At weigh in this week I had a loss of 0.7kgs which I'm happy with. That's a total loss of 1.9kgs over two weeks. That's about 4 pounds for those of you who prefer pounds. After a tired beginning of the week my activity levels were down and I had a special dinner with a friend on Saturday which got my points up a bit. We had roast chicken and veg and Donna supplied little chocolate mousse muffins. It was just lovely. I did 2, 20 minute walks on Saturday to at least earn some of the meal and then made sure I ate lightly and upped my exercise again on Sunday. I can't tell you how good it feels to have been able to do something as normal as a longer walk and to not crash in a screaming heap for days or weeks afterwards. Woohoo! It is also very empowering to enjoy a treat, good company and still lose.
In my efforts to heal on all levels, I have just started to read the 'Stress Eater Diet'. I have experienced a number of quite stressful circumstances in the time that I've gained weight. Let's be realistic, chronic health issues are stressful too, so I need to look at how that muddle has all helped lead me to this point. My goal is to develop a greater understanding of how my body and mind respond to stress and to develop good strategies to help me out in future. Hopefully along the way I'll discover that I'm already doing some things 'right'. It has been my habit to take action rather late in the game when I find myself stressed. I tell myself I can put up with it, or I don't want to upset anyone so I bite my tongue, or I procrastinate and do nothing because I can't think of the 'best' way to deal with something. Crappy, inhibiting perfectionism. I need to develop the awareness and skills to take action early on to minimise the effects of stress on me and to address or resolve the situation earlier rather than later (if possible). Will review the book for you when I've finished. I think Lynn may have one on her blog if you are interested.How do you deal with stress? Do you let it build up by dealing with it too late as I do? Who has problems saying 'no'? Nobody! I don't believe you. :) Let me know, I'd love to hear how you cope.
Until next time, take care everyone and thank you for your kindness.
First - Your trip! I don't have any major suggestions beyond what the other ladies posted on Lynn's blog. I recently did a trip to California and road tripped from San Franscisco to San Diego. I wouldn't be concerned about food storage too much -- there are fresh produce stands EVERYWHERE, so you just buy what you need for that meal, then stop again later on! The west coast has great fish, so if you eat fish then you'll do well to have some out there. Try a fish taco! They are a west coast specialty!
ReplyDeleteAs for the stress question -- I have a massive problem saying "no." My social calendar is completely nuts! Sometimes I have to take a moment to remember to take care of myself, so I'll cancel/reschedule plans with a friend so I can get quality "me-time" in. (Usually means going to the gym. Or sleeping!) You can fight this by putting your me-time down on the calendar so you don't overbook yourself or don't forget to take time for yourself. If you formally schedule the "me-time," then you're more apt to TAKE IT and less likely to schedule something else "more important" for that time slot!
Cheers!
Christine
(www.phoenixrevolution.net)
Thank you for mentioning the book you are reading on stress eating. This is one of my major downfalls. I have resolved to formulate a healthy diet and exercise routine because I am tired of hating myself for the way I look and feel.
ReplyDeleteHi Sandy, enjoying your blog. I have trouble saying no and it stresses me, along with lots of other things and I am a stress eater. I was astonished recently when a (slim) friend said she had lost 4kg during a few stressful weeks. I could easily have gained that in a similar situation unless I plan and stay aware during that period. I have lost more than 65kgs and kept it off for three years. However, I have trouble saying no when people offer me things I know I won't eat. Not so much at a meal but more between for example one of the guys at work knows I love coffee and insists on giving me sachets of flavoured coffee like Caramel Latte and so on. I just struggle to say no and end up taking them and then taking them home where they sit in the pantry. They have more sugar in them than I am comfortable having. Also recently a friend offered me a muesli type snack bar and I took it knowing I wouldn't eat it. She is overweight and I think I was worried she would think if I said no she might think I was criticising her for eating it. I need to exercise my backbone along with all my other parts I think! I am facinated to here about your trip - we plan something similar in the future and I have the same concerns about food.
ReplyDeleteHi Sandy, Over here from your request on Lynn's blog. Don't have that much more to add. Just a second to the blue ice things, less messy than ice that melts. And, if you can, I would book/request rooms with refrigerator and microwave. A lot of times I stay at hotels that have a small kitchenette. I live in the 'gold country' in the middle of the state. Let me know if there is anything I can help direct you to. Have a great trip.
ReplyDeleteAlso saw some great pics on your other blog==king parrots at your feeder!! And a snake in the garden.