Well, not quite, but I am loosing it. Weight that is. Though probably brain matter too at this point. I'm still mired in proposals and will be until June 8th, when, as coincidence will have it, I will also be jumping on a plane and heading to Maui for a hike into Haleakala crater, staying in a rustic cabin down there for 2 nights, exploring and then hiking back out. At that point, I will more than need the brain recovery. Short, but very very sweet. The next weekend I kill myself in a half marathon.......
Anyway, back to topic, loosing weight. I am at this point afraid to jinx the situation, but have in fact lost 7lbs since getting back from the UK. Of course I also put on 5lbs while I was in the UK, but that is besides the point. 7lbs. I'm now around what I was before I went to the Antarctic so many times last year (those ships are NOT good for the waistline). So I still have some to go, I would like to loose another 5-10lbs (stopping at whenever I feel is good). I do feel a lot fitter than I did before though, and that has made a big difference.
So the secret - well the running i'm sure is helping more than a little, as is enforcing doing something sweaty 4 times a week, but this last 2 weeks i've been stringent on calorie counting, which I actually think is making the most difference. I've upped my exercise in the past, and it's never made much of a dent in my weight, but 7lbs in 3 weeks i'm pretty proud of.
I downloaded an App for my iPhone that I input with the food I eat everyday (as I carry it around all the time, it works for me). So I can see where I am in my total calories for the day (1200 is my goal) and also how i've done for the week. You can also add all kinds of exercise which knocks off calories too. Now I don't think this is the most healthy way to eat by any stretch - I'm pretty sure eating a salad (without dressing) or fruit is better for you than fat free chocolate pudding, yet the later has less calories. But you know, it's working for now, it is making more conscious that my snacking on even healthy things does add up (almonds and pistachos are a favorite), and it does give me an idea of how much different exercises are really helping me. It's also helping me spread my food over the day, rather than sticking to 3 big meals, just to keep myself from being hungry, and, for me anyway (with stomach issues), is a better way of eating in general. I'm also taking my vitamins, just to be sure of getting what I need.
So for the next 2 weeks i'll continue with calorie limiting myself. At that point I start getting into much longer daily runs with my training and think I want to start increasing my calorie intake accordingly (maybe i'll keep using the App, just have it set higher). But for me to run this, I needed to loose some pounds not to kill my knees and hips, so it's been great. Not to mention I am now officially within my weight category, rather than 'overweight', as I have been for a while.
It's amazing to think I used to be able to eat ANYTHING and it wouldn't make a dent in my weight, but over the last few years, it's really crept up, so it's definitely been time to kick that in the butt, quite literally, and i'm glad it's finally happening!
So who knew - exercise AND diet really do work.....:0)
4 comments:
Very satisfying results! Awesome. Interesting about the food choices making a bigger difference than the level of exercise. Like you I used to feel i could eat anything. Then around age 30 I noticed that my body was starting to hold onto some of that. I started cutting out saturated fats, which helped, but it was a whole new way of living! Then the other issue I have is when training for a big race and therefore increasing exercise levels, my appetite goes way up! So then I'm hungry and eating all the time. Perhaps not gaining weight, but it's annoying because I spend more time than I prefer looking for food, and I begin questioning whether I'm eating too much. Sounds like your phone application might help by knowing the numbers.
Way to go loosing the weight... but I can't believe that you were overweight!! Thats insane. 1200 calories seems pretty limited... I guess just make sure you're getting enough for all the great exercise you're doing.
I've actually been on the edge of the 'overweight' category for years now, which to me is also pretty unbelievable, why I have a hard time trusting those tables. Going by how I feel is way better than weight, and I still feel like i have a bit to go - it is a boost to see those numbers drop down though.....:0)
you are kidding? borderline overweight?
good for you and yes! to diet and exercise!
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