Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Listy McListerson: The Fat Drop

Woot! I've taken it slow and haven't made any grand efforts but I am rather impressed with myself and the new habits that I've slowly adopted. I am down a total of 22 lbs. While the number 22 isn't instantly impressive, the fact that it's been 22 lbs of lard does make me smile.

Things I like to do to keep it in perspective without getting discouraged;

  • Pick up a 5 lb bag of potatoes and tell myself that I've lost 4.5 of those babies (almost)
  • Pick up Bubby and know that I've lost as much as she weighs
  • Pick up fat Ed and remind myself that I've lost more than two of him
The good news;
  • It feels great to take control of my life
  • It feels good to establish new eating habits
  • I've trained myself to eat when I'm hungry as a means to fuel my body (rather then a never ended extra-curricular activity that results from eating my emotions!)
  • My clothes are fitting better
  • Forward motion is progress
The less than good news;
  • I have 24 more pounds to go
  • I still am a gross blob of not healthy lard (as if there's a healthy version out there some where)
  • I don't 'feel' like I've lost any weight
  • Healthy weight loss takes time and effort (damn it!)
All in all, I love the challenge and I love busting myself and creating some sort of self discipline! I can't tell you the number of times I have wanted to or started to put something into my mouth.

I've really had to stop and wonder things like;

  • Am I hungry?
  • Is this healthy?
  • Why am I eating?
  • Do I need this or do I want this?
  • When is the last time I ate?
  • Is there a better choice?
While I was pregnant with Adalie, I had gestational diabetes and met with a Dietitian. I was instantly forced to change my eating habits and as a result only gained 9 lbs with her. I had also met with a trainer prior to my pregnancy.

Here's a short life of things that I have pulled from them that have helped me quite a bit;
  • 80% of weight management is dietary intake
  • Drink half of your weight in water daily in ounces (If you weighed 100 lbs you would drink 50 oz of water a day). This is much more tailored to individual needs.
  • Eat every 2-3 hours. This keeps your metabolism up and going so your body works for you
  • Eat smaller portions
  • Reduce fat and sugar intake
  • Do your best NOT to eat out
  • Fresh food does not contain the 'fatigens' that help you hang onto weight i.e. minimize preservatives and processed crud
  • Don't not to eat after 7 PM daily
  • Get a good nights sleep so your body is able to function correctly
  • Take a daily vitamin to help ensure proper nutrition
  • Probiotics assist your body in absorbing nutrients (especially if you have been on antibiotics in the past 24 months)
  • Find healthy snacks alternatives and keep them accessible
  • Quit making exceptions (this one is a love/hate situation for me!)
I still go to the gym but I'm not uber dedicated. You know, the girl who shows up in spandex (but really shouldn't) and spends 4 hours a day (and then goes home and polishes 2 gallons of ice cream)? Not me for so many reasons. I think it's important to exercise, get your body moving and take time for yourself. It's definitely a crucial component to being healthy. I make sure that I get out and it's a double bonus as I love the down time alone in my head. Just don't go looking for me in Zumba because that is so not this girl!!!

Here are a few objectives I've set to make sure I don't look anymore like a 30 something suburban house wife;
  • Drop another 24 lbs by adhering to the above
  • Start P90X to start ramping up the musclege (and I can do this from home, boom baby!)
  • Lower my BMI now that it's back in normal range!
  • Stop wearing my pajamas to the grocery store (don't you judge me!!)
On the B Side: There's definitely something to be said for moderation in all things and that completes my lists for today! I think I am my own biggest fan and I don't feel one bit guilty about that! Go me!

5 shout outs:

Kristin said...

YOU ROCK! 22 lbs is AWESOME! And thanks for the post... so much good information that's useful and SO TRUE. Keep it up girl, you're doing awesome!

Wendy said...

You are doing great Britta!! Thanks for the post of positive thinking, I need this lately, I'm loosing motivation! Keep it going girl!

Kristy Mouti said...

Au contraire, ma chère, 22 lbs IS instantly impressive! I'm totally jealous! Being pregnant is only making me want to lose weight more. I hate seeing those numbers on the scale climb and climb...SCARY.

triplej said...

You are are doing great....I have been running since November and have only gained muscle. It does feel good to be active. I have the P90x program and am starting in a few weeks. It is a good one! Keep it up Britta.

Krystal said...

Whatevuh soul sista! I'M your #1 fan!!! (In a non-creepy, non-stalker sort of way) I'm so ready to get my smokin' hot body back! Thanks for sharing your tips!!! Love you!!!
~Pear Berry