Don't worry, my friends - this isn't some "I'm failing so I'm rebooting" post.
In fact, I've been quite successful the last several weeks. Let's talk about what's gone RIGHT.
1) I'm down another 2 pounds to 357.
2) I've worked out 5 out of 7 days of the last week.
3) I haven't battled a side-stitch since the race in January.
4) My coach and teammates are all communicating with me - and I'm gaining momentum.
5) I have a NEW pair of New Balance shoes that actually fit a bit better than my last pair (the last pair were 2Es, these are 4Es)
So I can't really be too upset with that progress.
That being said - there are a few stumbles.
1) My exercise plan has been a little hit and miss due to some baby related and sleep related issues. Although I've worked out 5 times - it's all been indoors.
2) The weight loss - although positive - isn't ENOUGH for me - isn't fast enough or drastic enough. And I'm trying.
So - what's this "new chapter" we're talking about?
As I was wandering through the bookstore the other day, a "diet" book caught my eye. "Fat to Skinny: Fast and Easy"
A title like that demands attention. So I picked it up and flipped through the success stories and testimonials. 210 pounds in 15 months. 101 in 6 months. 90 in 6 months. 30 pounds in a month.
These are obviously the best examples for advertising - but I was interested enough to read on.
It's a low net-carb plan. And the more I read it - the more I liked it. It's different than the original Atkins (which I tried in high school, and had success with - although got tired of meat and cheese) because it counts NET carbs - and encourages lean proteins and veggies. The plan is simple - meats and greens get you lean. 20g of net carbs a day or less - and you will burn fat cells. Add in my exercise plan - and we've got a potential winner here.
It actually got me excited. Excited enough to buy it and discuss it with Amber.
Who agreed to do it with me.
So yesterday we cleaned out the kitchen. If it had more than 4g of net carbs - out it went. And then shopping. And this morning we both weigh in and start this together.
It feels....new. Different. Exciting.
And that's a great feeling.
EPCOT AWAITS!
Have you talked to your doctor about this new diet plan? I know you are probably frustrated that the weight isn't falling off but the fact that you ARE loosing weight, even a couple of pounds in a week or two IS PROGRESS. Eventually those pounds add up and before you know it you've lost 20-30 pounds (just as an example as I'm not sure what your final goal is).
ReplyDeleteTo me it seems like you get frustrated and maybe a bit bored if you don't see the progress you want, so you jump into something new (i.e. new exercise equipment, a new diet book) looking for that quick fix. When it comes to weight loss, there are no quick fixes, it takes TIME and DEDICATION.
I don't want to sound like I'm knocking your new diet plan, after all if this is the one that truly works for you then that's great. I (and I'm sure the rest of Team Voice) just want to see you happy and achieve your goals but we want you to be smart about it.
I love coming on here and seeing the club 8 needle go down a couple clicks.
ReplyDeleteNice having a loss. Nice to hear you talk about the positive . Progress no matter how small or how slow. Progress. Have a great week!
ReplyDeleteNice loss! I agree with Rachel though. Remember, if you lose even 1lb/week, you're losing 52lbs/year!
ReplyDeleteOkay...so, I'm not mad at the progress - it is progress and that's important.
ReplyDeleteI have to ask if you talked to your nutritionist about this. You have to remember that one of your goals is to get the running back up and do well at the races...Guess what your body needs to do this - fuel and a lot of that fuel comes from guess what - carbs. It is not necessarily healthy to cut out that many carbs and expect your running to improve the way you want. Also, you should so be leary of anything that says fast weight loss - that's not necessarily healthy for you either. Slow and steady not only wins the weight loss race, but it allows you to change your lifestyle so that it continues past the weight loss and in to the maintenance phase.
I know I shouldn't be preachy since I'm struggling with weight loss myself right now, but I don't want to see your health end up suffering because of diet that doesn't meet all of your body's needs for fueling the best workouts.
Please just be careful with these quick fix ideas and make sure you truly understand the potential pitfalls of plans like these. Find out what is a healthy amount of carbs for a runner and work with your nutritionist to make sure you're doing what's best for weight loss and to continue to reach your fitness goals.