In the interest of keeping myself accountable, I offer up my first weight-loss update. It's good news: I've lost 5 pounds in 4 weeks!
After the initial shock of counting calories, it hasn't been all that bad, either. I've gained real awareness of about how much I can eat at any given meal or snack and still have calories left for the rest of the day. Probably the biggest success has been (mostly) eliminating the sugary snacks I used to consume mid-afternoon. I know it's better not to eat the few hours before bedtime, but since I know I'll be nursing at least once and probably twice before breakfast, I really need something to tide me over after dinner. And if I'm going to have an evening treat, I can't spend those calories in the afternoon! For the first time, I've been reaching for cheese sticks or fruit or Triscuits more often than the chocolate chip jar.
About two weeks ago, I had a real food crisis. If it had been practical, I would've given up eating altogether -- which is a big deal, because I really love food. I felt frustrated by everything about food: rising grocery prices and a desire for more whole foods has me overspending my grocery budget every month, and now everything I eat adds up in the "calories consumed" column. Eating was turning out to be a lose-lose situation. Fortunately, I discovered the next morning that I'd lost an inch around my waist, and my motivation to keep going skyrocketed. Pants -- REAL pants, not fat pants -- are within reach!
It's possible I could be making even bigger strides. I'm still eating dessert every night; I'm just doing it within my allotted daily calorie intake now. If I chose healthier options, or maybe actually exercised occasionally, just think what might happen! Baby steps, right?!
Now that I know that success is possible, I've set a goal to lose five more pounds by Christmas. Given my current rate of weight loss, I could feasibly aim for more than that, but I'm trying to be practical about the two Thanksgiving dinners next week . . . two Christmas parties in December . . . my five-year wedding anniversary, which will undoubtedly include some feasting . . . and so on. I don't want to take this self-denial thing too far, you know? ;)
After the initial shock of counting calories, it hasn't been all that bad, either. I've gained real awareness of about how much I can eat at any given meal or snack and still have calories left for the rest of the day. Probably the biggest success has been (mostly) eliminating the sugary snacks I used to consume mid-afternoon. I know it's better not to eat the few hours before bedtime, but since I know I'll be nursing at least once and probably twice before breakfast, I really need something to tide me over after dinner. And if I'm going to have an evening treat, I can't spend those calories in the afternoon! For the first time, I've been reaching for cheese sticks or fruit or Triscuits more often than the chocolate chip jar.
About two weeks ago, I had a real food crisis. If it had been practical, I would've given up eating altogether -- which is a big deal, because I really love food. I felt frustrated by everything about food: rising grocery prices and a desire for more whole foods has me overspending my grocery budget every month, and now everything I eat adds up in the "calories consumed" column. Eating was turning out to be a lose-lose situation. Fortunately, I discovered the next morning that I'd lost an inch around my waist, and my motivation to keep going skyrocketed. Pants -- REAL pants, not fat pants -- are within reach!
It's possible I could be making even bigger strides. I'm still eating dessert every night; I'm just doing it within my allotted daily calorie intake now. If I chose healthier options, or maybe actually exercised occasionally, just think what might happen! Baby steps, right?!
Now that I know that success is possible, I've set a goal to lose five more pounds by Christmas. Given my current rate of weight loss, I could feasibly aim for more than that, but I'm trying to be practical about the two Thanksgiving dinners next week . . . two Christmas parties in December . . . my five-year wedding anniversary, which will undoubtedly include some feasting . . . and so on. I don't want to take this self-denial thing too far, you know? ;)
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