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Saturday, July 17, 2010

Back on the Wagon

I am sad to say that I have let myself get back up to a higher weight than ever.  I had returned to my previous high weight THEN remember that I quit smoking (November), or at least that’s what will get the blame for these last 20 pounds. 
Why does it matter?  Well there are several reasons.  I know there are people who feel good about themselves no matter what their size, and I wish I were one, but I’m not. I don’t look or feel good in my clothes.  I don’t feel healthy – short breath, aching knees and ankles, high bp and cholesterol (meds have affected liver already).  It matters.
For the last month or two I’ve been contemplating:  how am I going to lose this weight?  ALL the good diet habits are gone, so begin again.  A few things have changed since I weighed less.  Age of course.  Since I quit smoking, coffee does not taste as good (except those sweet, milky drinks), and in the last couple of weeks I’ve decided to not use/drink artificial sweeteners.  Those have been a huge source of replacements in the past, so we’ll have to see if I can continue this ban.
I went to the doctor, and he says if I don’t want to count calories/grams, until we get rolling JUST (ha) stick to NO fried anything, NO red meat, NO sweet treats.  Have three meals with protein to curb appetite,  chicken and fish, and 30 minutes 5 days a week of aerobic exercise, to be more successful “find something you can do in your home.  He also said, “we are not going to count to a weight or number of pounds – we are going for a size.”  OK, but you and I both know that I’ll be watching that scale!  So, I’m going for a size 12 at 5'4".  I think that's realistic -  I’ve been there, I know I can do it, and that is where I can begin to feel good about myself.  How many pounds does that mean?  Well, I’m not positive, but at least 30, so we’ll START with that.
I know a few of you who drop by to visit have also gone through this journey, and I’ve watched your success.  If anyone wants to join in, please feel welcome!
So, this morning I ate cereal with skim milk.  I don’t care for breakfast, and haven’t eaten it in ages, but I will get back into the habit. 
Tomorrow –Sunday is DSs birthday – my only will be 29.  I will allow myself to eat for this special occasion, and really get with the program beginning Monday. 
We went to the movie yesterday (a tradition around birthday time) to see Inception.  Wow – put on your thinking cap and go to the bathroom first because you won’t want to miss a second, and enjoy.  It was great.  I really want to go again to realize all I missed.  In the movie there was a thunderstorm, and it kept going and going, then I realized it was outside- rain pounding the roof with cracking of lightning and thunder! 
Hope there was a bit of rain in your part of the world if you need it.  Thanks for dropping by, and I’d love to hear your thoughts today!
    PeaceLoveJoy
an
d Happy Stitching!graphicCharleneSC

17 comments:

  1. I am constantly struggling with my weight. I cut my cholesterol to less than half of what it was this year and lowered my bp too. I refuse meds though.
    Since my surgery I haven't done too well with my exercise, but as I have reached the 2 month mark I am ready to get moving again.
    I'm here to cheer you on as a gal on the same journey.

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  2. This is an on going battle with me too. I find that planning the day's meals and snacks really helps, just need to stick with it.

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  3. Charlene,
    When I saw your post title, I thought, "Oh no, she's started smoking again." Thank goodness, that's not true. As we get older, it's so easy to put on weight and a constant struggle, at least for me. Sometimes it seems like even looking at a photo of something yummy adds a pound or two! Sounds like you're motivated to lose though and have set a realistic goal. I'll bet you'll be successful!

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  4. Good luck with your plans for weight loss.

    Happy Birthday to your son tomorrow!

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  5. It is a constant struggle. I've been trying to be much healthier and have lost a few and feel better, but it isn't easy. Sort of like two steps forward and one step back....or VICE VERSA!! But it can be done. I'm with you; maybe we'll see a little difference by Aug. 7 and then see how we do by Oct. (or sooner if it works out)? :)

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  6. For the past year my sister has been eating soups, mainly chicken noodle. She has also cut out/down her intake of red meats. This in addition to eating mainly pasta with veges during her meals. When at work, she goes between KFC's Mac & Cheese and Subway's Chicken Noodle Soup. Every now and again she indulges in a sandwich. She has managed to lose 70 lbs doing these things. She only recently began taking water aerobics which is also helping.

    My nutritionist suggested drinking Diet A & W Root Beer and using Splenda. She told me to go for 0 calorie drinks if at all possible (water being the main one, ha). She said that Crystal Light is a fine substitute for plain water. In the past couple years, I have only lost about 10 lbs with my highest being almost 250. I am unable to do a lot of exercise due to a slight disability in the lower back.

    Following a "heart healthy" diet plan is probably the best way to go in order to keep some of the foods you really enjoy too.

    Just wanted to pass along some tricks I know of to help curb your sweet tooth and cut some of the heavier bad foods out. Now I have a major taste (and have for a couple days now) for some Chicken Noodle Soup from Subway! LOL

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  7. Your not alone hun; I've put on about 40 lbs in 3 years; I did so good and lost 75lbs, then went thru divorce and gained some back; I am trying to lost this extra 40 and I've lost 4; it sure is easier to put on; but at our ages it's so hard to lose. We can do it though, :) Good luck hun.

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  8. Good luck on your healthier journey! My hubby has been eating better for a few months and, although, the results are slow, they do eventually add up! Just hang in there and take it one day at a time!

    Have fun with your son's BD!

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  9. Hey, I'm rowing the same boat you are! I've lost 30 pounds with another 35 to go. I've gained and lost the same 5 pounds over the last 3 years. No more! I'm eating healthy, no white anything, fruits, veggies, lean protein. An ocassional indulgence.

    You can do it and so can I. We'll cheer each other on!

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  10. I'm struggling with trying to get rid of extra pounds. It's much easier and more fun to gain than lose...

    Good luck to you! You can do it!

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  11. Good luck Charlene~~ I also need to lose...Eating healthier and MOVING yourself should do the trick. Now, that being said, I still need to lose 25-30 lbs. Why does my favorite hobby require me to sit on tush???haha...Anyway, maybe by Oct we will both have shed at least 10. That would be a geat start! Hare a good one, Faye

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  12. I'm with you there, Charlene. I've come to the conclusion that life style change is the only answer. Especially after 40 (or so).

    I've put on 35 pounds in 5 years. And let me tell you, 153 pounds on a 5'3" frame is not attractive!

    I've been trying to hold tight to no more than 1600 calories a day (for now) and walking at least 20-30 minutes a day.

    My only other advice is to be patient. Keep eating a few small meals a day, don't forget a snack or two, and wait for your body to take the hint.

    Huggles!!!!

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  13. I'll be cheering you on! I have been in this situation more than once in my life. There used to be a family bookstore where I live. One of the family members was in her 20s and very pretty but very large. She lost a ton of weight, and I asked her how she did it. She said don't do a fad diet, and don't go by any diet books (even though their store sold them). She said just eat three sensible meals a day, no junk food, and avoid eating out as much as possible. That's the method I'm doing right now. It's slower, but it seems to work. You'll do it Charlene!

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  14. Weight is a constant struggle for so many of us! I'm working on it too, so will be sharing your struggles/joys/pains. Best of luck!

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  15. Oh dear...I really struggle with this too...and I've been sort of "off" on my diet part for the better part of this year. I still exercise, and I've held my own, but it is time to get back on the wagon...and what a fortuitous post to read on the very day that I'm starting again! You can do it. I know you can!

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  16. Unfortuantely its a never ending battle this weight thing. I may have lost my weight but I've discovered its not over once its time to maintain.

    I know you can do this!

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