Rescuing Amy

Some pictures along the way

2010-08-15T22:40:00.012-05:00

I just got to thinking it would help ME personally to see pictures from back in January when I started this through now... to see it that way would help me notice the changes, no matter how small they may be. I wish I knew how to post them somewhere on this blog "permanently" like at the top up there, but for now, this will do.

Here we go.... The first one was taken sometime in January, pre- starting the new way of eating. I started losing weight on January 19th. I can't believe I'm about to post this picture, but here it goes.... AND I was just getting off the dreaded steroids....

BUT, as I say, no excuses... here we go, moving right along....

This next picture was taken just a couple of weeks later, on my birthday, February 3rd...

Then came March....
And April, when I also cut my hair :o)

By May, I was feeling like I could "do this thing", but I knew that June was coming, when vacation would hit! I was beginning to plan my strategy for said vacation! Would it work? Would I actually come back and be able to say I did NOT gain?!

Here I am in June, just after I had weighed, and we left for vacay. I unfortunately will have to look back to see my amounts lost each month, but I weighed earlier in the month than usual, because we would be gone on June 19th. (*the 19th is my monthly weigh in). As you can see, I also lightened my hair :o)

Then came July... yes! I made it. Ok, so no big weight loss at all- "just" a little over half a pound, but let me tell you! What an accomplishment that felt like knowing I had been on the vacation of a lifetime (Yellowstone! WOW! what a wonderful place!) and had not gained, but LOST! Hallelujah! Praise the Lord!

And now, this is me, currently at 47 pounds lost:

2010-08-14T17:15:00.002-05:00

So, I began losing weight again on January 19, 2010. At that point, I think I was just ready. I was in the doctor's office, following a long illness (a set of illnesses), and by that time, was just about off the steroids she had to put me on to knock the last bit of infection, and respiratory problems out. I knew that I would gain weight using those, and had basically begged her not to put me on them, but she insisted that it was a last resort and needed. It was. It worked, but as for my weight- it skyrocketed even more!

I can't blame the medicine, I can only blame me. Why oh why did I not just stop eating too much junk back when I had gone in and found I was now bigger than ever?! NOPE- by the time January 19th rolled around and I weighed, I was 9 pounds larger. I am sooo glad I broke down in the doctor's office that day. I think I really felt enough was enough. I was desperate.

My doctor insisted that I NOT go on a diet, but rather change one thing for that month. I thought, "huh?" but this sounded like something I could do. I chose to quit drinking Cokes that month. (sodas, pop, cold drinks). That's ALL I did, and when I say "all" I mean it! By February 19th when I weighed in again, I was down 10 pounds! The doctor had said she wanted me to give her 4 pounds a month, so she was thrilled with the 10 pounds gone! Of course I was too! I mean, looking back at January 19-February 19th... I had my birthday in there, plus Valentines' Day. We had an awesome cake that I helped put away and well, I had chocolates, etc. etc. STILL, I lost those 10 pounds by only stopping the Cokes.

For the month of February to March 19th, I began backing off the sweets. I have an insatiable sweet tooth and really have to watch myself around chocolate. To say it's my weakness is a real understatement! March 19th, I was down another ELEVEN pounds! Woo-hoo. You would have though my doctor was about to break out in a dance the way she carried on! ha It did my heart good. By that time, my husband had been diagnosed with Diabetes and had to go on a "diabetic diet". I started not following the diet strictly but was of course eating the same stuff he was and I am sure that attributed to the weight loss.

I definitely don't stay on a diet plan at all... and yet, this is by far the best thing I've ever done for myself! Back when I began this blog, it was before my Daddy got worse and eventually died (July 2008).

Glenn and I had begun South Beach (diet) and I lost 65 pounds before the time we learned Daddy's cancer had spread. Thus began a downward spiral of me not caring about anything, least of all, how I felt or looked! If only I had stopped a year after his death, but no, grief has been the hardest thing I've dealt with, and anyone who knows me, knows I've dealt with a LOT throughout my life... still, enough excuses.

On South Beach, it was typical to drop a vast amount in one week, and now here I am thrilled that I am losing at least 4 pounds a month! (only ever had one month where I lost "just" 4, and then a month after vacation where I was down a half a pound, but hey! It was a goal of mine not to gain on vacation, and I didn't!).

Here I am eating what I want and feeling the freest in my life! O.k.! So, I don't sit around eating cake and chocolate all the time, but you know what?! The 19th of every month is "pig out" day for me, and it usually turns into 2 days. At this point, that's working and guess what?! Instead of buying a half dozen doughnuts and me eating them all, I now just buy 2 or sometimes 3. There will come a day when I only buy 1 that month, but for now, this works.

OH! I am down 47 pounds! I also just accomplished a very important goal of mine in this weight loss journey--- I now weigh what I did when we last started South Beach. I remember at that point I got down 65 pounds, so I have a ways to get back to "THAT" number but I am plugging along and feeling like I'm really accomplishing something.

My kids are even noticing the differences, as does my husband. :o)

Rescuing Amy 2

2010-02-21T02:36:00.002-06:00

So I realize there may be no one out there that ever checks this blog, because hey! I've been gone for almost 2 years (since my last post) and honestly, off a diet for well over 2 years!!!!

I'm back though! I'm heavier than EVER, but I'm back! Since I began this blog, my Daddy died on July 10, 2008 from prostate cancer. When he originally knew it was terminal- Oct. 3, 2007... that's when it all went downhill for me... I kept eating, and eating, and eating... seeking comfort in food!!!

I began a new way of eating one month ago, and am down 10 pounds! That's a start! I will be weighed around the 19th of every month, at my doctor's office. I will post more about how it all came to be, in the coming days.

I will also get some new before pictures up here. I hate looking at that 50 lbs. lost over there, knowing that I was looking a lot better than I do now, but hey! I am back! I can "do this thing!"

2008-05-27T21:40:00.002-05:00

Hey! I think it's so strange...I have been thinking about getting back with it, getting back on this blog, but then every time I've tried, I couldn't figure out the log in... you see, it's been waaaayyyyy too long.

Then, tonight, as I was trying to log on to my other blog, this one popped up! That's weird, but probably God nudging me back to it! So here I am .

Stay tuned... I really do want to get the weight back off, just feel out of it because of my Daddy's impending death. (we are extremely close). :o(

I don't even know if anyone reads this anymore, but I hope so. I will be back.

Yes, it's me :o/

2007-10-18T13:31:00.000-05:00

Hey F.A.T. I realize I've been a no-show for many moons it seems. I haven't been completely off track, but for now I am really struggling. My Daddy is dying. He's had prostate cancer for nearly 15 years so the Lord has certainly been good to allow him all this time... however, about 10 weeks ago now, Daddy fell.

Long story short- he was bedridden, ended up in the hospital where they found his cancer has spread to his spine, his stomach, his bones. :o( He has just a few weeks or months left in this life.

Last Sunday, we left Minnesota and drove down to Florida (where we grew up), arriving on Tuesday night. We didn't tell anyone in my family we were coming. What an emotional time it was when we arrived at the door.

Glenn and our daughter will fly out a week from today. Me and our boys will stay 2 1/2 months! I am here to help my Mama in anyway possible, etc. etc. They've been married 51 years- she will be lost without him.

Probably in about a week, my Daddy will be back home here with Hospice coming in.

He's 72 years old, I'm 36. I think there's never a good time to lose your Daddy.

Sorry to be a downer, just wanted to finally let ya'll know what was going on with me. Don't give up on me. I definitely am not giving up the fight yet.

Rambling on.....

2007-08-22T10:55:00.000-05:00

Why even say it? You know I've been gone 10 days from blog land. I have no excuse other than the feeling of being stuck!

As I've said before, we have company with us for 4 to 6 weeks. I will admit it's been a bit of a struggle to stay completely on track, but for the most part, I've done it! I've caught myself thinking, "what's the big deal if I eat _________?" I didn't even want to get online this morning and post at all. However, I had a victory at the scale! I lost 2.4 pounds this week. I'm glad about that, I really am. AND STILL, I feel sort of stuck. Does that make ANY sense at all? I don't understand it. In all other areas of life, I feel relatively good...... In weight loss, I feel a sense of struggle, a sense of "will I really do this!?"

HELP!

Just an update...

2007-08-12T22:15:00.000-05:00

We are actually going to celebrate my son's Family Day on Tuesday instead of Monday, so tomorrow I'll be eating normally (on the Beach). Tuesday will be our "off" day. The reason to celebrate Tuesday instead of tomorrow!? Well, Glenn has an appt. on Tuesday with an insurance agent- changing his life insurance to term life- saving $$ and more coverage- neat he can do this now, because he's under 300 again! Anyway... he didn't want to pig out tomorrow on pizza, cake and ice cream, then have to weigh in for her on Tuesday morning! ha ha So, he will weigh in for her Tuesday morning and we'll celebrate after she's gone!!!!!!

In other unrelated news: I threw out my back today- it's not thrown out- it's still here let me tell you! lol

Our company arrived yesterday- looks like they'll be here six weeks. It's working out great, as I told them we are on South Beach, they are loving the food and a side benefit for the man as he is diabetic and this will help regulate that! All working out.

Got to go get medicine on my back!

Happy this week!

2007-08-08T09:40:00.000-05:00

I am very happy to report my personal weekly weigh in~! I've lost 8 pounds this past week! I am so happy because that means the 5 pounds I gained on vacation are back off, and and additional 3 ! Go me........ hee hee

Now, this weekend, a couple is arriving to stay with us for a month. They are here to help us in our church work. Anyway, I have decided since I am in control of the meals and they said they truly like everything but oatmeal and livers -ha ha, then Glenn and I really have no excuses this month!

This coming Monday is a planned day off of the diet... we will be celebrating our oldest son's Family Day- 2 years since he became our son. (he is from El Salvador, but was born and adopted in Guatemala). It's such a special day in our home, we leave the meals up to the child who is celebrating. He's 4, he's asked for pizza, cake and ice cream. Yep.. not good for us, but we will be right back to it the following day. I can't let it trip me up- got to keep moving.

It's coming back off.......

2007-08-06T14:38:00.000-05:00

I am happy at least to say that as of this morning I weigh less than I have since moving to Minnesota last August! That is a good feeling! Yes! The 5 pounds I gained on vacation are no more, and an extra pound is off to boot!!!!! That puts me at a 61 pound loss since March 26th when we began South Beach :o)

As for exercise, someone mentioned bikes. We have a nice stationary bike but it won't hold my weight. Glenn says he thinks it would but I say why chance it when it says it only holds up to 250, which Glenn is in the 280's and it does indeed hold him well, but I sure wouldn't want to ruin it for him!

I do remember that under my bed are some little weights. I can at least start with that or some soup cans! Someone mention it to me if I don't mention it here! I want to do what I can.

One day, you just wait, I'll be reporting doing all the stuff ya'll talk about- 'til then, I'll cheer you on with my weights (or soup cans) in hand!

Advice on Upper Body Exercise?

2007-08-03T16:12:00.000-05:00

So I have a heel spur going on in my left foot. It's really deceptive since I can sit and not be in pain, but the moment I'm up, ouuuuuchhhhhhh! I really want to start back to doing some sort of exercise, but with this pain, it's limited. Anyone out there have advice on what I can do sitting?!

I "only" gained 5 pounds while on hiatus. I am glad to report 2 pounds of that is back off. Now to get those other irritating 3 gone and beyond.

Two Things....

2007-08-01T21:58:00.000-05:00

First off: I don't even know if ya'll realize I am in the Twin Cities metro area.... I know I've said I live in Minnesota. Anyway, I've had many people wanting to know if we are o.k. We are.... we have indeed been on that bridge a few times. Thank God we were safe at home, suffering from summer colds.

Second: Can someone PLEASE give me a true list of who's a member of FAT? I don't think I have a complete list, and I see many others don't have a "uniform" list. Please someone let me know who all is a member. Thanks!

Ok... Third: I am seriously ready to get this weight gone. I have a terrible heel spur that came on me while we were on hiatus... it hasn't gone away. My left foot is just killing me..... I am thinking, hoping that weight loss will help. It can't hurt!

So I realized....

2007-08-01T00:29:00.000-05:00

So tonight I was thinking back to when I was at a certain number- that number (weight) where I stayed for so many years. Oh sure, I would bounce a little over it, sometimes got a good bit under it, but always knew that it was a "safe" number even, where I had become comfortable. Now mind you, I was very heavy but I was still a good bit less than I am today! In fact, when we applied for our Minnesota driver's licenses, we had to tell our weight! I was HORRIFIED! Beyond horrified! I was as my Mama would say, "mortified!" In our home state of Florida, you don't have to put your weight on your driver's license. It's not asked. Yikes! What was I going to do?

I honestly had no real idea how much I weighed at the time and so I told the dear old lady that number I know so well. She probably was in shock at such a high number, I don't know, or perhaps she was thinking, "yeh, right!? You certainly weigh more than that!"

Let me tell you that when I got on the scales that first time to start the diet and saw just how very far I actually was from my driver's license weight, I wanted to just pass out, just die right there in the bathroom! How would I ever do this!?

Then last night I weighed to see how much I have gained during my "hiatus" of the diet. It wasn't as bad as I expected- 5 pounds. I wish I hadn't gained that much of course, but I'm not going to beat myself up about it at this point. In the past (notice I said the PAST), beating myself up about it has only caused a vicious cycle of getting more _____________ (insert your favorite junk food here!) (for me it's chocolate!).

I can't do it this time. I just have to lose this weight! You see, my Daddy is a very heavy man and something happened on this trip to Florida- he weighed on my scales. He weighs 20 pounds LESS than I do! That in itself just about killed me, even though I was losing weight. I've never ever been this heavy. My youngest brother is a big man, and even he weighs 30 pounds less than me. It hurt. It hurt so very deeply to know that I had let myself get this way. They don't know what I weigh- I wasn't going to share that info, but I sat there thinking just how much hard work I have to do!

My Daddy had words for me that have stuck with me. You see, he has prostate cancer and takes chemo. He's had to have various tests run for different ailments through the years and this time he told me about having to not have some tests because he was too big for the table. Other tests, they had to sit him up in a wheelchair and maneuver him completely differently than they do "normal" folks (normal meaning those who are not "obese"- wow! I HATE that word!).

I have shared that I have had blood tests that are not very promising. I don't have any further diagnosis, and won't for awhile. I do know though that I will have tests that have to be made on me, and I don't want to be too heavy for them! Yikes! Can you imagine if in the mean time while waiting on a test to be run, I died!? It makes me think...

I realize I have rambled on here, but suffice it to say, I realized I can't turn back to my old self. She simply can't exist anymore! I truly feel like the title of my blog- I am rescuing Amy!

Yes, It's me

2007-07-25T11:39:00.000-05:00

I don't even know where to begin.... seems like forever since I've blogged here, and for that I apologize. For the past seven weeks, things have been chaotic- it began with my inlaws being here for two weeks. It was great having them here and diet wise, we did well. I counted that our first test because usually with them, we eat and eat some more! My mother in law and I are known for finding the perfect chocolate cake, and when we did find one this time, I ate a few bites and quit. I was happy about that.

The following three weeks were spent (including traveling to and fro) in Florida- "back home". In my hometown, there are many many places I've missed- unfortunately, those are restaurants I'm talking about. This would be my next big test! Glenn and I had decided to eat how we wanted to on a couple of days when we knew we would visit some of those places. We did pig out, but weight wise, I did o.k. (yes, I took my scales with me!).

The next week though, things went downhill. My nearly 16 year old niece came home with us for 10 days and well, I couldn't afford to cook two different ways. Our kids eat South Beach style at supper- after all, it's regular food, so to speak, but my niece, I knew she wouldn't care for the things we eat............ and so, we ate our old way- Hamburger helper, pizza, the list goes on. We flew my niece home on Saturday but did that stop us from eating? No.... we are on hiatus until Monday.... our 14th anniversary was yesterday so that was already a planned day off. Today we are leaving for a couple of nights away (the kids will be with us since we don't yet know anyone well enough to trust our kids with). We will come home on Friday- I grocery shop on Mondays, so Monday- we will be back with it.

If you don't hear from me on Monday, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE kick me in gear! Let me hear from you! I am not abandoning ship- I planned this particular week, but I do know how easy it would be to slip back into the old ways. This time, I can't do that! I have GOT to get this weight off!

I Can Finally Post!

2007-07-04T15:00:00.000-05:00

Hey FAT! HAPPY 4th of July!

I haven't been ignoring ya'll, just couldn't post until now! We are at my parents' home in Florida, enjoying visiting them. I had to get some settings changed on their computer before I could sign in to Blogger! Then, it let me post on my other blog, but not this one. Weird.

ANYWAY..... Some blood tests that were run on me last week did not give me good news. I definitely have something very wrong with me and am just not well. The next step is for me to visit some specialists in Minnesota in the next couple of months (when we get our health insurance all set).

As for weight loss, I am doing o.k. still. I have a certain number I don't want to go over before returning home, and so far so good. We haven't eaten 100 percent on program while here, but most days we honestly do well. Today, being the 4th of July, we chose to enjoy ourselves with homemade ice cream, etc. However, any bread I ate, I used "our" bread. I actually find I like the taste better! ha.

Excited I can finally post here! I'll keep you updated.

Still Here!

2007-06-23T01:36:00.000-05:00

I've been really sick but wanted to take the time to let ya'll know I'm still here..... just couldn't focus on weight loss since I couldn't eat anything anyway! I've been steadily losing without trying. This is not the way to do it let me tell ya! I am finally on the mend and can claim a victory at being below where I was when we left Florida last August!!!!! I am happy about that!

We leave in just a few hours, heading to Florida. We will arrive there sometime Monday evening. I even have my scales packed! I was NOT going to be away from them for 3 weeks! I just felt that would spell disaster for me.

I really have to run now, just wanted ya'll to know I am still kickin'!

Vacation

2007-06-13T00:52:00.000-05:00

We are now in Rapid City, South Dakota, a little over 9 hours from our home in Minnesota. We arrived at supper time yesterday, and will leave Thursday morning. What a great time we are having (with my inlaws). Today we visited Mt. Rushmore, Crazy Horse and a drive thru wildlife area called Bear Country, U.S.A.

Before leaving, I weighed in at _ _ _.2 This is just a mere 2 tenths a pound from my next goal! I was sooo excited!!! I contemplated bringing my scales with me, but Glenn won out! hee hee I am soooo taking them with me to Florida- 3 nights/4 days is one thing, but I am not being away from them for 2 1/2 weeks! That thing (or "that woman", as she is my talking scales!), has become my "friend and foe". ha It is a bit freeing and exciting living on the edge, not weighing for a few days, but uh, I confess, I really really want to know if I have yet reached my next goal!

I know that on vacation many people relax a good bit and don't worry about it! I've done too well to mess up royally. I am trying really, really hard to not just blow it. SO, as far as eating goes.....

We have packed cereal bars that we can eat for breakfast (the hotel has little choices we can eat), and we have snacks we can eat. Yesterday on the trip here, we ate a picnic lunch- did well. For supper, we ate at a buffet (Golden Corral), where we were able to eat really well diet wise, with lots of salad, meat and vegetables.

Today, we ate lunch at a restaurant where I ate grilled chicken, salad and cottage cheese. Tonight, we ate at Denny's, where both Glenn and I had an omelet and wheat toast. Then, my mother in law and I shared a piece of chocolate cake. Gasp! It's like a tradition with us, trying to find the best one out there- started on a vacation we took together a few years ago. Anyway, I wasn't too fearful about ordering it, because I knew that I had done well so far, and usually on Sundays I eat something "not approved." However, this Sunday, I didn't do that, so I counted this chocolate cake as that "cheat" for the week. When the cake arrived, I split it and still it seemed like I had a big slice. I ate FOUR bites! I can still NOT believe that I ate only FOUR bites! I am SO not myself these days! hee hee I gave the rest to my kids who are eternally grateful! ha

I am going to bed super exhausted tonight but thankful for all the exercise I've done today and looking forward to tomorrow!

Movin' on Down....

2007-06-05T10:32:00.000-05:00

I certainly didn't believe it when I noticed I hadn't posted in a week! I guess life got in the way. My weekly weigh in this morning was _ _ 6.2 That's down 5.4 pounds this week!!!! I am more than thrilled! I am ecstatic! I am 1.2 pounds away from my next goal.

Here I am down this much so I surely won't complain, but strangely enough I found myself this past week feeling sort of carefree about this whole thing- and not in a good way. I found myself sort of with a "who cares?" attitude that is plain dangerous. I am very happy to have the continued weight loss because I tell you, there was a point this week where if I had gained, I might have seriously been tempted to pig out. Wonder what brought that on?! We've really had a good week. I was sick last week a good bit though, so maybe that brought on the extra weight loss. I realize that. However, I've been over it long enough, that my weight should be true weight now. I just don't know why I felt that way. Just glad I've recognized it and kept going.

Challenge coming up: My inlaws arrive this weekend. I am one of those people who are blessed with great inlaws. We are going to leave next Monday for 3 days with them, heading to Mt. Rushmore- Any tips for eating out every meal for that long?

***Glenn is down to 291 even.***

It's an Official 50 pounds Outta Here!!!!!!!!

2007-05-29T21:11:00.000-05:00

In today's news: I stepped on the scale and weighed _ _ 1.6 which is an even EXACTLY 50 pounds lost!!!!! To show the difference, here are the before and "in progress" (5o pounds lost) shots:

That's all I have time for right now- but just had to share these! Next goal is just 6.6 pounds away, when I will be to the weight I was when we moved here in August.

Sickness

2007-05-27T16:32:00.000-05:00

Sickness struck our daughter, then our baby son, then both Glenn and me, and our oldest son for just a bit. The past couple of days I wasn't able to keep much down, so not sure how to take my weight loss. I was very interested to see how it would all play out this morning. I was still down! (able to keep more down last night). Tomorrow should be a test- since we are not on plan today ( I normally take Sundays to have something out of the ordinary, but today, we are celebrating!). It is Glenn's 35th birthday today!

For Sunday dinner (lunch), we had Mexican lasagne and refried beans (yes, I know I am supposed to post the recipe for the lasagne!). We had Boston Creme Pie for Glenn's cake, but a small one on purpose, so that tomorrow, there will be none around. Tonight, we are going out to eat and will let loose a bit on the diet, but right back at it tomorrow. That's life. As long as we continue getting right back to it, I think we are fine.

As for my latest weigh in- well, it's been great, but I hesitate to say I've lost 50 pounds yet, because I want to see tomorrow's weigh in, (since we are feeling better), as well as Tuesday's. Then, I will celebrate big time.

Trying to also remember to post pictures! I almost forgot! While getting ready for church this morning, I decided to wear a skirt and top I haven't worn since starting the diet. Not that I couldn't, I just didn't. Before starting the diet, I would wear this outfit very often because it would stretch and I could fit into it. This morning, my mouth dropped when the skirt was really loose, but the shirt was super loose!!!!! That felt great!

***Happy Birthday to Glenn*** Latest weight for Glenn is 293.4 He's struggling to get out of the 293's, but it's coming.

Huh?!

2007-05-23T14:33:00.001-05:00

Last night was our daughter's Brownies (Girl Scouts) end of the year family supper. We knew the menu ahead of time since our resident Brownie had to make a portion of it. Sloppy Joes! Ugghh we thought. We love sloppy joes but knew that chances were good they wouldn't have healthy buns. We decided days ahead that yesterday we would eat good during the day and that last night we would eat what was offered. Better yet, we would make the healthiest decisions we could while there.

Each Brownie had to bring in fruit (ours was strawberries) and they mixed them all for one big fruit salad. There was the sloppy joes, fruit salad, chips and cookies. The drink was fruit juices all mixed with Ginger Ale or 7 up or something- they called it fruit fizz. Now.... I was very happy and pointed out to Glenn when I saw a few sloppy joes were on healthy looking bread- appeared to be multi-grain. We chose those. We both got some fruit and headed on our way to the table. (as well as we drank the fruit fizz). That's not too bad, although on South Beach, the soda of course was not "legal". We felt good about our choices given the situation, and all was right in the world.

Then, WHY oh WHY did I, yes ME, get up and get a hand full of cookies?! You have to know that I have always loved cookies, but these were those cheap cookies from the store- when I was a kid they were in a pack of 60. These are not good cookies, and in fact I realized that last night. I took 3, gave my son 4.

I proceeded to eat the rest of my son's chips- good ol' Glenn didn't eat anything else out of the ordinary.

We got home, still hungry and decided to have a sloppy joe on our healthy bread. (they sent us all home with some of the mixture). No bad problem there. However, Glenn goes downstairs to watch a show and I stayed upstairs for awhile. I proceeded to eat ANOTHER sloppy joe, a 100 calorie mini-ice cream sandwich, AND a 100 calorie Chocolate Chip bar, a chocolate truffle and a orange and cheese for good measure!?!!!! I kept debating with myself about eating 2 more chocolate truffles. (these are allowed on "the Beach" in moderation- so long as they are dark chocolate which is my favorite anyway).

WHAT?!!!!!!!??????? I think I proved I am such a creature of habit.

The huh?! comes in when I weighed today and had LOST another 1.2 pounds over night! HUH???????????????? I will be interested to see my weight tomorrow. *and no, I'm not eating so crazy like today!*

Good thing the Brownies meeting didn't have brownies there to eat. (I had told Glenn they should, but uh, I am so glad they didn't!).

**Glenn chose not to weigh today. He was sure he had gained, and probably so. His body tends to do that, nothing like me.**

Latest Update

2007-05-19T11:58:00.000-05:00

I believe that I too have needed to be eating a bit more. I suddenly last night had this urge to eat something and did- I had already eaten all meals and snacks for the day.

ANYWAY, this morning, I had another significant loss. I am down to _ _ 5.6 ! This is just great! I am only 10.6 pounds away from being where I was when we moved here. 4 more pounds and I will have lost 50 pounds!!!!!

I couldn't believe being down 2 pounds over night this late in the game, but perhaps I still had a good bit of water to take off?! I don't know... I'll take it! Who am I to argue with the scales especially when I got the weight 3 times!

Glenn weighed in this morning at 293.8 :o)

Going on Down

2007-05-18T13:16:00.000-05:00

I was thrilled to see _ _ 7.6 this morning! I am 12.6 pounds away from one of my goals- of being what I was when we moved to Minnesota last August.

Depressing that I had gained THAT MUCH weight from the end of August to the end of March, but I try not thinking about that.

***Glenn- down to 294.6- the extra exercise is working!***

Never Fear, Amy's Still Here :o)

2007-05-16T14:09:00.000-05:00

Susie has been after me to update and then Rob has further called me out! LOL I'm here, I'm here! I keep meaning to sit down and update this blog, but as you noticed, it hasn't happened lately.

I do have GREAT news though!!!! Check out my ticker above and you'll see my current weight loss is at 42.8 pounds GONE to be found no more!!!!!!!! I feel like shouting hallelujah!
Since my last post (8 days ago), I have lost 4 pounds. This morning, I am down to _ _ 8.8, a new decade to boot! I love seeing the numbers go down!

After my last post, the following morning, I had gained a pound. I got it off the next day. Same thing happened on Mother's Day- I chose to eat a little off plan, and gained a pound.... but it's back off and now am at my lowest weight. I think my body definitely appreciates going off plan once a week.

A first "major" goal for me is to get to _ _ 5, which is what I weighed last August when we moved here to Minnesota. I have that written down for our anniversary- July 24th. That's now just 13.8 pounds away. I am ready to see that number on the scale and know I can and will keep going!

I haven't had the chance lately to really sit and read everyone's blogs so I plan to do that now after posting here. I just noticed my name on Rob's update and had to post to let ya'll know my updates :o)

To the members of FAT: I do appreciate ya'll being there and being the kind that will offer encouragement, advice and a good, "hey you! where are you?!" I know that is a major part of keeping me going. I hope I will return the "favor".

****Glenn's Latest: We are garage/yard sale folks (mainly me, but Glenn goes along a lot), and last week, Glenn bought an exercise bike that the woman had used twice, for $25. It's like brand new. He's been riding over 5 miles a day on it for the past 3 days. Previously, he had been hovering at 299, dropping down to 298, once to the 297's. HOWEVER, today, his weight is 295.2 ! He is of course thrilled to see that perhaps what he's really been lacking was the extra exercise.****

I'm Still Standing :o)

2007-05-08T10:25:00.000-05:00

This past week sort of got away from me! I didn't realize I had been almost a week in between posts!!!

I am happy to report my weekly weigh-in! This past week I lost 3.2 pounds- this morning, down to _ _ 2.8 If you notice my ticker above, I have now lost 38.8 pounds.

Today is a special day in our family. It was 6 years ago today that our daughter became a member of our family! We call this her "Family Day". She was 2 1/2 years old, in a Russian orphanage, tiny as she could be. She's come a long way from back then and has always brought us much joy! I am so proud to be her Mama!!!!!

I put that here in a weight loss blog because so many times special occasions such as this center around food. Tonight will be no exception. Our little girl (she's 8 years old) has good taste! LOL Weeks ago, she requested steak, baked potatoes, corn, roll and chocolate cake for tonight!!!!!!! Glenn bought a (charcoal-we like the taste better) grill yesterday and will be grilling the steaks this evening.

SO, tonight is a "designated cheat night" on this diet. The difference in times past is this: I don't plan to pig out all day because of this being a special day. I simply plan to stay on track throughout the day and tonight will enjoy the things "not on program". Tomorrow, we'll be right back with it. (that in itself will be a major difference from times past! lol).

****Glenn's Update:**** After having minimal exercise last week, he wasn't expecting much loss, and in fact throughout the week, he stayed consistently in the 299's, only once dipping down to 298.8. Today, however, he's at 297.6 :o)

Ramblings...

2007-05-02T14:03:00.000-05:00

This morning, I was down two-tenths, so _ _ 5.8 I am happy enough about that! Glenn is holding steady in the 299's, and that's fine too. He's been moving as much as he can so as not to be even worse off with his back, but is unable to exercise at all. So, to hold steady is good.

Remember the Mexican lasagne I made a few days ago and ate too much of? It's on the menu this week.... I am planning strategies in my head so as not to mess up again with it! We'll be eating that more than likely, tomorrow night.

I've been getting as much exercise in as I can. I had something funny happen last night! I found myself wanting outside to walk! I didn't do it, it was just about dark, but my goodness. I am just SO not an outdoors kind! Maybe I'm becoming that way???????? Who knows?!

I also have found some of my confidence coming back. Before I got started on this diet, I had really become ashamed of myself... I didn't want to be seen ANYWHERE! You see, at my "magic number" (like Suz talked about a few posts ago), I was comfortable and no one seemed to make fun of me. I'm 5'10" and can carry a lot of weight without people thinking I'm nearly as heavy as I am . However, in recent months, I got the laughs, the remarks behind my back, the stares, etc.

In Wal-mart this week, an old woman poked her husband to take a look at me. I didn't feel sad like before. I felt like saying, "Ma'am. Excuse me. If only you could know, I am losing weight then maybe you would shut up?!" I don't know. I just didn't let it really bother me this time, and made sure I caught the woman's eye and SMILED at her. I think she didn't know what to do. She quickly moved on. ;o)

Ah.... one day, I'll walk in stores unnoticed. That will be nice.

Moving Right Along

2007-04-30T10:56:00.000-05:00

After a few days of getting frustrated at the woman! (a.k.a. my talking scales), I am happy to say our relationship has greatly improved. :o)

This morning, I had a weigh in of _ _ 6. This is now a weight loss of 35.6 pounds since I began this journey!

I hope the scales are getting scared of me. ha

***Glenn: Glenn has yet to do an official weigh in this morning... on his way out to our garage this morning, he fell and hurt his middle back. He'll be weighing in a few minutes when he gets a shower- I'll update later on.***

**Glenn is holding steady at 299. He's happy with that. :o) **

She's My Friend Again

2007-04-27T10:44:00.000-05:00

That woman did it! She told me some good news today!!!! I am down to _ _ 8.0!!! That's down 2 pounds since yesterday, but 1 pound really since my latest low.
The _ _ 8.0 is my lowest this time around losing weight. So, yes, I am happy once again.

*****GLENN DID IT!***** Glenn is officially 299.8 this morning! He is sooo very happy. We both broke out in a Dora dance, "We did it! Lo hicimos!" ha ha

Guess that woman knew I was mad and wasn't going to take it anymore!

Too Much of a Good Thing

2007-04-26T13:39:00.000-05:00

Too much of a good thing, or in this case, a healthy meal, can still be well, too much! We went to court in Russia 6 years ago yesterday, to adopt our oldest daughter. (she was 2 1/2 at the time). There was a mandatory waiting period before she could come home with us (it was May 8th, which we celebrate as her Family Day). So, Glenn and I went that day out to eat at the only Mexican restaurant at the time, in St. Petersburg, Russia. All these years we have kept up the tradition of having Mexican food on "court day" or around that time. This year, what to do?! We are on the South Beach diet to get healthy and how are we going to go eat food that is our absolute favorite around this house, and not choose wrongly?!

Our solution was to cook Mexican lasagne from the South Beach Cookbook. We served that with fat free refried beans. We loved it! Our kids loved it! All was well. Problem!? I loved it too much! Glenn had gone downstairs, and I was upstairs with the kids and their leftovers. There wasn't enough left over on their plates to cover up for lunch today, and so instead of just throwing it out- yes, I ate it. On 3 plates, I ate what was left over. Ok, so there wasn't that much left over on each plate, but it adds up! That would have been not the best, but alright.

Next problem!? Instead of going on downstairs like I normally do when the kids are in bed, after American Idol went off, I stayed upstairs for a few more minutes. I proceeded to get out a plate and dish myself another serving of the HEALTHY lasagne. uuuggghhhh. I can't even count it as mindless eating- I ate because I felt the food compelling me to eat it! It was really THAT good!

This morning? Well, my scales (a.k.a "that woman") said, "Hello", "I'm ready", and then as I waited to hear my fate--- she said, "_ _ 0 pounds." Yes, I went up this morning another 4/10ths a pound. So, a full pound since Monday. I am not a happy camper today.

THAT woman better be prepared to say something differently in the next couple of days- a lower number that is. I'm to blame this time, but I am bound and determined not to make the mistake of eating too much because it's healthy.

**Glenn's race to 299: He's sitting at 300.6 again this morning. He's gone up and down, but today is going back down.**

Well, It Happened

2007-04-25T11:26:00.000-05:00

The weight loss has officially stalled...my weekly weigh in stands at 6 pounds loss which is great! I realize that- it's more weight loss this past week than the previous. However, my weight yesterday was the same as the previous day: _ _ 9.0 Today?! _ _ 9.6 UGGHHH UP?! That just stinks! Yes, 6/10ths up. Not even a whole pound, but I hate it! I hate it! I HATE IT! How much do I hate it?! Well, my scale talks- "Hello" "I'm ready", and then "_ _ _ pounds". I hate this sooo much that I screamed at the woman on the scale! HA HAAAAAAA

Glenn has been fluctuating back and forth. He's yet to get to 299 which is driving him crazy.

I am stepping up the exercise as much as I can today.

That woman better be good to me tomorrow! :o)

Another Goal Made :o)

2007-04-23T10:22:00.000-05:00

Yes, I made my Mother's Day goal this morning. I am down to a new set of "tens"- you know, '90's, 80's, 70's, etc. etc. I am now _ _ 9.0 YAY!

I really did make realistic goals. I planned for 3 pounds a week by now, but because of my severe weight this time around, I am losing faster than ever before. Sure it will slow down at some point, so I don't really know how to adjust my goals.. so I think I will let them stand for now. (at least until I start the slow down).

On Sundays I eat a little sweet. I decided to go ahead and exercise on Sundays even though usually I don't get around to it. I did extra yesterday. It worked.

My weekly weigh in is tomorrow.

**Glenn's update: 300.6 today! He's so close to being to 299 he can taste it! lol Not sure when he's going to weigh again. He had said this morning he would wait until Saturday. That was before he weighed today. I sort of think he'll weigh before then. lol**

Woo-HOO!

2007-04-21T10:01:00.000-05:00

Woo-HOO! I have met my very first goal and early!!!! My first goal was to get to
_ _ 1.0 by May 8th, which is my daughter's "Family Day" (6 years since she became our daughter). I made that this morning! My next goal is written down as _ _ 0 by May 13th, Mother's Day. So, I have 1 more pound to lose before making my Mother's Day goal!!!!

I am now down a little over 30 pounds!!!! Yay!! I talked to my mother in law last night. She's lost 31 pounds since we last saw her (at Christmas). She doesn't have a whole lot more to lose, not sure how much. They will be here in 49 days. I can't wait to see how she looks, and for them to see us. They will notice the difference because they saw us after we had gained a lot. They have no idea we are losing weight. We are keeping it a surprise!

Glenn's race to 299: He's down to 301.6 this morning!! He's really looking good :o)

More Energy

2007-04-19T14:11:00.000-05:00

I am noticing I have more and more energy and the want to , to get out and do stuff. My kids have obviously noticed as well. Every Friday night we have "Family Night", a time for us to play games together. I suggested that tomorrow night we should play basketball. This morning at breakfast, I reminded the kids about it. My daughter (8 yrs. old) asked, "Mama, you are really going to play basketball with us?" I said, "Yes! I told you I would feel more like doing so when I lost weight!" She was happy. You see, a few weeks ago when I was telling her about us going on South Beach Diet, she said, "why? I love this Mama. I love you this way." She seemed to be genuinely sad that I would change! We finally realized that she thought I would be different somehow (and yes, I'm sure I will be in some ways). I told her that no matter how quickly I wish I could lose, it will take awhile, and she will gradually get used to the new me. She was pleased!

Last night we went out to eat for the first time since being back on a diet. We chose a buffet place where we were sure to be able to eat well for our new lifestyle. We did great! In fact, we both did really well as today's weigh in shows.
As of this morning's weigh in, I have lost 27.8 pounds. I am feeling energized about that! It makes me want to keep going!

**Update on Glenn: His race to 299 is going strong.... he's now at 302.8 He just left wearing a shirt he has not worn in months and months.**

Weekly Weigh In

2007-04-17T08:42:00.000-05:00

Tuesdays are my "weekly weigh in". I am happy to report a total of 5 pounds gone this week! I know that momentum won't likely keep up, but oh that it would! lol

I continue to be very happy at my shopping habits.... being able to watch my children eat left over Easter chocolate without going insane... well, that's in itself a miracle.
I am continuing my exercise, just missed Sunday so far. Because of fibromyalgia, I am unable to always dance *if the pain has settled in my legs that day, but on those days I make sure to do upper body exercise. (ANYONE can do some exercise no matter how small is my thought).

I find myself already planning strategies for my inlaw's visit. They will be here in a few weeks, arriving the first part of June and staying two weeks. Right after they leave, we leave for a family vacation. When we return, my teenaged niece arrives for 10 days. We have right around 6 weeks of possible upheaval, and we know we so can not afford to let ourselves go then!

We can do it. There's too much at stake not to.

First "milestone" met, and being honest!

2007-04-14T11:10:00.000-05:00

When I first began this blog, I said I had over 200 pounds to lose. I didn't realize at the time (because I had no scales yet then) that it was actually 300 to lose! Yes, I know I hadn't changed that over to the left under my profile. I will do that after I post. I guess part of me was just living in denial. Wow how far I had let myself go.

Of course, now it's not quite that much, because I have as of this morning's weigh in, lost.....

25 pounds!!!!!

I am happy about this, very happy. This time around is just so very different. I've said before how I can just feel it. I continue walking in Wal-mart without even thinking about junk food. That's nothing short of amazing for me. I don't wake up thinking about what I can eat tonight, as I used to do. (I mean, it became such an obsession for me! I would go to bed thinking about what sweet I can have tomorrow, wake up thinking about what I would eat that night, but no more). I don't have the cravings for that junk!

Previously while changing my way of eating, (more realistic than saying, "dieting" lol), I would have a cheat day each week. For me, it worked, it actually worked. HOWEVER, not long term, because more and more, the cheat day became a cheat weekend- the whole weekend and then I would have to work crazily to get that gained weight off. That's not healthy. I realize that. This time, for the first time, I am being sensible I think.

My husband is a Pastor. We are in Minnesota to begin churches. (previously we lived in Russia as missionaries). We have a college student that eats Sunday dinner with us following church. He brings the dessert each week. I decided going in to South Beach this time that I would eat a piece of said dessert each Sunday. That and only that would be my cheat. It gives me something to look forward to, and I don't fret it.

OH! Update on my husband! He doesn't have a blog, nor is he a blog type person lol- but he doesn't mind me posting about him or his weight. This morning, he was down to 304.2. His long term goal is to get down to 215 then re-assess- no lower than 200 or he just looks sick. He is psyched up looking forward to getting below 300 in the next few days! Glenn went through a few days of stalling, and even had gains even though we are eating the same things. That was very frustrating for him. We figured out what was happening- he was actually not eating enough. He is also thinking of joining a local gym. (that is if I can convince him that it's money well spent!). He's not the type to spend money on himself.

We also have some short term goals. Glenn's first goal is to get below 300. Mine is each "10 pound barrier", you know the 90's, 80's, 70's, 60's, etc. My first goal is by May 8th I want to be down to _ _ 1.0 :o) That's actually now just 5.6 pounds away, so I believe I can do that!

The Weigh In :o)

2007-04-11T14:09:00.000-05:00

I've been weighing in each morning and typically lose a pound or so. That's common for South Beach- Phase One. However, I am now on Phase Two (started yesterday- adding back in the good carbs, and it's the livable for life phase- :o)

ANYWAY- I meant to post this last night, but never got to it- my total loss for Phase One is approximately 21.6 pounds! Yes, OF COURSE this is mostly WATER weight and especially at my size it is, but I'll take it!

This morning, I was happy to see another 1.2 pounds gone. So, I am now at a total of 22.8 pounds lost!

I know that the healthy way of losing is 1 to 2 pounds a week, and at some point that will happen with me. Right now though I am so large that it will be typical to see much weight loss like this for several weeks. (just adding that in, because I will get asked by much smaller folks how I did this, or is this healthy for me to lose so quickly). It's normal for someone my size at first.

Keep in mind also, I've never been THIS large before. So, I'm losing more right now than I ever did when starting a diet before.

Exercise report- yesterday was a day I would choose to forget-but it brought exercise- forced on me. (went to Wal-mart, briskly walking on purpose- went to both sides of the Super Center, on purpose for more exercise (could have done without the stuff on the other side and in times past would have so I didn't have to walk, but this time decided to go ahead ON PURPOSE! yay me! lol). When I got to my van, had lost my cell phone- went immediately back in the store, retraced ALL my steps and then some- very very quickly walking. Long story short- cell phone had dropped in a grocery bag !!!!! (that I thought I looked in! uggh). So extra walking was forced upon me. Too exhausted to consider dancing last night, but I think I got in enough at Wal-mart.

Tonight- I shall dance! :o)

I'm still here

2007-04-09T23:24:00.000-05:00

I made it through Easter- well, sort of. Yes, I ate some things not South Beach approved, but I had planned for them! At Sunday dinner (lunch to some of ya'll), I had hashbrown casserole that isn't "allowed" and then I ate some chocolate. The stupid thing is that South Beach really really does work to stop the cravings for sugar, and I really didn't crave this chocolate, but I ate it anyway- my mindset was to get it out of the house I guess.

I still was very happy overall with Easter. This is the FIRST time EVER on a diet, that I didn't say, "Well, I've already blown it, let's go get ________" (fill in the blank with Ben & Jerry's, or something else equally sinfully delicious! lol).

I gained just a pound and I'm not too upset about that since I figured it would be more like 2. I really do gain quickly! This is why I KNOW this has to be it! The last time to lose this weight!

In all other times I planned and had a cheat day- but the problem with that is I would do as I described above- I would eat junk allllllll day long- ice cream, cookies, chocolate, you name it! (as long as its chocolate, I wanted it).

This time however, I have been using Sunday as the day that I allow myself one piece of dessert. That's it, and it's worked. (o.k. until Easter, but that's different).

Tomorrow, I'll check in with my official "weigh-in". We move successfully to "Phase Two" of South Beach (re-introducing good carbs, whole grains, etc.) :o)

Oh yes! I almost forgot! Ever since I started this diet, I've been doing more moving- more walking in Wal-mart, moving around during the day while doing housework, etc. (and Suz, yes, I try to go up the stairs at least one time more than normal).

Last night however, I started what I plan to do nightly- dancing. Now this is here in the privacy of my family room, but I remembered doing this years and years ago when I lost a lot of weight on Weight Watchers. So I lasted 3 songs to some lively music. That's a good start. Not only am I WAY overweight, I also have fibromyalgia, so exercise is a thing that can be difficult... I am determined to just move.

Small (yet great) Victories

2007-04-05T22:55:00.000-05:00

This morning the scale showed a two-tenths a pound loss. Ok! No great loss there, but I figure it IS a loss! So much better than seeing the scales go in the other (wrong) direction! I'll take it!

Thanks for the encouragement yesterday. I recovered from the shock of the scales without pigging out at all, without getting off South Beach at all, and absolutely feel great about that!

Today we were at our new Super Target and decided to buy some South Beach snacks for Phase Two which we begin next week (Monday). Phase Two is the actual diet - where we slow down to a so called "healthy" weight loss of 2 pounds or so a week. (adding back in good carbs- like fruit, whole wheat bread, etc.)

We were hit with snow a couple of days ago, and today the windchill is brutal. I am soooo looking forward to this clearing up and being able to enjoy a stroll around the block (even if I only make it 5 minutes, I am determined to do so!). Ha! I can make it more than that! I broke a sweat in Wal-mart two days ago when I walked an hour around the store. I thought that was good because many times I would have sat during the shopping time.

Scales Saga

2007-04-04T22:21:00.000-05:00

Ok! So I admit I thought about just waiting to post, but why do that, honestly?! Isn't the whole point of this blog to have that accountability factor this time around?! To have encouragement on this long road I face. (and I do mean long!)

So, I'm not posting how much I weigh, I've already shared it's more than 200 pounds I have to lose, but let me say, it's much more than I ever expected!!!!!!!

I haven't really let it get me as down as I would in times past, seeing THAT BIG a number on the scale (or actually hearing that big a number since, yes, my scales talk! lol). I just sat in silence for awhile yesterday. Glenn said the word I was looking for was "melancholy." That describes it... I was reflecting on how I have so much more to lose than even I knew (even though deep down somewhere I knew I was gaining more and more since August, because hey! you can't eat the sweets I was eating and not gain!).

Glenn reminded me that I am lighter than last week, so I already have a jumpstart. I sort of cried and laughed at the same time- thinking about while yes it's true I've lost since last week, (and I feel it's nearly 15 pounds), that means that I was even HEAVIER than the number I got yesterday!

Good news! This morning, I was down two pounds from that number! SO, I choose today to not dwell on it, just move on...... remind me of that when I get discouraged!

I am proud I didn't say, "oh who cares?! It's never going to work!" and then go pig out. That's a BIG improvement... in fact, I've NEVER not done that!

I need all you who are on this road with me to be around when you're at goal and I'm still plugging along.... I will definitely need the encouragement and the "you can do this!" from ya'll.

Thanks for being there!

Favorite Find

2007-04-03T08:05:00.000-05:00

Favorite Find this time around: Diet Rite Pure Zero! Zero calories, Zero fat, Zero carbs, Zero taste.... just joking! ha We've only tried Black Cherry so far but White Grape is now in our mini-fridge. We actually really like the taste of the Black Cherry drink!

With other diet drinks, the sodium has been so high that I hate to even drink them, but this also has ZERO sodium! That makes it more like water, but I've still been drinking all my water during the day and allowing myself one of these Diet Rites at night.

In other news... I've been not so patiently waiting for my scales to arrive. I tracked the order and they arrived an hour and a half away from here yesterday morning. I now just checked and they made it to Minneapolis in the middle of the night, have made it 30 minutes from here at 4:15 in the morning and are supposedly now "out for delivery". So now we wait.

I can't believe I'm this anxious over scales coming. I mean they are going to tell me just how out of control I've gotten. It's just I will be happy to be able to check in the coming weeks to see my progress. I'm on the right track and it feels good.

I know it's working- and some pictures...

2007-03-30T23:09:00.000-05:00

Tonight I had Glenn take some pictures of me! But first, let me say that I KNOW that I have lost at least 10 pounds so far, because the shirt I am in tonight was just fitting last week! It's loose now. Glenn has lost 10 pounds since Monday, and usually I lose more than him to begin with (of course because I have more water weight to lose than him).

Here is a picture from a few weeks ago that can serve as a true "Before" pic- taken before any attempt at losing weight, and next to it, will be a picture from tonight- I can already tell some difference in the face:

And here is a picture to demonstrate how the shirt is now loose:

As far as today, eating wise: All went well.... Friday nights are our weekly "Family Night" where we have always had a very easy (mostly unhealthy) supper- like sloppy joes and fries, hot dogs and fries, pizza, you name it we've had it- and then of course it's the night we have a special treat like brownies, ice cream, cookies or something to that effect! Well, tonight- our kids had cheeseburgers and chips. Glenn and I had cheeseburgers (grilled on the Foreman for everyone!), no bread for Glenn and me- our kids eat wheat bread- we always have, so no change there... and Glenn made us a nice Cobb salad to go with the burgers I made (I put onion in them and seasoned them a bit with things "legal" for South Beach). We had lowfat cottage cheese as well. For OUR treat, we had Sugar Free Pudding (w/Splenda) that actually was good!, and as far as our kids go, I bought them a treat that they can eat today and tomorrow and it will be done! I want no temptation around here for me!

Another good day! My scales are scheduled for Tuesday arrival! I was hoping for sooner, so we'll see. Anyway, I can tell I'm losing, and it must be quite a bit at this point.

Plugging Right Along

2007-03-29T16:13:00.001-05:00

I meant to post about yesterday last night or at least this morning, but here I am - better late than never.....

I did really well yesterday! Yes, I went and bought scales but uh.... since I am so big, I needed to buy two scales, so I did that! It's worked in the past, but these turned out to be faulty scales. Ugghh (meaning that one of them wouldn't weigh my 48 pound, eight year old daughter!) SO, back to Wal-mart they will go!

However, I was doing yet another search on the internet for scales that would weigh someone my size and found a blog of a man that ordered scales that would weigh way higher than even I need, and he had the link there. SO, I ended up buying the same scales! I can hardly wait for them to get here! It's been a bit frustrating knowing I am losing but not how much! Typically in this first phase of South Beach, a person my size will drop a lot of weight! My first time ever, in two weeks time, I dropped 18 pounds. (of course it's lots of water weight, but hey! I'll take it!) My scales have already been shipped, so here's hoping they get here by Saturday!

While at Wal-mart yesterday, my husband (Glenn) and I bought lots of healthy "legal" snacks. *(don't you just love that weight loss expression, "legal?" It brings images to mind of me standing with chocolate in my hands and handcuffs on my wrists! lol).

I am so thankful to have Glenn on this with me. He figures he has about 100 pounds to lose. He did South Beach with me before, and we both were doing so well in every way back then- very healthy- he was within sight of his goal, I was in sight of a major goal for me (of course with a long ways to go still, but was thrilled at my progress). Our doctor was thrilled with us as our cholesterol and everything was "that of a skinny person". The world was good.

I want the world to be that good again! It will happen! I just feel more determined now than ever! A big part of that is the support system that I have in place! I think it's key in my weight loss! Thanks to my great friend Suz for the support she gives in checking in with me! AND I have joined the F.A.T Coalition :o) Thanks guys for the welcome!

WE can do this!

Oh yes! This is day four- I already feel a good bit of difference in my clothes. It's working and it feels good!

I Did it!

2007-03-28T11:17:00.000-05:00

Let me start this by saying that at the beginning of last week when we decided to start the diet this past Monday- I ALREADY had in my mind- "Tuesday I have to go to a parent/teacher conference at my daughter's school... I will just go through the drive thru at McDonald's and get me a cherry pie!" HA That's the way I've thought in the past, even on the beginning of a diet!
But this time, I wanted so much to not stray from phase one a bit! There's a bit more leeway later on, but this first phase is so important to "detox" of the sugar cravings.

I did go to the conference, and I DID go to McDonald's, but uh... it was for a SIDE SALAD as a snack for last night! :o) I didn't even think about the cherry pie until I was coming home and just laughed. I am so happy~!

We are on our way now to Wal-mart to buy groceries (including snacks!) and scales!!! I have yet to weigh, so I will do a weigh in today. Sort of NOT looking forward to that, and sort of am. ha

Made it through

2007-03-27T07:51:00.000-05:00

Made it through the first day that is! For those who don't know, with the South Beach Diet, there are 3 phrases. Now, I usually don't even talk about phrase 3, but that's because it's a long way down the road for me.

Phase 1 consists of 2 weeks with more restrictions. (no fruit at all this phase for example). It really, really works to take care of the sweet cravings! If only I wouldn't have been so dumb years ago and ate sweets just because! ha I had gotten through the cravings for months- no craving for sweets- and what happened?! I lived in Russia for years (my family and I as missionaries) and once we returned state side- I saw allllllllll these foods, all these sweets that I didn't have in Russia and just felt it my duty to try them again! Problem is, I never quit trying them! (UNTIL NOW!)

Phase 2 on South Beach is when we will re-introduce good carbs- can then have some wheat bread, and fruit is back. I look forward to that! :o)

I seriously considered just starting on Phase 2 this time, but that's because I lacked confidence in myself to do this right! I spent enough time mentally preparing to get back on this way of eating that I am now "pumped" up about it all, and wanting to do things the right way from the get go!

I was so very excited last night when I realized that I had made it, I had done it! You see, night is when my temptation hits- I am a choco-holic! BIG time! I also love to eat cereal at night, but during these first two weeks, that's a no-no. Then, I will be able to enjoy a little bit of an "approved" cereal and think I'll save that some for a night time snack.

As far as yesterday goes- lunch was roast beef slices with cheese, cherry tomatoes (I'm from the south- but here in the midwest, they are called- "grape" tomatoes), and blue cheese dressing.

Supper was a wonderful soup my husband made of several types of beans with smoked sausage in it. The kids loved it too.

We had a night time snack of roast beef and cheese roll ups.

NOW, I realize that per South Beach rules, we messed up with not eating ENOUGH! Meaning, you will notice I didn't mention breakfast. I know that's a big mistake and I will correct that when I can get to the grocery store for the right things. Neither Glenn nor I are big breakfast eaters (unless we are on SBD), and I've been unable to get out of bed recently, much less hit the store. We also didn't have the other snacks we are to have- to keep our blood sugar stabilized. There again, that will all change as soon as we can make it change.

I had the water I needed and I am thrilled with that!

Over all, a good day. I was not hungry which is always a good thing! :o)

I'm going to get Glenn to take my picture today as a "before". Also going to take my measurements- this really helps to motivate me when I see the results of the diet.

Getting Started

2007-03-26T01:53:00.000-05:00

I'm starting this journey in the morning. Well, it's now 1:40 a.m., so technically I can say, "today". I'm not alone, as my husband and I are re-starting the South Beach Diet together. We did this before, about 2 years ago now. I lost 65 lbs back then before I went haywire, and he lost at least 40 lbs before going off.

I realize I could easily beat myself up over gaining the weight back, but I choose at this moment to go on from this point! Time is going to pass whether I lose weight or not. It might as well be spent getting fit.I know 65 lbs. is a lot of weight lost, but I had so much more to go.

Now, I face a whole LOT to lose, as in I am a very, very plus size woman, and need to lose 200 lbs. Is it going to be easy? Of course not! Will I go crazy in the process? A bit perhaps, but I am ever thankful for blog land and the support of those pulling for me. I can do this! I know I can!

To those who pray: PRAY for me! I sincerely want to get fit by 40! I'm 36 now. I can do all things through Christ!