The Holidays Are Over

I'm sure I 'm not the only one who can say that the holidays were hard on my will power. My determination and healthy eating plan went out the window most days. Of course I gained weight and now I'm working on repairing the damage.

I had really good intentions of staying on track during the holidays, but I just found the temptations too overwhelming. "I'll start over tomorrow," became my go-to mantra.

Now that the holidays are over, I'm trying to get back into my groove. It's not easy. I'm just going to be real with you, I don't want to do it most days. I want a magic pill that will just make all this fat go away. But, since that's not going to happen, I have to muster up some will power and push through one day at a time.

It has been a slow start. Most days start good, but more times than I like to admit, they end badly. I just am finding it hard to get motivated. I feel like there's no point in trying sometimes. That hasn't stopped me from starting fresh each morning though, so I must still feel like there's some light at the end of the tunnel.

I am starting "Made to Crave" by Lysa TerKeurst again. It really is a good book/tool to help with Godly encouragement. There is a book and devotional. I recommend them both.

I share this with you not to discourage, but to just be transparent and real with you. I know there are others who are going through the same thing and I want you to know that you are not alone. I'm certainly not giving up and you shouldn't either. This is a marathon, just keep putting one foot in front of the other.

Ten Pounds Down

If you've been keeping up with my blog then you know that I had gained weight and was literally starting over. What I didn't share before is that I reached an all time high weight, breaking my record for highest weight ever.

Since my last post it has taken me a while to get my head in the game and get things moving in the right direction, but I've finally made some progress. I've lost ten pounds and I'm feeling encouraged about the future.

I sincerely want to be an encouragement to others on this same journey. I know how hard it is to lose weight. I have hypothyroidism which makes it even harder, but I'm determined to never quit, no matter how many times I fall down.

I follow a 1200 calorie per day diet. I eat only when I'm hungry and try not to eat between meals. So far, I'm sorry to say, I've been lazy when it comes to exercise, but I plan to get back to my regular schedule of walking.

The holidays present challenges, but so far I'm handling them well by focusing on my family and conversations instead of food. Not to say that I don't treat myself; just in very small portions and I count every bite.

I know my plan isn't for everyone. Believe me, it took some time to get used to counting everything I put in my mouth. But find what works for you and stick to it. Pat yourself on the back when you do well and give yourself a break when you screw up (it's going to happen). Just don't quit!

Hanging Out On a Plateau

Sorry it's been a while since my last post. I have just been hanging out here on a plateau.

In my last post I shared that I had gained a few pounds and unfortunately, I'm still holding on to them. Thankfully, I haven't gained more.

It's very frustrating to be hanging out here in this place, stuck! I keep reminding myself of how far I've come to keep from giving up. I don't want to go back to where I was before.

So, I thought I would share some research I've done on how to break through a plateau with you all. I plan to incorporate these steps into my routine to hopefully perk things up.

1. Adjust your calorie intake: You need to revise you calorie goal about every 10 pounds. You metabolism may drop as you lose weight as your body will require fewer calories. MyFitnessPal is a good tool to use to help you with your weight loss goals.  
2. Quality: It's not just about calories in and calories out. Processed foods just won’t do anymore. Stick to quality whole foods like vegetables, beans, high-fiber fruits and lean proteins.
3. Change up your routine: If you've been doing to same exercise routine for the past several months, it’s time to change it up. Muscles will get familiar with the same workout, making the same old routine less effective. To see a change, try getting outside of your comfort zone.  Do something different with a little more intensity. 
4. Watch the extras:  An extra bite here, a little nibble there. Those calories count and will add up. 
5. Sleep:  A full night’s sleep is important to losing weight because it resets your hormones. Even just a small amount of sleep deprivation can lead to increased cortisol, a stress hormone. Elevation in cortisol levels can lead to fat accumulation around your midsection.
6. Stay hydrated:  Even if you are mildly dehydrated your body will often crave food. Aim to drink 80-100 fluid ounces (2.35 liters) of water per day plus additional fluids lost during activity.
7. Add protein:  Protein burns more calories during digestion because it has the highest thermic effect of food. Protein contains amino acid and leucine, which studies have identified as a effective agent for burning body fat.

Hopefully adding these things to my routine will spice things up and get the scales moving again. I will let you know how it goes.

As always, feel free to share your tips, struggles or success in the comments!

Till next time, God bless! :)

Walking, Weigh-Ins, etc...

Walking

I have finally started walking.  Not only have I started, I'm being consistent.  I have had the "Walk Away The Pounds Express - Advanced Walk - 3 Miles" DVD for a very long time.  Last week I finally put it in the player and walked.  It's set up as a kind of power walk and you can walk one, two or three miles.  It incorporates kick backs, knee lifts, side steps and some arm movements for upper body.

At present, I am walking one mile.  Last week I walked three days.  This week my goal is to walk at least four days.  This week I also added some upper body toning, in hopes of getting rid of my flabby arms.

Up until now, I have been exercising, but not as aggressively.  I was doing leg lifts, crunches and wall push ups.  I was being consistent, but I knew I needed something better that would get my heart pumping.  So, I'm proud of myself for finally getting started.


Weigh-in

My last weigh-in was a bit frustrating and uncertain.

Our scales are digital and we have had them for longer than I can remember.  For several weeks now they have been out of whack; not wanting to come on and very slow to read.  Even after replacing the batteries, they didn't seem to be working properly.  So, after some research, we bought a new set.

The problem is, the new scales weighed me heavier than my old scales (1.7 pounds).  Now, I'm certain they are more accurate and that's great, but what I'm not certain of is whether I actually gained weight or not. Regardless, I recorded my new heavier weight into my weight journal.

I won't lie to you, I wasn't happy to have to record a gain.  In fact, at first I was really upset; just ask my husband.  He suffers from my poor moods, but he's also one of my biggest supporters and is always quick to encourage and remind me of how far I've come.

I finally decided that it just doesn't matter.  This is my journey.  There will be ups and downs.  What matters is that when I have those downs, I don't stay down.

I wallowed for about three or four hours; I'm human.  But then I told myself to shake it off and suck it up.  I'm not the same girl I was a year ago, or even six months ago.  That girl could have easily thrown in the towel and binged on a bag of Oreos.

This new me is determined to keep moving forward.  No matter how many times I fall down, I will get back up.  As I've said before, this is no quick fix.  This is a life long journey and I've got miles to go, but I'm getting closer everyday.


Till next time, God bless!
#mandigirllosingit #amandaglass

Frustrated

The past couple of weeks have been frustrating.  After losing weight very steadily every week for a month; all of a sudden I've hit a plateau.  I really didn't expect to hit one so soon!

Last week's weigh-in showed no loss, no gain.  I wasn't happy, but I didn't get worried.  But when this week's weigh-in showed a slight gain, I just wanted to cry.  

I have been counting my points religiously, I haven't been using all my flex points, and I have even been more active.  I'm mystified as to why I would gain.  

Normally, a disappointment like this would set off a binge, but I am so determined to get healthy this time.  There's so much more on the line now than just losing weight to look better.  I have decided that I'm worth it.  I deserve to be healthy, to feel better, to have more energy; so I'm not giving up!

So, I will keep on keeping on, putting one foot in front of the other.  I will keep researching new, healthy foods/recipes to try.  I will share the good stuff (I promise to do better).  Keep an eye out for a couple of new recipes coming soon to www.whatscookingwithmandigirl.blogspot.com.

Until next week...God bless!!

 

Weight Watchers

Well the holidays are over and I am happy to report I only gained three pounds.  I hate that I gained, but it could have been so much worse.

Today I signed up for Weight Watchers online.  I'm eager to get back on track and I've had success with Weight Watchers in the past.  I don't know why, but it always seemed easier to count points instead of calories.  I also love the tools Weight Watchers provides.

I'm optimistic about the new year.  I look forward to continuing this journey to a healthier life.  I hope I can be an encouragement to others who are traveling this same road.  I'm not perfect and I have continual ups and downs, but I keep getting back up.

Happy New Year everyone!  Here's to a healthy year!!