November 18, 2015

Week 14 Weigh-in

Yesterday, I spent pretty much the entire day driving. I drove Joey to and from Lucky Puppy, his doggy daycare (three hours total); and I drove with a friend of mine to the boudoir photographer's studio to look at her pictures (two hours total). I also had to drive to get the kids from school, which is another 40 minutes or so. I had nothing to write about yesterday, because I spent so much time in the car ;)

Anyway, I had another awesome weigh-in this week!


I was 134.5 on the scale, which is down two more pounds from last week. My body fat was 22.9%, which is down 0.5% from last week; and my waist was 25.75 inches, down half an inch from last week. Every pound makes a huge difference in my body at this point, and it feels awesome (kind of strange, but awesome). For example, I have a couple of pairs of jeans that are too tight in the thighs at 138 pounds, but they fit well at 136-137 pounds. Then at 135, they are too loose in the waist.

My average daily calories for this week was 1457. I wasn't able to do a high-calorie day this week, which kind of threw me off. I planned to do a high calorie day on Saturday, but my lunch plans fell through, and I wasn't sure what else to eat to make the high-calorie day "worth it". Anyway, I plan to average 1500-1600 per day this week, and have a high-calorie day. Only 1.5 pounds until goal!

A lot of people have been asking me if I include my high-calorie day in my average daily calories--at first, I wasn't including it, but it was difficult to explain over and over; so from now on, I'll just include all seven days in my average.

My daily steps averaged just under 8,000... still not great, but up about 1,000 from last week. I did deliberately try to get in more steps, so I'm going to try and do that again this week. Maybe I can get in over 8,000.

I can't even describe how good it feels to be back at this weight! I went to the thrift store today to get a few pairs of jeans and a couple of cardigans (I'm on a cardigan kick right now--I like wearing a tight t-shirt and jeans with a cardigan). I probably tried on a dozen pairs of size 3/4 jeans, and all but one pair fit me. I feel like I did when I was losing the weight in 2009-2010... I would look at a pair of jeans and think, "Those are tiny! There is no way I can squeeze my butt into them!" And then I put them on. And I still didn't really believe it. When I was at the cash register to pay for the stuff I was buying today, the cashier held up my jeans and said, "Did you get these from the kids' section or the women's section?" Haha!

I've been looking for a goal 10K race for next year. As I mentioned before, I am going to keep my distance at or under 10K, but I am going to try and get faster--and if I could PR my 10K, I would be thrilled. Getting back to goal weight was the first step. Next, I need to pick a goal race and come up with a training plan specific to a 10K. I'm glad to have this goal to focus on, so that once I reach goal weight, I won't feel like it's "the end" and I'm done. If I keep working on goals, hopefully I can keep the weight off.

After a great weigh-in today, I'm feeling optimistic! :) Anyone else want to check in on how you're doing with your goals? I know there were several people who said they wanted to stay accountable on Wednesdays as well!

27 comments:

  1. You are an inspiration! I plan to start calorie counting as well!

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  2. Great weigh in! Thanks for sharing, you are a huge inspiration!

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  3. You're doing great! I think you are right to include the high calorie day in your weekly average. I know there area good reasons to do a day with higher calories but those calories do still count. I know that I keep tracking of my calories and I do look at what the average is without the higher calorie day(s) of the week (usually 1 or 2), but I also calculate the overall calorie average as well.

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  4. I'm so happy for you! I am struggling to get myself back on track. I have tunnel vision on finishing this marathon!

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  5. What a great weigh-in! :) I had a great result this morning as well - I am only 0.6 lb away from the 160s - which I haven't been in for at least 25 years!! I also just hit the fifty pounds lost point, so it's been a great week.

    I will be interested to hear your ideas and thoughts on maintaining goal weight when you get to that point. I am fifteen pounds away from goal and worried that not having to lose any more weight will make it easy to go backwards.

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  6. Okay - staying accountable here - ha! I am 146.0 today. This is a 9 pound lost since September 8 using calorie counting and Sparks. There have been some hiccups in my process but I am satisfied with my progress nonetheless. The goal I am staying accountable to is that on August 19 I am going to turn 50. Whatever I weigh on that date (within 2 pounds) is going to be the weight that I maintain for the rest of my life (dramatic, I know). My reason for this is that I have spent the last decade - my entire 40s - on diets only to gain again. It's been 20 up and 20 down for 10 years. I've never felt more in control of it than I do today. I am prepared to make this happen.

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    1. I think that's a really great idea to aim to maintain whatever you weigh when your turn 50. I've said before that I would happily gain 10 pounds right now if it meant I would maintain that weight for the rest of my life! I, too, am constantly battling the ups and downs with my weight, and it's exhausting. Best wishes to you!

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  7. 140.6 today -- sooo close to the 130s! 135-140 is about what I maintained in high school, so 135 is my goal. Hoping to be under 140 by Friday and to my goal before Christmas. Nice job this week!

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  8. I love Wednesdays to see your progress!

    I was one that wanted to be accountable. Since August I've lost 12 pounds, which is slow but it's huge for me as the scale hadn't been moving forever.

    I started tracking *everything* on My Fitness Pal. I'm ardenspark there if anyone here wants to be friends. I'm loving it so far!

    I walk my first 5K on Thanksgiving. EEEEK!

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  9. Congrats on the loss! Go you!

    The Kona Run in June is a great 10K. There are some hills, but the course goes up and then comes down and if you can, you can let loose coming down the hills. That's in June. If you're looking for something earlier than that, I think the same running company does a Shamrock run, too although I have never done it.

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    1. The Shamrock Run is actually where my current PR is from :) I can't do June--it's just too hot! I'm hoping for March or April. But I am thinking of traveling for it!

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  10. Okay, I'll stay accountable. I vaguely remember saying I would lol ;)

    Well over the past 5 weeks, I've lost 5 pounds so a good start I'd say! I joined a weight loss support group 4 weeks ago which has been a big help. Kind of like a Weight Watchers meeting but you don't get tools or anything, you count calories or Points on your own. But much cheaper than Weight Watchers! Haha. Anyways, I've been enjoying the meetings so that's a good thing! I'm nervous about this week, I'm going to a deer widow's party on Saturday (just a girls night basically) and every year, everyone brings so many delicious appetizers and dessert and this year there will be pizza and wine and a lot of cocktails I'm sure. I just don't know how to handle it! I know I need to go in with a plan of attack, I'm just scared I'll break, I have zero willpower, especially when appetizers are in front of me. I could just graze all night. I really don't want to go to my meeting on Tuesday with a gain. I know this will just be a test to start the holiday season too. Guess I just have to do the best I can. Thanks for inspiring as always Katie!

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  11. Im down 10.8 lbs since October 6th. See I switched from calorie counting to WW because worked offers it (pays over 1/2 the fee) and the meetings are held right here in our conference room. I was 144.8 this morning! Feels good to be back in the low 140s. Looking forward to the 130s again!

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  12. Yay! I can just "hear" how much happier you are when you are making progress and on goal. It's fantastic!

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  13. I am down almost 5 pounds this week, and am feeling so much better already! I feel in control, I have a plan, I am committed to this and have some strategies for an upcoming party. It's like the light came on again!
    I know I don't really look any different yet, but somehow seeing that 5 pounds gone makes me stand up straiter and feel more confident.

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  14. Hi Katie, I am a long-time reader, first-time noter! I actually started following you back in the good old days of Open Diary. I think we have a lot in common, as we are both moms of two boys and we both live in Michigan... I am also a marathon runner and have struggled in the past with binge eating. I have recently been successful with getting back to my "happy weight" of 139 (like you, I had also put on a few pounds from emotional eating). And, like you, I even did a boudoir photo shoot!

    Anyways, I am noting now to first say congrats on getting so close to goal again! You are a huge inspiration to many women and should be really proud of yourself.

    I do have a few questions for you, though... first of all, I'm curious as to why you have chosen not to share your food log on your blog? I think many women would really benefit from seeing what you are eating in order to be so successful in losing weight so quickly. That leads to my second question: do you feel like you are truly eating as a "way of life" or do you feel like you are on "a diet"? The reason I ask is because you are losing weight so quickly... I mean, two pounds a week is very fast for someone who weighs so little. It makes me feel like I must have a super slow metabolism or something, because I eat very healthy and exercise and I tend to lose maybe one pound every couple of weeks or so at this point! I have to admit that sometimes it frustrates me a little when I see how your body is changing so much, so quickly. It just makes me wonder if you are eating some magical combination of foods or something lol

    I am not trying to judge or criticize in any way. It just amazes me sometimes how different all our bodies handle the weight loss process, and I'd love to know how you do it (specifically), because you are simply rocking it!

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    1. Hi there Carly! Thanks so much for commenting. Ahhh, sometimes I miss the Open Diary days ;)
      I used to share my food log on my blog, but the judgmental comments got to be annoying. People would tell me that I wasn't eating enough protein, eating too many carbs, not enough veggies, etc. I am not a clean eater, and I don't strive to be one--I enjoy everything that I eat! Now, just my husband and my best friend have access to my food log on My Fitness Pal, and interestingly, I think that has really helped me to stay on track. Previously, when my food log was public and I would get comments about what I was/wasn't eating, I would try to make changes in order to have a "healthier" diet. That would inevitably lead to a binge, because I wasn't eating what I *really* wanted. Now, I eat whatever the heck I want to eat, and I log the calories for it. Because I'm eating what I really want for every single meal, I don't feel the need to binge. Does that make sense? And since nobody is analyzing my diet, I don't feel like I "should" change anything. And yes, I definitely feel this is a "way of life"--I don't feel deprived at all with the way I am eating now, because I am eating what I love :)
      I really have no idea why the weight is coming off so fast this time! I promise you that it's not s magical combination of foods, haha. I was being VERY diligent with Weight Watchers in the spring, but I only dropped four pounds in MONTHS. One thing that I'm doing differently with calorie counting is that I don't have any "rules" like I did with WW. On WW, I would have to stick with X number of Points per day; with calorie counting, I don't give myself a number that I have to stick to. I just try to keep my calories reasonable, and balanced (if I have a high calorie meal for breakfast, then I try to have a lower calorie meal for lunch... etc). When doing WW, I would eat whether or not I was hungry, just because I had Points to spend. Now, if I'm hungry, I eat; if not, I don't force it. Some days I eat 1800 calories, and some days I eat 1300. I guess in some ways, it's like intuitive eating; I'm just using the calorie counting as a way to keep it a little more structured.
      Sorry to ramble on so long! ;) Feel free to email me if you want to chat more!

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    2. Wow, thanks for taking the time to answer my questions and concerns so thoroughly! I really appreciate that.

      I understand why you don't post your food log if you were getting those kinds of comments. I mean, I can't even stand it when I'm sitting at my desk at work eating and everyone who passes by has to make a comment about how I'm going to turn into a rabbit if I keep eating all that salad *rolls eyes*.

      If you truly feel like you are eating in a way that you could maintain for the rest of your life and you are able to maintain a healthy weight while doing it, then it doesn't matter if you are eating perfectly "clean" or whatever. Obviously, it's important to follow the general guidelines of healthiness, but otherwise, I don't feel it's necessary to be so strict about what you are eating that you can't even enjoy your freaking life.

      The only reason I had concerns about you was because it seemed like you have dropped the weight so fast this time. I have struggled in the past with disordered eating habits that would produce dramatic results, but were not healthy nor sustainable. Because I used to dabble in that crap, sometimes I get a little worried when I see people I care about losing (or gaining) weight very quickly and I can't help checking on them to make sure they are ok. So don't take it personally that I was curious about what you were doing to be so successful in your weightloss... sometimes our own past issues can cause us to be hyper aware of things going on with other people, and sometimes the worry is quite unnecessary!

      You seem to be feeling really healthy and happy, so you must be making the right choices for your body, and that is truly wonderful to see!

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  15. I am so happy for your progress, Katie! That is so awesome. I've thoroughly enjoyed reading each and every blog post - they are so inspirational! I need some accountability in my life. I was at 166 this morning and would like to be in the 130-135 range. I have just been struggling so much with this and don't know what the best approach is. I've tried so many different plans and diets and nothing seems to work. Calorie counting seems to be working for you so well! Just curious, how do you stay so diligent with it? I've tried it and found myself forgetting to track things. I need some motivation, positive vibes, and any tips/tricks you've got up your sleeve! Thanks Katie!

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    1. Thanks Emily! Something that has really helped me with tracking is that I pre-track my food the night before, and then I make changes if needed the next day. Also, I quit snacking, so I'm not eating little things here and there that I might forget to track. I just eat breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a bedtime treat. I prefer to spend more calories on my meals than to snack throughout the day, so it works well for me. That said, I had tried calorie counting in the past, and never did this well with it. I'm not sure what's so different now, but I would suggest experimenting a bit to find out what works best for YOU. Identify the problem you're running into, and make up your own solution--only YOU know what will work best for you. Best wishes! xo

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  16. I was wondering if you think the Fat Loss Monitor is a good investment? I love seeing my stats in MFP, but wasn't sure if a body fat measure would be a good tool for me as I try to lose my last 20 pounds.

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    1. Just noticed my name didn't pop into the header...

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  17. I think you are doing GREAT! But GIrlfriend PLEASE for the love of all that's HOLY....buy yourself a GOOD PAIR OF NEW (non-thrift store) JEANS just once!! You deserve it for losing all this weight! Spend the extra money on them...believe me you will feel GOOD in them!! (try looking at True Religion or 7 for all Mankind)

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    1. Hahahaha, I wouldn't even know where to begin shopping for brand new jeans! ;) It's kind of funny--there are certain things that I have no problem spending extra money on (like the boudoir photos I just got, which cost a fortune); but when it comes to clothes, I just cannot fathom spending a hundred dollars (or more!) on an outfit. I'll look into it, though, I promise--maybe treat myself to a pair when I can maintain this weight for three months or something!

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  18. I'm curious about how you factor in the calories you burn through exercise to your day? Do you average in the calories you've burned to the daily average you eat? Or do you pay attention to calories burned at all?
    And congratulations on the smooth sailing! Seems like you're in a great spot :)

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    1. I don't pay any attention to the calories burned through exercise. Since I'm not burning much, I just don't factor it in. If I was marathon training or something, I would probably add more to compensate, but I'm only running about 9 miles per week.

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I used to publish ALL comments (even the mean ones) but I recently chose not to publish those. I always welcome constructive comments/criticism, but there is no need for unnecessary rudeness/hate. But please--I love reading what you have to say! (This comment form is super finicky, so I apologize if you're unable to comment)

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