Sunday, November 29, 2009

End of the month wrap-up...

It’s the end of the month which means, time to say goodbye to November, goodbye to additional pounds, goodbye to more fat and update my stats!


This month in my life proved to be a lot to handle, frankly. For the first time since I began this journey, there was a week where I didn’t lose any/didn’t gain any and I’ll be honest…it freaked me out. I didn’t like the scale much that morning. But that was also a very emotional week (see my last post). It was eye-opening and now I'm dealing with sorting it all out which has not and will not be easy. It’s always on my mind now. I guess time is what I need. I don't know. I will say that the next week was much better when I lost 4lbs. *Whew*.


So…here’s how November broke down for me:

I lost 16.2 lbs this month bringing me from 282 in July to 209.8 now! That’s a total of 72.2 lbs lost since I’ve started (20 weeks!). I’m averaging a 3.6 lb loss/week.


This month, I lost an additional 6 combined inches: (bringing me to a total of 27.5 inches lost since July)

1.5 inches – bust

4 inches – hips

.5 inch – neck (this measurement makes me laugh but I can tell the difference!)


My BMI on November 1st was 34.4 and since losing these 16.2lbs, it’s now at 31.9. Note: You can calculate your own BMI by going here.


Next week (and month!), I’m working my butt off. I took this last week completely off from working out at the YW. My body needed the break and as it turned out, I ended up being sick for 4-5 days so it probably needed the rest anyway. I did walk a few evenings but as for cardio and strength training…NONE this week. The center was also closed 2 out of 3 of my pool days, so I missed that for sure (I have no clue how I’m doing to deal with the center being closed for 2 weeks for the December holidays!). I’m okay with it but I’m kicking it up next week. I have to. I still want to reach my next goal of a total of 80lbs lost by the end of December which means I have just less than 10 lbs to lose in the next month. That seems very attainable. :)


Speaking of December, so many people have asked me how I’m going to do it with the holidays. People…I’ve changed and when I say that, I mean it. I don’t know how else to say it. The holidays don’t scare me one bit. I know they ask me because they know I use to love to bake. I’d bake loads of cookies. I’d stand on my feet in the kitchen ALL DAY and bake. I’d try new recipes. I’d share with the neighbors. I’d take a boatload to my mom’s for Christmas Eve. I’d take them to my In-Laws. I’d also eat a lot myself. I tell ya…the best way I can explain it is that food was a temporary high for me. You eat it, you feel good while you’re eating it and then for me…I’d come off the high and crash. Hard. Then came the guilt and regret of eating it. Beating myself up. Man, talk about an addiction. It is an addiction. It’s just NOT worth it to me anymore though. I’d much rather pass it by or simply choose to not have it in my house. I’ve changed. My life has changed. My outlook on food has changed. Food no longer controls me. It’s not a priority…or should I say, food is a priority but it’s a different priority. It’s about making healthy, sensible choices. It’s about fueling my body with nutrition and not empty calories. There are other things about the holidays that I will enjoy just as much and I’ll feel so much better about indulging in friends or family as opposed to holiday food. Other things in my life make me happy now and I know I’ve said it before and I truly mean it…there is no food that I could eat that would make me happier than I feel about myself right now. The cookies, the candy, the sweets, the parties, the festivities, the holidays, whatever… BRING IT ON. :)

Look for another post from me soon...I've already got it started.

7 comments:

Hi my name is Marjorie said...

You can do it...I know you can. You go girl.

Debi said...

Nicole! Yes! it's all about change isn't it? There has to be an inner shift in order to make it work and something that works for a lifetime. I am so proud of you, honestly. You encourage me. I really hope, and I invite you, to become an avid follower of me if you can. I really need people like you to lift me up whenever you can. I love reading your ups and downs and relate so much.
Thank you for sharing,

Debi

Debi said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Julie Ann Rachelle Interior Design said...

Yay Nicole! I also don't keep cookies and junk food in the house.

xoxo,
ja

Crafty Girl Studio said...

WTG Nicole. I am so happy you had a good month. And I am very sorry you were sick...that is too bad. But, you are getting right back into it so I have no worries you will be kicking butt this week for sure. Poop on the holidays...you can do it and you just know it.

patti west said...

hi nicole! It's so nice to read your blog as you go through this transformation. You're thoughts prompt me to stop and ponder. You're really special to share this experience!! hugs!

Anonymous said...

Nicole, I love the way you are writing this. Love the conversation! Will look forward to your next update.

Your first part by the way really made me want to say to you I would love to hear about each stage of your changing psychology too.

I am a believer that you need to lose weight in synch with your mind as it is hard to change your mental self image as quickly as your weight.

You are doing great! Kudos to you my friend!

Shell in Oz