For the first time in recent history, I hit a NEW ALL TIME LOW IN WEIGHT this morning!
And I now fit into my SIZE 6 “goal jeans” I bought months ago!! I now don’t have much that fits me, pants-wise. I really do have to go shopping before my Autumn trip to visit my sister Janet and cousin Susan in upstate NY.
Keep in mind that I’m short – a little shy of 5’4″ …
Late last year, I was hitting the scales at 170 pounds after some major depression issues and couldn’t fit into my clothes. I gained 10 pounds in less than a month! I broke down and bought a couple “size ups” in jeans, so I could get by. I didn’t want to invest in any more of THAT size!! I didn’t feel good, nothing fit properly, and I had no stamina.
I”d tried dieting, major exercising – let’s say it just really pissed me off. Years ago I USED to be TOO THIN!! Nothing was working to get this weight off. The harder I tried, the angrier I got. I knew my attitude about it all was part of the problem. But what to do?
I found a combination of things that worked for me, and you’ll hear all about it right here for FREE!
[See the links in the sidebar under HEALTH for more info about the following...]
- I decided upon a food plan that emphasized foods you CAN eat and I actually like. This is the Mediterranean Diet. It includes things like chocolate and wine, and many very delicious foods. It’s a balanced approach, emphasizing vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lesser amounts of meats.
- I started drinking lots more water.
- I cleaned out my cupboards and refrigerator – got rid of foods not “on the plan.”
- I started taking flaxseed oil capsules. I read about a couple studies where people intaking more omega 3′s didn’t suffer from stress as they did before. I felf my stress reaction was contributing to my weight gain.
- I tried self hypnosis for the 1st time. It’s a lot like guided imagery and it has changed my relationship with food forever. I ordered a set of CDs by Dr. Roberta Temes: Enjoying Weight Loss. I listened to each session for 3 days. At the end of 3 weeks, I was very pleased with both my food plan and new concepts about eating. The sessions were relaxing and not at all woo-woo.
- I received another self hypnosis CD, Mental Toughness for free with my order. It helped support my goal: eat right, get fit, and wear a size 6 (just right for my height.)
- I bought a pair of SIZE 6 JEANS and hung them on the back of my bathroom door to inspire me. I tried them on when I first got them – I couldn’t even get them up over my hips!
- My sister Cindy recommended and gave me the book, “French Women Don’t Get Fat - The Secret of Eating for Pleasure” after she heard about my plans. In the book is a “Miracle Soup” that helped me lose 4 pounds the 1st time, and 2 pounds the second time. These are pounds that stayed off. The author supports many of the points that were part of the self hypnosis program – very in sync.
- I started gardening and walking. And I mean A LOT! These are things I actually LIKE to do! I got a new electric mower and I mow not only our yard, but our neighbors – cheaper than a gym. I got my wonderful 11 cubic yards of dirt and am moving it all over the yard. We brought in truckloads of rock and I made a flagstone patio and put in garden terraces.
- I decided NOT to have a target weight, but a target size. It turned out that if I get a lot of exercise, I might weigh more, but still be smaller. For instance, when I was younger I weighed 135 and wore a size 6. Now I weigh more AND am a more fit, size 6.
- I decided upon a REWARD for attaining my goal (besides feeling better and getting new clothes) and it would be a trip to France. So now, I’m learning French, too – oh la la!
All tolled, I’ve now lost 18 pounds and over 1/3 of my body fat, as measured by my Tanita scale! I’ve gone down 3-4 sizes, depending upon the manufacturer. I feel an energy level I thought was impossible at age 60+ and am much more fit than when I was young and thin!
And the really good news is that I still love to eat. I realize that I am full much sooner than I think I am. To live a healthy rest-of-my-life, I CAN use a combination of portion control, making healthy delicious food choices, drinking lots of water, and expending energy in ways I enjoy.
