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!