My new guilty pleasure

Friday, August 28, 2009

I've watched TLC's "What Not to Wear" now & again, but suddenly I seem to have become addicted to it. Maybe because we cut back on our channels a while back: we got rid of all the premium movie channels. We had a free 3 month trial when we moved in here, but it's expired.

After months of not spending anything much beyond the basics, the shopping genie has been let loose. Some are things I really need: new private stuff, for instance. They say you should replace your bras every year, but I never do; still, it was time for some new ones (and I swear that I am in between cup sizes -- why don't they make half cup sizes?).

Others are things I could use, but don't necessarily need. Some new workout clothes, mostly. Most of the tops I have are at least 10 years old. I've bought just a few here & there over the last year, but while it wasn't a pressing need, I could have used more. One of my favorite online stores for workout wear, www.athleta.com , is having a sale.

One of the things I wanted was a skort or two. It's a real gamble buying something like that online, but I took it -- and I really like it. Unfortunately, the skort isn't on sale, and I'd really like to get another one.

Yes, I've actually found that cute workout clothes make me want to work out more. It's amazing how when you like the way you look, you feel better, and that just makes you want to do all the things you know you have to do to keep feeling & looking better. Don't wait til you've lost the weight to get yourself some cute workout clothes! It really can be motivating.

But the other thing I've been buying lately are shoes. I'm shopping at Marshalls, so I'm getting awesome deals (like a pair of Cole Haan shoes for $15), but they aren't really something I need. Once again, I'm struggling -- shopping can be just as much an addiction as food! I found a plain pair of aerosoles with cute little kitten heels that are soooo comfortable -- but they only had them in brown in my size. When I went to a different discount store, after I'd bought the brown ones, they had my size in black. They also tend to sell out of shoes really quickly. What to do? They're cute, they're comfortable, they look so much nicer than running around doing errands in sneakers, but do I really need a pair in brown & black?

And I swear, when I'm shopping, sometimes I hear Stacy & Clinton's voices in my ears. I think I have a pretty good sense of style, altho I absolutely know they'd make me get rid of some of my sweatshirts & tshirts. Like my healthy lifestyle, my overall style is ever-evolving.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

DDHEART 8/29/2009 9:19PM

This is so funny 'cause I watched the show last night and as I watched it I was thinking how the story was such a spark story...the gal they were working with had never felt pretty or worthy and rather than dress nicely, she shlepped around in baggy stuff since she felt her body wasn't slim enough or whatever.....Stacy kept trying to tell her she should never wait till she thought she was thin enough and if she dressed more nicely she would feel more worthy 'cause she is worthy....now if that isn't a spark story...and here you are saying some of the same things. It's fun getting some bargains and yes we do have to watch the shopping too but I love TJMAXX and Marshall's....I have to check out your site for athletic wear....I love skorts...my problem right now is I don't really know my size since everything has changed so much. Have fun! Report Inappropriate Comment

STARTSPARKING 8/29/2009 7:02PM

Ah... the joy of clothes shopping! I haven't bought anything in awhile because I regained weight. However, I finally broke down recently and bought some workout capri pants... in a larger size. I needed the comfort of exercising in clothes that fit properly, so I gritted my teeth and bought them resentfully. However, I don't plan to wear them for long. Soon I will go back to my smaller size ones... or buy NEW ones in the smaller size. My vote is to enjoy BOTH pairs of shoes, my friend! Report Inappropriate Comment

KEAKMAN 8/29/2009 3:24PM

I agree...cute workout clothes make me want to workout. I tried on a bunch of skorts, noted sizes and styles, then bought 4 of 'em on eBay for under $30 total....Love 'em and they all fit. As for comfy shoes - you can never have too many of those! Report Inappropriate Comment

KARBIE18 8/29/2009 8:54AM

I watch that show, on occasion, and am always amazed at the difference properly fitting clothes can make. I don't shop much, but when I do, I refuse to buy anything that I don't love anymore. I really want a new jean jacket, and I found one recently that ALMOST fit right. It was perfect in every way, except a little large in the shoulders. I was this close to buying it, and I, like you heard a voice that said, "You will not be happy with this. It does not do your figure justice." I've bought some really ugly work clothes in the past, just because they kind of fit me. Not anymore, thankfully. I don't really have any workout clothes. I wear shorts and tank tops. I have no real problem motivating myself to move anymore, but I think it is something to consider. It might be just what I need to push myself a little harder. Yes, a pair of black shoes, and a pair of brown shoes is always handy! Report Inappropriate Comment

Who are you, and what did you do with my husband?

Thursday, August 27, 2009

I have on more than one occasion suggested to my husband that he might want a pedometer, too. That I bet he'd be surprised by the number of steps he gets in a day. He thinks he moves around a lot -- on days he mows the lawn he certainly does, but that's usually only once a week. We barely rack up 2000 when we walk the dogs at night (and that's because I do at least double that, if not more, when I walk them in the morning). Which reminds me that I think I forgot to enter my cardio yesterday . . . oh well.

Anyway, back to the title. He calls me one day & wants to know if I have an extra pedometer, which I don't. I, apparently, am not terribly inspiring, but his family is. Which sometimes makes me nuts. What I say isn't important, until someone else says the same thing to him.

Apparently his sister wants to lose weight. She's a couple of inches shorter than me, but she weighs a whopping 113 apparently, so why she wants to lose 10 lbs is beyond me. I'd be overjoyed to weigh what she weighs. And she was trying to challenge him, I guess.

So now he wants a pedometer. Don't get me wrong, I think it's a good thing (assuming he doesn't lose it right away, which knowing him is a distinct possibility).

And speaking of walking, I read a tip yesterday about why counting steps is more important than doing exercise for a certain amount of time. According to some study, people who were asked to get 10,000 steps a day got roughly 2,000 more steps in than those who were simply asked to walk 30 minutes a day.

Stay tuned: will her husband beat her in steps? Or is he about to have his eyes opened to just how sedentary he really is? Can this be the start of other healthy changes? Will he even actually remember to wear his pedometer?

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

STARTSPARKING 8/28/2009 2:16AM

Although it is infuriating that your husband valued others' opinions more than yours in this case, I'm glad he is taking this positive step (pun intended). If he is serious about adopting a healthier lifestyle, I am certain he will find lots of inspiration from you because of all that you have accomplished. I sent you a pedometer SparkGoodie in the hopes that this will be the beginning of your husband's healthy changes. That will be so awesome! Report Inappropriate Comment

AINTSKEERD 8/27/2009 10:54AM

I think that is one of the rules of being a spouse. I always say Kristy only listens to others, and she says I don't listen to her input...even though we both eventually come 'round to the other's side. I know it doesn't matter how they get to our side, but it is pretty darned annoying at times! Report Inappropriate Comment

GRANNY1972 8/27/2009 10:48AM

I'll suggest something to my hubby and get a shrug of the shoulders or no comment at all from him. Then a few days later it's "Why don't we---------" from him like it's a whole new idea and he came up with it!!!! AGGGGGHHHH! Very frustrating at times! Hope your hubby sticks with the walking and using the pedometer. Report Inappropriate Comment

KEAKMAN 8/27/2009 9:10AM

Take whatever you can get. You can force an admission of your original suggestion later - but for now, be glad that he wants to exercise. I am sure that seeing his dad in such poor shape, and perhaps strting to think f his own mortality, had more to do with his change of heart than anything skinny sis said....she was just an excuse or reason to offer, so that he doesn't have to admit that he is worried about his own future body. (just my guess, based on my own hubby) Report Inappropriate Comment

SEKSUNSHINE 8/27/2009 7:54AM

So is there going to be "Film At 11:00"? That's what you questions reminded me of. Advertisements for the nightly news! LOL!! Men are exasperating! I really don't know why I have one around. Oh, I know, he's building a new sidewalk! Look at it this way, at least he's making an attempt?! Hang in there. Report Inappropriate Comment

SLCB1023 8/27/2009 7:47AM

I have always found that to be true too. I tell my kids something and they ignore the advice until one of their friends says the same thing. LOL Happens at work too on occasion. I tell them something for FREE but they have to hear it from a high paid consultant. Ya just can't win. But at least your DH will be out there moving and I am betting he will be looking to you for support. LOL Thanks for sharing Report Inappropriate Comment

MRSTEDDYBEAR 8/27/2009 6:35AM

Yeah mine too, if I suggest something he's like i'll think about it. If he suggests something it's the best idea ever! Even if it's the worst idea...lol Report Inappropriate Comment

ZEE1960 8/27/2009 5:59AM

I have a husband who dismisses my suggestions until someone else suggests it too, they are infuriating! Report Inappropriate Comment

NSVs color me happy

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Well, that's what they're supposed to do, right?

I got my Old Navy jeans yesterday. First, let me just clarify: skinny is just the cut; it doesn't mean that I'm skinny! I think their skinny jeans go up to a size 16 or so. But they did fit, so I guessed right. I probably will wait til I've lost just a bit more weight to wear them (or toned up some of that muffin top, whichever comes first).

And in a world turned upside down, the black jeans are looser than the blue ones. I wasn't surprised, because it was that way in the store, but that was a first for me!

It's probably not the most flattering cut for someone with large thighs, either -- but it will allow me to wear my cute little leather boots. Sometimes it's all about the shoes, right?

I don't have a lot of decent looking shorts that fit me right now. I was going to go back and buy a second pair of the ones I bought recently, but when I went back to the store just a couple of weeks later all their shorts were pretty much gone!

I have a pair of shorts that I've been holding onto for years. It's also not a particularly good cut for me, but beggars can't be choosers, and I put them on yesterday. I've been trying them on intermittently since we moved, and they always seemed just a little too tight. While still not as loose as I'd like them, they fit -- even with a tshirt tucked in.

I feel really good about the choices I've made this week. Just gotta keep it up -- DH gets home late tomorrow night (hopefully) and then the fun begins again. "Normal" life, whatever that is.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

KEAKMAN 8/27/2009 9:07AM

Glad you got a pair of jeans that you like the fit of (sorry about ending that sentence with a preposition....it was easier that way!) I have a pair of black jeans that are my first major clothing goal.....still not there, but I haul them out to look at every once in a while.... Report Inappropriate Comment

ZEE1960 8/27/2009 6:01AM

My jeans are falling down when I walk woohoo (mind you they were a size too big anyway) its a quick slimming tip, buy a size too big lol Report Inappropriate Comment

DDHEART 8/26/2009 6:38PM

Tuck it in and flaunt your stuff! Report Inappropriate Comment

SUZY6281 8/26/2009 12:04PM

Congratulations!!! And you tuck in your shirt. That is still in the future for me and my muffin top. :) suzy Report Inappropriate Comment

LEONALIONESS 8/26/2009 10:53AM

Woo hoo! All good news! :) Report Inappropriate Comment

SEKSUNSHINE 8/26/2009 8:01AM

Great News! I am proud of you and happy for you! Got to run busy day! Report Inappropriate Comment

SHRINKINGSHERI 8/26/2009 7:24AM

on the NSV. Keep up the good work. Report Inappropriate Comment

Downsizing

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

It's a sad, but true, fact that as your weight goes down, so must your calorie consumption. Your appetite will decrease, too, but the two aren't always in line. At least not for me.

So I play around with portion size. How much can I downsize and still feel satisfied? Will 2 teaspoons of chocolate work instead of a tablespoon? How about 1 tsp dark chocolate chips instead of 1 1/2 teaspoons? The differences may seem small and unworthy, but they sure do add up.

This morning I experimented with my oatmeal. I've blogged before about how I like it salty with a very small amount of dark chocolate chips in it -- a warm granola bar. Which is healthy. How cool is that?

But I like a nice, big serving of oatmeal. 1 1/2 servings, in fact. 1 little serving doesn't really do it for me. I'm doing good, actually, because I used to like 2 servings.

This morning I decided to try just one serving (1/2 cup rolled oats before cooking). Only I decided to add some peanut butter along with my dark chocolate chips. I've tried PB in my oatmeal before, but I wasn't really impressed -- if you mix it in prior to cooking, the PB seems to disappear.

Only this morning I decided to do the same thing with my PB that I do with the dark chocolate chips: put it on top of the cooked oatmeal so it gets nice & melty, and then mix it in. Eureka! It feels like you're eating a decadent treat, when it's actually a very healthy breakfast.

Speaking of PB, I recently tried Naturally More PB -- www.naturallymore.com/ . Yummo! Yes, it has some honey & sugar in it -- but only 2 gms per serving, and I'm eating less than a serving at a time. It just gives me that slightly sweet taste I love. My understanding of flaxseeds is that they're not really bioavailable to us unless they're ground, so I'm not sure the whole flaxseeds in there do us a lot of good. But it's still good, and good for you.

Looking at their site, I see they have almond butter, too. I'll have to try that.

I won't lie to you: I'd definitely rather stick with my 1 1/2 servings. Hopefully when I get to maintenance, I can work that in, but for now, I'll keep trying 1 serving. I'd like more, but I'll have a midmorning snack like usual, and I think I'll be fine.

What have you been able to downsize? And do you have a favorite PB that isn't full of junk?

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

KEAKMAN 8/27/2009 9:06AM

We were on vacation this week and I realized just how much I have learned to downsize everything....no fries, small orders, etc. I HAVE made great changes in the past few months! I like Adams all natural peanut butter. Crushed peanuts. The end. No salt. No sugar. I do have to stir it and keep it in the fridge, but oh man is it good! Report Inappropriate Comment

STARTSPARKING 8/26/2009 1:30AM

I smiled when I read "Yummo!" You're a Rachel Ray fan, aren't you? I'm glad you didn't give up on putting PB in your oatmeal and decided to put it in after it's cooked. I will have to try that! Good for you for keep trying one serving. Hopefully your stomach will get used to the smaller portion soon. Keep up your great work! Report Inappropriate Comment

BRIANNACAT 8/25/2009 5:20PM

I'm like you, I like to be able to eat alot to be satisfied. I've tried the frozen steel cut oatmeal that trader joe's carries and that seems very satisfying. Though I love the idea of pb and chocolate chips..will have to try. I have tried a little chunk of banana and chopped nuts when making the instant oatmeal package in the microwave and that is also good. I also buy the "handful" trailmix (pre-packaged to 210 cals per serving) at trader joe's. I love nuts but can't stop eating them unless they're pre-packaged like this. though, they are still a little on the dangerous side. I also like to snack on popcorn since I can eat a lot and not too many calories. hehe. Report Inappropriate Comment

LEONALIONESS 8/25/2009 10:47AM

I eat one or less serving at a time of pretty much everything, unless it's veggies/fruit. Then I go nuts and eat a huge 2 c. portion of fresh green beans with 1.5 cups of cooked mushrooms with red wine vinegar and garlic, like dinner last night. LOL. I try to keep the legumes to one serving at a time, though, since they can be semi dense, calorie wise. They are still not considered calorie dense (since there are less calories in a serving than there are grams of weight) but 100 calories each half cup adds up! I only eat a half serving of PB, I've starting open-facing my sandwiches (to cut down on bread calories, bread is calorific but I LOVE it), and I do taco salads on a bed of spinach instead of using tortillas. I eat one serving of ice cream (half cup), 1/4 of a candy bar (instead of half), and 1/2 a serving of my favorite big vegan cookies. It took some getting used to, for sure. I find myself looking for the biggest bang for my calorie buck, especially with treats. I found Annie's chocolate bunny grahams while I was craving cookies one day. 30 bunnies = 130 calories! I can only eat 1/4 a big ABC vegan cookie for that amount! Plus the bunnies have a lot of calcium and some iron. Score! As for PB, I like the Whole Foods 365 brand. I get the crunchy non-organic (the organic has palm oil, sadly, and I want to avoid added stuff) all natural variety. Just peanuts and salt! I used to love sweeter PB but I've found that by avoiding sweetened PB I notice the inherent sweetness in the peanuts themselves. Which is very nice! Report Inappropriate Comment

JLITT62 8/25/2009 10:18AM

Grammali, I eat very well, believe me! But there comes a time when you do have to cut calories to continue to lose weight. As you get smaller, you just burn less calories overall. No amount of exercise can really make up for that fact. We all have to find what works for us. I can tell you right now that I would never be losing weight at either 1200 or 2000 calories -- 1200 is too little, 2000 too much. A lot depends on your height, how close you are to your goal, and so on. I also prefer to eat 3 meals & 2-3 snacks a day. It just works better for me. So breakfast is actually split into 2 meals for me. What you're doing is working for you -- that's great. Comment edited on: 8/25/2009 10:24:19 AM Report Inappropriate Comment

GRAMMAALI 8/25/2009 8:03AM

Instead of thinking of downsizing, try to see how much nutrition you can get into your allowed calories. Eating this way I am never hungry. I have been doing 1200 calories for a week, then 1500 calories for 3 weeks, and then maintaining weight loss at 2000 calories for a month. I've lost 15 pounds this way in the last 3 months. Slow going, but faster in the long run than what I have ever done before and I feel fabulous! I've supersized my breakfast by adding all kinds of good stuff to my oatmeal. Report Inappropriate Comment

FINALROUND1 8/25/2009 7:48AM

I bet downsizing can be diffcult. I can't even grasp that concept yet. I will have to eventually, if I want to continue my progress. Your oatmeal recipes sounds delicious! I can't wait to try them! I just eat plain ol' Maple and Brown sugar oatmeal. Lol Courtney Report Inappropriate Comment

A slippery slope

Monday, August 24, 2009

It's a slippery slope from a slight weight gain to either losing control or giving up and gaining back a lot of weight. I got quite a few comments with my latest weight gains to relax, that I'm so disciplined that I'd lose the weight in no time. Just as my husband told me it was silly to even think about eating well during our move, or during vacation for that fact.

It's different for everyone, but you know how much is too much. And if you don't, you have to set limits for yourself. It's silly to think you're never going to gain weight just by leading a healthy lifestyle -- weight gains ARE part of a healthy life style. But how much is too much? When do you start hearing alarm bells?

I know 4 lbs in just a few weeks was a definite alarm bell for me. I've written a couple of times that I thought I was back on track, but it took more than one try and it actually still remains to be seen whether or not I truly am -- especially with a vacation coming up.

And, of course, I've been there before: you won't let yourself get 5 lbs above a certain weight, which turns into 10, which turns into 20, and so on . . .

More than one person has commented that they can't imagine me being overweight. Which is funny, because if you look at my start photo it's there in living color. In fact recently, my friend Kate gave me a chuckle by commenting that she's only known me "thin". I'm still not thin! But thin is subjective, I guess.

The bottom line is we've got to be vigilant. It's really, really easy to let ourselves go, and sometimes it's really, really hard to get back on track. So you've got to develop that sixth sense for trouble, and know what your basics are -- and get back to them when you are in trouble. And reach out for support here on Spark. Fellow sparkers make me smile every day!

I wanted to write a blog about my mall walking experience yesterday, but couldn't quite come up with a whole blog about it so I'll just mention my thoughts in closing. Yesterday was my "rest" day, but with walking around the mall, I got almost 12,000 steps in. In fact, I racked up more steps walking around the mall than I did walking the dogs in the morning!

I also did some people watching, and what really struck me is how sloppy most of us dress. Where is the pride in ourselves? I, of course, have been guilty of sloppy dressing too, but it does say a lot about us -- especially when you're dressed sloppily & you're not just putzing around the house. When you look good, you feel good. Is there a correlation between sloppy dressing and weight gain? Is it a chicken & egg thing -- which comes first?

Finally, does a "thin" girl come out of a Lindt chocolate shop with 5 bars of chocolate? Well, I sure hope so, because that's what I did. You get one free when you buy four. So I bought 3 of the fleur de sel I've become so fond of (but I can limit myself to one or two squares a day), 1 dark chocolate chili, and one 70% dark chocolate. The fleur de sel (and the chili) aren't 70%, but they are dark chocolate (cocoa content unknown) so hopefully they're still the healthy kind. I was surprised that I did like the chili dark chocolate one.

I guess the moral of the whole blog is that you've got to know yourself. Know what you can handle, what you need, what you don't need, and be strong enough to do the right thing.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

DDHEART 8/24/2009 8:26PM

She who knows herself can best control herself. I know that when others say "you can relax, you're thin and can afford a little here and there", part of me feels great reallizing that others see me as thin and in control (Kate told someone she knew it was me waiting for her at the station because she was looking for a thin blonde woman....who me?) but I've been a fallen lifetime WW member so I know that it is indeed a slippery slope....somehow when a gain goes above 5, it easily turns to 10 and then well it gets embarrassing and overwhelming and then it's 15 and 20. You keep listening to your inner guide....she knows when it's time to hunker down and get down to business! Report Inappropriate Comment

KEAKMAN 8/24/2009 10:09AM

Observation: you are blessed with a great degree of self-awareness....if you feel like you are on track, I bet you are. Conversely, if you feel that you are getting out of line, I think you need to pull yourself back onto the straight and narrow. Many of us either lie to ourselves or just don't have the experience/ability to accurately judge. But you do. Trust yourself. And yes, thin girls can walk out of the store with 5 candy bars. Fat girls walk out with four and one is opened and half-comsumed! You have an incredible ability to monitor and "ration" what you eat (I know, it came from hard work, not a natural gift) and it makes perfect sense to me to get in on the deal and have your supply available for a while. You are so right about reaching out to fellow Sparkers....while I may not be doing as great as I would like, I know it is you and all the others who are helping me to stay where I am and not go hurtling backwards! thanks! Oh..... how was the movie? Report Inappropriate Comment

MOMMA_GRIZZ 8/24/2009 8:02AM

It is a slippery slope - and sometimes we have to claw our way back up to the track to continue our journey. Good for you for getting back on track. Every lil bit counts. Report Inappropriate Comment

SEKSUNSHINE 8/24/2009 7:54AM

You are so right. Eating for most over weight people is an addiction. Like any addiction you can not let your control slip. This change of life has to be permanent and we always have to be watchful. You have to be able to say NO. Sometimes that is the hardest little word to say in the whole English language. You are correct on the dressing, if you don't have pride in yourself, who will? I try not to look at the hair, all the piercings, and "art" work on people. Stick to your guns vacation or no and enjoy yourself! Have a piece of chocolate for me, please! Report Inappropriate Comment

KARBIE18 8/24/2009 7:33AM

I don't know why you gained, but I really DON"T think you need to worry about letting it get out of control. You really do have more discipline than many people I know. Interesting observation at the mall. I try not to leave the house looking sloppy. I do know that when I'm running out of clothes that fit properly, I lose some of my motivation. And when I look frumpy, I definitely feel frumpy. Report Inappropriate Comment