Play-doh's Journal

[play-doh]

I am SO glad to be here! I'm ready and fully committed to a life change.

Although I'm not severely overweight, I could totally see that I was heading in that direction. It's weird how I had talked myself into not caring for so long and just kept avoiding mirrors, avoiding buying new clothes, and ignoring the fact that I didn't feel well.

So, here I am, at the end of day one, and I feel great. No hunger anywhere. I haven't committed to an exercise program YET but I did walk, stroll really, to the park with my children. So, at least I moved around some.

I'm ready for a great day tomorrow!

[PixiesMom]

I found your journal Thanks so much for stopping by mine and offering support!

I know what you mean about refusing to buy larger clothes. Even my FAT clothes were getting miserable. I'd come right home and put on my yoga pants for comfort. Then one day it occurred to me - this isn't how it should be... I'm not supposed to spend my life uncomfortable!

Anyway, best of luck to you!!

[play-doh]

Yes! You're right PixiesMom, we're not supposed to spend our lives feeling uncomfortable. Any kind of bodily discomfort interferes with all aspects of our lives.

So, yesterday morning I was frightened by the scale telling me I weigh 148. It's the most I've ever weighed, as far as I know. And today the scale said 146.8. I know it doesn't mean anything really, but I'm going to let myself feel some encouragement. I will avoid the scale for the next week just in case that pound comes back and I feel sad about it.

I do need to remind myself that this is a forever plan and to look at the big picture. If I follow the SBD plan the weight will come off in its own sweet time.

This morning I had a lean turkey slice wrapped around low-fat string cheese with some steamed cauliflower and a tablespoon of Annie's Goddess salad dressing. Oh, and a TALL glass of water. I love water.

I'll use the rest of the steamed cauliflower to make "mashed potatoes" for lunch.

[gaia3]

Thanks for stopping by my journal, play-doh... I can remember being 148.. Anyway, you are doing the right thing to get this under control now, and there are so many great "aides" to help. I mean you've got Splenda and all kinds of "good" breads, delicious butter subs--even the low fat milk and things have a better taste than they used to.

Back when I was your weight everything "diet" was horrible.

I'm not saying that it's "easy" now---heck no! If it was, I wouldn't be the size of a small car. lol But there are many tools for us to use now, and I'm so glad of that!

So do your best, pick everyone's fount of knowledge here, and we'll be here to support you! I promise!!!

[play-doh]

I think you're right, Gaia. It is easier these days than it used to be. Not just because of the products, but because of diets like SBD that let you eat a fair amount, not be hungry, and still lose weight.

[play-doh]

Diets (Talking to myself here...)

I remember, many years ago in college, I did weight watchers. At that time it was mostly a calorie counting diet. I STARVED! It was impossible for me to stick with. So, I took up running to control my weight instead. It did the job, but I put a lot of miles in.

Then, about ten years later, after my first baby, I learned about the Zone. It was hard to follow because putting together the balanced meals was complicated, but I was pleased with the results. The low carb thing really works well for me. I lost the weight I needed to lose and wasn't hungry. I also learned a lot about what kind of eating plan works for me.

I zoned off and on over the years and kept my weight down.

Then, about five years ago, I was slim and fit, but I felt like my eating habits were getting out of control. Too much junk food. So I started the SBD, phase 2. I felt so great! High energy, no hunger pangs, and my head just felt clear, awake. I didn't lose weight, but it wasn't my goal at the time.

Then, somehow, in the last three or four years, I stopped caring about my health, my looks. Not only did I gain 20 pounds, but my hair is a long stringy mess, I haven't bought nice clothes in years, and I have barely exercised.

What made me stop caring? I think I'll post about it another day.

[PixiesMom]

It is so true.. I often feel as though everything gets out of control.. it's a slippery slope. I followed similar, not exact, patterns and can identify with your post.

Best of luck to you into the new week!

[gaia3]

Do we really stop caring, or is that there are so many other important things going on just living our lives. I mean, eating a certain way takes a lot of energy and planning. I think that most of us have busy lives and adding something else is a burden.

[play-doh]

That's a good point, Gaia.

I think what happens is that we don't make it a priority. And, for me, after things got out of hand, I convinced myself that I didn't care. I'm going to take the time to care now.

[gaia3]

ditto!

[play-doh]

I've been away for a while. And I've been faced with the ultimate in diet challenges. There was a death in my family. It was one of the most difficult experiences I've ever been through.

Suffice it to say, staying on the SBD was hard. I managed okay for the first week and even though I was having to eat yucky hospital cafeteria food, I hung in there best I could. It wasn't until the end of week two that I lost it and ate junk food. Lots of it, for about two or three days.

But once I returned to my own home, I was able to force myself back onto the plan and now, several days later, I'm eating well again. I'm in full swing.

So, maybe I haven't lost much weight since I began SBD three weeks ago, but I'm pleased with how well I've been able to recover and how I didn't just blow the whole thing off completely. Nor did I use sadness as an excuse to over-eat.

If I feel like it, I'll hop on the scale tomorrow and see what's what. And if I don't see a weight change, I won't be disappointed. I'm planning on sticking this out for the long haul.

[play-doh]

I got on the scale yesterday and I'm 144.2. I didn't expect a weight loss since I'd kind of messed up for a few days at the end of last week.

I need to have more recipes available because I'm getting a little tired of the menus I've put together. So tonight I'll look around this website and others to see if I can find foods that will excite me more. I'm thinking that by Wednesday I'll move on to P2. My sweets cravings seem to be gone.

[griffin]

Hi -

Sorry to hear about the death in your family. My father died recently and it certainly can rock you to the core. It's understandable that you ate crap for a few days but not a good excuse. There will always be something - whether it is a death or a wedding or an illness or whatever. You need to prepare for stressful events and keep on track.

Sounds like you're back to where you need to be and there was no harm done. Hope you're on the road to recovering from the loss of your family member.

- Griffin

[play-doh]

Hi Griffin,

Thanks for stopping by and offering words of encouragement.

I had a hard time posting before about the "loss of a family member." Having lost your father, you know the feeling. And, yeah, it was my dad too. I just couldn't see it in writing, you know? Writing "Family member" was much more vague and felt more comfortable.

"Rocks to the core," indeed. Wow, it really hurts. I miss my dad.

Moving on.

[play-doh]

Yes, moving on...

So, I haven't gotten on the scale for several days, but my pants are a little looser. I've been doing well.

There have been times, brief moments actually, where I've thought, "Oh, who cares? I'm not losing weight anyway, so go ahead and eat."

It's been easy to throw that thought out the window because, truth is, I'm feeling really good. Weight loss for me may be slooooow. But, so what? As long as I stick with it, it WILL come off. What's the hurry anyway. If, say, by the end of the summer I've only lost 4 or 5 pounds, well, that's still MINUS 4 or 5 pounds. Sure beats PLUS 4 or 5.

I'm hanging in there for long haul. It feels so good not to be hungry!

Have a great day everyone!