Maintainers - Week Of May 16 - 21

Meg · 05-16-2005, 04:58 AM

Good morning!

And how is everyone this morning? Do anything fun this weekend? Fired up for a new week?

Congratulations again to Sandy, who posted that May 12 was her first anniversary of reaching goal and starting maintenance.

She wrote a wonderful summary about what the past year has been like for her – I know we all can relate to so much of it.

It wasn’t until I read Sandy’s post that I realized that May 12 is also MY anniversary of reaching goal! What a coincidence! I started my weight loss journey on June 1, 2001 and hit goal on May 12, 2002, getting rid of 122 pounds in the process. So it’s been three years of maintenance for me now.

The funny thing is that I didn’t even think about my anniversary this year! It was a huge deal to me in Year One and Year Two and in my usual long-winded style, I posted all about my anniversaries and the lessons I’ve learned along the way: 2003 and 2004. So huh? What's up with not remembering this year? I don’t think that I’ve gotten complacent or that it’s not important; I’ve just been kind of busy this month.

What have I learned this year? There’s really nothing much to add to my previous years’ posts except to highlight and underscore that this is a lifetime struggle. I work at maintaining my weight every single day. Every day I make hundreds of decisions that determine whether I’ll keep the weight off or relapse and gain it back. Weight maintenance isn’t natural or intuitive for me and I don’t expect that it ever will be - it takes conscious thought and effort. Some days are easy and some are so, so hard.

This reality of maintenance is a far cry from my naïve belief that I’d be ‘cured’ of all my eating issues once I reached my goal weight. I honestly thought that maintenance would be easy and effortless and natural (I was wrong, wrong, wrong!) Little did I know that losing the weight was the easy part – seriously. ‘They’ aren’t kidding when they say that maintenance is harder than losing.

HOWEVER … maintenance does gets easier over time as my confidence grows that I can keep the weight off. Doing what it takes is second nature to me now. And every bit of effort and dedication that it takes to maintain is totally worth it! Planning meals? Counting calories? Daily exercise? A VERY small price to pay indeed for the incredible gift of a normal, functional, healthy body.

I still – three years later – wake up every day with a sense of joy and wonder at the realization that I finally FINALLY defeated the Fat Monster. It's the first thing I think about every day. So here’s to another year of maintenance, Sandy and all of the rest of you! Let’s keep on defying all the statistics about weight regain - together, one day at a time.

Sandy, you and I have a date back here on May 12, 2006!

Have a great week, everyone!

Ilene · 05-16-2005, 08:12 AM

As usual Meg (and Sandy, I read your post yesterday on the other thread) great posts... inspirational too, I needed that this fine Monday morning when my weight is up about 4#

... I know it's menstruation related BUT on the other hand I haven't been eating all that well the last couple of weeks either... So it's back full force today starting with a good breakfast and legs

later on ... TTFN, let's be careful out there.......

AnneWonders · 05-16-2005, 09:25 AM

Well, I'm doing better on my exercise, more consistent, and my eating has at least been on and off, instead of just off. I'm feeling better for a change, even as the baby (and I) grow.

My parents visited this weekend. They bought us piles and piles of baby stuff including a stroller/car seat system and a pac-n-play, and I think I'm finally past the freak-out stage when we go to Babys-R-Us. Starting to look forward to the baby coming, instead of hoping this pregnancy would just get over soon. Such a change in just a week. We ate way too much this weekend, but the food was all good and the guilt was minimal. My amnio is this week, and I'm both looking forward to and dreading that. DH is also out of town most of the week, so it'll be just me and the doggies.

Sandy, thanks for the great post. Meg, enjoy your vacation--you deserve it after all the work you've been doing lately. Ilene, hang in there! I'm sure all that water weight will just dissolve in a day or two. Hope everybody else is doing well.

Anne

Sashenka · 05-16-2005, 01:43 PM

Hi, fellow mainteners,

Meg ~ isn't it funny that we have anniversaries at the same day? I actually read your first year thread and it is so much the same for you and me - of course, your email is more thorough but also your weight loss is more

I also was thinking about the fact that in a year or two I will not think anymore about May12th beeing anniversary - probably with years the fact will fade away but the reality stays - instead of gaining, I maintained...

Ilene ~ I also struggle this week as never before - probably it is time to reevaluate priorities for me...

Anne ~ I am happy food is under control and beeing pregnant becomes a good experience... I personally loved beeing pregnant and also loved to exercise during pregnancy.

My weekend was really stressful - first our new car did not start and dealership said that we are not allowed to start the car and move it for less than 30 sec - it will not start next day (that was the cause of it not starting). I never heard such a thing, and it drove me crazy that nothing can be done - that was a beginning. I also went to the fast food chain (will not even mention the name, but my little 4 y.o. daughter said about it: it kills you slowly, but if you only go there once a year, you will still survive) - we did not have any choice, as we took transit because car did not start and there was nothing else around where we could eat and relax a little bit - anyways, both I and my kids were bullied and followed by a bunch of dark people who did not agree with me that on play place for kids their child should not climb up the slide and hit my son in the head so that it caused nose bleeding. They were not even there in the first place and their child did not listen to me until I went to look for her parents. Little I knew - they escorted me and my kids (my DS all covered in blood) out of the fast food restaurant and I could not even call 911 as they were holding my hands - obviously they were afraid that I call 911 and they will face social services - what amazed me that two other parents who were in the same play place just silently moved away and did not even try to report it to management. I was really scared for our lifes to tell the truth... When I came home, I almost found myself washing off the stress in rhubarb pie (low fat but still) - after third piece I stopped...

Today is not better - on my way to work I biked and it was pouring rain - so now my office resembles laundromat with heater on - I hope my clothes will dry by the time I go home...

I did it to the gym yesterday and even bench pressed 40 pounds - way to go - I could not even do 20 pounds 2 month ago!

The rest of the week will be better

Ilene · 05-16-2005, 06:23 PM

Sandy -- My gosh but your weekend and Monday morning were stressfull!! I hope the rest of the week goes better...

4rabbit · 05-17-2005, 04:32 AM

Hi Sandy

What a horrible experience in the play place! I hope the rest of your week goes better, and your car is fixed up soon.
Oh, and congratulations on your anniversary !

rabbit

Reg4242 · 05-17-2005, 02:39 PM

Hi:

Hugs to Sandy!! What an awful experience.
Anne sounds like you are becoming a Mom glad your feeling better.
Rabbit Whats up in your end of the world, hope all is well.
Ilene: When that 4#'s come on I flip out but when it comes off I am just like oh it was water. So remember its water.

Alls well with me, feeling good. My daughter graduated this weekend and I was very proud. Still working on losing some pounds 12 to go to be back to "goal". I wish the reverse on my weight control mechanism in my body worked as well as the forward.

Take care.

Mel · 05-17-2005, 09:38 PM

Quote:

I wish the reverse on my weight control mechanism in my body worked as well as the forward.

Ah, Gina, wouldn't that be nice! I think it's about a 5:1 ratio for me!

Sorry to be so scarce, I've been frantically busy with a sick, grumpy, underachieving kid with lots of orthodontist appointments, loads of clients, and studying "Exercise Anatomy" for continuing ed credits for my recertification

I'd forgotten how awfully boring that stuff was!

Eating's been good, but tomorrow I have to brave the bulk food store for oatmeal and some other staples. Unfortunately, they sell EVERYTHING in bulk including a whole aisle of candy and nuts, on the way to the oatmeal

I always have to eat just before I go in there, and close my eyes in certain places

Meg- Have a great trip!

Mel

4rabbit · 05-18-2005, 08:05 AM

Hi maintainers,

Gina- Good to hear from you. Congratulations with the graduate!. I'm still hanging in here, but the mood is definitely improving with spring sunshine and the like. We just had holidays, and went to the lakes in the north for sailing. We rented 2 boats & 2 cottages with 4 families & generally had a good time. I am now recovering from the fatigue of this. Scaleswise it went well: I gained 2 pounds & lost them again & now I am struggling for the next 2 pounds. If you ever invent that wait-gain inverte please sign me up for one. I would love to loose as fast as I gain, but alas..

Mel-good luck on all the bones!

Jogged 1 hour today.

have a great day,
rabbit

karynlee · 05-18-2005, 01:42 PM

Hi everyone!

Gina, good luck with your 12 (you can do it!).

When I'm putting on my quick pounds, it's always a rude awakening when I discover I can't shake them off in a week.

Rabbit, way to go - an HOUR jog is impressive!

Your holiday at the lake sounds really lovely.

I'm leaving Friday for my mini-holiday to SoCal. I would love any ideas you may have in regards to healthy snacks that are easily transported. When I eat on the run, I tend to make poor choices (refined carbs that leave me hungry for more). I want to be prepared for my 2.5 hour drive to the airport, the wait for my flight and the plane trip itself. Help?

I would love to hear what your favorites snacks are when you have to carry them around with you (and don't have use of a cooler).

Hope the remainder of your week is good and that you enjoy the weekend!!

Mel · 05-18-2005, 02:38 PM

KarynLee- I always carry a softsided insulated lunch bag that I can fold up and stuff in my handbag or backpack. I carry pre-cooked chicken breast, apples, protein muffins (recipes follow). The muffins are life savers for me. One over-sized muffin is a complete meal.

Carrot Muffins

Ingredients

1 cup dry old-fashioned oatmeal, ground to flour in a blender or food processor
4 scoops vanilla protein powder (I use HDT Problend 55 Alpine Vanilla:27 g. protein and 135 calories per scoop)
2 teaspoons Baking powder
1/4 tsp Baking Soda
1 T cinnamon
dash of nutmeg
************************
1 cup grated carrot
1 egg
4 egg whites
2/3 cup natural applesauce
1 t vanilla
1/3 c Splenda
1/4 c chopped walnuts

Procedure

Mix dry ingredients and wet separately. Add wet to dry stuff, mix up. spoon into muffin tin that has been sprayed with Pam.
Bake at 350 for 20 minutes...or less, I like them browned on top.
I wrap each and freeze in a freezer bag.
Make 12 sm. Muffins or 6 oversized
Nutritional Information:
For the whole batch: Per 1 muffin (12 total):
Fat: 53g Fat: 4.5 g
Calories: 1662 Calories: 138
Protein: 174g Protein: 14.5 g
Carbohydrates: 121 Carbohydrates: 10.1

Banana Nut Muffins

Ingredients

1 cup dry old-fashioned oatmeal, ground to flour in a blender or food processor
4 scoops vanilla protein powder (I use HDT Problend 55 Alpine Vanilla or Milk Chocolate: 27 g. protein and 135 calories per scoop)
2 t Baking powder
1/4 tsp Baking Soda
1 T cinnamon
dash of nutmeg
************************
2 med ripe bananas
1 egg
4 egg whites
1/2 cup natural applesauce
1 t vanilla
1/3 c splenda
1/4 c chopped walnuts

Procedure

Mix dry ingredients and wet separately. Add wet to dry stuff, mix up. spoon into muffin tin that has been sprayed with Pam.
Bake at 350 for 20 minutes...or less, I like them browned on top.
I wrap each and freeze in a freezer bag.
Make 12 sm. muffins or 6 oversized.
Nutritional Information
Fat: 35g
Calories: 1446
Protein: 147g

My current favorite variation is Chocolate Pumpkin. Substitute 1 c. pumpkin puree for the bananas, use 1 full cup applesauce, and substitute chocolate protein powder. Or add 1 tbs. unsweetened cocoa and use vanilla pp. and a little extra splenda.

I freeze these and by the time I'm ready to eat it in a few hours, it's thawed out.

Mel

Ilene · 05-18-2005, 02:45 PM

Karyn -- Here is a snack that I've brought with me to work... It's not the greatest tasting but it is satisfying... I take with me a scoop of protein powder and a third cup of oatmeal in a glass that I cover with saranwrap, leave it dry, when it's snack time I add cold water and use one of those very small whisk to mix it... It sounds gross, looks gross too BTW, BUT it very filling... I usually eat it in the corner in the kitchen when no one is around, if someone does come around and asks I tell them ''You really don't want to know''

... There are some protein shakes in a can you can get now, but it has to be kept cold and if you don't have a cooler that's no good either... Protein bars in a crunch?

Today I haven't gone to the gym yet... I may go after supper for a change...