And it's been a tough one. Not near the big start first month that I was hoping for. But I did learn a LOT about what this has to look like for me the next 11 months. So that I think has been the part that I think will help so much the next few months
First: I lost 6 lbs. add to that my prior 6, making that a grand total of 12 pounds lost. with 99 lbs to go in 11 months!!! so, I need to lose 9 lbs a month. Which is so doable.... especially now that I know what it takes to accomplish that, at least for right now.
I think I lost those first 6 because of water weight after drastically reducing the number of diet sodas I drink. I think I've had about 1 a week when before I was drinking 2-3 a day! I was plumb addicted to some diet dr. pepper! am I right ladies?!
Then I wanted to know what calorie level I could be at to lose an average of 2lbs a week. Well, I found after week 1 at 2000 calories (a common calorie range for someone of my weight) and week 2 at 1800 and week 3 at 1500 that I HAVE to stay between 1200-1400 calories to lose weight. So I've had weight loss the past 2 weeks being at that calorie level.
Exercise: I've been exercising about 2-3 times a week, and just got an at home video that I hope to be doing 4+ times a week in month 2! This time of year is tough to get moving. Between snow days and cold wet days and moving days.... I'm going to be grateful for spring to come and plan on getting out more! But for now, it's bustin a move in my living room while the kids nap!
Dan's been a HUGE encouragement to me. He's lost like 30 lbs already.. I kid you not. His metabolism is crazy good and he's great at really sticking to a program. So, He's really good for me right now. He knows my past tendencies have been to go about this far with him and when I compare successes I give up because I get so discouraged. He's asked me on several occasions, "do you feel like giving up? Please don't... you can do this" And I love that he cares for me in that way... but also I love that I can say to him back, "I don't have an option to give up this time... not at least for 11 more months, I've got too many people holding me to this and praying for me and encouraging me."
The tools that have been crucial for me to learn about and to get into the habit of using are:
My Plate Food Tracker This really has been so helpful. And I'm online every day so I use it with ease. Also it lets me know with a pie chart my balance of carbs/protein/fat I'm finding that's important for me because if I don't get enough carbs.... my hormones do NOT like me. And too much fat... well, the scale does not like me... and protein... I have yet to eat too much in that area so it keeps me focused on making sure I get enough.
Measuring Cups and Measuring Spoons: I'm using some plastic ones that work right now.. but I'm saving for these pretty lil' things and these. I think it would just make measuring a little more fun. But I'm finding that what I feel is a Tbsp. of creamer isn't really a Tbsp.. So measuring is the only way I really know what I"m consuming. And I've been taking recipes and adding up all the ingredients and then dividing the results.
Biggest Loser: The show just helps. There have been seasons where I didn't want to watch it because it was convicting. But it helps each week to see them giving their all... and sometimes still not losing what they wanted to. And I usually get helpful reminders about what to and what not to eat.
Eating at Home: It just AMAZES me how many calories and fat restaurants put in their HUGE servings. So, it's been helpful, even though I tend to want to graze at home, just to stay put and cook at home. I don't see how some of you keep your weekly grocery budget so low and still eat healthy.
Changing my Breakfast: I've always been a big breakfast eater. I've had this need to feel full after breakfast and what my mind thinks I need to fuel my body first thing is way different than it's actual needs. i.e 1 serving of oatmeal is enough. I don't need 2. So that's helped a lot just scaling down in that area, also something that I learned just the last 2 weeks.
So, to wrap up this 111 month one post. I'll leave you with an image. I choose it because it represents the 12 lbs lost but also represents the domino effect that I hope each month will have on the next, giving me energy and momentum to continue and excitement as I look back and see the progress.
You are doing great! I have been making these changes myself.. I started half heartedly around Thanksgiving last year. I got more with it on December 15th when I joined a gym. I have lost 29 lbs! Still need to lose around 20 more. I feel much better now. Keep posting your updates!
Posted by: Pam Freeth | February 23, 2010 at 09:26 AM
Great Job! I look forward to your post to keep me motivated. Even though we're so far apart, I feel like were in this together! It must be great having so many people praying for you and loving you while you do this. Keep up the great work!
Posted by: Angela Gilbreath | February 16, 2010 at 09:21 PM
Go girl go!
Posted by: Melissa Deming | February 15, 2010 at 08:41 PM
Congrats!!
Posted by: Cecilia | February 13, 2010 at 03:20 PM
good for you Case! I know you can do it. So proud of you.
Posted by: Zsera | February 13, 2010 at 12:58 PM
Congratulations! Keep up the great work! What video are you using?
Posted by: Heather | February 12, 2010 at 04:44 PM
You're doing awesome!! I read your post, and it encourages me as well. I've lost 14 lbs since Jan. 3, and want to lost at least 86 more. I'll pray for you, you pray for me.
Posted by: Sharon Wilson | February 11, 2010 at 05:42 PM
YAY for you!! I hope you continue to do well for the next month! Oh, I forgot to tell you last time. I, being a bigger woman, have lots of trouble with my knees...I mean LOTS. I found out that for every pound you lose, you lose FOUR pounds of pressure off your knees!!! That means I've lost 200 lbs off my knees and I can totally feel the difference. I hope you can too as you continue to lose weight!! :-)
Posted by: Liz | February 11, 2010 at 05:39 PM
Well done! I think it is awesome that you are not only still pressing on even in the hard days, but that you are learning as you go. That is HUGE and you are right that it will serve you well in the coming months.
Just had to comment on the eating healthy part and food budget. I agree! It is expensive at times. After I had to change so much of my eating habits b/c of food allergies I finally asked Mark to please quit asking what I was spending on food because we were definitely spending more than we had beforehand. I think it is sad it costs more to eat healthy, but that's the reality often times. But, in the long run it is worth it. Plus, your food budget will be more just because you are eating at home more often....but you're saving ultimately because that money goes so much farther than on a meal out.
Look forward to seeing how next month goes for you. Keep up the good work!
Posted by: Rachel O | February 11, 2010 at 03:47 PM
Way to go, girl! You inspire me.
Posted by: Cheryl | February 11, 2010 at 03:12 PM
wee jammie fetcha!!! boolay, boolay, boolay...rah, rah, RAH!!!! good job baby!
Posted by: Gena | February 11, 2010 at 02:50 PM
Awesome! Keep it up, girl. You have done *much* harder things in this life; I *know* you can do this!
Posted by: Molly Piper | February 11, 2010 at 02:44 PM
YAY!!! So proud of you Casey, I was just waiting to see your update. You can do so do this!
Patrick lost 42lbs in less then 3 months, so I totally get what you are saying about discouragement. It helps when they wont let you give up. I have now lost 40lbs & counting (took 2 years but whose counting :-))
BTW, let me know if you need new recipes, we eat out maybe 1 time a week, so I have had to get cheap & creative.
Love you,
Heather
Posted by: Heather Janson | February 11, 2010 at 02:34 PM
Way to go! Keep up the consistent pace and you'll reach your goal!
Posted by: Keith Williams | February 11, 2010 at 02:21 PM
YAY! Victory!!! <3333
Posted by: Nicole Wilson | February 11, 2010 at 02:20 PM