Making some headway with the Scale

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

I started ramping up about two weeks ago - trying to get in at least 45 minutes of exercise, at least five days a week. Before then, the scale had not moved. In the last two weeks I've finally seen some progress - 2 pounds. It might not sound like much, but it feels so good to be actually making progress rather than seeing no change on the scale. I realize the scale is not all there is - but since losing weight is one of my goals, I like to see that I am at least making some headway.

Those two pounds are what helped motivate me out of bed this morning to go for a 50 minute bike ride. My body wasn't in the mood for it, but I didn't want to lose my momentum! I think this was an especially good feat since my IBS has been acting up the last couple of days...making exercise not only undesirable, but on certain days, impossible.

Time for the rest of breakfast...

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

SJDARA 8/19/2008 12:40PM

I've noticed the very same thing you have...if i don't do my exercise at least five days a week...my scale doesn't budge either. i wonder why that is? i can do three days..and nothing...four days..barely anything to really count..but five and six...i see the same results every time...-2lbs..or close to 2..lol. i just recently started dragging my tired bum outta the bed in the early morning (wake up at 450am to get dressed and start walk at 5) to ensure that it gets done rather than waiting for an open space throughout the day to try and sneak it in. its tiring but i'm told it gets better as your body start to adjust to it. inches is "where the magic happens" but like you the scale is how i keep myself motivated to keep going. it can get discouraging when the numbers don't move after all your hard work..but keep going! soon you'll notice your shirts getting loser...then your undoes and pants to follow and it'll all be worth while!! try to weigh yourself once a week, around the same time each time...it really is more encouraging that way. YOU CAN DO IT!! Report Inappropriate Comment

Happy, Happy, Joy, Joy...

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Today was a busy day. I was trying to get some job applications done, and even once those were complete I was running all over the city to drop them of. I also had to run a bunch of errands. I also woke up too early, felt exhausted and somehow missed my alarm. I woke up at 10 a.m. and had to get straight to work, so I couldn't do my workout. "I'll work out tonight," I thought. "I've got too much to do."

But tonight, once I got home around 8:15 p.m., I gave myself 10 minutes to sit down (something I hadn't done all day.) I felt sleepy and really just wanted to veg on the couch. But some part of me also wanted to go for a bike ride - and so I asked my husband if he wanted to go. "I'm too tired," he said. Since it was fast getting dark, I had rather wanted the company. But I got my butt up and off the couch and changed into my exercise gear. I felt a little annoyed at him (I thought it would have been supportive of him to come) but I was not about to make him my excuse for not getting my workout in. So I went - and I biked and biked and biked and it felt good. It felt good to move my body and to pump my legs and to breath in the cool air. It felt good to sweat. It felt good to push myself and it felt so good riding back, in the dark, knowing that I had done this for myself.

Today was a good day.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

SMM32SMM32 8/14/2008 12:22PM

Good for you! I am so glad you made time for yourself at the end of a busy day. Not only did you get some cardio in, but also improved your mood and outlook. Isn't exercise great? Report Inappropriate Comment

CINDYSUITT 8/12/2008 11:41PM

Our day sounded similar. I ended up on the treadmill at 9:30 this evening, but at least it's done and I'm happy about it! Congratulations to you! Report Inappropriate Comment

Workin' On It

Wednesday, August 06, 2008

I went on a short vacation last week to the west coast. I had a good time and was proud of myself for being so active while I was there. I walked and walked and walked and biked around Stanley Park. I also ate more than I should have...but at least the activity may have canceled out the extra 400 calories I seemed to consume (desserts are a personal weakness.)

I'm finding myself frustrated. I'm working out and...well, almost eating on track - but the scale is not showing it. In order to rule out other reasons for this, I went to the doctor today and will get blood tests done tomorrow so I can be sure that all that is needed here is simply more hard work, more discipline and more of a commitment (and not telling myself I can have the chocolate when really I shouldn't.)

When I lost weight four years ago, I used to ask myself a very simple question every time I was confronted with something I wanted but shouldn't eat: "What do you want more?" I wanted good health more than a cookie, I wanted to feel good about myself more than I wanted the chocolate cake, etc., etc...and so it became easier to ward off temptations. Lately I've been falling into old traps..."I deserve this" or "it's just one..." and that's not thinking or behaviour that will get me where I want to go.

I know how to do this, now I just need to damn well do it.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

SMM32SMM32 8/7/2008 4:35PM

You have got the right attitude! I haven't lost any weight yet either, but I feel better because I am getting more exercise and really liking it. I think that puts me in a better, positive mood that helps me to resist giving in to temptation. I figure, even if I can resist one small temptation a day, it will eventually add up. I find being positive really helps! Just keep trying and don't beat yourself up. Report Inappropriate Comment

Success!

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

So today I went horseback riding. I haven't been in about a year - just about since I broke my ankle in a riding accident. I did go for a pleasure ride last September for a friend's Birthday - but despite the fact I love it I hadn't gone since. I had an appointment for a lesson last week but decided to cancel it because my back was off. But I was determined to go today. I felt anxious on my way there - and even anxious during some points of my lesson, but at the end of the hour I was really pleased with myself for going through with it. That said, it took me 10 minutes to get the horse to lope in a circle - and all of that had to do with confidence. But I kept at it - and by the end of the lesson we had done it - I had done it - and I burned lots of calories in the process. Yay for me!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

SMM32SMM32 7/24/2008 11:04AM

Good for you for getting back on the horse, literally!! An accident like that can really destroy your confidence, but if you keep at you will get it back. Sometimes it is more rewarding to learn something that is more of a struggle or something that does not come naturally. More sense of accomplishment!! Horseback riding sounds like a perfect combination of outdoor summer fun and exercise. Congratulations, and keep at it! Report Inappropriate Comment

Paying for Rumballs

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

So on the weekend I attended a bridal shower. I didn't do too badly with the eating (could have been better, but also could have been worse). My greatest downfall was eating 6 rumballs. This is not because of the calories however - but the effect said rumballs have had upon my IBS. Today was, shall we say, not the most pleasant. I feel exhausted. I will eat "safe" foods for dinner (chicken breast and couscous) and hope I feel better soon. Well, that'll teach me.