June 20 back to 174.8

Discouraged. Weight is back up a few pounds and I don't really know why. Getting ready to leave on vacation for a month, so will not weigh in during that time. Hope to maintain exercise plan while gone though.

Measurement update from June 7; goal for Aug 7

Feeling discouraged about gaining a few pounds last week, I took my measurements to see if I had made progress in inches. It encouraged me to see that since starting this new lifestyle, my measurements went from 46-40-43.5 to 45-38-41.5 !! Still not great, but real progress. Lost an inch in the chest and 2 inches in the waist and 2 inches in the hips! My plan now is to take measurements every 2 months.

August 7 will be a time to reassess how my plan is working. That is when I go back to the doctor and have my blood work redone. By then I plan for my the following:

• glucose to be at or below 100
• LDL at or below 120
• triglycerides at or below 110
• vitamin B12 at or above 400
• HDL at or above 50
• weight under 160
• measurements 44-36-40

The most important of those goals is to get the glucose down. The goals above are in priority order. My health is the key reason I started this new lifestyle and needs to stay as my focus. Looking better would be great, but that is not enough to keep me at this!

June 13 - 171.4 pounds

Not quite at the 170 mark I was shooting for, but getting closer. This week I went to master's swim twice plus Tom & I went to swim laps for 20 minutes on Wednesday. I felt much stronger this week and am doing much better with the swimming. We also went bike riding with Mike & Laura on Friday morning for about 45 minutes. We rode a lot further than I thought I could go! I think we walked about 2 or 3 mornings this week. So, the exercise level is good. Tom says I am gaining muscle and toning up a lot.

Not sure if I need to adjust my diet more or not. I could cut out some more fat ... been eating eggs and buttered toast for breakfast several times a week. Perhaps I could try going to cereal more often. I may try that this week. I want to lose the weight, but I want to make small changes in my diet that i can sustain. Otherwise, I will just gain the weight back. Going to have a bowl of cereal now!

June 6 - 174.8, exercised more, gained weight

This week I added masters swim class to my exercise routine. I signed up for a Monday and Thursday evening class and it was tough. It was a really good workout and I know it is helping me build strength and endurance. I was so disappointed when I got on the scale and it showed I had gained 2 pounds!! Hopefully that was just water weight and I will lose it soon. Possibly I have let my diet fall back into bad habits and am not watching my fat intake as carefully. Also, on Friday night I drank a whole bottle of red wine and I know that did not help any.

My plan for this next week is to do more veggies and chicken breasts and cut way down on the fat levels ... again. Fat seems to be my biggest struggle. Will maintain walking at least 5 times per week and the two nights of swimming. Hoping for better results next Saturday. That 170 goal is being very elusive.

Barbara returned to town and said I look much thinner, so that was encouraging! It is important for me to not get discouraged because then I just throw out all my good behavior and eat what I want and go right back where i started.

May 30 - 172.8 lbs - need your help!

Still losing but slowly. Guess as long as it is headed in the right direction, it is ok. Did not get to the YMCA this week. Bought a nice piece of fish (a whole perch) to cook for dinner tonight. For lunch we had fresh shelled peas, a tomato from the garden and corn on the cob. For breakfast I made spinach, mushroom and havarti cheese omlette. Not going to reach long term goal by the end of the year at this rate!! Perhaps with an exercise push this week I can still get to 170 by June 6! Everybody, HELP!! Call me and make me exercise please!

Next short term goal 170 lbs by June 6

I have updated my graph of weight loss and to stay on track, need to be at 170 pounds by June 13. However, I want to try to get there by June 6 because i know I will hit plateaus along the way and it will be harder to lose the weight as I get lighter. I think 4 pounds in 2 weeks is reasonable. i will just have to make exercise a priority.

Week 5 - 174.4 pounds, i think

Well, we had a great time in France. We ate and drank a lot, but also got in a lot of walking. When I got home on Wednesday, I weighed in at 173.6. However, my scales appear to be possessed. Yesterday i weighed 171.6 and then 176.6. This morning it was 174.4. So, I am not really sure what is going on. I guess I will go with the 174.4 measurement. Since returning home, we have not been keeping to the diet very well. Yesterday I made corned beef and braised short ribs for today. Tomorrow we have company coming over for steaks on the grill. Going to have to really watch the portion sizes and start hitting the YMCA on Tuesday.

The more I hang around the house, the less activity I get and the more I eat. Gonna have to get out of here more I think. Perhaps if I just schedule to be away every morning at the Y, that would help.

May 7 - 174.4 pounds, leaving town

Well, I made it to my short-term goal of 175 by May 10! In spite of 2 wine tastings Monday and a tasting on Tuesday and eating dinner out on Wednesday. But, at least last night I ordered the fish with spinach and broccoli and skipped the dessert. Ah, but I did have 4 bites of chocolate cake when I got home before I threw the rest of it out!!

Headed on the road today to Paula's and then France. Don't know if I will update again from Paula's or not. My goal is foie gras no more than 3 times in France. Talk to you again when I return.

Week 3 - 176 pounds

Well, at least it is still decreasing. I had popcorn at the movies one day this week and we had a couple of sausage and egg sandwiches. So, we are not being too strict on our eating habits. Guess maybe I should reset my short-term goal to be what it was to start with - 175 by May 10. If I keep up the exercise and keep the consumption reasonable, that should be achievable. Then comes Paula's graduation and our trip to France!!

Week 2 - 177 pounds :-( discouraged

Well, I thought for sure I would have lost at least a couple of pounds this week, but only was down 0.4. We did not follow the diet too strictly as we were at the wine exhibition for a couple of days, but I thought it would be better than this! Anyway, we made a new recipe that i am really liking. It has corn, black beans, pinto beans, onion, cilantro, basil, oregano, white wine vinegar, canola oil, and a little sugar in it and it is really yummy! I will have to post the recipe on my web site.

We went to Universal Studio this morning and came home in the early afternoon. Got really ? hungry, so we shared a smoked turkey leg for lunch. Will i ever be able to just eat what i want? I guess the idea here is to begin to enjoy eating healthier foods than i have in the past.

I sure hope next week i make more progress than this week.

Trying to not feel guilty

We went to Miami for a weekend wine exposition for 2 days. We tried to keep the calories under control, but with all the wine and cheese and only limited exercise, I am afraid to add up the calories for those 2 1/2 days! We did walk each morning and go for a swim. Also, for dinner the first night I had ceviche and sea bass. The 2nd night I had lamb chops and mushroom risotto and chocolate lava cake! But, we had a great time with winemaker and new friends Chantal & Philippe Michet (Domaine Tortochot) ... her wine is amazing!

Now we are home and I went to the farmer's market today and got fresh veggies. For lunch we had broccoli, corn on the cob, sliced tomatoes and a few grapes. Also, we walked about 1.25 hrs this morning and then I went to yoga. Hopefully Miami did not set us too far back! I guess I will see on Saturday when it is time to weigh in.

New Short Term Goal - 170 lbs by May 9

Well, my short term goal was to get to 175 lbs within 1 month (by May 11). But, since I am already almost there and I leave for France on May 10, I am going to aim for 170 by May 9, then try to stay level while in France. So, the goal is to weigh no more than 170 lbs. by May 23 (the Saturday after my return).

Day 7 - 1100 calories, 1 hr walk

Breakfast: Orange juice, Honey Bunches Cereal w/ skim milk and banana
Snack: Wine - hehe .... drank 2 half glasses of wine at Ric's place
Snack: Celery sticks and slice of pineapple
Dinner: Baked chicken leg quarter, 1/2 baked potato (I ate it without any butter!!), green beans from the garden, sliced tomatoe
Snack: blackberries with Lindt chocolate ball

Exercise: walked to Walgreen's and back to pick up Rx refills ... about 1 hour walking

1 Week mark - weigh-in at 177.4

So, I was really uncertain what to expect when I did my weekly weigh-in this morning. My clothes don't fit any differently, but I feel better and more energetic than I was feeling. Anyway, I stepped on the scale and it said 173.8 and I was thrilled. Then I decided to recheck before I posted it, and it was 177.4 .... which is still great because I am down over 4 pounds in the first week. But after thinking it was down 8 pounds, 4 pounds is a real disappointment. :-(

Day 6

Well, it has almost been a full week. So far, I feel sort of pampered. I am eating great stuff that tastes great. I have been drinking small amounts of wine most days and eating a single chocolate ball. But, today for lunch I made broiled portabello mushrooms, green beans fresh from the garden with small white potatoes, sliced tomatoes, and a slice of pineapple for dessert. For dinner, I fixed an onion, green pepper and tomato omelet with a piece of toast. Also had a snack of blueberries and a small amount of cheese with my wine. Total calories: 1250.

The only problem is that it takes a little more planning as I am not in the habit of cooking this way. It is soooo much easier for me to bar-b-q chicken in the oven and bake a potatoe, then steam some veggie to go with it.

Tom & I joined the YMCA today and played racquetball. We only lasted about 25 minutes on the court. We were going to keep playing, but I accidentally hit him really hard with the ball on the corner of his goggles (thank God he was wearing them), knocking them off his head and causing his head to bleed in two places! I felt horrible that I had hurt him and we quit for the day. I was planning to go back this evening for a swimming class, but lost motivation after I got home. I think my current strategy for doing exercise early each day is going to work best for me. That way, I can just relax in the evenings.

Day 5

Yesterday, I had a total of about 1150 calories with about the same planned for today. Both days I have included a glass of red wine and a Lindt extra dark chocolate ball in my calorie count. Today for lunch I had a vegetable soup and half a salad ... was very yummy. Then, tonight we will have a yellowtail snapper with mango salsa, asparagus, tomatoes, and corn on the cob.

This morning, I had a private yoga lesson, then walked with Tom for around 40 minutes, then took therapeutic yoga class for 1.75 hours. My energy level has been pretty high all day.

I can do this!

I was looking at an old spreadsheet I found on my computer (yes, I have a spreadsheet for such stuff!), and found my weights from 2001 when I did a diet and exercise plan. In 6 months I had gone from 175 pounds to 133 pounds and still had a few extra pounds on me. The way I did it then was by eating chicken and vegetables for lunch and dinner, fruit for snacks and cereal with juice for breakfast. So, I know my goals are achievable ... perhaps not even aggressive enough. My husband, Tom, during that time went from 240 pounds to 188! Oh yes, we were also walking 3-6 miles per day. So, this can be done! The other trick is to keep it off once it is off and not slip back into old habits. This must be a lasting lifestyle change for it to work long-term.

Day 3

Today, I was hungry for a good part of the day. I need to eat a little more tomorrow I guess.
Breakfast: Mueslix cereal w/ skim milk; orange juice
Snack: Cucumbers & onions marinated in white vinegar; 1/2 slice pineapple
Lunch: Grilled chicken; asparagus; grilled zucchini & squash
Snack: celery stick; 6 grapes
Dinner: Vegetable beef soup; onions, peppers & red potatoes sauteed in olive oil
Late night snack: Chinese tea & 2 egg whites
Total: around 900 calories

Exercise: walked for 1.25 hours this morning, then went to yoga class for 1.75 hours.

I want CHOCOLATE!!!!!

Day 2 - Easter Sunday

Well, for dinner last night I actually wound up eating salmon & seabass with mango salsa, sliced tomatoes, spinach, green beans, a glass of macon-villages chardonnay, and strawberries with balsamic vinegar and basil.  Total calories yesterday 1200 (counted leftover szechuan chicken as 300 calories)

Today

Breakfast: orange juice, Mueslix cereal w/ skim milk

Lunch: Mixed salad greens with rib roast meat on top, sliced cucumber, celery, green pepper, red onion with balsamic vinegar & olive oil

Snack with friends: 1 glass of 2002 Camus Charmes (pinot noir), 1 oz. extra sharp cheddar cheese and 3 multi-grain crackers

Dinner:  Green beans, spinach, sliced tomatoes

Total for the day: 1375 calories

Exercise today:  walked 50 minutes this morning and 30 minutes this evening

Day 1 - April 11, 2009

This morning we went to the store and bought fresh fish for dinner tonight with friends ($27).  Then to a farmer's stand for tomatoes, green beans, lemons, squash, red potatoes, bell peppers ($11).  Then at Sam's Club - spinach, mixed salad greens, asparagus, portabello mushroom caps, pineapple, strawberries and blackberries ($27).

Breakfast: small serving of Honey Bunches of Oats with skim milk and a glass of orange juice

Lunch: leftover chicken szechuan with rice, fresh pear

Dinner (planned): sea bass and salmon with mango salsa, blanched spinach, green beans, berries and pineapple

Exercise:  walked for 50 minutes at moderate pace, yoga class (1.75 hours)  

ACK! Gotta start getting in shape now!

OK, so my doctor's office called this week with results from my blood tests.  My glucose is at 116 (should be under 100) and my cholesterol is at 223 (should be under 200).  I am seriously overweight at 182 pounds and wearing a size 14 - 16. My measurements are 46 40 43.5.   I have indulged myself in fatty foods for far too long.  I had already started going to therapeutic yoga classes in January, but now it is definitely time to step it up a notch.  I decided to keep this blog to keep myself honest on what I am eating and perhaps let others join in my quest.

My husband has agreed to join me in changing our eating and exercise habits.  The plan is to start with a boot camp type approach and get a good bit of the weight off.  Not starvation, just healthy eating.  We will eat mostly fruits and vegetables along with fish a few times a week and occasional chicken.  We plan to exercise almost daily for at least an hour.  We just bought bikes last week, but can barely make it around the block on them at this time.

My long-term goals are:  glucose 90; cholesterol 160; weight 135.  I plan to post daily my work-outs and eating and how I am feeling about things.  Once a week I will post my weight.  I will post blood test results whenever the doctor takes them.

Please join me in my quest and let me know you are watching this!  It will help me to stay on track.