The perfect storm?

Thursday, April 16, 2009

I had a couple of other titles in mind:

Shock & awe -- okay, that one's been overused.

The Moving Diet -- might be appropriate; read on.

Last week's WI was good; very good for me -- over 2 pounds. I'm hoping it was right. There was one time they weighed me & were going to report an over 3 pound loss -- pretty much impossible for me, and I would've felt it -- til I said something and they redid it.

I chalk up a lot of it to stress, most likely. Who knew moving could be so good for your waistline?

Other elements of the perfect storm:

1. As I mentioned yesterday, I've been busier in general (even though I don't have to pack), and that has translated into higher than normal activity, but not higher than normal eating.

2. I decided to give kettlebells a retry. And after giving them a second chance, I've incorporated them into my fitness routine twice a week. I wanted/needed to shake things up a bit.

3. Funny how stress can sometimes drive you to eat, and at other times you lose your appetite. I'm still eating well, but I find I'm veering more towards being less hungry -- altho it's pre-TOM time, which usually brings on the hungries.

4. Passover started, and your eating is somewhat restricted during Passover -- but that couldn't be the answer, considering it started last Wednesday night and my WI is Friday mornings.

5. I started taking a few new supplements. Don't get too excited, I very much doubt they're the magic bullet -- but they just might be the tipping point. Or not. Anyway, I added CoEnzyme Q10 -- which is supposed to be good for your heart (and help lower both cholesterol & BP -- I don't have a BP problem, but I do have a cholesterol problem) & Acetyl-L-Carnitine + ALA (alpha lipoic acid).

The L-Carnitine is interesting. It's touted as a weight loss aid. Now, Acetyl-L-Carnitine is supposed to help with cognitive function -- it does convert to L-Carnitine, but whether or not it has the same fat burning properties was unclear to me. It's supposed to be absorbed better with the ALA.

Both supplements are supposed to help boost your energy, and that was the primary reason I decided to give them a try. I need all the energy I can get right now. Whether or not they're helping is anybody's guess, frankly, because I am tired at night and I tend to wake up tired, too. But from what I've read, there doesn't really appear to be much downside to them.

I am not a doctor. I don't play one on tv. Do your own research, or better yet talk to a doctor if you're interested in these.

So there you have it. Is it a combination of all of the above? Was it just my time? I don't know, I just know that it puts me within 9 lbs of not having to pay for WW -- of course, depending on what tomorrow's WI says. Stay tuned.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

MOMMA_GRIZZ 4/16/2009 7:51PM

That was so great to read - I am so happy for you. You are so close - Congrats! Keep on, keeping on! You are doing great - no matter the cause - whatever it is YOU are doing it! Yeah You! Report Inappropriate Comment

KEAKMAN 4/16/2009 11:16AM

I'm placing my money on "it was just your time" Sooner or later your hard work HAS to pay off! Here's hoping for another great weigh-in tomorrow! Report Inappropriate Comment

12,000 is the new 10,000

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

I think one reason I've been doing well the last few weeks is that I'm effortlessly getting more exercise. Even without having to pack everything up, there's still a lot to do, and I'm just more active. In addition to my normal exercise, I'm getting about 12,000 - 13,000 steps in most days -- sometimes more -- and that's without taking longer than normal walks.

Add in an extra 2,000 steps a day, and you're adding a whole extra 10,000 step day to your week!

Yes, I've been more tired, too. I don't think it's just because of the extra exercise, although that certainly contributes to it. Part of it is the stress, of course.

There is a takeaway from this for those that aren't moving, of course: moving more really can help you lose more -- as long as you don't consume more as well.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

MOMMA_GRIZZ 4/15/2009 8:14PM

That is a fantastic 'silver lining'....lol. One of the benefits of moving. That must be coming up pretty quick, eh? Almost there.....phew. Report Inappropriate Comment

KEAKMAN 4/15/2009 12:03PM

And 10K extra per week is about 5 more miles which is about 500 more calories! WOOHOO! Sorry about the extra tiredness - I hope after the move you feel more relaxed and can get some sleep. Report Inappropriate Comment

The thrill of victory & the agony of defeat

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

The title's a bit of a stretch, neither one is really all that thrilling, but it's all I've got this morning.

One thing I've been doing all along -- and doing a lot of these last couple of weeks -- is to try to leave a few bites on my plate. They really can add up over time. I still have trouble stopping and checking how full I feel, though.

It's funny, because in a restaurant I normally have no trouble leaving half my order on my plate to take home. But at home? It's hard to even just stop and access how I'm feeling.

Last night I did it, though. I made matzo brei (think of sort of french toast matz0) which I adore. Last time I made it I realized I really didn't need 2 whole boards. Halfway through it last night I realized I'd had enough. Which worked well, because I had the other half for breakfast this morning -- and since I'm running low on matzo, that helped.

I had to run several errands yesterday, and one took me to Target. I decided the Chocolate Obssession frozen soy milk was just okay, so I wanted to pick up the chocolate & peanut butter one. I did, or so I thought. When I dished it out for dessert, I didn't see any peanut butter. And when I ate it, I realized that it was also Chocolate Obssession -- not that that is bad, but it is just not what I wanted. I checked the label more than once, and sure enough, it's mislabeled. Foiled again! I've never had that happen before, and I must admit, I was pretty disappointed.

Well, this too shall pass. It isn't worth running to Target again, although I'm not sure what they would do about it -- whole thing would probably melt while I waited on line.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

STARTSPARKING 4/15/2009 3:05AM

The incentive of eating only half of a restaurant meal is the leftovers can be boxed up and be enjoyed one more time. Good for you for eating only half of the matzo brei, so you were able to enjoy the other half for breakfast. Keep up your great work! Report Inappropriate Comment

KEAKMAN 4/14/2009 11:43AM

I am sooooo proud of you for getting a handle on that stop-when-I-feel-full thing! Want to give lessons? I, too, can easily cut my restaurant food in half, ask for a to-go box right away, and package it up to take home for tomorrow. But at home? Nope, not a chance. You are really doing great - and have a great attitude about your progress too! KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK! Report Inappropriate Comment

MOMMA_GRIZZ 4/14/2009 7:47AM

Doh! That must have been very disappointing.....what are the odds of that happening - wow. Guess you were meant to have Chocolate Obsession. Wish I could master that feeling full signal - haven't yet, but you have inspired me to practice yet again. Now that I'm back at work and will be getting back into my routine it should be easier. Report Inappropriate Comment

You've got to feel

Monday, April 13, 2009

While my Dad is a rather demonstrative fellow, I've only seen him cry once -- at the grave of the brother I never knew. My mom is rather stoic & somewhat undemostrative; I think her mother was, as well, and the apple doesn't fall far from the tree -- and I'm not referring to my Mom here.

I don't cry easily. I'll hug if you're a hugger, but I don't generally hug first.

This morning, however, as I was outside with the dogs, my feelings really swamped me. It started slowly, and built swiftly. The sorts of feelings that so many of us, myself included, have used food to medicate for years. It's easier to stuff ourselves with food than to allow ourselves to feel our feelings, especially when they're not happy feelings.

I can't really explain why I love this home or town so much. It isn't a perfect house, it's not the best neighborhood (it was much nicer when we moved in 15 years ago), it's certainly not a McMansion by any means. There were so many things we wanted to do that we never got around to.

There have been so many good times here, and some pretty bad ones too. Welcoming the boys (my present cats), and making this a cat-friendly house with all sorts of stuff my husband built for them -- for me, really -- that now must come down. Tearing our hair out over Chester as a puppy, and snuggling with him so many times over the years. My girls (my first cats) are buried in our backyard, and their rosebush is really blooming. I want to press some of the roses, but probably won't get around to it.

The trees we planted that were tiny saplings that now shade me as I sit beneath them reading, while the dogs sun themselves. It is also the place where both our first cats were put to sleep, where we watched & suffered through their declines, where Chester protected me from the person/s who tried to break in this fall.

So many memories. It just really got to me this morning, and I found myself crying.

But you've got to let yourself feel. Feel the butterflies in your stomach, the lump in your throat, and the burning in your eyes. I know we will create new memories in our new home. I know that home is where my loved ones are; it's not a roof and 4 walls . . . and yet there is just something about this house.

We really bought it almost on a whim. A realtor called with their latest promotion: have them take you to 3 homes, and they'd give you free movie tickets. I wasn't very busy with my business yet and I love movies, so I said sure. We'd thought about perhaps buying a house. We knew we wanted to stay here, but my husband's assignment was up in a few months and we didn't know if we would stay here; we figured we could rent the house if we moved.

I got my free movie tickets, but I got so much more. Somehow when I walked into this house, it told me I was home. I can't say that I have the same feeling about our new house.

Still, my very rambling point (guess I had to get all that off my chest) is that food would never make the sorrow go away. Food can definitely make me feel good, but I will allow myself to mourn this house without food. That's how I can move on.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

TRECECOOKS 4/15/2009 6:00PM

What a wonderful and evocative blog! You have articulated so well some of the things that we grieve over, which we sublimate by eating. God bless you on your move. I hope you can find a new sense of home when you arrive. Report Inappropriate Comment

STARTSPARKING 4/13/2009 11:50PM

Although all those wonderful memories were made in the old house, you will be able to take the happy memories with you because they will always be treasured in your heart. Good for you for allowing yourself to experience the pain of leaving and not trying to numb it with food. May your new home be filled with many new happy memories, my friend. Report Inappropriate Comment

MOMMA_GRIZZ 4/13/2009 7:27PM

Sorry you are so sad but it's great that you didn't try to fill the 'void' with food, that's very hard to overcome - congratulations! It's great that you feel your feelings and express them instead. You will be starting new memories in your new home but will always carry the memories of your old home with you, close to your heart. Report Inappropriate Comment

KEAKMAN 4/13/2009 3:37PM

What a wise woman you are. You recognized your feelings AND their validity and allowed yourself to experience them. And you didn't fall prey to the food. I am so proud of you. You are also wise to recognize that home is where the love is, not a house. Sure, you will grieve for the loss of this beautiful and seemingly perfect home. And you will regret your move, ineveitable though it is. But life moves on, and you will find new and unexpected joys in your new home. You and your "kiddos" will be fine. You'll be together and that is most important! Report Inappropriate Comment

She works hard for the weigh-in

Saturday, April 11, 2009

Ok, I've already done a blog post of a similar title. But I have been on a roll. Amazing what stress will do for you. I'll blog more about it on Monday, when I think more people might be around to actually read it. 6 weeks of weight loss. I think it's a new record for me.

This past week was busy (for me), and I was just so tired most days I wasn't even all that hungry. Apparently, that worked for me. Here I worried about how I'd handle it when the move got close and I didn't have as much time -- apparently, I should move more often.

I still worry a bit about those couple of weeks where I'll probably be eating out a lot or processed food a lot. But I know if I can go on a cruise and only gain a couple of pounds, I should be able to handle it without getting too derailed. I'm getting so close to not paying now . . . and I want that; we have enough over our heads with owning 2 houses. But I also know how hard those last few pounds can be. What will be, will be.

I want to thank my friend Keakman for mentioning storing already tossed salad with a paper towel to keep it from getting slimy -- so far, that's really working well for me, and I've been eating a lot more salad lately because of that tip.

And finally, we did a lot of walking this morning. Probably my last time at the farmer's market, where I bought 2 chocolate scones for the week of our move. Since it's Passover, I stuck them in the freezer. I couldn't even try them, even tho she was offering tastes. But I've bought from her before and know her stuff is good -- if not exactly healthy. But they're relatively small scones.

Then we walked down to the area I'd noticed earlier in the week -- it's right beside a strip mall, but it's a small field of bluebonnets. We have other bluebonnet photos, and I'm sure if my husband were here, these would be better, but here they are.



I cropped this a tad oddly to make it look like the dogs were just sitting in a field of bluebonnets (and doctored it a bit to get rid of their harness & lead).



There's a nice little trail that connects a small subdivision with the road that goes by the strip mall. Actually, it's a whole series of trails. I'd walked in there a little before, but didn't want to go too deep because it appears really isolated. Then one day I went with a friend -- turns out there are a lot more trails back there than meet the eye. You're never really very far from civilisation, even though it feels that way.



Turns out the dogs were looking away because a couple walking their 4 dogs (several off leash) were about to show up.



There you have it. Another favorite walking trail documented. If you live in Austin, btw, that trail is near Petco in Sunset Market (as are the bluebonnets).

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

STARTSPARKING 4/12/2009 5:15AM

Six weeks of weight loss! Congratulations on such wonderful progress! Thank you for sharing those adorable photos of the bluebonnets and your dogs. Gorgeous! Report Inappropriate Comment

MOMMA_GRIZZ 4/11/2009 2:56PM

Those bluebonnets are beautiful - very nice pictures - thank you for sharing. Kudos to you on the 6 weeks of weight loss - that's fantastic! Keep up the good work! Report Inappropriate Comment

KEAKMAN 4/11/2009 2:54PM

on your continuing weight loss! Isn't it amazing what motivates us to eat or not eat? And it's never the way we think it will be!! I am glad that you had such a lovely morning/afternoon and walk. Great pictures, too! I have never been to Austin, but my son lived there for a while and he tells me it is a beautiful and fun city. I am sure you are sad to leave it. But your new home will offer you all sorts of adventures and fun, I am sure. It's all in the attitude. (if I can learn to love Oregon with its nine months of rain - and me a sun-worshipper - then a person can learn to love any place they end up!) Report Inappropriate Comment