First let me say that it has been awhile since I wrote. I haven't had much to say honestly. But I just feel like writing today....so I am...
All my life I have been fat, over weight, however you want to say it. I can blame it on my kidney problems if I wanted to. Many doctors have told me that because my kidney does not function 100% that it makes my metabolism extremely slow and I don't filter things quite right. But I think mainly I just like to eat.
I have said that after Isabella died that I ate my emotions and became the heaviest I have ever been (245). That's big for someone short like me. But honestly, at the time, I didn't really care much about myself. After Emma Catherine was born that changed. Back in January (2011) I decided I was not longer going to be fat. So I started eating right and exercising. But what was different this time was my attitude. I have tried so many diets and have always failed miserably. At one point I was going to get weight loss surgery. But shortly before the procedure was to happen, I got pregnant with Emma.
After Emma was born the weight fell off. Breast feeding rocks! By January of 2011 I was down to 240.
I woke up one day and decided that I didn't like who I was so I was going to change. And I did.... My attitude about food changed. I think having children helped this. I want them to be healthy and in order for that to happen I have to lead by example. I haven't been to a McDonald's or Taco Bell in almost one year and neither have my children. We eat a lot of fruits and vegetables and lean meats. I also do not want my husband to die of a heart attack at 40. His dad had his first heart attack at 42 and died at 60 something. That will not be my husbands fate. I buy whole wheat everything. We are going to start growing some of our own vegetables this coming Spring. Instead of beef we eat Turkey meat. I do have to have beef hamburgers though....turkey burgers are nasty. (lol)
So it is August 9, 2011. I am down to 190lbs. Doing pretty good. I've been stuck for awhile (which I expected) but I know the rest will come off in time. Losing weight doesn't happen over night. There is no need in getting discouraged about being stuck either. It is going to happen. The last time I remember being 190 was my sophomore year in college. I got stuck then too and instead of changing up my exercises I gave up. Not this time!
Everyone asks me "How do you do it...I need to do that." Here is my answer to that question:
1) Simple- I eat right and I exercise a lot. Running is my choice of exercise. I used to hate it but the more you do it the more your body craves it. It took me about 6 weeks to learn to run well. There is a learning curve and if you can make it past that point you are set. I don't run fast (I'm short) but I push myself every few days. At the end of next year I want to run a half marathon. In April of 2012 I am going to run my first 10K in Charleston over the Cooper River. I am up to 4 miles so only about 3 more to go. I want to be able to run 7 miles (outside) by April. And BTW- running outside is a lot harder than running on a treadmill.
2) I do not eat carbs at night. Do I follow this every night? No. That would be insane. But if I can help it, I plan my meals so that I am not tempted with carbs.
3) I do plan meals. The day before I eat them. And I try to stick to it. This is hard because I try to fix things I know my children will eat. They are having to learn to eat more healthy. I still fix them mac and cheese but not as often as I used to.
4) I eat slowly. Did you know it takes 20 mins for your stomach to tell your brain that you are full? EAT SLOWLY!
5) I realize that I love Mexican so when I want it, I eat it. I do not eat perfect every single meal. I would go crazy. I enjoy food. I love going to dinner with my husband. So I plan for this. For example, this Friday night we are going out on a date. We will probably go somewhere pretty nice and I plan on eating. But the rest of this week I am being good so on Friday night I can enjoy myself. However, when I do go out I make better choices and I eat slowly! I find I eat a lot less that I used to.
6) I drink nothing but water. I have my coffee in the mornings (no sugar) and sometimes OJ. But I drown myself in water.
7) Before I eat something I asses it. I ask myself: is this worth the calories? My favorite example is Mac and Cheese. Boxed Mac and Cheese-while it is good- is not worth the calories. Now if I make my homemade mac and cheese you better believe I am going to eat it because it is GOOOOOD! Worth every calorie. It's why I don't make it often. Only on special occasions. It's pretty bad for you.
I think one of the most important lessons I have learned is that it doesn't matter what I ate yesterday or the day before. What matters is what I am eating right now....today. I used to think "Oh well....blew my diet....I'll start over on Monday". Nope....not anymore. This isn't something that I am doing to simply lose weight. I am changing the way I live and the way I eat and the way I FEEL! And I feel great! I have more confidence. I feel better about myself. Everything is better: my attitude, my energy, SEX! (oh yes!)
I have 60 more lbs to go....Slowly but surely....it will happen. I'm not sure I want to post this....does anyone read this? This stuff is personal. oh well.....
