January is a helluva time to embark on a weight loss program, right? Where’s warm motivation to come from to melt the pounds away? What will melt my heart and make me want to do such things?
Each passing day, and the approaching turn to heart-healthy February. And, the extra redundant pounds I had gained since the previous year. They curled up over my belt line as a daily reminder of my stubborn weight gain, legs swelling, and body aches. All of which was pissing me off to no end. And my driver’s license weight didn’t match up either. Living the lies, eh?
But my doctor said, “You’re perfect.”
WTH? How come I didn’t feel perfect?
Last year, it was tough losing the weight so I could fit into a bikini. I didn’t really want to go through that again. Besides, bikinis have no place in the snow.
But I wanted to get back to my ideal weight. Which varies depending upon which measurement my doctor took for my height (duh?)
According to the charts (specifically Devine, or Hamwi since I was born in 1964), I was in the wide appropriate range (106.1 – 143.4!!) at my doctor’s appointment, but I didn’t feel like I was, nor did I feel divine.
I felt like I was hanging onto fat that was far from dripping easily away. Frozen solid to my booty, waist, and thighs was more like it.
If you would’ve asked me 10 days ago if I believed I could obtain my ideal body weight in that short of time, I would’ve said,
“When H*ll freezes over!”
“Maybe, but it would be when H*ll freezes over – it’s way too cold outside here in Wisconsin for me to get enough exercise to do that!”
“I don’t know … winter comfort foods sound just so good right now – plus I’m addicted to my daily dose of Tostitos with a beer chaser. I live in Wisconsin for chrissakes – we drink our carbs. A LOT!”
I woke up 10 days ago not wanting to fight with my newly purchased compression stockings. Not wanting to feel achy. Not wanting to play fight the bulging button up skinny jeans dance or to feel the GERD-like annoyance in my throat.
Perfect, my a**.
So I (we, aka, Mr. and I) tried something new.
I sprung the idea on Mr., like every good wife who is determined to change everything in one week does. We believe we’re miracle workers when we’ve got bright ideas piling up fast.
We are, right?
I told him, “I’m doing it.”
Not, a polite, “Do you want to try this with me?” kind of way either.
Ouch … beotch in tight skinny jeans kind of way.
I (we) read a lot about that something new. Two books to be exact.
I (we) learned a lot in the past 10 days.
And, then I, unfortunately, caught a 72-hour flu bug. I had likely caught it at the doctor’s office – when I went there all perfectly healthy and subsequently exposed myself to germ central.
I digress …
Over the last 10 days, I gradually broke my addiction to Tostitos. Forever. In fact, I don’t even crave them now.
And I’ve obtained my ideal body weight without feeling hungry. I feel so much better than I did 10 days ago.
No more GERD-like feeling.
No more leg swelling. Gone!! Even after standing 10-12 hours per day. Gone!
No more extra pounds, either.
Was it easy – Not at first, but dagnabit – Yes!
And was it just giving up Tostitos that did it??
H*ll no!
It was breaking the illusions/delusions of what I thought was healthy eating all these years. The ones that I had believed the mainstream messages had told me were right for way too long.
Stay tuned …
Post Inspiration – Linda G. Hill’s #JusJoJan and One-Liner Wednesday. (Apparently, when I’ve been blogging MIA, I had way more than one-line to write!)
PS – I hope your week is off to a great start. I also hope you don’t catch the stomach bug that I had. It was freakin’ horrible! Stay healthy 🙂
Like you I wanted to lose a little weight, so I cut out the cakes and biscuits and then the grandchildren who are 12 and do gymnastics said they wanted to go vegetarian so my wife started to cook plant based meals and I am delighted to say I am losing some fat and I am still able to keep up my adequate supply of lager as well!!
Ah, yes, cutting out cakes and biscuits is a great start! I find it interesting how many young kids are into vegetarian. I wonder where they’re getting that message from? Are they teaching it in school? Glad to hear you’re losing fat and that you can still enjoy the lager as well. I took a different route and the lager is no longer something I’m craving, let’s stay in touch – I’d like to see how your journey continues!
When I was young in the 60’s I used to have a genuine 28 inch waist but everyone was so much thinner in those days. I have no intention of going back to that size as it would be impossible to get clothes. I shall keep you updated possibly on the blog should my waist line continue to shrink! I have a suspicion I could help things along if I were to cut out the lager but I’m not quite ready to stop my drug of choice just yet.
I agree, it is important to be comfortable, happy and content with our body as is. Cheers to lager and to you and your choices! 🙂
Exquisite photo of the ice crystals! I like the different perspectives.
You describe the not feeling healthy weight-wise, well. I call it feeling like a marshmallow. Darn on the flu and potentially catching it at the doctor’s office. Our entire family had the stomach bug over Christmas. Freakin’ horrible around here, too.
Thanks for the inspiration, Shelley. Interesting how one change can make a huge difference.🙂
Thank you, Erica! I couldn’t resist taking photos through the window of the ice formation. I so miss going out in the yard to catch photos.
A marshmallow fits – yes! The flu was a surprise and a good test to see what works to help me mend – a time warp of sleep was the ticket!
You’re welcome for the inspiration. It’s an experiment that is having so many positives, I couldn’t not share it! 🙂
Wholly cannoli, Shelley! I’m on the edge of my seat! Chop chop! I needed to start this…last month! Lol
Hi Laura!! LOL – I’m looking forward to sharing (here and there on my blog) the mistakes and the learning we’ve experienced. And the battles of ‘you’re kidding me, that’s not what we’ve been taught or told about health growing up!’ lessons.
The proof is in the ease of weight loss without the hungry feeling or the cravings for the crap I thought was good for me to eat! More to come!
I seriously cannot wait…weight. lol
LOL! That’s funny!
My employer sponsored “Naturally Slim” free for employees. I didn’t have a lot of weight to lose (let’s face it I am not 25 and will never be that thin again) but the older I get the quicker the pounds show up and the harder it is to get rid of them. I’ve only lost about 4 pounds but it was enough to make me feel better about how I look (all the weight is in my gut). I really liked this program and it is not a diet so much easier to stick to long term.
And I’m with you on those aches and pains and other nonsense that seems to have shown up uninvited when I turned 50.
Glad to hear you are feeling good and meeting your goals.
Loved the ice crystal photos. It’s the only winter scenery I’ll get. It’s currently 55 here in Florida. No snow or ice for us but I did get to see the SpaceX rocket launch from my house this morning.
That’s awesome your employer shared a program to help employees! It’s amazing how much 4#’s feels, isn’t it! In 10 days I had lost 4#’s – all of which I’m sure was mostly water weight. Which is really what ever diet does, I suspect.
Mr. and I are pleasantly surprised about the reduction in inflammation and aches and pains. We’re feeling some fun side effects with an extra bounce without pain in our steps!
Thanks – I’m glad you enjoyed the ice crystal photos. I could use some of the 55 degrees and sun you’re experiencing. That’s awesome that you got to see the SpaceX rocket launch – that would be awesome!! I’m jealous! Thanks for sharing your thoughts, I appreciate hearing from you!
Beautiful shots of the ice crystals. Really nice. I am curious to hear what your weight loss plan is – although a stomach bug can certainly jumpstart a plan for sure. Glad you are feeling better. So far, so good here.
Nice to see you back 🙂
Thank you – I was pleased with the photos – especially since they were shot through the window pane. Surprisingly – the majority of the weight I had lost was pre-flu. It did no doubt help get that extra 1# off, though. I’m sure it is mostly water weight – but it is amazing how that retention weight = inflammation too.
Glad all is well for you! I’m glad to hear from you. 🙂
You’re welcome! Inflammation can reek havoc on the body in so many ways. I know that on a personal level. No fun.
🙂 Yes, you do – It isn’t fun. It’s fun being beyond it too!
I’m glad your feeling better, Shelley! Yuk. I was hoping you had a magic formula for us to lose about 25 pounds quickly. Yeah, my pot belly sucks. I love the ice photos, such fun designs, great find!! 🥰
Thanks, John! I do have ideas – but I don’t want to spout off too much, especially since it’s just the beginning of the journey. As soon as I find a chili recipe that’ll help you with it, you’ll be the first to know!
Thanks for the encouragement for the photos – it was a lucky find. 🙂
It’s good to see you back in my inbox. I could mention lots of things here, but one stands out. I topped eating Tostitos last summer. I switched to pretzels. The particular pretzels I like are (light cheddar Rold Gold) are getting harder to find. I wanted something crunchy/salty so last week, I bought a bag of Tostitos and a jar of salsa. It all came back. I liked them and I wanted more. I bought another bag/jar yesterday. Maybe there was an imbalance in the snack food continuum. I think the rift has been sealed 😉
Hi Dan! I’m thankful to hear you’re happy to see my post pop into your inbox and that I didn’t end up in the spam folder!!
Oh, dear … you’re the former me – I had to admit I was addicted to them. Literally. It’s a bad thing, and now I feel so much better without them. But, trust me, I know the joys of the salty crunch. I’ll live virtually through your munching tales – just like I did last Dry January when I enjoyed your SoCS’s at the bar! 🙂
I suspect this may only last until the Superbowl is over and the snack aisle returns to its normal arrangement. At this point, it’s stuffed with the stuff the manufacturers want the store to sell. They finally came up with a sale that works. 2 for $5, and you can mix and match chips and / or salsa at that price. One bag, one jar, five bucks. I’m OK with that.
LOL – yes marketing for munchies definitely works! I’ll be munching on a Fat Bomb and celery :-).
Love those ice sculptures! What made that pattern? Congrats on reaching your goal.
Thanks, Janet. The metal table above had snow on it that melted in that pattern. It was a fun find.
Thank you! Your weight loss journey was a key inspiration for me!
Health care facilities (doctor’s offices, hospitals etc.) are the worst places to be when you’re trying not to get sick.
LOL – you’ve got that right! I’m thinking scheduling an annual physical during flu season is NOT a good idea! Maybe I should reschedule next year’s too!
Well isn’t it the way? You start down the path to better health and get tripped up along the way by something out of your control. Glad you’re feeling better.
Yes, indeed. It’s a blessing and a curse that we have so many alternative paths to health. I’m glad to be on the other side of the flu bug and onto one where I feel SO much better than before it!
I try less or no carbs all week but weekends I allow myself some goodies…it’s not easy but gets easier because, as you say, the craving goes away after a while. 🙂
It does get easier with time! I bet you’d enjoy Fat Bombs to curb the carb cravings – they’ve worked wonders for us! PS – it’s so fun to hear from you :-)!!
I weigh about the same as I did in high school, but it looks VERY DIFFERENT on my body now than it did back then. I try to stay in shape (I didn’t have to “try” back then) but the jiggly bits are taking over. I’m glad you are feeling better. Getting the flu is not a prefered way to drop a few pounds, for sure!
Janis – I’m so sorry, I found your comment in my spam folder. I have no idea why it went there!!! I’m with you on weighing close (now less after my change in diet) to high school weight. If only I still had the skin I did back then! We’ve earned our jiggles, we might as well giggle and keep on keeping on enjoying life, right?! Thank you for commenting, I’m sorry it took so long to reply!
Shelley, I was 8 pounds lighter than I was at this time lat year. I gave up added sugar and dropped the weight like THAT! Then we visited my sister in Florida this past week and stopped at several places on the drive down. Hubby is a foodie and researches restaurants at each stop. In short, we have been in vacation mode for the past 12 days. I am so bloated! I needed to read this post for inspiration. It came at the perfect time for me. Thanks!
Wow – well you lost all the weight just in time to eat all the tasty munchies and goodies on Super Bowl Sunday!
Yep – and just in time to eat the new version of snacks that taste better, make me feel full longer and don’t add pounds. Cheers to the end of January and onto a heart-healthy February! I hope you’ve been having nice weather to walk in. We’re supposed to have warmer temps this weekend – I am craving outdoors and sunshine!!
Yes, for sure – must have snacks to munch on and regain your strength. We had the three crummy weekends in a row – Saturday won’t be nice (snow showers and rain showers through the day) but Sunday will be very mild and 50 on Monday! Then shovelable snow arrives a few days later. Ugh.
Our weekend is supposed to be warmer, but windy. That makes 35 feel like 23, sigh. I guess we must resolve ourselves to the fact that winter isn’t over yet. Wonder what Phil will have to say about it?!
We are supposed to be 46 tomorrow and breezy – was looking forward to a long walk on the River, but this morning around 4:00 it started snowing like crazy and sticking. I am finding it hard to believe that it will melt and get that warm tomorrow? I’m curious too and we have Woody the Woodchuck who has been right more often than Phil – SHE is good with 15 times right out of the last 20 years. #Justgetawomantodoit
LOL – love the SHE factor – I’ll keep my fingers crossed that she gives us good news!
She did – an early Spring, same as Phil. She made a Super Bowl prediction two (she chose KC after putting her nose repeatedly against that paper mache football, not the SF 49ers!
I’m sold – she’s the best! I’m glad KC won and that there will be an early Spring. We’re due for a nice year for walking, right?!
I’m glad KC won too and she made her pick for Super Bowl correctly, so hopefully she got the early Spring prediction right too!
I hope so!
I’ll stayed tuned. Looking forward to learning more about what you did.
I’m glad to share – you’ll be interested in the dementia/Alzheimer’s twist you’ll be (at least I was) shocked/happy to hear is connected to for prevention of it with this diet.
That’s wonderful
It’s actually what convinced me the most to take this new journey!
Well, I’m on that path, but not reaching my destination… yet. I have been a regular at the gym. I actually eat pretty healthy. Just too much. So, that’s my spring project. May is my goal date. UGH. I am also in my 50’s, and jeepers it gets harder! Kudos to your success! May you inspire me (please) 😊
It is tougher in the 50’s that’s what I was finding. So I thought, ‘what the heck do I have to lose by trying this’ – and it is working better than I had ever imagined it would. Exercise never hurts, but it isn’t the magic bullet we’ve been told makes the difference. Having said that, I do still exercise every day. 🙂 More to come!
Oh no, the stomach flu is horrible! We just had the fever/cough, and that was bad enough! I did find just a few days of not really eating and drinking how I normally would helped me do a reset on my eating and drinking. Why a beer in the middle of the week? Because it was there and it was a habit. You know I like my beer, too! Why the cookies that aren’t even special? Because they were there. Well, now they’re not and I bought a great pair of jeans that are just a smidge too tight in the waist, so now I have to be good and lose maybe just a couple more pounds before spring! Well done, Shelley. So wonderful about your legs not swelling now. I write some for the National Blood Clot Alliance, and swelling legs of any kind make me nervous. Keep up the great work. You inspire me!
The funny thing is, I steadily lost weight throughout the first 10 days – the sick days and the non-sick days. But the sick days made breaking up with the Tostitos that much easier. Yes, you and I are beer fans! 😉
Nice motivation by buying the size of jeans you’ll be come spring.
Thank you about the leg swelling – I’m relieved about that as well. I may have remembered that you wrote for the NBCA – I’m curious what diet they recommend?!
I’m on a very healthy path and being over the hump of the withdrawals from carbs makes it so much easier to maintain and gain even more health!
I’m so impressed with your diet, Shelley–you’re doing so great! So, I went to the NBCA website to see if they list any recommendations for diet and they don’t. Among the risk factors are “Overweight” and smoking, of course. You sound like you’re being good and healthy. Your doc will be so pleased, I’m sure!
Thank you, Rebecca. Yeah, that’s the problem – they only know to recommend losing weight and quit smoking. I appreciate you checking!!
I’m hoping my doctor will be tickled next year at my physical. So far, so good. 🙂
So far, so great!