I was surprised for such a good weigh-in this week, but I was happy to see a new set of numbers.
Here's a humorous story that I hope will benefit others: I don't have benefits at my current job, although I get a decent salary. I work for a small business, whose owner is making plans to slip into semi-retirement, and I have decided that I don't want to work for the person he hired to take over the day-to-day part of the practice. So I applied at a large institution for less pay but fantastic benefits.
Anyway -- this happens every time I try for a new job -- the only thing I need now is to have my nails grown back really quickly (I'm a bad nail-biter) and lose 50lbs. Then I will be "interview ready" to take on the world. LOL....
So for those who are younger, please learn this lesson from my bumbling life: don't put off things now, waiting for things to happen in the future before you make those changes that are healthy for you today -- because I know there is no way I could ever possibly lose 50lbs before they start calling for interviews (if I'm fortunate to get selected for interviews).
At my last job, I worked in an extremely stressful environment with a killer commute. When I started working at the place I work now, I promised myself that I would take better care of myself, i.e. walk more, lose the weight I had gained, sleep more, etc. Here I am 20-30lbs heavier, not walking more, and not practicing good sleep habits. Yes, I'm happier but somewhere along the way, I set aside the promises I made to myself and lost my way,
So all I can do is focus on now and the future.
Progress as of today: 8 lbs lost so far, only 23.5 lbs to go!
This week has been nothing but discouraging, topped off by a 1.5 pound gain. How defeating it is to have to write higher numbers on the progress chart.
Although it was a very hard week, I have a lot to be thankful for: my husband's trip to the ER and subsequent exams could not find anything wrong with him. Also, because I missed an entire day of work tending to my husband and then the next day my computer did nothing but crash after crash after crash, I truly have a new respect for anybody who has to work 12 hour shifts.
Also, if I realize that I should have done things differently than I did in the past, maybe that means I've acquired some wisdom, which is a good thing and will serve a purpose for me in the future perhaps. No good can come from beating myself up for past mistakes.
Probably the biggest conclusion is that i need to keep my work-life balance in check. This past week, it was totally out of whack, and everything was compromised. I must strive hard to keep that balance in my life. It will benefit me and my relationships with others and the world much better in the long run.
Progress as of today: 4.5 lbs lost so far, only 27 lbs to go!
Now that the warmer weather is coming, I've started walking again, and this week's weigh-in has shown that the effort has paid off. I can't wait to be in the next set of numbers (i.e. 170s).
Last night we had Chicago-style pan pizza and a thin-crust, both cheese pizza (for Lent). I only got a slice because I came home a little late (the family started without me, since it's not predictable as to when I will actually arrive home) and then I had to take my husband to the emergency room.
I was so looking forward to a slice of leftover pan pizza this morning for brunch. I was really upset this morning -- I still am honked off about it, although logically, i know that I should be grateful: first, that I have family around me, even if they ate all the pizza; second, that we can afford to eat out on occassion and that this was a treat that we all enjoyed; and third, someone(s) saved me a bunch of calories!
So I know that it's all for the best and in the big picture, it's only a pizza. I guess what I'm more honked off about is the lack of consideration and the fact that my husband eats way, way too much, especially considering all of his health issues. (Please don't lecture me about trying to help him eat better or take care of his health better; I have tried so many ways, and now I'm done.)
My new approach to work has been ... interesting. I am NOT a morning person, so this has been challenging to go in early to work, rather than stay late. But I know it's worth it because it's so nice to leave at a reasonable hour and it allows me time for an evening walk, which is a healthy habit to have. I'm going to keep at it and hope to continue to reap the benefits. "Early to bed and early to wise, make a donkey healthy, wealthy and wise."
Progress as of today: 6 lbs lost so far, only 25.5 lbs to go!
No weigh-in this week but went for a nice long walk with my daughter yesterrday, since it was a warmer day outside. Illinois (US) winters can feel really defeating. I hope to go for a walk tonight too.
I have to be careful because I have plantar fasciitis in my right foot, and too much walking starts my foot hurting again (which then leads to knee and lower back problems). Tonight's walk will be shorter. Still, it's good to be walking again.
I am determined not to let this year's real estate season hold me for ransom from my family, my home, and my life this year. Working until 7pm every night and going in on weekends to try to catch up -- not this year.
First, I am taking a day off once a month, or at least a half a day. I'm rather introverted, so my co-worker said, "You know, you should really think about taking some time off and doing things you enjoy doing: playing with cats, going to the library, going out for lunch..." So, you know what? That's what I'm going to do this year - once a month.
Also, rather than staying until 7pm at night, I'm going to switch my sleep schedule so that I go into work early to get work done. By doing this, I would use my time more efficiently and productively, with fitting exercise into my daily routine, and I would be able to get home at a decent hour and enjoy the remaining hours of the day with the people I love most.
Progress as of today: 5 lbs lost so far, only 26.5 lbs to go!
Oh yes, another pound outta the park! I've lost 5lbs so far :-)
Progress as of today: 5 lbs lost so far, only 26.5 lbs to go!
that is so awesome you have lost 5! I am working on the last 5 as well...cannot wait to finally reach the number I have been waiting for FOR SO LONG!! It's literally been YEARS. Haven't weighed what i'd like to weigh since EARLY fall of 2008! wow. so...7.5 years now.
but like I was saying, eating my breakfast late instead of breakfast followed later by a snack is helping with weight loss / lower calories!
Just wanted to enter my weight in from last Saturday's weigh-in. I attribute last week's loss to a night at the "la-dee-dah" gym earlier in the week. I call it the "la-dee-dah" gym because I used to go to a different gym that was just your basic gym and not the fancy gym that "la-dee-dah" is.
I went as a guest of my co-worker who has a daughter who works for the hospital that the "la-dee-dah" gym is affiliated with. My co-worker gets her membership for $10 a month.
Listen friends, the name "la-dee-dah" is well-deserved and well-earned. It is a NICE gym, and I sorely wish I could afford to be a member there. It is really expensive otherwise, and due to bad money decisions in the past -- namely letting my husband be in charge of the finances for 19 of the 20 years we've been married -- I just cannot afford the membership. And if I could get my membership for $10 a month, I would be there every freakin' available minute. As it is, my co-worker goes only 2 or 3 times a week, maybe.
But it sure was nice, and I remembered how much I used to love going to the gym.
Progress as of today: 4 lbs lost so far, only 27.5 lbs to go!
I was doing well, and then last week I did not do so well. This past week, I did not do well, either. I was having a drink every evening which ended up with some unwise eating decisions. So I'm surprised to see that I still managed to lose a half a pound this week.
I was asking myself if I thought I had a problem with alcohol. I suppose if you have to ask, then that probably means there's a problem. I dunno... I was asking myself if I would be OK if I never had another drink again in my life. And I answered myself with a NO, but then again I don't want to go through life not ever eating bacon again either. Would that make me a "bacon-aholic"?
At any rate, entirely cutting out the wine in the evening, so that, if for nothing else, I stay away from the unhealthy eating it tends to lead me towards.
Progress as of today: 2.5 lbs lost so far, only 29 lbs to go!
all bc you aren't drinking / eating doesn't mean you have to fast instead :) substitute with lower calorie options!
Weighed in yesterday but didn't have a chance to update. I was surprised that I actually lost, because towards the end of the week, i wasn't doing as well as I had done initially. Even caught myself taking 2nd helpings.
Still have yet to incorporate a regular exercise program. It just didn't happen this week. And to be honest, it's probably not going to happen this week either. I will continue to focus on adequate water, minimal alcohol (or none), more vegetables and no second helpings at dinner.
Progress as of today: 2 lbs lost so far, only 29.5 lbs to go!
Congrats on the loss!
My plan is to weigh in once a week. I think this is a sound approach. If I miss a week, I will wait until the next week (Saturdays, I think).
So exercising did not happen today. I was thinking on the way home that exercise is what it's going to take. I really need whatever it is that exercise does to lose weight. Calorie restriction -- for me -- does not do it alone. I think that is because of all the very stupid, reckless "dieting" I did in my 20s. My body just adjusts and slows down, rather than dropping pounds.
Exercise did not happen because I got very little sleep the night before. My husband works nights, but last night was his day off, so he was downstairs making noise, making a snack, making "lunch" (at around 3am, for him), doing computer stuff.... Drives me nuts. I should have turned on the fan in our room for white noise. After all, that's what he uses during the day to help him sleep! but I just wasn't thinking.
Add to that clatter, the general anxiety about returning to work and the kids going back to school today.
Getting back into the exercise mindset might take me a little longer. I'm not sure why this is always such a difficult hurdle for me.
Progress as of today: 0 lbs lost so far, only 31.5 lbs to go!
You can do this!
In order to be successful, take this whole lifestyle change at a pace that is good for YOU.
Donkey is back - after a hiatus of, what, 3 years or so? It's been so long that I'm "new" to many of the DDer's here.
Now that I've most of the other areas in my life back on track, now it's time to turn back to my health. And even if the rest of my life isn't all that under control, I realized that I can't delay addressing the extra weight (and the problems that go along with that) any longer.
So one of my resolutions has been to be more accountable and not allowing myself to slip into denial about the current state of my weight/health.
Plan of attack: start exercising by using the exercise bike I have in the basement until the outdoor weather improves. Drink water at every meal. Portion control, starting with no second helpings.
I find myself in the habit of taking second helpings to prolong the dinner hour I have with my family. Especially during the week, when I work late, I cherish the time I spend with the husband (if he's not sleeping) and my teenagers at dinner, but once everyone's done eating, the magical time is done. So I keep eating to extend the "magic". This is not a healthy thing to do.
Unlike 2015, I'm feeling anxious about 2016, but inaction or status quo isn't going to help alleve any apprehension, so now is the time to start.
Progress as of today: 0 lbs lost so far, only 31.5 lbs to go!
So happy to see you, J!
If you are still wanting to sit at the table, maybe chat in the living room / den with your kids! Also, you can drink seltzer after dinner? Maybe see if you can buy something so you can make your own carbonated water ?? Maybe it would save you money over time? Hmm...lately I drink a ton of seltzer (but I buy it - but will maybe look into making it but prob not) and I add extra stevia in - it tastes just like a fruit drink! drinking it now, in fact!
I wish some others would come back...like rlovell...and some others. miss them too...
yeah, being accountable helps. I was very unaccountable for a long time - so my weight didn't change! I never changed my calories (blaming my weight only on lack of exercise when I should have adjusted what I was eating to lose the weight) and now i'm learning how to readjust to lower calories. I'm getting better at it.
it's all relearning the good habits and dropping the poor ones. for me as well!
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If you have read my recent posts you will see we are on a similar path. On top of being overweight and entertaining the prospect of job interview I am also 62 years old. Although I don't think I am old-minded. If you have skills - put your resume together - your best outfit on and go out there and sell yourself. Change is good and I'll bet many employers would be lucky to have you. Do the work-life balance thing because it's best for you.
Horn_Of_Plenty on 03/13/2016:
I want to urge you of one think Ms. Donkey (when I see your posts, and your name Donkey!...I can't help but laugh at the name and be happy to see a post from you!)...
Back to my original thought - I urge you to have confidence in yourself & know you are fully capable of what you wish for yourself: You say you are surprised at the loss - be proud. It's YOU who as a matter of fact did make it happen. Nobody but YOU. You can do this.
okay...next. I feel you. I feel for you. I'm talking now about when you write about "losing 50 lbs...to be interview ready." Oh, do I feel for you! I know what you mean. But I urge you once again this - be sure of yourself. No matter what your weight, your confidence is what people notice at the interview. Trust me.
I thank you for your tips at the end of your entry. Your advice is well taken. It's true what you write that we shouldn't put off the things we want till we are older. Or put off the things that are important to us because we somehow get into a rut with a new job. Me too - new jobs need time to get used to - for us to learn how to make a new schedule that works, etc. So yeah - in my life too I have gained / lost weight based on where I was at work-wise and job-wise. But your advice is well taken. What you say makes perfect sense - do not let changes in your life also affect your weight - try to rise above it - care for yourself & your health just like you care about getting a new job / learning your job. Do not put yourself second. You say it right. I may not be commenting fully based on your advice, but this is my take on what you wrote based on my own experiences.
Oh...and lower pay but excellent benefits sounds worth it!