Impatience

My weekly weigh-in was last night. I'm down another two pounds, for a total of 20 since the beginning of the year (12 or so of which are since starting Nutrisystem). Yes, you read that right: I have lost twenty pounds over the last 11 weeks. I don't feel like I look all that much different, which is frustrating, but my husband assures me that my tummy is shrinking. Quantitatively, I'm solidly back into the clothing size I've worn for many years (rather than hovering between that and the next size up), and I'm wearing my belt one notch tighter with no trouble. So there's that.

I know I should be more pleased with my progress. I guess I'm just impatient. I've always worn my weight well, meaning that I'm actually far heavier than I look. This is a wonderful trait when gaining weight, but a little frustrating when losing, because it takes just as long to look noticeably thinner as to look noticeably fatter.

Then there's the disheartening fact that 20 pounds is only a quarter of the total weight I need to lose. Sure, if I can sustain this rate I'll be at my goal weight by my next anniversary, but I'm not optimistic about that: as I lose more weight, it will come off more slowly.

Well, I guess all I can do is keep doing what I'm doing. And maybe learn a little patience. :)

Belated weigh-in

Man, not being part of the current Shrinking Jeans challenge sure has made me lazy in terms of updating this thing.

In short: I lost another 3 pounds over the last week, bringing my 2011 total to 18 pounds lost. That's pretty awesome, and my husband says he can see a difference in my body - specifically that my tummy is getting smaller, which is gratifying because I was really starting to hate my tummy.

I didn't go to the gym yesterday because my period started with a vengeance. I don't like to go to the gym during my period. It's a Thing.

Gym Recap - Yesterday and Today

Yeah, I'm really behind. Let's start with the gym recap.

Yesterday: First Day to 5k intervals, week 2, day 1
Distance: 2.17 miles
Time: 30 minutes
Calories: 200

Today: weights

Format: exercise - reps x sets - weight - notes (if applicable)

• bicep curls - 12x3 - 10lbs/arm
  
• lawnmowers - 20x2 - 12.5lbs/arm
  
• tricep kickbacks - 12x3 - 10lbs/arm - really felt this one.
  
• squat machine - 12x3 - 90lbs - difficult
  
• pull-ups - 5x3 - 112lb counterweight - arms out, felt in my back muscles (in an awesome way)
  
• dips - 12x3 - 112lb counterweight - tiring
  
• hip adduction - 15x3 - 90lbs - MUCH harder than it's ever been
  
• hip abduction - 15x3 - 90lbs - MUCH harder than it's ever been
  
• plank position - 30 seconds, twice
  
• shoulder press (above the head) - 12x3 - 7.5lbs/arm
  
• front 2-dumbbell raise - 12x3 - 7.5lbs/arm
  
• lateral raise - 12x3 - 7.5lbs/arm
  
• sit-ups - 15x3 - lowest incline, but not horizontal
  
• decline dumbell flyes - 12x3 - 12.5lbs/arm

Weekly Weigh-in

Weight change this week: -2
Weight change so far in 2011: -15

Whoop whoop whoop! Those are the klaxons of celebration.

That is all. :)

True Confessions Tuesday

Bless me Sisters, for I have sinned: I ate breakfast at McDonald's this morning. Two sausage burritos off the dollar menu, and a Diet Coke. 600 calories of grease and fat to start my day.

And you know what? It was delicious.

I'm atoning for my sins by skipping my requisite Nutrisystem morning snack, and packing a smaller lunch. The reason I stopped there is because I had to get up an hour earlier this morning so I could get some stuff done at work before a certain meeting this morning. I figure having McDonald's for breakfast every once in a while (like, every few months or so), will keep the cravings at bay without totally derailing my progress. But I guess I'll find out at tomorrow's weigh-in. :)

What Color Should I Dye My Hair?

Now you get to decide. Donate to the 2011 BookCrossing Convention and pick a color, and when our fund meter gets to 80%, I'll dye my hair whatever color is in the lead at that time. At 90%, I'll add another color, and at 100%, you'll see me with three. If you don't want me to dye my hair, there's an option for that too, so vote today!

(And for those of you who don't really care what color my hair is, every donation also receives free BookCrossing wings for one month, courtesy of a most generous anonymous donor.)

Note: Yes, I know this isn't really related to weight loss, but what the hell?

Small Victories

Friday was my first truly difficult day, diet-wise. I honestly could not decide if I'd rather lose weight or eat a doughnut. I was good, but the urge to throw in the towel was unexpectedly strong.

Yesterday my husband and I went out to eat. He was craving meat - specifically burgers - so we decided to see what we could get at Red Robin, intending to order a burger and replace the fries with a salad. It turns out they have on their menu something called a "Lettuce-Wrap Your Burger." Here's the description from the site:

A juicy beef burger topped with red onions, fresh tomatoes and Cheddar cheese all nestled between cool lettuce. Served with a side salad and balsamic vinaigrette dressing.

So we ordered that. And you know what? It was delicious. It satisfied our burger craving without too much guilt and we still got plenty of vegetables with our lunch.

I don't like special ordering at restaurants. I don't mind replacing the occasional side dish but asking for "no bun" or "no mayonnaise" and then having to check when the food arrives to see if they actually did it - well, that's not just my bag. I was so pleased to see they had something already on the menu for folks who didn't want the temptation of fries and a big old bun. Sure, this was clearly geared toward folks on Atkins or South Beach, but I'll take it.