From Herbs to Pre-Packaged Foods, I've Done it All!
Like most people on this site, I've been through the gammit when it comes to losing weight. I've weighed as little as 150 lbs to a whopping 221 lbs. I've tried everything from diet herbs to you name it. The first picture on my profile is of me right before I began Weight Watchers in October '06. I was quite successful with WW but my life got chaotic and after only a month of it, I quit. I decided to try Jenny Craig again this January and so far so good. The food is delicious and because I only have myself to prepare meals for its a piece of cake, no pun intended. I began my own weight loss journal before discovering this website. Which by the way, is terrific! It really encourages me to read about other people's trials and triumphs.
So, I've cut and pasted my journal entries beginning back in January.
My Journey with Jenny…
January 7th- week one with Jenny. I began the week weighing 214.2. This week I focused on sticking to the plan. I didn’t over do it on the exercise. I tried to get in 30 minutes of exercise at least 3 times, but I didn’t exert myself.
January 14th- week two. I began this week weighing 210! Way to go, Janie!!! This week I focused on exercising 30 minutes 3-4 times this week. I really tried to sweat. Challenges: trouble with constipation.
January 21st- week three. I began this week weighing 209. I was bummed but my counselor was proud. She gave me suggestions for the constipation. I rode my bike six miles, jogged outside, continued intervals on the elliptical and treadmill. I also switched to using ONLY Jenny’s dressing.
January 28th- week four. I began this week weighing 206.6! I am almost to 200! For some this doesn’t sound like a big deal but I haven’t seen 200 pounds in a long time. This week’s exercise plan is to increase my cardio to an hour each day. I’m going to eat at least 3 different veggies and fruit this week too.
January 30th-still in week four, but I had to write because I am really proud of myself. Since Sunday, I’ve done an hour of cardio each day. I know its only been 3 days but for me, that’s really impressive. Especially since yesterday I worked until 5pm and today 5:45pm so I didn’t make it to the gym until late! I’m craving exercise. Is that crazy or what? Tomorrow’s challenge is getting up at 5:30am to exercise because I can’t do it in the evening. YIKES!!!
February 5th, 2007- ok, so I didn’t get up at 5:30am to exercise. I even prayed and asked God to help me get up and as usual He came through. Its just the thought of getting up that early makes me want to throw up! I’m feeling guilty this morning because of the weekend I had. I went out of town with some friends. We had really early mornings and really late nights so I didn’t exercise. I know I could have worked it in but I was really exhausted. I tried really hard to stay on the plan and did quite well until Saturday evening. I see what the problem now. I didn’t eat my veggies and fruit the way that I was supposed to through out the day so when we went to the restaurant I went crazy. I drank WAY too much diet coke too. I’m beginning to notice that excessive amounts of diet coke makes me crave food and causes anxiety. So, Sunday morning we went to a breakfast buffet. There were things there that I could have eaten that would have kept me on the plan, but I willfully went in and devoured other foods. I enjoyed the tastes but it was short lived. I was left with a feeling of guilt and indigestion. Then for lunch we ate pizza. I had three slices of thin n crispy pepperoni pizza. I didn’t eat dinner that night. I woke up this morning exhausted, guilty and anxious. I am writing all of this in hopes that the next time I go out to eat I will make better choices. I deserve to eat better than what I did this weekend. I deserve to make time to exercise. When I don’t, I feel anxious and guilty. Two feelings I hate! Today is a new day and I will begin again…
February 7, 2007 Yippee! I lost another 3 pounds. I’m at 203.6. Can you believe it? After the weekend I tried really hard to stick with the plan and increase my exercise. Almost to 200! Lord, it seems like its taking forever but its only been 4 weeks! I can do this!!!!
February 14, 2007 This week I only lost 4 oz. 203.2. At least it was a loss. I am retaining water so hopefully by next week I’ll be down a lot more. If I ever make it to 200 it’ll be a miracle!
February 15, 2007 I am so proud of myself! Today, I jogged for 20 minutes straight without stopping.
February 22, 2007 201.4…. Lord if I ever make to 200 pounds! AAAAGGHHH!!!! Once I make it to 200 pounds, I’d like to lose a total of 31 pounds by my 31st birthday. I’m at a 12.7 pound loss right now. Only 18.3 to go. I will do it! The cool thing is I’m not cheating myself out of anything. While the exercise is tough at times, its only 30-45 minutes long and I feel so good afterwards.
February 26, 2007 Call me crazy, but I couldn’t sleep this morning. I don’t know whether it was divine intervention or the anxiety of not being able to be in New Orleans for Thomas’ birth. I’d like to believe it’s a bit of both. I woke up at 5am and couldn’t go back to sleep. So, I got up and went to the gym. Missy, the fitness instructor at the gym, looked at me in shock and then her watch and asked if everything was alright! Too funny. Anyway, I walked for 30 minutes. Nothing fancy just walking. Tonight I’ll run. So, here it is 6:30am. I’ve showered, blow dried my hair and have my lunch packed. I think I’ll take a nap before work. I don’t have to get up until 7:30am.