Last year I finally got my act together and decided enough was enough. Hence this blog. And so far it’s been slow but steady, with a total weight loss of somewhere in the 15kg mark, and about the same to go.
So why this post? Well, I went for a checkup - you know, the usual girlie stuff. But this time my GP checked hormone levels and a few other things, because of some symptoms I have.
And you know what? I have polycystic ovary disease AND a hypoactive thyroid! If I’d known about these earlier I would have used them as an excuse for not being able to lose weight, instead of realising that it was my lazy arse that was causing the problem. So I probably wouldn’t have even tried.
All the “experts” tell you that losing weight is difficult if not impossible with one of these problems, let alone both. And a lot of people use these diagnoses as an excuse.
Well guess what people? Losing weight is hard work. No matter what. And complaining that you are exceptional because you have a “hormone problem” ain’t going to cut it with me anymore. Sorry.
So get out there, pound that footpath and count those calories. If I can do it, anyone can! I’m about the laziest person I know.
In other news, I’ve decided to count my macro-nutrients as well as calories. I’m trying to stick to the 40-40-20 plan, which is 40% calories from carbohydrates, 40% from protein and 20% from fat. So far today (the first day I’ve done this) it’s not going so well. I’m finding it hard to get my protein up while keeping my fat down. I think I’m going to have to start putting a lot more effort into planning my meals.
Oh well, I’m up for the challenge. Who’s with me?
Posted on June 6th, 2009 by primm
Filed under: General, Goals, Nutrition | 1 Comment »
I’ve been slack. I’ve been very slack. I’ve been kidding myself into believing that because I’m “counting calories” and weighing myself regularly that I should be losing weight.
Guess what? It isn’t working! Counting doesn’t help if you don’t restrict them! Counting to 2500 or 3000 isn’t going to help me to lose weight.
*Sigh* This isn’t easy, is it? I guess that’s the point. If it were easy, anyone could do it.
So I’m going to go for a run, and plan my next 3 days at work. And today. And stick to my plan. More of the same old boring old stuff that works, and I’ve done before, and will do again.
I know why the quick fix promises attract people though. If there were a guaranteed weight loss pill, I’d be there. In an instant. But there isn’t.
Posted on May 31st, 2009 by primm
Filed under: General, Nutrition, Tips and hints | No Comments »
Right. Christmas is over. Easter is over. I’ve turned 40, and done the Grand European Vacation (I swear I was Italian in a previous life. That place is my ancestral home!)
So now it’s time. Time to hit this thing up for real. I’m 10kg lighter than I was this time last year, and by the end of this year I will be another 13kg down. That will take me into the healthy weight range according to my BMI. I know, I know what everyone says about the BMI and how it’s not really accurate for everyone, but it gives me a goal that to me sounds reasonable. So I’m going to go with it for the moment.
So it’s back to 3FC, Calorie King, and my water bottle. Oh, and I’m going to start hitting the pavement again. C25K here I come. I’ll be doing the Bridge to Brisbane in September - anyone care to join me?
Here’s to a new me. Ready, set, … … … … … GO!
Posted on April 26th, 2009 by primm
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For 2 whole weeks! Despite doing 12 hours overtime last week.
My eating and exercise is going great guns, and I’m feeling the benefits. I’m sleeping better, my energy levels are way up and I just generally feel healthier.
We went to a water park on Tuesday. In my Previous Life I’d be sitting down in the wave pool on a fairly regular basis, but now it’s onward and upward. Literally! We did probably 7 of the big slides, and they are up stairs that are about 3-4 flights for each slide. So that’s about 25 flights of stairs I climbed. My quads were a bit sore the next day, but are fine now that I’ve recovered.
I’m going for a run now. Because I can. And because I want to.
Cheers!
Posted on January 29th, 2009 by primm
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After sitting at 87-ish kg for the last 2 months or so, I put some batteries in my scale today and weighed myself for the first time since Christmas. I told myself I would be happy to maintain, and satisfied with a 1-2 kg gain.
Nope. Not for this little black duck. I now weigh - drumroll please, maestro - 85.4 kg! That’s a loss over the Christmas/New Year period of 2.1 kg (was 87.5).
I’m absolutely stoked. And totally motivated and recommitted. And loving the skin I’m in right now.
Posted on January 10th, 2009 by primm
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It’s funny, isn’t it, how the whole weight loss process works? I’m finding out new things about myself every day, about how strong I really am, and what I am actually capable of, rather than what I’ve been told.
Today, for example, I got home from work at 7:30am after a 12 hour night shift - on my feet, sick babies, high-maintenance parents. I should have just had a quick shower and fallen into bed, but the one thing I wanted to do more than anything else was go for a run. So I did!
A quick 5.6km round the block (actually it was a bit slow, and I walked a bit because I really WAS exhausted, much as I tried to deny it. Oh, and my feet hurt…) and I feel so much better about myself.
Anyway, the point of todays blog was to talk about rebellion. And how my “don’t tell me what to do!” nature is influencing my weight loss progress.
When I was a teenager I was pretty terrible about doing what I was told. I still am, in fact! I’m just better at hiding it now. I’ve chosen calorie counting as my plan to lose weight, and it’s working for me.
Like a gazillion other people, I’ve done the rounds. Jenny Craig, SureSlim, Weight Watchers. You name it, I’ve had a go. And failed. Spectacularly, in some cases.
But this time is different. The reason occurred to me when I was struggling to do my 5k the other day on the treadmill at the gym. I didn’t get up early enough to get out on the road before it got really hot, so I thought I’d run in airconditioned comfort.
I realise I don’t like being told what to do! Whoa, what a shock. But that explains a whole bunch of reactions I have, like hating Jenny Craig, seriously disliking running on the treadmill (you want me to run HOW fast??) but not having a problem with running outside, and my morbid hatred of exercise classes (although that may stem from bad aerobics classes at high school in the 80’s…)
So now I do what I want. Eat what I want, when I want. Exercise how often and how intensely I desire, without someone telling me what to do. Hey, it’s working for me!
I’d love some feedback on the programs (or lack of…) that other people are following, and their basic personality types. I’m not saying people who do formal programs are sheep, just that the more rebellious of us may be better with a plan that allows for freedom of expression. And less rules and regulations!
I’m off to make myself a kick-ass salad now. And eat some fruit. And apologise belatedly for slacking off in Miss Forbes’ aerobics class, year 10, 1984. I realise now she really did know what she was doing! If I’d paid more attention, maybe I wouldn’t be here now.
Posted on January 9th, 2009 by primm
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I know I’ve been MIA. I’m not very good at this blogging malarky, am I? Sorry about that.
But I’ve been running, and eating healthy. My weight loss has slowed down a bit but I’m fitting into my clothes a whole lot better, so I’m obviously shrinking. Building muscle, anyone?
I had probably 3 weeks off running over Xmas/New Year. I know it’s a crap excuse, but it’s too hot! But then when I got back into it this week I’m running further and longer than I ever have before, with less effort. So obviously rest is good. Just not too much…
So, my stats for today:
Intake: 1887 calories.
Exercise: 500 calories.
Weight: No idea! The batteries in my scale have died, and I haven’t got around to getting new ones yet. Tomorrow, I promise.
Cheers, chickies!
Posted on January 4th, 2009 by primm
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I know, I’ve been a slack little blogger lately. I blame the end of year/Christmas thing. I thought I’d finished my shopping, but turns out I bought for my brother and his family instead of my sister and hers, so now I still have more to do. I don’t think gifts for an 8 and 10 year old boy will translate well into 12 and 14 year old girls, somehow!
Hi ho, hi ho, it’s off to the shops I go…
Posted on December 13th, 2008 by primm
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I forgot again. I went out today for a quick 5k, and forgot that last time I did that after night duty and having not drunk my water the day before, I felt like crap. So it happened again.
Hey, at least I recognised what was happening this time! And kept going. Despite the severe waves of nausea. And having to jump over fallen trees and mud patches after the worst week of storms I can remember. We didn’t lost any house parts, but lots of people around us and in The Gap did. Not much fun.
Posted on November 23rd, 2008 by primm
Filed under: Fitness, Nutrition | No Comments »
You’ve heard the story about the frog in the boiling water, right? You know, how if you put a frog into boiling water it will jump out, but if you start with cold water and gradually increase the temperature the frog will stay there until it cooks to death.
Well, for me, weight gain was like that. I went along obliviously gaining, not realising that my clothes were increasing in size and my waistline was expanding. Actually at some level I did realise, but didn’t really care enough to do anything about it.
But then one day I woke up. And decided that if I wanted to enjoy my life to its utmost, I had to do something about my weight and my overall state of health. So I hit 3FC, started running, and the rest is history. Or history in the making anyway, because this little black duck is a work in progress.
Fortunately the frog analogy works in reverse as well. For the last 4 months I’ve been seeing the numbers on the scales get lower, watching the tape measure tighten around my waist, and noticing that my clothes are getting looser. A lot looser in fact, so much so that I’ve had to buy new smaller clothes. Including a gorgeous black lace dress the other day in a size 14! I haven’t worn a 14 since before I had kids, and M graduated from high school the other day.
But when I look in the mirror I still see the fat chick, with rolls on rolls and her muffin top hanging over her size 18 jeans. Not a good look! People at work have been telling me I look skinnier, but you know how sometimes you think your friends are telling you what they think you want to hear? Yep, that’s me.
Until I took photos. You see, when I started this journey back in March 2008 I took photos. So I would be able to see the change. Farsighted of me, wasn’t it? So on Friday I took some more.
I freely admit to some trepidation when I was processing them. I hadn’t looked at the old photos for a long time, and I honestly believed there wouldn’t be much difference. I was telling myself that I didn’t want to know, because if the difference wasn’t noticeable I would be disappointed.
But I was pleasantly surprised! Gobsmacked I believe is the word. Call me vain, but I can’t stop looking at my photos. There is such a significant change that if the world were to end tomorrow and I was told I wasn’t allowed to lose any more weight ever, I would be disappointed but reasonably happy with my efforts.
So, enough talk. On with the slide show!
Can I just say first that I think I even look happier. I may be imagining that, but the person in the second set is more relaxed and comfortable in her own skin.
The beginning. 98 kg (just a shade over 216 lb).
And…the middle. 10.8 kg down to 87.2 (23.8 lb, to 192.2 lb). Here you go:
Like I said, a work in progess. But a fair amount of progression has occurred so far! And I feel great - more energy, my skin feels clearer, my hair and nails are shinier - I sound like a bad midnight infomercial for some overpriced cream or tablets, don’t I? Sorry about that.
Cheers chickies!
Posted on November 17th, 2008 by primm
Filed under: General, weigh-in | 1 Comment »