August is here!

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Yes, it’s a new month complete with a new tropical storm (hi, Bertha).  Kids are heading back to school, tax-free shopping weekend sales are starting,  and the thought of a quiet house between 8 and 3 pm is making parents giddy.

Sorry, kids.  Well, no, not really.

To me, the start of a new month is time to reflect on the gains of the previous month and set new targets for the current month.  Notice I said gains?  It’s my way of focusing on the positive.  In July I increased resistance, speed, and strength.  I hit a smaller size.  I wanted to shop for clothing instead of just grabbing whatever I thought would fit.  It sunk in that I need to eat if I’m going to succeed.  No more drastic cuts to calorie intake.   For August I want to increase my aquatic therapy sessions.  I want to wear a certain top and have it look good.  I want to improve on July’s fitness targets.  See, all positive and also realistic and attainable.   It took years to fall apart and it takes time to fully recover, heal, and thrive.

What are your August targets?  You can reach them.  I’ll be right here, cheering you on.

First week – down 4 pounds!

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That’s right, baby, 4 pounds! I’ve been happy dancing – more calories burned!

I officially went on plan on 4/6. And we hit the road last weekend – every meal was restaurant prepared. Well, except for the lousy selection at the hotel. (They used to be so much better, but that’s another story.) It’s been easier so far than the first time I followed this program. I keep my portions in check (until it comes to the freebies – then I go nuts), eat on a regular schedule, and make better choices by default.

Fruit or veggies are present at every meal and snack. Protein choices are lower fat. I love cheese – always have – and still eat it. I just make sure I’m having lower fat versions or planning the indulgence around the rest of my day. And chocolate is still a part of my plan, just not everyday.

Clean eating, baby! It kicks butt!

Week 2 and a bit of whining

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I lost another pound. I counted points, kept fat intake in check, and only lost a pound. One pound gone after a week like that used to make me want to cry, but I’m trying to keep the positive in mind. I have more energy and feel good. I got creative in the kitchen and the family enjoyed it right along with me. I’m on track and am gonna do what it takes to stay that way.

Now for the whining. My arthritic knee and shoulder are working overtime. I can’t walk more than I am at the moment and then I am am sucking down Tylenol or Advil to keep mobile. Gah!

That’s it. Time to meet DD’s school bus.

4 pounds gone

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Last Monday I weighed in at 236 and wanted to cry. It’s not that it’s my top number of all time, but it’s the number I hit when I felt I was at rock bottom. I was heavier, but that number is a sore spot with me.

I went into action as soon as I got home after seeing DD off for school. I went through the pantry and fridge and tossed my trigger foods. I then went to the store and picked up things I actually needed – whole grains, beans, veggies. I made a huge pot of red beans and rice (fat free & awesome), steam-fried cabbage, and berries for dessert. It was simple, filling, full of fiber, heart-healthy, and just plain good! Hubby has been talking about it all week and he never does that.
It reminded me that I can have fabulous food that is good for me. I don’t have to eat junk when time is of the essence.

This morning when I hit the scale I was 4 pounds lighter. I didn’t count points or hit the elliptical or starve. I ate good food that was good for me. This is what this journey is about. Eating well and living well.

After 10 pounds are gone I’ll be exercising more. Right now walking and my modified Pilates and yoga routines are the extent of it. My body cannot take much more than that right now. I tried and spent two days paying for it.

K, that’s it for now.

Chicago here I come!

Weighted and measured this moring

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Yep, wasn’t pretty. This, my friends, is what the double-whammy of pain and emotional eating do to me – 230; 45 waist; 44 hips.

I needed to put that out there. I need to see it somewhere besides the mirror (which I can avoid) and in my clothes. See, cooler temperatures are ahead which means bigger, bulkier clothing. It’s easy to hide what I’ve regained in cool weather clothes. I see fall and winter with relief sometimes because it means I can hide.

Guess what – I’m tired of hiding! I’m tired of convincing myself that I look better than I think I do. I don’t think I’m horrible, but I’m not the little thing I used to be. I have a closet full of great tops that I’ve outgrown – and I only gained a couple of inches.

I’ve decided that I will not buy any clothing for a while unless it’s for a specific occasion. I have great clothes waiting for me, and they’re not 2-3 sizes smaller, just one. I’m back to a size 20-22 top and not happy about it. I bought most of them in celebration of reaching that size (and the sale was awesome); I need to make sure I get to wear them before they’re out of style.

I’m not going to do anything drastic, just get back to what I need to do, using the tools that I have on hand. I need to make sure I’m eating well and getting the nutrients I need. I need to get in those longer walks. I was up to 3 miles a day before pain knocked me off my game. On the days that walking makes me cry, I’ll hit the floor and get in a few more minutes of yoga and/or Pilates. Yes, this girl is pretty flexible.

Technically I start over for the last time tomorrow, but today has already been a good day. Except for the 4 on the 1-10 pain scale. And the congestion. But that’s another story.

It’s actually a good Monday. Go figure.

Anyone else start over recently? Or come to a new and better understanding of yourself? Share with me!

Be well. Be strong.