At the end of this, the first month of the two thousand and fourteenth year of our lord, I feel like I'm being a taught a lot of lessons. Things have been dawning on me lately and I'm going, "you know what? That makes a lot of sense." I want to record these lessons here for myself, so I'm gonna start a little muti-part series here on the blog. Here's the first thing:
Live Life
As an introvert, my natural tendency is to stay home. I love my house where I live alone with my dog and my couch and my blankets (among other things. Those are just my favorite things). I love to read (alone). I love to watch tv (alone). I love to sing while washing the dishes (alone). There's nothing wrong with any of these activities, there's nothing wrong with being alone, and I do think I need a healthy amount of both to re-energize for work and life in general.
But life has got to be more than that. At least mine does. It's got to be connections with people and stories to tell and experiences that make me laugh.
It seems like, especially as I get older, it's just easier to stay home and do my own thing. To stick to routine instead of sticking my neck out. Which is weird, because I figured out a long time ago that an interesting life is a much better way to go.
So this is one of the lessons I'm learning these days. Live life. Try new things. Meet up with people I haven't seen in awhile, even if it means I have to extend the initial invitation. Invite people to study a book with you, even if that's kind of a scary thing to put out there. Have experiences that give me new stories to tell.
You know what doesn't matter? How many books I end up reading this year. Lots of people seemed impressed with my 95 books last year, but my only reading goal for this year is to read less. Not because I don't value it, but I want to value relationships more.
My first big realization with this lesson came last weekend. My friend Taylor had invited me to come to Atlanta to participate in a flash mob, and I was hesitant at first. It seemed like a long way to go for something silly. Finally, after I thought about it for almost a whole week, I realized this was a chance to live an interesting life. Why would I pass that up? Let's face it, if I'd stayed home, I probably would've just bonded a little bit more with my couch.
This isn't something that comes easy, but it's something I'm willing to work on. Thoughts?
PS: BTDUBBS, you can thank my friend Cindy for this blog post. She did something for me and instead of letting me repay her, she suggested I offer payment in the form of a blog post a week. I have missed my blog, so that was a payment plan I was willing to accept.
Sunday, January 26, 2014
Tuesday, January 14, 2014
Made to Crave?
If you know me, or you read my blog, you probably know that this whole healthy eating/healthy living/losing weight and keeping it off thing is a S-T-R-U-G-G-L-E for me. And I dial back the crazy considerably for the blog audience.*
Two years ago I read a book called "Made to Crave" by Lysa Terkeurst. When I read it, it had a profound impact on my attitude toward food and dieting, etc. But then I finished the book after a few days, returned to my normal book-diet of easy-to-digest fiction**, and promptly forgot a lot about what I learned. I remember thinking when I finished it that I should just re-read it continuously forever so I wouldn't forget its truths, but didn't follow through with that.
I pulled it off of my bookshelf a few months ago with the intention of reading it again, but it has sat on my dresser untouched ever since. I'm having a hard time starting it again, even though I know it would help.
I've been tinkering with an idea - I'd like to read it in conjunction with others for accountability and for discussion. I know a lot of people face the same struggles with food that I do. I think talking about it helps; I feel less like a weirdo when I share with you guys and you seem to know what I'm talking about.
So, here's the pitch - if you'd like to read Made to Crave along with me, I'd love that. I would also love if we could gather on a weekly or bi-weekly** to talk about what we're reading. It's a pretty slim book so it would not be too taxing. If you're interested, but you live far away, still let me know that you're interested. Maybe we could set up a Facebook group or something to share thoughts.
I don't have any details yet, about where we would meet or what day or how much we should read between meetings, I just want to gauge interest. All of that really depends on the group. If you understand the struggle and you think you maybe kind of could possibly want to join me in reading this, either send me an e-mail [stuckeyjc at gmail.com], a Facebook message or leave a comment below.
I think this book is worth your time.
*You're welcome.
**See what I did there? mixing food metaphors in while talking about books and reading? Confusing or a seriously effective communication tool? You decide.
***Is bi-weekly the kind that is every other week or the kind that is twice a week? Cause I mean the kind that is every other week.
The above picture was clearly stolen from Amazon. But maybe it helps that the links in the blog point back to Amazon?
Two years ago I read a book called "Made to Crave" by Lysa Terkeurst. When I read it, it had a profound impact on my attitude toward food and dieting, etc. But then I finished the book after a few days, returned to my normal book-diet of easy-to-digest fiction**, and promptly forgot a lot about what I learned. I remember thinking when I finished it that I should just re-read it continuously forever so I wouldn't forget its truths, but didn't follow through with that.
I pulled it off of my bookshelf a few months ago with the intention of reading it again, but it has sat on my dresser untouched ever since. I'm having a hard time starting it again, even though I know it would help.
I've been tinkering with an idea - I'd like to read it in conjunction with others for accountability and for discussion. I know a lot of people face the same struggles with food that I do. I think talking about it helps; I feel less like a weirdo when I share with you guys and you seem to know what I'm talking about.
So, here's the pitch - if you'd like to read Made to Crave along with me, I'd love that. I would also love if we could gather on a weekly or bi-weekly** to talk about what we're reading. It's a pretty slim book so it would not be too taxing. If you're interested, but you live far away, still let me know that you're interested. Maybe we could set up a Facebook group or something to share thoughts.
I don't have any details yet, about where we would meet or what day or how much we should read between meetings, I just want to gauge interest. All of that really depends on the group. If you understand the struggle and you think you maybe kind of could possibly want to join me in reading this, either send me an e-mail [stuckeyjc at gmail.com], a Facebook message or leave a comment below.
I think this book is worth your time.
*You're welcome.
**See what I did there? mixing food metaphors in while talking about books and reading? Confusing or a seriously effective communication tool? You decide.
***Is bi-weekly the kind that is every other week or the kind that is twice a week? Cause I mean the kind that is every other week.
The above picture was clearly stolen from Amazon. But maybe it helps that the links in the blog point back to Amazon?
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
2013 Goals in Review
Last year about this time, I posted my 2013 goals here.
This week, I went back to review those goals, and I didn't do so hot. Turns out, you should review your goals periodically to make sure you are on track. Just checking in on them after 51.5 weeks and expecting them to be magically completed is not an efficient way to make sure they are achieved. Good to know.
Let's review.
How'd you do on your 2013 goals?
This week, I went back to review those goals, and I didn't do so hot. Turns out, you should review your goals periodically to make sure you are on track. Just checking in on them after 51.5 weeks and expecting them to be magically completed is not an efficient way to make sure they are achieved. Good to know.
Let's review.
- Read the Bible all the way through. Nope.
- Write in a personal journal twice a week. Nada.
- Write a snail mail letter once a month. Actually, I semi-completed this one. I wrote a letter nine out out of 12 months. Compared to my progress in other areas, I'll accept it. Plus, as a bonus, I received a few snail mail letters this year. I will aim to continue this tradition in the new year.
- Read 5 biographies. Nothing.
- Comment consistently on my friend's blogs. I feel like I did pretty good at this and now it's kind of a habit. Sure, the majority of my friends blog less often now than they did at the beginning of the year, but I'm not going to take that as a personal reflection on my comments. If you'd like to read my remaining consistent blogging friend's blog, check out The Striped Flamingo.
- Burn a candle more often. Check mark! I got a large candle for Christmas last year, and burned it all the way through by November. It feels good to accomplish something. Even if that something is burning a candle all the way through.
- Visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Checkity-Check-Check. Butterbeer is delicious.
How'd you do on your 2013 goals?
Books of 2013
I didn't have any particular reading goals* in mind when I started 2013, but I'm pleased with where I ended up. 95 books! I think I read so much because I am so overwhelmed by the number of books that exist in this world. It's really very astounding. And then of course, there are all the books that I've read over the years and loved and therefore feel the need to re-read periodically. Those are denoted below with the asterisks. Read all the way to the end for reccomendations!
- The Book Thief by Markus Zusak*, fiction
- A Solitary Blue by Cynthia Voight*, young adult
- The Runner by Cynthia Voight*, young adult
- Death Comes to Pemberly by P.D. James, fiction
- Looking for Alaska by John Green, young adult
- Mudbound by Hillary Jordan, fiction
- Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green, young adult
- Seriously…I’m Kidding by Ellen DeGeneres, non fiction
- Paper Towns by John Green, young adult
- The Wishing Spell by Chris Golfer, children
- Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery, children
- The Leftovers by Tom Perrotta, fiction
- Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys, fiction
- An Abundance of Katherines by John Green, young adult
- Anne of Avonlea by L.M. Montgomery, children
- Anne of the Island by L.M. Montgomery, young adult
- Anne of Windy Poplars by L.M. Montgomery, young adult
- The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman, fiction
- Number the Stars by Lois Lowry, children
- Anne’s House of Dreams by L.M. Montgomery, young adult
- Behind the Beautiful Forevers: Life, Death and Hope in a Mumbai Undercity, non fiction
- Caught by Margaret Peterson Haddix, children
- Torn by Margaret Peterson Haddix, children
- The Cavendish Home for Boys and Girls by Claire Legrand, young adult
- Time and Again by Jack Finney, fiction
- The False Prince by Jennifer Nielsen, young adult
- Bond Girl by Erin Duffy, fiction
- The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Zafon, fiction
- Tiger Lily by Jodi Lynn Anderson, young adult
- In the Shadow of Blackbirds by Cat Winters, young adult
- The Runaway King by Jennifer Neilsen, young adult
- The Magicians by Lev Grossman, fiction
- The Magician King by Lev Grossman, fiction
- The Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver, fiction
- Hyperion by Dan Simmons, fiction
- Matilda by Roald Dahl, children
- Prep by Curits Sittenfeld, young adult
- Where’d You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple, fiction
- Under the Dome by Stephen King, fiction
- Struck by Lightning: The Carson Phillips Journal by Chris Colfer, young adult
- The Interestings by Meg Wolitzer, fiction
- A Million Miles in a Thousand Years: What I Learned While Editing My Life by Donald Miller
- Church Unique: How Missional Leaders Cast Vision, Capture Culture and Create Movement by Will Mancini, non-fiction
- The Hitman’s Guide to Housecleaning by Hallgrimur Helgason, fiction
- The Primal Blueprint: Reprogram your Genes for Effortless Weight Loss, Vibrant Health and Boundless Energy by Mark Sisson, non-fiction
- Joyland by Stephen King, fiction
- The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman, fiction
- American Wife by Curtis Sittenfeld, fiction
- The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams, fiction
- Life after Life by Kate Atkinson, fiction
- Seige and Storm by Leigh Bardugo, young adult
- In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day: How to Survive and Thrive when Opportunity Roars by Mark Batterson, non-fiction
- Discover Your Optimal Health: The Guide to Taking Control of Your Weight, Your Vitality, Your Life by Wayne Scott Andersen, non-fiction
- Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? By Mindy Kaling*, non-fiction
- The Boo by Pat Conroy, fiction
- The Mark of Athena by Rick Riordan, young adult
- Penelope by Rebecca Harrington, young adult
- The Cuckoo’s Calling By Robert Galbraith, fiction
- Amelia Anne is Dead and Gone by Kat Rosenfeld, young adult
- Blue Boy by Rakesh Satyal, fiction
- A Summer to Die by Lois Lowry, young adult
- The Last Time They Met by Anita Shreve, fiction
- Wedding Night by Sophie Kinsella, fiction
- The Boy Who Couldn’t Sleep and Never Had to by D.C. Pierson, young adult
- Come a Stranger by Cynthia Voight*, young adult
- Honest Doubt by Amanda Cross, fiction
- The Tea Rose by Jennifer Donnelly, fiction
- Seventeen Against the Dealer by Cynthia Voight*, young adult
- The Winter Rose by Jennifer Donnelly, fiction
- Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, fiction
- Reconstructing Amelia by Kimberly McCreight, young adult
- Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock by Matthew Quick, young adult
- Mad About the Boy by Helen Fielding, fiction
- The Bride Wore Size 12 by Meg Cabot, fiction
- The Wild Rose by Jennifer Donnelly, fiction
- Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling*, children
- The Emerald Atlas by John Stephens, children
- Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling*, children
- Allegiant by Veronica Roth, young adult
- Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling*, children
- Persuasion by Jane Austen*, fiction
- Midnight in Austenland by Shannon Hale, fiction
- Strengths Based Leadership: Great Leaders, Teams and Why People Follow, non-fiction
- The Fire Chronicle by John Stephens, children
- The End of the Alphabet by C.S. Richardson, fiction
- The Willoughbys by Lois Lowry, children
- Gossamer by Lois Lowry, children
- House of Hades by Rick Riordan, young adult
- True Grit by Charles Portis, fiction
- Let's Explore Diabetes with Owls by David Sedaris, non-fiction
- The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker, fiction
- Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell, young adult
- Mary Poppins by P.L. Travers, children
- Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris, non-fiction
- Mary Poppins Comes Back by P.L. Travers, children
Here are my favorites for the year:
Non-fiction: A Million Miles in a Thousand Years by Donald Miller.
Adult fiction: Under the Dome and Life after Life
Children's/YA book: Anything by Lois Lowry, on this list or otherwise; seriously read them all
Historical fiction: The Tea Rose and its sequels, the Winter Rose and the Wild Rose
Fantasy book: The Magicians and its sequel, The Magician King
Children's/YA fantasy books: The Emerald Atlas and even more so, it's sequel The Fire Chronicle; also enjoyed the False Prince and its sequel the Runaway King
Classic: Persuasion, Anne of Green Gables
Time travel: Time and Again
*This is a lie. My only reading goal was to read five biographies. And unless the books of David Sedaris and Ellen DeGengeres count (which they don't in my mind), I didn't read any. I did attempt a few, but they were not my cuppa tea.
Thursday, October 24, 2013
Thankful Thursdays...say what?
I wish I posted more often, I really do.
Today I came home determined to blog about a particular topic I've been mulling over for a few weeks, but then I went searching through my archives for a bit looking for something and realized, "IT'S THURSDAY! I SHOULD DO A THANKFUL THURSDAY POST!"
So here goes!
Today I'm thankful:
That my Halloween costume is coming together.
Man, I mean, I know I make more of a deal out of Halloween than most, but this year has been a doozy. I started working on it in September and thought I had it finished up this weekend, that is until I did a test run on my hair do last night and went into full blow panic mode after. Thankfully my FB friends talked me out of spray painting my hair gold with spray paint from the hardware store. The answers were a resounding NO, so I stepped back, thought it through and came up with a safer solution. I'll post pictures of the complete costume next week.
For co-workers who become friends.
My co-worker (and friend) Matt left us yesterday for a new job. We've had a lot of laughs over the years, plus discussions about television shows and advice shared (from him to me) on tech purchases. Plus, of course, numerous collaborative projects and pieces. It was hard for me to say goodbye to him, but at least the feeling was mutual. This is what he told me yesterday morning, "Leaving after six years is really hard. This is my third longest relationship, after Shannon (his wife) and LOST."
That I got to take care of my two nieces and nephew over the weekend.
As a 40th birthday present for the best older sister a girl could have, I took Zach, Julia and Natalie to my house for the weekend. I'm not gonna lie, I was a little nervous beforehand, mainly because I'm not one of Natalie's favorite people and at 2 years old she's a little hard to reason with. However, the whole weekend went beautifully, the kids were great, and we had a great time.
Tomorrow is the Potato Drop at work.
The potato drop is when 40,000 pounds of unwanted potatoes get delivered to campus. Students bag them up into family sized serving bags, which are then distributed to local agencies to hand out to those in need. It's a fun event, and it helps those in need. Mostly, the reason I'm excited is because at the last Potato Drop event several years ago, I took an amazing (I'm not exaggerating) photo. I'm not normally much of a photographer, but magic was in the air that day and the photo gods smiled on me. The photo, lovingly referred to as "Potato Boy" by those in my office, has been used many, many times in publications since then and all other photos of community service are compared to it (and usually found wanting). I hope I get a chance to "drop" by tomorrow to try again.
That on this new program, Take Shape for Life, I'm losing weight quickly and never hungry.
Hallelujah!
For vacations
My sister Mandy and I just got back from 4 days in NYC. We saw just about all the sights you could possibly see and laughed a lot. Plus, I navigated the heck out of that city and its subways. (I really love navigating and Mandy really hates it, so it was kind of the best for both of us.)
Today I came home determined to blog about a particular topic I've been mulling over for a few weeks, but then I went searching through my archives for a bit looking for something and realized, "IT'S THURSDAY! I SHOULD DO A THANKFUL THURSDAY POST!"
So here goes!
Today I'm thankful:
That my Halloween costume is coming together.
Man, I mean, I know I make more of a deal out of Halloween than most, but this year has been a doozy. I started working on it in September and thought I had it finished up this weekend, that is until I did a test run on my hair do last night and went into full blow panic mode after. Thankfully my FB friends talked me out of spray painting my hair gold with spray paint from the hardware store. The answers were a resounding NO, so I stepped back, thought it through and came up with a safer solution. I'll post pictures of the complete costume next week.
My co-worker (and friend) Matt left us yesterday for a new job. We've had a lot of laughs over the years, plus discussions about television shows and advice shared (from him to me) on tech purchases. Plus, of course, numerous collaborative projects and pieces. It was hard for me to say goodbye to him, but at least the feeling was mutual. This is what he told me yesterday morning, "Leaving after six years is really hard. This is my third longest relationship, after Shannon (his wife) and LOST."
That I got to take care of my two nieces and nephew over the weekend.
As a 40th birthday present for the best older sister a girl could have, I took Zach, Julia and Natalie to my house for the weekend. I'm not gonna lie, I was a little nervous beforehand, mainly because I'm not one of Natalie's favorite people and at 2 years old she's a little hard to reason with. However, the whole weekend went beautifully, the kids were great, and we had a great time.
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| If you've been a reader for a long time, you might remember my 2 1/2 year old niece, Natalie! |
Tomorrow is the Potato Drop at work.
The potato drop is when 40,000 pounds of unwanted potatoes get delivered to campus. Students bag them up into family sized serving bags, which are then distributed to local agencies to hand out to those in need. It's a fun event, and it helps those in need. Mostly, the reason I'm excited is because at the last Potato Drop event several years ago, I took an amazing (I'm not exaggerating) photo. I'm not normally much of a photographer, but magic was in the air that day and the photo gods smiled on me. The photo, lovingly referred to as "Potato Boy" by those in my office, has been used many, many times in publications since then and all other photos of community service are compared to it (and usually found wanting). I hope I get a chance to "drop" by tomorrow to try again.
That on this new program, Take Shape for Life, I'm losing weight quickly and never hungry.
Hallelujah!
For vacations
My sister Mandy and I just got back from 4 days in NYC. We saw just about all the sights you could possibly see and laughed a lot. Plus, I navigated the heck out of that city and its subways. (I really love navigating and Mandy really hates it, so it was kind of the best for both of us.)
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| GUYS, I SAW STARRY NIGHT IN PERSON AND IT WAS EVERYTHING I HOPED IT COULD BE! On that note, what are you thankful for?! Share in the comments below! |
Friday, October 4, 2013
Hark! Is that a Lost and Not Found blog post, mine eyes see?
Despite the lack of posts in the last, oh, six odd weeks, I have not given up blogging!* Let's celebrate this return from an oh-so-long blogging absence with an announcement!
I've lost 30 pounds in six weeks!
There is not a typo in that extra-large sentence up there, I really have lost 30 pounds in six weeks** through a program called Take Shape for Life. Take Shape for Life has three main components and some other smaller ones. Let's break it down, shall we?
1) I have a health coach.
My health coach, Alison, is so great for me. The first week on program was a little tough, adjusting to the lower calorie, low carb meal plan (more on that below). She called me every day to see me through the transition. Now we talk once a week about how the week has gone, what my goals are and any questions I have about the program. I couldn't do this without her.
2) I eat five Medifast meals a day.
The Medifast meals are foods that I buy from Medifast (I order once a month). They typically come in powdered form, but they are some things, like cereal, bars and pretzels, that come in their final form. There are lots of options, but my favorites are Peanut Butter Soft Serve (ie, ice cream), all of the shakes and the brownies (just add water and then microwave or bake and you have a warm, moist, chewy, chocolatey piece of goodness).
The meals are low calorie, low fat and low on the glycemic index, but they have plenty of protein and vitamins. Plus, on the program you eat every three hours so you're not really hungry. Let me adjust that statement: the first week I was hungry as I adjusted to the new diet, but I've been good ever since!
3) I eat one Lean and Green meal each day.
I call the Lean and Green meal my "real food." For the Lean and Green, you get one serving of lean protein, three servings of vegetables and one healthy fat. This real food helps to feel normal - I can still eat out*** or eat at a friend's house - but at the same time it gives me the opportunity to start some healthy and controlled eating habits.
Anyway, I once again feel like I could do this thing. I'm on track and focused on my goal of losing a significant amount of weight. Before I started this program I felt kind of hopeless. I kept trying to get back on track with counting calories or new diets and kept giving up. I was full of fear. It was a very discouraging period. I feel much better now and can picture myself doing this program for months until I have lost my 100 pounds (and maybe even a few more after that!). I've decided that I think being able to picture yourself succeeding, is a big part of actually succeeding.
Obviously, the last time I lost a significant amount of weight I did not succeed at the "not finding it again" part (get it - Lost and NOT Found??). But I'm a big believer in learning lessons from the past, and I think I can see where I went wrong with the not finding it again.
Now, I'm sure you have some questions. If I get enough in the comments section, I'll post a Q and A blog. Side note: if you want me put you in touch with my health coach Alison, so you can get started on Take Shape for Life, let me know!****
*I just get easily distracted from blogging by television, books and real people.
** They will tell you if you sign up that you will lose 5-7 pounds a week the first two weeks and then after that you'll lose about 1-2 pounds a week. But so far, most of my losses have been a bit higher than those numbers.
***But I've only eaten out about 6 times in 6 weeks. Talk about a lifestyle change!
****I don't get compensation for a blog like this. I've just always been open about my weight loss efforts and want to share with you the program that's helping me.
I've lost 30 pounds in six weeks!
There is not a typo in that extra-large sentence up there, I really have lost 30 pounds in six weeks** through a program called Take Shape for Life. Take Shape for Life has three main components and some other smaller ones. Let's break it down, shall we?
1) I have a health coach.
My health coach, Alison, is so great for me. The first week on program was a little tough, adjusting to the lower calorie, low carb meal plan (more on that below). She called me every day to see me through the transition. Now we talk once a week about how the week has gone, what my goals are and any questions I have about the program. I couldn't do this without her.
2) I eat five Medifast meals a day.
The Medifast meals are foods that I buy from Medifast (I order once a month). They typically come in powdered form, but they are some things, like cereal, bars and pretzels, that come in their final form. There are lots of options, but my favorites are Peanut Butter Soft Serve (ie, ice cream), all of the shakes and the brownies (just add water and then microwave or bake and you have a warm, moist, chewy, chocolatey piece of goodness).
The meals are low calorie, low fat and low on the glycemic index, but they have plenty of protein and vitamins. Plus, on the program you eat every three hours so you're not really hungry. Let me adjust that statement: the first week I was hungry as I adjusted to the new diet, but I've been good ever since!
3) I eat one Lean and Green meal each day.
I call the Lean and Green meal my "real food." For the Lean and Green, you get one serving of lean protein, three servings of vegetables and one healthy fat. This real food helps to feel normal - I can still eat out*** or eat at a friend's house - but at the same time it gives me the opportunity to start some healthy and controlled eating habits.
Anyway, I once again feel like I could do this thing. I'm on track and focused on my goal of losing a significant amount of weight. Before I started this program I felt kind of hopeless. I kept trying to get back on track with counting calories or new diets and kept giving up. I was full of fear. It was a very discouraging period. I feel much better now and can picture myself doing this program for months until I have lost my 100 pounds (and maybe even a few more after that!). I've decided that I think being able to picture yourself succeeding, is a big part of actually succeeding.
Obviously, the last time I lost a significant amount of weight I did not succeed at the "not finding it again" part (get it - Lost and NOT Found??). But I'm a big believer in learning lessons from the past, and I think I can see where I went wrong with the not finding it again.
Now, I'm sure you have some questions. If I get enough in the comments section, I'll post a Q and A blog. Side note: if you want me put you in touch with my health coach Alison, so you can get started on Take Shape for Life, let me know!****
*I just get easily distracted from blogging by television, books and real people.
** They will tell you if you sign up that you will lose 5-7 pounds a week the first two weeks and then after that you'll lose about 1-2 pounds a week. But so far, most of my losses have been a bit higher than those numbers.
***But I've only eaten out about 6 times in 6 weeks. Talk about a lifestyle change!
****I don't get compensation for a blog like this. I've just always been open about my weight loss efforts and want to share with you the program that's helping me.
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
RIP Primal
It's been awhile since you heard from me, and I figure I owe you blog readers an update.
Drumroll, please.
I am no longer doing Primal.
Are you surprised or not surprised? Let me tell you the whole story.
I did Primal for three weeks. During that time I was pretty much 95 percent on track with the Primal plan. I didn't have any bread or pasta during that time. I gave up Diet Coke. I did have rice a few times. And probably more fruit than you are supposed to have. And I did go to this party once where I ate whatever I wanted, which included Oreos, among other things. But still. Overall, I was pretty hard core.
At the end of 21 days, I weighed for the first time during the whole Primal experience. I had a number in my head before I ever stepped on the scale that I expected to see. It was 13 pounds less than the number I saw when I started. Yes, 13 pounds would've been a lot to lose in 3 weeks. Yes, any weight lost is a good thing. Yes, I should not have been disappointed when I did finally step on the scale after being (mostly) hardcore for three weeks and saw that I lost 7 pounds.
That's right. I went from eating as much processed food, breads, pastas, sugars, and general crap to eating what I felt was a very healthy diet of lean meats, fruits, veggies, some almond milk and some nuts and lost 7 pounds.
7 pounds in three weeks is good. After all, 2 pounds a week is the recommended weight loss. But it wasn't the number I had in my head. And typically when I've done diets in the past, during the first week I lose more, like 5-7 pounds, and then pick up with 1 to 2 pounds a week after that.
After that, I felt broken. I couldn't get myself to stick to the strict Primal ways any more. I tried to get back on it a few times, but just couldn't make myself.
I also couldn't bring myself to write this blog post weeks ago when all of this happened because I'm tired of trying and failing and telling the whole world about it. It's embarrassing. Especially when the trying and failing time period is short. Keeping a blog is not a natural business, really. It's weird to tell the whole world your struggles.
In the end, I guess enough time has passed. Plus, people have been really interested and supportive of me-on-Primal, asking about it and whatnot, so I think an update is necessary. I went to a few people's houses for dinner while I was doing Primal and they cooked Primal especially for me. And once I went to this party and another guest asked what she could bring that I would be able to eat. Those things were really, really nice and I appreciated them.
Luckily, I did not wallow in my Primal failures for too long. I'm already on track with a new weight loss effort. I'm not sure I'm ready to tell the whole world about it yet, but I do want you to know that I am moving forward. This is one of the quotes on my vision board: "You are successful the moment you start moving toward a worthwhile goal." -Charles Carlson
Drumroll, please.
I am no longer doing Primal.
Are you surprised or not surprised? Let me tell you the whole story.
I did Primal for three weeks. During that time I was pretty much 95 percent on track with the Primal plan. I didn't have any bread or pasta during that time. I gave up Diet Coke. I did have rice a few times. And probably more fruit than you are supposed to have. And I did go to this party once where I ate whatever I wanted, which included Oreos, among other things. But still. Overall, I was pretty hard core.
At the end of 21 days, I weighed for the first time during the whole Primal experience. I had a number in my head before I ever stepped on the scale that I expected to see. It was 13 pounds less than the number I saw when I started. Yes, 13 pounds would've been a lot to lose in 3 weeks. Yes, any weight lost is a good thing. Yes, I should not have been disappointed when I did finally step on the scale after being (mostly) hardcore for three weeks and saw that I lost 7 pounds.
That's right. I went from eating as much processed food, breads, pastas, sugars, and general crap to eating what I felt was a very healthy diet of lean meats, fruits, veggies, some almond milk and some nuts and lost 7 pounds.
7 pounds in three weeks is good. After all, 2 pounds a week is the recommended weight loss. But it wasn't the number I had in my head. And typically when I've done diets in the past, during the first week I lose more, like 5-7 pounds, and then pick up with 1 to 2 pounds a week after that.
After that, I felt broken. I couldn't get myself to stick to the strict Primal ways any more. I tried to get back on it a few times, but just couldn't make myself.
I also couldn't bring myself to write this blog post weeks ago when all of this happened because I'm tired of trying and failing and telling the whole world about it. It's embarrassing. Especially when the trying and failing time period is short. Keeping a blog is not a natural business, really. It's weird to tell the whole world your struggles.
In the end, I guess enough time has passed. Plus, people have been really interested and supportive of me-on-Primal, asking about it and whatnot, so I think an update is necessary. I went to a few people's houses for dinner while I was doing Primal and they cooked Primal especially for me. And once I went to this party and another guest asked what she could bring that I would be able to eat. Those things were really, really nice and I appreciated them.
Luckily, I did not wallow in my Primal failures for too long. I'm already on track with a new weight loss effort. I'm not sure I'm ready to tell the whole world about it yet, but I do want you to know that I am moving forward. This is one of the quotes on my vision board: "You are successful the moment you start moving toward a worthwhile goal." -Charles Carlson
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