Weigh In Wednesday

Date:Wednesday, March 23rd
Current Weight: 202
Change from last week: 0
Total challenge weight loss: -2

So, this is a little late. Miss Bug was a little under the weather today and consequently we were both grouchy.

This week had its ups and downs. DH was out of town from Wednesday to Sunday, making me the solo parent in charge. My family visited, which helped, but it was still a crazy week. And, when my family is here I tend to not pay any attention to what I eat. There were many days where I didn't track.

The good news is I used the free time they gave me to workout. I got in a run and a swim. Obviously it wasn't enough to overcome my poor eating habits, but it did prevent a gain.

This week... I need to track. It's going to be rough, especially since I am going back to work on Monday, but I can do it.

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Weigh In-Wednesday: Week 2 Check In

Date: March 16th
Current Weight: 202 pounds
Change from Last Week: 1 pound
Challenge Weight Loss: 2 pounds
Pregnancy Weight Lost: 25 Pounds
Next Goal: 197 pounds

Woohooh!  I'm officially 25 pounds down and feeling really damn good about it.  I've had a loss for two weeks in a row, and though the pounds aren't melting away, I'm headed in the right direction.  For the first time, I'm feeling confident that this weight will come off.  I'm only 5 pounds away from the halfway point!    

I'm starting to feel like I'm getting the eating aspect of my weight loss under control.  I've been tracking more frequently on MyFitnessPal and though I haven't been as good as I know I can be, its making me really think about what I'm putting into my body.  Because I'm breastfeeding, I feel like I'm ALWAYS hungry, but I'm making better food about the type of foods I am eating.  I'm still battling my newfound addiction to sweets, but eating more fruit is helping.  And, I know it better if I slowly loose weight, especially right now, because I don't want to jeopardize my milk production.

It rained or was pretty cold almost all week.  Since I'm responsible for Bug about 22 hours a day most days, she needs to be a part of my workout routine.  This is so much harder when we are inside.

I'm also struggling with the fact that my body can't do the things it used to do.  I'm trying to look solely at my post pregnancy progress, but its hard to forget that at this exact time last year,  I was running a 5k 3 times a week and playing adult league water polo two nights a week.  I was in great (for me) shape.  Now, I'm struggling to run for 90 second intervals.

But it is getting easier every time that I work out.

And, I had a huge NSV (non-scale victory).  I went down a pant size from a 16 to a 14... I'll be back in a 10 or dare I dream, an 8 in no time.   

Weigh In Wednesday: Spring In 2 Action Week 1 Check In

Date: March 9th
Current Weight: 203 pounds
Change from Last Week: 1 pound
Pregnancy Weight Lost: 24 Pounds
Next Goal: 197 pounds



I finally lost a pound, which is absolutely AMAZING because I didn't work out AT ALL last week.  Why?

Well, Bug had her 6 week growth spurt early and spent most of the week on my boob.  It's kind of hard to run with an infant hanging from your boobie.

Also, my grandmother passed away last Thursday.  I wasn't terribly upset because she has been suffering from dementia and congestive heart failure for more than 10 years and there have been several times when we were sure she wouldn't last another year.  She was bed ridden and her quality of life was pretty bad.  That didn't stop me from trying to eat all of my bad feelings away.  Damn those girl scout cookies.  

I did check out My Fitness Pal, another recommendation from Christie O. over at Average Moms Wear Capes.  It allows me to count my calories and track workouts (if I ever get around to doing one again!).  And, its free.

I am not very good at counting calories, especially if I cook something and I'm not quite sure how to count it.  I frequently give up the calorie counting after lunch, but even when I'm only tracking some of my calories, it does make me aware of how much I'm taking in.

Tomorrow, I have to head back to work.  Its only for 2 days, and then I'm off for 2 weeks for spring break, but the thought is absolutely killing me.  It will most likely be good for my weightloss, but I really am not looking forward to it.

I'll be checking in when I can.  I have about a billion things I want to write about when I have time.

Ha Ha!

Weigh In Wednesday: The Battle Of the Pastries

Date: March 2nd
Current Weight: 204 pounds
Change from Last Week: 0
Pregnancy Weight Lost: 23 Pounds
Next Goal: 186 pounds

Bug's Weight Last Week: 9 pounds 8 ounces
Bug's Current Weight: 10lbs 1 oz


Wooohooo!  Bug is officially off of the pediatrician's watch list because she is gaining weight like a mad woman.  Me, I'm not doing much, but this week, I have been feeling pretty content with my body.  If you hadn't already read, Bug and I are a breastfeeding duo and it has done wonders for my mood and self esteem.  Weird.  So much of my self image is now tied to how she is doing.

Soooo, you may have noticed  that I'm at 204 for the third week in a row.  I can assure you, it is not because I didn't work out enough.  In addition to jogging twice last week, we walked two days and I let Jillian Michael's kick my ass as I fumbled through 30 Day Shred on Monday.  It wasn't pretty, but it was effective.  My abs are still tight.

I also did a fantastic job of eating my fruits and veggies this week.  Bug and I headed to the Farmer's Market on Saturday and I have already eaten almost everything I bought.  

The problem... was pastries.  I didn't have any of those Reduced Fat Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cakes until yesterday, and I didn't even buy it.  My well meaning sister grabbed me one and I was too hungry to refuse.  I did however eat 3 bear claws, a cinnamon roll and a lemon bar.  Add up those calories and you have at least a pound that I could have lost if I would have had just a little more self control.  I have no idea what my issue is.  I'm usually not at all interested in sweets.

The good news is that I started a new challenge today.  I joined the Sisterhood of the Shrinking Jeans new fitness challenge, the Spring In 2 Action Challenge, which is a six week challenge starting today.

My partner JoAnn and I are competing against other teams to reach our fitness goals.  I am so stoked to have this little motivational push and the support of a teammate to push me when I don't feel like eating well or working out.   

So this week I am going to commit to these three things:

•  Up my fruit and veggie servings to 5 a day.
• Limit my pastries to 1 this week.  Isn't it sad that I have to even say this? 
• Get in 3 workouts this week. 

Let's do this!

Weigh In Wednesday: Week 3

Date: February 22nd
Current Weight: 204 pounds
Change from Last Week: 0
Pregnancy Weight Lost: 23 Pounds
Next Goal: 186 pounds

Bug's Weight Last Week: 8 pounds 11.2 ounces
This Week's Goal: 9 pounds, 1 ounce
Bug's Current Weight: 9lbs, 6 oz
Next Week's Goal: 9 pounds, 13 oz

Take a look at Bug's weight!  It AMAZING!  We met with an LC yesterday (more on that later) and had a weigh in, and OMG!  She's back on pace.  We'll have another weigh in next week, and if we get a good number 2 weeks in a row, our weight concerns may be a thing of the past.  It's nice to feel like I'm doing something right for a change.

Me... well, at least it didn't go up.  

I had 3 goals for last week:

1. I'd make and eat breakfast.  Mission accomplished thanks to Christy at Average Mom's Wear Capes for inspiring my one-handed breakfast selection for this week.
2. I'd make it to the grocery store and work on making dinner again.  I left Bug at my sister's on Sunday morning and was able to take a leisurely trip to Target and Trader Joe's.  Not only did I buy groceries that helped me limit my intake of crap this week, but I LOVED the alone time.  (Sorry Bug!).  I made black bean enchiladas that were easy and DH approved.
3. I'd work out at least once.  On Monday, Daisy Dog and I did the 2.33 mile loop around my neighborhood, again, without the company of Bug.  I did week 1 day 1 of the couch to 5k program and then walked the rest of the loop.  I was worried I wouldn't be able to do it, but it was actually a little too easy.  I want to start out slow, but, I also am hoping to do my first post pregnancy 5k, the Zoo Zoom, on April 10th.  It's one I've always wanted to do, and if I'm not concerned with my time there is no reason not to.  Although.... it would be nice to set a new PR.  Um, maybe later in the year.

My training partner Daisy at the end of our walk.  She looks tired, but, um no.  Not even close.

  So, I accomplished all three of my goals for the week.  BIG pat on the back to me.  I'm not officially a super model yet, but I am going to continue to focus on making healthy lifestyle changes. 

Here are my goals for this week:

1. Zumba anyone?  I am going to up my workout goal to at least twice this week.  Me and one of my homies have a date for Zumba on Saturday.  I have never done it before, and I have the coordination of an elephant on stilts, so it should be fun for everyone who gets the chance to watch me.
2. Get at least 3 servings of fruits and veggies a day.  I know I should opt for more, but I have to start somewhere. 
3. Stay away from the Reduced Fat Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake at Starbucks.  I am addicted.  There are too many drive through Starbucks around me and I can't stopped eating these because they are delicious cinnamony moist and delicious gooey goodness.  But, did you know these little bastards pack a whopping 340 calories.  Yikes!  No mas.    

Weigh In Wednesday: Week 2

Date: February 15th
Current Weight: 204 pounds
Change from Last Week: +3
Pregnancy Weight Lost: 23 Pounds
Next Goal: 186 pounds

Bug's Weight: 8 pounds 11.2 ounces
Next Week's Goal: 9 pounds, 1 ounce

If you've ever been concerned about your weight, you've had a moment like this.  You step on the scale and ugh.....it feels like someone has punched you in the chest.  You feel fat, discouraged, and more than a little helpless.

I guess those days of dropping an ass-ton of weight without doing anything different are over.  Darn.  I liked those.  Now I have to decide what to do. 

I have been spending a LOT of time thinking about weight.  That, and breastfeeding, are taking up most of the mental space not allocated to the moment to moment care of her Bugness.  You may have noticed I have included her weight as well.  Why?  She is also having a bit of a weight issue.  Hers is the opposite of mine.  At her three week appointment, her pediatrician told me that she isn't gaining wieght quickly enough.  He'd like to see her gaining about 3/4 of an ounce a day, and in the last 11 days, she'd only gained 5 ounces.  Breastfeeding isn't going well, but I'll be spending plenty of time talking about that.

Its been a VERY long time since I've been happy with my weight and I have wanted to do something about it for awhile.  And I have changed many of my eating habits, lost quite a bit of weight, and gained a chunk of it back while pregnant.  No big deal.  I can live with that.
 
I know how to loose weight.  In fact, I am great at it.  In the past, I have had a TON of success with Weight Watchers.  I lost 30+ pounds.  I can get back into the 160's pretty easily and I know if I stuck with the program, I'd easily be able to get to my goal weight. 

But I can't stick with it. 

Having a daughter has changed the way I think about my weight.  I worry about her modeling her eating habits after my own and it scares me.

I am a serial dieter.

I eat like crap for a few months until my weight gets to where I can't tolerate it anymore.  Then I diet.  Then it gets old and I stop.  Then I eat like crap for a few months.  The cycle continues.  I gain and lose the same 10, 15, 20 pounds over and over and over again.

This is me this morning, trying to squeeze into a pair of jeans that was practically falling off of me before I got pregnant.  Don't worry, that skin you see isn't crotch or tummy or anything gross like that.  Its my leg.  I barely got these suckers over my knees. 

Yes, I just had a baby.  Yes, it will take time to loose that weight.  But if I'm being honest, I let myself get completely out of control and ate whatever the hell I wanted during my pregnancy.  I continued my unhealthy relationship with food.

And it has to stop. 

Because I don't want my daughter to have this feeling. 

So, what do I do about it?

My first thought was to go back to Weight Watchers. 

And then I read this post by Colleen over at the Sisterhood of the Shrinking Jeans.  Colleen discusses what we all know... that diets don't work.  Focusing on healthy living does.

What do I want to model for my daughter?  Do I want her to see me on a diet? Or do I want to model a healthy lifestyle?

Of course, I want to model a healthy lifestyle. 

Will Weight Watchers help me do that? 

Not sure.  It has helped me learn to eat fruits and veggies.  It has helped me to eat whole grains and high protein foods.  But so far, it hasn't helped me make a lifestyle change.  It hasn't turned into more than a diet for me. 

I know there is a new program out.  If anyone can fill me in on the changes, I'd love to hear your feedback.

But for the next week, I'm going to set a few goals to make minor changes in my lifestyle.  Here are my goals for the week:

1. I will find a way to eat breakfast.  I haven't been eating until around noon everyday because mornings are, um, challenging.  Any suggestions for easy breakfast ideas would be greatly appreciated.
2. I will go grocery shopping and make dinner at least once this week in an attempt to get back to my goal of distraction free dining at night. 
3. I will exercise at least once. 

Easy, right?!?! 

We'll see how it goes.

Weigh In Wednesday: Week 1

Date: February 9th
Weight: 201 pounds
Pregnancy Weight Lost: 26 pounds
Next goal: 186 pounds

So, I told myself I wouldn't do it. 

I wouldn't be one of THOSE women who gains a crap-ton of weight during pregnancy.

I'd be active.  I'd eat right.  I wouldn't let the prego-lady-blues prevent me from doing what I needed to do.  I'd gain no more than the recommended 35 pounds.


Haha!  That's a joke.  I gained 60 pounds, and quickly.  I gained less than 10 in my last trimester. 

How did this happen?

Well, in the first trimester, I couldn't eat anything except for simple carbs without wanting to barf my guts out.  Sourdough bread.  White rice.  Mac and cheese.  Chips Ahoy cookies.  Gross, right?!!?   Oh, and the only thing that prevented the constant nausea I felt was eating this crap.

I'm normally a pretty healthy eater, but throughout my pregnancy fruits and vegetables sounded  like ass.  Most meats, especially chicken, made me nauseous.

Oh, and the worst/best thing ever happened.  I got a temporary reprieve from my lactose intolerance.  You know what that means.  ICE CREAM!  For the first time since I was about 12 I was able to eat as much ice cream as I wanted without spending the rest of the night doubled over in agony. 

So, 60 pounds later.  Here I am.

Well, not exactly 60 pounds.  2 weeks after Bug's arrival, I'm down 26 pounds. 

That puts me at a slim, trim... uh... I'm too embarassed to say.  I've NEVER weighed this much in my life, and I NEVER thought I'd be this big. 

Before I met DH, when I was dating the Dreaded-Ex, I hit quite a rough patch.  I  had a job working with severely autistic kids in a program that used food to reward students for appropriate verbal responses and other behaviors.  The job itself was torture emotionally, mostly because I let myself get too close to the students and their families.  Their setbacks made their way home with me, and my home life didn't provide any relief. The Dreaded-Ex plain and simply wasn't right for me.  We'd fight constantly and it was obvious to everyone but me that the relationship was going nowhere.  Instead of dealing with the job and the boyfriend that were both a poor fit for me, I ate all of the reward foods that I held in my pockets for the kids.  Soon enough, I weighed 196 pounds. 

My weight has fluctuated since then and I gained a nice little chunk of weight when DH and I started dating, this time for a completely different reason.  I was "fat and happy", but overall I've managed to stay active and keep my weight in the 160's.  At 5'4, that's still chubby, but not huge.

An now... I'm heavier than ever.  I weighed in this morning at 201 pounds.

Holy crap. 

But I'm not going to sit here and be sad about the extra junk in my trunk.

I'm going to eat well, and exercise when I can. 

My goal is to be back to my pre-prego weight by the time Bug is 6 months old, on July 25th.

As for mini goals, I'm hoping the next 15 pounds comes off almost as fast as the first 26.  I have to make an appearance at work on March 10th, so that's the date I'm setting for my first mini goal.  That's only 4 weeks away, but I have nothing but time on my hands. 

Right now my ability to work out is limited to walking, but by next week, I'd like to restart the Couch to 5k.  I was doing a 5k three times a week before I got pregnant, so starting off slowly shouldn't be too much of an issue.  I'm not going to follow a specific weight loss program, I'll just try to make healthy choices until my weight loss slows down. 

I'd love to hear your own post-pregnancy weight-loss stories.  Share below!