields and popping out babies. Thanks Canadian prairie genes! So I'm sure that I can overcome this temporary lull. After all, I'm built Ford tough. Hopefully one of the many people I've been talking this program up to will bite and I'll have a buddy to commiserate with so you all don't have to read about my whining :)

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

RESET Day 5

Hunger meter: 2
Energy meter: 8

I made it, I did it, I'm awesome, oh yeah! I finished the RESET program today and I feel GREAT!

Day 5 was a breeze. All day I felt full of energy, not very hungry and excited about incorporating real food tomorrow! But enough about that, back to today. I was excited to go to my weekly boot camp class and see how much stamina I have right now. Although I've been working out daily, it's been very moderate per the program's instruction. So I really want an aggressive workout. But the instructor never showed! Nuts. I still managed to have a good workout on the treadmill, but still a little too moderate for my liking.

I did have a pleasant surprise this morning when I put on a shirt I seldom wear, only to find it was too big! Yipee! I have not yet taken my final REST weigh-in, but I think that I've dropped a few pounds. I recommend this program to anyone who is like me and struggles with cravings and controlling food intake. It's worth the sacrifice!

UPDATE 1/21/09: I weighed myself this morning, and lost 4 pounds! Only 41 more to go...

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

RESET Day 4

Hunger meter: 3
Energy meter: 8

It's day 4 and I'm on a roll! I was a little worried since I had to work today, and that meant being away from my fridge and veggie snacks. Encouraged by the fullness of last night, I woke up full. Yes, full. I drank my shake anyway and off to work I went. And, honestly, did not want food again till 12:30 or so. Before, I would have had a snack and lunch by then. So far I'm very happy with the RESET. I did get hungry towards the afternoon, but was so happy to have lots of cucumbers and an apple on hand to fill the void. And I didn't feel sleepy or lethargic at all as I tend to get around 3 or 4. Maybe that means I'll be more productive now? Meh, we'll see :)

And just as I was feeling so good about myself, I left work. I drove to the store to get a couple of necessary items and the smell of something grilling was almost too much. Then when I got back from the gym tonight, my roommate had made the most amazing smelling pita pizza (which is actually low-glycemic, and I fully intent to make one this weekend). I really really really want to eat food again! It wasn't what was cooking, it's the idea of eating a hot meal and actually chewing something. I'm chewing ice right now and my jaw hurts. And I'm cold. Good thing there is only one more day of this!

Monday, January 18, 2010

RESET Day 3

Hunger Meter: 3
Energy Meter: 6

Today has been a much better day. I didn't have to work today, and thought "Yes! Another sleep in day!" Imagine my surprise when I woke up at 7. Huh? Yeah. I had energy to spare and my body did not want nor need more sleep. It was amazing to realize that even though I thought I was eating healthy, the food I've been eating has kept me slow and sluggish. Just, wow.

So with all the spare time I found myself with, I spent the morning looking through my cookbooks and food lists, picking the foods I'll need to get for the next week. See, I had to go grocery shopping today as I ran out of fruit. Plus I need to prepare a dish for a dinner party on Thursday, one which I am sure will be the only dish I can eat. This must be a week of firsts because I made, and stuck!, to my list! I only bought the things I should be eating, not even tempting myself by picking a dish that contains food I can't eat!

But it wasn't all roses. I really wanted to eat the food I bought for later in the week now. I miss chewing food. And even though I've been snacking on veggies and fruit all day, it's not the same when dinner is a shake. I actually half-blended it with ice so I could have something to chew on. I just keep telling myself, two more days!

Lastly, I am full. What? Yes, I am full. It's after "dinner," and I'm not hungry at all. I wonder if I'll even want all that food when I am able to eat it? Let's hope the answer is yes :)

Sunday, January 17, 2010

RESET Day 2

Hunger meter: 7
Energy meter: 2

I'm on day two of my RESET. So far, so good. I am surprised that my usual hunger headaches haven't shown themselves, even thought I do feel hungry quite often. I woke up to a cheerful note of encouragement from my Aunt Sandy (who introduced me to the RESET plan and USANA) that stated "Day 2 is the hardest...snicker, snicker."

Thanks.

Even so, it really hasn't been as bad as I would have thought, or was led to believe. The big thing about today is that I have no energy. Very little. I woke up late, got to church late, came home and took a 2.5 hour nap. Partly due to weather (because it has been raining heavily all day) and partly due to just lack of food. My aunt did redeem herself this afternoon by sending me much more information and some food shopping lists. Oh yeah, she also said she was proud of me so I can overlook her "snicker, snicker." It's amazing how our bodies are so hard-wired to crave sugars and carbs. I am learning that my hunger pains aren't just hunger for food, they're cravings for carbs and other sugars that I would normally consume. The RESET is really an attempt to get your body to crave the other stuff, the fruits and veggies and proteins that are far more healthy and less likely to store as fat.

I think that's pretty cool.

Now, I spent some time reviewing the food lists. As someone who really enjoys food and cooking, I think it will be hard to adjust to these low-glycemic meals. They're pretty boring. It's too bad that the really yummy gourmet food has so much bad stuff in it. But I am determined not to let my new diet be boring, and am excited about figuring out ways in which I can "dress up" my food! And your recipes and suggestions are more than welcome.

So long day 2, can't wait for day 3!

Saturday, January 16, 2010

RESET Day 1

Weight (I’m only posting this once a week): 190
Goal weight: 145
Pounds to go: 45

Hunger Meter (out of 10, 10 being really hungry): 7

Well, it is toward the end of my first day of the RESET. I admit I was so excited to start that I had a horrible sleep last night, but I was up and raring to go around 9 anyway. First thing, I went to the gym and did my 30 mins on the treadmill. I was planning to weigh myself this morning, to get the most accurate number, but the scale on our gym disappeared. So I made a trip to Target this afternoon to buy a scale so my starting weight is about as accurate as you’re gonna get!

(Let me tell you two things I believe are fundamental about scales. First, they are not an indicator of how healthy you are and second, they lie. No, really. I’ve never “looked” as heavy as the scale says I am. I’ve always had a lot of muscle mass, so that may be why. I have not had a scale in my possession in more than 10 years. And, except for once or twice a year at the doctor’s office, I make it a rule to never weigh myself. I generally gauge my weight by how my clothes fit. I think this is a far better indicator of how I’m doing. But, in the interest of trying a new weight-loss strategy, I will count my success by the numbers on the scale.)

The day has been ok. I kept myself busy most of the morning/afternoon doing some writing. This was great because mentally, my mind was busy and physically, I wasn’t moving around too much and making myself hungrier. I have felt lightheaded and slightly nauseous, but I think that’s partly due to my lack of good sleep. I did have one moment this afternoon where I felt awful and had to lie down. But 30 minutes later, I felt much better.

I ran errands this afternoon, and was proud of myself for limiting my food purchases to veggies. See, I had to walk through the candy aisle looking for items for a wedding shower at the end of the month. I was not tempted to buy ANYTHING for me! Huzzah! Of course, I just walked by our pantry and thought, “hmm what will I have for dinner?” Duh, a protein shake but getting out of the habit of eating whatever I want promises to be very challenging.

Tonight, I plan on relaxing by watching football and movies. I would say that Day 1 has been a success. Let’s hope Day 2 will go just as smoothly.

Friday, January 15, 2010

Burgers, French Fries and Thai… Oh My!

For the time being, I am turning this blog into a diet journal to chronicle my journey from flab to fab. No, really. I have decided to get serious about losing weight this year. Last year I focused on finances, this year it’s my gut.

Those of you who know me well know that I am a loyal gym member. I work out 4-5 days a week and try to maintain an active lifestyle. Those same people also know that I love food. All food, as much as I can get. I wouldn’t say I have a problem; I just don’t really pay attention to what I eat. Any time I decide to lose weight, I am successful momentarily but after I stop paying attention to what I eat, I start adding back in the food I shouldn’t be eating.

Weight loss has been a life-long struggle for me, and I am determined to be successful this year. Yes, I am joining the millions of other Americans who have decided to lose weight but the difference is that I am going to do it! And all 2 people who read this blog are going to keep me accountable.

But I am not doing this on my own. I clearly have no self-control when it comes to food, so I am employing help and doing something I’ve never done before. I’m following an eating plan. Now, this may not be drastic to you but I’m in new territory here so be kind. The plan I’m following is the USANA RESET plan. It’s pretty neat. The first 5 days is a cleanse, basically to reset your body, and then you slowly build back in a low-glycemic diet. My hope is that the cleanse will also kill my cravings, and that I’ll reset my body to crave the good stuff, not the bad stuff (and I don’t mean the “good stuff,” my friend Betsy’s yummy peanut butter, chocolate, marshmallow and peanuts concoction). I dream of the day when I can walk past a plate of cookies and not want one. I hope that some day, the smell of McDonald’s french fries won’t drive me wild. I long for a time when the sultry sound of bacon sizzling won’t set my heart a flutter.

Tomorrow I begin my journey. I will keep you posted of my success as I lose the weight so wish me luck!

Sunday, January 3, 2010

New Year, New Beginnings

Well, uh, sorry for the LONG hiatus! I stopped blogging before I even got started! haha. I guess life got really busy. I was reminiscing with my sister about 2009, and we agreed that a lot of stuff happened, but mostly it didn't. This was an entirely boring year. Since my last post, I went camping with Darren in the beautiful mountains of Alberta, got some really big projects are work rolling (yay resume builders!), attended two wonderful weddings of very wonderful people (congrats Jenny and Ed, and Ken and Naomi!), successfully completed Financial Peace University (I'm starting 2010 DEBT FREE!), and got involved and invigorated about my church. 2009 wrapped up with a two-week Christmas vacation (thanks blizzard of '09) that included our last holiday season in North Carolina and a turning point in my LDR (more on that later).


(Falls we hiked to this summer)


I know that the title of this post is somewhat contrived, but 2010 really is about to blow our socks off. My parents are moving to Houston in February, which means I'll be doing a lot of traveling to and from Raleigh to help pack and calm my mother down. Since my wonderful friend Sarah is also getting married in March, her various pre-wedding events will provide me with an excuse to leave the house sometimes. As for Chris-Anne, I don't think she'll stick around Raleigh very long after that. Her boyfriend is in med school in Norfolk, so I expect her to move soon.

Since I am starting 2010 DEBT FREE, I am looking forward to having some extra cash to travel. My sister, cousins and I are planning a girls trip sometime in May/June. After my association's big Covention at the end of June, I have the rest of the summer to chill and plan my next adventure: moving to Canada! That's right, I'm ready to announce it. It's officially on. Darren's most recent visit really proved to me that we should be together and I don't want to wait anymore. So I'm not. Come July/August, I'll be living in the great white north again. And yes, you all have to come visit!

I'm not big on resolutions, mostly because if I really want to do something I'll just do it. But I am hopeful that 2010 will result in positive changes and excitement for me and my family. I also pray the same for you and yours.