Stephanie's Starting Over, comments welcome

[stephielela]

Hey all! I am relatively new to the posting thing, and I came across this section and thought that starting a journal that others could read might help me stay motivated. Cross your fingers for me!

I am 25 and have been trying to lose some weight for several years now. I thought for sure that after I had my son, I would be able to jumpstart the weight loss and finally conquer my goal. Well, my ds is now 1 1/2 and I still weigh as much (some days more) as I did when I found out I was pregnant. I am a pretty busy person, and while I know its not an excuse, life gets really hectic really fast, and all good intentions seem to fly out the window. I am a single mother, living with my parents until I can get back on my feet. I am currently working an overnight shift in my job, and will be doing so for at least the next 3 months. As a family, we have been trying to diet, but it just hasn't seemed to stick.

As for goals, short term- I am going on a cruise with my sister, son and best friend in a month, and am hoping to at least not want to bury myself in the sand rather than be seen in my bathingsuit. Long term- I want to run the WDW marathon in 2011, which gives me over a year to train... I am not a runner, never have been, but my dad ran several marathons, and I have alwasy wanted to feel that sense of accomplishment. He can't run anymore, due to a hip-replacement he had last year at the ripe old age of 47, and I know he always wanted to run this one, so I am dedicating it to him. Overall, I want to lose 40 pounds (long) before my son turns 2 in April.

I don't expect to update this everyday, but I am hoping that with a semi-public audience, I will feel some positive reinforcement, and at least stay strong better than I have in the past.

Wish me luck!!

 

[stephielela]

Well, today wasn't great, but not too shabby. Once I got home this morning, I ate a bowl of oatmeal and then walked the dog. I was pretty tired, but it was a nice day, so the walking wasn't too hard. When I got up I had a sandwich before I went to pick up ds from daycare, and then we ran around outside a bit when we got home. Not technically exercise, but better than nothing I suppose. I'm still a little sick from our first round of coughs and colds of the season, so I didn't push myself any farther. For dinner we had homemade pizza, and walked the dog again before ds's bedtime. I attempted to take a short nap before work, and woke up feeling even worse! As long as I can stay strong and not eat any ice cream (which they have here for free) I will be happy...

 

[stephielela]

Woo hoo! I weighed myself this mornign when I got home from work, and I had already lost a bit! My problem is obsessive scale watchin, which can be a good and bad thing... For breakfast I ate some whole wheat toast before going to bed. When I go up I had some crackers (not exactly healthy, but not too bad) and headed off to pick up ds. When we got home it was so nice out that we took the dog fro a nice lon walk. Its difficult pushing a stroller and holding a leash, especially since Zsa Zsa (the dog) loves to chase after anything and everything, but we managed. For dinner we had sandwiches, and then some friends came over and brought apple pie which I had a (small) piece of. Tomorrow my dad is off, so I am hoping to drag him on a long walk so he can help manage the dog and stroller fiasco. He's also a really fast walker so that helps too!

 

[LAinSEA]

Getting started and sticking with the commitment is the hardest part. Once you've got yourself on a schedule it gets easier. You just have to decide that you're worth it and make time for you.

You're worth it, Stephanie, you really are.

Laurie

 

[stephielela]

Thanks Laurie, for the support! I truly appreciate it!

I haven't been updating lately, (I usually do it at work, and it was actually busy over the weekend!) but things are continuing to go well. I haven't been exercising as much as I would like, but I have officially hit the one-month point to my cruise, so I am determined to start doing a little weight lifting twice a day until then. Hopefully my arms can at least get toned!

On the upside I have lost over 2 pounds since last week! This despite enjoying a brat and an apple dumpling at "Applefest" this past weekend. It really is true that it matters more how good you are 90% of the time than how bad you are 10%. I went to the store today to get stocked up on healthy snacks to keep me going strong when my 3am break hits

I want to try and start my beginner marathon training this week as well, it starts off very easy, and since I have well over a year to complete it, I figure I can takle my time getting into the groove...

 

[stephielela]

Well, I spent the evening at work researching marathon training strategies. I have found one that I like (most are the same in the basics) and since there is no way I cold run two miles at this point, I am starting with an 8 week beginner running program. I figure that I will have to alter the days slightly, since my "weekend" days are actually Sunday and Monday, but since Sunday I am exhausted from workiing overnight for the past 5 nights, my weekend is really more like Monday and Tuesday. That being said, since I am slightly OCD and have to start things off right, I won't officially start till next week. Since the first couple of days are just walking, I figure I can still do that for the rest of this week anyways, though this weekend is starting to look busy busy busy... again! I have managed to conquer the urge to eat bad-for-me food for most of this week, and am getting very good at bringing a decently healthy snack to work for that 3 am break. All in all, I figure I am not doing so bad! Now if only I could find a way to be less tired!

 

[stephielela]

well, I had been doing pretty well, but this morning was rough. I rusehd home from work to pick up ds to take him to his 18 mo check up (his dr. is 40 minutes away) and we got there just in time! the nurse filling in for the receptionist then informed me that my appt is for the 19th, not the 9th, despite what my appt card said. The doctor was busy and would not be able to see him. So then I dropped ds off at daycare and because I was so hungry and frustrted (and tired) I stopped at Mc.D's and got a sausage burrito and orange juice... I knew it was bad, but I also knew I needed to stay awake for the 30 minute drive home... on the upside, I only got the 1 burrito, not he value meal, and I had a healthy dinner, so it won't kill my diet... however the brownies and special desserts they are having here at work tonight might..

 

[stephielela]

Things are still going ok... this weekend was freezing and we went to an Irish festival which was outdoors! it was worth it though, the music and company was good. I did have a couple of beers (um hello, Irish fest!) but I am not too concerned with that. I managed to not eat snacks, and at dinner I felt like the steak and asparagus I had weren't too terribly bad for me.

I've been doing pretty well with what I eat, but it is so hard when I am always so tired. This overnight shift is kicking my butt! I do have to say I have been pretty proud of myself. I got the disappointing info that I did not make it past the first round of the Mom's Panel selecion process, and at first I thought I would go eat a decent comfort food dinner. The more I thought about it though, the more I realized I wasn't that hungry so I stuck with the crackers I brought. I could be doing better in the soda department, but it's really hard to stay awake all night without it!

The one thing tht has been steadily improving is the excercise portion of my plan. I have been walking more often, and when I take the dog out now, I make a point of walking twice as far as I used to (unless its raining). today I officially start my "runner's training" which means I have to squeeze a 30 minute walk in today. I have also added sit-ups to my routine, on top of the (minor) weight lifting. Hopefully I can build momentum and really get into this excercise gig. I did pretty well last spring, but once it got warm out again, my resolve disappeared! I'm thinking that by starting earlier, I can get my routine down so well that it just becomes habit. Time will tell

 

[LAinSEA]

I can relate to the havoc shift work has on your eating, exercise, and sleep. I used to work swing shift and weekends. It made it difficult to eat right and to get enough good, uninterrupted sleep (the rest of the world just doesn't get it!)

To help me stay on track meal-wise, we always make extra for dinner and I package it up into right size portions for later. That way I can just grab, pack the lunch cooler and go and not worry about making poor choices. Baked or grilled chicken tenders seasoned with a little sea salt and pepper or flank steak doesn't need to be heated up and they make good fillings for a wrap (either low-carb tortilla or butter lettuce leaf) with a little tomato or cucumber. If you have access to a microwave, just package your protein and veggies together and heat and eat. I always chop up extra salad greens and put them a travel container at the same time I'm fixing salad for dinner. Once you get used to putting aside you lunches while making dinner, it makes life so much easier.

Keep up the good choices!
Laurie

 

[stephielela]

Thanks Laurie! I did really well at bringing a good snack the first week and a half, but it seems I have been slacking lately at the planning end. Your suggestions are great!

I did end up managing to get in my first day of marathon training! I walked at a pretty decent pace for 30 minutes, and I really pushed myself to keep a steady pace, rather than slowing. Of course, I was pushing ds in a stroller with the dog attatched, so I am sure I could have done better solo, but it was a good start and I feel good about forcing myself despite the cold/exhaustion/stroller etc. I made a lot of excuses that I could have lived with, but in the end I just threw them out the window and did it anyways!

I also managed to eat pretty well today, I fought the breakfast burrito urge for yet another morning! We had artichoke chicken and veggies for dinner, and I am having a chicke wrap for my 3am feeding

My dad is off tomorrow so I can convice him to walk with me and he helps me move faster, especially if he is pushing the stroller or handling the dog. Plus he will take my dog out in the morning and make me breakfast so I can eat and fall into bed!

 

[stephielela]

Well, so far I am 3 for 3! I have completed my first 3 days of training just as I should have, no excuses, and it was worth it. Today will be my rest day, though we might take a walk as a family anyways. Eating healthy is getting easier now that my parents are both desperately trying to lose a few pounds before they head out on their cruise as well (they leave the same day I do, only 19 days!). There has been talk of a cash prize to the person who loses the most before we leave... nothing like cash for a vacation to motivate me!

As I get more used to this schedule, it is getting easier to eat less, and thats always good. Ususally when I get home, all I want is to go to bed, so I eat something very small so I don't have to waste precious sleep time. By the time I get up, I don't see the point in eating anything since dinner is only a few hours away! Now if only I could work on my energy levels!

I have decided to use an upoming trip to Disney as my most sincere motivation. I want lots of pictures of me and ds that I dont feel like I have to edit or crop or pose just at the right angle for! Plus I am trying to talk the parents into doing the Deluxe Dining Plan so that we can try a lot of the places that count as 2 meals. We aren't planning on going until Dec 2010, so I can't se any reason why I wouldn't be able to lose the weight and get trained up for the marathon (1 month after our trip!) in time! Now if only I could get them to agree...

 

[stephielela]

It's my Monday, and I strongly dislike Mondays. To top it off, I had to be at work an hour early to go to a mandatory benefits meeting, at which they announced they are basically raising our costs, and lowering our benefits... it's not a whole lot, but the idea irritates me. Oh well, people need health insurance right? I guess I will just need to get all my being sick out of the way before Jan 1!

I have been doing pretty well with the training, no scratch that, I have been doing very well. I ran today even though it was late, dark, and beginning to rain. By running I mean I did 30 minutes, 5 walking, 1 running, 5 walking etc, just as the plan prescribed. It was not even difficult, which surprised me. I kind of enjoyed running in the peace and quite, no kids or dogs to watch out for! Tomorrow is a rest day, and I am glad I pushed myself tonight, because I would be really upset with myself if I fell behind schedule in he very first week!

I have just over 2 weeks till my cruise, and I really think I can lose the 5 more pounds I wanted to lose before then! This exercise has done exactly what I hoped it would, and jumpstarted my wieght loss. Nothing dramatic, but a definite improvment over just eating healthy. I am allowing myself only 2 more "cheat" days between now and then, one this Sunday when my dad and I go to a football game with friends, and then Halloween. Halloween is my alltime favorite holiday, I can't go without a few pieces of candy and a fun-fetti cupcake!!
Other than that, it is strictly diet time at our house!

 

[LAinSEA]

Interval training (5 walking, 1 running-type stuff) should actually help you get fit faster than just walking or running. When we walk, we try to push ourselve to breathless level for 5 to 10 minutes and then slow down enough to catch our breath and do it again. I just wish I could run--I always get shin splints if I even try.

We are holding off on buying the Halloween candy until right before the day this year - I just don't want the temptation in the house and neither does DH. I hope this strategy works--sugar is something I can't stop eating once I start. If it isn't all gone on the night, I'll take it to school and give it to my students.

Keep up your great work, you're making real progress.

Laurie

 

[stephielela]

The weather here just does not want to cooperate! I have been focing myself to do my running/walking despite the rain, but I really cannot afford to get sick as we get closer to the cruise, so I really hope that it clears up a bit. The cold doesn't bother me, in fact I prefer it for running purposes, but this constant drizzle!? Plus the clouds make it darker even earlier! Last year I joined a gym so I could run on a treadmill, but I really can't afford it, and the daycare they had made me nervous. I did manage to have a tasty and diet dinner, even though I really wanted baked potato soup from Panera with a chocolatey brownie to top it off. Instead we had baked potatoes with fat free sour cream and low fat chicken noodle soup. I even resisted stealing a bie of ds's pumpkin iced cookie. I have a whole grain bagel and spray butter for my snack tonight, which I am eagerly looking forward to. The only problem is I have finished my book club book, (right before I left for work) so I have nothing to read except for a copy ofTwilight (which I have already read) that someone left in our break room. Oh well, I suppose it's better than nothing! Plus I think the second movie is coming out soon, so maybe I should brush up on it! Anyways, here's to another 6 hours of boredom!

 

[stephielela]

Life has gotten so hectic, and I have gotten too lazy to post recently! With everyone getting ready to go on (seperate) vacations this week, ad my dad being out of town on business, not to mention my FAVORITE holiday Halloween arriving, it has been stressful. I have managed to continue eating mostly healthy stuff, but the exercise department has suffered from the complete lack of free time. I am coming up on my "weekend so hopefully I can find some time to at least take ds on some long walks with the dog, but that may be as good as it gets until after vacation. My mother has even worse OCD than I do when it comes to preparing to trips, and since they will be gone for 12 days instead of just 3, she is really stressing, which is naturally rubbing off on all of us. We did manage to have a pleasant Halloween though, ds was perfect in his monkey costume and was a very good trick or treat-er, except for when he got tired of walking and I had to carry him a half mile home. I guess I could count that as excercise! The most unfortunate thing is that since I work overnights, I get to work en extra hour this shift, since we "fell back" when daylight savings time ended. A 9 hour middle of the night shift is even worse! I have spent entirely too much time just hanging out online researching mostly useless info. I did find some interesting stuff about the lemon juice cleanse that a friend of mind recommended, but I am nto sure if I am "hard-core" enough for that... I guess I will consider it after the cruise, if things aren't progressing

 

[stephielela]

I don't have much time to post, but I wanted to put it out there that I am back from our cruise, and as of Monday I will be recommitting myself to my diet. I wasn't too bad on the vacation, and I would restart now, except my friend is in town visiting, and while we are eating mostly healthy, we do tend to slip more when we are hanging out. So Monday it is! I realy would liek to lose a few pounds before the eating holidays are upon us!

 

[stephielela]

Well, obviously starting my diet/exercise regimen so close to the holidays turned out to be a bust. Luckily i have new incentives, and a reaffirmed desire to get fit NOW!

My mom and sister and I have created our own weight loss challenge, complete with cash prize! We have a midway weigh in (March) and a final weigh in (May) and $250 prize midway and a $500 grand prize total! My mom is really getting serious, and we have been working on it fro a couple weeks.

We actually started using Alli 3 weeks ago, and let me say, the first week was amazing! We ate really healthy and dropped about 5 pounds each with no problem. The second week, we ate even healthier, and my mom exercised every day! Nothing! Not one pound lost. As a matter of fact, my mom gained!

We dropped the Alli, and are going back to following the basic Weight Watchers style plan, without actually going to the meetings. We have all the tools at home, from our many attempts, and it is the only plan we have ever really been successful with. So we each set our goals, and off we go!

I have been eating pretty healthy and today I even got back on the exercise wagon, after being swamped with work and job interviews for the past few weeks. I decided I just needed to make time, so I did. Nothing too impressive, but I walked a mile and a half in under 20 minutes. I meant to walk fro 30, but I needed to pick up my son from daycare. I am still working overnights (hopefully not for long) but it's been actually helping me eat less. Now if only I could force myself to drink more water... and like it! I have done well with the soda intake at least, I have only had 1 regular Pepsi since Sunday!

I am still planning on running the Disney Marathon in 2011, so I really am excited about getting back into training. That is also what I plan on using the prize money for if I win! I am a competitive person by nature, so now that this is a formal competition, i expect that side of me to kick in! Here's hoping tomorrow is as good as today!

 

[stephielela]

Well, I really didn't want to run today, I was sooooooo sleepy, but I did anyways, so I can have a little pride at least

We had Mr. Goodcents for dinner, so that was pretty healthy, (no mayo or cheese for me!) and I brought the other half for my midnight (3 am) feeding.

Tomorrow we are tkaing my grandmother out for dinner, but we opted for Mongolian BBQ since basically its stir fry and you have plenty of control over what you eat. That with a little brown rice, and yum!

I still plan on walking/running again tomorrow, but as of now my hips are hurting, and it's supposed to be snowy/rainy, so I may have to commit to a workout on Saturday instead. We will see, if it is dry out, I think i will be able to motivate myself enough! Now the real trick is not gaining back all the weight I've lost over the past couple of days during the Superbowl Sunday madness!

 

[inkkognito]

The holidays always pose a challenge, but at least you can re-focus now that things have slowed down. Hopefully you got in your walking/running today, but if not then hopefully you got in a workout. The weather can certainly impede plans!

 

[stephielela]

So, I attempted to use the elliptical on Friday afternoon, and was about 5 minutes into it when all our plans fell apart, and I had to hurry and go pick up my son from daycare. It's probably for the best though, since I was really hurting, so I didn't resume my workout that evening. I did manage to get outside today for a nice walk/run, and was glad I did. It was getting chilly, so it wasn't quite as pleasant, but it still felt good to get through it.

I am a little disconcerted (sp?) by the up and down my weight has been doing. I lost weight Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Thursday night I did nothing different, and yet Friday I had gained, and today I gained. This seems to happen every week, same pattern, and while I expected to gain a few tenths of a pound today, I was not expecting it Friday. I am writing down everything I eat, and I can't see any obvious cause, but I will be keeping an eye on it the next few days to see what happens! Of course I do plan on splurging tomorrow ( I LOVE SUPERBOWL SUNDAY) but I plan on upping my exercise starting Monday.