Pound Off Sound Off

medical "professionals"...

2011-11-09T17:18:00.000-08:00

...Inspired by Fat Heffalump's letter to medical professionals Go take a minute to read her letter. I'll wait here...

Ok. Awesome, no?

I actually commented, as it really rang true to a lot of what I have experienced.. This was my comment:

While not diabetic, I have struggled with many of the same issues you have, especially medical "professionals" who can't fathom that I'm happy at 300-ish lbs, and imply that it's my weight & (assumed) craptastic diet causing my depression, gall bladder attacks, probs getting pg, etc not the actual issues at hand.

And it's true. Want proof?

I had a nurse who was supposed to be helping me with PPD back in the spring imply that my depression was caused by my size, while I see it as I'm fat because I'm depressed - totally different, IMO...
At the end of May I had my first real gall bladder attack. We went to the ER, and while taking my history, the nurse noted that I just had a baby. "oh, then it's probably gall stones. It's very common after you have a baby". When the doctor finally saw me, he blew that off, and said "you had pizza for dinner, then pizza & coffee for breakfast. you're not young anymore... its' just indigestion". and after many months, a few more attacks & an abdominal ultrasound, guess what? "Multiple mobile (gall)stones - RX gall bladder removal". Thanks arse. If you would've seen PAST my 300-lb arse, I might have had the u/s in the summer & surgery be over by now, instead of it (most likely) conflicting with work.
As for the problems getting pregnant, well, there was the comment made to me by the RE during our Embryo Transfer, and the lovely "I can't believe *YOU* aren't the reason you two can't get pregnant..." by a different RE early in the game. well that's supportive, no? :P OY.

I'm glad my GPs in the last 10yrs have been ok with my weight (as long as BP was controlled, etc), and that the nutritionist I'm seeing isn't making me journal every bite I eat, or count calories, etc. So ya, maybe some medical professionals DO get that some people who are fat are OK - OK with being fat, and just OK in general.

Just do it...

2011-09-28T16:54:00.000-07:00

You've probably heard that before somewhere... but sometimes it's just what you've got to do. Suck it up & just do "it", whatever your "it" is.

For me, I am a hill-o-phobe. I hate walking uphill. If I'm walking somewhere, I will plan my route so I walk the least amount of uphill, and the majority either downhill or flat. (I believe this comes from years of living in Winnipeg, where the only "hills" there were to climb were overpasses... ) But I've been getting a bit bored with the 4km loop I've been doing lately (mostly flat with two hills), so I decided to switch it up. Instead of turning at my usual spot, I kept going... UP a hill. it was slow going, I mean, not only was I dragging my ass up the hill, but pushing a stroller too, but I got up there. I got to the end of the road, and then decided to "just see what was over that hill..." to my right, and there I went - up another one! Once I got there, it was fairly flat, and I knew that I was close to the highest point in my neighborhood (for reals), so I made my way back to the main street and started back home. By meandering a bit through the residential part of the area, I avoided walking straight up the damn big hill I'm usually scared to attempt (because I know I wouldn't make it) and got to walk down it instead :P All in all, I ended up walking a hair over 5k today, in just over an hour. I'm actually pretty proud of myself for doing this walk - not only was it a beautiful day, but I felt fabulous after.

I haven't been running much on my walks lately, as we've been walking with an older neighbor in the mornings. It's nice having someone to talk to - makes teh time fly & the hills less painful (seriously). Our routine was off today, so it was just me & the babe walking this afternoon, so I ran a bit when I felt up to it. I'd love to try Couch to 5k, but sad truth, I can't run for a minute yet, let alone many of them. I'll get there though. Slow & steady wins the race...

OH - and I'm doing the walk again tomorrow with a friend :D

Interview with a Tweep!

2011-09-20T15:33:00.000-07:00

Words of Inspiration - interview with Dreena Guptill

Dreena is one of my tweeps from Edmonton... in the last year & a half, she has lost over 110 lbs hula hooping! This interview is about her journey to lose weight - what inspired/s her, where she came from & where she's at. A lot of what she says rings true to me... I'd love to start hooping, but classes in these parts are few & far between. I guess I could "pull a Dreena" and just get a hoop & start at it in the backyard...

Run Forrest Run!

2011-09-04T19:56:00.001-07:00

So, a funny thing happened on thursday when babe & i were out for our walk... i got it in my head that i was going to run a bit, so i did! about a whole 100m, but still. it's a start. and y'know, it felt pretty good!

So then, during Friday's walk, I ran a bit more (4 stints, abt 340m in total - walk was almost 4km).

We went to j's parents yesterday, so i didn't go for a walk, but tonight after we got home & unpacked & babe was sleeping & my blog post for tomorrow's blog hop was done, i had this little niggling to go for a "wrun" (a walk that includes little runs interspersed. yes, it's a chelle-ism :)) so i did! i'm not sure how much of my approx 2k wrun was run v walk - probably abt 300ish mtrs again - but it felt pretty good to get out. it was a lovely night for a wrun... a bit overcast tho, so gps didn't accurately track. ah well.

if i'm going to get serious i need a good pair of runners, some reflective gear & a good sports bra (maybe even a new-to-me jogging stroller??) but for now, i'm enjoying just getting out & doing what i can. i've wanted to learn to run forever. now i'm finally doing something about it.

********

kinda unrelated, but i totally noticed at the ILs today that i've lost inches around me midsection. still many to go, but yay! i might actually take measurements on wed (weigh day) & then again with each visit to nutritionist. we'll see tho.

Slow & steady..

2011-08-30T07:11:00.001-07:00

(aka nutritionist update...)

i had my first check-in with the nutritionist today, and it went better than I had expected it to. I didn't think I had lost any weight & was beating myself up about it, but turns out that I've lost 6lbs - right on track!

We'll keep the goals about the same as last time - eat fr at least 2 food groups every 3-4h (approximately when Joel has a bottle) & to work on being aware of snacking & getting treats.

next appt is in 5 weeks.. let's see how yhat goes!!

Zumba!

2011-08-11T19:12:00.000-07:00

THere was a great deal on Dealfind last week - 15 Zumba sessions at a local studio for only $15. Seriously, what to lose? I am going with a friend, and tonight was our first class - we both LOVED it. Neither of us is the most coordinated, but it worked out all right. I'd go left when the teacher was going right, etc etc, but it worked out all right. We were just a whole sweaty mess when we finished, but that's GOOD, and it felt good too. I'm kind of excited too, as the woman will be starting an intro to hoopfit in the fall, and I"m totally all over it. i WILL lose some of this weight, dammit...

Dietician/Nutritionist consult

2011-07-27T18:58:00.000-07:00

I finally did it - I gave in to every doctor's recommendation for me, and saw a nutritionist today. I mean, I know things have to change, but I know what to do, what to eat, yadda yadda. Any funny thing - weight still wasn't coming off.

So I went to the appointment, just at least to say I'd GONE. And y'know, the gal was pretty nice. We chatted about the shite our little family has been through this last year and a bit (IVF, J's stroke, PPD, etc) and when she asked me why I'd finally chosen to "do something about my weight", I was honest with her. that I was honestly fine in my skin, and that I'd taken the appt to shut up the doctors. But I guess something just clicked as we were talking - maybe it was the fact she didn't focus on numbers, or just say "you're fat, you need to diet". She said she LIKED my attitude of being comfortable in my skin - that so many people who look healthy are neither healthy or comfortable. There were a few things we focussed on: her expectations, being a mom and not taking time to eat/snack healthily, my emotional eating, and she taught me about hte HALT principle.

She told me that many people come to her and expect huge weight loss, but that's not why she's there. She said she expects 5-10% of starting weight over 4-6 MONTHS.. for me that 5% works out to just about a pound a week. sounds easy enough, I hope I can do it.

as far as eating/snacking healthily - she wants me to eat SOMETHING whenever I make kidlet a bottle (usually every 3-4h). small snacks from 2 food groups to keep up my energy during the day, so I don't feel draggy assed.

As for the HALT principle, it works like this...
People generally eat for HALTing reasons:
Hungry
Angry/Anxious
Lonely
Tired (bored)
Basically, when you want to eat, ask yourself "WHY" and if it's not because you're Hungry, instead of eating and then (sometimes) feeling shame/guilt/regret, do something instead of eating. For me, it'd be going down & being crafty, go to bed, read, brush teeth, or play on computer (blog/twitter/FB/play bejeweled or whatever). When I said that the last one was no good, bc I eat WHILE i play on the computer, she came up with a challenge. My laptop can't be on if I'm having a snack. This is HUGE for me. Once kidlet's in bed, I tend to flip on TV, forage and snack and play on laptop til I feel tired enough to go to bed. Now though, I have to choose. Laptop or snack.

in addition, I've been walking with Joel a LOT. I did 14k last week, and have already done 6k since Monday (and we didn't walk today). I make myself walk routes with hills, and my pace has improved since the start of summer. Hopefully between the small changes she's asked me to try, and our continued walks, I will have started to see some success by our next appointment at the end of next month. 6 lbs gone by then - totally doable, right? Right?

ok, enough BS

2011-05-16T10:19:00.001-07:00

it's been 4.5 months since I had my little man, and I have eaten my fat arse right back to where it was when I got pg.

so no more not planning meals, and just foraging for whatever's in the house whenever i'm hungry. i have taken out some chicken for dinner, and will have chicken salsa with some rice. lunch was 2eggs & 2pcs ww toast w sf becel.

also, snacking while out NEEDS to be curbed. one treat per day that's it. if i have a chai & scone on the AM, no mcd's for lunch, etc. i'm eating altogether too much crap, and i know it must stop. plus, $$$. i'm on mat leave, and eating out is pricey!

i also stopped 'thinking' about veggies, and cut up the carrots & celery that were waiting in the crisper. thanks to having a fridge w/ freezer on bottom, this lovely bright dish is right at eye level when i open the fridge.

well hellooo

2011-04-04T03:12:00.001-07:00

... been a while since I've been here, and much has changed in the last 13 or so months. The biggest change being that our IVF cycle was successful & we're now parents to a wonderful, almost three month old lil boy.

Now that baby's here & the weather's warming up, it's time to try and lose some of this weight.. I put on approx 25 bw pg & ivf, and by the time he was three weeks old, I'd lost that plus 10lbs. unfortunately abt 15 of that 35 has snuck back. ok, it didn't sneak. i ate crap & it came back willingly.

Eating is a bit of a struggle lately - I am still in "new mom survival mode" and grab things that are quick & easy, as opposed to what may be best. That said I have been trying to make better choices. Since hb's been back to work (few weeks now), babe & I try to get out for at least 1km walks pretty much everyday. It's not a huge walk, but it's something.

i don't know how often i'll be writing, but thought this was the best place for it...

Hmmm, this might hit a bit close to home.

2010-03-01T17:43:00.000-08:00

Uh ya. Can't eat enough lately... I suck.

Half way there!

2010-01-26T07:02:00.001-08:00

I have (once again) hit the apex - 50% of my first goal. This is going to be a tough week (birthday, yahoo!) but I hope to make decent choices & not stray too far. I'd like to lose the rest by the end of next month, but 15 lbs in 5 weeks is probably bad :P doable, but bad :P

wheeee

2010-01-12T05:01:00.001-08:00

-4.8 lbs down in the first week back at 'er. Most likely due to the lack of christmas goodies in the house, but I'll take the loss however I can get it. 20 lbs to go to hit goal (or 17, depending on which goal I'm looking at. 17 sounds better, so let's go with that ;))

I stopped journalling after Thursday (so three days in), but tried to keep an eye on what I was eating, and more water is helping for sure. I still love my diet coke, but I can't ONLY drink that. Bad chelle...

Birthday bootcamp

2010-01-05T18:18:00.000-08:00

I turn 30 on March 3. I have had the goal of being 160lbs for awhile now, and have been lacking motivation. I have given myself the goal of hitting 160 by my birthday. That gives me 8 weeks. I hope I can do it! This is somewhere between 25-30lbs (depending on how WI goes on Friday).

I emailed my bootcamp instructor yesterday, because I know I'm not being as effective at home as I could be. Another friend of mine is going with me on Thursday, and we're going to see what kind of plan she can work up for us. 1 or 2 days per week at the gym, and the rest will be at home. I hope this is what I need to make the 30ish by 30 goal!

On an unrelated note, I've also resolved to drink milk with supper now. I hate milk. Srsly. I put enough milk on my cereal to dampen it. However, I want to be positively model behaviour for the kidlet, so I thought I should start now! I was very mad to find out that 1 cup of skim milk is still 2 points! WTF??

And we're back...

2010-01-05T17:29:00.000-08:00

So i did it... I signed into WW & actually journaled my food intake today. Except for the disgusting mouthful of sickeningly-sweet tea my coworkers handed me as a joke (it had 6 sugars in it, instead of my normal 1 pkg sweetener - har forking har)...

It's going to be a slow start methinks, I'm within 10 lbs of where I started at the end of April, but it will get better. Bumpectomy is in 2 weeks & change, so hopefully by the beg. of February I'll be able to wear real runners again.

23 lbs to goal... ideally, I'd like that gone by the end of February. Doable? Sure hope so. Better get the crapfood outta my house now though!

ok, this is ridiculous

2009-12-31T12:00:00.000-08:00

and really quite sad.

I stepped on the scale today, and I was within 5 lbs of where I was at the end of April. Not cool.

I have no one but myself to blame - it's a lack of self-control, especially through the holidays (as I know at least 10 of those lbs were put back on this past month alone).

So, as of tomorrow, back at WW, maybe even dust off the WII. Gotta get back at 'er... enough's enough.

A bag of dog food

2009-10-30T06:54:00.000-07:00

That's the only comparison I could find as to what 50 lbs feels like.

Why do I want a comparison as to what 50 lbs feels like?? Because that's how much I've lost since April '08!! YAY!!

Hey bandwagon, come back!

2009-10-27T05:04:00.000-07:00

So, I ended up taking October pretty much off. Life, holidays, and other health elements got in the way. BUT. I actually opened the WW tracker on my computer when I got to work today, and I"m ready to get back on plan and lose those last stubborn pounds that stand between me & my goal weight. Ok, plus a few more. I admittedly ate like absolute crap these last few weeks, and it shows. I'm still around -16 or -17, but it could be a lot better. So, back I am on the road to -30/10%. Here's hoping I don't get booted off the wagon again...

Bootcamp v.2.0 results

2009-10-14T05:58:00.000-07:00

Well, the results aren't as fantastic as bootcamp 1.0, but I'll take it. Barely anything lost in inches, but lost 2.5% bodyfat! Whoo!

Gah.

2009-10-03T07:16:00.000-07:00

I am scared to weigh myself. I have been eating so much crap lately, it's scary. i should stop, as it's making me feel like hell, but it's what I do when I'm 'in a mood'. Why am I in such a mood lately? Because I'm sick and tired of the hurry up and wait game that I've been playing with respect to some other shite, and so my focus has waned drastically. I was all gung ho back in April/May because we didn't think there'd be such a wait, but as we come up on 6 months waiting for a green light, I get frustrated, so I eat.

Wooohooooo!

2009-09-20T13:03:00.000-07:00

I went shopping yesterday with my gift card from Chelle. :oD I bought myself a new pair of jeans (in a 33) and a sweater in a Large!!!!!!!!!!!!! Gleeeeeee!

New decade!

2009-09-08T05:51:00.000-07:00

I was down another 1.8ish today, for a total of -23.8!! The best part about today was seeing the 'new decade' I entered... It's still a high number, but it's the lowest I've seen the scale in recent memory. 6.2 lbs to go for first goal, 9.8 for 2nd... well, really -10, as I want to see the scale BELOW that 2nd goal... and I will, dammit :D

wheee!

2009-09-01T04:49:00.001-07:00

I'm back over the 20 lb hurdle! And determined to stay there! -21.6 as of this morning, tyvm. Not the -30 I hoped to be at today (4 months since I started this 'mission'), but close.

I'm still tracking, just not doing a stellar job of it. I should use the WW tools, seeing as I'm paying for them, i know. But hey, I paid for the gym for almost a year before finally cancelling, so *shrug* Regardless, I am losing still, and all's well.

A new bump in the road

2009-08-09T20:46:00.000-07:00

I somehow ended up losing 1.2lbs last week? Weird.

I got a weird skin thing removed on Friday (the doc isn't concerned about it, but will have the pathologist look at it anyway). I now have 3 stitches on my leg. It bled some when I was walking around Costco yesterday, so I'm trying to take it easy. I'm worried though that I'm not going to be able to exercise all week! Stitches don't come out until the 17th. Boo!

Also, we're leaving for the cabin on the 15th. . . I don't plan on counting while there, but will try to be remotely responsible. May need an ass-kicking to get back in the swing of things when we're back (23rd).

Update

2009-08-05T19:41:00.000-07:00

So, here's my update for today: Still haven't drowned my sorrows in junk food (I have a box of Toffifee upstairs, and haven't opened it!). Forced myself to go for a 30 minute bike ride, with some ab exercises. However, I haven't journalled at all this week. I'm not too sure if I should be pleased by myself or not.

Le sigh.

2009-08-04T20:29:00.000-07:00

I had a shitty, shitty day. I've been fighting myself ever since to not just drown my sorrows in a bunch of really bad-for-me food. I don't know what to do to make myself feel better. I used to, on a bad day, treat myself with some junk food for comfort (or let's be honest, on a good day I'd celebrate the same way). I don't know what to do instead. I should've worked out tonight, but had a meeting and it didn't happen.

Add to that that I'm PMSing, and ate like shit all weekend and feel fat and bloated and like crying. . . .

Random thoughts

2009-07-30T21:24:00.001-07:00

I bought a skipping rope today from the dollar store. It broke after 15 minutes, and boy was I glad! Man, that was hard work, and my shins/calves are killing me. Also, my bladder is not the same as it was before having a kid. Eek.

I ran into one of my old clients in the post office today. He asked how the kid was doing, and I said she's running everywhere. He commented on how I've lost weight, so she must be keeping me running. It's such a Catch-22. I want people to notice that I have, but I hate when they say anything to me. I don't mind if my friends, who have been following my journey, comment on it, but to just have someone on the street comment on it? Ick.

Also, I will be seeing my mother in 2 weeks. She is sure to comment. I don't want her to. She's always commented on my weight (good or bad). I'm sure she'll tell me she's "proud of me". The problem with this is that I've always felt like she's most "proud" when I'm skinny enough for her liking. There's a lot of baggage here that I don't totally feel like going into at the moment.

Plateau be gone!

2009-07-28T07:19:00.000-07:00

I crossed the -20 mark today... -22 to be exact :D

I wasn't feeling well Sunday/yesterday, so while not eating a lot those days (except at a weddign shower on Sunday - ugh), I didn't completely not eat, so 'sall good. Feeling better today - back on all my meds, drinking more water, 'sall good.

Now, if I can just get my fat arse off the couch, i'd be golden.

It's 11:12 Friday night...

2009-07-17T19:11:00.000-07:00

and I'm out of flex points for the week. I still have three days to go. Wish me luck!

So close...

2009-07-14T04:08:00.001-07:00

I missed the -20 mark by a measley .6 lbs this morning. Which does of course mean that I have busted outta the plateau I was in, and am losing again. 10.6 lbs to go to my first goal, and 13.8 to go to the second. (Yes, I have two goals that are 3 lbs apart. You have problems with that?? :P ) Totally doable in a few weeks, I might even surpass the goals.

I have found that as much as I'm journalling everything, I still tend to go over my flex points for the week, but really. I still tend to eat an average of 2000 cal/day, which I'm guessing is considerably less than I was eating. Therefore, even without exercising, I will still lose. The ww is just great for tracking for me. The tools are easy to use, and I have them open 24/7 while at work or home. And yes, I realize that by exercising I'd gain points to eat, and would no longer be going over the flex point allotment, but meh. I have my moments. and seriously, I will get off my arse. Eventually.

Anyway. that was quite the ramble, my bad. Have a good week, all!

Oh my darling, you look ONEderful tonight

2009-07-10T06:15:00.000-07:00

I made it! 198.2 was the beautiful number on my scale this morning (-5 since last week - damn water weight last week)!

Stalled...

2009-07-07T04:14:00.001-07:00

like our old Crapalier, I'm stalled. I've basically been stalled (within .6 lbs) for the last 2 weeks. I've been overeating, and just kinda blah. I know I have to start exercising and staying on track, but I find it really hard to do lately. I'd love to hit that 20lb mark, or 30 or 40... don't know what's stopping me. I have had comments that people can see the change now, hopefully this will kick start me into losing again. blah.......

oink oink moo...

Self-sabotage

2009-07-03T06:13:00.000-07:00

This week, I should've been able to get to under 200lbs. Last week, I was at 201, and "one-derland" was in sight. So what do I do? Eat a bunch of brownies and pistachios and other things that are really bad for me, and go back up to 203.2.

I'm so fucking mad at myself right now. I've been slacking off since bootcamp ended - still working out, but not as often or as hard or as I was. Why is it that when someone else puts expectations/goals on me, I can't let them down, but I have no problem letting myself down?

i got a STAR!

2009-06-23T04:29:00.000-07:00

wheeeeeeeee! I am officially 5(.3)% lighter than I was at the end of April. 53% towards my 33 lb goal, or 59% towards 30 (10% starting weight).

I didn't have the greatest week food-wise (I uh, ate an extra week's worth of flex points. oops??) and still lost, so I feel like I cheated, uh, quite a bit. I'm going to definitely curb the flex point consumption this week... or, at least try.

how's everyone else making out??

OH - and for inspiration, check out a friend of a friend's blog - Uncovering Me. It's absolutely amazing... especially this post.. wowza. Oh to be able to do that (kick ass before & after shots) one day...

Oink.

2009-06-19T19:34:00.000-07:00

today i had the food day from hell. all self-induced, but still. actually, it's been a really bad food weeek, and i still have 3 days to go :/ I have logged everything, and it's not pretty.

i'm finding i have issues with 'social occassions'. This week I've had a pizza lunch at work, a bbq for j's work today (free food & booze...), went to a movie with a friend, and i make choices that I think are 'ok', and they so turn out not to be.

Ah well. not worth dwelling, right? just gotta be more diligent this weekend...

New Suit

2009-06-18T18:38:00.000-07:00

I bought 2 new suits on May 1, in a size 18. Today, I bought a new suit in a size 14!!! :oD I'm so damn happy about it!

That is all. :oD

Week 7 results...

2009-06-16T05:49:00.000-07:00

drumroll please....
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
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Thanks to WW & of course a little help & support from my friends, I have lost 14.4 lbs since April 28!!! I'm going for a 30 lb (first) goal, so I'm 48% of the way there. Looks like I just might be able to make it to 30 lbs lost by the end of August. or sooner????

I am starting to feel a little different - the roll bw my boobs & belly is smaller and less bloaty, and I almost feel like I've lost a bit off my hips. Course, maybe that's just a bit off my gut, making my pants fit better, but whatever. And maybe the loss is partially attributed to feeling like HELL this past week, but hey, whatever works :P

The constant counting isn't as annoying as I thought (I heart the online counter that I have bookmarked at home & work), and although it's a struggle every day, it's working.

So to anyone out there who's struggling, keep it up. If I can lose this weight, anyone can :D

well that's one way of looking at things...

2009-06-12T18:02:00.001-07:00

As of yesterday morning, I was -12 so far. Of a 30 lb first goal, that's 40% of the way there! wooo! 15 lbs will be 5% total body weight lost, and 1/2 way.. I'm such a numbers gal that 40% complete sounds so much better than 18 lbs to go.

Bootcamp final results

2009-06-11T20:47:00.000-07:00

After 106km of biking, 17km of running, and 122 rounds up and down the grandstands, the results are in!

Waist: -2.5 inches
Hips: -2.5 inches
Thighs: -2.0 inches each leg
Chest: -1.25 inches
Arms: -1.0 inch each arm

Total inches lost: 12.25
Body fat percentage lost: 1%

I'm sad it's over! I'm worried that I won't push myself as hard without it.

6 weeks in...

2009-06-10T16:10:00.001-07:00

And I"m still at -10.2 lbs, but seriously, the last two weeks have had their share of pitfalls, so I'm just glad I haven't really gained anything. I do feel better now that I'm back on track with WW.

I talked to my dr. last week, and a dr at the clinic, and both are happy with the losses to date. I also had an u/s on the 'thing' on my foot today, so hopefully I'll get some answers about that soon. As in - what the hell is it, and how will they remove it? :P

so that's about it. just a short update here, but hope to be able to report bigger losses soon!

1 month into the "new" me....

2009-05-31T04:29:00.000-07:00

I am officially down 12.5 pounds in 1 month! I am pretty happy, but I am still battling the "I am doing so well and trying so hard, I want the INSTANT result" 10 more pounds to go until July 18th . I have this date in mind as I have a family wedding that night, and a friend's wedding the week after.

I am not sure it is doable, and I would still be happy with another 5 lbs.

My ultimate goal is 20 pounds loss from now, then over the next several years work on reducing my body fat % and perhaps lose abother 5 lbs after that.

It's my adult life weight goal I am after.

When I think about the reasons I want to lose weight, the obvious ones DON'T come to mind. I want to lose weight to be able to wear the cute clothes and not worry that I am bulging out. I want to buy clothes because I like them, not because they just fit me or hide my flaws. I want to be the hot wife, the yummy mummy. I should get my priorities staight, but meh...this is working for now.

My challenge over the next week will be a work trip to Montreal where much restaurant and conference eating will be my nemesis. My goal is to not gain back more the 2 pounds. I will report back with the results....

week 4 checkin..

2009-05-26T13:24:00.000-07:00

Today marks 4 weeks since I started really trying to lose some of this excess weight. And... a total of -10.2 lbs!!! 11 lbs marks 1/3 of the goal, so I'm pretty stoked to see the double digits.

This week will definitely be a challenge, as I'm on the road until Friday night. I left at lunch, and will get home sometime after dinner on Friday. Learned something interesting though... licorice isn't worth it. 10 pcs = 14 pts. That's more than a double cheeseburger!!! I had bought a bag on the trip up, and will be turfing it shortly, when I go out to find something for dinner, as it's not worth having in the room (bc I know I'll just eat it). Ah well. I've been paying for it not just point-wise - my stomach is killing me. UGH UGH UGH. Ah well. live and learn, right?

Good luck to everyone else this week!

Bootcamp - midpoint

2009-05-22T18:30:00.000-07:00

Well, this week marked the halfway point for bootcamp (with a 4.5km run and a 11km bike ride)! 2 things that I'm very happy about:

- our instructor said we could do midpoint measurements, so I did. I'm down a total of 5.25 inches - 2 off the waist, .75 off hips, 2 off bust, and .5 off arms. Legs remain the same size, but I know that the composition is starting to be more muscle > fat! I'm definitely noticing the changes.

- one of my classmates told me yesterday that I inspired her on Tuesday during our run. I ran right to the end of one part, instead of taking a shortcut like the woman in front of me, and then passed her later on. The woman told me that seeing me do that really inspired her to push herself. I felt awesome!

week 3 and my first self-challenge...

2009-05-20T15:45:00.000-07:00

So far WW is going all right. I used my first .5 of flex last night, and that was more so i could use up my daily points than anything. On my first 'weigh in' yesterday, I was down a whole 9.4 lbs from Apr 28 (the date I kicked my arse back into gear). Wheeeeeee!

The challenge though will be going out for lunch tomorrow to the neighborhood pub with friends from work, for a coworkers going away party. i know, i know - Diet pepsi v. beer, salad v. fries, etc. here's hoping I can stick to it...

Plateau already?

2009-05-19T03:40:00.000-07:00

After a weird 1.5 pound gain ( got my monthly driend a week early???) I am now down 9.5 pounds. I guess the initial fast drop is over. Time to start working on figuring out how to keep losing. 2 lbs a week is my goal right now. If this rain would just let up, I could get out more.

i took the plunge...

2009-05-18T13:54:00.000-07:00

I joined WW online today. i feel a bit disappointed in myself, which I realize is absolutely ca-razy, but I do. I"m sure I'll get over it. Off to go peruse the cupboards to see what I can make for dinner that won't cost me the rest of my daily points...

wow.

2009-05-15T07:52:00.000-07:00

a day of craptastic eating can really negate any losses. just sayin...

and for the record, J (says he) supports my quest to lose poundage, but still buys the junky food. Usually it's eaten out of my sight, which I'm ok with, but it still makes its way into the house. I hate cooking two separate dinners too, so it makes it that much harder when he's happy with all carbs for dinner and i have something separate. boo-urns. but i've known this all for years, so i know, i know... just suck it up princess. Bah.

As for exercise, i need to dust off the wii fit, yes. I would also like to start going for walks, but not being able to put on a pair of proper runners because of Bob (uh, the ganglion on my foot) makes it tough. ANYWAY. enough whining. Time to go round up something not-so-craptastic for lunch.

week 2 rambles...

2009-05-14T18:57:00.000-07:00

first thing's first. as of yesterday morning, I was down 7.2 lbs in the 15 days since Apr 28.

However, it was like my usual PMS food cravings showed up about 5 days late... I have eaten pretty close to only crap for the last 24 hours. half a bag of Doritos last night (J left 'em in plain sight...), chinese food at lunch, stupid mcd's for dinner. And i've noticed my foot is swelling up again, most likely because I haven't been as diligent with the caffeine cut-backs as I had been hoping to be. BAH. plus, this weekend we're going to J's parents place, so it will be hard to be 'good' where I'm not making my own meals. Food choices, yes, but still... ah well, we'll see how it goes.

I met with my ND/acupuncturist/dietitian on Monday... she reviewed my food diary, and determined I was still eating too many high glycemic foods. And ya, I know I do, but she also highlighted things like the 1 Dorito I ate one day. First off, it was ONE effing Dorito. Not one bag, one handful, but ONE. CHIP. and I journalled it! bah. She also mentioned that i drink waaaaay too much juice. Umm, I was really sick last week. the only time I drink juice? is when I'm sick. so I took that with a grain of salt... just ticked me off. ah well. I find that journalling totally helped... if i have to write it down, i'm not as likely to eat the crap.

Ah well. I'll see how I do for the rest of the month, and may just start ww online after that.

I might as well chime in too

2009-05-12T11:49:00.001-07:00

Since the other girls are sharing in their success, I might as well too. I am down 9 pounds in 3 weeks. How am I doing it? Wii fit, Curves, pedometer attached to me and I am just not eating when I am not hungry. Simple as that. It's amazing to think that it's pretty much 90% diet. Stop eating crap and over snacking- pounds melt away!

So I am now 23 pounds heavier then the smallest I was in May 2006 and 12 pounds away to where I was just 9 months ago.
I am focused, feeling much better and i know I can do this!

running tally - week 1 & change

2009-05-11T03:46:00.000-07:00

Weight loss for week 1 - approx 3.5 lbs.

Added to the loss for the par week between the 28th and last Monday of 1.5 lbs is a grand total of .. 5 lbs in just shy of 2 weeks! And that's with not being a COMPLETE food angel. I'm slowly starting to change me ways though... just gotta stop making cakes, and i'll be golden. mmm.. golden cake...

Never thought I'd hear these words come out of my mouth

2009-05-10T14:22:00.000-07:00

"Does this mean I can't work out?" --> asked to the doctor, really hoping that he'd say that I'd still be OK to work out after my ditch-hitting incident on Wednesday.

And I'm loving bootcamp. Totally loving it. Class 2 was an 8km bike ride, Class 3 was a 1.5km run, and Class 4 was a 15km bike ride. Class 5 brings another round of grandstand running, and I'm hoping to do better this time than last time. But in the end, it matters that I do it, not whether I'm first, last, or whatever. Here are some personal triumphs (besides actually getting off my ass to go to class) that I've seen so far:

- Class 2 I went to the early class because I had to leave for the city at the normal start time. Finished in the middle of the pack
- Class 3 I challenged myself to run the whole way, even though she told us we could do a walk/run combo. I finished right near the end, but I still ran the whole thing.
- Class 4 she told me I could take a shortcut if I thought I couldn't make the loop twice. I was fully prepared to quit after the first loop, but I perservered and finished the entirety of both loops. I kept telling myself "You're not the fat kid who needs special considerations made for her. If they can do it, you can do it." And I did.

What is kinda weird is that all along, I give myself permission to quit, but once I do, the rest of me chimes in with "but you won't because you're not a quitter".

On non-bootcamp days, I'm doing extended elliptical workouts paired with the Wii Fit. It's going so good! I'm actually enjoying working out. Whoa.

Five days down..

2009-05-08T18:44:00.000-07:00

so, lots of little ups and downs, but so far i think so good. As of this morning (i'm back to daily weigh-ins - NOT good), i was down a total of 4.4ish from last Tuesday, so that's good. slow & steady, eh? I have been sick though, so hopefully that's not why I've been losing. I have still been eating though, so who knows?

My acu/ND/dietician suggested WW online to help track food, etc and I don't know. For $20/month, it's not as costly as WW IRL, and no meetings, but i dunno. i really didn't want to get back to counting points, etc. I just want to see how things go with just making better choices, etc. Thoughts on WW online?

Day 1 - done.

2009-05-05T06:51:00.000-07:00

well, i survived day 1. it was a bit hard when J. was sitting at his computer desk a few feet from me and eating some chips, but I did it.I did buy a smallish bag of Nibs when I was at the drug store, but other than that I limited food choices and such. I was down about 1.5 lbs yesterday morning from last Tuesday's weigh in, so I'll definitely take that :)

Unfortunately I'm feeling like a big bag o' crap today, so i'm just trying to stay hydrated. Any weight lost will probably just be because I don't feel like eating - not because I'm eating 'properly'. We'll see what happens though.

here we go.

2009-05-03T17:35:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is the day that I really start trying to lose some of this extra baggage. I've been trying to make 'better' decisions this week, but it's hard getting back in the mindset. I hope that even just making better little choices will help offset things. I'll be battling this guy (the WW 'hungry' monster, who I'm renaming 'Snacky') but between almonds, some trail mix, grapes, etc I hope to be able to keep that monster at bay.

I also want to thank my friends who are all 1000% behind me, and are helping to support me however they can - from all across the country. I sooo appreciate all the support, and really hope I don't let anyone down. MWAH!

And I didn't even puke

2009-04-28T19:59:00.001-07:00

Tonight was the first of 14 bootcamp classes that I signed up for. It was possibly the hardest physical thing I've ever done. We ran (or for me, walked) the bleachers. First, 5 "doubles" (up the big steps, down the small), then 5 "singles" (up and down the small steps). Then tricep dips. Then lunges, squats and pushups. Then 5 more doubles, and 5 more singles. Everyone else did more tricep dips, but I was still dragging my fat ass through the singles. Then more lunges, squats and pushups (but I was feeling dizzy, so I pretty much just sat that part out). But I pretty much made it. My legs were shaking so badly!

I also cried while I was doing the last doubles. I don't know why. Maybe it's because all this fat is really just gelatinous emotion, and as I burn it off, it needs to come out somehow?

Speaking of gelatin, I had heard that drinking warm Jell-O helps prevent stiffness, so I've downed a cup of that tonight, hoping to be able to walk tomorrow. . .

and we're back.

2009-04-28T19:30:00.001-07:00

like for real. no excuses. J & I went for our follow up with the fertility clinic (finally!) and we were kinda given the green light for IVF, but they're concerned about my weight. "Even a 10% loss could significantly increase your odds..."

it's not like this is rocket science. i've known FOREVER that i should lose weight to make it easier for IVF/pregnancy in general. But instead? I've gained... I"m at my highest weight ever right now.

so? I've got some wonderful friends who are going to help support me through the next few months. The plan is to try and lose 10% (approx 30 lbs) by the end of summer. And how I plan to do this...

cut out refined carbs (no white breads, carbs). One big part of this? NO MORE TREATS at coffee/lunch
cut back on caffeine intake/up water intake
i'm looking into taking aquasize/jog classes at the local pool (can't walk as my foot is effed, and i can't wear runners)
keeping track of things on here
one of my friends has challenged me (and me her) that for every 5 lbs lost, a small gift will be sent

This week is really busy with 2 going away parties and my hubby's bday, but small steps. Better choices and small steps, and hard core starts Monday.

It's official, I have no willpower

2009-02-16T09:20:00.000-08:00

GAH. I can talk the talk, but I cannot walk the walk. I am really unhappy with how I look. Like really really really unhappy. Why can't I just shut my mouth? I need to lose weight. I need to do it now. I finally feel good, I am not sick, I am at home for the next forseeable future( rather then on the road) and it's starting to warm up a bit.

My goal for this week: cut out the bread. walk at least 10 000 steps a day. I have my pedometer, it's my obsession. I haven't been able to log more then 8000 odd steps a day.

I gotta go, off to go for walk.

I went for a walk!

2009-02-01T12:44:00.000-08:00

Ok, this doesn't seem like it should be post-worthy, but most of the time I hate going for walks. I don't mind walking if I've got a place to go, but just going for a walk, shoot me. But, it was a nice day (-4C, -11 windchill), so I set out this afternoon for the fabric store at the end of our street, to pick some stuff up for a friend. I got almost to the main road (about 1km from the house) and realized that the store. wasn't. open! DOH! But, due to the fresh snow that was on the ground from last night, my walk ended up clocking in at almost 30 minutes total, so a step in the right direction, if nothing else!

Update on me...

2009-01-24T08:51:00.000-08:00

Hola!

So, 3.5 weeks into the new year, and I thought I'd post a bit of an update. As of this morning, I'm 3ish (3.2 perhaps?) lbs down from where I was at the beginning of the year! Yay! I have broken the McDonald's ban a few times, but we're not going anywhere as often as before. i've had a few baked treats from Timmie's too, but I'm not berating myself over them. One day at a time, right? I have redeveloped my addiction to Smarties though (or maybe it really never went away).

Hope everyone else is having a good month. Things are gearing up to be crazy for the next few months, hopefully I can lose a little bit of weight amid the chaos :)

Good re-start!

2009-01-10T17:01:00.000-08:00

I was down 5lbs on Friday! WOOOOOHOOOOO!

Not as sure about this week, as I've got some bloat happening (after 21 months of no bloat. . . . ), but we'll see. Just have to stay away from the chocolate!

I am back!

2009-01-08T03:57:00.000-08:00

So the month of December was a bust for me. Pneumonia put a huge monkey wrench in my weight loss plans. Stepping on the scale Monday was a frightful sight. I am happy to report I have lost 2 pounds since Monday! I also had a hard time figuring out this blogging thing -d'oh! and when our favorite Chelle told me what to do, I realized I was logged in under my dad's account from when he visited before Xmas. double d'oh!
I just wanted to let you all know I was still here, still battling the bulge.

My first short term goal is to lose 10 lbs by Feb 7th. I fly to Winterpeg that day for a work conference. 8 lbs more to go! I CAN do it, and gosh darnet, I will. How I will be doing it will follow shortly.

Well hello there.

2009-01-07T14:25:00.000-08:00

Me again. It's a new year, and I'm within 10 lbs of where I was this time last year. +10, not -10, but y'know? It really doesn't bother me for some reason. Not that I don't realize I need to lose it, but I'm generally happy as I am. That said, I'm trying to make some changes to get this year off healthier.

Tim Horton's challenge v2.0. The location beside our office bldg closed down on NYE, and now there's a bit of a longer walk, and it's just out of the way. Since Jan 1, I have only had one cup of TH tea, and none of their baked goods (although that took control). I brought a baggie of tea & splenda to work, and have milk in the fridge, and just make my own cup at work. Cheaper, and better for me AND the environment. Go me!
Fast Food. So last year :P As much as I heart french fries, they're like little deep-fried sticks of death. Boooooo. We've had fast food once on the weekend, but have made our dinners at home otherwise, and I've even taken my lunch 2/3 times this week (and went to Subway today, so still not deep-fried!).
Running errands at lunch. This gets me out in the fresh air every day, walking up the hilly streets of downtown Dartmouth, and at least gets me moving a little. I really need to dust off my WiiFit board and get back at it, or figure out the Rabbids game or something.

Unfortunately my health coverage doesn't cover acupuncture, unless it's done by an MD (grr), so I will be curbing the acupuncture for a while. At least until we're closer to IVF....

So anyway, that's my update. Happy New Year, y'all!

Emotional eating

2009-01-07T08:29:00.000-08:00

I don't know that this will be a very long post, but I need to get this out.

I am currently sitting in my empty house, while SuperBaby is at daycare (preparing for when I go back to work on Monday), and all I want to do is eat. A friend called, and I said that I was starving, but that I think that perhaps I'm just trying to fill the void left by missing my beautiful baby. :o( She suggested drinking a glass of water instead, so I'm trying that, but I still want to eat.

Is this mic on?

2009-01-04T19:04:00.001-08:00

I gained 8lbs during December. Barf. So, as of January 2, I am back on this damn wagon. I had been eating half-assedly healthy and not journalling, and now that half-ass has added onto my already full-ass.

According to my scale, I'm down 2lbs since Friday, but really, that's likely water. Or gas. But hey, I'll use it as motivation to see how much I can get off my ass-and-a-half by Friday. I also return to work on January 12. Double barf. The good thing is that I won't have all day access to food, so hopefully the routine will help for getting back on the wagon.

Perhaps I'll blog here more now too in order to help strap myself to the wagon. How is everyone else doing? Anyone still here?

Let's call this DAY 1

2008-11-17T05:43:00.000-08:00

Ok, I am really really serious about this now. I hopped on the scale and it was NOT pretty. I am up 16 pounds from my lowest I hit last January. I had gained and lost about 5 pounds and then this past summer I was stricken with piggybacking arthrits flare ups. They are under control now, but the weight gain is not. I expected to gain a bit, but 10 pounds was crazy. Now 16 is even worse.
So today I start my 2 weeks without bread/crackers/pasta whatever diet. Really, it's all I need to do. Cut out the carbs-VOILA! weight lost. I'll check back in a few days, maybe on day 4 to give an update.
No more excuses.

My bio

2008-11-17T05:38:00.000-08:00

Name: Spatula
Age: 33
Starting Weight: Between 150 and 200
.Size: 11-14 depending on the store( I prefer the 11 stores)
Weightloss Goal: 160 pounds with ideally getting to 155
Weightloss Plan: Curves, and now with the Curves Smart system, I can't plateau or slack on the circuit, my new pedometer and the Wii fit
Weightloss Strengths: I know HOW to lose weight, I just need the stregth do DO it.
Weightloss Weaknesses: I love bread. Bread is my enemy-'nough said.
Inspirations: apair of $200 jeans I am coveting, to be able to wear clothes because they look good- not because they hide the rolls.
General about me: 2 kids, husband of 6.5 years, spatual collection. 2 cats, and a tankful of fish.

Tim Horton's challenge - week 1

2008-11-12T06:13:00.000-08:00

So far, I'm doing quite well I think. I have in front of me my 2nd cup of ANYTHING from Tim's since last Friday. I had my first cup & a ww muffin on Monday morning, and just got my 2nd cup today for break (pay day - had to celebrate :)).

I had a brainstorm today when I went, to make sure I didn't cheat and get any extra goodies for my desk. I just took a toonie with me instead of my whole wallet. This won't work if I'm out running errands or whatever, but when I'm at work it will. Simple, but effective. That's me, hah.

Plus, now that the PMS bloat and halloween candy are gone, I'm down almost 7 lbs from the end of October. PHEW. Ok, I still have a hell of a long way to go, but at least it gives the appearance that I'm losing weight. Har.

I just made my first acupuncture appointment - for next Wednesday at 4. cannot wait!

Ok, over n out,
m.

I'm new, please be gentle

2008-11-06T07:01:00.000-08:00

Hello all,

I asked to join this blog as a way to get my ass moving and be responsible for my actions. Mostly those actions involve eating all of leftover kids food , which I have learned DOES add up. OY.
So a bit about me- 33, 2 kids and a hubby. Oh and about 25 pounds above my goal. I did make it to 11.5 pounds to my goal but an unfortunate summer of arthritis really did a number on me. So I am back at it.

Still alive.

2008-11-05T18:35:00.000-08:00

Hola. Been a while, I know, I know.

Let's see, what's been going on? Not much, really. Oh, other than I gave notice at my permanent job, and started a term position with the feds; went away 2/4 weekends since I wrote last; and uh, Halloween. What do these three things mean? Craptastic eating. What does that mean? I should start oinking Saturday around 3pm if I keep things up (hence the piggy face). I stepped on the scale today, and it was NOT pretty. Pretty fugly number, really. Boooo.

So what am I going to do about it? Well, SB has challenged me to cut the Timmies runs that I'm prone to while I"m at work. I get 2 cups of tea/week, and 1 baked good. Since starting the new job (a whole week and a half now), I've averaged probably 3 cups/day during the week, plus, more often than not, a couple of cookies or a fritter or a ww raspberry muffin (YUM!) to go with the tea. Oink oink oink. I'm going to pick up some Splenda packages tomorrow, and some yummy tea to keep at my desk. We have a kettle on the floor, I might as well use it, right?

In other news, the naturopath thang is going all right. I had my follow-up this evening, and she's pretty happy with how things are going. She still wants me to work on the liver stuff - more leafy greens, etc. Once that gets working, we'll start on acupuncture to get me ready for IVF. Wheeeeeeeee!

Maybe this will get me back on track. . .

2008-10-19T18:47:00.000-07:00

Wow. Long time no blog. Chelle was very right about the mess that was September, internet-wise. Through the worst of it, I wasn't really up to eating, and started to think bad thoughts about continuing to not eat in order to lose weight. I then decided to tell people about it so that I wouldn't fall into that trap.

Mr. SB and I had a crappy couple of weeks leading up to Thanksgiving, topped off with some really bad eating during a road trip to Calgary (as well as an evening of a bunch of wine with some awesome girls). Have you ever been to Marble Slab?? Delish, but oh so bad for me. Thank god there isn't one any closer to me!

We're back on the wagon now though (even though we bought fudge, candied popcorn, a carmel apple and chocolate marshmallows at the trade show yesterday). I'm counting it all though!

I also did some meal planning for this week, as I'm so tired of the usual stuff that I make. Tonight, I made pork loin in the slowcooker, and some delish broccoli cheddar stuffed potatoes. Should I post the recipe?

tap tap

2008-10-06T08:29:00.001-07:00

This thing on?

Please forgive the lack o' entries of late - September was quite chaotic around the POSO households. Hopefully things are back on track though.

I'll give you a bit of an update on me though. Still fat :P Still exercising highly irregularly. I have started seeing a naturopath though, with sights set on getting healthier and prepping me bod for IVF next year sometime. Might as well start early, eh? (plus, I thought I'd take advantage of this year's health plan allowance so I can spread out some stuff over the two years worth of coverage. Smrt, eh?) So the naturopath is looking at a few things specifically - thyroid function, stomach acid production, and stress response, esp. with my ovaries in mind. Hopefully, this will also help me lose a bit of weight too, but we'll see.

I had a weird thing happen yesterday though, and it was actually the 2nd time in about 2 weeks that it had happened. I had someone comment on how it 'really looks like I've lost weight, especially through the middle'. Sweet! But, I'm pretty sure I haven't lost much, if any, in months. And this person who said it yesterday? Hadn't seen me in a year (we were volunteering at the Run For the Cure). Weird. But hey, I"ll take it. And hmmm, maybe it's NOT about the numbers after all. What a concept.

Wii Fit Challenge - official results.

2008-09-06T07:47:00.000-07:00

Well, neither A or I hit -15 lbs, but we both lost, which is good. In the 2 months, she lost 10.8, and I lost 8.2. Wheeeeeeeee! That's about a pound a week for me, and just over for her. I guess I owe her $10.8 - I'll get on that :P

Should've had some cream puffs

2008-09-01T18:57:00.000-07:00

I managed to make 1/2 of my goals for last week. I was only down .6, so that means that while I managed to reach my -20lbs goal (yippee!), I didn't make it to <220lbs. You see why I think I should've had some cream puffs? They seem to be my magical weightloss food. . .

Mr. SB and I were away for the weekend, and stayed with his sister. Yeah, I assume I have no flex left. Smokies and scalloped potatoes and chocolate mousse cake and french toast and a trip to Boston Pizza (where I ordered a quesadilla, but it was too spicy and I worried about the potential issues it would cause SuperBaby, so I traded with my SIL and had to have a salad with breaded chicken, 2 kinds of cheese, hard boiled egg, dressing and pecans) (Wow, that was a run on sentence). Anyway, it was nowhere near a good-eating weekend (well, on the WW front anyway). Hopefully the weather will warm up some this week and SuperBaby and I will get out for a walk with the stroller to work some of this off!

Sabbath: The Day of Rest

2008-08-24T19:28:00.001-07:00

Today, no challenge. just rest. that is the challenge.

an update on me.

my life is crazy topsy turvy right now. a board i sit on is going through some tumultous times and it is very tough for me right now. my part time job seems bizarre to say the least and at my real job i am all of a sudden doing the work of 2.2 people. good times. the husbands new job is also seeming quite bizarre and i am worried about all that.

needless to say things are not going well and while i haven't totally fallen off the bandwagon, it sure has taken a detour.

i'm still down about 10 pounds since january 1st so i am concentrating on that success

Day 5 -- Daily Challenge

2008-08-23T08:39:00.000-07:00

Today the challenge is to get up and get moving! Walk in place for 2 minutes. Do it while the commercials are on.

GET UP AND DO IT!

Day 4 - Daily Challenge

2008-08-22T19:41:00.000-07:00

tell me what inspires you to lose weight and be healthy.

Continuing progress

2008-08-22T13:39:00.000-07:00

I can't title my posts by weeks anymore, since I had those few weeks off the wagon. I get confused - should I count it as weeks on the wagon, or weeks since I started? I have no idea, and really, it doesn't matter. It just means I need to come up with more intersting post titles.

I was down another 2.4 this week. I really hate how WW online bitches at me for losing more than 2lbs in one week. It doesn't happen every week. It's not like I'm losing 5lbs a week. An extra .4 in a week isn't really that big of a deal, IMO. When you add in the fact that some weeks I lose under 2lbs, I think that on average, I'm still losing at a healthy rate.

Here's the exciting news! By next week, I should be at (1) 20lbs lost total and (2) under 220 lbs. I really hope to make it this week.

On another note, it's 10 weeks until my parents' anniversary and our family photos. By my calculations, I should be able to be under 200 by then. Wish me luck!

Day 3 - Daily Challenge

2008-08-21T18:31:00.000-07:00

i thought about this one for a while...and i hope you enjoy it.

find five weight loss/healthy eating/or the like blogs and leave comments. support our peers on the journey! when reporting back here make sure you include the links so the rest of us can take a look!

Day 2 -- Daily Challenge

2008-08-20T20:50:00.001-07:00

today i want you to write 5 things you like about yourself.

that's it. that's all.

Daily Challenge - Day 1

2008-08-19T17:27:00.001-07:00

Today, the challenge is simple. All you have to do is point & click.

Check out the Health Canada: Food & Nutrition website.

Check out the Canada Food Guide & see out it has changed since we were young'uns. There's even an interactive tool to create your own Food Guide. Are you following guidelines?

There's also an FAQ about Bottled Water and a closer look at Food Labels.

Point & click now!

a daily challenge?

2008-08-18T16:55:00.001-07:00

i was thinking about how it might be neat to have some kind of daily challenge. nothing big. just something keep us focused. something like walk in place for 2 minutes or to remember to drink water or to say i love you to our s/o's...something like that?

are you gals interested? it won't take up more then 5 minutes of your day. i promise.

Under Construction

2008-08-17T14:08:00.000-07:00

How do you like the color scheme so far? I'm working on the orange parts - those are images, and I have to switch to the ancient craptop to get those colors changed.

In other news, I was down 2.9 lbs this week, according to the Wii Fit this morning. When I weighed myself last week, it was after work, so that will account for a bit, but still. WOO! I have only 6.4ish lbs to go to hit my goal of 15 lbs in 2 months. Stoked, man. Stoked. I still have a long way to go, but hey. it's something, right?

Hope everyone is having a good weekend!

ETA: And uh, didn't there used to be a navbar??? It's showing on the editor as an added feature. Weird.

Week. . . . I'm not even sure anymore

2008-08-15T21:04:00.000-07:00

I'm down 1.2 this week! Considering I had a brownie/cheesecake concoction on the weekend, and more cream puffs on Monday, I'm surprised. Hey! It's the cream puffs again! Maybe I need to make these a staple in my diet?

On the good news front, I am now officially at my lowest that I've been since I hopped of the wagon. Woohoo! I told you I was strapping Mr. SB and I to this damn thing!

And lastly, further good news is that my reunion was cancelled because of lack of interest. Perhaps I wasn't the only one worried about what people would say?

Sorry for the short post, but I'm not feeling particularly witty tonight.

Ahhh, that feels better.

2008-08-12T20:03:00.001-07:00

Hope y'all like the new look here at POSO. SB & I were chatting and I mentioned changing it, so she found a template, and I went to work and put it in place. Let me know what you think!

I can change the color scheme fairly easily - let me know what you think of these (standard) colors, or if there's a scheme you'd like to see.

Feedback please! We lurve comments!

I'm like a snail...

2008-08-12T04:36:00.000-07:00

(In my head, that is to the same tune as "I'm like a bird" by Nelly Furtado. God, I'll turn anything into a song.) Ahem. Like I was saying - I'm like a snail. Slow & Steady. The Wii Fit challenge started July 5 for me, and in the 6 weeks, I have lost approx. 5.5 lbs. Not too bad, especially considering I was working out after work yesterday, and I had a weekend full of delicious food & drink at our friend's cottage. My Wii fit is flaking out a bit during selected episodes of Advanced Step (wah!), but I still heart it. If I spent half the time 'playing' wii fit that I do playing Mario Kart, I'd be thin in no time.

How's everyone else doing? Time for a check in!

As promised, a mini rant.

2008-08-07T02:15:00.000-07:00

..and a dilemma I need feedback on waaaaaaaaay at the bottom.

I'm on a quest for a 'nicer' pair of jeans. I've got 2 pairs of jeans currently in rotation - one's missing the buttons off the back-pocket flaps (so I end up with a lumpier-than-usual behind), and the other is just kinda of blah. I picked 'em up in the States earlier this year, and they're comfy, but not "nice going out" kind of jeans, y'know? I had picked up a 2nd pair in the States, which fit all my criteria (did I mention I'm uber picky about jeans?) This pair stretched out of recognition after an evening of wear. Drove me nuts. So, I gave 'em to my coworker. I thought she'd pay me back for them, but ah well. Not quite. ANYWAY.

So I've been checking the fat stores here, and there were a few pairs I liked. Ok, 2. Two whole pairs of jeans that I liked. And you know what the problem is? Same thing that happened with the ones I gave away. The ones that fit perfectly in the store will stretch to all-hell. The size below that? Oh they fit, technically. They're just totally too tight in the butt to wear in public. Theoretically they'd stretch out to an acceptable level within probably a half hour, but I'd also not be able to breathe for that half hour. Not. Cool.

So that's my rant. I hate being an in-between size. It's hard enough to find clothes for fat people, let alone ones who are uh, 'special' like me, and don't fit the pre-determined sizes that are available. Boooo-urns.

Dilemma: Now, the jeans that I like that I couldn't breathe in are currently on clearance for $35 (from A-E! That's almost unheard of!). Do I: A) pick up the ones that are currently too small, and literally work my butt off to get them to fit or B) Keep looking?

(and uh, I'm watching very late-night TV, and I am almost motivated to buy an exercise DVD that's being advertised. I'm losing my mind...)

I'm alive.. a quick update

2008-08-06T18:54:00.000-07:00

well, according to my good friend the Wii Fit, I have lost 4.2 lbs in a month, and a portion of a BMI point. That's something, right? Especially when I haven't been as good at getting on the ol' Wii board lately as I should have been. BUT, I have been on the last two days (gotta love vacation - I can exercise before my shower without getting up at an ungodly hour), and am going to try and keep up the momentum.

I have another post that I've been meaning to write for about a week or so, but eh. Never get to it. I'll try and do so later this week... or maybe next :P It's not really time sensitive, more of an ongoing mini-rant.

Hope all's well!!

MIA or AWOL or some other military term

2008-08-03T19:35:00.000-07:00

Not sure which I would use to describe my serious lack of WW journalling, exercising, or posting here.

We had Mr. SB's nephew here for 2 weeks, which means I wasn't on plan. For some reason, I have a very difficult time admitting to people that I'm "on a diet". Like if I tell them, they'll all of a sudden realize that I'm fat? Like they were clueless about it before? GAH.

So, I'm dragging Mr. SB and I back onto the wagon, kicking and screaming. I will strap us to this damn thing if I have to. But damn, it's so hard. I think about all the things I could be eating, and about not having to portion out my food, etc. I had been back on the wagon for about 2 weeks before G came, and lost 3 pounds over those 2 weeks. The result of the 2 weeks off was a gain of about 2.2. Not terrible I guess.

What I keep beating myself up over is the fact that my reunion is 3 weeks away, and I'm nowhere near where I wanted to be. It honestly makes me want to cry. I think of everyone judging me, and I don't want to go, even though I spearheaded the whole thing. But I just fear that they won't see anything else I've accomplished in the last 10 years; instead, they'll judge me by what I look like, just like they always did. Mr. SB keeps trying to talk me out of the funk, but it doesn't really work.

However, I have a new timeline goal to work towards. It's my parents' 40th anniversary the first weekend in November, and we're going to get family pictures done. I want to be significantly smaller than I am now, for posterity's sake.

So, there you go. That's what I've been doing (or not, I guess).

HEY!

2008-07-26T19:00:00.001-07:00

report in everyone.

2008-07-14T21:10:00.000-07:00

i weighed myself this morning. i was 264.4...the same as last week but 9.6 pounds down from january 1st.

can i get a woot woot?

i've been kind of awol from posting but i am here...just dealing with a ton of crap in my life lately. i do read what you guys are writing.

keep on trucking girls!

I need a kick in the pants

2008-07-10T09:49:00.001-07:00

Remember how I said I'd be back on plan on Monday for sure? Yeah, that didn't work out. I haven't journalled anything this week. I figure I'm starting over again on Friday, but I need that kick in the pants to make sure I actually do it.

It's only 6 weeks to my reunion. I was at a wedding last weekend, and I hate all the pictures of myself.

Do you have my motivation? I seem to have lost mine.

Ice Cream, a solution of sorts

2008-07-08T16:10:00.000-07:00

Wow, I'm just postin all over the place today. This is my 5th post in about 24 hours, over 3 blogs. Not too shabby.

ANYWAY. As I mentioned yesterday, I've been eating a lot of ice cream lately, bc it's been so bloody hot here (38C with the humidex. UGH) and we don't have A/C. I had a brainwave today. Wanna hear it? And no, it's not "don't eat it". Here goes.

Portion Control.

I'll do the same thing with ice cream that I do with cereal. Instead of eating it from a bowl, I'll eat it from a mug. I've been doing this for a few years. I still get the taste, and it's a satisfying amount, but doesn't go overboard. And really. When the mug is full-ish, it still looks like a lot, so my mind says "ok, taht's enough". Kinda like using a smaller plate. Here, I'll demonstrate...

This is the same two-ish scoops of ice cream in a bowl v. mug. Doesn't the mug look a hell of a lot fuller? I am Soooooooooooooo smrt :)

I don't belong anymore...

2008-07-08T09:24:00.000-07:00

Not here, but to Curves. I finally went in last night and cancelled my membership. I hadn't gone in a dog's age, I'm sure they weren't surprised.

A couple things pissed me off when I went in though. First - "are you quitting because you're pregnant?" Um, no. (where's the ranty icon???) You may not remember from my intro post, but my husband and I will need to go through IVF to (hopefully) get pregnant. And the woman who asked me this KNOWS about the IVF. So I just said right back "Nope. Haven't gone through IVF yet" in a slightly persnickety tone. But really. COME ON. The second thing that pissed me off is that they'll still take my $45 out on July 21. Apparently 9 working days isn't enough to cancel the transaction. WTF? So now, I'll be paid up til August 20... "just in case [I] change my mind". Uh ya. Thanks but no.

Curves was good to me, and good for me, for many years. But lately, well, pretty much since moving, I just haven't felt the love I felt when I was first a member. Times change. Things that once worked, won't work forever, right? Time to move on, and I have.

Speaking of moving on, I was up early enough this morning to get a body test and 41 minutes of Wii Fit goodness into my system. Included in that 41 minutes was a bunch of yoga, beginner & advanced hula hoop, advanced step class (x2!), and some balance games for cool down. AND.... somewhere around the 35-minute mark, my fit credit bank (yes, you get a piggy bank to keep track of fit credits) turned gold, as I had logged 10 hours of activity in the 17 days since I got it! That's an average of 35 minutes/day! Wiiiiiiiiiii!

Oh, hi there.

2008-07-07T04:19:00.000-07:00

Miss me? Sorry I haven't been around much. I've been reading but not so much in a writing kind of mood. In fact, I've just been 'in a mood' for the last month or so. But, I felt I should update y'all, so here goes (even though there's not a whole lot to update).

Things have been all right on this end. Not stellar, as evidenced by the fact that anything I'd lost in May & June has come right the frig back. And I know why. Ice Cream. The devil's food. It's been so super friggin hot here, yarg. Drown me sorrows in a lovely cuppa maple walnut ice cream (never a favorite until this year. odd).

I have been keeping up with the Wii Fit though. I have done at least 20 minutes (sometimes more than an hour!) of activity every day since getting my grubby paws on it, just over two weeks ago. Well, except for yesterday, but hubby & I did go for a walk along the waterfront, so that's at least some exercise. I digress. I love the balance and aerobic activities. Not so much a fan of the yoga or strength, but I"ll get into them, I'm sure. I love love LOVE the step class - I usually do at least 5-7 minutes of class, with some hula hoop thrown in, some boxing and on occassion a run. Plus a shwackof balance games. I definitely feel a burn during the cardio, and think there's been a slight difference in my hips. Wheeeeeeeeeee! I should've measured myself before starting but ah well. I'll know by the clothes.

Anyway. THat's it in a nutshell. Just wanted y'all to know I haven't died or been run over by a host of Miis or anything. Later!

The travelling wagon

2008-07-06T21:21:00.001-07:00

I know, I was supposed to be back on the wagon as of Friday. We left Friday morning for a wedding. Travelling + wedding food + lots of hours in the car = not back on the wagon.

Tomorrow. For sure.

I should add though, that I only had a net gain of 2.5 after my week off, week half on the wagon. Not too shabby.

self sabotage

2008-07-02T20:46:00.000-07:00

it's happening. i'm seeing success and rapidly plummetting in regards to eating and exercise.

i'm sabotaging myself.

it needs to stop!

monday weigh in

2008-06-30T18:18:00.000-07:00

this morning i weighed 267.2....another week down. that's 1.2 pounds!

i didn't have seconds, we didn't get appys at the restaurant, we went for a walk to the park, instead of chips i had an apple. maybe i'm starting to get it?

of course i'm having a bag of chips and dip right now...but everything in moderation, right?

The wagon's revenge

2008-06-30T08:21:00.000-07:00

So, Mr. SB and I decided to hop off the wagon for the week we were at the cabin. We anticipated that it would be too hard to count while we were there, plus the fact that the cabin is all about marshmallows and sunflower seeds and ice cream. . .

What we didn't anticipate is that by hopping off the wagon, it would actually catch us under the wheels and run us over. I gained 4.5lbs back; Mr. SB gained back more of that.

We're trying to pull ourselves back up onto the wagon, but it's our anniversary tomorrow, and we're going out for supper. But we'll do an official weigh-in on Friday, and be back on that damn wagon, come hell or high water.

Wii Fit challenge!

2008-06-24T18:13:00.001-07:00

I wasn't the only one at my office to pick up Wii Fit this weekend, so did A (only other female). We've been comparing notes about how far we've gotten, tips, etc. A and I are both similarly shaped, weigh probably quite close to the same, etc. What we've decided to do is starting July 1, we're gonna have a friendly challenge. The challenge is to lose 15 lbs - first one there is 'awarded' a $15 gift cert by the other (establishment to be determined). The challenge is to run over the summer - July 1 - Sept 1. If neither of us loses 15 lbs by Sept 1, whoever loses more will win.

I think this will really help me out, because I find it very helpful to have someone doing the same thing as I am to be accountable to. Like when SB and I had our weekly points challenge. That kicked ass.

As for the Wii Fit, I banked 45 minutes or so today, and about the same yesterday. Almost 2/3 of that was cardio - step courses (2x3 min, 1x5 min, 1x10 min free step), short run (!!!), and 2 rounds of hula hoopin'. Started off with some yoga and strength training, ended up with some balance exercises. And my god, I'm a sweaty mess by the time I'm done, so it's definitely doing SOMETHING.

weigh in report

2008-06-23T14:47:00.000-07:00

this morning i was 268.4--so down .6!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

i know it's not much but i am really embracing the SLOW AND STEADY WINS THE RACE adage.

i'm making healthy choices and learning how to live this great new lifestyle instead of simply counting points and dieting.

go carrie go!

Wiiiiiii (fit)

2008-06-23T08:38:00.000-07:00

So, Saturday morning, I was one of those crazies lined up outside of Toys R Us to get my grubby paws on a Wii Fit system. I was able to score a system, and I took it home and set it up pronto. It's so much effing fun! wiiiiiiiiii! I set a goal of 15 lbs over the next two months, just to work into things. Hopefully this will get me off my fat arse and kick start things. It's a lot of fun - I've tried the balance and aerobics so far. I'm kinda sucky at the slalom skiing especially, but am picking up the others. I've even gone for jogs the last two days! Just 3ish minutes, but still. I can definitely feel it in my legs, so that's something, right? I don't let myself get off until at least 20 minutes of time has been banked for the day, and man, after 20 minutes yesterday, I was a sweaty mess. Hopefully I can keep up the trend, and watch that BMI come down, down, down. The thing groans when I step on the board - not cool, but understandable.

In other news, I didn't post on Thursday about my weigh-in, bc fork, I was up again. Still lower than May 5 when I started (a whole .6 lbs... ooooh :P), but all the throat-soothing ice cream had caught up to me (ya, I'm still kinda sick, and was still right phlegmy & gross on Thursday). But as of this morning, I was back down to -3 from May 5, so it's something. Hopefully the Wii fit will help me finally break that damn barrier. If I could get to -7, I'd be happy - new 'decade'.

My goal for the week is to spend at least 20 minutes/day on the Wii Fit, if not longer. I'm sure I can fit in some time between games of Scrabulous :P Your goal??