I fell off the wagon

I know it's been a while since I posted anything, so now, it's confession time. I fell off the wagon. Well, I didn't just fall of the wagon, I fell off, hit my head on a rock, and laid unconscious by the roadside for a while. I haven't been doing my healthy eating, or my calorie counting regularly like I should. I know I've gained some weight back, because I can feel it. I can see it too. I don't know how much, because I'm afraid to step on the scale. I'm afraid to see how badly my failure has cost me. But you know what? That's okay. Sometimes we get sidetracked, and now I'm back.

While I was gone, I did some exercises haphazardly, but nothing with real focus. I don't like exercise for exercise's sake, so it's hard for me to stick to a routine. I'm hoping that I can find something I really like and make it work, especially now that I'll have more free time when the little one goes to school. I'm just tired of having such poor stamina, ya know?

Anyway, my new goal is to be in the 150's by Christmas. I'm going to hop back on the wagon and keep moving toward the goal. The journey is back on, my friends!

Halfway there!

Hey guys, sorry I haven't posted in a little while, but I have some great news! I've lost 20 pounds! I'm officially at the halfway point. So now it's time to reward myself for making it to my goal. I'm going to be buying myself a nice new pair of tennis shoes. I have two pairs of sneakers at the moment - one is a cheapie pair I bought two years ago that is falling apart, and the other pair is a hand-me-down from my mom because she didn't like the way they fit (I also don't like how they fit, but hey, free Nikes!). At any rate, I'm going to spend some good money on some good shoes that will hopefully last a little while.

As far as the next half of my weight loss journey is concerned, my goal is to knock out another 20 pounds, but I'll be happy if it's somewhere between 10 and 20. Basically, I'm going to continue counting my calories. Once I have my new shoes, I'll start going for walks as well. I'm just going to keep doing what I'm doing, and when I reach stasis, then that's where I'll settle. Counting calories is pretty easy, so I don't mind making it a permanent addition to my life. I might start doing some more exercise besides the occasional walking, but for now I'm not sure.

So that's where I am, and it's a pretty exciting place to be. Catch you later!

Thyroid Update

Well, I went to the doctor here in Montana for the first time a couple of weeks ago. I explained that I'd been monitored for hypothyroidism in the past, and so my new doc (who is very nice, by the way) took a blood sample once again. He said my numbers were well within the normal range, and that since I've been normal for a year, he doesn't think I have anything to worry about. We'll keep monitoring it, but not as often as my other doctor was recommending. So it looks like I've dodged a bullet. Still, I have to wonder what was making my numbers wonky before. Maybe I'll do some research on that eventually.

Anyway, I haven't been on a scale in a couple of weeks, so I don't really have an update for that. I don't feel any smaller, so I'm probably not. I'll get on the scale this weekend to be sure.

One thing I did this past weekend was go to a seminar on self-defense. I learned a lot that I hope I can apply to my daily life, because you just never know what can happen. We were taught a few moves to help fend off attackers, and they will make great exercise if I practice them daily. I'm thinking that's just what I'll do too.

Well, that's all that's going on currently on my weight loss journey. Still walking the path, though I sometimes stumble on rocks (last week it was a burger joint with yummy sweet potato fries and Cherry Coke). I'll get there though.

It's March

So I weighed myself a couple of days ago, and I was 169.8. Yay, I'm back in the 160's. Barely, of course, but still. I haven't weighed this little in at least a year.

It's starting to warm up and get sunny around here, so my little one and I have been going on "adventures" around the neighborhood. That's what she calls them anyway. I just call them walks with lots of breaks, because my little one likes to take the binoculars and stop and look at everything along the way. Still we're outside in the fresh air, and we're moving, so that's what matters.

Yesterday I lost a little in the battle for my willpower. I binged on Frosted Mini-Wheats, of all things. I have to say, while I don't feel guilty, I definitely wasn't left satisfied after indulging my craving. Makes me think I'd have been better off just sticking to the appropriate serving size after all.

Today has been a very weird day. After fighting off hunger almost constantly for the past two weeks, suddenly I'm not hungry at all. I actually had to force myself to eat lunch, because I still felt full from a breakfast I'd had five hours before. I don't know if it's just a fluke or what. Maybe it was the binge I had yesterday that reminded me that food isn't the end-all, be-all. It's just more evidence that I'm making this all up as I go. Whatever. I'll keep on fighting the good fight, and I'll see you around!

Another Quick Update

Well, I'm still at 15 pounds down. I don't know if that's because I hit a plateau, or whether I'm building muscle from all this snow I've had to shovel in the last week. When I reach 20 pounds lost, I plan on rewarding myself with something. I was thinking a new pair of shoes, but I'm not sure. Anyway, I'll be back later when I have some progress to speak of. TTFN!

Quick update

Hi guys, just checking in to say that as of this morning I'm now down 15 pounds! Last week was very hard for me, I struggled with staying in my budget every day. Some days I didn't succeed in the slightest. However, I pushed back and now I'm down two more pounds since my last post. I hope I can keep it up!

Well...

Here I am, guys. I'm back again. A lot has happened in the year and a half since I last posted. If you've been reading my main blog, Under the Crescent Moon, you know what most of it is. The one thing I haven't talked about there is my weight. In the time that I was gone from here, I've gained about 20 pounds. Yikes, right? Well, here's a look into how that happened.

 After we moved to the new house in NC, I quit taking my daily walks because of how busy the highway in front of my house was, not to mention there were more than a few not-so-friendly dogs in the neighborhood. My weight slowly crept up. A few months back I went to the doctor, only to discover my thyroid was acting up, but not enough to actually be medicated for. When I went back to have my thyroid retested, the doctor discovered that my vitamin B12 levels were too low. I made a few attempts to get back on track, but my heart just wasn't in it. Then we found out that my husband had gotten a job offer in Montana, and also our house in NY went under contract, so I just didn't have the time or the patience to deal with being healthy. Besides, food was one way I could comfort myself when I was under stress. Then the move was over, and here came Christmas with its delicious cookies and meals. I knew I should be careful, but I just didn't give a crap.

I was having trouble fitting into all of my clothes, I had some pretty bad swelling going on in my hands. When I finally had the courage to step on the scale just before the start of 2014, my weight was the highest it's ever been (not counting when I was pregnant) - 186.4 lbs. I won't lie, I thought it would be worse, and I was a little relieved, but that still didn't mean it was good. I couldn't continue down this track, and I knew it. I'm over 30, I've had a kid, and I have borderline hypothyroidism, so losing weight won't get any easier. Anyway, it might be cliche, but on January 1st, I used freedieting.com's Daily Caloric Needs Calculator, and using a notebook and The Calorie Counter, I began tracking my calorie consumption. It's a lot of math, but so far it's been worth it. As of today, I have lost 13 lbs.

That may sound like a lot, but I'm guessing that about 8 lbs. was water weight, because it came off almost immediately, and I lost a good bit of bloat around the middle, and my hands aren't as swollen. The other five pounds have taken me nearly four weeks to lose, but fortunately, my numbers seem to be steadily coming down. When spring gets here and the sidewalks are clear, I intend to start walking again. There are more hills here, so it will be good exercise. The only dietary changes I have made besides limiting my intake are drinking more water (between 1 and 2 liters a day), and cutting back on the soda. I used to drink a 12-pack of  Pepsi a week. Now I drink one 12 oz. can on Sunday as a reward for keeping it together all week.

While I'm encouraged by my progress, this is still the hardest undertaking for me. There are SOOO many times when I've just wanted to plop down with a jar of Nutella and some graham crackers and just go to town. I'm sure you know the feeling. I have a sneaking suspicion that the struggle between being responsible and overeating will be with me for the rest of my life. This is not to say that I will never indulge again (I totally have plans for Valentines Day), just not everyday, or even every week.

So anyway, there it is. I'm back on the journey. If you'd like, you can walk with me a while.

The numbers are in

Here's my results for the week:

The last numbers I took were:
Weight: 163
Waist: 32.25
Hips: 42.5

This week's numbers are:
Weight: 162
Waist: 33
Hips: 42.25

I'm feeling a little bloated, which is probably why my tummy measurements are up instead of down. I'm hoping I can lose about an inch all around by Halloween, but we'll see. I'll just be happy if I continue to maintain, honestly. See you guys next week!

After a month

Here's a quick update, since it's been a month. I have no new results to report. I just recently moved into a new home, so meals haven't been as healthy as they should, but with all the moving boxes and arranging furniture, I haven't gained or lost any weight. I consider myself very fortunate. Anyway, we're all moved in, so I'm getting back into the swing of things, and I'm hoping to start seeing the numbers drop again soon. So, here's to fighting the good fight, eh? We might get sidetracked, but we can always regain ground. See ya next week!

This week

Not much to say this week, just posting new numbers:

Last week's numbers were:
Weight: 163.8
Waist: 32.25
Hips: 42.25

This week's numbers are:
Weight: 163
Waist: 32.25
Hips: 42.5

I wonder if I should add some exercise to get those inches moving along?

Post Family Reunion

Sorry I didn't get this week's results posted sooner. One, I was just too busy with moving, and two, my numbers were skewed from a weekend of family reunion food, so I wasn't sure how to approach my results post. I finally decided to give myself a couple of days to see just how my weekend off really affected my progress. The answer is not at all, because though I was about 4 pounds heavier on Monday, by Wednesday, I was back to the weight I was before I left for the reunion.

Last week's numbers were:
Weight: 164.2
Waist: 32.25
Hips: 42.25

This week's numbers are:
Weight: 163.8
Waist: 32.5
Hips: 42.25

So the moral of the story here is, even if you get off your diet for a day, or two, or three, don't throw in the towel. You might have a small set back, but if you continue fighting the good fight, it'll right itself in the end.

New Numbers

Last week's numbers were:
Weight: 165
Waist: 33
Hips: 42.75

This week's numbers are:
Weight: 164.2
Waist: 32.25
Hips: 42.25

I'm hanging in there. I wanted soda a lot last week. I didn't always give in, so I guess there's something to be said for that. I have a family get-together this weekend, so I'll try not to go too overboard. Wish me luck!

This week's progress

I lost one more pound!

This week's numbers are:
Weight: 165
Waist: 33
Hips: 42.75

Last week's numbers:
Weight: 166.2
Waist: 32 and 5/8
Hips: 43

I'm not sure what's up with the waffling waist measurements. Random bloat, maybe? ::Shrug:: Earlier this week I got an easy 32.5 around the waist, so maybe that's it. My husband says I look thinner, although the numbers really aren't supporting that claim. Maybe he's just trying to make me feel good. It doesn't matter. I like that he's being supportive, and I like that the numbers are slowly working their way down. Slow change is lasting change, as the saying goes. See you next week!

Lesson Learned

I went over my calorie budget today. The little one and I went to Mickie D's this evening so she could get a Happy Meal. We don't do this often, and since I had to run an errand that would take us away from home at dinner time, I figured I'd let her get something she really enjoys. Well, I'd already eaten, so I figured I'd just treat myself to one of their caramel frappe drinks. I thought I'd go a tad over my budget, but I was just getting a small, so it wouldn't be that bad. No biggie.

We had a very nice outing and made it home just in time to not get completely soaked by a thunderstorm. I put the little one to bed, and just out of curiosity, I googled McDonald's nutrition facts. I scrolled and scrolled until I found it - small McCafe Caramel Frappe: 450 calories.

JESUS H. CHRIST ON A BIKE!

AND THAT'S A SMALL!

Moral of the story: Just because you get a small, doesn't mean it's low calorie. Always check the nutrition guide first.

Maintaining

This week looks much the same as last week:

Weight: 166.2
Waist: 32 and 5/8 inches
Hips: 43 inches

Slightly smaller waist. Very slightly. Last week we had Independence Day, so I made lots of tasty treats. I splurged a little over the holiday, but alas, that is life. Once in a while won't hurt; it's just when the once in a while turns into every day that things get out of hand.

I'm still not exercising, although it crossed my mind that some crunches and push-ups might do the trick for me. It really is too hot for all that right now though. I suppose the up side to this heat wave is that I have no problem staying within my calorie budget, because I don't care to eat when it's hot. It makes me feel all gross. I've noticed that animals don't eat too much when it's hot either, so it must be nature at work. ::Shrug::

Well, shoot. I was going to say something else, but my husband just called, and I've lost my train of thought. Oh well. You guys enjoy your week. Keep fighting the good fight, and I'll see you back here on Monday or Tuesday.

Back in the Saddle

My last post was in February. Well to make a long story short - I struggled with my diet, I quit my diet, I started again - wash, rinse, repeat. Then about five weeks ago, I decided enough was enough, and since I have stuck to my diet and lost four pounds.

Now, I'm not exercising although I should be. However, I decided to take it slow. I'll probably start exercising in a couple of months, once I'm set in my diet routine. One thing at a time. Right now, I'm still struggling with my soda cravings. I have a twenty-ounce soda on Sundays as a reward for sticking to my calorie budget, but there are days when I REALLY want one anyway. I'll be honest, some days I give in; I count it into my daily budget and go from there. Sometimes I manage to distract myself until the craving goes away. I consider that a small triumph. When I master that, I'll see about moving on and adding exercise. I know exercise would help me lose more weight faster, but right now I'm happy with the progress I've made.

This week's numbers are:
Weight: 166
Waist: 32.75
Hips: 43

Since I didn't report it then, my starting point five weeks ago was:
Weight: 170.4
Waist: 35
Hips: 44

I've decided that I will post here once a week, either on Monday or Tuesday, to report my progress and discuss anything of significance on my weight loss journey. I think posting any more than that will just get boring for you guys. So anyway, that's the story so far. See you all next week!

New Workout

I suppose it's about time to post something new, but in all honesty, I don't really have anything to post. There hasn't been any progress to speak of since my last progress report. I've been maintaining fairly well when you consider that my post was made right before the holidays, so I guess that's something. The thing is, the motivation well has dried up. Somewhere I lost my balance, and I've just been going through the motions and haven't truly been able to get it back again.

All that being said, I've been doing alright counting calories. I went a little overboard a couple of weekends ago at my mom's birthday party, but in all fairness, the cake was pretty darned good. I've also been doing better about drinking water. That partly comes from me finishing all the drink mixes I'd bought previously, so that I have no choice but to drink water. I guess sometimes that's what it takes.

Perhaps my best achievement so far was to actually write out an exercise plan. I was just sort of winging it before, but now I have something a little more concrete. I have two sets of exercises that I alternate between. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday I walk for 30 minutes and then do a set of arm and ab toning exercises; Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday I use the rowing machine for 30 minutes and then do leg and glute toning exercises. I decided to put this plan into full swing yesterday, and I guess it's working, because my abs and arms are sore! I'm really hoping to see some results by the end of March when we go to our friends' wedding. Who knows, I might even try to get a tan before then, too!

SOPA/PIPA Update

Yesterday, We the People won a small victory. In light of both physical and online protests, as well as thousands of emails and phone calls from concerned citizens, at least 18 senators, 3 bill co-sponsors, and President Obama himself have withdrawn their support of SOPA. We cannot celebrate just yet. This victory was not by any means complete. The bill is not dead - the House of Representatives will revisit the issue next month. PIPA is still on the table; the next Senate vote is scheduled for January 24th.

Google says 4.5 million People Signed Anti-SOPA Petition

U.S Senators Withdraw Support for Anti-Piracy Bills

Were SOPA/PIPA Protests a Success? The Results Are In

Unfortunately with yesterday's victory, we also suffered a loss. Apparently the Supreme Court ruled that the US could take works out of the public domain and put a copyright on them. I wasn't even aware of this ruling, but apparently this is the third case that was meant to challenge US copyright laws as a violation of the 1st Amendment.

Supreme Court Chooses SOPA/PIPA Protest Day To Give A Giant Middle Finger To The Public Domain

We need to continue the vigil. Yesterday, 4.5 million people signed Google's anti-SOPA petition, and 350,000 emails were sent to Congress via Fight for the Future's various sites. It's a good start, but with just over 300 million people in the US, it's far from the best we can do. If you haven't already, sign Google's petition. Visit http://americancensorship.org/ and fill in your info. They'll send an email to your Senate rep. for you. It's just that easy. If you like a more personal touch, look up your representatives and write them a letter or give them a call. If we don't stand up for our rights, we won't have any.

I HATE CENSORSHIP!

Today is the day for SOPA/PIPA protest blackouts. Wikipedia is down, as well as other sites to raise awareness of the dangers of SOPA/PIPA and the dangers of internet censorship. If you'd like to get involved you can sign Google's petition here: https://www.google.com/landing/takeaction/


This site will help you find more ways to join the protest: http://sopastrike.com/


Would you like to boycott SOPA/PIPA friendly companies? If so, here's a list to get you started (it isn't comprehensive): https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xjisu18X6s7lPtAsIQg5Ol3KJjymPT2az1kasQVwGiw/preview?pli=1&sle=true

xkcd.com also has some great information about SOPA/PIPA and what you can do to help stop them.


Let's not let Congress limit the freedom of the web!

Weight Loss Jar

I found this on Pinterest, and thought it was a great idea: Weight Loss Jar. I've seen this done with to-do lists, but never with weight loss. I think it's nifty to have a visual representation of what you've accomplished (especially in those early stages when it's not apparent on your body yet). I immediately got up and made one of my own after seeing it. I didn't buy marbles or vase fillers, though. I collect rocks, so I already had them laying around and decided to use those. I also only used one rock per pound, whereas this lady uses one gem per tenth of a pound. I suppose it's more visually impressive, and for those weeks where you lose a little weight, but not quite a whole pound, you still can see a difference. Hmm. Now that I think about it, I might need some more rocks and a bigger jar...  Anyway,  I would show you a picture, but my husband is on night shift, so he's sleeping, and going into the bathroom to take pics would disturb him. Maybe later I'll get some posted.