Weight Loss Journey--Part 4

November 2014

I continued to do well with my walking and working out until June 2015, when Mom passed away.  I pretty much lost all desire and motivation, so I all but stopped with the workouts.

In December 2015, my doctor diagnosed me with Hashimoto's and Celiac.  Now, I started Thyroid meds and had to cut out gluten.  I thought I was doing OK, but I wasn't.  I really started reading everything, even more than I had before.

In February 2016, I found some motivation and started watching my calorie intake again.  I had been using the Myfitnesspal app to help guide my eating and calorie intake.  During the second half of 2015, I quit using it.  When I realized by the end of January 2016 that I had gained about 10-13 lbs since June, I had to start using the app again and doing what I could to workout. I really like this app, and it keeps me on track.

I also read food labels and researched foods to eat when I did go out to help me watch my gluten consumption.  By cutting out gluten, I could tell I was feeling better.  A lot of the digestive and stomach problems had gone away, and I could tell that I felt better overall. Inflammation had gone down, joints quit hurting, and I just had a much better feeling that I really can't explain.

May 2016

Between July 2012 and now, I have lost 90 lbs. Of course, I have not kept all that off, but I do try to maintain within a certain range. That, I can handle and not stress about.

All of it is due to changing my eating habits, what I eat, eating more protein, fruits, and vegetables, and cutting out gluten, bread, crackers, pasta, and most sugars.  I now eat spinach salads, vegetables, and yogurt, which never happened before July 2012, and I make sure I have protein at lunch and dinner. I used to have a shake made of powders sold at my doctor's office for breakfast, but now, I have a variety of things to get my day started.  I have taken supplements to regulate my Iron, Vitamin D, and more. I eat gluten free baked goods every now and again, I don't snack from the candy basket at work, and I never eat from the foods shared at work (unless I read labels or know exactly what is in it, which is rare).

Some say I have unbelievable will power.  No, I just can't take the risk of poisoning my body and making myself sick. When I go out, I have to research the restaurant and choose carefully.  When I go to other people's homes, I take my own food.  I take my lunch every day to work.  I have to be in control of my food, every bite.

Weight Loss Journey--Part 3

Throughout 2013 and 2014, I continued watching my carbs, cutting out sweets as much as possible, eating more protein, and working out when I could. If I ate bread or pasta, it was wheat.  I ate brown rice instead of white.

March 2, 2013

August 2013

In 2014, I began walking 30 minutes to an hour as many days as possible.

My first 5K in February 2014

 Spring 2014

Between Memorial Day and July 4th, my BFF, Jill, and I walked 100 miles.  It was amazing! I did lots of walking throughout 2014.

During all this time, I was still seeing my Wellness Doctor.  In May 2014, I was told to watch my gluten intake.  I started reading labels and cutting out anything with wheat, barley, and rye.  As I began this Gluten Free journey, I thought I was doing a good job, but I found there were hidden ingredients and eating out was a struggle.

By changing from white flour to wheat, I was hurting myself even more, but I had no idea.

Weight Loss Journey--Part 2

I continued to see this doctor and work on lowering my A1C and watch my eating from February 2010-June 2011.  I tried changing a few things on my menu, but I was struggling.

At some point, I saw a doctor specifically for my digestive issues, but he was rude and made me uncomfortable and stupid.  He did not help me.

In May 2011, I changed jobs, and my new one began in August.  I was still trying to do better, but I really wasn't losing weight or lowering my A1C. I just wasn't figuring it out, I guess.

In January 2012, I began going to what I call a Wellness Doctor.  Before I went, I asked family, who had been going, if he was a Quack or used really different methods.  I mean, what is a Wellness doctor? They said he did not.  I still wasn't sure, but I gave him a try.  What I liked was how thorough the blood panel was.  When the results come back each time, the document is 5-10 pages long, filled with details about organs, blood, hormones, and more. The doctors and assistants are deeply knowledgeable about how the body and organs work, what is needed and not needed, and how to get where you want to go. It is a lot about data, which I like.

I decided I had to get serious.  I switched from white flour to wheat, I started really watching my carb intake, and I tried to make better food choices overall. I began losing, and my A1C did start to get better, but things were not moving very fast.

On July 9, 2012, my BFF and I joined Curves, a gym for women.  During the summer months, we tried to work out six days a week.  Once school began, we tried to get in at least four times a week,  More if we could.  At first, we just did the 30 min circuit.  The better we got and the more active we became, we began adding the stationary bike, elliptical, and treadmill. Soon, I was biking 15-20 miles at a time or walking 30 minutes to an hour.

This picture is from the fall of 2012.

I'm not sure how much I lost or how fast, but I know during two different three month periods, I lost 18 lbs, so I know I lost 36 lbs in six months.

I continued working out regularly and watching my diet through 2013.

While I was losing weight and controlling my Diabetes/lowering my A1C, my digestive and stomach problems were not getting better.

This picture is from June 2013.

Weight Loss Journey--Part 1

I may have discussed my four year weight loss journey on here before, but I have been asked several times in the last month how I've done it.  So? I'll try to start at the beginning.

I was never a skinny, thin girl. Since having exploratory surgery resulting in my appendix being removed in 7th grade, I've always had a bit of a belly below my belly button.  Yes, Mom always said I should tone those muscles after the surgery and receiving a 4+ inch scar, but I never did it.  I should have listened to Mom. I probably wore a size 12 back in high school.  It might have been smaller, but that is what I seem to remember.  I think I might have weighed 135 lbs.

This picture is from 1994.

I maintained my weight through college, the best I can remember.  I remember having dresses about the same size my junior and senior years of college. (Sometimes I wish I still had a few of those.  At least, how I remember them.)

However, my first year of teaching, 1997-1998, is when the pounds began to pack on.  I remember, toward the end of that first year, I wore one of Mom's pants outfits to work.  She was larger than me.  I also remember visiting my brother in college, and I wore one of Mom's shorts outfits.  Again, she was larger than me, the high school and college me.  The more I taught, the more I began to gain.

At some point around me third or fourth year of teaching, I joined Weight Watchers.  In five months, I lost 25 lbs.  However, I did not keep it off.  I continued to gain and packed on at least another 55-60 lbs by February 2010.

During this time, I began wearing XL, then 1X, and then 2X, and maybe even a 3X as well as 20W, 22W, and then 24W.  I managed to get dressed and off to work each day without paying attention to a mirror, and I rarely stepped on a scale.  Except for purchasing a new outfit here or there, I did not pay attention to my looks or weight.

During my teaching years, I had digestive issues, an upset stomach, and other digestive problems. I thought it might be a food allergy or milk intolerance, but I never figured out why I was sick daily.  I just kept working.  Soon, I began having some menstrual issues.

Finally, in February 2010, I decided it was time to start taking care of me.  If I don't, who will?
After seeing a great doctor and having blood work done, she called to say I had gallstones and Diabetes.  She and I were both shocked by the results. I thought these were the cause of the problems I continued to deal with daily.

With this news, something had to change.

This picture of me holding my BFF's baby is from September 2010.

Spring Break--Weekend #2

I can't believe today is the last day of Spring Break and everything goes back to normal tomorrow (with a very busy, not-so-normal day).  I could use a little more time off.  Isn't that what everyone always says?

Many non-educators gripe and complain because educators and students get a week off.  I read a blog (wish I could find the link) explaining how this is a week to rejuvenate to get ready to give more of ourselves to our students and jobs.  Teachers who got into the profession for the right reasons (not just for the time off and tiny paychecks, ha ha!), they give every ounce of themselves all day everyday.  They eat, sleep, and breathe teaching, their students, problem-solving, worrying, planning, and so much more.  They don't take "mental health" days or time for themselves.  They start in August and work their rears off until June and then take classes and prepare/plan all summer.  There really is no time off.  Maybe a vacation thrown in there somewhere, but great teachers work all the time. (I could go on and on about this.  Maybe another post one day.)

This week, while doing all I have done, I have still stressed about work, but I have been too tired to truly think and do the work needed.  We have a huge event scheduled for March 28th, and I have a ton of planning and preparation to do. 75% of it needs to be ready to go by Friday, so that means long days this week.  I have tons to do during normal school hours, so this planning will probably take place outside of the normal day.  Just thinking about it stresses me out.  Oh, well!  It will be great for the students. Today, my last day of Spring Break, will be spent thinking through the event, making a plan to get started, thinking of what resources I need, and more.  My work never ends b/c the education of children never ends.

Yesterday, Mom and I traveled to see my nephew graduate from Young Marines Boot Camp.  I am so proud of him.  He endured everything they threw at him, and he even said it wasn't as bad as he thought it was going to be.  He worked hard, lost 10 lbs, and came home exhausted.

 At the end of the graduation ceremony, all the children ran over to their families.  It was so emotional.

After we finally got back to their place, he showered, got on the love seat, and was out.  He was exhausted.

How did I do with a crazy day and watching what I ate?  Not good.  Not good at all.  I am afraid to put everything into myfitnesspal.  I tried making good choices at lunch and dinner, but going to fast food places (through the drive-thrus) and eating at 10:00 at night makes it even harder.  We went to a huge grocery store in the middle of the afternoon, and they were giving samples of all kinds of things.  I can't think of the last time I walked and sampled, but I did yesterday.  There was some good stuff too.

fried rice, peanut butter cup ice cream, turkey and cranberry salad on tomato and rosemary (?) bread, almond cookie, cauliflower something or other, couscous or quinoa, and another type of sandwich (Italian meat of some sort, I think)

My niece baked red velvet cupcakes with cream cheese frosting for my nephew's homecoming.  Yes, I had one, and they were delicious! (I wish I had taken a picture.)

Today, I will need to plan out my week of healthy meals.  My BFF started Dr. Oz's 2 Week Rapid Weight Loss plan yesterday.  I could do it the next few weeks, but I think I will hold off until April.  I will make good choices and plan out my weeks, but I need a little time off, I think.  I have got to focus more on my walking/jogging b/c we are doing a Color Run on April 12th.

Enjoy our Sunday!  I'm off to get ready for church.

Weight Loss Has Its Highs and Lows

Gaining weight is so easy, and losing weight is torture.

I remember these little dresses I wore my senior year in college.  My weight/size was pretty OK.  I wasn't a skinny little thing, but I looked and felt fine.

When I started teaching 17 years ago, I focused so much on work and the stress it caused that I didn't pay attention to what I ate or how I looked.  Looking back, I remember not having things to wear near the end of the school year, so I wore my mom's clothes.  That first year was horrible.  So horrible that I changed school districts for my 2nd year.  Looking back, I had no idea how big I was and it didn't click that I had grown to a size far larger than I had ever been.  I think I may have gained 60-70 lbs that year.  How could I not realize that?  How could it not have bothered me?  Could it have been because I was just trying to survive? Why didn't someone say something?

During my 3rd year of teaching, I joined Weight Watchers with my mom and aunt.  We went to weekly meetings, and I worked hard at what I ate.  I don't remember if I joined Curves the first time at that point or not.  After 5 months, I lost 25 lbs.  This was a huge deal.  I hated that it took 5 months, but I was excited I was finally at a low point after 3 years.  However, it didn't last long.

Over the next 10 years, I regained that 25 lbs plus at least 29-30 more.  I may have even weighed more than that, but that is the largest number I remember seeing on a scale. At some point during those 10 years, I lost 11 pounds cutting out soda and trying the South Beach Diet, but it didn't stay off.

In 2010, I decided it was the year to take care of me.  I began visiting the doctor for ailments I had been experiencing for several years.  Over the next 2 years, I only lost 10 lbs trying to eat better.

Finally, as you may know from my blogging, I joined Curves again on July 9, 2012.  Everything I have done since then has been compared to that start date and the highest weight I know from 2010.

After doing the 10 day detox and really trying to watch what I eat these last few weeks, doing a lot of house work this week, and adding in some walking/jogging, I have made it back to the weight I was at after losing with Weight Watchers.  This was one of my goals.  I wanted to get to this number on the scale.  That means I have lost 54 lbs from my highest point in 2010 and 14 lbs since January 6, 2014.  Woohoo!

I am trying to keep up with my BFF who has begun walking and jogging.  Last night, I walked 4 minutes, ran 2 minutes, walked 4 minutes, jogged 1 minute, and repeated for only 25 minutes.  That was hard on my joints, but I gave it a try.  Now . . . to keep trying.

While I am excited to get to this point, I have 30-35 more pounds to go.  I need all the prayer and encouragement I can get.

Anniversary of Healthy Choices

One year ago today, one of my dearest friends and I joined Curves.  It was the second time around for both of us, but we decided this was it.  We would go every day possible until school started, and then once school began, we would meet each other there as much as we could.

One year later, I have lost . . . 30 pounds and 4 sizes!  I am excited about what I have been able to do and how much energy I have now. 

I truly wish it were more, but I can't compare myself to others.  I know someone who has lost 100 pounds in a year and others have lost 50-60 in a year and someone who lost 50 in 6 months. No one has walked in my shoes, gone through what I have, and struggled with the same struggles. 

We began working out 5-6 times a week.  Then it dwindled to 3-4 times a week. Then there were weeks I made it in there once or possible not at all.  My work schedule/duties and family obligations made my schedule crazy, but I did what I could to get to Curves as much as I could.

I used to be a "pasta-a-day" girl.  If I had a frozen meal for lunch, it involved pasta.  If I got to choose the restaurant, it was probably Italian.  Now, I hardly ever eat pasta, and if I do, I eat wheat pasta.

I am a very picky eater, but I have managed to add a few new foods to my choices--asparagus, broccoli, and carrots.

We used to eat out b/c we had a lot of evening activities or no one wanted to cook.  Eating out makes me gain fairly quickly, so we limit our eating out.  Now, I make better choices about what I eat when we do go out.  I might get a sandwich or burger, but I don't eat the fries or chips.  If I can substitute the fries/chips for apples, I will.  I eat a lot of grilled chicken sandwiches now.  I might get a child's portion. When I go to restaurants, I make healthier choices and try to eat only half of the portion.  I will split portions with Mom too.

I drink water at restaurants, unsweetened tea (with an artificial sweetener) at home, and diet soda or unsweetened tea (with an artificial sweetener) at fast food places.  I don't have soda at home or work.

There tends to be a lot of candy, sweets, or snacks in teachers' lounges and around schools.  I cut out eating anything other than what I personally took for lunch or the cashews or almonds I had for snacks.

I have
-a protein shake for breakfast,
-try to fit in a snack of nuts mid-morning,
-lunch, which is smaller and healthier than I used to take,
-try to remember another healthy snack mid-afternoon, and then I have
-dinner, which we are trying to make healthier and include plenty of veggies.

I am still working on portion control with dinner and keeping my meals healthy.

I don't count calories, but I do try to watch my carbohydrate intake.

I've been struggling the last week and a half, so I hope to get it together and continue to lose.  It is hard work that takes dedication.