The day after Baking Day is always the hardest for me, for fresh baked goodies are a little too tempting.
I had a sample of each bread throughout the day, and noticed an immediate change in my energy level- in fact, I didn't have an energy level! I thought about what I had eaten that day and was surprised to find most of it was flour and sugar based (mostly flour)- the two things I should be having the least of! No wonder I had no energy!
I'd also grazed all day- you know, a little bit here, and a little bit there...not really having a sit down meal. Cows graze, and I was feeling like quite the bovine when I looked into the mirror- not something I wanted to think about! I hope to break this habit during my weight loss.
One thing I did do was grocery shopping, where I had listed fruit and veggies, and stuck to the list- though I admit, those potato chip bags were calling me! If I were a superhero, potato chips would be my Kryptonite- I love those things! But I resisted, managing to get out of the store with my determination in tact.
I highly suggest making a grocery list that includes veggies and fruit, and stick to it (list them by name if need be- many times I listed 'vegetables' only to rationalize potato chips as a veggie!) If you are inclined to wander off the list, pick things that are better for you or try something new- I never knew what a Jicama was, but I now use it in stir-fry- it has the taste and texture of water chestnuts!
So try something new. or something you haven't had in a while- as long as it's fresh. Me? I gave some of my goodies out to my kid's teachers, and my husband took some to work. The rest I'm putting out of eyesight so I'm not tempted!
Friday, September 24, 2010
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Resisting Temptation!
Yesterday was a banner day for me! I baked for 4 straight hours, and didn't even have a inkling of wanting to eat any of the sweet stuff I baked!
I made three loaves each of raisin bread, banana bread, and peasant bread- the last being more like a rye, without that caraway flavor.
And I had two small slices of it with my soup at lunch!
It's funny how I can be baking all day, no matter what it is, and I usually don't even taste any of it. I guess it's a lot like working in a candy store- in the beginning you want to taste everything, but after a while, anything with sugar just doesn't interest you. Of course my family was thrilled, because now we have some sweets in the house!
I have been trying to reduce sugar consumption for the entire family. Yes, I know I baked some goodies, but I don't do that often and it's considered a treat. What I have stopped doing is buying goodies, and replacing it with fruit- much to the chagrin of my son, who's a sugar fiend.
The surprising thing is, when I did that, anything with sugar in it (including my own baked goods!) tasted way too sweet! I took a bite of the raisin bread this morning (it has a sugar drizzle on top) and found I liked the parts that weren't frosted.
I made a simple hamburger meal for dinner, and usually I have two burgers- but this time I was able to be satisfied with one. This was a lot harder to resist, because I love protein! So I got up from the table and found something else to do. I was in bed before I'd realized I wanted that second burger!
I didn't get my walking in due to hot weather and hot flashes. I hate humidity- it completely drains me! After all that baking I was tired, and when I'm near my energy limit, I start getting pains across my abdomen. I could have pushed myself, but I'd have been in a great deal of pain, and I didn't want to hurt myself.
When I get to that gym, the first thing I want to work on is getting my core stronger. That's what that pain across the belly means- I have a weakened core.
You'd think with all this belly fat that the opposite might be true, but noooooo, physics and I just don't get along.
I hope to get some video or pictures on the blog soon, so I can document my progress, and you can see me get thinner! I will keep you posted, because I have no clue how to do that- yet!
Please pray that I stay on track and not overeat, especially after a baking day. I do plan to attack that peasant bread (I love fresh bread with my soup!), but I don't want to eat half the loaf! I think I'll start chanting to myself....Smaller portions....better foods....You don't need that much....smaller portions...
C'mon everyone, start saying it with me!
I made three loaves each of raisin bread, banana bread, and peasant bread- the last being more like a rye, without that caraway flavor.
And I had two small slices of it with my soup at lunch!
It's funny how I can be baking all day, no matter what it is, and I usually don't even taste any of it. I guess it's a lot like working in a candy store- in the beginning you want to taste everything, but after a while, anything with sugar just doesn't interest you. Of course my family was thrilled, because now we have some sweets in the house!
I have been trying to reduce sugar consumption for the entire family. Yes, I know I baked some goodies, but I don't do that often and it's considered a treat. What I have stopped doing is buying goodies, and replacing it with fruit- much to the chagrin of my son, who's a sugar fiend.
The surprising thing is, when I did that, anything with sugar in it (including my own baked goods!) tasted way too sweet! I took a bite of the raisin bread this morning (it has a sugar drizzle on top) and found I liked the parts that weren't frosted.
I made a simple hamburger meal for dinner, and usually I have two burgers- but this time I was able to be satisfied with one. This was a lot harder to resist, because I love protein! So I got up from the table and found something else to do. I was in bed before I'd realized I wanted that second burger!
I didn't get my walking in due to hot weather and hot flashes. I hate humidity- it completely drains me! After all that baking I was tired, and when I'm near my energy limit, I start getting pains across my abdomen. I could have pushed myself, but I'd have been in a great deal of pain, and I didn't want to hurt myself.
When I get to that gym, the first thing I want to work on is getting my core stronger. That's what that pain across the belly means- I have a weakened core.
You'd think with all this belly fat that the opposite might be true, but noooooo, physics and I just don't get along.
I hope to get some video or pictures on the blog soon, so I can document my progress, and you can see me get thinner! I will keep you posted, because I have no clue how to do that- yet!
Please pray that I stay on track and not overeat, especially after a baking day. I do plan to attack that peasant bread (I love fresh bread with my soup!), but I don't want to eat half the loaf! I think I'll start chanting to myself....Smaller portions....better foods....You don't need that much....smaller portions...
C'mon everyone, start saying it with me!
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
First official weigh-in
Being aware of just how much I'm eating and the walking has already improved my stamina! I went to the doctor's office this morning to weigh myself.
I am now 314 lbs.- an eight pound loss!
Over a two month period that's about a pound a week, so that's not bad- but it also means I need to step it up in the next few weeks. I've started walking my daughter to school (10 miles a week), and I will be adding a few more green veggies to our meals.
I'll post as often as I can, and keep you updated! And don't forget, you can also post comments, so don't be afraid to ask questions or leave a comment!
I am now 314 lbs.- an eight pound loss!
Over a two month period that's about a pound a week, so that's not bad- but it also means I need to step it up in the next few weeks. I've started walking my daughter to school (10 miles a week), and I will be adding a few more green veggies to our meals.
I'll post as often as I can, and keep you updated! And don't forget, you can also post comments, so don't be afraid to ask questions or leave a comment!
Thursday, September 16, 2010
So it Begins!
Welcome everyone! I'm so glad you've joined me on this blog! Whether you're just checking on my progress or joining me on my journey, I hope we both learn something along the way.
For the record, I was 322 two months ago, and no, I don't have a scale- there aren't many out there that go over 300, so I have to visit a local doctor's office who was nice enough to let me weigh myself.
The only health issues I have are that I'm hypothyroid (I'm on medication for it) and I'm slightly anemic. Just under normal anemia. So all I need is an iron tablet once in a bit, and I'm good to go. All the other stuff- blood pressure, blood sugar, triglycerides, cholesterol..all of that is right within the normal range. My heart rate is between 60-70, which I'm told is excellent- even for a thin person!
Biochemically, I'm healthy- I just need to convince the fat! So I can honestly state that though I am 'healthy', I am not 'fit'- and fit is what I need to be, before my health is effected.
Anything I try will be based on what I've learned about myself as a dieter. For instance, I'm a protein person, and do well eating a variety of lean meats, fish and fowl with a good helping of vegetables. Sugar is my enemy, as well as some flours (I seem to be more sensitive to wheat), but as I said before, I'm not going to cut out anything- if I crave something sweet, you bet I'm going to have some! But just enough to let the craving subside, not eat the entire thing- whatever it may be.
I never said it would be easy, since I also have a problem with portion control. I've watched many thin people eating, and found out something that completely surprised me- thin people (at least the ones I watched) not only eat small amounts (what they called a serving, I called a big snack), but when not on a schedule, they actually ate only when they were hungry.
It sounds so simple, doesn't it? But this week I paid some serious attention to what and how I was eating, and found myself eating when the clock said to- not when I was truly hungry! It's harder to do so when you have a family (like me) but not impossible. Some days I'm just too busy, so I throw something down my throat so I'm not starving by the time I'm done everything. At least now I'll be more aware of what I throw down my throat, or make sure I can take it with me to eat if I get hungry!
But when I do have time, I need to make the most of my meals, and I don't mean portions! Home cooking is also important, and most of the meals I have will be homemade. That way, I know what is in it, and how fresh everything is before I start.
As for exercise, the gym is being put off because of financial difficulty. I plan to join within the next month if possible, but in the meantime I will be doing about two miles of walking a day to gain a bit more stamina. Best to start slow and work my way up! I won't be strolling either- Walking my daughter to school will not only benefit both of us, but will allow me to power walk back home in the morning and back to the school in the afternoon. So half the trip is a warm up/cool down, and the other half is a workout!
This weekend My family and I went for a walk on a park trail. It's about a mile and a half round trip, and I went for both days. The first day was the worst- I had to sit down at least three times! The second day was much better though- I only sat down once, at the half way point. I didn't want to push things too far since I was walking my daughter this morning, but I know I better start pushing myself- and soon. Just working my way up to the gym, folks!
For the record, I was 322 two months ago, and no, I don't have a scale- there aren't many out there that go over 300, so I have to visit a local doctor's office who was nice enough to let me weigh myself.
The only health issues I have are that I'm hypothyroid (I'm on medication for it) and I'm slightly anemic. Just under normal anemia. So all I need is an iron tablet once in a bit, and I'm good to go. All the other stuff- blood pressure, blood sugar, triglycerides, cholesterol..all of that is right within the normal range. My heart rate is between 60-70, which I'm told is excellent- even for a thin person!
Biochemically, I'm healthy- I just need to convince the fat! So I can honestly state that though I am 'healthy', I am not 'fit'- and fit is what I need to be, before my health is effected.
Anything I try will be based on what I've learned about myself as a dieter. For instance, I'm a protein person, and do well eating a variety of lean meats, fish and fowl with a good helping of vegetables. Sugar is my enemy, as well as some flours (I seem to be more sensitive to wheat), but as I said before, I'm not going to cut out anything- if I crave something sweet, you bet I'm going to have some! But just enough to let the craving subside, not eat the entire thing- whatever it may be.
I never said it would be easy, since I also have a problem with portion control. I've watched many thin people eating, and found out something that completely surprised me- thin people (at least the ones I watched) not only eat small amounts (what they called a serving, I called a big snack), but when not on a schedule, they actually ate only when they were hungry.
It sounds so simple, doesn't it? But this week I paid some serious attention to what and how I was eating, and found myself eating when the clock said to- not when I was truly hungry! It's harder to do so when you have a family (like me) but not impossible. Some days I'm just too busy, so I throw something down my throat so I'm not starving by the time I'm done everything. At least now I'll be more aware of what I throw down my throat, or make sure I can take it with me to eat if I get hungry!
But when I do have time, I need to make the most of my meals, and I don't mean portions! Home cooking is also important, and most of the meals I have will be homemade. That way, I know what is in it, and how fresh everything is before I start.
As for exercise, the gym is being put off because of financial difficulty. I plan to join within the next month if possible, but in the meantime I will be doing about two miles of walking a day to gain a bit more stamina. Best to start slow and work my way up! I won't be strolling either- Walking my daughter to school will not only benefit both of us, but will allow me to power walk back home in the morning and back to the school in the afternoon. So half the trip is a warm up/cool down, and the other half is a workout!
This weekend My family and I went for a walk on a park trail. It's about a mile and a half round trip, and I went for both days. The first day was the worst- I had to sit down at least three times! The second day was much better though- I only sat down once, at the half way point. I didn't want to push things too far since I was walking my daughter this morning, but I know I better start pushing myself- and soon. Just working my way up to the gym, folks!
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