HI Everyone,
It is so early and I have been trying to figure out what week I am at, my brain hurts! Last week was July 1st so I know I am now on the downward slope of 2013. I have great news to report though. I am down 8.6 pounds this week! I am super excited about this because I did it in a way that I feel is sustainable and even better, I feel great. I have been in a pattern for the last few months of going up and down. I couldn't settle on a method and even when I went to old faithful (low carb) I wasn't losing. I am so happy this morning, I can't even begin to tell you!
Last week I mentioned that my friend told me to read Chris Powell's book "Choose to lose" (thank you Laura!). I did just that and was inspired. I am not following his program because it is just not realistic for me for a few reasons:
1) Eating 5-6 small meals a day: WHO CAN DO THIS??? I am just not that organized. That said, I spent some time researching this suggestion (which is a common way of eating in the sports nutrition world) and there is no scientific validity to it. There have been a few studies done but they show no difference in weight loss for those people eating the same amount of calories split over 6 meals or 3. PHEW, I can drop that pipe dream!
2) Waking up every morning and doing a crazy routine of exercise: Doing exercise in the morning is a good call but he has 30 different routines in his book. He says they are only 9 minutes long but you have to do a 5 minute warm up then the routine. These routines are complicated and timed. I would spend more time trying to figure out how to do the exercises and which I was supposed to do, than actually exercising. Who has time for that. I am 100 pounds overweight, ANY movement is good for me. It doesn't have to be complicate. So I am just focusing on walking more and going to set my pilates system up again.
3) Even though he doesn't focus on it a lot, this program is a low calorie program. 1200-1500 for women and slightly more for men. No thank you. If I have to pay attention to calories, I am not interested.
What did appeal to me was the concept of carb cycling. He has a whole pile of different options in his book but basically it is combining low carb days with high carb days. His turbo program was 2 low carb days followed by a high carb day (rinse, repeat) and then a reward day on Sunday. On the high carb day you were supposed to basically eat no fat. Not doable for me. I believe that fat is really important. I did take some time to research the whole concept of carb cycling and while there have not been a lot of studies done on it, there are a lot of people out there using this with success. So I put together my own little program and so far so good:
3 days low carb (eat until satisfied of meat and veggies and add in high fat dairy like cheese and cream for flavour. Low carb salad dressing is fine and some nuts/seeds)
1 day high carb ( I ate a protein shake with fruit for breakfast, greek yogurt and another shake for lunch and then whatever I wanted for dinner: last week it was a grilled cheese sandwich and blizzard for dessert! Not the best choice but it was what I was craving).
REPEAT
The high carb day helps to replenish your glycogen stores and keeps your body guessing. Anyone who does low carb can attest that after a while your body becomes really freaking stubborn. I am hoping this cycling method prevents that from happening. Today is my high carb day and I am thinking sushi is in my future. I feel like this is a really easy way to eat. I am satisfied and I am no longer asking "Hmmm can I have that piece of bread" I am asking instead "Is it a low carb day or a high carb day?" Nothing is off limits, it might just be off limits for a couple of days. I can live with that.
Monday, July 8, 2013
Monday, July 1, 2013
Half way there and nowhere near....
Well today is the half way point of my journey to lose 100 pounds in 2013 and what a journey it has been. Those of my readers who don't struggle with their weight might have a hard time understanding my ups and downs, I am sure it is frusterating for some. It seems so easy....JUST EAT LESS AND MOVE MORE but I wish it were that simple. Many of the people following my blog are on their own weight loss journey and are having varying amounts of success. Some are kicking ass and I am so happy for them. Others are still trying to find their place, like me, and seem to be dealing with more failures than success. Then there are those who have given up completely. No judgement here, I have felt like doing that many times.
Today is July 1st and it is half way through the year. There are 6 monthes ahead where we can change our lives for the better. This is a call to action to everyone to put all of the past bullshit behind them and start fresh today. I know I am. Here is what I have learned from the first 6 monthes of 2013:
1) This blog is one of the hardest things I have ever done. Being so transparent leaves you feeling a bit vulnerable but it is also very liberating. Exposing your "secrets" to the world helps you to see that you are not alone and you are not all f*&ked up (or any more f*&ked up than anyone else). Secrets hold so much power over us and just releasing them lightens your load. If you are carrying something around that causes you shame, tell someone. Tell someone or tell everyone. You will be surprised that it might not be that big of a deal afterall.
2) I NEED structure and a program to follow. The last few monthes I have been doing things myself. I have been trying to listen to my body and feed it appropriately. I am not there yet. CONFESSION TIME: as of this morning I have put back on half of the weight I lost earlier in the year. So I am starting today with a net loss of 17 pounds. I am so disappointed in myself but I am leaving that behind today and starting fresh. I can do this, I know I can.
3) Even though I need a plan, Weight Watchers still isn't it. I don't look at foods as points values and don't really think I should be anyway. Jon is still going and that is fine, if it works for him I am happy for him. It is a great program for some people, just not for me.
4) I do not deal with chaos and change well. This year has been one of a lot of changes for me and my family. New city, new lifestyle with a baby, new financial situation with Jon staying home with Aidan. Work is good but crazy busy. We have a friend crashing with us while he gets back on his feet. Just a lot of stuff going on. When things get like this, I find it far too easy to put my goals and needs on the back burner. It is even easier to fall back into old habits like eating take out and drinking coffee for lunch instead of a meal. Life is all about change and I need to learn how to go with the flow but not allow that flow to take me too far off course. This is something I am very aware of.
All that said, I am feeling very happy and excited today about what the future holds. A few weeks ago I was at the spa and my friend had mentioned a book to me by Chris Powell (the extreme makeover weight loss edition cutie patootie!). I picked it up and read it from cover to cover. It is great for some people but not realistic for most I think. Just far too complicated but some of the key concepts were intriguing. So I have put something together that I am going to try for this next week and will report back next monday with the results. It may need some tweaking and I am doing some research to make sure that it is based on good science but I feel like this just might work!
So start fresh today. Renew your goals and your commitment to reaching them. A lot can happen in 6 monthes! I may not lose my 100 pounds but I know I can get close and what I have gained by the journey is much more important. Thanks for all of the support guys, you are amazing!
Today is July 1st and it is half way through the year. There are 6 monthes ahead where we can change our lives for the better. This is a call to action to everyone to put all of the past bullshit behind them and start fresh today. I know I am. Here is what I have learned from the first 6 monthes of 2013:
1) This blog is one of the hardest things I have ever done. Being so transparent leaves you feeling a bit vulnerable but it is also very liberating. Exposing your "secrets" to the world helps you to see that you are not alone and you are not all f*&ked up (or any more f*&ked up than anyone else). Secrets hold so much power over us and just releasing them lightens your load. If you are carrying something around that causes you shame, tell someone. Tell someone or tell everyone. You will be surprised that it might not be that big of a deal afterall.
2) I NEED structure and a program to follow. The last few monthes I have been doing things myself. I have been trying to listen to my body and feed it appropriately. I am not there yet. CONFESSION TIME: as of this morning I have put back on half of the weight I lost earlier in the year. So I am starting today with a net loss of 17 pounds. I am so disappointed in myself but I am leaving that behind today and starting fresh. I can do this, I know I can.
3) Even though I need a plan, Weight Watchers still isn't it. I don't look at foods as points values and don't really think I should be anyway. Jon is still going and that is fine, if it works for him I am happy for him. It is a great program for some people, just not for me.
4) I do not deal with chaos and change well. This year has been one of a lot of changes for me and my family. New city, new lifestyle with a baby, new financial situation with Jon staying home with Aidan. Work is good but crazy busy. We have a friend crashing with us while he gets back on his feet. Just a lot of stuff going on. When things get like this, I find it far too easy to put my goals and needs on the back burner. It is even easier to fall back into old habits like eating take out and drinking coffee for lunch instead of a meal. Life is all about change and I need to learn how to go with the flow but not allow that flow to take me too far off course. This is something I am very aware of.
All that said, I am feeling very happy and excited today about what the future holds. A few weeks ago I was at the spa and my friend had mentioned a book to me by Chris Powell (the extreme makeover weight loss edition cutie patootie!). I picked it up and read it from cover to cover. It is great for some people but not realistic for most I think. Just far too complicated but some of the key concepts were intriguing. So I have put something together that I am going to try for this next week and will report back next monday with the results. It may need some tweaking and I am doing some research to make sure that it is based on good science but I feel like this just might work!
So start fresh today. Renew your goals and your commitment to reaching them. A lot can happen in 6 monthes! I may not lose my 100 pounds but I know I can get close and what I have gained by the journey is much more important. Thanks for all of the support guys, you are amazing!
HAPPY CANADA DAY! Update to follow
This picture was taken a year ago today. My little guy was celebrating his first Canada Day and his 5 month birthday. I was half way through my maternity leave and loving every minute. I was about 10 pounds lighter than I am today (damn I miss breastfeeding! BEST WEIGHT LOSS PLAN EVER!). It was all good. Fast forward to today and my little man is 17 monthes old. So hard to believe. Time passes so quickly.
Happy Birthday Canada! I feel best to be born in what I consider to be the best country in the world. Granted I am sure most people feel that way about their country but today and always I feel proud to be Canadian. So humm the national anthem, drink some Canadian beer and if you are my neighbours, finish your fireworks by 11 PM. Enjoy your Canada Day everyone!
Thursday, June 20, 2013
Weekly Update: 1 down 29 to go!
Well this has been an interesting week. I wish that the "1 down" in my title was related to pounds on the scale but no, I am referring to 1 week closer to January 1st, 2014. Our scale has been acting wonky so we bought a new one last night. According to that scale I am the same as I was a week ago. Different scale can weigh a little bit differently but I am going to take it at it's word. That's OK, one of my goals this month is to not dictate my success by the number on the scale. I am still 1/4 of the way to my goal and that will have to be good enough for now.
This week has been one of the most stressful that I can remember. Work is nuts, I am taking a few days off next week so trying to get everything set for that. I am drinking coffee like it is no one's business so I know my adrenals are shot. Jon and I need this little break away (with Aidan of course). On the health front, besides the stress, I am feeling pretty good. My clothes definitely feel looser and my digestive system is healing itself. I have been going to my Naturopath and that was our first goal, heal your digestive tract. Part of that process was colonics and I had my second one last night. I am going to post about them on the weekend because I know people will be curious. The main thing that I released was Candida yeast.....LOTS of it. Almost in an instant I have been able to get my carb cravings under control. As someone who has dealt with Candida for as long as I can remember, this was always one of my biggest issues. That NEED for sugar or starch (that is what the little yeasties feed on and they are pushy bastards). After the first colonic, that basically went away. Even if my body is being really resistant to dropping the pounds on the scale, I know that dealing with the candida is a huge step towards dealing with the weight once and for all. More on my colonics in the next few days.
Jon, the baby and I are going to the states for a couple of days to do some shopping. I have been putting it off because of the weight loss but I can't put it off anymore. My body is taking some time to catch up and I want to feel good in this body of mine regardless. Nice fitting clothes are part of that. Little Aidan is growing like a weed so he needs some new things as well. Jon is back on track with weight watchers. I have had moments of regret for quitting but I feel like it was the right decision. Weight Watchers for me is a path to weight loss, I need to be on a path to wellness. I am on that path but man is it rocky!
This week has been one of the most stressful that I can remember. Work is nuts, I am taking a few days off next week so trying to get everything set for that. I am drinking coffee like it is no one's business so I know my adrenals are shot. Jon and I need this little break away (with Aidan of course). On the health front, besides the stress, I am feeling pretty good. My clothes definitely feel looser and my digestive system is healing itself. I have been going to my Naturopath and that was our first goal, heal your digestive tract. Part of that process was colonics and I had my second one last night. I am going to post about them on the weekend because I know people will be curious. The main thing that I released was Candida yeast.....LOTS of it. Almost in an instant I have been able to get my carb cravings under control. As someone who has dealt with Candida for as long as I can remember, this was always one of my biggest issues. That NEED for sugar or starch (that is what the little yeasties feed on and they are pushy bastards). After the first colonic, that basically went away. Even if my body is being really resistant to dropping the pounds on the scale, I know that dealing with the candida is a huge step towards dealing with the weight once and for all. More on my colonics in the next few days.
Jon, the baby and I are going to the states for a couple of days to do some shopping. I have been putting it off because of the weight loss but I can't put it off anymore. My body is taking some time to catch up and I want to feel good in this body of mine regardless. Nice fitting clothes are part of that. Little Aidan is growing like a weed so he needs some new things as well. Jon is back on track with weight watchers. I have had moments of regret for quitting but I feel like it was the right decision. Weight Watchers for me is a path to weight loss, I need to be on a path to wellness. I am on that path but man is it rocky!
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
New Start!
HI Everyone,
As you may have noticed I have been MIA for a few weeks. Part of that is because things are so crazy busy right now that I have nothing in me left to write when I get home. A larger part of that is that I have been feeling a little discouraged. I have been really struggling with plugging into my psych and making choices that honour my body. I get so caught up in the moment and go with what feels good instead of what feels right. The end result? A month has passed and I am heavier than I was and more miserable. That changes today.
Today is exactly 30 weeks until January 1st, 2014. When I figured that out, I got excited! A whole lot can happen in 30 weeks and a whole lot IS going to happen in the next 30. As of this morning I am still 1/4 of the way to my goal of losing 100 pounds in 2013. That is better than a punch in the junk!
I am seeing a great Naturopathic Doctor and together we are working on some of my health issues. She has prescribed an eating plan that is grain-free, low dairy, high protein and veg. I am going to take it meal by meal and try to eat this way most of the time. I need to cut back a bit on my coffee intake which has been steadily increasing but I am not giving it up. I enjoy it too much!
I am also getting back to writing and rewriting my goals every day. This was so important in the beginning to keep me motivated and my eye on the prize. Here are my goals for the next 30 days:
My little reason for being and doing better. YOU CAN DO IT MOMMY!!
As you may have noticed I have been MIA for a few weeks. Part of that is because things are so crazy busy right now that I have nothing in me left to write when I get home. A larger part of that is that I have been feeling a little discouraged. I have been really struggling with plugging into my psych and making choices that honour my body. I get so caught up in the moment and go with what feels good instead of what feels right. The end result? A month has passed and I am heavier than I was and more miserable. That changes today.
Today is exactly 30 weeks until January 1st, 2014. When I figured that out, I got excited! A whole lot can happen in 30 weeks and a whole lot IS going to happen in the next 30. As of this morning I am still 1/4 of the way to my goal of losing 100 pounds in 2013. That is better than a punch in the junk!
I am seeing a great Naturopathic Doctor and together we are working on some of my health issues. She has prescribed an eating plan that is grain-free, low dairy, high protein and veg. I am going to take it meal by meal and try to eat this way most of the time. I need to cut back a bit on my coffee intake which has been steadily increasing but I am not giving it up. I enjoy it too much!
I am also getting back to writing and rewriting my goals every day. This was so important in the beginning to keep me motivated and my eye on the prize. Here are my goals for the next 30 days:
- I nourish my body with food that helps to repair and heal my health
- I drink 3 litres of pure water daily to replenish and rehydrate my body
- I take my supplements consistently and pay attention to the changes that are occurring within my body
- I move my body everyday and get outside to enjoy the sunshine
- I judge the success of my journey but how I feel, not by what the scale says
Monday, May 27, 2013
Week 21 Update: Non Scale Victories
Well I haven't posted my weekly update in a few weeks, partially because I have been so busy, partially because the scale can suck it. Mostly the last part. Since throwing in the Weight Watchers towel I have put on about 4 pounds. Not the end of the world but not a good thing of course.
Our lives have been super hectic lately and our eating has suffered big time. We had company a few weekends ago and then during the long weekend a friend in need moved in with us. Add onto that work stress and my whole "intuitive eating" goal got pushed aside. I still think it is the right way, I just have to start living the principles. That means approaching every meal with my head on straight and not all wrapped up in the drama of the moment. A tall order? For sure! Impossible? Not at all, people do it all the time!
Even though I am up 4 pounds, I am feeling victorious in other areas. I did some yoga on the weekend with a few girlfriends and really enjoyed it. In fact, I am going to join a yoga studio and start doing it regularly. I think it will really help to strengthen my body (I am still hurting today!) as well as give me a tool to deal with my stress.
I also posted a few weeks ago about getting in touch with my health. I truly believe that if I start to take care of some of the health concerns I have, the weight will start to take care of itself. The first step for me was getting my allergies tested and the results were surprising. Now I know that allergies aren't underlying a lot of my concerns. Today I am beginning a 3 week "digestive reset" prescribed by my Naturopathic Doctor. This involves going grain free and low carb. These dietary guidelines, along with some specific supplements, will help to heal my digestive tract. Interestingly enough, I work for a digestive care company. I know that a healthy digestive tract is the basis of good health and I felt as though my digestive tract was in good order. I was wrong. Apparently my tests showed a severe deficiency in pancreatic enzymes and some issues in my small intestine. So I begin this next 3 weeks of low carb with the intention of healing my gut not losing it. This is the first time in my life I have truly made a dietary change to better my health and not lose weight. This shows me that my mindset must be shifting ever so slowly.
The last victory I had was during my therapy session and it was about letting go of the urgency. I approach life with a certain sense of urgency and this blog is a testament to that. 100 pounds in 2013 is a lofty goal! With each week that passed where I didn't lose any or enough weight, I would get more and more stressed out. In my mind, failure wasn't an option but success was getting less probable and that fight was draining my energy all the time. The idea of coming up to December 31st and failing in such a public way was terrifying and then my therapist asked "So what? What will really happen if you don't lose 100 pounds this year?" This gave me pause. I will be disappointed but I will still be in a better place than I was December 31st of last year. My friends will still be my friends. My husband will still be proud of me. My son will still think I am the best momma in the world. What a relief! This doesn't mean that my goal has changed. I still plan on losing 100 pounds in 2013 but it means that the world won't end if I only lose 60! Leave you with this powerful quote :)
Our lives have been super hectic lately and our eating has suffered big time. We had company a few weekends ago and then during the long weekend a friend in need moved in with us. Add onto that work stress and my whole "intuitive eating" goal got pushed aside. I still think it is the right way, I just have to start living the principles. That means approaching every meal with my head on straight and not all wrapped up in the drama of the moment. A tall order? For sure! Impossible? Not at all, people do it all the time!
Even though I am up 4 pounds, I am feeling victorious in other areas. I did some yoga on the weekend with a few girlfriends and really enjoyed it. In fact, I am going to join a yoga studio and start doing it regularly. I think it will really help to strengthen my body (I am still hurting today!) as well as give me a tool to deal with my stress.
I also posted a few weeks ago about getting in touch with my health. I truly believe that if I start to take care of some of the health concerns I have, the weight will start to take care of itself. The first step for me was getting my allergies tested and the results were surprising. Now I know that allergies aren't underlying a lot of my concerns. Today I am beginning a 3 week "digestive reset" prescribed by my Naturopathic Doctor. This involves going grain free and low carb. These dietary guidelines, along with some specific supplements, will help to heal my digestive tract. Interestingly enough, I work for a digestive care company. I know that a healthy digestive tract is the basis of good health and I felt as though my digestive tract was in good order. I was wrong. Apparently my tests showed a severe deficiency in pancreatic enzymes and some issues in my small intestine. So I begin this next 3 weeks of low carb with the intention of healing my gut not losing it. This is the first time in my life I have truly made a dietary change to better my health and not lose weight. This shows me that my mindset must be shifting ever so slowly.
The last victory I had was during my therapy session and it was about letting go of the urgency. I approach life with a certain sense of urgency and this blog is a testament to that. 100 pounds in 2013 is a lofty goal! With each week that passed where I didn't lose any or enough weight, I would get more and more stressed out. In my mind, failure wasn't an option but success was getting less probable and that fight was draining my energy all the time. The idea of coming up to December 31st and failing in such a public way was terrifying and then my therapist asked "So what? What will really happen if you don't lose 100 pounds this year?" This gave me pause. I will be disappointed but I will still be in a better place than I was December 31st of last year. My friends will still be my friends. My husband will still be proud of me. My son will still think I am the best momma in the world. What a relief! This doesn't mean that my goal has changed. I still plan on losing 100 pounds in 2013 but it means that the world won't end if I only lose 60! Leave you with this powerful quote :)
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
I'm allergic to WHAT?
Anyone who has been following my blog know that I am always thinking I am allergic or sensitive to something. First it was gluten/wheat. Then it was dairy. Tomatoes and nightshade vegetables followed. This is all because I am dealing with hives and itching all the time. Drives me nuts. So I decided to find out once and for all what I am allergic to and got some tests done. I just picked up the results and out of 200 foods, I am sensitive to the following:
So I guess it is good news but it certainly doesn't answer why I am itching like I need to be de-loused all the time. The doctor performed some other tests and it looks like I am severely enzyme deficient. This is kind of comical in a way since I work for a company that specializes in enzymes yet I don't actually take them. "I don't find I need them, I am not bloated." Well sister, looks like you do! I also have a lot of inflammation in my ileum, which is the last part of your small intestine. I guess a colonic is in order. Good times, good times...
The doctor wants me to take enzymes and probiotics (along with my other supplements), follow a grain-free and low coffee diet (she actually said no coffee but I am pretending I heard LOW coffee) and come back in three weeks for a follow up. This is my first step in eating to heal my body, not to lose weight. Feels kind of liberating!
- Bananas
- Pineapple
- Blueberries
- Cranberries
- Lemon
So I guess it is good news but it certainly doesn't answer why I am itching like I need to be de-loused all the time. The doctor performed some other tests and it looks like I am severely enzyme deficient. This is kind of comical in a way since I work for a company that specializes in enzymes yet I don't actually take them. "I don't find I need them, I am not bloated." Well sister, looks like you do! I also have a lot of inflammation in my ileum, which is the last part of your small intestine. I guess a colonic is in order. Good times, good times...
The doctor wants me to take enzymes and probiotics (along with my other supplements), follow a grain-free and low coffee diet (she actually said no coffee but I am pretending I heard LOW coffee) and come back in three weeks for a follow up. This is my first step in eating to heal my body, not to lose weight. Feels kind of liberating!
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