Friday, July 13, 2012

Week 5 - 147.5


147.5

Yay. Like really yay, but not really.

Except for the part where I was sick in bed all week with a sinus infection L

So when I’m sick I tend to lose a couple of pounds as I generally will lose my appetite. Believe it or not, this was probably the first time that I was sick in bed, could barely breathe, and all I wanted to do was eat (okay maybe not the first time, but it has been a while).

I had quite an appetite and though eating was physically difficult, I managed to scarf down a few fatty soup to soothe my throat and carbs to quiet my rumbling belly. This also ensured that I met my minimum calorie requirement each day.  I also tried to drink as much water as I could but I’m pretty sure I’m still a tad bit dehydrated. Staying hydrated while sick was not an easy task I tell ya.

Unfortunately, being sick in bed also means that I have not been to the gym in a week. Even though I feel better, my breathing is still a tad bit labored and my muscles are still a bit achy. This also means that part of my weight loss might be muscle loss, which totally sucks.

And so now you might understand what I mean by “yay, but not really.” I may have lost some weight this week, but there is a very good chance that it is just some water weight. I can only stay on track with my program and hope that I will continue losing weight.

Now for the acknowledgements. Since my first post on June 15th, I have lost approximately 10.5 pounds.

ONE MONTH, 10 POUNDS!

One month, down 5% bodyfat according to my dinky and most probably inaccurate scale.

According to my calculations, which are based upon the body fat percentages my scale told me I was at on June 15 and today July 13, 10 of the 10.5 pounds I have lost are actual pure fat. I’m assuming that the other .5 is linked to water loss and hopefully not and muscle loss. Then again, I am not very confident in my math skills, so it is possible that the calculations are incorrect.

Let me tell you, it is scary how much of a difference 10 pounds can make. I have always had the goal of losing “just ten pounds.” Even at 210lbs, I would tell myself “just ten”. Even now I tell myself, “just ten.”

Its funny how a 10lb loss eventually turned into a 62.5lb one. 

I used to think losing 80lbs would be impossible and as I was doomed to be obese and I might as well learn to love my body the way I was. And I did. I loved myself to death, literally. I didn’t see my weight as a problem until I actually lost some weight and realized that under all that fat…there was more fat!

This past week I got so many compliments. Even people who see me regularly couldn’t help but comment on how much thinner I look.

My clothes look so much better on me, my skin is glowing and all these neurotransmitters lingering around in my synapses are keeping me smiling.

Oh, and my hipbones are kinda freaking me out. I never realized how sharp they are!

So I lost ten pounds. Whenever I reach my “just ten” goal I like to reward myself with something significant.  Not as big or as expensive as a trip to Europe per se, but something  which means more to be than a mani- pedi . I also like to choose a reward which gets me closer to my goals of being healthy and staying healthy. This means no chocolate soufflés or pig out sessions. Food should not be used as a reward; you are not a dog!

I usually plateau in the 140’s (specifically at 148, 145 and 142). Last year, after working my butt of for months, I got down to 148 by the end of the summer. Then, in the last week of August, I conveniently got my wisdom teeth pulled out and basically starved myself down to 142. Of course, losing weight in such an unhealthy manner had negative consequences. After almost fainting during a midterm, I eventually gave up watching what I ate. I reverted to old eating habits and hardly ever hit the gym.  I was a bit too stressed and overly confident in my weight loss  to spend some time figuring out how to balance my  stressful life with my new lifestyle choices.

So yah, I don’t weigh 142 pounds anymore and the last time I was there without starving myself was about 6 years ago (and even then I had lost 10 pounds for my brother’s bar mitzvah). The last time I was near my “dream/goal weight” of 125 I was probably in the 5th or 6th grade.

Dang, I’m scared. Staying in the high 140’s will be difficult enough. Just thinking about hitting “140” itself on the scale makes me break out into a cold sweat.

Of course, 158 and 140 are just numbers. In the end of the day, what truly matters is how I feel. Honestly, though I would like to lose a few pounds in order to lower by BMI from “overweight” to “healthy/ normal” I don’t mind the number too much.

I like the way I look. I truly believe that curves are hotter than looking like a clothing hanger. I like my curves and I don’t want to reduce them too much. On the other hand, like the typical “apple” body type, I still have way too much fat in my  torso/ abdomen area.  This type of fat is linked to higher incidence of heart disease.  I need to lose this belly for the sake of my health and sanity!!!

According my research and experience, the best way to lose belly fat is to simply lose weight. Of course, upon losing the weight, it is highly unlikely that you will find rock hard six-pack abs underneath all that flab. From my experience, observations and research, I have come to realize that by doing tons of cardio and limiting your calories you will probably end up thinner, but just as flabby. Loose, excess skin is not something you necessarily want to live with. Last summer, I did some weight training and it made all the difference. Trust me people, before you walk in to the surgery room for lipo or a tummy tuck (not that there aren’t circumstances where that might be appropriate- but more as a last resort), try picking up a pair of dumbbells.  

So, I have lost ten pounds, need to lose at least 7.5 more in the next four weeks, and would like to tone up and build some abs.

Sounds like hiring a personal trainer will be the perfect reward for me. Last year I had one for a few weeks and though my weight on the scale remained the same, the difference was unbelievable. My clothes got looser, my body was toned, and I looked better at that toned 151 than the starvation induced 142 I got down to a month after I stopped training.

Training is pricey, (though I am getting a pretty good deal). but it is worth it as it  will help reinforce the weight I have already lost and help propel me down the path to my ultimate weight loss goals.  

The only problem is that last time when I was training, my appetite went out of control so I gotta figure that out. Also, whenever I start a new exercise regimen, I often don’t lose weight in the beginning. Perhaps this is because I am gaining muscle or overcompensating on the calories as my appetite increases due to the training.

I just hope that next week I will be able to look at the scale with pride no matter if the number goes up or down. I will only be happy knowing I tried my best, so here goes nothing.

J



2 comments:

  1. It's a little worrisome how obsessed I am with you. This is awesome. You're awesome. (Not to mention HOT.) Love you!

    ReplyDelete