It is week #8 and I'm holding steady, on a week to week measure, at 172.
Last week, I questioned whether I should actually start eating more because I thought that my body might by holding on because it was in starvation mode. In the comments, long-time reader MSM suggested that the body needs 750 calories a day just to carry on its normal functions. I know that I had been under that on many days...water, jello, lettuce, and popcorn just don't add up to very much.
I also mentioned that I had two weeks where I was beginning to increase instead of lose. So I started thinking what I had changed. The first thought was a cup of coffee every morning. I had dropped it but added it back in when I had some dieting success. I drink it with Splenda and Half-n-Half. Probably about 100 calories. But I think it changed my metabolism.
I'm not a breakfast eater but they say that most folks who have long term success with a diet always eat breakfast. I read that it is important to get your metabolism going with protein first thing in the morning. Hence why eggs are a big part of our morning meals. Then I read that many people start their bodies with the caffeine in coffee instead. That, I think, was a mistake. At least in my case. I have cut coffee out.
Okay, so I decided that I would drink a Slimfast shake every morning in place of coffee and a meal. It has lots of protein, it's a "diet" drink, and I like the taste. Win, win, win. I found that it made me very hungry throughout the day. Famished, in fact. I would stand in front of the fridge wondering what I was going to devour next.
Mid-week, I hopped on the scale and I was up another 2 lbs to 174. I was pissed! I normally weigh in on Monday mornings only but I knew something wasn't right.
Here's where I'm at...no more coffee, no more Slimfast, eggs (if anything) in the morning, and about 1000 calories a day. In the half week I was doing that I shed those extra two pounds.
For the week, it seems my weight is even, but I've been up and down 2 lbs in the meantime and learned more about what works for me.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Diet Update: Ups and Downs
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6 comments:
How many inches have you lost in your waistline? I find that to be a much better gauge of where you are at in the dieting. My weight tends to fluctuate a pound or two from one weigh in to the next, but the waistline measurement is steadily showing me positive results. From a 35 to a 31 since May. Don't let the scale get you down.
I haven't been measuring my waistline but I know the jeans with a 34" waist are sliding off my butt. I look like I'm 18 years old again!
Seriously, I was more concerned about how my face and neck looked pudgy so that's what I'm watching.
The difference between you and me is that you're actually exercising! Muscle weighs more so measuring inches vs lbs makes more sense. I'm just a couch potato. :)
I was going to opine that regular exercise really helps. At this point, the scales aren't my friend. I now weigh 165, but my pants still fit fine. Actually, since I have put on the extra 5 lbs, my pants fit better, so I keep telling myself it's muscle.
Oh...couch potato? I was going to ask about physical activity. It seems that increasing physical activity can get the metabolism going again...weren't you walking every day, for awhile there? Seems to me I recall you picking up litter while you were at it? Still walking? Maybe that would help get things moving again.
lacey---yes, I was walking but the heat and humidity has kept me from it. A neighbor walks at 6 a.m. every day and if I'm awake I go with her but that is rare since I'm not a morning person. They tell me there is a buck (4 inch horns) and doe out at that time of day.
And I do still pick up the litter along the way (when I go)! It is a never ending battle!!!
What it all comes down to is doing what works best for you. Some people say the coffee helps because it makes them move faster. Exercise doesn't have to be lifting weights - it can just mean walking quicker and having better posture.
Also, I am *fanatical* about my neck. It looks great in the mirror, but in pictures it looks like its trying to eat my head. I've started doing Facercise and that's helping.
Also, have you tried one of those big yoga balls? Sit on it at your desk and while watching TV - 20 minutes at a time - and you get a great core workout.
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