but, I need to lose some weight. 30 pounds, to be exact.
Enormous frustration and lots of feelings here. I’m still trying to process everything. Yes, I know I’m overweight. Yes, I’ve been taking measures to rectify this. Yes, I intended to post about it, but I already feel like I’m out of the place that brought me here. I’m just catching my breath.
I like to take my time doing things. It took me nearly three years to gain 20 of those 30. I haven’t been me minus 30 in about 10 years, and frankly, I thought I looked skeletal at that weight. It’s intimidating as… something really intimidating.
Bad things happen, and sometimes, when they do, people eat poorly. I’ve since lost 10 pounds, and I was really proud of that. I don’t look all that bad- just a little curvier than my former self, and I was trying to do the self-acceptance thing whilst making some healthy changes.
I was nearly vegan once, and really happy with my weight and level of activity. But, circumstances changed, necessitating a change in diet. Then, new allergies joined the club. So, vegetarianism it was. I always saw it as an intermediate step, until I was able to change a few key things that would get me back on track. Meanwhile, the bad things got worse, french fries & poptarts became staples, and I became sedentary. After the storm subsided, I started working on revamping my healthier habits, with some much-needed encouragement. And it’s been good. I found a side of my self I never would have discovered otherwise.
So… you see why I thought I was ok. Not amazing, but ok.
I’m still sedentary as I gather my strength. I’m now in the gap between a yoga class ending, and places opening up for the summer. I like activities. I do not like walking pointlessly. So, guess which activity the nutritionist recommended. Walking… because I’ve been sedentary for so long that I need to start slowly. Yuck! Really? I was the girl who rode the exercise bike multiple times a day, who needed to buy 8 pound weights because the 5s weren’t enough, who rollerbladed just for kicks. And now, it’s walking. Pointlessly.
So, I need to come to terms with this, and step out of my comfort zone in more ways than one. As I suspected, my carb and protein counts need to be switched. I need to try a couple of foods I’m not really into, because my proteins are far too low. She actually proposed an omnivorous diet at first, but no. Not unless there’s no other option for my survival, and there are still options available.
To the journey!
It’s so brave of you too share all of this! I’m behind you 100%. Becoming more active is something I’m working on as well. I have been walk/running with my dog. A buddy to share with always makes things less pointless and boring!
Thank you so much! I usually spend the week working on my posts, but this one just poured out of me. If I’d done my usual editing, I probably would have lost the courage. It’s cool that you take the dog, I can see why that would make it a whole lot nicer- because then you are doing something, as in “I am walking the dog.”, rather than deet dee do, here I go… walking. Yep. I’m a walkin’…
As you said: to the journey. Life sometimes gets in the way of our goals, but it’s great that you are aking an effort to get back on track. There are a ton of lentils, beans eetc ou there that you can experiment with and grains like quinoa and amaranth countain a lot of protein. But I’m sure if you carry on cooking delicious meals for yourself and avoid processed foods you will loose those few pounds quickly… Not that I am an expert, just trying to encourage you!
And I walk with my dog too, makes it fun! Maybe you could walk to places or walk with your friends instead of meeting for coffee?
Best of luck
Thank you for the encouragement! I’ve always been a destination type of person… sometimes missing the enjoyment of the journey. I love beans, but haven’t had them lately. I’ve never tried quinoa, but I’ve seen so many beautiful recipes on here that have made me want to try it. Thank you for the amaranth & lentil suggestions as well!
Don’t be too discouraged. Weight is a personal journey and weight loss should be handled with care. We are so bombarded with ‘losing weight quickly’ that people use quick-fixes, but never change their core habits and mindset concerning food which should always be balanced. You’ve got that right idea to stay active. I’m not a professional, but I’ve lost 70+ pounds since my second son was born in July 2010. I’ve maintained my goal weight since January, +-3 lbs. Staying active has been the key for me. Even if I don’t do a formal workout everyday, I look for ways to burn calories and stay on my feet as much as possible. If you want to achieve whatever weight is the best for you, you can!!! Good luck!
70+ pounds, that is terrific! I feel the same way you do about quick-fixes. If you don’t get to the root of it, you end up back where you started. Still, from this vantage point, I do appreciate the desire for a quick-fix. It’s nice to know that the activity doesn’t have to come from a formal workout, as long as you’re physically active. I struggle with that sort of thing. Thank you for sharing your experience, it really does help!
We’ve all been there (and screw those who haven’t
) At least you know you’re not alone….today I will resume running after a 3 month “hiatus” (sounds better than “laziness”, doesn’t it?)
Just do it!
Thank you! Yes, the support is incredible and that makes all the difference! I hope you had a great run!
You can do this – and it will take time. I’ve been trying to lose 30 lbs. myself for the past year, and it’s honestly harder than any job. Blog about your journey, your discouragments and know that there are people here to help and support!
Thank you! Yes, I struggled with this from a literary perspective too- my desire to keep the blog positive and inspiring versus my everyday struggle with regaining my footing. I can’t express how wonderful it is to have supportive people out there who genuinely want to see you succeed. It makes all the difference.
Best Wishes on your journey! I would recommend reading Kris Carr’s book Crazy Sexy Diet. All about juicing and healthy habits. It helped me whack off 10 pounds and keep it off. I adjusted my whole lifestyle and feel really great
Awesome! Thanks, I will check it out! And congrats on the lifestyle change, that’s fantastic!
I know you’re already seeing a nutritionist but certain group settings help also. I never wanted to do weight watchers or anything like that so I joined the free online groups. Sparkpeople and Myfitnesspal are my favorites. They have forums, calorie and exercise counters, articles, and a ton of stuff that helps. And I agree with the previous poster- join a walking group or bring a dog or use walking as time to think. When you’re to the point that you’re ready to step things up you’ll have had enough time to really think about things to do.
I’m not really into WW or things like that either, so I will check out these suggestions. I also liked your idea about using walking time to ponder. Thanks!
I am trying to lose 30 pounds as well, a fantastic site I’m using is myfitnesspal.com, it is free and you can add people so you can support each other. I’m Homa24 on there if you want to give it a try, feel free to add me as a friend!
Hey, thanks! I will check this out. I’m currently using a different site for personal record-keeping. Remember, there is also plenty of support here if you need encouragement, too!