Happy Dance

Yesterday I accidentally grabbed a smaller pair of pants and after considering for a moment decided to try them on. (Heck, why not right- worst case they don't fit which is kind of how it has been anyway, no loss right?) So I put them on hoping to at least get them to the on but not zip-able stage- which is progress since last I tried they wouldn't go over the butt!

Oh yeah! Oh yeah! Oh yeah! I got them on!!!!

and

I got them ZIPPED! I wore a smaller pants size WOOT! WOOT!!

Yes I admit they are a stretch design and an older pair, but I couldn't wear them before and I can now so I am not raining on my parade!

Smaller pants woot woot! Smaller pants woot! woot! (Hope your dancing 'cause I am! Woot! Woot!)

Check-In 5/25

Last night I was really nervous because last week didn't go very well. I worked hard to follow all the changes my coach suggested last week, like drinking more water, and as I went in I felt I had done well, but still had doubts.

So........

I lost 6 1/2 inches and 9 1/2 pounds! That is a total of 18 inches in three weeks!!

Very exciting! The goal this week is to continue following the changes and drink as much water as I can stand. PLUS this week I got to pick my own foods from the program AND I got my hands on some recipes to try too!

Fingers crossed for next week!

Oh and on a side note- I am considering taking a weekend break for my birthday in July, but I can only take it if I earn it by losing an additional 22 pounds by then. I can do it! I can do it! I can do it!

Check-In 5/18

My weigh in yesterday did not go as well as I had hoped. I lost 6 1/2 inches, but the scale went up a little bit. (sigh) We are looking into trying some new things this week to see if I can change that result for next weigh in. I did not cheat on the program intentionally, but there may have been a few details I didn't pay attention to that I am focused on this week.

However, I am still going to CELEBRATE my 6 1/2 inches down!! Woo-Hoo!!

My First Check-In

Last Wednesday (May 11th) I had my very first weigh and measure on this new program and.......

I lost 5 inches and 14 pounds! WOO-HOO! 

I am so excited about my first week of results and even though this week has been tough and rough for me I try to keep those results in the forefront of my mind. And my kids have been so, so , SO supportive. When I am having a tough time, or having a craving or eating something that I'd rather not be eating I look at them and say "Help mommy! Remind mommy why I'm doing this!" and they are sweet- they do just that! Sometimes they are "child-like" honest (ouch) but it always re-inspires me to not give up or give in.

So far this week I am doing fair to pretty good. A few days I barely made the minimum of 64oz on water and a couple times I had some meal struggles, but no cheating (unless it was on accident.) I have also learned that for my body timing is CRUCIAL! When I am hungry I am hungry and I need to eat- I cannot wait or I get CRANKY and tired! But when I stay on track I feel pretty good and I am finding my focus isn't always food or what I can do with food or when I am eating next, but rather on things I can do to stay busy- it is a nice feeling.

Wednesday I weigh-in again and we'll see how I have done. Right now I am worried I haven't done so well, but I need to think positive. I have three days to do my best and I am going to!

Something NEW.... something Ideal

Last Wednesday (May 4) I began a NEW diet program called Ideal Protein and although it is tough I am really excited about it! It works sort of like a high protein diet combined with nutri-system and a coach that requires a high commitment level. The program provides 2 high protein, low calorie meals and a snack and then allow you to make one of your own meals with protein and vegetables. No carbs and no sugar- which for me really is the toughest part. You report back weekly for weigh in and measurements, to discuss how you did and to get the next weeks meal. There is NO CHEATING tolerated. You cheat they tell you to come back when you are ready, period.

My sister and I are working this program together and it helps so much to have a partner in this. She is one week ahead of me so is able to give me heads up and knows what I may be experiencing and helps me through it (thanks sis!) Honestly, it is not easy. These 5 days have been tough, but doable! The provided food isn't necessarily exciting but (most) of it is ok to yummy for what it is. The great thing is I am learning to pay attention to what I eat, to make better food choices and to cook new and healthier things- all of which will help me long after I no longer am on the diet!!

These past 5 days:

• I have not given in or cheated on the program and except for a few learning mistakes and I am following as best I can to the program.
• I drank 64+ ounces of water each day (and when you gotta pee you GOTTA pee lol)
• Have tried new no sugar, no carb, no/low calorie dressings and dips
• Cooked and ate red and yellow peppers (those were a HECK NO before)
• Tried cauliflower "popcorn"
• Made cauliflower mash (um this still needs some trial and error lol)

In the beginning I was feeling pretty grouchy and tired and found myself thinking only of the food I was missing. With encouragement from many people, but especially my sister who knew exactly what I was feeling I got through it to Sunday. And Sunday was a-m-a-z-i-n-g, kind like a "hump day" in the week! I am not entirely sure what happened but I felt so happy that day and fairly content- it might have been the coffee a little secret my sister introduced me too :-)

And as of today I am doing well and looking forward to my appointment Wednesday with fingers crossed for good news. I know there will be days the food will get boring and I will want to give up or my goal will feel so far away, but I just KNOW that I can do this, especially with so many cheering me on and my sis right here in the trenches with me.

“Only as high as I reach can I grow, only as far as I seek can I go, only as deep as I look can I see, only as much as I dream can I be.”

~Karen Ravn~

Checking in..May 2, 2011

Ok so far the past week (or so) I have been working on drinking water and moving more.

I am happy to say that with the exception of yesterday I have been drinking 60+ ounces of water a day and average about 4000 steps. I keep a water bottle with me and I challenge myself to drink and refill it twice. I know the steps need to be higher, but each day brings a chance to improve! I am STILL fighting some illness that is draining my energy but I am fighting the drain and doing what I can!