What's in a number? I'm 28, 5'2ish, I have 2 arms, 2 legs, 2 hands, 2 feet, and I weigh....
Ya right. Like I was about to give that one away. I 'used' to weigh 140 pounds. I also 'used' to be 18. I used to never EVER struggle with my weight. I was always small. I was always this short, skinny girl with a small build that you could just fit right into your pocket. And I was a pig too. I remember back then going to the Chicken Chef in Okotoks during spares and mowing down a plate of fries dripping in gravy, topped off with a mound of seasoning salt. And that was an everyday occurrence. Did I pack on the pounds then...nope. Notta one. It wasn't until AFTER high school that it happened. And it didn't happen all at once either. It was a slow steady climb up the scale. So what changed?
I could ramble off a bunch of reasons that got me to the place that I am now, but really, what's the point. The fact is that this is where I am now, and I've never worked harder in my life to be the weight that I once was. The sad thing is that I will most likely never be what I used to be. My body has changed, my life has changed, and I just can't see it happening. And that's not to say it's from lack of trying because it's not. Once I made the decision to loose the weight I took the bulls by the horn and ran with it. I joined Jenny Craig and it started happening. The girls there said that a healthy weight loss is around 1 - 2 pounds a week, and I was dropping 2 - 3. I stuck to the meal plans and really made a go of it. This was hard for me because I luuuuuuuv to cook. It's in my blood. My dad was a chef, we owned restaurants, my brother is a chef, my mom is amazing at it, and I fancy myself as a decent cook. So, here I was every night cooking these great meals for my man (who supported me fully), serving the table, and popping my meal into the microwave, pulling back that clear plastic and digging in. But I did it. And I lost 30 pounds! 30 pounds! That's a lot for a small girl like me. I was so happy. I ditched the diet and loved myself! I may not have been 140 again, but I was closer then I had been in ten years.
Now, here's the thing they don't tell ya. You will loose weight on Jenny Craig. If you eat the food and nothing else you will loose weight. Keep the weight off, that's a different story. The thing is you don't learn anything on Jenny. Everything is pre-packaged for you, you can't screw up...until your no longer on the diet and left to your own demise. Then your screwed. I didn't learn anything from being on Jenny Craig other then eating their food (which cost me 140 bucks a week) will help you loose weight, but there's so much more then that in order to keep the weight off. I gained back 17 pounds.
Whatever. I gained it back and got engaged. Now, you want a good diet, get engaged because they throw you into a puffy white dress (the most un-flattering) of colors and march you down in front of your nearest and dearest for all to see. So, 5 weeks ago I started seeing a trainer, Lisa. She's great. She's at the gym that I frequent and I work with her 2 times a week for an hour, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Then I go on my own 3 times, Monday, Wednesday and Friday for an hour of just cardio. And, she's a nutritionist so she guides me on my way as well as far as food is concerned. One major thing I've changed is now I eat off of small plates. We as humans have a habit of filling our plates full and eating everything in front of us. So now, I eat off a salad plate. It's great because I still get to cook and eat the food I make, just smaller portions of it. And I don't want for anything, because I get it if I want it. Except chips, I'm a chip whore, so I have to just stay away from those. I've also changed my way of thinking. This isn't a diet, this is now my life. Diets are so temporary. This is just the way it will be forever now. Will I always eat off small plates...no. But I will learn what I can and cannot get away with. And that's a greater lesson!
I was 201 when I started with Lisa 5 weeks ago. I'm 190 now. 190 and learning!
Now that was a big step for me...don't tell anyone!
3 comments:
CONGRATS ON LOSING THAT WEIGHT AND GOING TO THE GYM!! You are much more motivated than me!! I also remember the days when I was thin and small and could eat whatever I freaking wanted w/o gaining any weight..alas those days are gone. I am an adult now and have to learn that what i put in my mouth will affect what i will look like in the next day or so! Losing weight and eating healthy is hard! I went on L.A. weight loss..same thing no teachings on how to keep it off and eat properly, just follow this menu and eat our very expensive snack bars!!
You are doing great and you will look great on your big day. I have decided that I will try my best to be healthy and have come to a realization that I too will never be the same weight or size I was once when I was 16 or even 18. That is life!! I love myself no matter what size and that is all!!
I find Weight Watchers to be the best system because they teach you how to eat and that it is a lifestyle change.
Great job on going to the gym. I haven't been going but I brought my gym stuff tonight and I'm getting back into it. I can be your East Coast gym buddy! Keep at it and you'll feel so good about it. I'm sure you'll look great no matter what in your poofy white dress however I know that it is important not only to look great but for you to feel great on the inside. You can do it!!! Keep with it and you'll see it happen. Last summer I lost 18 pounds just walking and eating better. That was a lot of weight for me to lose because I didn't have to lose too much to begin with. I stopped walking and eating properly and low and behold some of it came back. 1 pound never comes by itself. Usually he brings friends with him.
Good luck with your new regime.
Thanks ladies for your great words! Every little piece of advice and encouragement helps! And now I can say I have two buddies on the east coast, even if one is just virtual (for now!)
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