Yep, that's right, I'm back up a pound for the last few days. The scale says it's water and muscle, but I have my doubts. I always err on the side of fat. I told my DH yesterday that I think I would pay someone cash money right now to take five pound off my midsection.
On a positive note, I've noticed that the lower middle part of my belly, aka the "lower roll" is starting to "cave in" (I know . . . gross . . . but good!). The fat roll above my waist line is hanging tough, however.
It was 78 degrees here yesterday and I was scouring my closet for something to wear for a day of running errands. I pulled out two pair of capris from the back of my closet--one was too big and too lightweight and the other pair was a size 14 that had shrunk in the dryer and still looked bad on me. Then I went through the drawers . . . then the ATTIC. I went through ALL my clothes and discovered that those two pair were the sum total of my spring wardrobe. When I found my "summer" clothes container in the attic, there was nothing in it but shoes.
So I started leafing through some of the cheaper catalogs (since I had just spent $120 on my stupid cat's shots at the vet) and looking at shorts, capris, etc. I noticed the size chart in all three catalogs was identical. Here's my size: According to my hips--10. According to my bust--14. According to my waist--16.
Sooooo . . . what do I order?! I know I've been wearing 10s and 12s in pants for awhile, so the 16 waist measurement is clearly cuckoo. I think they assume that most women have a certain proportion. If their waist is 35 like mine, their hips must be 45. Mine however, are 39.5 because I have no ass. The fast is that there is no way to know which size I am until I get the clothes and try them on. I guess I should just pick the catalog with the best return policy!
After going to pick up my newly resized wedding rings today, I'm going to head to Steinmart and see what I can find for cheap. I just know that as soon as I buy some clothes I'm going to break through this plateau and drop a size. I refuse to spend any real money, but I have to buy something.
Speaking of breaking through the plateau--I was pondering the benefit of joining WW for awhile and doing Core. I'm not totally sure why other than I feel naked without a plan or a software program. I haven't lost any weight in six weeks. I know it's because of my injury that I can't exercise, but maybe I could eat more mindfully?
I know Blondeez is wondering if WW has any more to offer her at this point, and I'm wondering if at this point they have anything to offer me.
The only thing I know about Core is that you eat whole foods and nonfat dairy, then if you eat other things you have to count their points (which I don't know how to do.) Can you eat whole grain bread if it's not a "trigger food"? Input from you WW members out there would be appreciated, especially the Saras.
Posted By: ashleyb
Comments to this post:
03/14/2007 14:05
Stacy and Clinton Say
Buy your clothes for your widest part. So in your case that would be for your hips. WHichever is closest to your hips, get that size and alter for your waist if need be or where a belt.
Maybe that helps? ~shrug~ I'm not buying anymore alothes for awhile except a swimming suit.
It sounds from your entry that our bodies are just about identical. I, too, have the upper and lower roll, and my waist vs. hip measurement? Blegh. No ass here, either. Oh, but my boobs have more than enough to fill in the weak spots, so I can add disproportionately enormous on my top half. I'm less of an apple and am feeling very triangular with the point at the bottom. I've been wearing 10/12 for a while now, too, but I'm leaning toward the 10s. for me, if it's a high waist, it can be 10. Low waisted things need to be 12.
No nuts, and only fat free cheese without counting.
It was the nut thing that made me decide to quit kidding myself and stop saying I was doing Core. Nuts are high in points man, but they are so good for you. I think that core could be good for you... do you feel you need the accountability of meetings, or would you likely do it on your own? The Core plan is a good one, for the most part... although I never agreed with or followed the non-fat dairy rule.... and still lost just fine. But then again, Im a total rebel (and am totally hopped up on caffine, in case Im not making any sense here. LOL). It did teach me an awful lot though, about my body, and my hunger and stuff.
I don't think I can order things from catalogs at all. by size charts Im an 8 at most places... yet most of the time a 4 is fitting me perfectly... in pants. Tops are a different story. I have some xs that fit great and a couple of LARGES that seem a little snug sometimes still. Shopping in person is a pain, and exhausting, but I hope you find something good! I LIVE at TJ Maxx and Ross now that I have to but all new everything.... it's the only way to make it work sort of in my budget.
At all. Seriously. I don't think it's so bad if you're on the make-your-own-food plan to begin with, though it's getting tough for me when I haven't had the time or energy to do that or am stuck in a meeting where they provide lunch with the expectation that we won't leave at all except to pee (like today). No processed lunch meat either (I miss smoked turkey). I know Sara modified her plan some and just didn't count some things that you're supposed to count.
On joining WW or not . . . Core is great but it's no different and certainly no better than what you're doing, since it allows all kinds of processed crap as long as it's FF & SF. If you feel like you need an official plan and some accountability, then I'd shop around for a leader you like and give it a go. The worst thing that hapens is you go to a few meetings and realize you don't want/need a cheerleader or a support group (incidentally, you already have one here, but an in-person group is different).
On the pants . . . I have never met a catalog sizing chart that put my waist at the same size as my hips. It's always at least 2 sizes bigger. I usually compromise at the middle size (I'd get a 12), and I just try not to buy stuff that sits high on my waist or really nips in there because it is never going to look right or fit. This is because while I do have an ass, my hips are downright petite, in contrast to my broad upper half. It's an apple/triangle woman's eternal dilemma. I say linen drawstring pants ftw, dude. Which reminds me, I need some of those. My old pair finally went to Goodwill last fall.
Well we have totally different body shapes, but I can relate to wanting clothes. I have a sort of straight up and down boyish shape with a bubble butt. LOL No chest, wide shoulders. At the moment my measurements are a humbling 32-27-36.5. More or less a straight line!
I'm with blondeez on the linen trousers thing. I intend to buy loads of them. They're perfect for my work in summer. No air conditioning in the library, or anywhere except the supermarkets over here! It can get a bit uncomfortable, but fortunately rarely gets out of the 80s.
As for core, I don't think it's much different from what you are doing, but if you just want to try a something new--the whole weighing in thing and all that--then why not try it. If you have the spare cash.
You're probably right about buying clothes to break through a plateau. That seems to be the way of Murphy. I think going in to try stuff on is the only way to go. I am far too fearful of catalog shopping because I just don't trust those charts at all. It may be a frustrating to all hell day trying multiple things on, but in the long run you'll have things you *know* look good on you. I have a reverse issue of having to buy to fit my hips, and now needing a belt to cinch in the waist (I guess I unknowingly followed Stacey and Clinton's advice). Thankfully, I just found a sweet new belt that seems to go with everything I have...
As for the plan, if you feel you need that extra little bit I suppose it's an option for you. It does sound similar to what you are already doing however.
I do know what you mean about linen pants being wrinkly. I used to have some fake linen lookalike pants that were awesome (they were some kind of cotton-poly-lycra microfiber blend that I found on clearance) and didn't wrinkle at all, but those are long gone. I just assume that people know linen wrinkles and as long as the wrinles are in normal places they know I didn't just pull them off the laundry heap. I do hate ironing though.
I may have to make a trip to see my parents soon just so I can visit the thrift stores in Ventura County, CA. Way cheaper than San Francisco. That's how I find practically everything that isn't bought for some occasion related to work. I thought I would start buying really nice clothes once I started working, but it turns out I just don't like shopping that much, and I have other things I want to spend the money on.
I hope the stuff you found yesterday makes you feel as good as you look, even if it's not quite the right color palette for the season.
As delighted as I am by a smaller number, I still try everything on. It can be a bit draining and time consuming, but so worth it when you hit the jackpot and something fits right! I got some cute stuff at Dress Barn yesterday.
If you saw "The Devil Wears Prada", youknow that a 12 is "the new 16" :)
Dn't buy anything from a catalog until you've stabilized. I speak from experience. How many things do I have in this house that I bought from catalogs or online, don't like or can't wear, but am too cheap or too lazy to send back? Shop locally! (And who deosn't love Stein Mart??)
Hello, You have done a great job of losing your weight. Now on the core plan with W.W. you have certain foods you eat all you want ( until full) then the items that you eat off of plan you have to count as points. Which you are allowed 35 pts. per week on the core plan. It is good. I have been on it. But switched up for awhile to the Stella's Low Carb and loving it plan. Hope you do good on your choice of clothing. Hugs,
I know just what you mean with having no clothes at all! I looked at my closet nothing! So I guess shopping it is! Its amazing how sizes differ from place to place. I can't yet figure out why but I see what you are talking about. Funny but its a true thing. I hope you find some clothes you like. I love steinmart! All I have to say is amazing!
I hope you are having a good week so far! Happy Thursday!
to you in terms of body shape - my hips are wide and my waist is the first thing that shrinks but man, my hips - so stubborn - so I get pants that fit my hips but are wide in waist. Still, I can emphatise totally - and I'm very wary on catalogue purchasing - usually I'm fine with tops but not pants- those I have to frustratingly try in person.
As for WW I cannot help you as we don't have WW in Malta. I'm doing this on my own and trying to make the best out of my own nutritional knowledge. I'm also at a plateau and I'm trying to up my exercise. It DOES get discouraging. We'll see. Good luck.
