Well, the first day back to school was a success! I was super nervous last night and this morning about my step-aerobics class... I thought I wouldn't get to class on time, I wouldn't be able to find the locker room, I would have a horrid teacher, the class would be crowded, being the only bigger girl in the class, etc etc.
Truth is though, I didn't get there late, I found the locker room just fine, the instructor is fantastic, and to my surprise (and slight relief), most of the people in the class seemed to be in similar situations to mine. They all seemed to be looking for a place and means to exercise and get in better shape, in a way that would keep them accountable.
How perfect was that?
I can't wait to go back again on Wednesday. Everyone was so positive, and I had a great time. I sweated a ton, which surprisingly didn't bother me nearly as much as sweating usually does. Shocking, I know!! I think its because I knew I would be able to shower immediately after class.
The other, very unexpected thing that I enjoyed about my class was that we not only did step, but we also spent a small portion of time focusing on abs, and we will be doing little bits of resistance training, weight training, and other things during the course of the term. This is great since I need to work out my WHOLE body!
Oh yeah, and the best part about the class? The movements involve my arms so they will FINALLY start to get toned again! Super!!
Monday, September 26, 2011
The Value of Measurements
One of the challenging parts of losing weight after being overweight for years, is actually believing in the progress I'm making. I constantly find myself thinking about where I started, and how much I've lost, and questioning if its all real, of if I'm simply making it up.
How can I possibly be succeeding after failing so many times?
How have I actually been able to stay on track for more than a couple weeks?
When am I finally going to give up?
These and other questions flow through my mind often, probably multiple times a day.
What do I do?
This whole process has really forced me to do a lot of self reflection. I mean like really going back. I'm pretty sure that I've always felt like I was bigger than other girls, even back in grade school. It wasn't ever too much of an issue though until I hit 8th grade.
I remember being in band, sitting down and seeing how my legs pancaked out on the chair and being mortified by how chubby they looked. Not long after that, we weighed ourselves in PE and I remember being 5'5" and 125 pounds. I didn't think that was much at all until most the other girls in my class complained about being 120, 115, and sometimes even lower weights. From that point forward my insecurities just kind of got worse and worse.
The sad part about it is that I wasn't overweight at all. I was such a healthy weight. Even looking back at pictures, I looked like a total twig! I was tiny!
Cross Country in sixth grade
But having had that idea of being bigger drilled into my head by seemingly smaller, and highly insecure girls around me, made a huge impact on how I saw myself.
The point I'm trying to make is that I've never felt like I was a small girl, and I've always felt bigger than everyone else. And honestly, the idea of feeling small is so foreign to me, that I'm a little scared. Yep, that's right, I'm scared of losing weight. Being the fat girl has come to be a part of who I am, and I have always accepted that generally speaking, I'm the biggest girl in whatever group of friends I have. The idea of not having that label is a little scary. It is almost like I'm getting rid of part of me.
A nice, solid, 80 (hopefully) pounds of me to be precise.
BUT, let me finally get to the MAIN TOPIC of this post.
The NUMBER ONE THING that has helped me stay true to my weight loss, and believe the number I'm seeing on the scale, is the accompanying measurements that go with it. Each week when I weigh in, I make sure to take the measurements of my waist, hips, thigh, arm, and bust. Its my ensurance that what I'm doing is really working, and that the weight loss is real. I think those results almost make more a different mentally to me than the weight.
I really would encourage anyone that's having issues like me with believing and accepting the progress they have made, to make efforts to measure and record these measurements, because I promise you it will make a difference! Its just one more bit of proof that yes, those parts ARE too big now, and yes, they fit you when you bought them originally!
Keep up the good work everyone, and stay positive!!
How can I possibly be succeeding after failing so many times?
How have I actually been able to stay on track for more than a couple weeks?
When am I finally going to give up?
These and other questions flow through my mind often, probably multiple times a day.
What do I do?
This whole process has really forced me to do a lot of self reflection. I mean like really going back. I'm pretty sure that I've always felt like I was bigger than other girls, even back in grade school. It wasn't ever too much of an issue though until I hit 8th grade.
I remember being in band, sitting down and seeing how my legs pancaked out on the chair and being mortified by how chubby they looked. Not long after that, we weighed ourselves in PE and I remember being 5'5" and 125 pounds. I didn't think that was much at all until most the other girls in my class complained about being 120, 115, and sometimes even lower weights. From that point forward my insecurities just kind of got worse and worse.
The sad part about it is that I wasn't overweight at all. I was such a healthy weight. Even looking back at pictures, I looked like a total twig! I was tiny!
Cross Country in sixth gradeThe point I'm trying to make is that I've never felt like I was a small girl, and I've always felt bigger than everyone else. And honestly, the idea of feeling small is so foreign to me, that I'm a little scared. Yep, that's right, I'm scared of losing weight. Being the fat girl has come to be a part of who I am, and I have always accepted that generally speaking, I'm the biggest girl in whatever group of friends I have. The idea of not having that label is a little scary. It is almost like I'm getting rid of part of me.
A nice, solid, 80 (hopefully) pounds of me to be precise.
BUT, let me finally get to the MAIN TOPIC of this post.
The NUMBER ONE THING that has helped me stay true to my weight loss, and believe the number I'm seeing on the scale, is the accompanying measurements that go with it. Each week when I weigh in, I make sure to take the measurements of my waist, hips, thigh, arm, and bust. Its my ensurance that what I'm doing is really working, and that the weight loss is real. I think those results almost make more a different mentally to me than the weight.
I really would encourage anyone that's having issues like me with believing and accepting the progress they have made, to make efforts to measure and record these measurements, because I promise you it will make a difference! Its just one more bit of proof that yes, those parts ARE too big now, and yes, they fit you when you bought them originally!
Keep up the good work everyone, and stay positive!!
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Overcoming the On-The-Go Dilema: Snacking
The challenges I am going to talk about today concern snacktime. I LOVE to snack. If I could eat food all day long I would. Unhealthy junk food, of course! lol. Being in school just adds to the temptation of eating. I eat so irregularly, and end up eating often. I also get stressed, and bored, and whatever else I'm feeling at the moment, and tend to use those feelings as excuses to splurge and eat whatever I feel like.
#3: Boredom Snacking
I am the kind of person who likes to eat pretty much no matter what I'm doing. If I am driving to or from work, I like to eat. If I'm off work and watching tv, or on my computer, I like to eat. During the school year, however, I like to eat in class, on my way to class, in between class, etc.
Moral of the story: I like to eat!
Solution
What I started to do in order to combat this unhealthy snacking obsession, was to stock up on snacks that were healthier for me. Or at least not completely bad ;)
I love to keep apples on hand. They are so tasty, take a while to eat, and are fullfilling.
I also like to keep a variety of pre-packaged type snacks, (Those 100 calorie snack packs are 3 pts each!) as well of fruit bars like Kashi ones.
Another thing that I do since I inevitably will end up snacking, if I take this into consideration when planning and eating my other meals during the day. I opt for smaller portions of things to keep the points for those weak moments that I have where I just have to have something to munch on. Pre-planning what I'm going to eat that day also significantly helps make sure I don't exceed my daily points allocated.
#4 Evening Snacking
So nighttime snacking is also a huge weakness. Mostly because I love to relax in the evening. But also partly because I am still new to the whole idea of focusing on my food.
Before now, part of relaxing and enjoying my evening, or any time during the day for that matter, was to take part in some kind of super yummy snack.
Solution
SO, the biggest part of this solution is simply redefining things. I have had to completely rework my behaviors related to snacking. Part of this is simply just learning self control. Its a tough one though. So, once again, my solution for this, is the same as before, by having pre-portioned snacks available, and saving points for the evening.
Of course with any type of snacking, the best advice is to find an alternate activity. So what better to do than to exercise! Did you know an hour of light walking gains you back 5 points? How cool is that! I know it makes me excited!
Well, that's it for today. Tomorrow I will be talking about meal planning, and what I've learned so far that has helped me these last two months!
Healthy snacking!
I am the kind of person who likes to eat pretty much no matter what I'm doing. If I am driving to or from work, I like to eat. If I'm off work and watching tv, or on my computer, I like to eat. During the school year, however, I like to eat in class, on my way to class, in between class, etc.
Moral of the story: I like to eat!
Solution
What I started to do in order to combat this unhealthy snacking obsession, was to stock up on snacks that were healthier for me. Or at least not completely bad ;)
I love to keep apples on hand. They are so tasty, take a while to eat, and are fullfilling.
I also like to keep a variety of pre-packaged type snacks, (Those 100 calorie snack packs are 3 pts each!) as well of fruit bars like Kashi ones.
Another thing that I do since I inevitably will end up snacking, if I take this into consideration when planning and eating my other meals during the day. I opt for smaller portions of things to keep the points for those weak moments that I have where I just have to have something to munch on. Pre-planning what I'm going to eat that day also significantly helps make sure I don't exceed my daily points allocated.
#4 Evening Snacking
So nighttime snacking is also a huge weakness. Mostly because I love to relax in the evening. But also partly because I am still new to the whole idea of focusing on my food.
Before now, part of relaxing and enjoying my evening, or any time during the day for that matter, was to take part in some kind of super yummy snack.
Solution
SO, the biggest part of this solution is simply redefining things. I have had to completely rework my behaviors related to snacking. Part of this is simply just learning self control. Its a tough one though. So, once again, my solution for this, is the same as before, by having pre-portioned snacks available, and saving points for the evening.
Of course with any type of snacking, the best advice is to find an alternate activity. So what better to do than to exercise! Did you know an hour of light walking gains you back 5 points? How cool is that! I know it makes me excited!
Well, that's it for today. Tomorrow I will be talking about meal planning, and what I've learned so far that has helped me these last two months!
Healthy snacking!
Saturday, September 24, 2011
The Counting Challenge
So the last two days I have been trying pretty hard to focus on recording my points. Accurately. I kind of strayed away from it for a while because I was just eating the same meals over and over and had a pretty good idea of the points.
Its so hard sometimes though to remember to take the time to track them!
However, yesterday I made a revelation that made it so worth it! I absolutely Hillshire Farms lunchmeats. Its my favorite presliced turkey to have on sandwiches. I checked the point value for it, and realized that the turkey only costs me like 2 points for a generous number of slices!
Saaa-weet!
Guess who just put turkey sandwiches back on the menu!! That's right, this girl!
Its so hard sometimes though to remember to take the time to track them!
However, yesterday I made a revelation that made it so worth it! I absolutely Hillshire Farms lunchmeats. Its my favorite presliced turkey to have on sandwiches. I checked the point value for it, and realized that the turkey only costs me like 2 points for a generous number of slices!
Saaa-weet!
Guess who just put turkey sandwiches back on the menu!! That's right, this girl!
Overcoming the On-The-Go Dilema: Breakfast
Probably my number one challenge during school regarding food, is being lazy about meal planning. I hardly ever take the time out of my day or morning to prepare lunch in advance. Its so costly, and it ends up causing me to over-snack, and over-eat. Of course that isn't the only challenge.
Today I'll share the first two problems, and I'll share more tomorrow! Here goes!
Today I'll share the first two problems, and I'll share more tomorrow! Here goes!
#1 Passing on Breakfast
If you are anything like me, you savor every minute of sleep you can get, especially being a full-time student, having a part-time job, and spending anywhere from 1-2 hours a day driving.
I tend to just speed on past breakfast, and grab coffee on my way out, and maybe a granola bar, or whatever munchies I have laying around.
Now, I'm not saying granola bars are bad, but let's face it. Its soo much better to eat a fullfilling breakfast!
Solution
Lately, I started adding english muffins to my shopping lists.. it only takes a couple minutes to toast, and while its toasting, I cook an egg, add a slice of cheese, and call it good.
If you use a whole wheat english muffin, 1 egg, and a slice of lowfat cheese, its only 7 pts+ on WW. Super simple, and the whole wheat makes it super filling. Of course, I also like to grab an apple, banana, or some other fruit to eat on the way out the door!
#2 Coffee
Ok this is a tough one. Where I work, almost every single girl comes in to work with a Starbucks in hand, and whenever we would go on breaks, we would get more coffee. Of course, with the mochas, iced fraps, and other delicious treats, its hard to stay focused on healthy choices.
Not to mention expensive.
Solution
What I decided to do, was to just flat out make the switch to plain ol coffe. At first it was tough. But it was nice, because I could get a large coffee, and the only points I have to count were the milk or half & half, and the sugar that I added. Of course I also like to add a pump of chocolate sometimes, but its only a couple points total, for a huge drink! Same thing goes with their iced coffee with milk. Keep the sweetener, and its like 3 points for a large (and frankly, much tastier then those Dutch Bros iced drinks I was getting... and they use only a TINY bit of ice!! Bonus!!).
Either choice, its only a couple points as opposed to the 7 and more points for the fancier and pricier drinks.
So that seems to cover my morning issues. Hopefully I have enlightened you somehow! Haha.
Tomorrow I'll be focusing on lunch battles!
If you have any other suggestions for overcoming these, or similar issues, leave them in the comments!
I tend to just speed on past breakfast, and grab coffee on my way out, and maybe a granola bar, or whatever munchies I have laying around.
Now, I'm not saying granola bars are bad, but let's face it. Its soo much better to eat a fullfilling breakfast!
Solution
Lately, I started adding english muffins to my shopping lists.. it only takes a couple minutes to toast, and while its toasting, I cook an egg, add a slice of cheese, and call it good.
If you use a whole wheat english muffin, 1 egg, and a slice of lowfat cheese, its only 7 pts+ on WW. Super simple, and the whole wheat makes it super filling. Of course, I also like to grab an apple, banana, or some other fruit to eat on the way out the door!
#2 Coffee
Ok this is a tough one. Where I work, almost every single girl comes in to work with a Starbucks in hand, and whenever we would go on breaks, we would get more coffee. Of course, with the mochas, iced fraps, and other delicious treats, its hard to stay focused on healthy choices.
Not to mention expensive.
Solution
What I decided to do, was to just flat out make the switch to plain ol coffe. At first it was tough. But it was nice, because I could get a large coffee, and the only points I have to count were the milk or half & half, and the sugar that I added. Of course I also like to add a pump of chocolate sometimes, but its only a couple points total, for a huge drink! Same thing goes with their iced coffee with milk. Keep the sweetener, and its like 3 points for a large (and frankly, much tastier then those Dutch Bros iced drinks I was getting... and they use only a TINY bit of ice!! Bonus!!).
Either choice, its only a couple points as opposed to the 7 and more points for the fancier and pricier drinks.
So that seems to cover my morning issues. Hopefully I have enlightened you somehow! Haha.
Tomorrow I'll be focusing on lunch battles!
If you have any other suggestions for overcoming these, or similar issues, leave them in the comments!
Friday, September 23, 2011
School Is Starting!
Hope everyone's weight watching is going well this week! This is the last weekend before college classes resume again. The biggest challenge for me and my weight-watching while being a student, has been coming up with ideas of what I will eat, and how I can prepare my food in advance and have it still be delicious.
I know personally, being in school is probably the single most challenging thing for me because I use lack of time as an excuse to just buy food to-go constantly.
This behavior is not only a waste of money, but it makes it all too easy to forget to watch what I'm eating, and ensure that I'm eating a balanced diet.
Tomorrow I will be posting some common challenges I face during the school year regarding food, and how I have learned to overcome them!
I know personally, being in school is probably the single most challenging thing for me because I use lack of time as an excuse to just buy food to-go constantly.
This behavior is not only a waste of money, but it makes it all too easy to forget to watch what I'm eating, and ensure that I'm eating a balanced diet.
Tomorrow I will be posting some common challenges I face during the school year regarding food, and how I have learned to overcome them!
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