*~*Tiff's Journey to Health and Happiness*~*

[DisneyMagicMomma]

Me:
Hi! I am Tiffany. I am a 27 year old mother of one rowdy 3 year old. I have a loving husband of nearly 5 years whom I adore! We live about 2 hours from family, but I do have weight loss support from my own family and a few members of my husband's family. I work in direct care with a gorgeous developmentally disabled young lady. She makes my day a little brighter! I hope to (lose weight and) attend medical school someday in the near future. I enjoy reading, cooking, hiking/camping, and watching films and stage shows.

My History:
I have spent most of my life overweight. As a child I was badly teased. Things started going downhill at around age 10. I began mensing and my weight skyrocketed. I would later discover that I have PCOS. To add insult to injury, my family was very strict about eating. You ate a full plate of food, three times a day, no exceptions. At least half of my life was spent living with my parents AND grandparents and my grandparents were avid snackers. They encouraged me to eat, eat, eat, all day and berated me for my weight gain. I was a confused and chubby little girl. I also had strong aversions to various foods based on flavor and texture. Lots of veggies fell in the NO WAY catergory. I exercised little and ate emotionally.

I am starting off above 300lbs. This is the heaviest I have been, ever. I had my son over 3 years ago and I have just gained and gained since then. Diabetes runs in my family and I continued to ignore the risks. I was recently tested for (and cleared of) diabetes. Though I do not have diabetes at this time the possibility looms perilously close. I can no longer ignore my weight and eating problem.

My goals:
I want to be under 200lbs. Ideally around 180. This may change but, for now, it is where I see myself.
I want to regain muscle strength in my legs and develop upper body strength.
I want to eat healthier with less carbs and at least 3 servings of veggies a day.
I want to be exercising around 250 minutes a week.
DH and I want to run the Disney 10 miler in 2014, hopefully followed by the Princess 1/2 marathon. So, as I get healthier we hope to start training.
I want to fit into clothes that don't come from the plus section. I do want to maintain some of my curvy-ness. I enjoy the feeling of fullness as does DH.

My Plan:
We hope to purchase an elliptical so that I can work out at home. For the time being I am doing online exercises and may join the YMCA (pool baby!) for a better variety.
Walking outdoors, weather permitting, at least once a week to begin.
Limited to one 20oz soda per day, replacing usual soda intake with water. NO DIET soda!!
Pizza only once per week. Veggies three times a day, in smoothies or cooked with yummy researched recipes.
Limited TV/electronics to set a good example for DS.
8 hours of sleep each night. (No more than 10.)
Eating under 1830 calories per day with a balanced protein, fat and carb ratio.

Start weight as of today: 327.8
Height: 5'8
First goal: Lose 10 pounds by April 15th, 2013

 

[DisneyMagicMomma]

My first entry...
I have been working at this for a little over a month now. I had a big scare in January; my eyes started going fuzzy and my legs were giving me trouble. I put them together and immediately assumed, based on family history, that I finally had diabetes. I was TERRIFIED to say the least, it's not that I didn't know it could happen, I just chose to do nothing. I was cleared of diabetes just last week which is a blessing, but presents it's own problems.

Thinking I had diabetes insighted an immediate change. The 2+ liters of soda I was drinking per day dropped to one 20oz per day. Water and vegetables that hadn't passed my lips in years (or ever) started making their way into my life. I needed to change. Hearing I don't have diabetes speaks to that inner overeater and makes me want to revert to old ways. Boy do I need the support! In the 5 or 6 weeks I have been doing this, none have been so hard as this week after getting the good news.

What I am doing right. I am food journaling and beginning to journal here. Accountability to others is a motivator! An even bigger motivator is seeing just how awful my eating is! My mantra has always been "I don't eat that much, most days!" or "I don't even like sweets!" Let me tell you what I do like... Pizza! Cheese! Bread! CHEESE! Butter! CHEEEESE! Move over Mickey. I got the cheese wagon covered!

The food journaling has been eye opening! The first several days were hard, but these past 3 days I have come in under my caloric suggestion! And today was my first day of official exercise. I worked out for 25 minutes to a youtube video geared towards beginners, with low impact cardio. I found another that I'd like to try as this one becomes easier. And let me tell you. It wasn't easy. The last bit, squat lunges, made me wanna die a little. Okay, A LOT! But, I made it through and I feel great. That muscle warmness, makes me feel successful!

The not so successful. I wasted my calories on a crappy 660 calorie Five Guys burger. Never again! I also went on an eating spree with cheddar biscuits. It was stupid and now I am paying for it, by not having very much room left for real foods. So, a green smoothie for dinner it is. I need to clear the house of things that could ruin me. My self control isn't great. I hope over time, as I practice good eating, this will become easier, but I think it will always be a struggle. I eat emotionally and often impulsively. Gotta quit that! Any tips?

The good changes are that I am now drinking 12 or 7.5 ounce sodas. Only one per day. I have found that the 7.5 is just enough. I drink it with my saltiest meal and by the time I am done eating there is usually lots left in a 12 ounce. I am leaving my alotment open to 20oz though, for those eating out days. I am cooking much more here at home. It's still a struggle because our schedules are crazy, but I've been trying to preplan for that. I have only eaten out once in the past two weeks!

Well, I suppose that's all for today. I look forward to journaling, "meeting" others who are on their own journey and my new, healthy body!

 

[DisneyMagicMomma]

Today was a good day! I worked out for 25 minutes and cleaned the house! Success. I am right on track with my calories and I "earned" a bunch on MyFitnessPal. But I don't intend to use them. I am a little sore today, but it feels good to be moving. I am finding that my soda cravings are less and less. I had a mini can today which was just enough. Sooo happy to be making progress.

 

[DisneyMagicMomma]

Another good day. I did a little less working out, just over 20 minutes of a walking routine, which equals a mile at the pace I was going. After the last two days, twenty minutes was all I wanted to push for. This is all very new and my body is letting me know. Right on track for calories and will likely be under today. I am finding healthier things to eat which leaves me lots of calories atthe end of the day, though I am full. I know it's important to not under eat so I hope to find a balance.

I have been drinking so much water, or at least so much to me. About 64+ ounces most days. I almost NEVER drank water before and it is amazing what it does for me. My skin is softer, my lips are nice and full and not chapped (DH commented!) amd my bathroom trips have been... less eventful. I have spent most of my life with IBS type symptoms and I have had onlymtwo bouts of discomfort in the almost two months I have been doing this. That's incredible! Nearly 17 years of bathroom trouble every day and now this! I'm just so thrilled to be seeing changes!

And, up until now I have seen zero weight changes, but today I stepped on the scale to see a beautiful 2 pound loss! Let's hope that keeps up.

Tomorrow is our trip to Dinosaur BBQ for my BIL's bday. I have already mapped outna plan, so I am feeling good about it. Good night fellow DISers.

 

[NightAngelX]

Congrats on your loss! That is awesome!!!

Water definitely helps the body work better. I can tell when i'm not drinking enough. I am glad your IBS is doing better. Have you tried a probiotic? I too have IBS issues off and on and in January it was at an all time bad. In the past I had eaten those Activia yogurts and that helped a little, but not alot. I read that you need at least 10 billion cultures if you have IBS issues. So I started taking Culturelle and after a week i felt so much better. It's expensive but works so well I even had DH start taking it and his tummy has been better too. I am still on a search for a cheaper version but I thought I'd pass on the info.

Congrats on your workouts so far! I find that even if I just do one thing a day that makes me feel good and keep going but if I miss a day or two I start doing worse.

Keep up the good work! I am cheering for you!!

 

[DisneyMagicMomma]

Yesterday and today were GREAT for workouts. I got 35 minutes in yesterday and 45 today. I didn't really want to get up and workout today, but I found the motivation... In last night's food choices.

I stayed just under calories yesterday, but only because I worked out so long. We ate at Dinosaur bbq for my BIL's birthday, which, overall wasn't as hard a hit as I thought. But then... We had late night pizza and I had a second soda. The calories were up there! I think I have a social eating thing. I just feel obligated to eat and I feel less mindful of what I eat. Plus, I didn't have my iPad so I couldn't track the calories right then. So, in the future the calorie tracker must be with me and I must be aware of my willpower when socializing. I keep going back and forth about beating myself up over it or just being okay with it. I don't need to lose 100 pounds THIS month, this is a process, one night once in awhile is okay and I don't want to get obsessed. Repeat: everything is fine!

I am making Saturday my official weigh in day, so yesterday's weigh in put me at 322.6. That's a 5.2 pound loss! Oh yeah! I am so glad that I am finally seeing a change. I didn't give up over the past several weeks, but I sure felt like it. Now adding the exercise has really made a difference and I am thrilled! If I hit 20 pounds I am getting a pedicure and a an ipod. If I hit 50 I am getting shoes and a sparkle skirt! Not IF, WHEN!!

 

[DisneyMagicMomma]

Congrats on your loss! That is awesome!!!

Water definitely helps the body work better. I can tell when i'm not drinking enough. I am glad your IBS is doing better. Have you tried a probiotic?

Congrats on your workouts so far! I find that even if I just do one thing a day that makes me feel good and keep going but if I miss a day or two I start doing worse.

Keep up the good work! I am cheering for you!!

Thank you!! I am feeling so positive about this! I so hope the positivity hangs around.

I have been occasionally eating the Greek frozen yogurts, but not religiously. If I have trouble in the future I will definitely look into probiotics! Thanks for the suggestion.

 

[DisneyMagicMomma]

35 minutes of walking today. Just over 2 miles. I ate pretty good but have to replenish the fridge with veggies and fruit. It's a good day. The eating is getting easier. More tomorrow!

 

[DisneyMagicMomma]

It's been a good few days. Tuesday my little guy and I went for a walk outside. The sun was out and it was nice, but the walk back was cold. I didn't feel like I did much so I walked another mile here in the house, and the next day I was huuurting! Yowza! But, I got off my duff and worked out anyways. DH was so nice and gave me a calf massage.

I am eating great. Restocked the fridge today so I've got all the yummies I need. Work has me stressed , but I'll get over it. It makes me want to eat though! I've been avoiding the fridge, so I am doing well, but I am still shocked by the eat impulse.

I chose my first 5k which is supposed to be in August, but a close friend of mine wants to do one with me. She asked if we could do the one nearer to her city. It's in May!! MAY! She is an amazing friend and so supportive! She's currently recovering from a double masectomy and she's thinking of ME and MY success. She is incredible and I am so blessed to have her in my life. So, May it is. Ahhhhhh!

 

[DisneyMagicMomma]

Today and yesterday were great days! Nice and warm here, so we got out and went to the playground. Saturday DH and DS joined me for a brisk mile walk. And today we went back and I did 2.26 miles. It took me 47 ish minutes, but I am sure that will get better. I did what I could and I felt great! My legs are a little sore but it's a good sore, I think. I did have lots of trouble with my feet. Ouch! The front pad part huuurts! I am just in some basic Champion brand sneakers, so I think I need good shoes and socks.

Weighed in today and I am down to 319! Incredible! I feel so proud of this loss and I want to keep it going. I also want to earn my little rewards.

 

[DisneyMagicMomma]

It's been a crapalicious week. I ate like crap on wednesday, even though I was under calories it was still awful! I also failed to exercise. I was trying to take a little break but truth be told, I was being lazy. I also skipped working out on Thursday! I was feeling a little sick but mostly lazy. So, last night I was walking through target and found a fitness DVD by Leslie Sansone. I have been following a routine by her on youtube. But this was a 5 mile DVD with resitance band and I can take it anywhere!

I did 74 minutes today. Feeling sore but accomplished! My weight has stayed about the same. Tomorrow is my official weigh in day. We'll see how it goes. Now for a snack...

 

[DisneyMagicMomma]

Official Weigh In yesterday had me down almost 2 pounds for the week. And, though I try to stop, I weighed nyself this morning and I am at 315.6. Feeling good! Working out, eating better!

I am so sick though. I got hit with some upper respiratory thing and I feel like doodoo. So, nursing my nasty cough and resting. Hoping to get back to a nice strong week of exercise!

 

[DisneyMagicMomma]

So, I have been doing truly awful since last friday. I have had extra soda EVERY day, eaten at or above my calories because I have been deeling hungry, just feeling down in general. I don't know what my problem is but I need to get it in gear. I have been eating like CRAP!! Since my last weigh in I am down to 313.8, but the weight has really been fluctuating daily. I uust am feeling so down about it, and I've been stuffing my face. Counterproductive, I realize. I also had a huge work week, which I think greatly affected my eating. It was stressful week and since last tuesday I have worked about 90 hours. And my crappy coworker is being stupid! So, as you can see, I have found every excuse and I need to quit the crap.

Cleaning out the fridge of my impulse buys, not replenishing the soda stock and minding my calories! I HAVE been good about exercise though! I have done 12 miles over the past 3 days with the Leslie Sansone DVD. I can hardly wait for better weather so I can go out and walk outdoors! And, hopedully next week I can buy some walking shoes! Wahooo! I will do better! I WILL DO BETTER!!

 

[NightAngelX]

OMG!!! 90 hours!?!? You poor thing! I could never do that! You poor thing.

Glad to see your scale is moving down. I'm sure you aren't doing as awful as you think. 12 miles is fantastic! I don't think I've been walking nearly enough and definitely NOT 12 miles and I am NOT working as much as you. I feel like a slacker!!!

Keep up the great work!

 

[DisneyMagicMomma]

OMG!!! 90 hours!?!? You poor thing! I could never do that! You poor thing.

Glad to see your scale is moving down. I'm sure you aren't doing as awful as you think. 12 miles is fantastic! I don't think I've been walking nearly enough and definitely NOT 12 miles and I am NOT working as much as you. I feel like a slacker!!!

Keep up the great work!

Thank you! This isn't a normal week, so at least the end is in sight. I really was doing awful. And the walking makes me feel super energized, so I was doing as much as I could stand. You can do it too! Hahaha I'm even trying to get my mom walking. I kinda LOVE it! Thanks for the encouragement!!

So, I ate better yesterday! But no working out. I. Was. Exhausted!! So, I stayed well under calories and slept. Luckily, my little man was also sleepy and he was more than happy to nap with mommy! Yayyy! In other news, I am a Princess Donkey! While Ds and I were snuggling, he told me I was so beautiful. I said, "Mommy is so beautiful?" He looked at me and said, "Yup! You're a beautiful Princess Donkey mommy!" I had to ask!

Loading up my mp3 player with 130-150bpm playlist in anticipation of the great weather that I just KNOW is around the corner. And looking forward to buying some walking shoes.

 

[tubachick]

Thank you! This isn't a normal week, so at least the end is in sight. I really was doing awful. And the walking makes me feel super energized, so I was doing as much as I could stand. You can do it too! Hahaha I'm even trying to get my mom walking. I kinda LOVE it! Thanks for the encouragement!!

So, I ate better yesterday! But no working out. I. Was. Exhausted!! So, I stayed well under calories and slept. Luckily, my little man was also sleepy and he was more than happy to nap with mommy! Yayyy! In other news, I am a Princess Donkey! While Ds and I were snuggling, he told me I was so beautiful. I said, "Mommy is so beautiful?" He looked at me and said, "Yup! You're a beautiful Princess Donkey mommy!" I had to ask!

Loading up my mp3 player with 130-150bpm playlist in anticipation of the great weather that I just KNOW is around the corner. And looking forward to buying some walking shoes.

Love it! "Princess Donkey" and all! Good job. Don't let a bad day or week keep you from your goals. Keep up the awesome work.

 

[DisneyMagicMomma]

Love it! "Princess Donkey" and all! Good job. Don't let a bad day or week keep you from your goals. Keep up the awesome work.

Thank you!!

So today was an official weigh in day and...
I'm down to 311. It feels wonderful! Holy cow! I haven't noticed any significant body changes other than my shoulders (oddly) seem slimmer and my breasts also seem to be shrinking. Go figure! But, I am so thrilled with the progress. I'm always trying not to get too excited. I still have this huge fear of failing even though there isn't much to fail at. I mean, I could go back to eating poorly but I would feel so awful physically and mentally that at this point I can't see myself just dropping the ball and walking away. That's good right? Before I couldn't see myself picking up the ball because it was covered with vegetables and hard work. Definitely a change and I think it's becoming a lifeatyle!

So walking... Is wonderful! I truly love it, BUT I've been doing my walking indoors and that is VERY different fro, walking outdoors. I walk barefoot here in the house, but outside I obviously walk in shoes. Just some crappy, years old Champions from Payless. I have only walk outside twice. Today was the secons time. The first time I did about 2 miles and got horrible foot pain right up on the pad near my toes. It burned sooo bad! I did some research and found info on socks, moisture control, walking shoes that fit right, etc. I haven't been abe to buy shoes yet and stupidly I chose to walk outside today. After two miles the pain was excrutiating and I had to stop. Usher in the blisters! Holy ouch! So, no more outdoor walking until I get new shoes. It's on next weeks budget!!! I'd love to get Vibrams some day but as of right now my feet are too chunky and wide. I'll get there!

I am up to an easy 4-5 miles indoors after just one month which feels great! At the beginning, one mile felt like I was dying! I have been boosting towards the end of my walks and I love it! So, I'd like to get good shoes and start the C25K! Also, not sure if I mentioned but I am running the Color Run in August and The Dirty Girl in September! I'd also like to try for the 10k or half marathon in January '14 while we're at Disney! I am EXCITED to even be thinking of it!

On a personal note... DH just got a morning position at his current job! After 4 years we'll finally be able to go to bed at a normal time at night and have some of the day to enjoy together! We can take our son to the playground and eat dinner at our dinner table at SIX! Wooot! And I might actually get a full night sleep now and again. It's like we won the lottery. Hehehe

That's it for tonight! Tired after a long family day and Easter celebration. Looking forward to a nice night of sleep and a calm, boring day tomorrow.

 

[NightAngelX]

Congrats!!!! ​

Sounds like you had a fabulous day! 311?! You will be in the 200s before you know it! I definitely hear ya on being excited but not TOO excited. I fancy myself an 'expert' at LOSING weight....I just always seem to find it again! So the hard part will be keeping it off. But just focus on the losing it part for now. I have seen a quote/picture thing that said 'losing weight is hard, being over weight is hard, choose your hard.'

It's so great that you love to walk! That sucks that your shoes aren't letting you do well outside. My issue with outside vs inside is outside is full of up and down hills where I live. Its not flat. I also have a dog tugging on me so either i'm walking fast or standing there waiting to pick up her poo. But shoes are very important. When I went to Disney last I didn't have new shoes, but they were new-ish. I had bought them a year or so prior but I don't wear tennis shoes much and I would wear my old beat up ones to do yard work so they hadn't been worn much except to exercise (which wasn't as regular as it should have been) and they never caused me any issues. But in preparation for the trip I got the moisture wicking socks tried on my shoes made sure everything fit properly. Oh and these are Nike shoes so they were good quality. After the FIRST day at WDW I had two huge blisters on the bottom of my toes!!! Pinky on one side and the toe NEXT to the pinky on the other side. My shoes are plenty wide. I don't understand why they did it but they did. I need to get new shoes too this summer because then while the bottoms are still fine, the material the shoe is made of is really thin and 'net-like' (so they can breathe) and my big toe put a hole in the top of my shoe on my right foot by the end of the trip!!! What the heck?! Again I don't understand and I am tempted to go to a foot locker or something and bring those shoes and explain what happened to see if they can explain to me why it happened and what I can do to prevent it. That said I don't want to spend $100 on a pair of shoes. I like Nike but I tend to get them when they are on sale at Kohl's...with a coupon. Anyway, sorry for getting OT. Just saying how frustrating shoes can be. In the meantime keep it up indoors!!!

Congrats on your hubby's new position!!! Yay for being able to sleep and eat at proper times! I am sure it will make a huge difference in both your health (more sleep and regular eating) and your relationship with your hubby.

Keep up the great work!

Happy Easter!

 

[tubachick]

Such exciting news!!! A new Job, a full nights Sleep, Family Dinners!!!

I hope that the inside walking is ok with your blisters. Keep up the good work and I hope you are able to get a new pair of shoes soon!!!

Thanks for sharing.

 

[DisneyMagicMomma]

NightAngelX- Ohy with the shoe trouble. I would be pretty PO'd if my shoes crapped out after just a little park hopping! This week I will be embarking on the shoe buying journey and I am scared. LOL I feel like an imposter. I'm going to walk into Fleetfeet and they're gonna be like, "Did she get lost?" I am willing to pay for the shoes (though it makes me gag a little) IF they are the kind of shoes that will stop this horrific pain! So, yup, almost to the 200s! I think I wanna have a party when I get there! Hehehe thank for the encouragement!!

Tubachick- Ooh the blisters! Actually, my feet seem to be making good progress in the healing process but the walking indoors tonight still felt pretty awful. I'm sure I'll be back on track soon. In the mean time, maybe i can use them as an excuse for DH to cook the family dinner? it seriously feels like christmas around here!

So, short update. I skipped workouts yesterday becauae the feet were a hot mess. Today I got in 3.5 miles! But, yowza! We ate at Firehouse Subs which went very well! I chose a kids meal which was filling and delicious and I made good topping choices! I love seeing how I can eat my favorite stuff still by exercising a little self control/moderation and by working out!

So tired! Last week was supposed to be an end to the craziness but my client has spring break and her parents forgot to arrange care ahead of time, so I got stuck last minute with double shifts and lots of running. Good money, but a crappy way to start our new schedule and it means very little sleep for me. I don't wanna do it.

That's about it for ow. Can't wait 'til saturday for my weigh in!