Slim People in Progress

Declaring My Intentions

I have to say it out loud and write it here for all the world to see.

I went back to Weight Watchers today. I did some research and discovered I had not weighed in since last February and in that time I gained nearly 10 lbs. Since my lowest point, just below my goal weight, I've regained 21 lbs. And I've been consistently working out and running during that time. Yikes.

So here's my plan (goals):

1. Lose 20 lbs by my 50th birthday at the end of June (5 months)
2. Run a minimum of 10 miles per week (I currently run 5-7 miles on Sundays so I should be able to crank out another 3-5 every week)
3. Maintain my weekly Pilates class
4. Workout at the gym (low impact aerobics or circuit training) twice a week

I think 4 lbs a month is a reasonable goal. My weight gain is proof that exercise alone is not enough. Got to control my eating and really get serious about portion control.

Last time I seriously did Weight Watchers, I rewarded myself with $10/pound in a "pamper me" savings account. I think I'll do that again. A nice deep tissue massage would be a great reward for losing 20 lbs and I'm going to a spa for a weekend birthday celebration in June.

Who's with me? I know I'm much better at doing this when I have an accountability partner. If you want to play, post a comment. I'll post my progress every Saturday after my WW meeting.

Biggest Loser...are you watching this season?

As I've confessed in past seasons, I'm addicted to watching The Biggest Loser. I love the inspirational stories and watching the transformation. Of course, if I worked out 8 hours a day and had a controlled kitchen, I could lose my 20 extra pounds in no time too!

If you're following this season, who are you rooting for? My personal favorite is Tara. I love her positive, can-do attitude. I really hope she makes to the end.

BTW, tomorrow I'm going back to Weight Watchers. It's time.

The Number One Trap for Emotional Eaters

Following is a guest post by Melissa McCreery, PhD, CMC. Her bio and contact info is at the end.

The Number One Trap for Emotional Eaters (and the Key You Need to Escape)

The number one trap for emotional eaters has nothing to do with food-but it flavors everything.
The number one mistake people make when they are trying to gain control of emotional overeating is getting mad at themselves and beating themselves up (emotionally) when things don't go as planned, when they have a slip, or when they overeat. Self-critical judgment is a dead-end place.

It's a warning sign that you may be falling into this trap when you find yourself using language like "wrong" or "bad" or "hopeless." You're probably in the trap when you feel like you've "screwed up" and you'll "have to do better tomorrow."

Like children, adults don't thrive with punishment and negative words. Consider this: how often is the moment that you decide you've "blown it again" the very same moment you decide to go ahead and finish the bag of chips or the cookie dough or the what-ever-you-just-got-mad-at-yourself-for-eating?

Getting Back in the Game

After nearly 3 weeks of first battling food poisoning and then the flu or a bad cold and laryngitis, I finally feel good enough to get back into my exercise routine. I went to the gym yesterday, after a month away, and was shocked at how out of shape I was. 

A few weeks off and my endurance was way off too. Did a low impact class with free weights and had to stick with 2-3 pounds instead of my usual 5-6.  I was sore when I woke up this morning!

Today, I actually ran after a couple weeks of walking. Finally had my lungs back and no congestion. It was a gorgeous day and my running group met at the Rose Bowl for a couple of laps around the course. I managed 4.5 miles, mostly running with a little power walking. It felt good and I feel like it won't take long to get back in the game.

Amazing how fast one's body loses strength. But then, since I'm not starting from scratch I'm pretty confident I'll be back in shape pretty quickly.

So, it's mid January. Are you back into your fitness routine?

Ten Things to do With a Feeling Instead of Feeding it Carbs

Following is a guest post by Melissa McCreery, PhD, CMC. Her bio and contact info is at the end.

Ten Things to Do With A Feeling Instead of Feeding it Carbs

How many times have you started at diet or weight loss program, a fresh new plan for healthy eating, only to be completely derailed by an unexpected bad day, an awful experience, or strong emotions--hurt, anger, disappointment, even boredom--that seemed to magnetically pull you to the refrigerator?

So often we are very clear about what we don't want to do.  What we don't always know, is what to do instead. 

Here are ten things to do with a feeling when you DON'T KNOW what to do with it but you want to avoid the emotional eating route:

1. Breathe
Sit tight. Breathe in, breathe out. Feelings come in waves. No feeling, no matter how horrible, will last forever. Breathe in. Breathe out.

2. Give yourself permission to feel it
See number one. Also, remember that no feeling is EVER bigger than you. Feel. Breathe. Remind yourself, "I am bigger than this feeling and it will pass."

3. Get moving
Emotions impact us physically. Movement and activity can help us move the emotions through our bodies. Walking, running, dancing and punching a pillow can help us discharge built up emotion and can eventually calm us down.