Weight Loss Chronicles - Week 3 & 4

Just like clockwork, weeks 3 and 4 have been difficult.   The cravings kicked in, my motivation to exercise waned, and water weight (in the form of bloat) added 4 pounds.  A couple days I had thoughts to just give up and go back to eating everything under the sun and resume my reign as couch potato.  What turned things around for me was when I saw and heard my husband wanting to give up too.  He had been doing so well with eating properly, riding his bike more, and doing the crazy cardio dances with me even though he didn't think they were masculine.  With this in mind, I realized that my problem was becoming his problem and I did some meditating.  I found out that I was letting my feelings dictate my motivation to exercise, my drive to eat fatty foods, and I had to get this in check - ASAP.  So the good news is that I'm getting back on track and the bloat is gone. I weighed myself this morning and so far I've dropped 9 pounds.  More to come.... 

Zumba Anyone??!

For the past couple of years, I've gone back and forth where fitness is concerned.  I'd get on the scale or a dress wouldn't fit and I'd get discouraged.  This would sometimes be the driver towards eating right and exercising.  When the weight didn't fall off, I'd get discouraged all over again and slack back to the point of slacking off.  Well this time I'm getting back on the wagon and I believe I have found a combination of resources to help me reach my weight loss goals.

Not long ago, I met with a dietitian to discuss food options and eating behaviors.  I found that I eat the most unhealthy foods when I'm bored or stressed/anxious.  Recognizing this helps in finding better food options and other behavioral alternatives when these emotions creep in.  For instance, if I'm bored, I should get up and exercise or go for a walk.  If I'm stressed, pick up fruit instead of chips.  Two other tidbits she gave were to always eat a good breakfast (ex. high protein yogurt with fruit or fiber cereal), and watch my portions.

Now, the question is whether I've been following all of the above tips.  I have to shamefully say that I have not.  The one that I have been doing well with is eating breakfast everyday.  That's a HUGE change for me, but has been well worth it.  I do find that I have more energy during the day and I'm not as hungry as a race horse by lunch time.  I also drink more water.  Another big change.  Overall, I still have work to do.  The good thing is that I have the tools to help me reach my goals.

The second weapon in the arsenal is exercise.  I never liked feeling like I was watching a clock or wanting the workout to hurry up and be over, so I knew I needed to find something that I'd enjoy.  I first started with some of the fitness shows from television to see how I'd do.  Definitely felt the burn.  After seeing a few Zumba commercials I decided to find a class.  Man, what a workout.  I worked stuff that I didn't know existed. :-)  But the good thing is that the class is enjoyable, I burn a ton of calories, and I must say that I have had more energy.  All pluses.

My goals are to lose 50 pounds and get the emotional eating under wraps.  As of August 20th, I have been making more effort to eat better and exercise regularly.  So far I have lost 4 pounds....46 more to go.  I'm keeping my fingers crossed.  I will report back here from time to time to notate my progress.