So, it’s been quite awhile since I last posted about my journey towards weight loss and ideally, vibrant health. Oh you guys. I’ve been struggling. Yawn.
As I type this I’m chowing down on this epic chicken/green bean/carrot/turmeric Crock Pot concoction that I made last night, and it is so freaking good, but the only reason why I’m eating it and not the gluten-free/vegan cheese pizza that I’m craving, is because I’m too lazy to drive the four blocks to our local pizza shop.
In this instance, laziness is a good thing.
And that my friends, pretty much sums up what has been going on with me, health-wise, over the past few months. Cravings, and giving in to those cravings a bit too frequently, makes me crave not-so-great food even more. And that not-so-great food (namely sugary, processed, and gluten-free baked goods), has left me feeling less than energetic, a bit depressed and even moody. Duh.
Last week I got a wake up call when I clocked in at 158 pounds, a seven-pound increase from my lowest fall/winter weight of 151. Not a huge increase in my book, but that kind of slip tells me that I need to get back on track, fast, before there’s a zero added to the end of that seven. A potentially very real scenario for me.
So what to do? What to do? Own up, forgive myself, make changes and move forward. Perhaps easier said than done, no, definitely easier said than done, but a few key behavior modifications are all that’s needed:
- Very limited, if any, processed foods
- No sugar (except for a bit of honey now and then)
- More green vegetables
- More healthy fats (mainly coconut and animal) to keep me full
- More sleep and exercise
And once again, I have to recognize that this is a journey. A marathon, not a sprint. And damn it all, I have to give myself major credit for coming as far as I have. Focusing on my slip-ups and should-haves instead of recognizing my everyday victories simply triggers a nasty case of emotional over-eating.
I cannot expect perfection from myself. No one should.
So for now I’m going to forgive myself for my near-nightly ritual I’ve had as of late: eating Kettle Chips and pastries while watching back-to-back(to-back-to-back) episodes of Hoarders. Honestly? The rebellious streak I was on has lost its appeal.
Right now I’m trying to move through the cravings and really focus on all the kick-ass progress I’ve made since last June. And hello, while my weight-loss has been stagnant for nearly two seasons, this is perhaps the longest I’ve “maintained” my weight as an adult. I kid you not.
This image of me is from December, standing in the rain, enjoying Stumptown, while waiting in line at Voodoo Donuts with a friend.
I did not eat a donut.
PAT.ON.THE.BACK.
(never mind that I have serious issues with gluten. It’s still a choice.)
And lastly, I’ll leave you these photos. The first from last April. The second from January.
The last thing I want to do right now is beat myself up for having a few too many pizzas, by eating more pizza.
Victory will be mine!
Or perhaps, victory already is mine.
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14 Responses to “sweet and sour”
wow, congratulations, lady! that is HUGE. and what a brave post to write. love it!
Thank you Kendra!
You have done AMAZINGLY! And I know the struggle! Losing weight and staying there is SO VERY difficult because it’s NOT like other addictions. You HAVE to eat to live- not like nicotine or alcohol. Don’t beat yourself up for gaining a little. I say a 10lb window is perfect
Good work! You are amazing!
Thank you Carrie – so much! I have never thought about food addiction as not being akin to another addiction like drugs or nicotine or alcohol or whatnot. You are absolutely right. It’s not like you can get sober from food. I really love this insight.
I’M SO PROUD OF YOU. I HOPE YOU WILL GIVE JULIE AND I SOME POINTERS AND ENCOURAGEMENT AS WE STRIVE TO EAT AND LIVE A HEALTHY LIFE STYLE WHEN I MOVE UP THERE. IT COULD BE A MATTER OF LIFE OR DEATH FOR ALL OF US. I’M SO LOOKING FORWARD TO BEING NEARER.
Thank you Joanne.
You are doing a great job, my friend! I don’t know how to encourage you in what you are doing, but I will say that I am proud of you and maybe that is all you need to keep going! I’m proud that you are staying honest, even when you don’t feel like you want to boast about something, because that accountability will help and I will say that you do NOT need to make yourself feel guilty! You do have victory, so walk in it!
Thank you! Since making the decision to “public” with my journey, it has really helped me stay accountable, to some degree. I think blogging about it this time has really helped me turn a corner to kick it into gear again and yes – comments like yours help me to stay accountable and stay ENCOURAGED. Thank you.
Victory is very clearly already yours! You look amazing, have maintained great weight loss, and have the strength to stick with it and make choices that help you feel your best. Plus I love that picture so much, seriously if I looked half as cute in my glasses in my bathroom mirror there would never be anything else on my blog. You rock. Wishing you health and happiness, Carla.
Ahhh! Thank you! Thank you.
I got new glasses this winter and absolutely love them.
You are doing awesome. You are right- it’s a journey and a lifestyle. Keep doing what you’re doing. You are an inspiration to me with each post!
I love that you say, “Own up, forgive myself, make changes and move forward.” I’ve been thinking the very same thing, not with regards to weight loss, but pretty much everything else: eating healthy, being a good parent, staying organized, getting the laundry done. I feel like I’m failing at everything right now, but I know it won’t help to dwell on it. Move on, try harder, that’s what I keep telling myself.
Have you read this article on craving from the Wise Traditions Journal? http://www.westonaprice.org/food-features/why-we-crave
I found it very eye-opening, though I still haven’t been able to conquer my own cravings. It’s a slow road, I guess!
PS You look gorgeous! Love your glasses!
So brave to put up this post that’s both inspiring, introspective, and encouraging!:) Yay! I’ve mostly been integrating foods that are alive in my everyday snacks/meals b/c they contain all of those wonderful phytochemicals and nutrients…aaand decided I’d go flexitarian (not a lot of meat) b/c it makes your body acidic.
About the fats in foods though.. I thought coconut oil was loaded with saturated fat? Last time I checked.. Do you use a different form that doesn’t contain this?
And the animal fats I thought were really bad! I’m just wondering if you’re using some kind of different variation of it? I’m sure you already know about the plant based omega 3 fats but I’ve never heard of animals fats being healthy?
You know what I like you did it by self determination good job you look great.