Day Three on South Beach

I have to be completely honest.... I do NOT like eating only proteins. Jeremy and I talked last night about this diet and he isn't convinced that this is very healthy to do to my body. Until yesterday, I had not cheated at all (except for a piece of gum... dire straits for my breath).

Jeremy also said he would help me with exercising more, so I went outside with him and helped rake and pick up grass piles to put on the compost. I broke a sweat and gained a few more mosquito bites, but I am convinced that exercise is key when it comes to losing weight (just ask Jillian Michaels). Back to my eating, though: since I was losing my desire to eat at all, I skipped supper and woke up so hungry I couldn't sleep. So I ate a cookie with a couple sips of milk.

And this morning.... I found I am FINALLY under 220!!!!!

I will stay on this diet to continue the weight loss, but will also "cheat" at times just for the sake of sanity.

Day One on South Beach

Well, my day is half over and as I write, I have a plate of my attempted omlette on my lap. It turned out to be just a layer of egg (because I had too much I tried stuffing inside, it wouldn't fold) and scattered all over the top is a mixture of tomatos, orange pepper, turkey bacon, and mozzarella cheese. Honestly, it's not half bad.

My major concern is that I am badly craving my dairy right now. From everything I have read and people I have spoken to, cravings go away after about 4 days. Just waiting.

To start, I had to go shopping for key items for this new "way of life". Alongside my healthy choices, peppers, turkey bacon, ricotta cheese, nuts, etc. was also chocolate ice cream and orange juice. My family is not going on this diet with me, so these temptations will still be in the house with me while I am working to change my health and my weight (bummer for naturally thin and healthy husband and children).

Another struggle I am realizing is that I just do not take care of myself the way I ought to. Even though this is a diet where you don't need to be hungry... as usual, I am too distracted with my children to take care of my needs. This is not just a new phenomenon. Even when I am NOT dieting, I'm always hungry... I just tend to over-eat the wrong things once I do take the opportunity to stuff my face.

I did weigh myself first thing this morning... and I have stayed steady at 221 pounds. I am hoping to break the 220 mark sometime this week.

Have a wonderful day of eating healthy and wise!

South Beach Diet

Obviously, since marriage and children I have needed to lose weight. I can't seem to get out of the 220s, though.

I have been inspired by a friend to try the South Beach Diet which consists of 3 phases. The first phase is the most restrictive and lasts for at least 2 weeks (maybe a 3rd depending on my motivation and whether I think I need it). The second phase lasts until I have reached my goal weight and the third phase is just the maintenance for the rest of my life. It seems like a very reasonable way to go.

Seeing as how I have a couple of weeks before my first vacation this year (we have a total of three planned), I am going to start this tomorrow and see how it works for me.

Breakfast

Protein: Quantity is not limited.
Vegetables: Minimum 1/2 cup.
Fruit: None
Starch: None
Milk: None
Fat: 1 tsp mayonnaise or oil (optional)

Lunch

Protein: Quantity is not limited.
Vegetables: Minimum 2 cups.
Fruit: None
Starch: None
Milk: None
Fat: 1 Tbsp mayonnaise or oil.

Snack

Snacks are required. Choose from the Protein or Vegetable list, or eat nuts from the Fats list.

Dinner

Protein: Quantity is not limited.
Vegetables: Minimum 2 cups.
Fruit: None
Starch: None
Milk: None
Fat: 1 Tbsp mayonnaise or oil.


And, remember, this is only phase one. The choices are limited for 2 weeks and then I can start adding in fruit and dairy and some starches.

More Change

I have had a few of you friends ask me how my weight goals were coming... and they had sort of stagnated. I couldn't get below 223 and then kept jumping back up. This was frustrating me to no end, so I changed my diet again... I cut out breads (as much as possible) and limited my dairy intake. I am not going extreme because it isn't practical... but as well as I can. I am eating my carbs in the morning (for the most part) and dessert around lunchtime (it's impractical to think of cutting them out completely... there are too many cookies lying around for the rest of the family). But I am monitoring how much I eat and when I eat them. I am also trying to not eat anything after 7pm, which is difficult because we normally start supper at 6:45. No snacks, no nothing.

So far, I lost 4 more pounds... total of 14.5.

I will keep you guys posted.

Happy Pills

Quite a bit has happened in the last month. Aside from starting my weight loss goals and working out, I have also been to the doctor to discuss my postpartum depression.

First things first. Since starting my workouts and diet plan, I have lost a total of 12 pounds. I took a brief hiatus from working out because I was feeling rather ugh-y from two periods in three weeks... the joys of re-entering the non-pregnant state. I am going to start my workout regimen again next week... the Biggest Loser workout tapes are on request from the library.

The next most important thing that happened was that I was diagnosed with postpartum and was prescribed some "happy pills". I am no longer the "Mother from H---" and the boys are very happy about that. Honestly, though, it was very apparent to me that I was not reacting the same way I usually do and couldn't seem to enjoy anything about my life. That is not normal for me. Now, I feel like I am myself again and am not overwhelmed or having a breakdown when I have to leave the house. I am enjoying my children again.

Jeremiah is going to be turning three this June. We are planning a school curriculum for him and it will consist of (most likely) four subjects: music, Bible, reading and math. I have already begun his Bible teaching. We have a "Bible book" that I read to him during his breakfast time and we are learning one verse a week. He has learned Genesis 1:1 and is currently learning Genesis 1:27... he has been asking to "learn another one" which shows me that he is enjoying his education and is ready for more.

Well, that is my family update for now.

Jeremiah grabbed the home phone from me and was pushing buttons (which he knows is not allowed) and when I asked him about it he said, "I'm talking to someone... CHILL!"

Gotta deal with that boy!

Crumbs and Curses

I did really well last week, but this weekend the temptation of brownies and cookies got the best of me (I don't even LIKE cookies and brownies much). I gained 4 of the 5 lost pounds back. So, I am basically starting all over again. But I WILL do it.

I have 4 more exercise videos from the library and I am starting it today. Back to tracking everything I eat.

AND NO MORE COOKIES OR BROWNIES. NOT A ONE WILL ENTER THIS TRAP. -- a vow by Wendy Young

Week 1

I have succesfully completed my first week exercising and dieting (by watching how many calories I eat) and.... LOST 5 POUNDS!

I'd say that is a pretty good result.

Monday: Exercised with Kathy Lee Gifford cardio tape and stayed properly on the diet.
Tuesday: Exercised with The Biggest Loser cardio tape and stayed on my diet.
Wednesday: Day of rest because of soreness from the BL tape... a little loose on my diet.
Thursday: Did some butt-buster exercise for 5 minutes and rested because I was still sore.
Friday: Exercised again with the BL tape... stayed on my diet.
Saturday: Day of rest (because it's a weekend!) and splurged a little on the diet (because it's the weekend!).

All in all... very well done, I think. :-)

Did weigh: 230
Now weigh: 225

A Weighty Issue

Since getting married, I have gained an inordinate amount of weight.

At our wedding (size 10)

My size 8 jeans met Jeremy in 2006... after being married for 6 months (just prior to getting pregnant), I was a size 16. Now, don't get me wrong... numbers aren't everything. But, according to my BMI and all that junk, I am officially obese.

(nearly present day... at a 2x)

After having Jeremiah, I really tried to be active and walked 3 miles roundtrip to the library... but didn't lose much of anything. During my pregnancy with Jonah, we were riding our bikes 8 1/2 miles until the doctor told me to stop. Now, I am at a lovely 230 pounds after pregnancy. I am baring all because I want the encouragement from everyone to know exactly where I am at physically.

Last week, I started interval training. I have spoken with my cousin and my brother (who are both fitness buffs) and they have encouraged me by giving some ideas of how I can exercise without spending money or going outside (since it is a balmy 4 degrees today).

Unfortunately, despite running between chairs and fitness tapes with Kathy Lee Gifford (which actually packs a punch) and some stretching yoga for an off day, I have NOT LOST A SINGLE POUND (I actually gained half a pound).

Today, I picked up some discounted frozen meals that help me count calories easier rather than trying to figure out what and how much I can eat of the food I make for the rest of the family. Jeremy is a carb freak... and I can't eat that or I get fat (as evidenced). So, I am now stocked up for at least a week of prepackaged meals to help me get started.

I will try to check in and update you (and myself) weekly so we can see progress... hopefully for the better.

Jonah Mark

We are pleased to announce that Jonah Mark has finally joined us.

He was born 11/16/09 at 11:11 pm. He was 8 pounds 8 ounces and 20 1/2 inches long.

Here is my newest cutie!

When I posted my last entry, I was in true labor... I just didn't realize it. Since it was rather sporadic (and, no, Ivana, I didn't feel like pooping or have diarrhea), I nearly didn't make the calls to get to the hospital. I was concerned with being embarassed if it was only a false alarm. Thankfully, God forced me to have a change of heart and made all the calls and I got to the hospital in time to find out I was dilating very quickly and the contractions were 1 1/2 to 2 minutes apart.

It was important that I leave for the hospital early enough because we live 45 minutes away. Jonah arrived 6 hours later. I did get an epidural... and will continue to get them with any future children. They are painful to get in, but so worthwhile for being able to rest rather than "labor" through contractions and then have the energy for the pushing to come. I ended up pushing for 30 minutes. The entire experience this time around was so different than what I had with Jeremiah. It sounded like a baseball or football game. My doctor sounded like the announcer telling what was going on in real time... Jeremy was counting through the contractions and telling me when to breathe... and the nurse had her pompoms and was the cheering section. It was absolutely hilarious. The atmosphere in the room was happy.

Maybe later I will get into the story of Jeremiah's birth. Suffice it to say, it was more oppressive the first time and definitely not a happy feeling.

So thankful it is over and to be back home getting on with life. Jeremy is staying home the rest of the week and he is pampering me very sweetly.

Preterm Labor

That is the phrase the nurse and doctor used on me at the hospital last night. I have been experiencing "discomfort" since Friday and just tried to suck it up until Saturday night. I thought it was just Braxton Hicks contractions, but then remembered that BHC doesn't occur in one's back... so I called the hospital and after giving me an assignment to rehydrate while lying down to see if that decreased the contractions, had me come in because it didn't work.

I ended up arriving at Sauk Prairie Memorial Hospital (45 minute drive from our home in Portage) at 9:00pm and left today (Sunday) at 8:30am after two shots of a uterine relaxer (don't really remember the name) which made me really hyper and shaky since the contractions were anywhere from 4 to 6 minutes apart. Thankfully, I can be home and do my normal activities MINUS bike rides and walks (according to the doctor). If I get anymore contractions, though, I'll have to go back in.

Week 34 may change all that. They are less likely to try and stop the contractions once you reach that magic cutoff because there is a higher chance of infection and less chance of the prevention actually working. I am in Week 32.

So, that is my weekend update.


In other news, I started a book (recommended by my friend Ivana) called "Future Men" which I hope to talk about on this blog. I read the introduction yesterday in my hot bath (while trying to minimize my contraction discomfort)... and I think this book review will be most profitable for all of us.

Until then...

Our weekend

This weekend has not been very good for Jeremiah. My poor little boy has conjunctivitis in his eyes and the medicine we were using wasn't strong enough to kill the infection, so this morning I took him to Urgent Care instead of going to church.

He has been such a trooper. He was so excited to see the fish aquarium in the doctor's office and spent the time in the waiting room talking about all the fish and the colors and the one who was "eating the rocks"... more like eating the algae off the rocks.

Then when we were called in for his basic vitals and why we were there, the nurse was so kind to him and let him be involved in watching the buttons she pushed and all the "thinking" when he stood on the scale and she took his temperature and his blood pressure from a "bandaid on his finger".

After that, we had to go back into the sign in area and I was admitted into the hospital with an armband with all Jeremiah's information and the receptionist giggled when Jeremiah wanted to have his own bracelet... so she made him one, too. Jeremiah thought it was so cool, that he's still wearing it nearly eight hours later.

When we were finally called into a room to see the doctor, another nurse plied Jeremiah with stickers of dinasaurs and trucks which kept him busy the whole time. Usually, when we go to the doctor, Jeremiah isn't happy about all the instruments in his face; but we had talked during the drive in the car about how they were going to look at his eyes and he needed to keep them open for the doctor... and he did really well. He looked at the light and let the doctor stick things in his nose and ears as well, with no fuss.

That's my big boy! Now, he's outside with Daddy playing baseball with his whiffle ball and bat.