Since TOM came to an end finally I stepped on the scale this morning fully expecting to see the pound I had gained gone. Instead, I saw myself up another .2. What the hell is going on?! The Tanita Ironman says I have gained 1.2 pounds of muscle, but I don't believe it. How could I have? I haven't been exercising at all--only my once a week session with my trainer that is mild to say the least.
Could it be the consequence of not tracking my food? Am I eating too much? It doesn't seem like I'm eating any differently, but maybe I am. How would I know? I don't have DietPower to tell me how many calories I'm eating. I know I'm not eating enough vegetables--only two servings a day--but that doesn't seem like enough to cause me to gain.
I took measurements yesterday and since mid December I've lost a half inch on my bust and over an inch on my waist. My stupid abdomen is a big as ever, however That damn fat roll will just not shrink! I've also noticed positive changes in the mirror lately. I seem to be struck lately with how good my face and arms look. I keep catching glimpses of myself and just thinking, "Wow, is that me? I look good!" I can see definition in my triceps, which is cool considering I'm not exercising. It must mean I'm just losing the fat layer there, which is revealing the muscle underneath.
I'm thinking of going back to the detox phase of Ultrametabolism for a week or two to see if I can jumpstart my system again. What do y'all think?
Posted By: ashleyb
Comments to this post:
03/01/2007 12:00
why detox?
I guess whether the detox is a good idea depends upon why you want to do it. I thought the idea of detox was to figure out whether you are allergic to any of the foods? (Clearly I still haven't gotten to reading my copy). If you think that doing it again may help you identify and eliminate more sources of inflammation, sure. Of course, if the purpose is to force you to eat more veggies it's not a bad idea either.
But if you just want to do it because it's a very strict and low-cal plan, I'm not so sure. When my roomie and I did South Beach she kept returning to Phase I (the no carb phase) over and over because it did make her lose faster. But she was missing some major nutrients as well. I know Ultrametabolism is better nutritionally, but you don't want to become accustomed to dipping back into that well too much, right?
Then again this is an extraordinary circumstance--it's not like you're just bored with only losing one or two pounds/week. Just think about why and what it will accomplish before you restrict what you are eating more than you already do. I trust that you will make a decision that supports your physical and mental well-being.
I'm glad you are seeing positive changes in your arms and face. I hope the inactivity is allowing you to heal so you can get back to your yoga-rific self soon!
I agree with what Blondeez said. I generally don't like "detox" diets but I think that from what I've heard you mention Ultrametabolism didn't sound as strict as some... like Sara said, what are your reasons behind doing it again? What will detox do that food tracking won't? Tracking ALWAYS helps me lose better. And I always end up coming back to it, at least for a little while, when I feel I need to get things in check. In the end, you know the plan and your body the best, so you know if Detox is the best thing for it or not right now.
I don't know anything about detox but I just have to wonder if it's really necessary to jump-start your system. Looking at your chart you've had ups and downs but overall it's been a good downward slope. Are you really hitting a plateau? Don't worry so much about the fact that your scale is saying you gained a little bit since TOM. Give it a week or two and see where you are. If it's still getting worse or staying the same then maybe you should look into doing something.
The great thing is that you are seeing postive things in the mirror about yourself! That is awesome! We can't control the order in which the fat in our bodies goes away so keep working at it and you will be happy with the rest of your body as well. I hope that made sense!
I wouldn't bother returning to the detox phase. Just maybe reassess your portion sizes and be vigilant of nibbles. I know for myself, I need to do both of those things!
Look at it this way, you are still in control of this situation. You still weigh 50 pounds less than you used to and there's no way in Hades you're going to let it come back. If you sit on 155 for six months you're still way better off than before. Keep doing the right thing. Don't get extreme.
I know that my abdomen fat will be the last to go and it's just now starting to come off and I can fit in jeans that don't give me the 'muffin top' and I can't believe it. I see the definition in my arms coming thru and I can't wait to get my tank tops out!
You're doing everything right, I agree with Tawa..watch the nibbles maybe but you are in control!
What exactly is involved in the detox phase?? I haven't heard anything about it. Does it flush out your system of the bad things? or just get you jump started?
