Progress Report

Well, I've come to the end of my journey to lose weight.  Sadly, enough I didn't meet my goal of losing weight.  However, I do have some insight into how much it takes to make a lifestyle change.   It is difficult to muster up the motivation and maintain that motivation on a day to day basis.   

I'm still taking Alli and I've lost a few pounds so far, but the one thing I've noticed was the amount of organization and planning you have to do in order to eat healthy and exercise.  It isn't always easy to keep life out of the way, especially when you are always on the move. 

I've learned two things from this exercise:

1.  If you fall off the wagon and have that cupcake, it's not the end of the world.

2. Change is a process that is ongoing.  You can't ever say you've changed.

That's all for now.  I hope to keep this blog up just for my own encouragement.  

My partner in weight loss

My Alli.  Yep, I've decided to give Alli a chance.  I read about it online while watching Lost.  I called and talked to a representative about it.  She was extremely helpful and suggested I talk to my doctor. 

I went to speak to my doc and she thought it might be a good idea.  Particularly, to teach me how to cook and enjoy foods with low fat content.  She gave me a free starter kit (20 day supply) so I'm giving it a try. 

It has some nasty side effects if you eat more than your fat allowance per meal.  I won't get into the details but they are pretty gross.  I logged into the website this morning and it is the most comprehensive website I've ever seen.  

They have meal plans, shopping lists, other resources.  It is a lot like WW, but I think the pills will help to keep me from overeating and indulging.   The meal plans help with suggestions and methods of cooking without butter (hmmmm) and other fatty items.  I find that is where I have trouble is keeping the portions and fatty foods out of my diet.  

 I'm excited to try this so maybe this will be the last time I lose weight.

Back to work

Today will be first day working out at the gym in weeks.  Eek!  I'm scared.  I will be tackling the elliptical machine along with butt and legs.  

My physical therapist is slowly adding activity to see where to make modifications in my exercise routine.  We have an appointment on Friday which I'm looking forward to seeing how I respond to today's workout.

I just bought 2 new iTunes songs so the workout mix is complete!

Until next time...

Sick

That's all there is to say ;(

Physical Therapy

So I've got the go ahead to get back to exercising.  But I can't do treadmill work so I'm going to say good bye (for now) to Barry's Bootcamp. 

The pain is better so I'm going to give my all to keep a regular workout schedule using some of the classes at LA Fitness.  I'm not sure if I will be able to hit my goal of 13 pounds, but I'm sure going to try. 

I'm trying to see if I can afford to hire a personal trainer.  I'm not familiar with the machines in the gym and I think it is time I start to get familiar so that I can workout on my own without a trainer.

If any of you know anyone, please let me know.  

Until next time...

On the Road to Recovery

My visit to the doctor was a great idea.  I'm glad I went.  He's got me on a good dose of anti-inflammatory and the most wonderful medical miracle:  muscle relaxers :)

The first couple of days were difficult.  The pain was intense and unrelenting, but by Sunday I was feeling much better.   I've had to stop taking the muscle relaxers because I need to study for exams, but as of Thursday I'll be feelin' no pain.

The doctor says I should continue to workout, so I'll be taking a yoga class this weekend to start.  I start physical therapy next Thursday so I'll get a little more information on what exercises I should focus on for strengthening my back.

I'm glad I went to the doctor.  Until Sunday I thought I would just be in pain.  I was sure that was simply how it was going to be.  I know now I can be healthy, strong and pain free.

Until next time...

PS  Very afraid for tomorrow's exam...very afraid.

Oh my neck and my back....

My valiant effort to lose weight has resulted in some seriously sore muscles.  My back has been VERY sore the past few weeks.  I've decided to give myself a little bit of a break.  One week off...

My sore back is the result of an injury when I was but a wee lass of 11 years old.  It hasn't been right since that nasty fall on the rainy steps.  So I've decided to go visit the doctor and the acupuncture doctor.   We'll see what these two experts have to say about the pain and soreness. 

I can see very easily how injuries that don't heal can keep you from exercising.  The pain I'm experiencing is about an 7/8 on a scale of 1-10, so if you aren't able to have access to care (quality) I can see how you can gain weight.  The vicious cycle is evident.  You get hurt, you gain weight, you try to workout, but it is too painful.  So you stop, then you gain more weight and then you eat more cause you're upset that you've gained more weight.  And so on and so forth...

Well, I'm committed to healing and strengthening my body so that I can be free to move pain free.  Even the thought sends endorphins through my body :

BTW, totally off the subject:  What's up with the Bachelor?!  WTF?!?!?!

Until next time...

Ain't Nobody Gonna Break My Stride...

I think one major barrier to my new lifestyle is finding time to fit it all in.  I'm busy just like everyone else, so this week I'm changing when I work out to see if that makes a difference.  Today, I'll go for the last class of the day instead of in the morning.  I feel like it's better for me to get all the excuses out of the way (e.g. I have an exam to study for or running errands)  at the end of the day I have nothing to get in the way. We will see how it goes...

Another barrier is that there are horrible food choices all around me.  However, I've found that it helps to make time to eat instead eating on the run or while I'm driving.  I have to make time for it now, so I sit at the table with nothing else in front of me.  Again, it is a general awareness that it is time to eat so I can make good choices.  I cook on Sunday nights now and make sure I have lunch ready with me when I have an early appointment or obligation.  I try to keep healthy snacks in my bag or in the car so I don't get caught being hungry and scarf down a medium order of french fries (oops I just drooled).  I've even taken to (I know it's sad) not carrying cash with me so I'm not tempted to buy naughty food.

The last barrier to this change is just my overall attitude about food.  It has been a source of celebration and togetherness for my family and it's a hard habit to break.  Strangely, I don't feel deprived of food on Weight Watchers; I can have anything I want as long as I workout and watch the portions.  It seems to keep me from feeling like I can't eat what I want.  

The scale didn't move this week, but that's cool.  I'm sticking to the torture and rewarding myself with Erica's very yummy suggestion Dulce de Leche Jello pudding and Cool Whip :) Thanks for the tip!

Until next time...

Week Four: Intensity Increases

Chin to pocket. Chin to pocket. Huff. Puff.

I'll remember the Parisi Speed School for ever.  It has revolutionized my running on the treadmill.   For the first time, I was able to sprint at a 9.5 mile an hour pace for 45 seconds!  I felt my body actually moving as it is intended.  I didn't feel exhausted after the sprint (or at least not the first one), but I really felt an appreciation for my body. 

I could feel how strong my legs were and the importance of my arms in increasing my speed.  It was a lot of fun.

My boyfriend has been incredibly supportive of me as I make these lifestyle changes.  He is always giving me encouragement and letting me know that I am perfect no matter what size.  It really helps me continue to be motivated as the tough days come around.  The good thing is I think the healthy eating habits are starting to rub off on him.  He's starting to play basketball two times a week instead of one.  I think this change in lifestyle will be good for both of us.

I have tapped into some of my eating triggers as a result of tracking my hunger.  When I'm bored I EAT.  When I'm sad or anxious I EAT.   I've had to be mindful of what feelings I'm having so that I can tell the difference between the feeling of hunger and the feelings I'm having.  In an effort to protect myself from myself, I check in with myself and ask, "Is there something else behind the desire for an order of french fries from McDonald's."  The answer is usually a resounding yes.

Just a weight check in 3 pounds down; seven to go!  Until next time....

Week Three: Bootcamp Begins

Okay so I almost died.

Maybe not died, but close.

I posted the link to the reel to give you an idea of what type of workout I'll be doin'. Today was arms and abs.  I may not be able to brush my hair tomorrow but at least I made it through. The instructor Matt is great. He is encouraging, but pushes you to do your best, which is exactly what I need.

This weekend was a challenge in terms of food. Yesterday, there were hot dogs and other goodies. And because I was a good solid eater during the week. I was able to enjoy myself (to a certain extent) during the Superbowl, which was awesome.

I'm not sure if I have an inspirational person in mind with the same goal. But I feel like the people in my class have inspired me to reach my goal. Each of them has picked a goal which is difficult for them to reach for different reasons. However, I feel like I have my own cheerleading section as I strive to improve my overall health.  Because of this support, I feel different.  In fact, I'm a more confident that I will reach my desired weight by March 16th.  Perhaps it's because of the support I'm getting from my classmates. At the end of 16 weeks, I want each of us to have a reason to celebrate our triumphs.

It makes me think of the importance of having supporters and role models for behavior. If the support from my classmates has somehow changed the way I view my own behavior change, then how does my support (or lack of support) change how someone else views their own behavior change?

This isn't to say that my support either makes or breaks someone's goal, but if someone can benefit from my support then it makes sense to be the best cheerleader I can be.

At any rate, tomorrow is butt and legs.  Squats and lunges.  And maybe a run to LaCienega and Sunset.  Ever onward (crawling on my hands and knees).

kac

Let the torture begin...

Here's a video of the classes I'm taking. It's called the Sizzle Reel. Feel the heat!!!

Week Two: Why Now?

I had a dream last year just after my thirtieth birthday. I was standing on a stage with the curtains open. There were bright stage lights. I couldn't see the audience but I knew they were there. I don't remember if I did anything but I remember thinking, "This is it."

I woke up feeling slightly perplexed about this dream. I went on about my day. Later that evening, I was cooking dinner and I had what is commonly known as a moment of clarity. I realized that dream wasn't about being on stage or anything to do with performing. It was about me and my life. I had arrived in my own life. I wasn’t a kid anymore. I had obligations and responsibilities to my family and friends. I was an official grown up.

My dream and realization brought me some good news and bad news. The good news is that anything I want for myself and my life is up to me. And the bad news is anything I want for myself and my life is up to me. My weight, my career, and my relationships are all up to me…no excuses.

With this new perspective, I made some minor and major changes. But none of which was related to my weight or health. This last December I visited my doctor and learned that I had gained about 15 pounds in one year. Surprised? Not really the waist band on my clothes felt tighter and slightly (okay, okay) really uncomfortable.

After my doctor's visit I talked about in my last post, my mind fast forwarded to a 52 year Keisha who is overweight, exhausted and wondering how did it happened. I have a lot to do in this life and I don’t want to worry about my weight or health. This fate was not something I was comfortable with as I’ve seen the women in my family deal with the consequences of weight related illnesses. Diabetes, strokes and heart attacks.

So I went home and signed up for Weight Watchers and Barry’s Bootcamp. I’ve done the bootcamp thing before but not with the commitment and resolve I feel now. Bootcamp starts on Monday (Feb 1st). I’m very excited to begin this endeavor with my classmates. I think this is just the kind of motivation I need to kick my pants in gear. I’m aiming for 9 pounds by in six weeks (March 16th). That’s losing on average a 1.5 per week with room for alcohol. Must leave room for wine; it makes life worth living.

I've been doing Weight Watchers for the past two weeks. I've noticed three things:

1. I NEVER paid attention as to whether I was hungry or not. I mostly ate when I was bored. Now I have a more of an idea of when I'm hungry.

2. I NEVER paid attention to whether I was full or not. I would just eat until I was too full. With WW I've learned how to distinguish between satisfied and full.

3. I'm a foodie. I love to eat. I like to try new things and enjoy doing so in social context. I used to try to deny myself all the things I love and now with revised eating habits I can enjoy anything I want in small portions.

So these are the things Week Two has brought me. I hope Week Three can turn me into a morning person because my Bootcamp classes start at 5AM. God help me on the treadmill next week.

That's me in the corner...

gasping at the scale. Thirteen pounds in a year. My goal for this personal project is to lose the 13 pounds plus 7. Yep, twenty pounds. I've decided that this project will be the last time that I "lose" weight.

I've set a small goal of losing 5% of my body weight which is 9 pounds. While I haven't set a specifc date I have made other concrete decisions. I signed up for Weight Watchers and will start using the point system to monitor my food intake. There is a weight in every week to track my progress and I plan to attend a meeting at least once a month. I'm curious what these meetings are all about. I'm certain I will get something out of it.

I've also made a committment to at least 4 workouts a week. This is typically the difficult part for me, but I've signed up for some crazy bootcamp classes and asprin so I should be all set.

I will post my weigh ins on this blog to keep you in the loop. I'm looking forward to this project and what ever goals I reach in the process.