Debra’s iDiet Weight Loss Group Journal: Week 5

Well, another week on iDiet has gone by and I’ve lost another 1.6 lbs for a total of 10 lbs! I’ve lost weight two weeks in a row which is great. I’m one third towards my goal of 30 lbs. I’m down two sizes from a 12 to an 8 and I’m looking forward to reuniting with my size 6’s again!
Diane Bailey, our iDiet group leader has been wonderful. She checks our weight tracker several times each week and posts encouraging messages. She has lost over 40 lbs on the plan and has maintained her weight loss which is inspiring to all of us. Her support has been instrumental in my weight loss; along with Sue Roberts and my fellow group members. I’ve never belonged to a weight loss group before and I highly recommend it. Losing weight is hard enough; why not do it with the support of others who are struggling with some of the same issues you’re struggling with.

A word about exercise here. I know that the amount of exercise I do would be considered excessive by some. I’ve always been physically active having taken ballet from the age of 2, as well as gymnastics. I also took horseback riding lessons and rode often. I was lucky enough to have my own horse when I was 15, after kidney surgery. I cashed in my Israeli bonds from my grandmother and bought Candy for $300. We lived in an old house with a barn, stall and corral so I had everything I needed for her. I worked after school and made enough to pay for her hay and grain. It was good responsibility for me to take care of her. Mucking out her stall and corral, feeding and grooming her; regardless of the weather.
Along with many things from my mom, I inherited her anxiety disorder. Unlike her, I’ve chosen not to treat it with prescription medications. I use exercise (especially cardiovascular) to manage my mood. With the increased levels of serotonin and endorphins, I am able to balance my mood and maintain my energy level. I also don’t want the side effects from medication of weight gain, dry mouth, drowsiness, etc. How I’ve chosen to manage my anxiety isn’t for everyone, but it works for me.
When I started the iDiet I made a change in my Power Plate/Pilates routine. I’ve actually reduced the amount of time I spend on the toning, strengthening, flexibility and core work that I do. This new efficient routine has allowed me to drop more inches while losing weight. With only a 10 lbs weight loss I’ve been able to drop 2 sizes! I’m now incorporating these exercises into my clients routines so they can have similar results. It’s not so much what the number on the scale says, but whether you’re healthy and your clothes fit!

Now that I’m half way though the 10 week program, I’m having pictures taken again for the iDiet website. My weight loss journey (along with pictures, sigh) is on www.theidiet.com under their blog. Like a lot of people, I don’t like having my picture taken. It’s not just because I’m getting older and am looking at the lines and wrinkles; I’ve never enjoyed having my picture taken. I tend to squint and I think I look better in person then in pictures.
This weight loss journey has been a bit of a roller coaster. I’m learning a lot about being realistic about my expectations. It takes longer for me at 55 to lose weight and I was never a fast loser! I’m learning to be satisfied with a slow but steady approach to weight loss. This isn’t just about losing weight, but learning a new way to eat so I can keep my weight down. I don’t want to gain it back again. It’s too hard to keep losing and gaining. I’m striving for weight maintenance here. A way to eat that will last a lifetime (and not be hungry)!
It’s nice not to dread getting on the scale each morning. I’m starting to relax about it instead of dreading it. When I’m done with the 10 weeks I’ll continue on until I reach my goal. I’ll write an update about any results from metabolic testing which I hope to do in the next few months. I’m happy to share my experience with this as it may help others who are struggling with their weight. ‘Til next week!