Picture Update for the last weekend of Feb

I am really looking forward to a day when I can look at my before and after pics and say "WOW!" I do see some progress but not a ton. I am scared I am never going to get rid of that hangy blubbery tummy also known as the "gunt." Ickkk!

The first pic in pink was taken at 268 pounds and the second is from today at 242 pounds. 26 pounds gone :) I am toying around with the idea of doing some underoo shots so that it is all out there, the good, the bad and the ugly.

Well, that's all for now, I am off to the gym as soon as I locate my missing earbuds.

First Progress Pics

Here is my first set of progress pics. Neither pic is pretty but I can see a wee bit of a difference already. Please excuse the crappy cell phone shots. I will try to use my regular camera from now on.

The Slippery Slope

The fall from staying on plan to a three day binge is short. EXTREMELY short!

I have been sick off and on for a few weeks. I tried to fight through it. I even kept up at the gym, keeping pace on the treadmill with a wad of snotty tissues in my pocket.

This past weekend, I fell apart. I haven't worked out since Friday. I haven't stayed on plan since Friday either.

I did, however, have my eyes opened toward my relationship with food. I found myself deciding that I was going to be off plan initially for entertainment value. Food is not for entertainment, food is for energy. Food sustains life. Food shouldn't equal a fun Saturday night.

I also found that once I let myself stray from my plan I found "excuses" to stay off plan i.e. "I am sick so I should eat whatever I want to make myself feel better. "

NO!!! I am sitting here today regretting every single bite I have put into my mouth over the past few days.

The birthday cake wasn't worth it.

Neither was the Indian food.

Nor the Cheetos.

So, now I declare that this very minute I am back on plan.

I will count my 1500 calories diligently.

I will drink my water.

I will take my meds.

I will hit the gym.

And, most importantly, I will stop and think before I venture into the kitchen to snack. Am I hungry or bored? I am I hungry enough to be satisfied with an apple or carrot sticks?

It's really time to quit screwing around. Thirty will be here before I know it.

Those first few pounds lost felt better than anything I have eaten.

First goal met!

I tried out something new yesterday. I drug my ass out of bed @ 5:30 am and spent almost two hours at the gym. I did C25K and the elliptical with a little strength training in between.

I felt pretty good all day. I got a little tired around noon but I managed to make it all day without a nap.

Then, I made a huge mistake. I went to step class. I felt like I was really going to die halfway through. I just felt drained. I am definitely going to have to up my caloric intake if I want to work out that hard.

I was exhausted today. I attempted to start week 2 of C25K and only made it through two of the 90 second runs :(

So, lesson learned. If I kill myself working/dieting too hard one day I won't be effective the next.

It's not worth it.

And for some happy news...

I hit my first goal yesterday! I am under 250 pounds and a week early too :)

One more pound until I am 20 pounds down.

My next goal will be to out of the 240's by St. Patrick's Day.

If I can keep up my current trend I should have no problem.

Keeping my fingers crossed!

It must be working...

because I weighed in at the Y today.

251!!!

This afternoon I broke down and bought a new scale for home. It said 248...I guess there is less gravity in my house??? LOL!

I started the C25K program this morning and made it through the first day without much difficulty. Looking forward to Day 2 tomorrow.

Watch out 240's, I'm on my way!

Remember, the cake is a lie.

Eggs and Hollandaise

I am still relatively new to this whole calorie counting thing (about four weeks in) and I am having trouble not feeling guilty about all I am eating.

Tonight, I had a higher calorie dinner than normal, about 550 calories total. I am still under my goal but I feel so guilty.

Most of the diets I have tried left me feeling deprived and counting calories doesn't make me feel like that.

I don't know if I am doing it wrong or if my mind frame is just totally skewed.

I guess what I am saying is that I feel guilty because I don't feel like I am starving myself.

Does that make sense?

My life tomorrow will be the result of my attitudes and the choices I make today.