This past week was the first one since I began this weight-loss effort in which I let life and my emotions truly derail me. The damage included two-thirds a of a Tubular Taco (really an unholy, mammoth burrito/enchilada beast) and two missed workouts (including one session of boot camp). I did lose half a pound in spite of my apparent intention to self-sabotage. This puts me at a loss of 39 lbs total so far.
I really don’t know what hit me last week . . . sure, there were some technical difficulties afoot, but life didn’t throw me anything so horrendous that I absolutely had to go off-plan. Yet I threw my hands up, let my anxiety win, and took my eyes of the prize temporarily. Going soda-free (in particular, giving up my beloved Diet Dr. Pepper) really did a number on my body and my mind while all this was going on. The headache has finally passed but I do still find myself automatically craving my former mid-morning and -afternoon sodas at work. Those old reflexive habits take a while to pass, don’t they?
Back to the task at hand, though. The half-pound I lost this week puts me exactly halfway to my goal weight of 125 lbs. Incredibly, every pound I lose from here on out will be on the downhill side of this journey. I can’t quite wrap my mind around that yet.
This week I plan to remain soda-free, and am making a strong effort to eat Paleo-style at breakfast. The last two mornings I have had omelets with spinach and avocado in them, with a few strawberries on the side. I would like to think of some other easy, tasty options that fit the bill as well.
16. February 2010 at 5:49 PM
I was thinking about you last night, though I don’t know you personally, and how awesome it’s been to watch your journey. You struggled a bit at the beginning, but you just kept getting up and going for it. You didn’t let it get you down, that you had tried before. A lot of people, myself included, struggle with that: being so discouraged and embarrassed that they’ve tried and failed before. But the word “failed” is so subjective: each “failure” gets closer to the real deal. I’m so inspired by your progress and your outlook. Keep at it, girl!
PS The diet soda cravings are still brutal for me. I’ve had to talk myself out of one every day this week. Oooof.
16. February 2010 at 9:18 PM
From reading all of the blogs, it seems like what you do after the derailment is the most important. You have a choice–to continue down that slippery slope or return to better habits. I’m just starting my journey, so I’m kind of in the honeymoon period, but I know there will be situations just like the one you describe–and how I decide and chose can make all the difference. Good luck with your week!
16. February 2010 at 10:31 PM
Oh, you made me feel better.
After a spectacular week of weight loss and exercise achievement, I crashed/burned/pigged-out-and-slacked-off. It’s as if something inside me is afraid of success if it comes too quickly or without the required amount of suffering. I hope this doesn’t sound mean, but I’m glad when other people too have the occasional bad week.
(Though I am /very/ glad that you didn’t have to pay for it on the scale!)
17. February 2010 at 4:45 PM
The title of your post reminds me of an old Bon Jovi song. :)
I’m glad you’re over your bad week and things are on the upswing for you. The half way there comment is a great way to look at things and put them in perspective. You’re doing great. :)
18. February 2010 at 7:11 AM
YOU ARE HALF WAY THERE. That’s marvelous and cause for major celebration. Do you have a physical marker for that achievement?
Just keep remembering: Progress not perfection. The insistence on perfection is a surefire way of sabacharging yourself. I know you don’t want to do that. Despite the challenges you face in your life, you are an incredibly strong and resilient woman. You WILL achieve your goal.
Pictures–we want pictures!
18. February 2010 at 2:30 PM
As I tweeted – woaaaahhh, living on a praaaayer. You are kicking some ass and taking some names. I bet you pass me by summer weight-wise (and that’s if *I* get my butt in gear and get back to my maintenance weight quick). So proud of you! One small hiccup is just that – and sounds like you’re right back into it, which is great. Tubular tacos will happen. If they’re the exception to the rule, you’re still doing fine. :) …and is it sad I want to ask you where that came from? /badbadbad
18. February 2010 at 7:31 PM
Hi Doodle!
Just wanted to check in and let you know I’m very proud of you for your dedication to this. You are my love and my light.