Still 70 Pounds Lost

Well, I didn't lose anymore this week and after my big loss last week I'm not surprised. Seems to be the trend to waffle weight for two or three weeks and then lose a big amount. Just the body working through the weight loss process. This was a good week all around. A good review at work. A party at work where I ate some tasty food, but didn't go crazy. I baked a Red Velvet Cake for a party and had more than I should, but didn't eat the whole thing. Fixed a dish for a baby shower and nibbled while cooking, but didn't eat half the recipe. My big bad was not counting points this week.
Getting back on the point counting horse this week. At the meeting today, they reminded us that it's 10 weeks until Christmas. Forty-one pounds needs to come off of my butt before my birthday in January, so I've got to step it up until then.
A good quote from the meeting , "Nothing tastes as good as losing weight." I'm gonna think about that as I go through the holiday season parties. All the biggies are in the fall for my family: Halloween, Wedding Anniversary, Daughters' Birthdays, Thanksgiving, Christmas.
At the meeting, I looked around and realized that only a handful of the people can say, "I've lost more than 70 pounds." Sometimes I get really down about how far I have to go, but other times it's nice to think of how far I've travelled.

I've lost 70 Pounds!

Today's Weight Watchers weigh in was great! After gaining for two weeks in a row, I've dropped down 5.8 pounds to 241.2 pounds. There is so much more fat to lose, but it's great to see how much fat has been left befind.
Here's pic from one year ago at about 311 pounds and one today. OK, I didn't know how much the rolls of fat showed in the gray top, but I'm still a lot smaller than this time last year.

There's a lot of difference and not just the hair color. The ups and down of weekly weighing is so disturbing because heavy people vary by day because of water weight, digestion and, hell, probably the rotation of the earth. Every once in awhile it's nice to take a step back and look at the whole effort. When I started at 311 I had to lose 181 pounds, basically I needed to lose the fat person suffocating me. Now I still need to lose 111 lbs which is still an overwhelming number, but I can keep it in balance with the 70 pounds that I've already lost.
Weight Watchers has been the key to the loss this time. I'm sticking to the points flex plan which lets you adjust for plateaus and wide food choices. Counting points for every single item you put in your mouth is paramount. You eat too much - count it. Eat the "wrong" food - count it. Eat under your points -count it. Scary that I have written down all the food I've eaten since March, but it's helped me relearn in a way that nothing else could.

Rollercoasters

Weighed in this morning and it is sad but true to say that I gained another pound. I've been eating wrong, but not crazy. I've been exercising so much more. Thought I was doing OK. It would be great if there were some great excuse, but there is always stress in every life and people don't stuff themselves to get past it.

My complaints and whiny excuses....Work has been hell = food for comforting anxiety. More exercising = food to calm the munchies. Tired = food to get quick energy boosts. More protein and milk in diet = food cravings for all naughty food out of control. Somehow, I lost a handle on eating in moderation and eating mostly good foods. Even now as I sit here typing, I'm thinking whether or not there are any little tasty treats in the kitchen that are only 1 or 2 points. I'm 1 pointing myself out of my weight losses.

Where to go? OK so now I need to realize that it's the 1 and 2 point treats that lead me a stray. I'm not buying anymore until I can be assured that I won't abuse them. Second, I need to keep more veggies prepped in the fridge for me, so when I get a crazy hunger attack I'll be prepared. Third, I've got to find other ways to deal with anxiety and tiredness. Last, I need realize all I've gained by losing and find my motivation again.

This morning I went to a Homecoming event at my college with my daughter who goes to my Alma mater. We spent all morning planting tulip bulbs. Was so wonderful to be able to get out and do things that require physical activity and be able to participate.

For a little more encouragement, we went shopping this afternoon and bought clothes from Old Navy. It was a two for $14.95 sale. Big people know that these kind of prices for clothes are like a magical Christmas morning. The same clothes in big sizes are twice the price on sale. We went from store to store and I was thrilled at how many places carry XL and XXL sizes for reasonable prices and in current styles. I'm living in a different world thanks to my dieting since March and I need to hold on to my progress and continue. The dream is to walk into any store and pick up a regular size and have it fit.

As we shopped, I thought about all the things that are different now. Yesterday at the hairdressers, I fit in the friggin chair without my thighs puffing out the sides. This week a friend and I walked a couple of blocks to a restaurant for lunch and I wasn't out of breath or sweaty. I'm planning three airplane trips in the coming months (some for work and some for pleasure), and not once have I had to worry about not fitting in the plane seat. My higher heal shoes are making guest appearances on my feet without twisting my ankles in pain. When I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror, I not longer look like Jabba the Hut in makeup. Last weekend, I did 13 hours at our amusement park with my family, fitting into the rides and walking all day. The very next day, I did 6 hours at the Renaissance Festival with my family. I NEVER could have done that this time last year. This time last year, I was 65 pounds heavier, getting over radiation treatment and not able to do much more than walk 50 feet.

So, every time I want a snack, I need to think of these things. Pictures on the fridge, force drinking water, etc. Just need to get back on track for a solid week, just need to get it back in control.