Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Let’s Talk…Jill’s Diet. AGAIN.

So.  It’s the very first “Talk To Us Tuesday”, hosted by Impulsive Addict and Shawn.

Talk2Us

And you know what I love about this brand new bloggy linky party?  NO RULES.  Just talk about whateeeever our little hearts desire.

I do realize many of you are probably very sick of hearing about The Diet, but it occupies my thoughts 98% of the day, so tough beans.  We’re gonna talk about it again.

My first weigh-in was August 22, so we’re three weeks into this thing, and I’m stuck at 8 lbs. lost.  In the past week, I haven’t dropped an ounce.  Do you know how FRIGGING FRUSTRATING that is when I’m trying so hard to only eat healthy foods, and smaller portions?

And don’t even get me started on that damn My Fitness Pal.  That’s where I obsessively track what I’m putting into my mouth every day and the exercise I do.   They have established a set number of calories that I should be eating per day.  So I keep eating roots and berries and dirt and water, and I plug everything in there, and you know what it tells me more often than not?  That I need to start eating MORE or else my body will go into starvation mode and I won’t lose ANYTHING.

BAH!!!!!

But here’s the good news:  I have completely cut out night snacking.  It was, by far, my biggest weakness.  On my first healthy grocery stock-up trip, I bought a bag of pretzels that have sat on top of my refrigerator ever since.  I bought them in case of an evening when I couldn’t.handle.it.  When every part of my body was telling me to go get in my car, drive to the store, and buy a big bag of Ruffles and a container of dill pickle dip.

Ruffles

Seriously.  Just drooled.

But not only have I not done that, I also haven’t even touched the pretzels.  Mainly because I haven’t had the urge to.  I’ve been keeping myself busy in the evenings, warding off the couch-potato-syndrome.  I’ve been playing the Wii Fit and going for walks and doing things around the house.  OH, and getting lunch ready for the next day.  That’s a bigger chore than it used to be.  Now I have to chop veggies and fruit and get it all packed up ahead of time.  I’m no longer grabbing last-minute junk as I fly out the door in the morning.

Diet

Another reason for not touching the pretzels?  Fear.  I’m afraid if I crack into that bag, I’ll eat the whole thing, and I’ll be reminded of the salty goodness of my night time snacks.  I’m afraid simply the sound of that crackly bag in my hands will trigger that “I NEED CHIPS” voice in my head.  I’m afraid I will fall victim once again to the chip-and-dip cycle.

(For those  not familiar with the chip-and-dip cycle:  I buy a bag of chips and a container of dip.  But the chips run out before the dip, so I buy more chips to finish off the dip.  Then I need to get more dip to go with the surplus of chips.  And so on and so on.  It’s a vicious, vicious cycle.)

OKAY.  Enough diet negativity, right?  There have been good things.  Despite the fact that I haven’t been thrilled with the number of pounds lost, I’m feeling better in my clothes.  Pants aren’t so tight anymore.  My ring spins more easily on my finger.  I’ve got a long way to go with the ol’ spare tire, but I think maybe – maybe??? – it’s getting smaller.  And a few people have told me they’re starting to see it in my face.  They may be lying.  But it feels good to hear it.

Losing weight

I know it might be hard to tell, but that’s not really me…

Also, it’s taking less to feel satisfied when I eat, and I’m being very aware of stopping before I feel “full”.  Sunday night at my brother’s birthday dinner, I threw caution to the wind and indulged in a cheeseburger, Caesar salad, guac and chips, and a piece of chocolate cake with ice cream.  It was the first time I’d felt seriously uncomfortably full (a feeling I used to be quite familiar with and considered normal) in weeks – and I didn’t like it.  I recognize that now.

And…AND…the feeling of empowerment.  This is the feeling I’ve been trying to get ever since I lost weight the last time.  The feeling that I was afraid I’d never get back.  That I was too far-gone into the world of sloth and laziness and food addiction to ever recover.  Turns out, after a few weeks of healthy, calorie-conscious eating and more exercise, it starts to come sneaking back.  That sense of, “Hey.  I can do this.  Look at me go.”

diet-tricks 

It’s a way-of-living thing.  Finding healthy foods that I like (like baked sweet potato fries), so that I don’t crave the crap so much.  Sure, there are still cravings; yearnings for a Big Mac or a poutine from Mae’s or those pancakes that I just can’t get outta my head… But every day that I make it through without succumbing, I consider a victory.

One step closer to being a healthier me.

I’m working on it.

****

I promise, I’m going to try to stop writing about The Diet every second day.  But thanks to Impulsive Addict and Shawn for giving me the opportunity today.  Have something you want to get off your chest?  A funny story to share?  A deep dark secret you must confess?  Go visit them and LINK UP!!!!

18 comments:

Lindsay said...

You are doing a great job!! xo

Mandy said...

Awesome Job Jill!!!!! I too am trying to eat healthy and lose weight!!! You are not alone!!!! Keep up the hard work!!!

ashley said...

Sounds like you are doing fantastic Jill. Don't get discouraged when the scale doesn't move, it will likely move the next weigh in.

I like hearing about it all, it gives me motivation too! :)

Nicole said...

You are doing GREAT! I need to lose 8 lbs too... :(. So did you remember to take before shots? So that after you can see your progress?

VandyJ said...

I'm trying to just be aware of what I'm eating. I so often mindlessly snack. It's hard to shift gears.

Nay said...

YOU CAN DO IT!!!

and

so who's lovely? your bloggy!
congrats from me to you!
http://covertocoverandbetween.blogspot.com/2011/09/one-lovely-blog-award-thanks-crystal.html

Anonymous said...

It's definitely hard to cut out night snacking. I used to always have cereal at, like, 10 PM. I'm better now but with all the running, I am starving. I think I may join this new linky party!

Robin said...

That is my downfall too. Chips and dip. I lost 10 pounds and got the teeshirt and then gained it all back. I'm a lazy bitch!!

Hang in there... a little at a time will stay off longer.

Impulsive Addict said...

SHUT UP! Dill pickle dip?? I may have to pick this up tomorrow. It could be my downfall. I'm trying to be a better eater too. I've been drinking a good protein shake for lunch. One has is low on the GI. I have a condition that makes me need to eat like a diabetic. I'm not good about it but I'm getting better.

Stay strong! I think you're doing GREAT!

Thank you so much for linking up!!! xoxox

Connie said...

I'm not a chip person. I'm a chocolate person.

I can see where that chip/dip cycle could get you into trouble!

Kara said...

Oh, Jill - I hear you about the lunches - I am not packing my own, though but Caden's. You just need to go back to school - kids aren't allowed to bring anything on their lunches anymore. Sandwich (no PB & Jam), no pudding cups, no cookies, etc. etc. Last night I was making him a pita and he adds that he doesn't want white lettuce - just grren lettuce, so I tore the head of lettuce into shreds to get perfectly green pieces - lol

Shawn said...

I am totally a chip and dip girl and I suffered for years with a disease I didn't know the name of... it's the chip-and-dip cycle!

Thanks for linking up and WAY TO GO on your weight loss, 8 pounds is nothing to shake your head at!

Amanda said...

Good Job, Jill! Just because the scale isn't moving probably just means you are losing inches! *thumbs up*

Kristine said...

Good for you!! Dill pickle dip is my downfall (that and working as a baker at Timmie's). I even like the dip on baked potatoes. :-(

Steph said...

You are doing so awesome! I hope you are really proud of yourself.

Anonymous said...

You are doing a great job! I always get weak after a week and give up.

I seriously need to try that dip :)

Amber said...

Talking about it keeps you accountable, don't be afraid to talk!!

You're doing great Jill! I wish I could say the same, but I'm getting it back, slowly. It's definitely not all about the number on the scale, it's those little victories that add up (like the ring being loose).

Keep it up girl!!

Mrs. Match said...

I know how frustrating those weight plateaus can be! But it sounds like you're on the right track and losing the weight in a healthy way. Just remember if it's coming off slowly it should stay off. Like you said, it's a lifestyle change. Once you go long enough without all the junk like Big Macs, you won't even miss them. I can't tell you how long it's been since I ate fast food like that, and I'm pretty sure if I had it I'd get super sick from it. Yuck!

PS have you ever tried wasabi peas? They're a really great salty snack that's actually pretty healthy, in moderation. Great sub for potato chips!