I probably was around my highest weight here, which was 224 pounds. I did not weigh for years, because it was too depressing. I didn't even own a scale for several years.
Sunday, September 8, 2013
Muffin Top - Front View - Size 16 Mid-Rise Jeans - 188 Lbs. - September 7, 2013
This is the front view of me wearing the size 16 mid-rise jeans at 188 lbs. on September 7, 2013
Muffin Top - Side - 188 lbs. - September 7, 2013
I am wearing the cheap mid-rise size 16 jeans. So now I know what "muffin top" means!
Saturday, September 7, 2013
Daily Food Journal - Friday, September 5, 2013
Friday, September 5, 2013
I have a slight headache this morning, probably because I sucked in so much chocolate syrup yesterday. I finally had to throw the last little dab of it away, because I had reached 3000 calories consumed for the day.
Sis says I do not eat healthy food. Maybe. I started off with coffee and a microwaved corn dog, which totals up to slightly more than 300 calories.
I guess I'll drink some Slim Fast with skim milk, so add 200 more calories, for a daily total of 500 so far. It's ten A.M.
The day went downhill from there. I wrote it all down in my continuing journal for September.
I have a slight headache this morning, probably because I sucked in so much chocolate syrup yesterday. I finally had to throw the last little dab of it away, because I had reached 3000 calories consumed for the day.
Sis says I do not eat healthy food. Maybe. I started off with coffee and a microwaved corn dog, which totals up to slightly more than 300 calories.
I guess I'll drink some Slim Fast with skim milk, so add 200 more calories, for a daily total of 500 so far. It's ten A.M.
The day went downhill from there. I wrote it all down in my continuing journal for September.
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
God Supplies All Your Needs?
I finally decided to seek the kingdom of God first, because I plan to let Him show off what he can do. If I remember the scripture correctly, it says: "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and all these things will be added unto you."
So, studying further computer programming, adding extra education certifications, starting an online business -- all these important things are not as important as seeking God and his kingdom.
In obedience to this verse, I decided to open this book Marilyn Hickey sent me. I scanned the chapter headings, and decided to skeptically read the last chapter first.
The last chapter was talking about how people who financially partner with other ministers to help spread the gospel will have all their needs supplied by God.
Paul was talking to the Phillipians, thanking them for helping him spread the gospel by supporting him financially. The Phillipians were the only church that had responded when he had asked for help, even though he had asked several churches through his letters.
It was only then that Paul told them, "But my God will supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus."
The point is that because they gave to help spread the gospel, and they sent Paul gifts more than once, in a form of partnership -- because they partnered with Paul to spread the good news of Jesus Christ, God would supply all their needs.
So, studying further computer programming, adding extra education certifications, starting an online business -- all these important things are not as important as seeking God and his kingdom.
In obedience to this verse, I decided to open this book Marilyn Hickey sent me. I scanned the chapter headings, and decided to skeptically read the last chapter first.
The last chapter was talking about how people who financially partner with other ministers to help spread the gospel will have all their needs supplied by God.
Paul was talking to the Phillipians, thanking them for helping him spread the gospel by supporting him financially. The Phillipians were the only church that had responded when he had asked for help, even though he had asked several churches through his letters.
It was only then that Paul told them, "But my God will supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus."
The point is that because they gave to help spread the gospel, and they sent Paul gifts more than once, in a form of partnership -- because they partnered with Paul to spread the good news of Jesus Christ, God would supply all their needs.
September 2013 Weight Loss Journal
I started the month of September weighing almost five pounds up from my lowest weight, of 186.8, the day before. Not a failure, though -- I just ate a ton of food that day (3000 calories!), many of them very salty, the last day of August. Most of the weight gain was water retained.
SU SEPT 01 191.4 2400
MO SEPT 02 187.8 2600
TU SEPT 03 187.4 1950
WE SEPT 04 187.8 2600
TH SEPT 05 188.2 3000
FR SEPT 06 188.8 2500
SA SEPT 07 188.2 1600
SU SEPT 08 187.0 1750
MO SEPT 09 185.8 2200
TU SEPT 10 185.8 2100
WE SEPT 11 185.4 1950
TH SEPT 12 184.8 2400
FR SEPT 13 186.6 2000
SA SEPT 14 184.8 2000
SU SEPT 15 186.8 2000
MO SEPT 16 186.4 2000
TU SEPT 17 185.6 2100
WE SEPT 18 185.6 2200
TH SEPT 19 185.6 2200
FR SEPT 20 185.0 2200
SA SEPT 21 185.0 4000
SU SEPT 22 189.0 2200
MO SEPT 23 186.6 2200
TU SEPT 24 186.6 2200
WE SEPT 25 186.0 2100
TH SEPT 26 186.6
OBSERVATIONS:
My sister keeps calling me at supper time, after I've already eaten plenty for the day, and invites me to eat at her house. I have got to refuse her invite more often, or else I will not be losing the measly 3 pounds per month that I have been shedding thus far. I could even gain my 27 pounds back, if I don't learn how to "Just Say 'NO!'"
Both my sister and I are dieting, but I am not in competition with her. I want her to successfully take off her excess weight, for her health's sake, because she has two stents in her heart, mostly the result of smoking for a couple of decades when she was younger. I want her to get back to her skinny self, so there will be less strain on her heart.
My sister's weight is currently about 15 pounds under mine. As I already stated, we are not in competition, but I am beginning to suspect that she is subconsciously undermining my diet by inviting me to a great supper every night.
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
Before daylight today, I noticed a plastic bag in the fridge. It was some sort of trail mix that Sis had given me a few days ago. It had 142 calories per quarter cup, and after eating a full cup plus of that salty "snack" I had to throw the rest in the dirty trash container. It was the easiest way to stop eating on it. If you cannot leave it alone, just toss it out!
Also, these last few days I have noticed the chocolate syrup that Daughter left for my sick hubby. He doesn't really like it -- He prefers strawberry syrup. But I LOVE chocolate. And it has 50 calories per tablespoon. I have used it as a substitute for candy bars these last few days, but if it comes to the point where I'm eating more than 4 tablespoons (200 calories!) of it per day, then I will have to wash the remainder of it down the sink.
Last night I missed Sis's supper, which consisted of my favorite food: Mexican. I was at Wally World, eating salt and vinegar chips and a lunchable. I probably didn't spare too many calories by missing the free meal, but at least I didn't break 2000 calories for the day.
This morning at 4:00 AM, I woke up to Richard Simmons. So I decided to do some little exercises while lying in bed. I would do 5 reps of various types of leg lifts and arm lifts, and the like. And I was so WINDED! Are you kidding me? How out of shape am I?
Having said that, I am not going to do 30 minutes of cardio a day. I do not want cardiac arrest. I will do 2 to 5 minutes of exercise in my bed about 5 days a week. That seems like a safe start for me.
I saw some video about how exercise can cause plaque to break free from a clogged artery and cause bleeding, which leads to a clot. That clot can cause a heart attack or stroke. So, oh no, no, no, no! I will not be stressing my heart too much all of a sudden. I will EASE into exercise.
Friday, September 6, 2013
Okay, I need to quit answering my phone after 4:30 PM, so I won't let my sister talk me into coming for supper.
I finally had to throw away what was left of the chocolate syrup. I just could not leave it alone today.
I am not doing so hot for the month of September thus far. I am steadily gaining weight, because I am continuing to eat too much.
Saturday, September 7, 2013
So today I made cornbread muffins, baked with cheese and jalopenos. Each only had 125 calories, but I ate EIGHT of them. I had to give the last four away to my daughter next door.
With the muffins gone, I turned my attention to the Little Debbie's Strawberry Shortcake Rolls, which have 240 calories each. Daughter bought them for my paralyzed hubby, but he no longer likes them. I ate THREE today -- 720 calories. Then I reluctantly smashed the remaining two and put them in with the messy trash.
With these binge behaviors, I wound up eating 2500 calories for the day, even though I did NOT go to my sister's house to eat.
Not a very successful dieting day yesterday.
So today I am trying a different approach. I am looking at my new pair of size 16 petite jeans I bought on clearance at Wally World a few days ago for $9. (Obviously, I did not plan to spend much money on clothes that I did not expect to wear for very long!) These jeans are about an inch away from buttoning. Hopefully, they will inspire me to stop bingeing.
The plan is to get into those inspiration jeans as soon as possible, to wear them while they fit, and to use them to do dirty chores in once they become too big. I can paint or auto mechanic in them.
As for today, I thought it might be a good idea to drink Slim Fast today, instead of eating solid food. Let's see if that will get me below my lowest weight of 186.8. Right now I am up almost 2 pounds from there.
I am tired of such a S-L-O-O-O-W weight loss!
Sunday, September 8, 2013
I did not see my sister at all yesterday, and my calorie count was 1600. I did go to the dollar store with my daughter, where I ate a small bag of Cheetos (170 cals.), one Lindor Truffle (80 cals.), and one nutty ice cream cone (290 cals.). So the BEST day to diet would be one where I stay away from both my daughter and my sister, I'm thinking.
I did not see my sister at all today, so I did not eat any of her great cooking. I think Sis is involved with her grandchildren's sports. Too busy to invite me to supper, which is a good thing for my diet.
Monday, September 9, 2013
Finally, ths scale shows 185.8. Another pound lost! Halleleujah!
Wednesday, September 18, 2013u
Well, the scale did show 184.8 awhile back, but it didn't stay there long.
I realized yesterday that my diet is roughly based on my eating every day the number of calories it might take to maintain my desired weight of 124 pounds. I usually eat around 2000 to 2500 calories each day, and I lose weight very slowly.
I realized just a moment ago that my weight loss is at a standstill because I don't spend much time moving around. I lie in bed way too much, just using the computer.
SU SEPT 01 191.4 2400
MO SEPT 02 187.8 2600
TU SEPT 03 187.4 1950
WE SEPT 04 187.8 2600
TH SEPT 05 188.2 3000
FR SEPT 06 188.8 2500
SA SEPT 07 188.2 1600
SU SEPT 08 187.0 1750
MO SEPT 09 185.8 2200
TU SEPT 10 185.8 2100
WE SEPT 11 185.4 1950
TH SEPT 12 184.8 2400
FR SEPT 13 186.6 2000
SA SEPT 14 184.8 2000
SU SEPT 15 186.8 2000
MO SEPT 16 186.4 2000
TU SEPT 17 185.6 2100
WE SEPT 18 185.6 2200
TH SEPT 19 185.6 2200
FR SEPT 20 185.0 2200
SA SEPT 21 185.0 4000
SU SEPT 22 189.0 2200
MO SEPT 23 186.6 2200
TU SEPT 24 186.6 2200
WE SEPT 25 186.0 2100
TH SEPT 26 186.6
OBSERVATIONS:
My sister keeps calling me at supper time, after I've already eaten plenty for the day, and invites me to eat at her house. I have got to refuse her invite more often, or else I will not be losing the measly 3 pounds per month that I have been shedding thus far. I could even gain my 27 pounds back, if I don't learn how to "Just Say 'NO!'"
Both my sister and I are dieting, but I am not in competition with her. I want her to successfully take off her excess weight, for her health's sake, because she has two stents in her heart, mostly the result of smoking for a couple of decades when she was younger. I want her to get back to her skinny self, so there will be less strain on her heart.
My sister's weight is currently about 15 pounds under mine. As I already stated, we are not in competition, but I am beginning to suspect that she is subconsciously undermining my diet by inviting me to a great supper every night.
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
Before daylight today, I noticed a plastic bag in the fridge. It was some sort of trail mix that Sis had given me a few days ago. It had 142 calories per quarter cup, and after eating a full cup plus of that salty "snack" I had to throw the rest in the dirty trash container. It was the easiest way to stop eating on it. If you cannot leave it alone, just toss it out!
Also, these last few days I have noticed the chocolate syrup that Daughter left for my sick hubby. He doesn't really like it -- He prefers strawberry syrup. But I LOVE chocolate. And it has 50 calories per tablespoon. I have used it as a substitute for candy bars these last few days, but if it comes to the point where I'm eating more than 4 tablespoons (200 calories!) of it per day, then I will have to wash the remainder of it down the sink.
Last night I missed Sis's supper, which consisted of my favorite food: Mexican. I was at Wally World, eating salt and vinegar chips and a lunchable. I probably didn't spare too many calories by missing the free meal, but at least I didn't break 2000 calories for the day.
This morning at 4:00 AM, I woke up to Richard Simmons. So I decided to do some little exercises while lying in bed. I would do 5 reps of various types of leg lifts and arm lifts, and the like. And I was so WINDED! Are you kidding me? How out of shape am I?
Having said that, I am not going to do 30 minutes of cardio a day. I do not want cardiac arrest. I will do 2 to 5 minutes of exercise in my bed about 5 days a week. That seems like a safe start for me.
I saw some video about how exercise can cause plaque to break free from a clogged artery and cause bleeding, which leads to a clot. That clot can cause a heart attack or stroke. So, oh no, no, no, no! I will not be stressing my heart too much all of a sudden. I will EASE into exercise.
Friday, September 6, 2013
Okay, I need to quit answering my phone after 4:30 PM, so I won't let my sister talk me into coming for supper.
I finally had to throw away what was left of the chocolate syrup. I just could not leave it alone today.
I am not doing so hot for the month of September thus far. I am steadily gaining weight, because I am continuing to eat too much.
Saturday, September 7, 2013
So today I made cornbread muffins, baked with cheese and jalopenos. Each only had 125 calories, but I ate EIGHT of them. I had to give the last four away to my daughter next door.
With the muffins gone, I turned my attention to the Little Debbie's Strawberry Shortcake Rolls, which have 240 calories each. Daughter bought them for my paralyzed hubby, but he no longer likes them. I ate THREE today -- 720 calories. Then I reluctantly smashed the remaining two and put them in with the messy trash.
With these binge behaviors, I wound up eating 2500 calories for the day, even though I did NOT go to my sister's house to eat.
Not a very successful dieting day yesterday.
So today I am trying a different approach. I am looking at my new pair of size 16 petite jeans I bought on clearance at Wally World a few days ago for $9. (Obviously, I did not plan to spend much money on clothes that I did not expect to wear for very long!) These jeans are about an inch away from buttoning. Hopefully, they will inspire me to stop bingeing.
The plan is to get into those inspiration jeans as soon as possible, to wear them while they fit, and to use them to do dirty chores in once they become too big. I can paint or auto mechanic in them.
As for today, I thought it might be a good idea to drink Slim Fast today, instead of eating solid food. Let's see if that will get me below my lowest weight of 186.8. Right now I am up almost 2 pounds from there.
I am tired of such a S-L-O-O-O-W weight loss!
Sunday, September 8, 2013
I did not see my sister at all yesterday, and my calorie count was 1600. I did go to the dollar store with my daughter, where I ate a small bag of Cheetos (170 cals.), one Lindor Truffle (80 cals.), and one nutty ice cream cone (290 cals.). So the BEST day to diet would be one where I stay away from both my daughter and my sister, I'm thinking.
I did not see my sister at all today, so I did not eat any of her great cooking. I think Sis is involved with her grandchildren's sports. Too busy to invite me to supper, which is a good thing for my diet.
Monday, September 9, 2013
Finally, ths scale shows 185.8. Another pound lost! Halleleujah!
Wednesday, September 18, 2013u
Well, the scale did show 184.8 awhile back, but it didn't stay there long.
I realized yesterday that my diet is roughly based on my eating every day the number of calories it might take to maintain my desired weight of 124 pounds. I usually eat around 2000 to 2500 calories each day, and I lose weight very slowly.
I realized just a moment ago that my weight loss is at a standstill because I don't spend much time moving around. I lie in bed way too much, just using the computer.
Monday, September 2, 2013
Broad, Long-Term Goals: Suzi's Bucket List
Goals I Want to Accomplish Before I Die
These are listed as I thought of them, not in order of importance.
1. See Machu Picchu
2. Speak basic Russian
3. Travel Spanish-speaking countries
4. Return to Germany for a visit
5. Travel the Lower 48 in my van
6. See the Grand Canyon
7. Have a small cabin in Eastern Oklahoma in Choctaw Territory
8. Get down to 122 pounds and stay at that weight or below for the remainder of my life
9. Write self-help books
10. Write my autobiography
11. Write a comprehensive Spanish course
12. Write a comprehensive English course
13. Speak German well
14. Read Italian
15. Read Portuguese
16. Read French
17. Learn the Thai alphabet
18. Program computers
19. Learn enough auto mechanics to maintain my vehicles
20. Buy the kids a trailer
21. Buy a house in Killeen, or wherever the great-grandkids happen to live
22. Pre-pay my funeral
23. Make videos
These are listed as I thought of them, not in order of importance.
1. See Machu Picchu
2. Speak basic Russian
3. Travel Spanish-speaking countries
4. Return to Germany for a visit
5. Travel the Lower 48 in my van
6. See the Grand Canyon
7. Have a small cabin in Eastern Oklahoma in Choctaw Territory
8. Get down to 122 pounds and stay at that weight or below for the remainder of my life
9. Write self-help books
10. Write my autobiography
11. Write a comprehensive Spanish course
12. Write a comprehensive English course
13. Speak German well
14. Read Italian
15. Read Portuguese
16. Read French
17. Learn the Thai alphabet
18. Program computers
19. Learn enough auto mechanics to maintain my vehicles
20. Buy the kids a trailer
21. Buy a house in Killeen, or wherever the great-grandkids happen to live
22. Pre-pay my funeral
23. Make videos
Friday, August 23, 2013
Diet Journal - August 2013
August 2013 Diet Journal
On August 1st, after I had already eaten around 2000 calories, my daughter brought me a foot long chili dog, at about 8:00 at night; and I decided to eat the entire dog and brownies, as well.
TH 1 - *3900 - 189.8 (Notice how much I overate once I finally got below 190 pounds!)
FR 2 - *2900 - 192.4 (And I continue to OVEREAT, even though my weight went back up!)
SA 3 - 2150 - 192.4
SU 4 - 2100 - 190.2
MO 5 - 1200 - 190.6
TU 6 - *2650 - 188.6
WE 7 - 1900 - 190.2
TH 8 - 2000 - 191.2
FR 9 - 1500 - 190
SA 10 - 1300 - 190
SU 11 - 1800 - 189
MO 12 - 2000 - 187.2
TU 13 - 2000 - 188.8
WE 14 1900 - 190.2
TH 15 - 2500 - 190.6
FR 16 - 1800 - 189.6
SA 17 - 1900 - 188.6
SU 18 - 2500 - 188.6
MO 19 - 1300 - 188.4
TU 20 - 1350 - 188.4
WE 21 - 1350 - 187.8
TH 22 - 2100 - 188.8
FR 23 - 2000 - 188.4
SA 24 - 2000 - 188.4
SU 25 - 2400- 189,4
MO 26 - 1500 - 188.8
TU 27 - 2400 - 188,4
WE 28 - 2600 - 190.2
TH 29 - 1600 - 187.4
FR 30 2300 - 186.8
SA 31 3000 -187.2
OBSERVATIONS:
I ate way too much of Bobby's and Ramona's birthday cakes. I finally had to give away four slices of cake to Sis's fam.
If anything can be said about my diet of the last eight months, it is probably that I am on a diet of 1900 calories or less per day. Anything more than that greatly reduces my weight loss.
My exercise was almost nill for most days this month. No walking and no exercise-bike-riding mean very, very SLOW weight loss. Add all those calories I consumed to this inactivity, and you can easily see why the weight hovered around 190 for most of the month.
However, it hit 186 as the month ended, continuing to CREEP downward.
But, hey, I started this year at 213 pounds. Anyway you look at that scale, my weight is still down from there!
213 minus 186 is 27 pounds. I have lost 27 pounds in 8 months. That is 27 pounds that I will never gain back, because I will stay on top of the eating thing 'till the day I die.
On August 1st, after I had already eaten around 2000 calories, my daughter brought me a foot long chili dog, at about 8:00 at night; and I decided to eat the entire dog and brownies, as well.
TH 1 - *3900 - 189.8 (Notice how much I overate once I finally got below 190 pounds!)
FR 2 - *2900 - 192.4 (And I continue to OVEREAT, even though my weight went back up!)
SA 3 - 2150 - 192.4
SU 4 - 2100 - 190.2
MO 5 - 1200 - 190.6
TU 6 - *2650 - 188.6
WE 7 - 1900 - 190.2
TH 8 - 2000 - 191.2
FR 9 - 1500 - 190
SA 10 - 1300 - 190
SU 11 - 1800 - 189
MO 12 - 2000 - 187.2
TU 13 - 2000 - 188.8
WE 14 1900 - 190.2
TH 15 - 2500 - 190.6
FR 16 - 1800 - 189.6
SA 17 - 1900 - 188.6
SU 18 - 2500 - 188.6
MO 19 - 1300 - 188.4
TU 20 - 1350 - 188.4
WE 21 - 1350 - 187.8
TH 22 - 2100 - 188.8
FR 23 - 2000 - 188.4
SA 24 - 2000 - 188.4
SU 25 - 2400- 189,4
MO 26 - 1500 - 188.8
TU 27 - 2400 - 188,4
WE 28 - 2600 - 190.2
TH 29 - 1600 - 187.4
FR 30 2300 - 186.8
SA 31 3000 -187.2
OBSERVATIONS:
I ate way too much of Bobby's and Ramona's birthday cakes. I finally had to give away four slices of cake to Sis's fam.
If anything can be said about my diet of the last eight months, it is probably that I am on a diet of 1900 calories or less per day. Anything more than that greatly reduces my weight loss.
My exercise was almost nill for most days this month. No walking and no exercise-bike-riding mean very, very SLOW weight loss. Add all those calories I consumed to this inactivity, and you can easily see why the weight hovered around 190 for most of the month.
However, it hit 186 as the month ended, continuing to CREEP downward.
But, hey, I started this year at 213 pounds. Anyway you look at that scale, my weight is still down from there!
213 minus 186 is 27 pounds. I have lost 27 pounds in 8 months. That is 27 pounds that I will never gain back, because I will stay on top of the eating thing 'till the day I die.
Diet Journal - July 15 - 31, 2013
Diet Diary
I didn't keep a food log for two weeks, because I thought it was kinda' stupid.
But then whenever it seemed I was stuck on one weight, I could not see how many calories I'd eaten, which would have clarified the reasons why I wasn't losing anymore weight.
Consequently, I picked the process back up, starting in mid-July, 2013.
Day July Calories & Weight
MO 15 - 2150 - 192.6
TU 16 - 1450 - 192.8
WE 17 - 1150 - 192.2
TH 18 - 2330 - 192.6
FR 19 - 1200 - 192.2
SA 20 - 1600 - 191.4
SU 21 - 1600 - 192.8
MO 22 - 1800 - 192.8
TU 23 - 1800 - 193 (Notice my weight went up, possibly due to salty foods!)
WE 24 - 2400 - 193.6
TH 25 - 1500 - 192
FR 26 - 1700 - 191.4
SA 27 - 1450 - 190.6
SU 28 - 1750 - 189.8
MO 29 - 1650 - 191.4
TU 30 - 2100 - 190.0
WE 31 - 1550 - 191.6
TH AUG 1 - 189.8
So my net loss for 2 weeks was only a little less than two pounds. But when you look at the number of calories I consumed, you can see WHY the weight loss was so slow.
Nevertheless, this weight loss is fairly consistent with my steadily losing THREE pounds each month since New Year's Day. Weight on January 1, 2013, was 213 pounds. Weight on August 1, 2013 was 189.8 pounds.
I didn't keep a food log for two weeks, because I thought it was kinda' stupid.
But then whenever it seemed I was stuck on one weight, I could not see how many calories I'd eaten, which would have clarified the reasons why I wasn't losing anymore weight.
Consequently, I picked the process back up, starting in mid-July, 2013.
Day July Calories & Weight
MO 15 - 2150 - 192.6
TU 16 - 1450 - 192.8
WE 17 - 1150 - 192.2
TH 18 - 2330 - 192.6
FR 19 - 1200 - 192.2
SA 20 - 1600 - 191.4
SU 21 - 1600 - 192.8
MO 22 - 1800 - 192.8
TU 23 - 1800 - 193 (Notice my weight went up, possibly due to salty foods!)
WE 24 - 2400 - 193.6
TH 25 - 1500 - 192
FR 26 - 1700 - 191.4
SA 27 - 1450 - 190.6
SU 28 - 1750 - 189.8
MO 29 - 1650 - 191.4
TU 30 - 2100 - 190.0
WE 31 - 1550 - 191.6
TH AUG 1 - 189.8
So my net loss for 2 weeks was only a little less than two pounds. But when you look at the number of calories I consumed, you can see WHY the weight loss was so slow.
Nevertheless, this weight loss is fairly consistent with my steadily losing THREE pounds each month since New Year's Day. Weight on January 1, 2013, was 213 pounds. Weight on August 1, 2013 was 189.8 pounds.
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
Goal Weight - Photo from Yesteryear
I was at this weight for years, before it slowly started creeping up.
Saturday, August 10, 2013
Eating More Food as My Reward for Weight Loss
August 10, 2013
Yeah, I still have these destructive habits!
When I hit 188 pounds -- my lowest weight in a dozen years -- I rewarded myself with a late night extra meal that included a foot-long chili cheese dog. I ate over three thousand calories that day.
I made that same mistake a week or so later, eating cake for two days, and Little Debbies, and cookies.
Weighing 190 today, I'm still up a pound and a half from my lowest weight of 188.6.
Nevertheless, I shall not be moved.
My goal for the year was to WRITE DOWN everything that went into my mouth. Now, over seven months later, I'm still keeping track of the calories I feed my belly.
On New Year's Day, I weighed 213; so even with the one-pound weight gain, I am still down 23 pounds this year.
Down it creeps. Step by step, pound by pound. Slowly I am turning back into this skinny woman I haven't seen for decades.
Yeah, I still have these destructive habits!
When I hit 188 pounds -- my lowest weight in a dozen years -- I rewarded myself with a late night extra meal that included a foot-long chili cheese dog. I ate over three thousand calories that day.
I made that same mistake a week or so later, eating cake for two days, and Little Debbies, and cookies.
Weighing 190 today, I'm still up a pound and a half from my lowest weight of 188.6.
Nevertheless, I shall not be moved.
My goal for the year was to WRITE DOWN everything that went into my mouth. Now, over seven months later, I'm still keeping track of the calories I feed my belly.
On New Year's Day, I weighed 213; so even with the one-pound weight gain, I am still down 23 pounds this year.
Down it creeps. Step by step, pound by pound. Slowly I am turning back into this skinny woman I haven't seen for decades.
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
Weight Is Still Creeping Down!
July 23, 2013
Weight Still CREEPING Down!
So far I'm keeping to my turtle pace of losing about THREE pounds a month.
My weight on Saturday, July 20, was 191.2 pounds. Since New Year's Day, I have lost 22 pounds. Going back a little farther in time, I have lost 27 pounds since retiring from my teaching job last fall.
That's not very much weight, to be sure. However, when you consider that I still eat cake, pie, cheesecake, hamburgers, French fries, hashbrowns, tater tots, candy, chips, ice cream, pasta, rice, bread, biscuits, pretzel dogs, chili dogs, corn dogs, pizza, fried chicken, egg rolls, stuffed peppers, and any other good food I like -- when you consider what I regularly eat, then losing 22 pounds is almost amazing.
I have discovered that the secret to losing weight is to keep track of your eating by counting calories and to try to eat smaller portions.
For instance, today I have eaten a bacon, egg, and cheese biscuit, with hashbrowns, and coffee with 2 creams and 3 teaspooons of real sugar; Slim Fast with skim milk; stir fry chicken; brown gravy; pecan pie; vanilla coffee; Cheetos; bread, and jelly. I have eaten all this, but I haven't broken my average calorie consumption of 1900 calories per day.
No, my diet is not some famous one, backed by a well-known doctor, spelled out in a best-selling book. Nor do I buy and eat only mail-order diet food. My diet is the same-old, same-old, tried-and-true method of writing down what foods I've eaten, looking up the calories in them, adding them up, and making a sincere effort to not eat large portions.
Weight Still CREEPING Down!
So far I'm keeping to my turtle pace of losing about THREE pounds a month.
My weight on Saturday, July 20, was 191.2 pounds. Since New Year's Day, I have lost 22 pounds. Going back a little farther in time, I have lost 27 pounds since retiring from my teaching job last fall.
That's not very much weight, to be sure. However, when you consider that I still eat cake, pie, cheesecake, hamburgers, French fries, hashbrowns, tater tots, candy, chips, ice cream, pasta, rice, bread, biscuits, pretzel dogs, chili dogs, corn dogs, pizza, fried chicken, egg rolls, stuffed peppers, and any other good food I like -- when you consider what I regularly eat, then losing 22 pounds is almost amazing.
I have discovered that the secret to losing weight is to keep track of your eating by counting calories and to try to eat smaller portions.
For instance, today I have eaten a bacon, egg, and cheese biscuit, with hashbrowns, and coffee with 2 creams and 3 teaspooons of real sugar; Slim Fast with skim milk; stir fry chicken; brown gravy; pecan pie; vanilla coffee; Cheetos; bread, and jelly. I have eaten all this, but I haven't broken my average calorie consumption of 1900 calories per day.
No, my diet is not some famous one, backed by a well-known doctor, spelled out in a best-selling book. Nor do I buy and eat only mail-order diet food. My diet is the same-old, same-old, tried-and-true method of writing down what foods I've eaten, looking up the calories in them, adding them up, and making a sincere effort to not eat large portions.
Friday, June 14, 2013
Turn Down Dinner Invitations
Weight Loss Tip: If the cook is great, don't accept the dinner invitation!
I am blessed to live next door to my only sister, who happens to be a fabulous cook.
I have a standing invitation to eat supper at her house. When she's cooking something special she knows I'll like, she gives me a call and reminds me that I'm always invited to eat.
If I would just STAY HOME, I would be losing weight more rapidly. As it is, I have been losing around three pounds a month. That is 3/4 pound a week.
Of course, I am on the pain-free diet, in which I eat whatever I want to. The only thing I do every day is write down what I have eaten with a "guess-timate" of the calories that I've put into my mouth every day.
Keeping the food journal has made me aware of just how much I've been eating. Also, journaling my daily caloric intake is my method of taking responsibility for my obesity.
When I read my journal, I understand why I am overweight. By analyzing the entries, I see where I might change my behavior and eat less.
I no longer tell myself, "Well, I have blown my diet today; so I might as well eat what I want to for the rest of today and begin my diet anew tomorrow."
Now I say, "Okay. I ate 2500 calories today. Or I ate 4000 calories today. Most days I eat around 1900 calories, but today I went overboard. Still, I will take responsibility for what I have done. I ate this amount; I weigh this amount. I will no longer stick my head in the sand and be blissfully UNAWARE of what I have done. I will own up to the pigging out session. I will not beat myself up over it. I will just write down what I did, and see if I can eat less tomorrow."
I am blessed to live next door to my only sister, who happens to be a fabulous cook.
I have a standing invitation to eat supper at her house. When she's cooking something special she knows I'll like, she gives me a call and reminds me that I'm always invited to eat.
If I would just STAY HOME, I would be losing weight more rapidly. As it is, I have been losing around three pounds a month. That is 3/4 pound a week.
Of course, I am on the pain-free diet, in which I eat whatever I want to. The only thing I do every day is write down what I have eaten with a "guess-timate" of the calories that I've put into my mouth every day.
Keeping the food journal has made me aware of just how much I've been eating. Also, journaling my daily caloric intake is my method of taking responsibility for my obesity.
When I read my journal, I understand why I am overweight. By analyzing the entries, I see where I might change my behavior and eat less.
I no longer tell myself, "Well, I have blown my diet today; so I might as well eat what I want to for the rest of today and begin my diet anew tomorrow."
Now I say, "Okay. I ate 2500 calories today. Or I ate 4000 calories today. Most days I eat around 1900 calories, but today I went overboard. Still, I will take responsibility for what I have done. I ate this amount; I weigh this amount. I will no longer stick my head in the sand and be blissfully UNAWARE of what I have done. I will own up to the pigging out session. I will not beat myself up over it. I will just write down what I did, and see if I can eat less tomorrow."
Friday, May 31, 2013
May Chart: Weight and Calories Consumed
This is a daily chart of my weight and calories consumed during the month of May, 2013.
Notice the plateaus!
Tu Jan. 1 213 lbs., 2000 calories consumed that day.
About 1900 calories was the daily average calorie consumption for January.
For February, March, and April, I just totalled up the daily calories, which ranged from 1900 to 2800 calories per day. I did not keep a daily chart, and I did not weigh myself more than twice a month.
There were a few days when I ate 3500 calories; and one day when I ate over 4500 calories.
The total weight loss for that 4 months was 11 lbs.
Th May 2 Bought a digital scale for $24 and began weighing myself daily. Consumed 1900 calsories that day.
Date Weight Calories Eaten
F 3, 202.2 lbs., 1700 cals.
Sa 4, 201.8, 2200 *First day to reach 201 pounds.
Su 5, 203.0, 2300 *Weight actually went UP a pound!
M 6, 202.4, 2300
Tu 7, 203.8, 1900
W 8, 203.4, 1800
Th 9, 202.2, 2200
F 10, 203.2, 1900
Sa 11, 201.2, 1900
Su 12, 200.8, 1900 *First day to weigh 200 lbs.
M 13, 201.4, 1900
Tu 14, 201.0, 1300
F 15, 201.2, 1400
Th 16, 199.4, 1400 *Lowest weight in a decade! First day at 199 lbs.
F, 17, 199.6, 1900
Sa, 18, 199.2, 1900
Su, 19, 199.2, 1800
M, 20, 199.6, 2100
Tu, 21, 200.2, 1800
W, 22, 199.4, 3000 * Overate this day!
Th, 23, 200.2, 2300
F, 24, 199.8, 2500
Sa, 25, 199.6, 2200
Su, 26, 199.4, 2000
M, 27, 199.6, 2400
Tu, 28, 198.0, 1300 *First day at 198 lbs.
W, 29, 197.6, 1000 *First day at 197 lbs.
Th, 30, 196.4, 1900 *First day at 196 lbs.
F, 31, 197.0,
So what does this May chart tell me?
It tells me that I stayed at 199 pounds or above that weight for almost 2 weeks!
When your weight does not drop even though you remain on a diet and continue eating less than you need, that same weight stagnation is called a weight plateau.
I also noticed that on days when I keep my calories to 1500 or less, my weight dropped much more quickly. Eating less equals weighing less! Duh!
Notice the plateaus!
Tu Jan. 1 213 lbs., 2000 calories consumed that day.
About 1900 calories was the daily average calorie consumption for January.
For February, March, and April, I just totalled up the daily calories, which ranged from 1900 to 2800 calories per day. I did not keep a daily chart, and I did not weigh myself more than twice a month.
There were a few days when I ate 3500 calories; and one day when I ate over 4500 calories.
The total weight loss for that 4 months was 11 lbs.
Th May 2 Bought a digital scale for $24 and began weighing myself daily. Consumed 1900 calsories that day.
Date Weight Calories Eaten
F 3, 202.2 lbs., 1700 cals.
Sa 4, 201.8, 2200 *First day to reach 201 pounds.
Su 5, 203.0, 2300 *Weight actually went UP a pound!
M 6, 202.4, 2300
Tu 7, 203.8, 1900
W 8, 203.4, 1800
Th 9, 202.2, 2200
F 10, 203.2, 1900
Sa 11, 201.2, 1900
Su 12, 200.8, 1900 *First day to weigh 200 lbs.
M 13, 201.4, 1900
Tu 14, 201.0, 1300
F 15, 201.2, 1400
Th 16, 199.4, 1400 *Lowest weight in a decade! First day at 199 lbs.
F, 17, 199.6, 1900
Sa, 18, 199.2, 1900
Su, 19, 199.2, 1800
M, 20, 199.6, 2100
Tu, 21, 200.2, 1800
W, 22, 199.4, 3000 * Overate this day!
Th, 23, 200.2, 2300
F, 24, 199.8, 2500
Sa, 25, 199.6, 2200
Su, 26, 199.4, 2000
M, 27, 199.6, 2400
Tu, 28, 198.0, 1300 *First day at 198 lbs.
W, 29, 197.6, 1000 *First day at 197 lbs.
Th, 30, 196.4, 1900 *First day at 196 lbs.
F, 31, 197.0,
So what does this May chart tell me?
It tells me that I stayed at 199 pounds or above that weight for almost 2 weeks!
When your weight does not drop even though you remain on a diet and continue eating less than you need, that same weight stagnation is called a weight plateau.
I also noticed that on days when I keep my calories to 1500 or less, my weight dropped much more quickly. Eating less equals weighing less! Duh!
Chips, Fried Chicken, Apple Fritter, and Macadamia Nut Cookie!
Yesterday I splurged! I ate three pieces of fried chicken (two wings and a thigh), an apple fritter fried crispy, a 450-calorie bag of jalopeno chips, and a huge macadamia nut cookie, along with my breakfast cereal, oatmeal, coffee, etc.
All that gunk was probably less than 2000 calories, though. It's hard to figure the calories in greasy fried foods like chicken, which can vary in the size of its pieces.
And my weight went up a half pound.
Whatever! I will live a normal life, and I will continue to lose weight.
Everything in moderation. Reasonable moderation! Somedays it just seems reasonable to eat three pieces of fried chicken.
All that gunk was probably less than 2000 calories, though. It's hard to figure the calories in greasy fried foods like chicken, which can vary in the size of its pieces.
And my weight went up a half pound.
Whatever! I will live a normal life, and I will continue to lose weight.
Everything in moderation. Reasonable moderation! Somedays it just seems reasonable to eat three pieces of fried chicken.
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Losing Weight Slowly
This morning I weighed 198 pounds. A lot, right? Especially for a woman who was 5'2" tall back in high school.
I haven't been measured lately, but I'm guessing I may have lost height since then.
However, I haven't weighed this little in TEN years! In 2003, I hit 200 pounds, and stayed above that weight for a decade.
My top weight was 224 pounds.
I didn't have my picture taken very often. I did not look in mirrors. I seldom put on makeup. And I did not try on clothes. I just bought size 2X clothing on clearance sales at Wal-Mart.
I have now lost fifteen pounds in the last five months. That is an average of only three pounds per month.
But, hey! Fifteen pounds is FIFTEEN pounds!!!
It is fifteen pounds I will NEVER gain back.
I haven't been measured lately, but I'm guessing I may have lost height since then.
However, I haven't weighed this little in TEN years! In 2003, I hit 200 pounds, and stayed above that weight for a decade.
My top weight was 224 pounds.
I didn't have my picture taken very often. I did not look in mirrors. I seldom put on makeup. And I did not try on clothes. I just bought size 2X clothing on clearance sales at Wal-Mart.
I have now lost fifteen pounds in the last five months. That is an average of only three pounds per month.
But, hey! Fifteen pounds is FIFTEEN pounds!!!
It is fifteen pounds I will NEVER gain back.
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Slow as Christmas!
Diet Tip: Take Your Time!
My New Year's Resolution was to keep a food journal: to write down everything I put in my mouth for the entire year. I write the food, the amount, and a relatively accurate calorie count.
I am 4 1/2 months into the year now.
I have lost twelve pounds during that time.
Wow! That is less than three pounds a month. Not a big weight loss, to say the least.
But it is a weight loss. And the diet has been relatively painless so far. If I want to eat something, I eat it. But I write it down. When I don't know how many calories the food has, I give it my best guess.
My New Year's Resolution was to keep a food journal: to write down everything I put in my mouth for the entire year. I write the food, the amount, and a relatively accurate calorie count.
I am 4 1/2 months into the year now.
I have lost twelve pounds during that time.
Wow! That is less than three pounds a month. Not a big weight loss, to say the least.
But it is a weight loss. And the diet has been relatively painless so far. If I want to eat something, I eat it. But I write it down. When I don't know how many calories the food has, I give it my best guess.
Five Crackers
You Don't Have to Finish Off the Pack!
Okay, so the calorie count for five crackers is eighty calories. You plan to eat five crackers with your half can of chili. But there are only seven crackers left in the pack.
"I need to finish these off," you reason.
But do you really need to empty the stack at that particular moment? Isn't that how you fattened up in the first place -- finishing things off?
So don't.
Leave the last two crackers in the stack. Or else just toss them, if having only two left in the plastic bothers you that much. But do not eat them, just because you feel they look lonely all by themselves.
Okay, so the calorie count for five crackers is eighty calories. You plan to eat five crackers with your half can of chili. But there are only seven crackers left in the pack.
"I need to finish these off," you reason.
But do you really need to empty the stack at that particular moment? Isn't that how you fattened up in the first place -- finishing things off?
So don't.
Leave the last two crackers in the stack. Or else just toss them, if having only two left in the plastic bothers you that much. But do not eat them, just because you feel they look lonely all by themselves.
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Clothes Getting Looser?
Diet Tip: If your clothes get loose, buy tighter ones!
If your clothes are getting loose, the chances are you're feeling skinnier. That's good, right? But if you're feeling too much slimmer, you're more likely to start gobbling down more food. You might think, "I'm loosing so much weight! It won't hurt to eat this whole can of Pringles all by myself! Just this once...."
So, when your clothes get loose,buy some tighter clothes. You don't have to spend a fortune, though. Go cheap! You're gonna' need to buy more later, as you keep losing more weight. The incredible shrinking woman -- that's you!
If your clothes are getting loose, the chances are you're feeling skinnier. That's good, right? But if you're feeling too much slimmer, you're more likely to start gobbling down more food. You might think, "I'm loosing so much weight! It won't hurt to eat this whole can of Pringles all by myself! Just this once...."
So, when your clothes get loose,buy some tighter clothes. You don't have to spend a fortune, though. Go cheap! You're gonna' need to buy more later, as you keep losing more weight. The incredible shrinking woman -- that's you!
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