Well, yes I am! And by here, I mean in a good place with myself and this wonderful community at EP. This time next month, I will be weighing in at my endrocrinlogist's office and hoping that there isn't something dramatically wrong with my scale at home. I honestly can't wait and a part of me wishes it was tomorrow, just in case this has all been some alternative world.
Eating less has become so much easier and this is not just the phen talking, which by the way has been "god-sent" but as I have been weening myself off and only taking it about every other day, I can really tell the difference in my eating habits. Now on my last post I spoke of being happy with where I was and that I would be ok if I never lost another pound. Well, that was part fear talking that I had hit a plateau and while I am beyond thrilled with my loss. I am ready and willing to lose more.
My exercise habits have been the same, except my belly dance teacher has been in Europe (lucky girl) for the past three weeks so I haven't been dancing but this Sunday we are back and in a new studio which I can't wait for. My sister and I are still running three days a week on C25k. We have been on the week 3 level now for well about 3 weeks and are looking to bump up soon. Although I cheated and read about week 4 and let me just say I am so intimidated. For a while I was noticing some pains in my legs and hips that I think was associated with the running but that has gone away now. I am using Nike Shocks which seem to really help moving this extra weight and taking the pressure off my ankles. Also, I still have pilates Saturday morning and then kickboxing Thursday evening. Plus on those oh-so-fun nights that I stay over in Gainesville, I go to UF's abs and kickboxing class.
I know that seems like a lot but I never tire of it and in fact am getting to the point where this is what I look forward to. I love having that running time with my sister because we get to talk and catch up. My classes are fun because I have made friends with the other girls and my teachers, so it has become more of a social event rather than exercise. If you are having difficulties sticking to a work-out plan, consider the following: where are you going, who are you going with, what do you like and dislike about it, and lastly why are you going. I have found that big name gyms do not work for me because they are nameless and impersonal. Try to find a place to work out or take classes that actually monitors what you do. I go to a community college for classes, I sign up, audit them so there is no credit, and have formed a personal relationship with the teacher because I have had her now every semester for the last 3 years. If you are a gym, try to find a way to afford a personal trainer, even if you only meet with them once a week. If you are lacking the willpower, having a buddy go with you can be a huge benefit because between the two of you there should be enough willpower to make it especially after the first couple of weeks.
When determining what you like and dislike about exercise, think about the actually activities you do. If you hate the cardio in kickboxing but love stretching and holding, take pilates. If you want a more care-free, fast-paced cardio workout try belly dancing. If you like to walk fast, try it in different locations. Be experimental, my favorite classes have been the ones I either weren't familar with or didn't think I would enjoy. After you have found what you love, stick with it and own it. Buy your own kickboxing gloves or exercise clothes, making those purchases will motivate you even more.
Finally, and I know this has been long-winded, figure out why you are going and set realistic goals. If you want to lose 100 pounds in 6 months, you are going to have to practically kill yourself working out and that is not healthy for your mental or physical being. You want to set goals that are attainable and in the short-term especially when starting out. Like I wanted to lose 6-12 pounds in 3 months, when you reach that goal and you will, then do it again in similar increments. You will be amazed when you do ahead of the time slot you thought you would and it will motivate you even more to hit the gym or the pavement or the dance floor.
Now, I am not saying all this because I am a health guru or exercise queen or even one of the amazing cover stories on this website. I am saying this because it has worked for me and after losing this weight and being heavy for so long, I want to share this with everyone else who would like to lose some as well. Even if you use only one piece of advice and it adds up to a pound lost, that is still better than before.
Once last quick point, don't live by the scale! Live by how you feel and how your clothes work. I weigh myself maybe once or twice a week because things happen in your life which will affect your weight. Eat that brownie if you want but remember it when you work out and work harder. Remember food is energy and as delicious as it is, when we overindulge the food starts to define us.
Alright guys and gals, I am truly happy with my weight loss and am really amazed. I know its not the end and I still have a ways to go till I reach my goal but just let me say I am already thrilled. My life is totally different then it was at the beginning of May when I started and even though I have had some stressful times with school, I have been able to maintain my exercise and eating habits. Knowing that I can stay on track for that long impresses me even more than the weight loss.
So I just wanted to say to everyone that despite what happens in our lives and the ocassional slip up, it is truly possible to lose weight and even more so, it is possible with simply will power. My goal now is to keep exercising and eating healthy, not so much for more weight loss but because I feel so much better than ever before. And even though I stil fear what the scale might say to me I know that I feel great and I think that is really important.
On another note, my eating habits will be challenged in August when I go see my endocrinologist about my thryroid. Originally she told me to lose between 6-12 pounds by then and I have surpassed that so I know she will stop prescribing the phen which has completely removed any cravings. So, that is a big reason why I want continue these habits so that when I stop taking phen I won't revert back to the old me. This fear is heightened even more by the fact that on August 11th, I graduate from UF. Which means I have to enter the workforce and put in those hours to reach my salary goals. I fear that this will hinder me even more.
Long story short. I am at a good place right now and I want to stay here, if that means more weight loss than great, if not then thats ok too. Thanks for all the support out there and please know that weight issues trouble everyone but feeling good about ourselves is exceptionally rare.
Wow, I can't believe May has come to an end! What a month it has been, full of ups and downs and luckily even some weight loss. I have been super busy with school and working out and have gotten into a system of exercising about 6 days a week. I know that sounds like a lot but I am really enjoying it and to be honest it doesn't phase me anymore at all. On Tuesdays, Thursdays, and either Friday or Sunday, I run on the couch to 5K program with my sister. We are still on the week one routine basically because its still tough but it has gotten so much easier and I think next week we will move up. On Wednesday, I go to a kickboxing and abs class for about an hour and a half. On Saturday mornings I go to pilates for about two hours with my sister as well and on Sundays I have belly dancing for about 3 hours which is getting really intense.
Jenny's graduation was a little boring with 750 other graduates but still an amazing day. I put a picture up for everyone of my sister and I so check it out. At that point I think I had lost like 5 pounds so I look ok. I still hate pics of myself but I love the way I feel. I will try to blog more and I feel bad about the long break its just been so crazy. I hope everyone is meeting their goals and doing well. Take care!
Sorry for the long delay been away from the computer over the weekend and then school started yesterday. I have been keeping up with the running but I think I will be extending the first sessions for another week since I think I am still too tired expecially at the end of the last intervals. If everyone would like some information on this awesome program or the podcasts just email me and I will send you the links. I plan to run again on Thursday since I did it today.
Last night my friend Lindy took my rockclimbing and despite having numb arms today I had an amazing time. In fact I purchased a six week rock block so I will be going a lot. I recommend this to anyone who wants to build up their upper body strength in a way that is fun and social. Rockclimbing is also very mental since you have to push yourself past these limits and fears. It helps you trust your body and its amazing when you reach that rock that you thought was impossible.
Had belly dancing again on Sunday and learned a new move that is really tricky but cool. I felt a lot tired this time mainly due to the running and stress about school starting. I still had an awesome time and am loving this dance our teacher is putting together.
On a scary note, I haven't weighed myself in about 6 days and am a little worried since I ate a ton of food this weekend. I plan on weighing myself tomorrow so wish me luck.
I hope everyone is exercising and following their plans to meet our goals. I am so impressed with everyone on here mainly due to the honestly and integrity of all the fellow members. I know that we are going to get there and we are going to do it together! Have a super evening everyone!
Wow, thanks to Tatum's Mom for sending me the information about the couch to 5K running program. Today was the first day and I must admit it was super hard especially with the awkwardness I felt with so much "movement" of my body while running. But let me tell you, I fought through the pain and I didn't quit and now my legs are tingling but I really enjoyed it. I used the podcasts that can accompany the run and that really helped. I feel exhausted and my shins hurt a little from all that weight but I am glad I did it. My next run will be on Thursday.
Thanks to everyone for all the support and information I have gotten over the last few days, it makes me feel so good that I am not alone in this. And if everyone's tips and tricks keep paying off like this one did, I know I will reach my goals in no time.
This weekend was ok until Sunday when I had my first belly dance class in over 3 weeks. Its a big deal because I thought I was a beginner but turns out I am good enough to dance with the real girls. It was awesome but let me tell you tomorrow I am going to hurt. What was suppose to be a hour and a half turned into a non-stop 3 hour class and it was really intense but oh-so-fun.
It's weird because I used to feel so awkward dancing mainly because of my weight but yesterday I had a ball. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants a fun cool workout that makes you feel sexy and capable.
On a more frustrated note, my boyfriend and I had a terrible weekend together. Basically there is no communication there anymore but I have been with him so long that it's hard to imagine my life without him, but then again I am not happy. I think that my weight has also been a factor in this and it makes me really angry to think that I might regret this relationship down the road because I was incapable of leaving due to my low self-esteem. I guess its obvious by this that I am confused, I just wish he would communicate with me. I have tried leaving him alone and we just end up fighting later, well I guess I am not ready to quit now. :(
Ps. Spiderman 3 was awesome and actually really funny. Just to let you know the black suit makes spidy emo and into jazz which is very weird but fun none-the-less. Alrighty, I hope everyone is doing well, school starts in 7 days!
I have been reading a lot of the blogs from people who have lost a lot of weight and for the most part they are all members of either Jenny Craig or Weight Watchers. I am very proud of those who have lost weight but I have never really understood these programs. From their websites it seems that the main appeal is having that community there to support you and having meals already planned for you, which I can see the benefit of but am not really sold on paying that kind of money for this.
I know no one has all the answers and if they do its only as it applies to their body since everyone is different but to lose serious weight is this what we all need to do? And if so what is the component that we are missing when we don't use these programs that prevents us from losing this kind of weight? Is there anyone out there who has lost and maintained a lot of weight without using these programs and if so how did they do it?
I guess I am just feeling a little glum since I can't afford these programs in the least and would much rather spend money on exercise classes, but I also want to lose this weight and I have been exercising for several years now. What's the answer?
Ok so today is the third day that I have been taking phen and the effects have been pretty immediate. I am not hungry at all but am still eating breakfast, lunch, and dinner but smaller and healthier things. I love not being so controlled by food, although I still have these notions like I should be eating now or something. It's also been hard on my boyfriend and sister since I have no desire whatsoever to cook dinner. This is going to be a challenge for me! I also feel kind of loopy or tired when I take phen. It's weird and really hard to describe but I am learning how to handle it.
Yesterday, I had my linear algebra final which was my last final for the spring. Can't believe that I only have one more semester left til I graduate. I also spoke with the PhD student who is running my internship for the summer and she gave me some research to do over the break which should be fun.
Today, I bathed all three dogs as well as cleaned the house. My dad is coming into town in two weeks so I thought it would be better to do it now rather than later. My sister Jen also got her graduation robe and tassel today and she was really excited about everything except the color, blue. It's amazing how much she has changed in the last couple of years and I know I am going to start crying when I see her graduate from high school in two weeks.
Also, I have been really ansy about exercising the last couple of days. I don't have a gym membership but can work out for free at school but during finals everything is closed, which sucks. Thinking about calling a friend and playing tennis if his exams are finished. Hopefully, I can burn some calories doing all this cleaning and housework.
I noticed that so far 19 people have looked at my blog but no one has become friends or commented. I really want this website to be like a community to me since I am not in any support programs like JC or weightwatchers. Plus I would love some imput about what I am doing especially if it will help me lose more weight. :)
Today was an interesting day! Got a B in my differential equations class which is good, better than I thought. Spent most of the day recovering from the weekend but managed to take all my pills with no issue.
Today was also the first day of my new weight loss pill and it worked but made me feel a little sleepy, which I thought was weird. I will have to be careful when I am driving to Gainesville and not take these before then. Anyways good day overall looking forward to some positive changes and I can't wait for belly dancing to start again! :)
Today is the day I start monitoring what I eat! Why am I doing this and why am I starting today of all days? Well, I am doing this because despite an active lifestyle, I am unable to lose weight and today because this is the first day of my prescribed weight loss pills. Starting a new road is always exciting and challenging especially when you are taking a road that will present new obstacles and is so dynamic that it changes every minute of the day. Therefore, before I begin this journey I think it is important to reflect on the roads I have taken in the past and how they have brought me here, today.
From the earliest of my years, I have been active in something. When I was very small it was dance which turned into gymnastics, then swimming and finally sports. In fact, soccer became my past time of choice and from the age of 7 till 16, I played the sport year-round. I played in numerous leagues and in middle and high school played for the school teams usually at mid-field but I have played every position at some point in that career. In fact, for two seasons I coached my little sister’s team which was one of the greatest experiences imaginable.
At the age of 8 I was diagnosed with hypo-thyroidism, which is something that my grandmother and sister have as well. No serious complications came out of this discovery except for the minor annoyance of having a tiny pill to take each morning, which I did habitually with the prodding of my mother. Then on my 16th birthday I got my license, a job and within a matter of months also started taking birth control. Also, I stopped playing soccer but felt that with my constant on the go between school and work that I was being physically active enough. To my regret to this day, I also began taking my thyroid pill more intermittent mainly out of ignorance and teenage rebellion. Another factor to this equation was my random drug experimenting which didn’t have any devastating consequences but affected me none-the-less.
By 18, I had put on 20 pounds and was up to 145 and feeling quite unhappy about myself. However, I graduated from high school with honors and a certification in marketing when I then headed into college. I have always seen a specialist about my thyroid and around this time I switched from my child-hood doctor to a new one who began noticing dramatically high levels in my blood tests relating to my thyroid. However, the remedy was always to increase the dosage which did little if I didn’t take my pill regularly. Between school, work, my parents divorce, and getting a place of my own many things in my life were no longer constant or routine. Everything was affected by this including my diet (fast food), exercising (none), and taking my pill (very intermitted) which all contributed to my weight gain of about 20lbs. per year until October 2005.
In the fall of 2005, I began taking exercise classes at
Valencia
Community College
because I was able to stay with a routine at the YMCA or any other gym. But for some reason the idea that these classes were related to school worked for me even though I didn’t get credit I became addicted. In fact, every semester (including summer) I have taken at least two exercise classes there from kickboxing to belly dancing and I absolutely love it. This has helped me reduce my weight gain to 10lbs from October 2005 to April 2006, which I am glad for, but have decided is not good enough.
On August 11th, 2007 I will be graduating from the
University
of
Florida
with a Bachelors of Science in Business Administration with a specialization in Management and a minor in Mathematics. My doctor and I have decided that by this time I should lose between 6 and 12 pounds since we have determined that the key to weight loss for me will be controlling my appetite and portion control. This is based on my love for food and will to eat all the time especially during stressful times, like finals. She has placed me on a daily dose of 18.75mg of Phentermine which I will take in addition to .25mg of Levoxyl, 150mg of Green Tea Extract, 100mg of Alpha-Lipoic Acid, and 500mg of Viactiv. The later was based on the book “The Thyroid Diet” which I tried early on but had a hard time maintaining and am attempting again.
For the most part I will be using this blog to monitor my progress and as a reminder to follow this plan. I have also been suffering from what my general practioner believes is IBS for several years now, which basically arises in the morning when I consume certain foods and has created impediments to taking my pill regularly. In terms of dieting, I have an advantage since I love to cook and do so for the family, which for the most part I make healthy things since I am lactose intolerant, and I hate mayo and hamburgers as well as fried foods for the most part. My major weakness in turning to fast food when I don’t have time where I will eat grilled chicken sandwiches and tons of fries. Our household also only drinks green tea which I think will also help since I hate soda. We shall see if this portion control and lack of appetite helps please feel free to offer any suggestions or comments along the way since I am rather alone on this battle.
