Ch-ch-ch-changes...
When I was in high school, I was skinny. When I say skinny, I mean I was 5'2" and 95 pounds fully-clothed soaking wet. I didn't hit 100 pounds until college. I could eat as much as I wanted of anything I wanted and hardly gain an ounce. Just one of those great metabolisms, I guess. I used to wish I was 110 pounds so I could be eligible to donate blood. Before you hate me, let me tell you now that I weigh about 145. OK, still not exactly what you'd call obese, and not surprising after two kids, but I'm pushing the limit on the acceptable amount of body fat.
Those years of being able to eat lots of anything I wanted gave me bad habits. Namely:
1. Sugar-loaded carbonated beverages (diet Coke?? ICK!!!)
2. Chocolate
3. Ice cream
4. Fattening desserts of any and every kind
After two full-term pregnancies, my metabolism has slowed tremendously, but my bad habits remain. As a result, I've concluded I must change my ways.
As of Monday, April 18, I am making a lifestyle change in how I eat. I'm following Dr. Phil's Ultimate Weight Solution, starting with the Two-Week Rapid Start Plan. What does that mean, exactly? For starters, it means I'm cutting out virtually all sugar for two weeks, and reducing all carbs dramatically. Any carbs I do eat will be limited to fruit or whole grains. Luckily I already have a taste for whole grains (I far prefer wheat to white bread), but giving up sugar will be extremely hard. I expect to go through withdrawal.
I have heard that after these first two weeks, I'm not likely to crave sugary foods anymore, as long as I continue to consume them in moderation. But these first two weeks will be HARD. I'm used to eating when I'm bored, unhappy, watching TV, on the computer, etc. Carbs are a way I've dealt with depression. That's great if it helps the depression; not great when I realize I have essentially gained 50 pounds since I graduated from high school with this method.
I've tried "dieting". It doesn't work. Once I've attained my goal, I go back to eating things that make me gain weight, and eating for comfort. Part of Dr. Phil's plan includes dealing with this trap. I'm on Zoloft and seeing a therapist...and I also intend to start exercising: another HARD thing for me.
I'm anxious about the first two weeks, and worried that I'll fail. But adult-onset obesity runs in my family (my mother, who was also extremely petite as a teenager, is 4'10" and weighs probably around 250 pounds), as does diabetes. I think I owe it to both my physical health and my mental health to do this. And the legacy I'll pass on to my own girls in showing them how to take care of their bodies will be doubly worth it.
Those years of being able to eat lots of anything I wanted gave me bad habits. Namely:
1. Sugar-loaded carbonated beverages (diet Coke?? ICK!!!)
2. Chocolate
3. Ice cream
4. Fattening desserts of any and every kind
After two full-term pregnancies, my metabolism has slowed tremendously, but my bad habits remain. As a result, I've concluded I must change my ways.
As of Monday, April 18, I am making a lifestyle change in how I eat. I'm following Dr. Phil's Ultimate Weight Solution, starting with the Two-Week Rapid Start Plan. What does that mean, exactly? For starters, it means I'm cutting out virtually all sugar for two weeks, and reducing all carbs dramatically. Any carbs I do eat will be limited to fruit or whole grains. Luckily I already have a taste for whole grains (I far prefer wheat to white bread), but giving up sugar will be extremely hard. I expect to go through withdrawal.
I have heard that after these first two weeks, I'm not likely to crave sugary foods anymore, as long as I continue to consume them in moderation. But these first two weeks will be HARD. I'm used to eating when I'm bored, unhappy, watching TV, on the computer, etc. Carbs are a way I've dealt with depression. That's great if it helps the depression; not great when I realize I have essentially gained 50 pounds since I graduated from high school with this method.
I've tried "dieting". It doesn't work. Once I've attained my goal, I go back to eating things that make me gain weight, and eating for comfort. Part of Dr. Phil's plan includes dealing with this trap. I'm on Zoloft and seeing a therapist...and I also intend to start exercising: another HARD thing for me.
I'm anxious about the first two weeks, and worried that I'll fail. But adult-onset obesity runs in my family (my mother, who was also extremely petite as a teenager, is 4'10" and weighs probably around 250 pounds), as does diabetes. I think I owe it to both my physical health and my mental health to do this. And the legacy I'll pass on to my own girls in showing them how to take care of their bodies will be doubly worth it.
posted by Andrea | 9:34 PM
6 Comments:
You can do it! You sound motivated, and thats what it takes. Your setting a very good example for your kids. Diets dont work. Its all about the lifestyle. Your teaching them a good lifestyle.
Lawbrat
I've read this, and thought it was incredible. The thing that helped me the most was keeping a food diary; it opened my eyes as to just how many calories were going in each day.
Good luck with the changes! You'll find after a really short time following his plan that you feel soooo much more energy.
Thanks, lawbrat and mrtl! Yes, I'm looking forward to having more energy; this is one of the facets of my battle with depression that could help many of the other parts if it improves.
I'm on the South Beach Diet and it sounds like this is the exact same thing. It's all about being heart healthy for the long term, not just to lose unwanted pounds.
you will be amazed after about a month with out the sugar, how much more energy you have as well as a much more consistent source of energy. No more sugar low's and lunch time coma's.
Just remember that when you slip up and have that little something naughty, it's only that, a slip. Don't beat yourself up over it. Just keep working at it. It takes a few weeks to break habits.
don't think about what if I fail at this, just think about the fact that you need to succeed and that you can succeed at this. Don't weigh in every day either. Do it once a week and you'll get more gratification from your success.
okay..I'll stop preaching...diet coke is not that bad. ;-)
Best of Luck!
Thanks for the encouragement, greenie! After the first couple of weeks, I hope to allow myself the *occasional* treat (I don't know if I can give up chai forever!!).
But sorry, I don't see myself ever acquiring a taste for Diet Coke! :p
I think you're very brave to post this, to let everyone know what you're doing. I gained a lot of weight during the course of various heinous drug therapies for infertility. Once I stopped that, I lost most, but not all. A knee injury in January sidelined me from working out until just this week, so I need to get in gear and get rid of my extra, too. I'll check out Dr. Phil's book. I have heard good things about it. I wish you MUCH success:)
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