Ok, here goes...Michelle's Journal - newbie here!

[Michelle2]

Hi, I am a newbie to the Wish board, but I was so excited to see a place where I could document my progress. It kinda makes me feel more accountable, and feel more supported. You should have heard me gushing to my DH that I think I found a way to stay on my diet and continue to feel motivated! You see, I was on it really good and lost 20 pounds, but then crashed on and off it for the last 2 months. I have not gained any, but haven't lost any more either...So I think this journaling is just what I need to stay motivated!
About myself, I am 33, SAHM of 4 kids DS12, DD10, DD8, and DS2. After having each one I gained alot of weight...I really would blow up like a balloon. After 3rd and 4th child I lost it all, but in the last year, due to stress and depression, I totally fell off the Eating Healthy wagon, and gained it back...(I have realized that food is my addiction and comfort for all.) Not fun, considering I didn't have a baby to excuse it on...So it is my third time getting back down to where I need to be.
I have lost 20 so far, but still have 45 more to go. I am at 174 now, and want to get back to where I used to be at low 130's. This time, I will get on an excersize regiment and stick with it, so I can not only be more toned, but can start leading lasting healthy habits.

Weight now: 174...pounds to lose: 45 Height:5'6
Short term goals:
1. Start excersize regiment slowly...3 times a week. (Having a toddler around isn't easy to find time to excersize, because he always wants to be with me, and messes things up for me...LOL)
2. Weigh myself 3-4 times a week, and post in journal new weight...
3. Stick with my diet plan...stay strong, stay strong!
I would like to have all this done by the time we go on our cruise/WDW vacation 11/26..

Long range goals:
1. When I am down to goal weight, stay with healthy eating habits.
2. Stay with excersize workouts 3-4 times a week.
3. Be able to not take things for granted like I have in the past, but yet enjoy life and special occasions with my family!

Thanks for sharing everyone, you all are an inspiration to me! Will post more in a few days, or maybe tomorrow if I need the strength..LOL

[DoeWDW]

Welcome to the WISH Journal board, Michelle! We definitely are a friendly and supportive bunch. :p Glad you've joined us on the journey to healthy living!

I've been battling depression myself for a couple years. It can make sticking to my healthy eating and exercise nearly impossible at times. Journalling has helped me see the patterns and rhthyms of my depression and how it affects my healthy habits. Hopefully it will help you too.

Best wishes with your goals - they definitely sound reasonable! Posting in your journal will help you stay on track!

Have a great day! :sunny:

[sarahsmom73]

Hi Michelle!!

Welcome to Wish! I hope you love it here as much as I do!! The support is phenominal!!! Glad you are joining the team! :cheer2:

[Rachie0507]

Welcome :cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2:

[Lesli54]

Welcome Michelle! :wave:

Yes, that SAHM of 4 with toddler syndrom. :rolleyes1 I know it all too well. I have DD17, DD15, DD7, and DS2. DS always wants mommy to stop exercising and likes to stand under me so I can't move. But it they are fun. I too had the same problem with gaining 60+ lbs with all my children, but the last. It didn't matter what I ate or how much, I just am one that gets really big when pregnant.

But it sounds like you have a good plan and I think you will like journaling. The people here are very supportive and wonderful. Good luck to you. ::MickeyMo ::MickeyMo

[pearlieq]

Welcome to WISH!

This is a great place to get lots of support! Keep journaling--it makes a big difference!

You can do it! :cheer2:

[CruisingCA2005]

Welcome to the WISH boards Michelle!

Congratulations on losing 20 pounds!

[sarahsmom73]

Good morning Michelle! How's it going?! Hope you have a great day! :flower:

[TigerCheer2009]

Welcome...hope you're having a great day!
:cheer2: :cheer2: WISHers are Works In Progress :cheer2: :cheer2:

[Michelle2]

You guys are so great! Thanks so much for the welcomes and support. This weekend was a bummer (didn't start my healthy living after all) but am starting it on Monday. I don't know what I was thinking, because it's not too good to start a strict diet on a weekend.. :rolleyes1
Anyways, my DH said he won't be tempting me if we start an excersize routine together, and I was planning to do that anyways. So I am feeling bad for letting myself down, but I am gung ho for Monday! I will probably not take my weight until later in the week...like Friday. I am planning to do 3 days weights, alternating the other 2 days Yoga or Pilates this week...I also love going on bike rides with my son in a bike trailer, so I might substitute that...we will see!

p.s. I hope you have a great day too sarahsmom73, I was born in 71, so we are pretty close in age, right?

[Lesli54]

Tomorrow will be a fresh start. You are right, the weekends are hard, especially when trying to start something new. Sounds like you have a good plan.

I hope people don't think I was born in '54 :scared1: (DH was), 'cause I am much younger than that. Well, if they do at least I look darn good for 50! :rotfl2:

:wizard: Here's to your fresh start in the morning. ::MickeyMo ::MickeyMo

[Michelle2]

Ok, I started my diet on Monday like a good girl. After the first 20, and a few reasons to cheat, I have been stagnate off and on for about 2 months. It is now Wednesday, and I am proud that I am off to a good start. (I am on a low carb, low fat diet, so it is really hard for me, but I know it works!)
I will weigh myself on Friday, and the only thing that I would like to improve is getting more excersize in....I still have 3 times by Saturday as a goal, but will not beat myself over it. Staying on diet is the most important thing for me right now...

[Lesli54]

You can do it! ::MickeyMo When you have a plan it makes things so much easier to stick with weight loss or at least get back on program when you slip. Keep up the good work.

You have some cute kids. I thought all mine would have been redheads (as I am), but only DS got the red hair. Have a great day! ::MickeyMo ::MickeyMo

[Michelle2]

Thank you Lesli54, I actually thought that all my kids would not have red hair, since my DH's is bright red...we thought it would skip, but 3 out of 4 it didnt! They get noticed alot especially in DL with the Asians, they want their pics taken with them all the time! LOL
Anyways, for my journal I have made good progress I guess. I actually didn't weigh myself at the end of my weekend splurge, so I know I was up a pound..probably at 175, (who knows maybe even 176) but I weighed myself today and am at 172 now. THis is the lowest that I have been since I started going on and off for 2 months in Janaury...I was down to this point in January (20 pounds lost mark), then events came up that I didn't want to miss, and just could never go back on. Now that it has been a good few days, I think my body and appetite are getting used to it, and it's not so hard...the first few days drove me crazy. I always would think, "I'll start tomorrow, one more day won't hurt" but after 2 months of saying that, I was at a standstill with not much hope.
I just look at my progress as getting to my next set of 10's which will be the 160's...hopefully not too long to go! THanks for all the motivation and inspiration everyone!

[pearlieq]

What a beautiful family. That's a great picture!

Sounds like you're doing well. Focusing on one "ten" at a time is a great way to look at things!

Hope you have an awesome weekend! :sunny:

[Lesli54]

Congratulations on getting back down to your January weight! :cheer2: :banana:

Setting small goals is the best way to go. Just 3 more lbs. and you will be in the 160's. What a great feeling that must be.

Have a great day! ::MickeyMo ::MickeyMo

[Michelle2]

Just a sidenote to everyone, I always round DOWN. For example, if I am 172.8, I will say I am at 172...or if I am 157.6 I will say 157...lol It makes me feel better, and I don't want to get in the nitty gritty of getting down to exact ounces. I am more laid back than that, I guess.
Anyways, I said I was at 172, but I have lost almost a pound, and am at a high 171. I am really excited to break through to that next set of 10 so I am pretty motivated. I am planning on taking a nice bike ride with my son tonight, and I did heck of alot of weeding and yard work yesterday while DH was mowing, so my muscles in the backs of my legs hurt today. Even my shoulder muscles kind of hurt. I guess that is a good thing, but also shows me how out of shape I am! LOL
I bought a swimsuit at Costco yesterday, as well as some capri pants from Old Navy and I bought them in smaller sizes (not too unreasonable of course) but it has been a great help to keep me on things so that my money doesnt go to waste on them!
By the way it is TOM, so I am not feeling too great right now. But I notice after the first or second day, it is easier for some more pounds to come off...We will see. I will weigh in again Tuesday or Wednesday.

[sarahsmom73]

Good Morning Michelle! Great job on the shopping! Those smaller sizes will keep you motivated for sure!!!

I hope you have a great Monday! :flower:

[Lesli54]

You're doing great! So you round down. I have been counting by .5 lbs becuase that is what my scale does, but in my mind I am always down to the next full lb. Today I am 221.5 on the scale, but my mind says 221. It is definitely easier to think of.

That yard work is a great workout. Which reminds me I have a lot to do. :rolleyes1

Keep up the good work! ::MickeyMo ::MickeyMo

[Michelle2]

I so totally agree Lesli! And thanks Sarahsmom, is it always good to see your well wishes. I hope you had a great trip, I am looking more and more forward to ours in 7 months! It has been HUGE motivation for me.
I was a little discouraged because yesterday my scale said 173 (I was at 172 and didnt do anything wrong.) But today is at 171.0 (and I am not rounding down LOL) My DH told me that sometimes it fluctuates at that TOM, and I got my water in later that night before, and didn't eat as much...and sure enough that must have been the case. I still couldn't believe I could gain a pound and then lose 2 in the difference of 2 days...weird. I know I need to stay away from the scale for longer periods, but it gives me motivation to see it moving DOWN.
Oh! I forgot to mention that I am starting regular bike rides in the evenings with my 2 sons now. DS12 rides along with us on his bike, and other DS2 rides in the trailer behind me. I thought it would be cake, but I felt my quads burning from the start, and made it a good 20 -30 minute aerobic workout. I guess I am more out of shape than I thought...But I am trying to boost my diet along and get in better shape.

[Michelle2]

Well lo and behold, my scale said 169.5 today! I am out of the 70's and into the next set of tens! I am so excited! And this is with going out to eat with the family once a week. I find that if I have ONE time to look forward to, then it makes it easier being OP the rest of the week, and the weight still comes off about as fast...I think my body needs a break once in awhile. I have 1 pound to get my 25 pound clippie :cool1:
I have been getting in all my water, and trying to eat all the foods in my plan. The only thing now, is to ride the bike more. I would have yesterday, but it was really rainy and cold, then when I was planning to go anyways, it started raining HARD. So it is really sunny today, so I am THERE! I really enjoy it, and my baby boy does too. I am always happy to see rain though because everything is getting so pretty and green!
Oh well sorry for the rambling, but just had to post my progress...I was really happy this morning!!

[Lesli54]

You are doing so great! The biking sure does take alot more out of you than you think. But the great thing about exercise is it doesn't take long for body to become accustomed. I was thinking about getting a trailer for my bike so that I can take DS around.

:wizard: A wish for that 25 lb. clippie soon! ::MickeyMo ::MickeyMo