Monday, October 17, 2011

Get off your Broom: Week 2

I have the old computer hooked up, so I'm back to posting occasionally when my internet is working!  Seriously, this sucks.  Someday I'll be able to post Monday through Friday again.

Regardless, right before I lost the new computer to the repair center, I joined The Domestic Pagan's  Get Off Your Broom fitness challenge.



 I've been trying shift my focus from dieting to a life change over the past few months, and succeeding relatively well with a few set backs, of course.  So I thought it would be a good idea to join the challenge, and see what I could do.

Saturdays are the weekly check in, and the day we set a goal for the next week.  It is obviously not Saturday.  That's okay though, because it is the thought that counts.  So, I'll start by giving my starting stats from back in August, and then my current ones.

August 23 2011 (start):
Weight: 230 lbs
Chest: 50"
Waist: 49"
Hips: 52"

October 14 2011 (current):
Weight: 221 lbs (down 9)
Chest: 49.5" (down ½")
Waist: 47.5" (down 1½")
Hips: 51" (down 1")

The mini challenge for this week was to talk about emotional eating.  I tend to eat more when I'm stressed.  Over the past few months I've been able to begin recognizing that stress feeling in my stomach as stress instead of hunger, and deal with the stress instead of eating.  Still, I've had some setbacks.  While I have several medical issues that contribute to my weight gain over the years and still hinder my weight loss, I have no problem admitting that it was my lack of willpower that got me here.  Eating makes me happy, because it gives the illusion of decreasing my stress.

My goals for the next week are first, simply to start eating breakfast again.  I had been doing really well for a while, and then it just sort of tapered off.  Second, I want to weigh myself less often.  The number on the scale is a good indicator of where we are with weight, but not fitness or health.  I want to concentrate more on health than on the number.

Also, I'm really loving how my numbers look above.  I usually take my measurements once a month and compare them to the previous month instead of my start month.  I didn't realize I had actually lost as many inches as I have in total.

So that is my check in, I suppose!

I also want to bring to everyone's attention that today is the last day to enter in Velody's Halloween Bow Giveaway!  Go and check it out!  I entered.  I can totally see Brianna in one of those bows.  Too cute.  You should also check out Velody's Etsy store.

Back to semi regular posting, as internet permits!  How are Samhain preparations going?

Goddess Bless,
Stacy

5 comments:

  1. Good job on the weight loss challenge. I recently lost most of the weight I gained after I quit smoking almost 2 years ago. I gave up sugar and cream in my coffee an soda pops. I just drink black coffee, water and juice. That and walking as much as I can has helped me a lot.

    Good Luck!!!

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  2. Congrats on your loss so far!

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  3. Holy cow, how did I miss this challenge! This is so cool! Good job with everything, that's fantastic. I'm sure you're stoked! :D

    "Eating makes me happy, because it gives the illusion of decreasing my stress."

    This actually has deep roots in science. Eating releases "happy hormones" that basically encourage us to eat until we're sated. Unfortunately, a lot of processed foods contain ingredients that fool those receptors that tell us we're full. This is typically why you'll feel hungry only a few hours after eating a McDonald's "meal" and why you may be held over if you have a healthy meal (especially if said meal has fiber and all that good stuff!).

    Good luck, I can't wait to watch your progress! :)

    (Oh, and I totally left an award for you over at my blog. :))

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  4. Thanks all!

    Vivienne, I was really lucky in that I didn't gain any weight when I quit smoking. Good luck to you as well!

    Steph, there is still time to sign up! You should do it too! I have heard that somewhere about the hormone things. Thanks!!! :D

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  5. Ooh, no kidding! Maybe I will! :D I could use some whippin' since I'm not doing yoga this season, haha. Let's get into shape!

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