Relief
I'm so glad to know that I'm not the only person who freaks out about journaling, but is trying to do it anyway. I've got a sheet of paper on my counter, and I'm scribbling down what I eat as I get ready to sit down for a meal. I'm not obsessing on the ounces, grams of protein, whatever. I'm just trying to get in the habit of noting it down. Next week, I'll up the ante, but I'm going to have to leave fitday alone for a while.
I also bought myself a large clear water bottle with clearly marked ounces on it. I've been keeping it handy, and my water consumption has gone way, way up. Just seeing it sitting on the counter with water still in it reminds me to drink.
Even though I am very open about how much I weigh to the world at large, I've been avoiding being accountable. I've blamed my recent gain on whole grains, dairy fat, my husband, the weather, my cycle, even the additional water I'm drinking. I have slipped back into the pattern of glossing over the lack of loss, and focusing instead on positive things.
Well, I'm still exercising, right? And I'm eliminating sugar! And...
And I'm sick of being fat.
I am hanging a calendar on my bathroom wall, right over the scale. I'm going to step on the scale daily, and write the number down on the calendar. I think the visual of the numbers is very important to my motivation. So is having my husband see the numbers as well. He's never uttered a negative word about my figure, and usually has great comments when he sees me succeeding.
I'm going to keep on keepin' on. I'm going to write down what I eat and how it makes me feel, even when it makes me feel pissy. I'm going to be mindful of my food choices, and I'm going to eat foods that taste good. Since I read Potatoes Not Prozac, I've been convinced (and seen it again and again) of my sugar sensitivity. I embraced whole grains, and abandoned protein and veggies to be side dishes. I need to up the veggies and decrease the grains a bit, and I think I'll start seeing some weight loss.
Maybe.
Comments
You sound a little bogged down, and a little lacking in hope. I know...I too struggle with "the voices", but I really want to loose this fat. One thing I've noticed, is that when the "obsessing" about weight loss, and diet, and food choices starts taking over, then I digress, and I certainly don't loose any weight. Is there anything you are doing daily or weekly to "get away"? To have inner peace, beauty, and life-giving hope brought into your soul? I pray, meditate on scripture, take walks, and go for coffee. Sunday afternoon I take 2 hours alone. Daily, I try to consciously release my woes, worries, fears, etc through prayer. I think that working on one issue alone (just the physical symptom of being fat) isn't enough. You have to be whole happy person inside and out. Any way...just a thought! I hope your hope finds you soon! =)
Posted by: prov31wisemom | February 2, 2007 1:30 PM
I'm on the weight loss mission too, and may i suggest that stepping on the scale daily likely won't help. there really is too much fluctuation for it to be worthwhile.
weekly is better. twice weekly if you must, but daily? I don't think you'll be happy with how that goes.
speaking from experience, but you know, not meaning to tell you what to do. :)
good luck!
Posted by: Chrissie | February 2, 2007 6:56 PM
Hang in there, man! You will have ups and downs and that's OK. Just don't let the downs win. Do what's best for YOUR body. It's not a short road, it's one that will last the rest of your life.
We're all here with you. Beside you every step.
Posted by: Kris | February 2, 2007 10:07 PM
Jenny - are you measuring yourself as well? I loose inches without losing pounds. Try it! I find it less scary to measure myself rather than weigh myself. Keep on keeping on! Remember its for life not just for a couple of weeks - you sort everything out.
Posted by: HealthyMummy | February 3, 2007 12:33 AM
Jenny, I love the idea of the daily weigh-ins with the calendar... I know most people say you should only do this once a week, at most, but I really feel that seeing the natural trends is a bonus. You will see how you might rise up and down with your cycle, or the phases of the moon... Just don't be obsessive about the actual number of the day as long as the trend is going in the right direction!
I think you should measure yourself once or twice a month though... Just pick a couple of spots (waist, hips, thigh, bust?) and track those as well. You will likely be pleased after a few months!
Eating.... just keep things balanced! You need lots of veggies, but don't skimp on the protein. It helps you build and retain the muscle you work hard to get. Good luck, Jenny!!! Stay aware! :)
Posted by: Cindy | February 4, 2007 7:30 AM
Yesterday I put my goal weight on a calendar and hung it on the refrigerator. I weighed in at 207 on Friday, so next Friday has a 205 written on it. Each week it goes down 2 lbs. I hung it on the fridge to remind me each time I open it up of what I'm trying to accomplish.
I think you're doing a great job. Keep it up.
Posted by: Sillychick | February 5, 2007 10:33 AM