Beyond Recovery: Christin's journal of progress (comments welcome)

[rcyannacci]

Friday-
B- stick of string cheese and an apple
L- one of the South Beach frozen pizzas...not bad, actually.
S- sf fudgicle w/ PB
S- handful of cashews
D- low fat turkey sausage on the grill, sweet and sour noodles, and a salad w/ sesame ginger dressing, small glass of white wine.
And again, no after dinner snack!!! (although I was sorely tempted)

Minimal exercise, I cleaned the house and my ankle was hurting so I didn't want to push it. This morning it is less swollen, but still tight. I really wanted to try Curves today...and I'd be fine on the machines, but I don't want to irritate it on the recovery stations. So I'm at a bit of a loss as to how I'll keep my heartrate up.

Writing was tough yesterday...I'm still dragging my heels on this chapter I think because I have SO much information and it seems a little daunting. My notebook of research is thick and heavy, so today I'm promising myself 2 hours of just digging through notes.

This afternoon, we're going to see the Fantastic Four with friends. I need to make sure I eat before so I'm not tempted by the popcorn!

 

[pearlieq]

I'm sorry to hear your ankle is still bugging you--hopefully it heals up all the way here soon. I've seen people doing gentle knee lifts and lunges on the recovery boards. Also, I've seen folks do more of a gentle bounce with a fairly vigorous series of arm lifts, punches, etc. Maybe that might work?

ITA about Subway! I don't usually want their "wrap" creation, and their wheat is just white with caramel coloring. How hard would it be to get a nice whole grain bread??? I usually go the other way and get the Italian Herb & Cheese. I figure if I'm already going to eat white bread I might as well enjoy it!

Your dinner last night sounds incredible! I think I'm just going to take up residence at your place. Don't mind me. I'll be under the table. Just feed me and I'll keep quiet!

Have a great day!

 

[rcyannacci]

Pearlieq- you've have an honored seat at my table, anytime! Besides, the dogs have staked the under-table territory and wouldn't treat any newcomers kindly BTW- the salad dressing is the new Newman's Own flavor...very good.

I did Curves yesterday, but moved very carefully. It was harder to get my heartrate up initially, but I stepped up the arm movements and just kept stepping side to side. Running in place seems to put too much pressure on my ankle, at least for now.

I think I pushed the ankle a bit too far yesterday going to the mall and walking around before and after the movie. But, I got to see Alton Brown, who was there doing a demonstration! Only caught the tail end of the presentation, unfortunately, but he is just as crazy in person as he is on his show- you can so tell he was a theatre major in college! Also, there was a sale at the GAP, and I bought two jackets for my upcoming conference at amazing prices! I'll also be able to teach in them in the fall. A few more pounds off (hopefully by fall) and I'll be into a 16 regular and should be able to shop most places.

Saturday-
B- string cheese stick and some cashews
L- California Pizza Kitchen (yum!) A pear and gorgonzola pizza w/ ww crust. I was starving and ate all but one slice of the individual portion (which is pretty big). I love this pizza become it comes with a salad on the top...the best of both worlds all in one dish! I also had a few sips of my DH's beer...I miss beer
D- still full from big lunch, so we just snacked for dinner...had some popcorn w/ light butter and a skinny cow mint ice cream sandwich...definitely missed out on some crucial vitamins for the meal, but probably did OK in terms of calories. I took my vitamins today and will try to eat more veggies and fruit for lunch/dinner.

Exercise- Curves 30 min, 5 min on abs
OK- so I weighed in today. A week ago I was at 205. Sat. I was at 202.5. My body defies all conventional wisdom...after a week of no exercise and moderate eating, I lost just as much as I did on my first week of the South Beach. Crazy! But, hooray! 2.5 to go to One-derland!

 

[Lesli54]

Finally, catching back up.

YEAH, only 2.5 til ONEDERLAND! I am telling you, there is going to be a huge party on the boards soon as there are now 3 of us (and probably more I don't know about) that are at the ONEDERLAND threshhold. I can't wait!

Glad to hear that the ankle is healing. Keep up the great work.

 

[septbride2002]

How was the Fantastic 4? DH and I are planning on going to see Batman this weekend.

Your menus always sound so yummy! You are doing so awesome right now with everything you have going on and then some! Keep up the great work!
~Amanda

 

[calena]

I've been AWOL. Sounds like things are going well. Glad the ankle is on the mend and it seems you have found an eating plan that works, so that is great. I know with all your traveling it is hard to stay on the plan, but you are doing well. My parents are going to Birmingham (UK) next week and were quite shaken by the London events. It is all so senseless and sad.

 

[rcyannacci]

Thanks everyone for stopping by.

Ankle- even though I'm able to move around now, it still ends up swollen every night. If this doesn't stop soon, I guess I'll have to go to the doctor.

Fantastic Four- in a word, hated it. I'll post my review in your journal, Amanda, but Batman is tons better, so good choice.

Eating plan- yes, I think I've found a happy medium, cutting most refined carbs and sugars, and eating as many whole foods as possible, carbs or not. Of course, I did have a major splurge yesterday with the icecream...it tasted really good, but then I felt really bad.

Sunday-
B- string cheese stick
L-Wendy's ceasar side salad and 3 chicken strips
D- Tex-mex ceasar salad (grilled up some hamburger, chopped it and mixed it with romaine lettuce, tomatoes, carrots, crushed tortillas, cheese, and a poblano ceasar dressing. Yummy!
S- a Sonic blast with oreos.

Now that I type this all out, it's easy to see why I had this craving. I didn't eat enough yesterday, especially in the morning. I've been really bad about forgetting breakfast. And I spent all day yesterday preparing for my parents arrival today (they're driving down from TN for a 3 day visit.) I also was feeling really depressed and angry. DH said he'd help me with cleaning, but then forgot to tell me that he was working all day Sun. because of a special event at the museum, and then all day today so he could get the next two days off to be with my folks. Which means, as nice as that will be tomorrow, I had to do all the cleaning myself. Which would be fine, except I couldn't do any of my writing yesterday or today. And I'm starting to feel really anxious about my upcoming deadlines. I'm a good writer, but I'm a slow writer. Once my parents leave on Thurs., I'm going to have to really push myself with some 8 hour writing days.

I thought I'd be anxious about my parents visiting, but I'm really not. I've lost 10 lbs since I saw them in May, and I think it really shows. I'm going to try just to enjoy their company, knowing that I'm healthy and on the right track.

 

[Lesli54]

You are most definitely on the right track. You sound more positive about your food choices, you sound happier with yourself, you are getting things done as planned, and you are fitting into new clothes that make you look good. Ok. So there is a little frustration with your DH right now, I had that yesterday. Thankfully, it comes and goes.

At least all that cleaning is exercise.

I think you are going to do well with your mom visiting. It is so good to hear that you aren't anxious about it. That in itself will make things go smoother and you will be able to have a good visit.

Good luck on the cleaning and the DH frustration.

 

[septbride2002]

You've been doing so great! I'm sure that 10lbs shows a big differene in your appearance. And what is more important is that it helps your self-esteem. I know my head is held a little higher when I've lost a few pounds.

Enjoy the visit with your parents and do not let yourself become over anxious with your writing. One day at a time!

~Amanda

 

[rcyannacci]

Thanks, Leslie. My DH is actually very sweet...just very forgetful sometimes, especially when it comes to chores.

Cleaning done, parents are here, all is good!

Monday-
B- multigrain cheerios
L- ww english muffin w/ peanut butter and strawberries
(I guess I didn't have any snacks today)
D- out with parents, chicken fried chicken breast, green beans, and creamed spinach. 1 1/2 sweet potatoe biscuits (so incredibly good...I justified this as my dessert)
S- handful of trail mix ( peanuts, raisins, and chocolate pieces)

Exercise- curves 30 minutes, plus at least 15 min cardio from cleaning the carpet!

I'll be busy with the folks today, but I'll try to catch up on people's journals soon. Have a great Tues.!

 

[rcyannacci]

Tuesday:
B- veggie quiches (South beach recipe) and fresh cut melon
L- Quizno's roast beef sub on ww bread and a bag of Sun Chips
S- handful of cashews
D- fried fish, 1/2 a tomato with pesto topping, a few bites of zuchini and onion, and a salad w/ strawberries, pecans, and blue cheese w/ Brianna's dressing. (After cooking this big dinner, I really wasn't even that hungry. I filled up mostly on fish, which was a mistake, but oh well.

Exercise- 30 minutes at Curves, plus lots of walking around shopping w/ my mom
(Update- according to most of the clothes I tried on yesterday, I'm not officially wearing a 16!!! It is so much more fun shopping for clothes when you can actually wear cool stuff. I got 2 great outfits at Liz Clairborne that will be great for my upcoming conference or teaching in the fall.)

 

[Lesli54]

I take it that you meant you ARE officially wearing a 16! Congrats, congrats! That must feel real good.

My 18's are getting baggy and you are my inspiration that a 16 is possible before my daughter goes to college.

Glad to hear that things seem to be going well with the parents visiting. Hope you have a great day!

 

[rcyannacci]

Yes, change that "not" to "now" I'm not sure I'm wearing everyone's size 16, but the stuff at Liz Clairborne fit great.

My parents just drove out of the driveway, and it was a great visit. Exhausting, but great. We went shopping on Tues. and took a day trip to Fredricksburg yesterday. The only moment of irritation I had was last night after dinner. We picked up BBQ on the way home, and my dad grabbed 3 individual servings of banana pudding to share. Both parents then declined, so DH and I split one of them. We both had a few bites (so good!) but left a few bites in the bottom. I then got up to throw the rest away and my mom said "don't you suppose you should throw all of it away," referring to the 2 unopened puddings in the fridge. She said it with just the right tone so I knew she was sitting there watching me eat my few spoonfuls of pudding with reproach. So later that night, when they went to bed, I ate some more pudding...just because!!! I don't think I even wanted it, but I wasn't about to let my mom tell me what I could or couldn't eat! (control issues much? ) Oh well, at least I can laugh about it now and realize that it was only pudding. I'll make up for it today.

Wednesday-
B- ww english muffin w/ PB and strawberries, a few pieces of melon
L- chicken fried steak and fries (I haven't had this in years!)
S- cashews, 2 tostada rounds
D- BBQ plate- turkey, brisket, and 1/2 a sausage, cole slaw, creamed corn, and a few bites of potatoe salad
S- BANANA PUDDING!!! And I enjoyed it!

OK- so time to get back into the flow of things now that my parents are gone. I'm on my own for dinner tonight, so I'll make a good salad.

Writing- back to work today. i have a good start on my introduction, so hopefully I'll get through a few pages today.

 

[calena]

Those family issues get us every time! I really wish my mom had commented on my weight loss when she was here, but she never did. She told me I looked good in things, but that is about it. Of course, if she had said "I'm glad you lost weight" I would have been mad at her too! Can't win!
Did you ever buy a new swimsuit? I was wearing my skirtini yesterday at the kids swimming lessons and I had several moms tell me they really liked it. "Really cute" so I looked at myserlf in the mirror when I came home and they are right, it looked cute and I looked cute! Feels good to see some progress. Congrats on your size 16. I love clothes shopping too! Too much, DH says! The good thing, is now that I have kids I can get my fix by buying stuff for them, and they actually need stuff.

 

[Lesli54]

Congrats on making it through the parent's visit! I know how apprehensive you were a few months ago about the weight issue and your mom. You did great! Give yourself a nice pat on the back. BTW, I probably would have turned around and said, "well, you know a little treat from time to time really won't kill you" and then I too would have eaten the other banana pudding. You're so right, it won't kill you and it's not like it is a daily habit.

Hope the writing goes well today!

 

[jay-nee]

16's! Wahoo! You're doing so great! It does come off, but much slower than it goes on.

I think the way clothes fit is a better judge of how we are doing anyway.

So, how's the weather in Austin? It's been hot and sticky here - yuck... Actually more sticky than hot, but it makes it feel hot.

Just wanted to stop by and say "hi!"

Happy Friday!

 

[rcyannacci]

BTW, I probably would have turned around and said, "well, you know a little treat from time to time really won't kill you" and then I too would have eaten the other banana pudding.

Ya know, I really wish I *had* said something like that. What I did, unfortunately, was just stand there in disbelief that she had said it, thinking "wow, we almost made it through 3 days without this happening..." If I had said something, I bet I'd have felt better about it and *might* have been able to forgo the second helping of pudding. Maybe I'll be better prepared next time. Live and learn!

Oh, I forgot. Wednesday I was measured at Curves, and since joining in mid-January, I've lost a total of 20.75 inches! I think that calls for a Woo-hoo

The bad news is that my banana pudding/chicken fried steak/fried fish rampage bumped the scale back up to 204...so no onederland yet. But, I'm focusing on my new size 16 anyway.

Writing yesterday was good...although could have been better. I went through my notes and started a zero draft (pasteing together major ideas and quotations so I can go back and clean them up into coherent writing). I think it's best if I think through the ideas first so the writing will go faster once I return from San Francisco.

Thursday-
B- cut melon and ww english muffin w/ PB and strawberries
L- left-over sides from dinner the night before (corn, cole-slaw, and 1/2 a serving of potatoe salad)
S- string cheese and cashews
D- salad w/ ceasar dressing and left-over fish (not the best choice, but I didn't feel like cooking for myself since DH was at work)
S- sugarfree fudgicle w/ PB

Curves 40 minutes, leg lifts 5 minutes

Writing for today- get out of the house! Go to the library and continue zero draft. Concentrate on consolidating argument for the chapter introduction.

 

[Lesli54]

Who's worried about the lbs. when you can fit into a 16!

You will get to ONEDERLAND, it just takes a little patience. Actually, it will probably happen real soon, as you get back on track from the visit and all that fried stuff gets out of your system.

Good luck on the writing. I think out alot of what I am going to write before I do it and then type like mad as the words flow faster than my fingers. No, I don't think I want to do you dissertation. Sorry.

Have a great day!

 

[rcyannacci]

Oh gosh, Lesli, I hope you know that I meant that as a joke but also a compliment. The days when words flowed faster than I could write seem pretty distant to me right now...I really struggle to write in the summer, for some reason. That's why its such a pleasure to read someone's writing who seems to find such joy in it.

 

[Lesli54]

Don't worry Christin, I took it in the spirit that you meant it.

I am guessing that it is harder to write in the summer because there is so much going on and it is easier to lose focus. Who wants to be cooped up when you really want to swim, see movies, etc.? At least the sooner you get that paper done, the sooner you can let the writing go for a short time, at least long enough to breathe.

I would love to find enough time to write a book. I have written a children's book, but haven't tried to publish. My biggest interests in terms of books right now lie in writing some family histories. I just love genealogy, but have not had much time to concentrate on that lately.

A little magic to make that writing go quickly and smoothly.