I kept thinking I would get a better picture of me with my bike, but it's not gonna happen. So here's my cute bike. (Thanks, Dad!)OK, it's been 6 weeks now since I started exercising, so I thought it was high time I made a progress report. The good news is, I've been doing really well with the exercise -- averaging 4 times a week, which is really quite remarkable considering I hadn't exercised at all for about two years! And I'm enjoying it, which is even more remarkable.
And, here's the trailer rig so you can see what I'm doing, Mom. All I have to do is mention going on a bike ride, and Eva heads for the door. She usually falls asleep!The bad news is, I haven't done as well with overhauling my eating habits. I did really well for a week or two and then I just started to slip back to my old ways. I stopped writing everything down, and then I just wasn't as mindful about my eating. So I'm only down 2 pounds from where I started. And yes, I know that muscle weighs more than fat, and maybe I have more muscle now, I don't know. It's a little discouraging. I know that exercise has lots more benefits besides weight loss, but I want that too!
Here's a strange phenomenon: I actually think I look worse since I started working out! Is that possible? I've asked several people about it and Marc, Jessie, and my s-i-l Michelle all say they have had that experience. Jessie thinks it's all in your mind, but I have my doubts. Michelle thinks your muscle lifts and tightens but if the fat is still there, it just looks different. In any case, I am not liking this. I need to get serious about developing better eating habits, I guess. I'm going to type up all of the suggestions everyone gave me onto a sheet I can stick up on my fridge, maybe that will help me to think things through rather than just grab something to eat.
Already more than a month has passed, with essentially no weight loss. Only 7 months to go before Paris!!!
18 comments:
Congratulations on all the exercising! That's a huge deal so don't discount your efforts at all. Four times a week is a tremendous accomplishment, so you should be very proud of yourself.
I know exactly what you mean about looking worse after you start exercising. I have experienced that many times and often use it as an excuse to stop. Whatever the reason is, just fight it and keep going.
I think the success of excercising outweighs the discouragment or very little weightloss! YEA! You should feel so good about your success in the cycling department that it should override beind disappointed. Sometimes when I try too hard it seems I have my least success! Then I really get discouraged--that's what has happened the last few weeks for me. I start trying to figure out what's happening and there is no reason that I can see(no excess of Chinese food to hold water.....) you know, teacher. ....I try to wait till I'm really hungry before I ear, but now I wonder if I should just eat small carrot-like snacks to prevent me from really getting hungry. It's really a puzzle! Keep on biking! Dad will be so happy. Let that be your reward!
My latest favorite tip to avoid over snacking is "True Lemon" crystallized lemon packets. You just add one to a glass of water and it tastes just like a squeeze of lemon. I keep them in my purse to add to water when I am out and then I avoid soda and drink a lot more water. I also try to drink a glass of water when I think I want a snack and it sometimes takes the edge off. Keep up your hard work-you inspire me!
I like what Jennifer said- I have heard several times that hunger and thirst feel the same to us and usually when we think we want to eat, we just need to rehydrate!
You've made it clear you hate my weight comments, but I do agree, losing weight is hard and for too long exercising seems to just redistribute the weight. But, four times a week?!! That is awesome Michelle! And as much as we'd all like it to translate to lost pounds, you are doing what the experts say is needed for your heart to be healthy! The weight will come, for now, know you are prolonging your grandma days by getting your heart into shape!
Think of it this way too Michelle- your heart is healthier! All of that exercise means that your body will live healthier longer! Heart disease is I think the #1 killer of women, but not you! Look at that #4 times a week, that is better than MOST, wonderful work! I am like you in that I want instant gratification! But unlike you, I quit when I don't get it! I am taking this as a lesson, good for you! I am certain you don't look worse, inside or out! Your heart thanks you! Eva loves it! My guess is that it will start falling off once you get the food/exercise going at the same time. I usually do really well with one or the other, and when I can get in sync with both at the same time its a killer combo! Just love that your body can push that bike and pull that baby, that is a heavy bike from the looks of it, and you've got what 40lbs of trailer and baby? You are getting stronger by the day Michelle!
I'm impressed with the exercising. My bike has had a flat tire since we moved here 4 years ago. Hom embarrassing is that!!!
L-O-V-E your bike! So cute! I think you should feel great about exercising. One habit at a time right?
That is a cute bike. And I agree with Amy - one good habit at a time is a good way to start. That's the only way I know how to do it. One step at a time.
You are doing great Michelle- exercising is such a gift to give yourself. Recommit to writing things down and don't give up! In this book I have it has a part about accepting the set backs, admitting that you overate or whatever, and then immediatly re-commit and move forward. I really think about this alot because I can fall into the trap of feeling guilty for a long time and telling myself there is no point. But not making a big deal out of it has helped a lot to keep me focused and looking foward instead of back at all those regrets. You are doing so good!
Seriously 4 days a week is HUGE. Way to go. Your bike is awesome! I wish I had a bike, sadly I don't right now. I love that Eva loves to go riding with you so cute!
Michelle, don't give up! You're doing great. You're doing more than great. You're doing what the majority of Americans can't do! I think your last comment is the key to this puzzle--you have 7 whole months to go until Paris. Seven months! Your body can change a lot in seven months. So, don't give up. I hate when people say this, but it's true--it took a long time to put on the weight, it's going to take some time to take it off. In the meantime, just remember that it's getting easier and easier to go out and exercies, you're able to go farther and longer and you're probably feeling better, both pysically and emotionally than you have in a while. Hankg in there!
Oh, and one more thing! Here's a story to support the muscle weighs more than fat thing--when I was working out with Preston, my trainer, four times a week, he told me that my ideal wieght would be 125. I wanted to die! In my mind, my ideal weight is more like 110 (hey, I'm short!) and an extra 15 pounds on a girl who's barely 5'1" is a lot! When the gym closed I had reached, I think, 128--and I looked better than I have since high school. Believe that story--it's true!
ok that bike is so stinkin cute, didn't they have it in pink?
but you are even cuter! way to go girl i am so proud of you
Michelle as far as I am concerned biking is one of the hardest exercises to do...so commendable applause for you and on top of that pulling a little bundle extra wonderful. Now continue to write down what you eat, since this creates a concious effort and all I can recomend if (you are not willing to do a strict diet is PORTIONS) just cut them in half I started to do that...I get hungrier faster, but I just eat another small portion. That way your stomach is getting smaller and thus you get fuller with less food. (This is what really makes all those gastrostomach loose the weight) is that they can't handle soo much food (quantity) that they have to eat (from everything) but in smaller quantities....keep it up! because if you stop...time has a way of going way faster when you are not doing something worthy than when you do...and then you turn around and see (all that time!!) and I didn't do it.
GO GIRL!
I love the picture of you and your bike.. oh so cute. I also love the picture of Eva. How lucky are you that she sleeps in a bike trailer.
I'd be so proud if I were you of how much exercise you are doing. Those Paris girls will be eating their hearts out.
Way to go. Four times a week is a big deal and not to mention you are pulling Eva along and probably up lots of hills.
Don't give up. I have to tell myself this all of the time. Whenever I start exercising after having slacked off or just doing more I feel I look worse. Gaining muscles make my clothes fit tighter and this disturbs me. I feel as if I gain weight instead lose, but then slap myself and remind me of how much good this is for my body and how much healthier I am because of exercising.
Keep it up girl, you are doing great!
I am very impressed with your exercizing! WAY TO GO!! As everyone else has commented, exercizing is such a health thing to do. They weight loss will come, especially as you get the intake under control. And good for Eva as well...a great mother, daughter activity.
My question is this...what about in the winter, what will you do for exercize??
Sorry to be so late commenting.... I just had another thought to add.
I learned long ago, that exercize alone does not provide me with weight loss. I also have to regulate my eating (portion control and cut the junk) even to maintain my weight, especially to lose. I have been able to make it a habit...don't think about the fact that I'm tired or have other things that need to be done (excuses).
I am impressed with your riding, hope the boys ride with you!
I am late but I have to give my two cents....
My sister Becca lost 70 pounds last year (after a baby) and she was disturbed that it took her 70 weeks when she looked back. It disturbed me how many 70 week periods have gone by since I have been fat. It made me get over thinking a pound here and there doesn't matter. Isn't that how I got "here." She also has figured out that she completely controls her weight with food and exercises for her health. She actually loses a few more pounds when she takes a couple weeks off from exercising. How hard would that be to keep doing it?!
Anyway, you got lots of good tips. I think you are doing great. I wish I were more motivated in the exercise department. I am trying this week.
Writing everything down is key for me, planning ahead, and stopping when I am out of points instead of deciding I will after this one more thing... especially with the holidays coming.... everyday cannot be an exception!
I love the picture of you and your bike and I think you look great, I think it may be all in your head that you are bigger! Two pounds down is better than up!
I haven't been on the computer much this week, I will e-mail you back and it is never too late for book orders. I will give Jill the October ones or mail them to you in the next couple of days too.
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