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Back to the drawing board.
Over the last month I have been struggling with a stomach issue.
I am not sure if it is lactose intollerance, IBS, or just from the food
I am eating or what. My stomach always feels achy hollow with a
burn in the low stomach and crampy like PMS cramps and causing side
effects similar to a stomach flu.... So, I thought it was a stomach flu.
With this underlying issue I have been gaining and losing, gaining and
losing... I gained during this week and then managed to end the
week where I was last week...
I appreciate all the emails and messages. I am doing good
today. I cut out all dairy and went to a more bland diet and I am
doing okay today.
On the goal front... I hit my 60lbs on NS (192.5lbs on
Saturday). I got my necklace and did not like it, so on the
advise of a great friend, I decided to return it and find something
great on my timeframe... Maybe I will just get a Coach purse
(closer to the holidays). I got my 60lbs bear, but haven't
taken my picture yet (I figured you all don't want to see me looking
sick and green - hahaha)
Not so great goal news - As heartbreaking as it was, I did not hit my
anniversary goal. I am in danger of not even hitting it by my
birthday. I know it isn't earth shattering, but it did make me
sad. So, as I said... If I am not at or under 190, no party
or cake. I am standing by that. Yeah, torturous as it may
be - I do try to walk the walk. And walk my talk.
I am a bit sad about my birthday, not just the goals... As I was
sharing with Lisa today... Lonely day! A birthday used to
be a huge family party and now, its just another day.
I will get there, and my husband and I are standing by 190 or lower
before trying for kids... I turn 37 in a few days... So, I
guess I am stressing myself out over that. Everyday can SEEM like struggle, but in the
end everyday IS a
triump. I have lost a total of 83.5 pounds on this
journey... I will get there!
Love you all, thank you for thinking of me and sending so many
wonderful greetings!!! BE TRIUMPANT!!!
Donna
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First let me say, I lost 4.5lbs this week and I am so excited. If anyone remembers I gained 6 with the flu, so I was back up to 202 when the weight gain stopped. Today I weighed 194. I am really excited... The 180's are so close!
So close to my next goal yet so close to self sabotage. I really think there is a deep seated issue with achieving goals. It seems when I get close I do something to sabotage myself. But, things are changing this time!
I have now 1.5lbs till I hit 60lbs lost on NS but my real goal is 190. My baby weight goal. What is a baby weight goal? It is the weight where I feel my body will be healthy enough to carry a child.
Anyway, I have been struggling the last few days. The stomach flu or bug that I have makes me feel like my tummy is hollow ALL THE TIME!! All I want to do is eat. So, I have managed to have ALL 100% days even with that hanging over me...
Also, I have been dreaming about food... I am not kidding... And then, Mr Wonderful wants to go out to eat Mexican tonight...
I finally had to put my foot down. I am certainly not feeling strong enough to sit at a Mexican Restaurant tonight (Mexican and Italian are real weaknesses for me). So, I went to the grocery store last night and bought everything to make fajitas and tacos with fat free refried beans and brown rice rice. I have extra lean turkey for me with lots of veggies... But Mr Wonderful can have his nachos and beer and dinner.... And I am in my safe haven... I can do this at home... I know I can.
Saturday night is another struggle... Mr Wonderful (who is at his goal - after a lot of hard work for him) will be eating nachos and our friend will bring over some fast food concoction. I must have chewed 10 pieces of sugar free gum last Saturday night. I know 5 cal a piece, but I figured it was better than beating my friend up and taking his food... hahaha
Anyone who is livig with someone who is not on the plan knows how much work it can be some days. We have candy and chips in the pantry and I could really dive into them some days. But, I take the power and I don't.
Then there are the constant enablers... I have had to learn how to say no... I was at my inlaws and my father in law tries to give me a cookie, I politely said 'No thank you'. He pushes it at me and says "no, just try it"... Again, I politely say 'Really, no thank you'. And yet again... "Oh, come on... Try one!" With that he gets a very stern "NO!". Kind of ticked me off... I am certainly not a 'just one' kinda girl right now... One cookie would throw me into a tail spin... But, that which doesn't kill us makes us stronger...
Best wishes on your journey,
Donna
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Happy Thursday morning friends!
It has been a rough couple of
weeks with my health. I set a very tough goal (dare I
admit it was unrealistic? ummm no! hahaha) last month
as a Birthday goal for me. Well, I was then struck with a nasty
stomach flu and I gained 6 lbs in 4 days. Yes, most people lose
weight when they are sick, but no... I managed to gain 6 lbs in 4
days. Luckily, I was able to get the weight off in about 6
days. So, here I am almost 2 weeks past the start of the
flu... I am losing weight, but still don't feel right. Food
is just not sitting well with me. I am going to see if a
supplement will burn out whatever this is.
I am getting very close to
'trying' for kids. I set a goal of 190 before I will
consider trying. I am hoping to make that my anniversary
gift. So, although I still would like to get to 186 for my
Birthday, I am setting 9/28 with a goal of 190. Those goals seem
to get scary sometimes when they get close.
So, today is about pulling myself up by the boot straps and feeling
better. Also setting goals (realistic yet tough).
So, my new goals are 190 by 9/28 (at worst 10/1) If I hit 190 by
10/1, I will allow the party to go on. If you remember I want a
birthday party and cake this year.
Thank you to all my NS friends for your support and messages filleds with concern and well wishes. They really helped get me back here.
Best wishes on your journey,
XO Donna
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Today is Tuesday and I weigh 200.5. I think stepping on the scale
today and seeing that 2 was worse than I expected. I know that my body
is opposite others when I am ill, but this is ridiculous. I worked so
hard last week and I lost 5 pounds. Then, I get sick on Sunday, I have
gained 4.5 lbs in 3 days. No binging.... No ridiculously high sugar
cake or hamburgers and fries... Just 3 days of illness, stomach flu
filled with stomach pains and trips to the bathroom. Not eating much
and here I am in Twoderville.... It seems so unfair, but I am done
complaining. I feel a little better today, so I am sure some of the
weight will start coming off.
So, my birthday goal of 179 is not possible now. What is there to
do? Evaluate and adjust!!! My new Birthday goal is 189. Perhaps that
is equally unrealistic, but none the less, that I where I have set it.
So, with 27 days left to hit my goal.... Wish me luck!!!
Best wishes to you on your journey,
Donna
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For all those that have asked, not
every day is a cake walk (no pun intended). Last night my husband
asked me to go to dinner after we saw a show. I had already been
100% all day. On the drive I decided I would order a salad and
eat off his plate. Which in my mind turned into, yum.... Steak
and Fries and a beer.... Well, we sat down at Lone Star and they
seated us with a bucket of peanuts - within 2 minutes I had shelled and
swallowed about 5. My loving husband (with all the good intention
in the world). Turns to me and says "Whoa, slow down baby".
I imagine he noticed the intesity in which I attacked the peanuts.
Well, obviously this saved me from my ledge. It occured to me
that I was about to blow it. I was standing on the ledge on the
Brooklyn Bridge and ready to jump.... Well, needless to say, I
ate a side salad with lemon wedges squeezed over top for dressing and
an ice water (and 5 peanuts). Beer? Nope! Today after
waking from my moment of weakness I feel refreshed... Yes we are
all just human. I am blessed with a husband that knows when I am
about to jump and he makes the effort to save me.
That said my Birthday challenge is going well... Here are my recent
results...
Day 2 (Thursday)
results - 1 hour Yoga Pratice and 1 hour
exercise bike - 13.2 miles total.
Ate 100%,
drank all my water.
Day 2 morning
weigh in - Lost 1.5 lbs when I weighed in... Leaving 32
days and 17 lbs!!!!
Day 3 (Friday)
results - 1 hour intense Yoga Pratice - no bike yesterday (but
did a lot of walking last night)
Ate 100%,
drank all my water.
Day 3 weigh in -
I maintained on this day... Leaving 31
days and 17 lbs!!!!
| 9/03/2008 |
198 |
18.5 to goal |
| 9/04/2008 |
196.5 |
17 to goal |
| 9/05/2008 |
196.5 |
17 to goal |
| 9/06/2008 |
196 |
16.5 goal |
Today I weighed in at 196 (.5 lbs loss
today).
Thank you to all who said they would like to participate in a challenge
for their birthday or special occasion. Everyone is
welcome.... That goal bear is within our reach!!!
Day 4 is going well... Hope yours is too!
Hugs,
Donna
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Today is one of
those days... I am sitting here in my gym/exercise room
and can not bring myself to do my yoga practice. My body hurts,
my foot is unstable even with the brace today, my knee is cracking like
pop rocks, shooting pain down my leg... I have so many
excuses I could use and anyone
I told them to would definitely tell me, take the day off... You
deserve it... You have so much going on... Well, I don't like
coddling. And I despise being pitied! That is what got me here... Sure, I have
plenty of reasons why I can't exercise today. But I only
need one reason to get me on that yoga mat and then on that
bike... Me! I DESERVE TO
BE HEALTHY, I DESERVE TO GET BETTER!!! I certainly did not
get healthier or heal my body by giving in... I am strength, I am
energy, I am motivation....
Join me? Get on that treadmill or bike, go for a walk...
Whatever it takes.... Do it for you!!!!
I am off... To my Yoga Practice.
Namaste!
Donna
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Sorry for posting so late today. For anyone who missed yesterdays
post I have Challenged myself to a Birthday goal. I would like to
lose
a total of 18.5lbs by my birthday. I had 33 days to meet this
challenge.
Day 1 - 1 hour Yoga Pratice and 1 hour
exercise bike - 12 miles total.
Ate 100%,
drank all my water.
First weigh in - I lost 1.5lbs this morning... That leaves 32
days and 17 lbs!!!!
Thank you to all who said they would like to participate in a challenge
for their birthday or special occasion. Everyone is
welcome.... That goal bear is within our reach!!!
Day 2 is going well... I have gotten in both workouts and my goal for the bike was 13 miles in 1 hour.... Well, I crushed it today! 13.2 miles!!! Have you ever been so proud of reaching a goal that you cried?? Well, I did. When that clock hit 60:00 minutes and I realized that I hit my goal, I cried... OK, maybe I am a girl and maybe it was 2 tears. But a major turning point for me. : )
Thank you all for your support. LisaFox, I thank you for your blog and for really getting that song "Suddenly I See". I listened to that song at least 5 times during that hour. Any time I felt like I had nothing left.
A special thank you to Lisa and Tony. You have been true friends and helped me find the best of me that I want to be.
Thank you all for your comments and unsurpassed support! I wouldn't be here without you all!!!
Hugs,
Donna
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Well, I promised to post my 50 pound reward and bear.... Here it
is....
My 50 lb reward Tiffany 1837 circle clasp necklace. 50 pound bear
called "Encouragement Bear".
I am thankful for all the encouragement I have received!!! Thank
you all for your support!!
I will post about my birthday challenge later...
For now I am off to my Yoga Practice!
Namaste!
Donna
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GOALS -
Well, I have been looking for a challenge to keep me motivated to get
to my Birthday goal. How unrealistic some may think it is, I know
I
can do it if I work hard and keep myself motivated. So, this is
my
self challenge. I have exactly 33 days until my birthday.
My goal is
to reach 179.5 by then. That is nearly 20 lbs (actually 18.5) ,
but
with hard work and dedication it can be done.
REWARDS -
My reward? I have not allowed a birthday party or cake for my
birthday
for 2 years. (A dieting choice, no food rewards). Truth be told,
I miss the gesture of the cake and party.
It is not about eating it, but the tradition of having a birthday
cake... Everyone singing Happy Birthday and blowing out the
candles and
making a wish. So, my reward is that if I am on track for my goal
- I
get a party and a cake. Not even close? No party, and no
cake. Yes,
of course I will still celebrate it...
PLANS - Big
plans for the big goals. I will continue to have 100% days.
Balanced
meals, lots of water and exercise. I will do my yoga practice in
the
AM and 1 hour on the exercise bike before lunch. Additionally I
will
ask you to join me in rooting me on and checking on me.
Care to join me? List your goals, rewards, and plans here. We can work together for those goals!
Best wishes to you on your journey,
Donna
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I think the most common question we get as we lose weight is... What are you doing? I think most people are looking for a magic pill, so unless I sense some sincerity or 'need' I usually say "eating healthy and exercising" which is true. But, that answer does not explain the half of it.
I have answered that question in messages on here so many times too. So, here is a great starter answer for you.
I have taken Nutrisystem for every bit of information I could squeeze out of it. I have learned more from NS in the last year than I ever did in college in nutrition classes. I also incorporated some information from a popular show "The Biggest Loser". I have used many of these principles to create my meal plan.
I started on NS eating the meal plan 7 days a week, then after several months, I started having a few days a week that I would eat on 'Donna's plan'. Now after almost a year, every day is 'Donna's plan'. I still order items ala carte and please please understand that I will be involved with NS in some way forever.
So, as an example here are a few principles (they may help those of you that are doing the 'weekends off plan' or are in maintenance).
1) Eat every 2-3 hours
2) 3 meals and 3 snacks a day
3) Each 'meal' must have a 4oz protein serving.
4) Serving of fruit or veggies with every 'meal'
5) Meals are 250-300 calories
6) Snacks are 100-150 calories (except last snack is usually only about 60-100)
7) I have a protein with every snack also (eg., morning snack yogurt and fruit)
I hope these principles help. I have further defined what a serving of fruit/vegs are. Along with a lot of other principles, but I think it would be overwhelming to go over it all.
I just ate a very healthy breakfast, I am actually very full so I may have to rework it before I eat it again.
6 egg white omelette (no milk)
1 slice 45 cal Sara Lee Bread
1 slice of Turkey Bacon
1 serving of frozen strawberries
This meal (which again, I am so full I can't eat it all) has the following nutritional information
Calories 232 Carbs 24 Fat 4 Protein 30 Fiber 5 Sodium 490
My plan was designed for my body. Please keep that in mind. I do very well on this plan and have lost an amazing amount of weight. I even lost 3 lbs while PMSed.
Thanks for reading, your comments are much appreciated.
Best wishes on your journey,
Donna
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So, as I mentioned earlier... My husband took me out to
dinner. We
went to a steak house. I was really nervous about this,
because last weekend we went to a Mexican restaurant and we shared a fajita but, the beer and nacho
chips caused me to gain 3 lbs and it took me several days to
recover.
I made the conscious choice that I did not want a repeat of that.
I checked the menu online and decided what I was going to order.
I
even emailed the nutrition department for more info. I found out
that
the grilled chicken b r eas t has 1500mg of sodium. I decided not to
get
discouraged and I got all dressed up to go out with 'Mr Wonderful' as a
good NS friend has named him.
Once we got to the restaurant I ordered a water with extra lemon and a
light beer. (Hold on before you get upset). I sat at the
table and
contemplated my options. My husband (who is now at his goal)
opted for
the steak bites smothered in sauce and fries. I ordered a salad
plain
and used lemon wedges as my dressing.
I have to say I was a little irritated at first. I did want to
jump
over the table and wrestle my husbands dinner away from him... But the
irritation did not last long.... My 'perfect' husband spent the
entire
evening gushing over me and telling me how beautiful I am and how proud
he is of me. He thanked me over and over for indulging him and
spent
the night telling me how much he loved me. I kept thinking that he has done so much for me (if you read my blog Taking my Life back... The road to my success you may have an idea.
After he finished his beer, I slid him mine and took his empty
bottle.
He felt like he wasn't eating and drinking in front of me and I walked
out with my head held high.
Hope you all have an equally delightful evening!!! Now I am back to it!
Mmmuah!
Donna
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