You can take the scale out of the bathroom...

But you can't take the need to weigh-in out of the girl. I caved, I stepped on the scale. Actually, I don't consider it caving. It was a legitimate curiosity and I was ready to face the music. One week of waiting was enough. Luckily, it was a lower number, so of course it was a great feeling, and worth the wait. I felt like I had to be honest with ya'll, even though it only matters to me, really.

Here's what I have learned from this experiment. Keep going. My plateau at 228/230 lasted 5 weeks. I was getting stressed and feeling like a failure. I thought to myself - okay, that' s it. Maybe this is where I am meant to be. Maybe this is the weight my body is happy at. But I kept exercising, I stuck to my eating plan and finally, finally, I am down. I know in my heart that the scale is not the only reward of being healthy. But I can't help enjoying the tangibility of it. Also, getting measured for that bra this weekend was very rewarding too. I wish I had measured myself when I started this whole hullabaloo, but I didn't. Only my band size is evidence that even though the scale hadn't moved in a while, my body was changing its shape anyway.

I encourage you to plow through any plateau - it will pass. Don't stop exercising or eat too much because it all seems hopeless, because it truly isn't. Anything we do for our bodies that is healthful will have healthful benefits, sometimes they come slower than we'd like. But if I can do it, you can too, because I am a pure emotional eater, through and through.

I'd love to hear about how you guys made it through a plateau, and any other tricks you have for staying sane during it. Oooh - and if you weigh yourself every day like I do, do you find it helpful or aggravating?

P.S. 224.

HYC Check in

Happy No-Weigh Tuesday. This little experiment of not weighing in started off slow. My brain sent me messages a la Gollum, like MUST GET ON SCALE – GETTING WEAKER – MUST SEE POUNDS AND OUNCES – JUST FOR A MINUTE – MUST CHECK PROGRESS. It took two days for me to actually keep my promise to myself and just get into the shower without stepping on the scale. And this morning I really wanted to get on. It was a pretty powerful urge, akin to standing in from of the breakfast buffet bacon station and willing me to only take 4 pieces. (If you don't love bacon, insert favorite food here.) Have I mentioned that it is my birthday week? Of course I have, it is my most favorite day of the year!! I’m saving my weigh in for Saturday morning, the day of my party, and thus commencing 3 days of celebration until the actual day. Here’s hoping that it doesn’t ruin my whole day. Actually, I need to make the decision now that it won’t ruin my day. Period.

This was a pretty good week for exercise and eating.

--Only missed one work out, but compensated for it with a long walk
--Kicked ass in Pilates class, so much so that I can still feel some ab burning 4 days later.
--Ate all of my pre-planned meals

My “Opportunities” (once I went on a job interview and they asked me what my opportunities were. I was like, um, this job? And they then clarified, no silly, “Opportunities for improvement.” Barf. Why can’t you just say what do you need to work on?)

--Had a mindless eating moment. Went out Friday with hubby to a Mexican restaurant, and that basket of chips and bowl of salsa came out, and we dug in. When we asked for another basket and bowl, and they came and I dug in as well, I realized I was eating mindlessly. How many chips had I had? I didn’t know. I can’t journal them if I don’t know. Yikes! I redeemed myself by eating only half of my chicken fajitas and stopping when I was full.

--Journaling, not so much. It is tedious. But I am realizing that this is the last week that I committed to staying at 1600 calories, and April is when I begin another quarter at 1500 calories. EEEK! What will I give up?

I am having some work conflicts which will cause me to miss my workout tonight. So I need to be pristine in my eating until the bacchanalia on Saturday. I plan to enjoy myself, and not count calories. I don’t plan on binging, but I don’t foresee saying “no thanks, I’ll pass.” very often. I will listen to my body and not eat too much just because it is there.

Hope you all are having a great week!

Boobs, sizes and dresses, oh my!

How to make yourself feel better when the scale doesn't move.

1. Buy a new dress for your birthday party.
2. When it is 10 pounds too tight, ask your seamstress/work out buddy friend for advice.
3. When she says - "body shaper" - heed her advice and get thee to the Lane B
4. Find helpful sales woman who doesn't mind talking about your chubs
5. Have her measure you for a new plunging bra and discover that your band size is 6 inches smaller than it was 1.5 years ago. And, your cup size is still a D with a smaller band size. This should not matter to you, but it might.
6. Rejoice as you try on a couple of different bras and your saleswoman does not mind you pulling open your dress to say "I think the left one looks too squooshy, don't you?"
7. Hike up your Spanx and feel beautiful in your new dress.
8. Buy red patent shoes that make you feel a little sexy and like you might be too old to wear them, but you're doing it anyway.

The end.

HYC Check In

This Tuesday morning finds me frustrated and thinking I should be filed under Whelmed, Over. I’m weighing in at 230.2 today. I’m in full throttle of TOM, so I know it is not permanent. (READ: I’m not taking down my 60 pound sign, because I’m only .2 away.)

I always read in fascination my fellow HYC challengers who decide to stay off the scale for weeks at a time. I am a hop on the scale every morning kind of girl. It works for me because it helps me see how my weight fluctuates. Also, I think if I didn’t weigh every day and I got on the scale this morning to see that higher number, I would feel even more frustrated. But, I think I’m freaking myself out about my 70 pound goal., and I think I’m putting too much pressure on myself to get there, and since last week's weigh in, the scale hasn't moved, so I start to put more pressure on myself. Bleh. So I think that I’m going to stay off of the scale for a while. I really don’t know if I can trust myself to not get on it, but for my own sanity, I think I will. I need to focus on other things, like exercise and journaling. So let’s focus on the positive, shall we?

• Journaled - not every day, but some
• Went to all of my scheduled work outs, and walked the dog!
• Pilates class is getting less sweaty, but still challenging
• The highlight of my week – I can almost do a full-on “boy” pushup!!! Currently I can only bend my elbows about 20-30 degrees, but I can push myself back up, and I can do 3 in a row. Pathetic? Not if you’re me. This is a milestone.
  

Not a terrible week. I must remember that the scale isn't my only measuring stick.

motivation en rouge

Saturday I got the shopping fever. You know the symptoms, bored with your wardrobe, need something to celebrate some weight loss and the arrival of spring, and oh yes, your work out buddy mentions the 40% off sale at Lane Bryant. However, I am not allowing myself to buy new new clothes (even at 40% off) because I am determined to continue changing my size. So to appease my wanton shopper, I took myself to the Goodwill. And there I fell in love with my red dress. When I was a little girl and watched The Parent Trap 800 times, I thought Maureen O'Hara was the most beautiful woman I had ever seen. And that scene where the girls trick each of the parents into meeting for dinner, and she's wearing a midnight blue A-Line totally 1950's gown, well, swoon. So, this dress reminds me of her and that scene, as well as making me feel feminine and pretty. Because with your arm chubs pinched, and your love handles hanging out, it is best to feel feminine and pretty as well.

Even though the tag said the size was XL, I raced into the dressing room, hopeful and determined. Much like the first time you go to bed with your amour, no? Oh my lord, it does not fit. It does not even begin to fit. I can get it over my head, and put my arm through the perfectly cute cuffed sleeves, but I can't zip it, and the V-neck won't cover my breasts. So of course at $6.00 I bought it! I showed Mr. Black and he said "It's a goal dress." True enough! So the photo I have of it is on a hanger, to save some of my dignity. I don't know that I'll ever really fit into it, the fact that I can get it over my head is promising. It may be 2012 when I wear it, but luckily it is classic. This is a terrible picture, but it is a faux-wrap dress, with a long sash, with a v-neck. I wish I was one of those glamorous bloggers with a Nikon that captures every last dog hair that's probably coating my dress, but alas, I have a point and shoot.

Even more cause now to continue at Pilates, and exercise, yes? Yes! Thank you for listening to the saga of my new unwearable dress. I was really flattered to read such encouraging comments to show a photo. Tune in next week when I post about the hairdo I won't get, or the shoes that almost were.

HYC Check In

Welcome to Tuesday - even if it is an hour earlier! So here we are, another weigh in - and my scale shows me at 226.4 this morning. That's good - luckily the 3 pounds I miraculously lost overnight last week have stayed away, so that's a plus. 6.4 pounds away from my 70 pound goal.

Journaling fell by the wayside AGAIN this week, helll-oooo, do I think it doesn't matter? I actually put on my nerd-ball hat and calculated the calorie, fat, protein, carbs and fiber nutritional information for my breakfast quiche recipe, (118 calories!) so I have no excuse for not making that easy entry into FitDay. I entered everything for Sunday and Monday, and I'm continuing the trend. Also, I made it to all my work outs last week, so mama's going to pick up some exercise badges from Diana's site. Woo hoo! Basically, I'm still chugging along. And it is okay. I've got some motivation coming down the pike - in the form of a new red dress. I love this dress, so I'll post a photo of it tonight, and tell you our love story.


I hope everyone had a great week and is keeping strong!

Sunday wrap up and pep talk

Today is Sunday, and I have spent the day walking around doing math. I woke up at a respectable lazy Sunday 10:45, but thanks to that stinking daylight savings time, it was really a slothful 11:45. And then I spend the rest of the day doing math. Oh sure, it's 7:00 now, but it's REALLY only 6:00. Does anyone else do that? And tomorrow morning will come so early. I changed my schedule at work so now I have to be there a half an hour early, forever. I chose the absolute worst week to do so, as I'll walk in at 8:00 thinking "It's REALLY 7:00!" I've gotten my clothes picked out, my lunches and breakfasts packed, and determination to get there on time! P.S. I am not a morning person.

I'm trying to get psyched up for losing my 7-9 pounds to reach 220 by my birthday. When I weighed in on Wednesday after my official Tuesday weigh-in, I was 3 pounds lighter. And lest you worry, I haven't been eating salads sprinkled with laxatives to get there. I think I was just retaining water. I sighed with relief at that number, as 7 pounds in 3 weeks feels like a reasonable goal, one that doesn't involve walking around with hunger pangs and a ball of resentment in my purse. Just hard work will have to do, as is true with most things in life. I have some new motivational goals, which I'll post about later in the week, complete with photos!

Have a good week - even if every day is one hour earlier.

HYC Check In

Happy Tuesday, ya'll! Today I weigh in at 229.6 which is nearly a 1 pound gain. Um, hello, we're going the wrong way! I was hoping the miracle I have a cold so I'll only have tea, water, fruit and toast diet would miraculously shave off 6 pounds, but alas, no such luck. Most likely because although that was the bulk of my diet, I supplemented it with peanut butter, dark chocolate, and oh yes, that rogue burger and fries.


This week I missed 2 scheduled work outs due to illness. I had also wanted to improve on journaling, that also went down the tubes when I fell ill. So, we're back at it this week. We hired a partner for me at work so no more crazy hours, which means I should have no problem getting to the gym. And, I bought myself a 2 new pairs of gym pants, since my others are falling off me. And the 2x was too big! Oh, I am a 1x in pants - at least through this mail order catalog, I was. That's a great feeling!


Welcome to March - it is my birthday at the end of this month, and my goal was to reach 220 by then, so that I can celebrate my birthday by saying "Hi, it's my birthday, and I've lost 70 pounds. Please pass the cake." If I don't make it, I won't be crushed, but it is doable if I stick to my plan, methinks. that gives me 3 weigh ins to get there. That would be a loss of 3 pounds per week, so maybe that isn't doable - my body doesn't shed that quickly. So, I'm aiming for the moon, and hope to reach the roof, or however that saying goes.

Back in the kitchen, woman

Oh my goodness I am feeling better! It is a fabulous feeling. To be able to breathe through both nostrils, and to be able to keep my eyes open for several hours. True test of how I'm feeling, I'm back in the kitchen. I made a fabulous dinner and a great lunch to take to work on Sunday.

There is a salad bar in my office building, and whenever I go there, I end up getting the same thing, so I decided to make my favorite salad - not at $5 a pound.

Marinated Broccoli Salad

6 cups broccoli florets

2 cups diced carrots

2 red peppers, diced

half a red onion, thinly sliced

10 ounces roast chicken breast

1/2 cup vinaigrette

Bring 2 qts water to a boil, add broccoli and cook for one minute. Remove from the water, and immediately place them in a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Add carrots, peppers, onions and chicken to broccoli, toss with vinaigrette. Yum! Warning, after a day, the broccoli will be discolored from the vinegar, but it is still good. Here's a poorly lit photo:

And for dinner we had a lovely roast pork tenderloin, roasted root vegetables and asparagus. Roasting vegetables at a high heat is my favorite way to eat them, I think. If I can't have them in cheese sauce, of course. The outside gets crispy and caramelized, while the inside gets soft. I use this recipe from allrecipes.com. I used butternut squash, garnet yams, new red potato, parsnips, and onions.

For the pork tenderloin, here we go.

2 1 pound pork tenderloins

6 slices bacon

2 TBS olive oil

1 TBS black pepper

2 tsp kosher salt

Preheat the oven to 375. Rub the tenderloin with the oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper. Wrap 3 slices of bacon around the pork, barbershop pole style. Secure with toothpicks. Bake for 40 minutes, until pork is 155 degrees.

It looks like this!

from an old lady to the young ladies

On Valentine's day, Mr. Black and I went to see Mika in concert. I thought we were hip and cool. Turns out the show was an all ages show. So the place is crawling with teenagers, and younger. At first, I was a little irritated, we were having sexy cool night out! It is really hard to be sexy and cool with 8 year olds sitting on their Dad's shoulders and giggling packs of 12 year olds next to you. Although I totally wanted to giggle with them. But eventually, I got over it. His music is totally cotton candy fun, and so I just decided that we all deserve to enjoy it in person, even if only some of us can drive ourselves there. (On a side note, when I went to the rest room, someone had scrawled on the toilet paper dispenser "fuck all ages" hahahah! That made me laugh.) But by the end of the night, Mr. Black and I agreed how cool it was that the family next to us was having such a good time, singing along with their little girls, who were probably 8 and 10. We concede, all ages is okay.

There was a group of girls, at the most, they were 16, I think. (I am a horrible judge of age, did you know that Dakota Fanning isn't 25? Shocking!) And all of them were very tall, and very overweight. It hurt my heart in so many ways. First, I used to be that 16 year old girl who was overweight, and second, I think these girls were heavier than I was at that age - but again, they were very tall. I seriously had an urge to grab them and tell them to start exercising and stop eating junk, because you'll be so relieved when you're 30 and you realize that I am right, and aren't you glad you don't have a weight problem any more?

I was overweight my entire life, so I know that when and adult says do this and you'll thank me later, eye-rolling is involuntary. There were many times that I did try and change my weight, but the problem is that I didn't have tools to continue living a normal life. I didn't know about portion sizes, or how to manage a sweet craving and still maintain a weight loss. I also have a personality that leans toward "If you want it, get it, eat it, drink it, do it, whatever it is, go ahead and indulge." so that doesn't help. So even if I did shake these girls, they would still have to find a way to educate themselves to stay healthy. Oy, and I don't even think that these girls should diet, while their bodies are still developing. Mr. Black and I have discussed how when we do have children, that we don't want to pass on our food issues. I think that only now that I have taken charge of my health that I feel confident that I won't. I'm not perfect, see hamburger incident of yesterday, but I know that having fresh whole foods in the house, and teaching about portion sizes will be a big part of it.

I was just thinking about that today. I am continuing to rest and drink fluids and apply my Zicam every 4 hours like clockwork. I'm not taking any medicine yet. I haven't been plagued by a cough yet, so that's good. All I'm taking is NyQuil for sleeping. What do they put in there? I have to be in bed within 1 minute of taking it or I can't walk. I know it is 10% alcohol, but I'm the kind of girl who has had her own homemade cocktails that were probably 20% alcohol. Yeesh, that's powerful stuff. I love it for sleeping. Thanks for the well wishes!