Stats: lost 4lbs this week.
Go figure! I just don't get my body. I skipped two workouts, and I ate crap and drank way too much. What does that say? If anyone has any clue, I'd be happy to hear it. Ok, now that I got my incredulousness (is that even a word?) out of the way, here are the remaining stats:
Ave calories burned: 2267
Ave calories consumed: 1448
Ave deficit: 819
Ave fat %: 35%
See, I told you it wasn't a good week.
On Saturday we left for our trip to the Hudson (NY) River Valley, and we had a good start, I thought, not only with me, but managing Tess and her diabetes. I had packed a lunch of healthy sandwiches and fruits and veggies for us to snack on. That first night, we went to a Mexican restaurant, and I did have some drinks and too many tortilla chips, but I had a salad as my entree. From there, it was downhill. Our room came with breakfast - you know, the buffet type, with the addition of made-to-order omelets. I did have mine with egg whites only, and all vegetables. I tried. That's about all I can say.
We got back on Tuesday, and we ended the vacation by having Chinese take out.
So, this week I am getting back on track. I am going to use up my remaining green coffee bean extract and see if another week give me any different results. On Friday, I leave for a weekend away with my best friend Dawna. Although we will be on vacation, we tend to keep each other on track more than blowing it. It's always the alcohol we me/us. I am going on the wagon until Friday night, and then I'm really going to try to be moderate.
My other challenge this week is that Tess is going back to school. Because of our earlier schedules, Dawna and I will have to start our walks at 5 AM. Although 30 minutes doesn't sound like much, it really makes a difference. And, we will actually have to cut our walk back by 15 minutes too. I really cannot afford to burn less calories, so I'm going to have to make up the difference somehow. More lunch walks, and doing that dvd - that would be the best thing because I could get Tess to do it with me, and we both need it.
So, my post might be late next week due to my trip, but I'll try to capture my thoughts/feelings before I forget them.
Weight Loss Ticker
Saturday, August 25, 2012
Saturday, August 18, 2012
Week 10 - Quitting Time
Ok, I'm not quitting, but I feel like it :-(
Stats: +2lbs
Ave burn: 2291
Ave consumed: 1240
Ave deficit: 1051
Fat % ave: 26%
Work outs: 6 out of 7 days
So, it happened as it always does - or at least the last year, year and a half. The only difference is it's happening a couple weeks later in the cycle than usual. If you are keeping track, I've only lost 8lbs in 10 weeks, and I've gained weight for the last two weeks.
Last week's 1lb gain wasn't totally unexpected. I had a large loss (for me) the week before. But this week was just really disappointing. I just get so frustrated when I am working so hard at this, and I can't freaking lose weight.
In addition to my usual working out and dieting, I have been taking the green coffee bean extract. Obviously it didn't work for me. I didn't feel any different - actually, that's not true, I actually felt more hungry at times - like totally famished. I also had to urinate more frequently, and I felt bloated. So, not really a good experience at all. I figured it was worth a try. My hunch is that it's basically a diuretic, so the weight loss if from water loss. I did notice that my body fat % went down several points - but this too could be because of decreasing the water in my body.
So, this disappointment could not have come at a worse time. I weighed in on Friday, and on Saturday we were leaving on a mini family vacation. The motivation to stay on track with my exercise and eating was at an all-time low. I am going to try to get my head straight, but I can't say that it will be easy at all.
This is the place - this is where it starts. First it's a skip of a day of exercise. Then it's a pizza binge. Then skipping a couple days. Of course, now I don't see any results or I quickly gain back what I've lost. It's just too hard to do this day in and day out and not have results. And, I'm not even doing all I should be doing! I want to be burning at least 2500 calories a day. Not sure it that will even make a difference. I have an average daily deficit of over 1k calories - I should be losing 2# a week just by the math. What is wrong with my body?
Anyway, I do have one thing going for me, and it will save me. That's my best friend Dawna. She and I have been walking together in the morning, and I know that there are many mornings when I wouldn't have gotten up if it wasn't for knowing that she would be waiting for me. When this is all done, and it will be done, one way or another, I'll owe a big debt of gratitude to Dawna.
Stats: +2lbs
Ave burn: 2291
Ave consumed: 1240
Ave deficit: 1051
Fat % ave: 26%
Work outs: 6 out of 7 days
So, it happened as it always does - or at least the last year, year and a half. The only difference is it's happening a couple weeks later in the cycle than usual. If you are keeping track, I've only lost 8lbs in 10 weeks, and I've gained weight for the last two weeks.
Last week's 1lb gain wasn't totally unexpected. I had a large loss (for me) the week before. But this week was just really disappointing. I just get so frustrated when I am working so hard at this, and I can't freaking lose weight.
In addition to my usual working out and dieting, I have been taking the green coffee bean extract. Obviously it didn't work for me. I didn't feel any different - actually, that's not true, I actually felt more hungry at times - like totally famished. I also had to urinate more frequently, and I felt bloated. So, not really a good experience at all. I figured it was worth a try. My hunch is that it's basically a diuretic, so the weight loss if from water loss. I did notice that my body fat % went down several points - but this too could be because of decreasing the water in my body.
So, this disappointment could not have come at a worse time. I weighed in on Friday, and on Saturday we were leaving on a mini family vacation. The motivation to stay on track with my exercise and eating was at an all-time low. I am going to try to get my head straight, but I can't say that it will be easy at all.
This is the place - this is where it starts. First it's a skip of a day of exercise. Then it's a pizza binge. Then skipping a couple days. Of course, now I don't see any results or I quickly gain back what I've lost. It's just too hard to do this day in and day out and not have results. And, I'm not even doing all I should be doing! I want to be burning at least 2500 calories a day. Not sure it that will even make a difference. I have an average daily deficit of over 1k calories - I should be losing 2# a week just by the math. What is wrong with my body?
Anyway, I do have one thing going for me, and it will save me. That's my best friend Dawna. She and I have been walking together in the morning, and I know that there are many mornings when I wouldn't have gotten up if it wasn't for knowing that she would be waiting for me. When this is all done, and it will be done, one way or another, I'll owe a big debt of gratitude to Dawna.
Saturday, August 11, 2012
Week 9 - Ugh
Well, as predicted, I gained this week. Even though I knew it would probably happen, still not happy to see it.
Stats: 1+
Average calories burned: 2325 (short of 2500 goal)
Average calories consumed: 1150 (better than 1200 goal)
Average deficit: 1175
Not sure how, with an average deficit of 1175, that I gained a pound. That is the frustrating thing about my weight loss, it just defies logic, and I have to keep my motivation pinned on something other than progress in the weight area. Not sure what that is seeing as I haven't been able to increase my speed of walking, or the amount of calories burned. I keep thinking that I will get better once I lose another 10 pounds and I don't have so much extra weight with which to deal.
So, I've decided to try a weight loss "supplement" or I'm not sure what you would call it. When I was at my yearly gyn exam last week, the nurse noticed by bodymedia monitor, and she asked about it. That lead to conversation where she told me about Dr. Oz recommending these pure raw coffee bean extract pills. He claimed that - without diet or exercise changes - his subjects lost 3-6lbs in the first week of using the pills. With no side effects! So, I decided I would try it. I started today (Saturday), the first day of my diet week. I will certainly chronicle how it works if it does at all.
My other eating goal this week was to decrease the average fat % of my diet. It was 31% last week, and it was 31% this week, so I did not meet my goal, but at least I did not increase it. I will try again this week to decrease my overall %.
Stats: 1+
Average calories burned: 2325 (short of 2500 goal)
Average calories consumed: 1150 (better than 1200 goal)
Average deficit: 1175
Not sure how, with an average deficit of 1175, that I gained a pound. That is the frustrating thing about my weight loss, it just defies logic, and I have to keep my motivation pinned on something other than progress in the weight area. Not sure what that is seeing as I haven't been able to increase my speed of walking, or the amount of calories burned. I keep thinking that I will get better once I lose another 10 pounds and I don't have so much extra weight with which to deal.
So, I've decided to try a weight loss "supplement" or I'm not sure what you would call it. When I was at my yearly gyn exam last week, the nurse noticed by bodymedia monitor, and she asked about it. That lead to conversation where she told me about Dr. Oz recommending these pure raw coffee bean extract pills. He claimed that - without diet or exercise changes - his subjects lost 3-6lbs in the first week of using the pills. With no side effects! So, I decided I would try it. I started today (Saturday), the first day of my diet week. I will certainly chronicle how it works if it does at all.
My other eating goal this week was to decrease the average fat % of my diet. It was 31% last week, and it was 31% this week, so I did not meet my goal, but at least I did not increase it. I will try again this week to decrease my overall %.
Sunday, August 5, 2012
Week 8 - The Scale is a Fickle Friend
Wow, I've completed week 8! That'sa really good milestone, I am on my way for sure. It doesn't hurt to have some great motivation this week: I lost 4.5lbs!
Of course, I realize that is a crazy number, and I'll probably gain some of that back (I already was up 1lb today), but it sure feels good - especially after the .5 loss last week. And you know, it hasn't been that difficult. Yeah, I have had my moments, but for the most part, I cannot complain. Two weeks of the 8 were spent on vacation - and you know you can't be very good when you are on vacation. Just last Saturday night I had a cheeseburger for dinner and several glasses of wine. If I can maintain those types of lifestyle choices, and still lose 1lb a week, I will definitely be able to make my goal.
Don't get me wrong, there have been sacrifices too. Getting up at 5:20 AM every morning still feels difficult as the first morning. I don't think I would have done it if it weren't for my bf Dawna meeting me. It has been 4 weeks this week, so I'm hoping that something will kick in that will make it more of a habit, less of a strugle for me. I need that before school starts when I'll need to wake up even earlier - closer to 5 AM.
So, that brings me to my other goals. My exercise step goals, biking and weights, were not acheived again this week. I have decided to back off and concentrate on achieving my first goal, which was to get a daily burn of 2500 calories. I came close this week - 2495! This was mainly due to taking additional walks at lunch on Tuesday and Thursday. I will try to fit those in more regularly. I also am going to try to start doing a Jillian Michaels dvd a few times a week.
My food goals were more modest, I wanted to keep with the logging, and I did that. I didn't keep to my alcohol goal :-( I over indulged in wine on Saturday night, and I did not resist the urge to have 2 light beers on Friday night, so well over the 2 drink limit. However, they were within my calorie goals, and I had an average calorie intake of 1221 calories. Adding a 10% fudge factor, that's a 1343 calories, but still a deficit of 1k a day!
I wanted to muse a bit about the scale. I weigh myself every day, and I know many diet experts tell you not to do that, but it's something that works for me. If I'm trending well or poorly, it gives me that heads up that my "official" weigh in might not be so good. But, it is a double edged sword. You really have to be able to not let the number get to you - both positive or negative numbers. If I see I've gained, or not lost as much as I think I should, I try to make that motivate me to try even harder. If I see I've lost, I also use that to motivate me to stay on track and lose even more. My head doesn't always agree.
I am very happy about the scale right now. If I can maintain this loss, it puts me a couple weeks ahead of my goal, and it gives me some wiggle room for when (not if) I have a bad week. I still have such long way to go. I still am looking forward to fitting back into my clothes - some are getting a little better, but most still have a long way. I am looking forward to not having my thighs rub together, and that's probably not going to happen for months. But, for now, I've met one of my early goals for the scale - the first 10#, and I'm really excited about the next 10, which will be much more noticible to me and my friends and family.
Of course, I realize that is a crazy number, and I'll probably gain some of that back (I already was up 1lb today), but it sure feels good - especially after the .5 loss last week. And you know, it hasn't been that difficult. Yeah, I have had my moments, but for the most part, I cannot complain. Two weeks of the 8 were spent on vacation - and you know you can't be very good when you are on vacation. Just last Saturday night I had a cheeseburger for dinner and several glasses of wine. If I can maintain those types of lifestyle choices, and still lose 1lb a week, I will definitely be able to make my goal.
Don't get me wrong, there have been sacrifices too. Getting up at 5:20 AM every morning still feels difficult as the first morning. I don't think I would have done it if it weren't for my bf Dawna meeting me. It has been 4 weeks this week, so I'm hoping that something will kick in that will make it more of a habit, less of a strugle for me. I need that before school starts when I'll need to wake up even earlier - closer to 5 AM.
So, that brings me to my other goals. My exercise step goals, biking and weights, were not acheived again this week. I have decided to back off and concentrate on achieving my first goal, which was to get a daily burn of 2500 calories. I came close this week - 2495! This was mainly due to taking additional walks at lunch on Tuesday and Thursday. I will try to fit those in more regularly. I also am going to try to start doing a Jillian Michaels dvd a few times a week.
My food goals were more modest, I wanted to keep with the logging, and I did that. I didn't keep to my alcohol goal :-( I over indulged in wine on Saturday night, and I did not resist the urge to have 2 light beers on Friday night, so well over the 2 drink limit. However, they were within my calorie goals, and I had an average calorie intake of 1221 calories. Adding a 10% fudge factor, that's a 1343 calories, but still a deficit of 1k a day!
I wanted to muse a bit about the scale. I weigh myself every day, and I know many diet experts tell you not to do that, but it's something that works for me. If I'm trending well or poorly, it gives me that heads up that my "official" weigh in might not be so good. But, it is a double edged sword. You really have to be able to not let the number get to you - both positive or negative numbers. If I see I've gained, or not lost as much as I think I should, I try to make that motivate me to try even harder. If I see I've lost, I also use that to motivate me to stay on track and lose even more. My head doesn't always agree.
I am very happy about the scale right now. If I can maintain this loss, it puts me a couple weeks ahead of my goal, and it gives me some wiggle room for when (not if) I have a bad week. I still have such long way to go. I still am looking forward to fitting back into my clothes - some are getting a little better, but most still have a long way. I am looking forward to not having my thighs rub together, and that's probably not going to happen for months. But, for now, I've met one of my early goals for the scale - the first 10#, and I'm really excited about the next 10, which will be much more noticible to me and my friends and family.
Friday, July 27, 2012
Week 7 - Sticking with it
Stats: lost .5lbs
To say I'm not disappointed would be a lie. I don't understand how my loss could only be .5lb, it doesn't add up - literally. My average burn for the week was 2386, and my average calorie intake was 1040, that's an average daily deficit of 1346. Mathematically, I should have lost 2.5lbs. Even if I underestimated my calories by 500 a day, I still would have lost at least 1lb.
I wasn't able to meet my step goals for exercise. I didn't have time to fit in a bike ride or any weights, so those will be my goals again for this week. I did, however, exercise 7 times. I did better with my food goal - I logged 7 out of 7days. All I can do it keep on going and hope that my body will catch up with me. I am not giving up (yet). I know that there will be set backs. I'll probably have to step up my efforts, I know that, but I didn't think it would be so early in the process. I haven't even lost 10# yet - why would I be stuck already?
I definitely need to get to the 2500 burn. I'm only ~200 calories away, which shouldn't be too difficult to do, but I just need to reprioritize and get organized. Dealing with Tess's diabetes had really added a strain that hasn't been easy, but on the other hand, because she has been on a strict meal plan, it has caused me to prepare healthy meals.
So, here's hoping that next week is better.
To say I'm not disappointed would be a lie. I don't understand how my loss could only be .5lb, it doesn't add up - literally. My average burn for the week was 2386, and my average calorie intake was 1040, that's an average daily deficit of 1346. Mathematically, I should have lost 2.5lbs. Even if I underestimated my calories by 500 a day, I still would have lost at least 1lb.
I wasn't able to meet my step goals for exercise. I didn't have time to fit in a bike ride or any weights, so those will be my goals again for this week. I did, however, exercise 7 times. I did better with my food goal - I logged 7 out of 7days. All I can do it keep on going and hope that my body will catch up with me. I am not giving up (yet). I know that there will be set backs. I'll probably have to step up my efforts, I know that, but I didn't think it would be so early in the process. I haven't even lost 10# yet - why would I be stuck already?
I definitely need to get to the 2500 burn. I'm only ~200 calories away, which shouldn't be too difficult to do, but I just need to reprioritize and get organized. Dealing with Tess's diabetes had really added a strain that hasn't been easy, but on the other hand, because she has been on a strict meal plan, it has caused me to prepare healthy meals.
So, here's hoping that next week is better.
Friday, July 20, 2012
Week 6 - Renewed Motivation
Stats: 1lb lost - tracking to goal (with no wiggle room). The dreaded week 6 - it has been around this point in my last few endeavors that I have started the decline that would lead to me giving up on diet and exercise. I think this was due to the lose/gain pattern I would find myself in, and I would get discouraged and wonder why I was trying so hard and denying myself food and sleep. This time, I guess I'm more motivated in general. I know I have to do this. But, also, I have at least met my goal, and so I have no real reason to be discouraged.
My other goals for this week were for exercise, to ride my bike. For food, I was making another attempt to limit myself to 2 drinks. For exercise, I was able to get in a bike ride. It was one of the 6 exercise sessions that I did. It was disappointing to see that it was just moderate activity - it sure didn't feel moderate. As for the 2 drinks, well I didn't drink all week until Friday night when we went to the annual daycare pool party, but I definitely had more wine than 2 glasses. I will keep trying to limit the alcohol. As for my step goals, I was only able to burn an average of 2320 calories a day, but I did make the 6x a week exercise.
This week's goals are to add some weight training to my exercise, and logging my food.
When I am doing my walking, I think a lot about getting back into shape, and I'm really looking forward to a lot of things, including:
1. I'm looking forward to fitting back into my clothes. I have been stuffing myself into my last pair of comfortable jeans, and I want to be able to fit into them and, someday, have them be too big on me.
2. Not have my thighs rub together.
I think that I could achieve #1 by September sometime. The 2nd one may take a little longer than that.
My week started out with our trip to the North End for our 24th anniversary. It's not a low-calorie night. I really enjoyed my food, though, and I love the family outing. I was thinking that next year, at our 25th anniversary, I will look completely different, and I think it would be great to celebrate - not only our anniversary, but my new body. I doubt I'll be able to fit into my wedding dress, but maybe I could have it morphed into a new dress. I realize that the one thing that will make me look younger will be for me to lose weight. Being overweight ages you.
The day after our anniversary trip was our best friend's granddaughter's christening, and they had a brunch buffet following it. When I consider the temptations that I had this week, it's a wonder I lost the pound.
My other goals for this week were for exercise, to ride my bike. For food, I was making another attempt to limit myself to 2 drinks. For exercise, I was able to get in a bike ride. It was one of the 6 exercise sessions that I did. It was disappointing to see that it was just moderate activity - it sure didn't feel moderate. As for the 2 drinks, well I didn't drink all week until Friday night when we went to the annual daycare pool party, but I definitely had more wine than 2 glasses. I will keep trying to limit the alcohol. As for my step goals, I was only able to burn an average of 2320 calories a day, but I did make the 6x a week exercise.
This week's goals are to add some weight training to my exercise, and logging my food.
When I am doing my walking, I think a lot about getting back into shape, and I'm really looking forward to a lot of things, including:
1. I'm looking forward to fitting back into my clothes. I have been stuffing myself into my last pair of comfortable jeans, and I want to be able to fit into them and, someday, have them be too big on me.
2. Not have my thighs rub together.
I think that I could achieve #1 by September sometime. The 2nd one may take a little longer than that.
My week started out with our trip to the North End for our 24th anniversary. It's not a low-calorie night. I really enjoyed my food, though, and I love the family outing. I was thinking that next year, at our 25th anniversary, I will look completely different, and I think it would be great to celebrate - not only our anniversary, but my new body. I doubt I'll be able to fit into my wedding dress, but maybe I could have it morphed into a new dress. I realize that the one thing that will make me look younger will be for me to lose weight. Being overweight ages you.
The day after our anniversary trip was our best friend's granddaughter's christening, and they had a brunch buffet following it. When I consider the temptations that I had this week, it's a wonder I lost the pound.
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Week 5 - Back on Track, sort of
Stats first: lost 3.5lbs, which means I am on schedule of having lost 5lbs in 5 weeks. Yeah. But, if you were keeping track, I really have lost 7.5lbs. But I also gained 2.5 back. It's very confusing. And frustrating.
My goals for this week - well, I had a hard time coming up with some goals for this week. I wanted to build on previous goals, but unfortunately, my activity was only 2315 average, so I really need to bump it up. I wanted to make riding my bike a goal, but I knew that, with the week I had planned, that it would be really challenging to be able to pull that one off. And, why set up a goal that you know you can't make? I am going to add it for this week, though, because I should be able to do it.
Of course, just when I think life is settling down, it throws you a curve ball. On Wednesday morning, I did my walk (BTW, I'm thinking that there is something wrong with my BodyMedia monitor because it is showing so much fewer steps when I do my 4 mile walk than it was showing when I did my 3 mile walk in Ogunquit), and I was thinking that I would post a mid-week update about some of my musings on this process.
Well, that morning I took my daughters to their annual physicals, and Tess was diagnosed with diabetes. She had to be seen by a doctor that day, and she has had appointments every day since. We are on a schedule of blood glucose tests, specific meal plans, and doctor's appointments. It has been very difficult to keep up with work, exercise, and all of this.
So, the best laid plans, etc. I hope this week is a bit more normal than last week. I realize that I'm going to have to step up my game in order to keep those pounds coming off. One of my goals for this week for food/drink was to cut back on the consumption of alcohol. It wasn't hard to do considering the amount of alcohol I was consuming on vacation. I had a beer on Saturday, then shared a bottle of wine with my bf on Thursday night (I needed it!), so this week I'd like to cut back even further - maybe 2 or 3 drinks at most?
Tonight we are going out to celebrate our anniversary. The whole family goes to a restaurant in the North End. It's not very diet friendly, but I try to have a reasonable breakfast and lunch, and right back on track tomorrow - although that will also be challenging since we are going to a brunch celebrating a christening. I hope to fill up on fruit :-)
My goals for this week - well, I had a hard time coming up with some goals for this week. I wanted to build on previous goals, but unfortunately, my activity was only 2315 average, so I really need to bump it up. I wanted to make riding my bike a goal, but I knew that, with the week I had planned, that it would be really challenging to be able to pull that one off. And, why set up a goal that you know you can't make? I am going to add it for this week, though, because I should be able to do it.
Of course, just when I think life is settling down, it throws you a curve ball. On Wednesday morning, I did my walk (BTW, I'm thinking that there is something wrong with my BodyMedia monitor because it is showing so much fewer steps when I do my 4 mile walk than it was showing when I did my 3 mile walk in Ogunquit), and I was thinking that I would post a mid-week update about some of my musings on this process.
Well, that morning I took my daughters to their annual physicals, and Tess was diagnosed with diabetes. She had to be seen by a doctor that day, and she has had appointments every day since. We are on a schedule of blood glucose tests, specific meal plans, and doctor's appointments. It has been very difficult to keep up with work, exercise, and all of this.
So, the best laid plans, etc. I hope this week is a bit more normal than last week. I realize that I'm going to have to step up my game in order to keep those pounds coming off. One of my goals for this week for food/drink was to cut back on the consumption of alcohol. It wasn't hard to do considering the amount of alcohol I was consuming on vacation. I had a beer on Saturday, then shared a bottle of wine with my bf on Thursday night (I needed it!), so this week I'd like to cut back even further - maybe 2 or 3 drinks at most?
Tonight we are going out to celebrate our anniversary. The whole family goes to a restaurant in the North End. It's not very diet friendly, but I try to have a reasonable breakfast and lunch, and right back on track tomorrow - although that will also be challenging since we are going to a brunch celebrating a christening. I hope to fill up on fruit :-)
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