I like to eat. No, I love to eat. I live to eat. You can call me a foodie if that makes you feel better. I like the term because it's more socially acceptable than food-aholic. I know I'm not alone when I say that I both love and hate food. The problem is that I like really good food. Not just a pizza, but pizza with proscuitto and bacon on it. Fro yo is good, but Haagen Daaz is better. Who wants a vodka tonic when you can have a sugar-rimed grapefruit martini? If I could, I would install a chocolate fountain in my kitchen. And working out? Um, not so much. I like yoga, but when is the last time I've actually gone to the studio?
But, there are problems with my lifestyle. Lately I've found that I can't fit into my jeans. Not just one pair, but ALL of them. Even the fat day, it's-that-time-of-the-month, jeans. The other day, I had to do that hair rubber band trick on the button at the top to get them to stay on. If you don't know what that is, it's what pregnant ladies do to extend the life of their jeans...
Not super-cute. I try to hide these tricks from my husband. Of course he would understand, but how embarrassing! Now, I realize that I'm telling many strangers and some not-so-strange about this, but it's only because I've made a choice. A choice to leave the rubber bands for my hair. A choice to eat the damn fro yo. To actually go to that yoga studio I talk about. The time is now.
Recently, I was pulled into a Jillian Michael's infomercial: Body Revolution. Also known as, "Let's spend way too much money on things we can do without". However, I purchased this because of the promise for a better me. A me free from muffin tops and camis that hide my back fat. A me that doesn't wake up feeling bloated and guilty from the binging the night before. A new and improved me. If Jillian can whip up athletes from Biggest Loser contestants, why not me? So, here is the start of my journey. I hope you enjoy it and can relate. I hope I can both inspire and be inspired.
My starting weight was 155.8 lbs. and I'm 5'6''. Not too bad, but I'm mostly fat. I'd like to change that.
This last Monday I started the "cleanse" portion of the Body Revolution program (calling it BR for short). This past week has been ridiculous. It's basically like a Mediterranean Diet. Lean proteins, veggies, olive oil and nuts. The kickers here...wait for it...NO SUGAR. NO FLOUR. NO ALCOHOL. Ok, it's just one week. I can do this. And I have (almost). Monday and Tuesday, I had the biggest headaches!!! Serious withdrawals going on. But after that, things got easier. I went to dinner and a hockey game on Friday night and ordered steak and extra veggies for dinner. Not too bad. Had a corona light (off the plan). Yesterday I entered a minefield of diet sabotage: The Baby Shower. There were things wrapped in bacon, stuffed mushrooms, yummy breads, delicious punch, cupcakes, and home-made cake pops (I LOVE cake pops). And I had....WATER. Seriously, I just had water. I can't believe I did it.
I start the workouts tomorrow. I also have my first weigh-in tomorrow. I will keep you posted.
Life is good.
Claire
This is awesome Claire! I can't wait to see how it goes! I am trying to lose weight myself. I too am a foodie. I pretty much decided to start working out just so I could continue to enjoy food hahaha!
ReplyDeleteClaire! Have you heard of eating Paleo? Basically: Cut out processed foods and eat only real foods found in nature. Specifically vegetables, a few fruits, and meats/poultry/fish without breading or any bread products. Avoid all grains, dairy, legumes and potatoes. My parents have been eating paleo for 7 months or so now, both lost tons of weight...BUT the best thing about Paleo is that it's an anti-inflammatory diet so it has been linked to reducing stomach issues, allergies, headaches, asthma, etc. etc. Ok, I am turning into my mom and getting all passionate about Paleo. I have been eating like 70-80% paleo and feel so much better when I do.
ReplyDelete:-) I am excited you started a blog!!!
-jamie
My Darling Niece,
ReplyDeleteI want to let you in on the family secret. it really isn't a secret, just an observation. We come from a long line of "square body" people. The only ones who are not, are either compulsive dieters, genetically not related to us. Most have given into "squareness". We consider it, "beautiful".
We tend to become, rubber band, pants people, growing this way innocently. Being nice, not saying "no", to a offer or one of those cuppie cakes, that you posted. The thought of them is racing through my diabetic head. We can't justify throwing out fine cheeses, real chocolate, anything. It's just that our bodies rebel, at the thoughts our brains have concerning, wonderful food.
What to do about it, that is a good question? Do the diet thing and all you do is think about food. Or, give into the delicate temptations of the foodie world and be happy. Portion control, is what I hear, works. Not so much with me. Try to do the mini moments of exercise to get the heart beating.
I wish you happiness and health. That is the only reason to modify all that is wonderful about life.
Working out is something that is needed. I found that if I could swim laps, gentle laps in a nice warm pool, I could continue to enjoy food. Swimming was my choice, because I hate feeling sweaty. ( I'm not really sure if you sweat in a pool.) Yuckie thought. Find your peace and place. This life is too short not to have your cake and eat it too.
Your every loving, square Auntie.
PS I have lots of rubber bands.
Claire, this is awesome! Tell it like it is, it's the best way to tell your story. Whenever we look elsewhere we get the glossed over version. Your humanity, warts and all is the best. I don't have dieting advice, I'd rather just let you do your thing and be the you that you want to be!
ReplyDeleteXo Gabe
oh, ps, i love jillian michaels. i did a bunch of her workouts on demand and they are butt-kicking. i am curious about this BR program...
ReplyDeleteThank you all! I love the support and encouragement! Don't get me wrong, I will definitely have cupcakes in my future, just not during the diet phase. And will have them in moderation. :)
ReplyDeletegood job claire! i actually am inspired by this. ive gained weight AGAIN and actually have been planning on getting back into shape. my weight and fitness has always been a roller coaster ride. i hope this time i make it the end of the ride and just stay in shape forever. someone was saying something about paleo eating. thats the way i usually eat when i need to lose weight or keep it off and it works every time so i second that. anyway i think this blog is real ballsy and honest and i appreciate that. thanks!
ReplyDeleteThank you!! I'm so happy to hear that! It's so difficult to break out of the up and down weight fluctuations. I think surrounding yourself with positivity and motivative, supporting people is number one. You can have all of the drive, but if you aren't supported, it will fizzle out eventually. I should look into eating paleo. I have heard a lot of good things about it. I just don't know that I can cut some foods out completely! Thank you for the encouragement, it means a lot! xo
ReplyDelete