Lisa's Journal (Life on the "Beach" - Part 2 all the way to goal!)

[ZerasPride]

May 9, 2004 (Sunday) Day 161 on the Beach

I can't believe I forgot to post to my journal yesterday! I guess I'm getting excited about my Disney trip and I've spent most of my day yesterday on the trip planning boards.

I stayed OP on Sunday and made my delicious shrimp alfredo for dinner, served over whole wheat pasta. Yummy!

Exercise was FIRM ab sculpt and water was a 3.75. Not that great but it will have to do.

That's a wrap for Sunday!

May 10, 2004 (Monday) Day 162 on the Beach

There is a site where you can calcuate exactly the percentage of weight you have lost and I wanted to wait until I got closer to 75 pounds to figure it out but I peeked at it this afternoon. Taking my starting weight and subtracting my current weight plus factoring in my goal weight, I have officially lost 40% of the total weight I need to lose to get to my goal of 140 pounds. Yippee!!!!

I have taken my weight loss in 10% increments because it seemed easier to me to do it this way and frankly I can't believe I'm almost half way to goal. It's a good feeling.

Here's the menu for the day:
B: 1/2 bowl of whole wheat flakes and 3 slices of bacon
S: 8 small whole almonds
L: tuna salad with 8 whole wheat crackers and an orange
S: Dannon light and fit 4 oz. strawberry yogurt
D: (breakfast for dinner) 3 Buckwheat pancakes with sugar free syrup, 2 scrambled eggs with a slice of lf cheese and 3 small sausage patties

Exercise and Water Gauge:
I did FIRM cardio sculpt blaster for my work out this morning. Water was a 5.50. Pretty good!

That's a wrap for Monday!

Carol - thanks for stopping by! I have to check out your journal and see how you are doing. You are so right, we are doing this for us and not other people, although it is nice to get some recognition for all our hard work by people we know and love.

Tracy - I need to get over to your journal too and check out your progress. Thanks so much for checking up on me. I really appreciate the support. I hope you are enjoying the nice weather we've had these past 2 days.

Amanda - I hope you are doing well. I'll have to pop by and see. You are an encouragement to me to keep going so thanks for being here for me.

 

[ZerasPride]

May 11, 2004 (Tuesday) Day 163 on the Beach

Not too much going on. I'm in major trip planning mode so it's off to the trip planning boards for me. I am planning my eating and exercise strategy and will attempt to incorporate my good eating and work out habits into my vacation schedule. I'm making notes of where I can find sugar free treats and planning to eat at buffets and counter service places where I know I can get my lean meats, veggies and fruits. It's surprising to me that my focus for this trip has shifted away from the meals and I'm focusing more on the good times at the parks I know we'll have. It's refreshing actually because every other Disney trip I've taken has revolved around where we will eat with the activities at the parks second. We'll see how this trip goes. I'm getting very excited!

Here's today's menu:
B: 1/2 bowl of whole wheat cereal and 2 slices of thick cut bacon
S: 8 small whole almonds
L: tuna salad with whole wheat crackers (approximately 8) and an orange
S: Dannon light and fit peach yogurt (4 oz.)
D: beef stroganoff over long grain converted rice and 1/2 cup of n/s/a ice cream for dessert

Exercise and Water Gauge:
I did FIRM BSS1 body sculpt (upper body) this morning for my work out. I feel great as I usually do after a good work out. Water was a 5.0. Pretty good.

That's a wrap for Tuesday!

 

[DoeWDW]

Lisa, your trip will be here before you know it!! I'm so excited for you and can't wait to hear how your little sister likes Disney. Is this her first trip to Disney??

Keep up the great work!!

and

 

[LAinSEA]

Lisa:

You are (still) doing an exceptional job staying on plan and staying positive. Congrats on getting yourself some new outfits...you are so right - compliments from sisters don't come easy and when they do, they mean the world to us.

I really like your idea of taking your weightloss goals in 10% increments. It's not so daunting and allows for some celebrating alone the way.

Thank you for being so strong and positive - reading about your success is so motivational to me.

-Laurie

 

[ZerasPride]

May 12, 2004 (Wedneday) Day 164 on the Beach

I wanted to be sure to post my menu and exercise for the day. I'm still in trip planning mode trying to get our itinerary down and figure out important stuff like the best spot to watch Wishes and if we are going to bother with MGM this trip. Decisions, decisions . . . .

Today's menu:
B: 1/2 bowl of whole wheat flakes cereal, 2 scrambled eggs with a slice of lf cheese and 2 small sausage patties
S: 8 whole small almonds
L: leftover beef stroganoff over 1/2 cup of long grain converted rice with an orange
S: Dannon light and fit peach 4 oz. yogurt
D: grilled chicken salad with lf ranch dressing and 1/2 cup of n/s/a ice cream for dessert

Exercise and Water Level:
I did FIRM cardio sculpt blaster this morning and water was a 4.0. The closer I get to TOM, the less water I feel motivated to drink but I'm trying.

That's a wrap for Wednesday!

Doe - thanks for dropping by and checking on me. This my sister's first Disney trip and first time on a plane. I don't know who is more excited, her or me! I hope we have a great time. Your trip is coming up soon too I see. Have a great relaxing time with your family!

Laurie - thanks to you too for stopping by to encourage me. I think if I wasn't taking my weight loss in 10% increments, I would have given up long ago. When I looked at having over 140 pounds to lose, it seemed like an impossible task but now I'm 40% of the way to my goal! It's unbelieveable to me but I know that breaking my weight loss down into managable goals and celebrating along the way helps so much.

 

[wilderness01]

Congrats on the 57 pounds! That is awesome. Let us know how you do in WDW and where you find the sugarfree treats. We are going later this summer and one thing I know I am going to have a little bit of the No Way Jose at B&C. I just love that. I was planning on staying OP as much as I can, but for those few special treats that I only get at the World I was going to have them. Then be good when I come back home. We will see if I really go through with the absolute cheats when the trip gets closer. It just might not be "worth" it! Have a great time.

 

[Strings]

Lisa,

You re still doing great I see. 40% gone is awesome, and I know that next 10% is just around the corner. If anyone can stay OP at WDW it is you. Oh BTW, since your sister is 12, I'd at least spend an evening at MGM. Let her ride the thrill rides, then catch Fantasmic.

Have a good one

 

[Carol36]

Hey Lisa!

You are still doing a phenominal job! You set a wonderful example for the rest of us. Your everyday life helps give us the confidence that we need to do the same as you! have a great Friday!

Carol

 

[ZerasPride]

May 13, 2004 (Thursday) Day 165 on the Beach

I had the nicest experience at work today. One of the ladies I work with came up to me in the hallway and told me that I looked "so thin". I thought that was nice. She told me that seeing my progress made her want to take off some weight and she was going to pick up the South Beach book this weekend. I told her if she had any questions she could feel free to ask me. I wouldn't mind at all. Then she did something unexpected, she gave me a big hug and told me how proud she was of me and that if I could do it then maybe she could too! I almost started crying. It was very touching.

I think sometimes we don't realize how much other people watch us. Sometimes as a dieter, I think people are looking at me with a critical or even judgmental eye but maybe more often that not, they are looking at me to find a little inspiration or encouragement to start a weight loss journey of their own. I always feel so powerful after I exercise but I have to tell you guys, I feel so much more powerful thinking that someone might be inspired to take off some excess weight by seeing my humble progress. It's like I always say, losing weight is about so much more than taking off excess pounds.

Menu for today:
B: 1/2 bowl of cereal, 2 small sausage patties, 2 scrambled eggs with a slice of lf cheese
S: 8 small whole almonds
L: tuna salad with whole wheat crackers and an orange
S: strawberry Dannon light and fit 4 oz. yogurt
D: a slice of crustless pizza with mushrooms, onions, green peppers and turkey pepperoni with 1/2 cup of n/s/a ice cream for dessert

Exercise and Water Gauge:
I did FIRM ab sculpt for my work out today. A friend of mine, the one that got me started with the FIRM over a year ago, is letting me borrow two of her new DVDs. They are Super Cardio Sculpt and Super Body Sculpt. I am going to use them this weekend and see what I think of them. New FIRM work outs, woohoo!!!! Water gauge was a 6.0. I drank a ton of water in the evening, trying to get rid of this bloated feeling. It helped some, thank goodness.

That's a wrap for Thursday!

wilderness01 - thanks for celebrating my weight loss with me. I'm excited to be so close to 60 pounds. I have read that there are sugar free treats at Epcot at the Fountainview Cafe (I think) and at MK at the Main Street Bakery. Plus I read that any of the ice cream carts can get you a sugar free ice cream treat. I'm going to try that one out for sure. As of right now I can't think of any treat that would be "worth" undoing one ounce of the blood, sweat and tears I have put into losing this weight. I hope to come back with either a small weight loss for the week or at least to maintain. I'll be sure to post a report when I return.

Beth - Oh boy, now I'm feeling a bit guilty. MGM is my least favorite park and that's the one I cut out of our itinerary. I thought my sister would love a character breakfast with Mickey at AK, plus the rapid ride, Dinosar, the safari, ITTBAB and the Tarzan and LK shows so I picked AK over MGM. I hope I'm not making a mistake. I'll definitely report back when on how she enjoyed herself. Also, thanks for the vote of confidence. It's my determination and plan to stay OP and do some work outs first thing in the mornings. I'm getting so excited!

Carol - you are such a sweetie! I get so much encouragement from all of you too!!! Having support here and at home makes this way of life so much easier for me and I'm glad I've had 5+ months of my new routine which should make vacation an easier transition to stay OP. I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

 

[wilderness01]

What a sweet story. It is always an inspiration to see others achieve goals. I will wish your co-worker luck.

You are right about the not wanting to gain anything after all this work. I sway between both thought processes. If I really do go through with having my ice cream treat, I will take a few bites and then hopefully that will be it. I have NO desire whatsoever right now to eat off program. I am totally and completely satisfied. I fit into a top today that I haven't for a few years. I may have to continue to remind myself of that when I am down in WDW. Good luck and you will be my inspiration for trying to stay OP. Please let me know really if it was very difficult or not. Thanks.

 

[Castillo Mom]

Hey sweetie, how 'ya doin'?! Well, I shouldn't even ask, because after reading your journal it looks like you're doing wonderful! I'm so proud of you, a new clippie!!! Your enthusiasm and perserverence is inspiring and I've enjoyed catching up on your journal.

I'm sorry I haven't been around, but I promise, I've been OP and have been thinking of all of you. Things have been really hectic and I've been on the trip planning boards a lot this past 2 weeks. Remember, I'm still new at this whole WDW thing, so I have to learn all I can from you vets. Wow, look at your counter, you're practically there already! Have you started pakcig yet?

I know what you mean about wearing clothes that fit and what a difference it makes. Like you, I've bought myself a couple of outfits for work that actually fit properly and people have actually been able to notice even more how much I've lost. It's even somewhat shocking to me. Sometimes I walk past a mirror and I'm kind of taken aback by what I'm looking at. Weird, huh? I'm glad you enjoyed your shopping trip and congratulations on those size 16s. Size 14s are just around the corner! As much as I like Lane Bryant and the cute clothes they have, I can undertand what you mean about saying goodbye. You're almost there!

Well, time to get back to my itinerary. I make my first PS Sunday morning. Since I'm on the West coast, I have to get up at like 3:30 a.m. in order to get my call in when the lines open up. My DH thought I was nuts last week when those discounts came out. I never get up that early! There I go rambling on again. I'll check back with you soon. Take care Lisa!

 

[ZerasPride]

May 14, 2004 (Friday) Day 166 on the Beach

I didn't make an entry for Friday. It's been a busy weekend. Not too much worth noting happened Friday. I stayed OP eating and exercise I did FIRM body sculpt (upper body).

That's a wrap for Friday!

May 15, 2004 (Saturday) Day 167 on the Beach

I spent the day with my sisters and we had a good time. I also took DS to get his temporary license permit but he didn't pass the test. I feel bad for him but he took it pretty well. We'll try again for him next Saturday. He insists on "studying" for the test by himself. Sometimes it's hard to see our kids fall and bump their heads but I guess that's life. He is turning into a man and I don't want to hold him back. Big sigh.

Here's today's menu:
B: 1/2 bowl of whole wheat cereal, 2 small sausage patties and 2 scrambled eggs with a slice of lf cheese
S: no morning snack
L: a fried bologna sandwich on whole wheat bread with mayo, lettuce and tomato
S: no afternoon snack
D: fried fish (in canola oil) and homemade cole slaw sweetened with splenda and a 1/2 cup of n/s/a ice cream for dessert

Exercise and Water Gauge:
I tried a new FIRM video this morning called Super Cardio Sculpt. I watched it through last night and was intimidated by it. But this morning I was able to do the entire routine and only get mixed on a few of the fancy steps in the middle. Woohoo!!! I just love work out with the FIRM!!! Water level was 2.0. Not good at all. TOM is on the way and boy could I have used more water to help with that yucky bloated feeling.

Weigh in: Since it's Sunday and weigh in day I want to report a 1.5 loss! Yippee!! This brings my total to 58.5 pounds. I'm so close to 60 that I can almost taste it. I want to be at the 60 pound mark by my Disney trip and it looks like I'll make my goal. My son paid me the nicest compliment today. He said that my legs and arms "look nice". Coming from a 17 year old that's high praise. He did say I need to get rid of the "flabby" parts of lower under arms. I told him that I was going to the kitchen to get a knife and cut those undesirable parts off right away!

That's a wrap for Saturday!

wilderness01 - thanks for stopping by! I'm sure you'll do what's right for you on vacation. Congrats on fitting into that top. Doesn't it feel good? I can't think of any food that is a fair exchange for the good feeling of fitting into smaller clothes. Good for you!!

Lisa - Hi my WISH sis! It's so nice of you to catch up with me. Isn't trip planning time consumming? In a good way of course, but still, it takes a lot of you sometimes. I hope you have a wonderful trip. I didn't realize you were a Disney newbie. You will have an absolutely fantastic time! Please report back when you return about all your experiences. (shameless plug for a trip report from you) I feel the same way when I walk past a mirror. I thought I was the only one that is a little startled sometimes at the person staring back at me. Glad I'm not alone.

 

[Strings]

Just wanted to pop inand say Congratulations on the 1.5 pound weight loss. I think it is great that you are switching it uo with the tapes. The Firm gives you lots of options.

Congrats again.
Beth

 

[DoeWDW]

Lisa, I'm glad to see you're on track and congratulations on 1.5 pounds gone!!

Your trip is getting sooooo close!! Please don't stress over which parks, which restaurants, etc. No matter what you and your sister do, I'm sure you'll have a great time! There's no way to see it all or do it all unless you're staying for 3 or 4 weeks.

and

 

[ZerasPride]

May 16, 2004 (Sunday) Day 168 on the Beach

I don't have much time to post right now but I want to make sure I get my menu and exercise down in my journal.

Here's today's menu:
B: 1/2 bowl of whole wheat cereal, 2 scrambled eggs with lf cheese and 3 slices of bacon
S: no morning snack
L: leftover fried fish and homemade cole slaw
S: an orange
D: shrimp alfredo over whole wheat linguine with 1/2 cup of n/s/a ice cream for dessert

Exercise and Water Gauge:
FIRM Super Body Sculpt. I love this work out! Water was a 3.5.

That's a wrap for Sunday!

Beth - thanks for checking on me and celebrating my loss with me. I hope you have a great Monday afternoon.

Doe - I appreciate your stopping by. You are so right I shouldn't stress about which parks we go to and where we're eating. I'm going to focus on just spending time with my dear sister and letting her know how much I love her. If I do that, then I know we both will have a wonderful time.

 

[septbride2002]

Only 19 more days until you are with and - I'm green with envy for you. Do me a favor and savor the atmosphere of Main Street for me okay?

~Amanda

 

[ZerasPride]

May 17, 2004 (Monday) Day 169 on the Beach

I have noticed a strange phenomenon over the past few weeks. The more weight I lose, the less invsible I become to people (men especially). Last night I needed to stop by the grocery store and a man standing outside the store practically followed me in trying to "chat me up". When I left the store he again made a light weight attempt to get some personal info from me. I used to be able to walk down my street and not one man would turn his head to look at me. If I was with one of my pretty sisters, I noticed they would always at least glance over appreciatively at her. Not lude or anything, just a look. Now I'm getting that look! Men are holding open doors open for me, making eye contact and smiling and other kind acts I have always seen them doing for "skinny" women but hardly ever for me.

It's a weird feeling. Kind of unsettling and kind of flattering at the same time. I know I'll have to find a way to deal with this not from the standpoint of what do you say to a strange man that pays you a compliment, but I'm talking about the emotional and mental aspects. I know it sounds sad but no one has really ever flirted with me before and not that I am trying to encourage it or anything (I'm very happily married), I'm just unsure of how to deal with the feelings I'm having. Thin women have dealt with this all their lives, but I have never really had to before. I guess this is part of what Frances Kuffel meant in her book when she talked about leaving the planet of fat for the planet of girls.

Here's today's menu:
B: 1/2 bowl of whole wheat flakes and 2 small sausage patties
S: 8 small whole almonds
L: tuna salad with Triscuit crackers (approximately 8) and an orange
S: peach Dannon light and fit 4 oz. yogurt
D: Linda Sue's chicken and green bean dish with 1/2 cup of n/s/a ice cream for dessert

Linda Sue's chicken and green bean dish was a big hit with my family. It tasted almost like the inside of a pot pie. It's a great way to get your veggies in. If you want the recipe, you can do a search on google with her name.

Exercise and Water Level: I did FIRM cardio sculpt blaster for my work out this morning. Water was a 5.0. Pretty good!

That's a wrap for Monday!

Amanda - thanks so much for stopping by! I can't believe my trip is a little more than two weeks away. I am getting so excited it's hard to work. I just made a reservation for me and sis for the Rain Forest Cafe (Downtown Disney) for the night we arrive. I can't wait! When I'm walking down MS for the first time, I'll think of you my WISH-sis!!!!

 

[Carol36]

Hey Lisa!

I understand exactly what you mean! I even joke with my husband that I am the invisible woman! It's sad, but weight does make a difference.

You continue to stay op and exercise! What an inspiration you are to everyone that reads your journal! I know that you are to me!

I will not be able to post anymore before my trip! I will be back in a couple of weeks!

Carol

 

[septbride2002]

I have a friend here at work that is built like a brick sh*t house and I swear to God men fall all over themselves opening doors, talking her up, and following her with their eyes. I finally asked one day - How can you STAND that? She asked what I was talking about, when I explained she was like - really? I guess I never notice. Augh! For those of us that are not use to that kind of behaviour it is intimidating at first. We aren't sure how to react and everything feels very strange. My advice to you - LIVE IT UP SWEETIE! Enjoy it when it comes and use that to fuel you even more to reach your goal.

And I don't ever want to hear this phrase again:

If I was with one of my pretty sisters,

Got it?!?!

You need to post some before and after pictures of your self - you are an inspiration to us all and proof positive that it can be done!

~Amanda

 

[ZerasPride]

May 18, 2004 (Tuesday) Day 170 on the Beach

Well today marks my 170th day cheat free since I started South Beach. I have 30 days to go to finish my second cheat free challenge. The time is really flying by!

I tried an experiment today to help me with my self-esteem issues and also to come to terms with my weight loss. Sometimes I look in the mirror and can tell I have lost a few pounds and other times I look in the mirror and I can almost see a skinny person staring back at me. It's so exciting to be able to envision myself at goal. Anyway, I decided to wear an old pair of slacks to work today - size 22/24. They are so big that I was able to pull them up over my chest and the bottom of the pants still were below my ankles. I wore these pants because I wanted to prove to myself in a tangible way that I am indeed OUT of this size. These pants are clearly at least one but more than likely two sizes too big! I've been wearing a size 22/24 for so many years, I have all but forgotten other sizes exist! This little experiment again is meant to reinforce that I can let the 22/24's and the 18/20's go. The pair of size 16 grey slacks in my closet are indeed not a fluke. They are my current size!

A friend asked me last night how many dress sizes I had lost. I actually had to stop and count. I can't believe that I am down 3 whole sizes!!!! I am just trying to get my mind around all of this. I also don't know if I posted about my trip to the thrift store a couple of weeks ago but I bought my first jean jacket. It's Arizona brand and is so cute. The jacket cost me $6 but more amazingly it's an XL and not a Lane Bryant extra large but from the Misses department. I wore it to work this morning and boy does that jacket make me feel like a "normal" person and not a fat person squeezing into a jacket that is obviously too small. Yippee for me!!!

Menu:
B: 1/2 bowl of whole wheat flakes with 3 slices of bacon
S: 8 whole small almonds
L: tuna salad with 8 whole wheat Triscuit crackers and an orange
S: Dannon light and fit 4 oz. yogurt (strawberry)
D: beef stroganoff over long grain converted rice and 1/2 cup of n/s/a ice cream for dessert

Exercise and Water Level:
FIRM Super Body Sculpt. It kicked my botty but I feel so good!!! I didn't get to do the abs part at the end because I ran out of time but boy is this a good toning and muscle building work out.
Water level was a 5.0. Pretty good!

That's a wrap for Tuesday!

Carole - I know that you are busy preparing for your trip but I wanted you to know that I am thinking of you and know you'll have a wonderful time. Please report back when you return so we can hear all the details of your amazing trip!

Amanda - WISH sis, you know I always appreciate your pearls of wisdom that you share with me. I love that story about your friend at work. My sisters are the same way. Most of the time they don't even notice when someone is looking at them. I guess I'll develop that type of attitude - eventually. Thanks also for reminding me to think highly of myself. You see, I've always been the "fat older sister". It has always been my role. No one in my family knows how to take me now. Heck, I don't know how to take me some days. The roles are definitely changing and it's not a bad thing it's just different. I just need to remember to always think positive and think highly of me. I am worth it. We all are no matter what our size! I will be taking some "during" pics at Disney in two weeks and will try to figure out how to scan some "before" and "during" pics so I can post them. That will take some courage I can tell ya'. Take care!!!!