I’m happy to report that I’ve lost weight 3 weeks in a row! This was a roller coaster week; ups and downs. I hit my personal low early in the week maintained it for a couple of days and then bounced back up by 1 1/2 lbs. I got on the scale this morning and my weight dropped back down over 1 1/2 lbs to a new personal low. The net loss for the week was only 4/10 of a pound but I’ll take it. My next goal is to break 160 (I haven’t got below 160 in a couple of years, a set point for me).
It’s hard to stay motivated when progress is slow. As I’ve said repeatedly, weight loss differs for everyone. Some lose faster than others. In almost 7 weeks I’ve lost 10 1/2 lbs. Considering that before iDiet I couldn’t lose any weight no matter what I did this is progress! The biggest difference between other weight loss plans I’ve tried and iDiet is that I’m not hungry. That’s a killer for a weight loss routine; hunger equals eating whatever you can get your hands on and failing to lose weight. We’ve all been there; deprivation and overeating, a losing cycle.
My goal this week is simply to break 160. Given the up and down nature of my weight loss, I expect to break 160 and then go back over again until my weight settles below it. I continue to plan and shop for my food, keep a daily food journal and exercise. The routine is important for successful weight loss/maintenance. I’m the type of person who likes routine. I even like eating leftovers! That way I don’t have to cook everyday. I have food in the house that I can eat and since I live with others I need my own food! If you have similar food challenges, I recommend you keep your food on a shelf in the refrigerator/pantry that is for your food only.
Another goal is to continue to strive for balance in my life. It’s easy to let “weight loss” take over and feel resentment about it. I struggle sometimes with feeling deprived (especially when the scale goes up). I’ve built in a popcorn treat once/week (I love popcorn, multigrain snacks, yummy). Today, I had my treat at breakfast with a cup of tea. Then it was off to the treadmill with the Sunday Globe.
I’m not going out to eat much during these 10 weeks of iDiet but I’ve had people over for dinner a couple of times. I’ve made healthy nutritious dinners for my husband and guests while staying on my weight loss plan. Last night was a healthy beef stew with lots of veggies for them with a nice whole grain bread and a choice of butter, light butter or Olivio. They brought a great salad which I enjoyed with Panera fat free poppyseed dressing. I can’t say enough about this dressing (Target). It’s 15 calories a 2 tablespoon serving and it’s delicious. Most fat free dressings taste like vinegar that’s gone bad! This dressing is wonderful! I have 4 bottles in the refrigerator so I won’t run out! Before dinner I served carrots and celery with a choice of a cheese spread or greek yogurt with garlic and cucumbers. Also, two kinds of crackers and cheddar cheese. I ate the carrots with yogurt dip, 2 pieces of cheese and as much salad as I wanted (2 salad bowls) along with tea and water. I was full and happy.
Saturday I’m meeting a friend for lunch at a Thai restaurant and I already know what I’m going to eat. Their salad with chicken with the dressing on the side. I’ll have tea with it. Planning your food is very important in being successful at weight loss. I shop with a list and think about what I’m going to eat each day. I have hard boiled eggs available for a snack, a high fiber bar or an apple/pear. I keep plenty of water on hand (in the car too), yogurt, cottage cheese, low fat cheese, high fiber english muffins, chicken, etc. This way, I’m not grabbing food because I’m hungry and grabbing the wrong food.
Well it’s time for lunch before I get back on the treadmill for round 2! I’m having high fiber cereal with blueberries and 1% organic milk. On the weekends when I have more time to eat; I take my time! I want to enjoy my food and not just shovel it down. I’m going to grab a magazine and savor my break. Sometimes it’s the little things in life to feel grateful for. Choosing to lose weight because I want to and not because I have to because I’m sick. Being able to afford to eat a healthy nutritious diet. I am grateful for so much in my life including being able to chronicle my weight loss and hopefully help someone else with their journey to better health and well being. Until next week!
About our guest blogger Debra Goldman:
Debra has been an athlete, trainer and Pilates instructor for over 30 years, and she has referred clients to the iDiet program for several years. She noticed that every one of them lost weight, maintained their weight loss, and raved about how easy and enjoyable the community groups were. Like most people, Debra has faced and overcome a variety of physical injuries and health issues — some that make weight maintenance more difficult. So she decided to join an iDiet group, and journal the process. Join us on Debra’s weight loss journey.
Debra Goldman can be contacted at:
Pilates Works, Inc
253 Cochituate Rd
Wayland, MA 01778
(508) 655-1178
www.pilatesworksinc.com
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