"Oh my god, Karen, you can't just ask people why they're white."
For those who don't know, these are both quotes from Mean Girls. The title is actually related (somewhat) to this post. The other? Not so much. But it's funny, right? RIGHT! *ahem*
After I had my son, I dropped about 40 pounds within a few weeks. Part of it was the instant loss some experience from having the baby and breastfeeding. Another part of it was me not realizing that I'd actually gained a decent amount of weight without giving it too much thought (because I'm an idiot). Anyway, I've gained most of that back. And I honestly couldn't tell you how much I weigh now. I just guesstimate by the clothes that I wear and how they fit. I have a fear of the digital scale. It's almost a legitimate fear or phobia. Especially the scales that basically give you a "loading" signal before it shows your weight. I feel so intimidated and judged. By a machine. Yes, I am aware how ridiculous I am.
Before I get off on some crazy tangent in which I share too much, I will try to get closer to the point. After a few weeks of self pity and out right disgust, I've set a new goal for myself. It's reasonable and I know I can accomplish it in a healthy, effective way. I would like to lose 10 pounds by Charlie's birthday, which is August 3rd. [I'd also like to do it without spending a bunch of extra money I don't have on questionable supplements and dieting products.] This is the first of many goals but I find that small, reasonable goals work well for me so I will reevaluate once I reach the 10 pound loss. For someone who is only 5'5" and over 200 pounds, I should probably be looking to lose a minimum of 50 pounds or more total. But, for my own sake, I need to keep in mind that slow and steady wins the race.
I've already gotten back into my interval running routine. I use a couch to 5k program that is base on beats per minute so I pace myself better. I do my interval training 3 times a week and walk approximately the same distance on my "off days". I've had 2 or 3 "off days" now because I'm having some joint pains and swelling* issues. However, I am determined to not let this slow me down. I will at the very least be walking 2 to 3 miles everyday, but I am hoping to feel well enough to run intervals. I'm most likely going to have start incorporating more yoga into my workouts as it is low impact exercise and better for my joints.
Along with exercise, it's time to make more changes in how I eat- smaller portions, make an honest effort to keep track of how much water I'm drinking, and put my Paula Dean-like tendencies back into the closet until Thanksgiving. Because I'm sorry. Thanksgiving isn't the same without a boat load of butter, y'all. I'd really like to use less fat and oil altogether. When I need to use fat, I'll be using more olive oil and coconut oil. I will cook at least one meatless meal and one low-carb meal each week. That will probably be the most challenging part, but I'll make it happen. These new meal ideas may also help my budget some, too! Soda has been out of my life for a while, so that's one less hurdle to jump. But sugar is still a problem; less chocolates, ice cream, and sweets in general.
Sounds like a plan. I can totally do this. As an encouragement to myself (and others), I may share some healthier recipes or neat food ideas that I come across or come up with. I think writing about what I'm doing and what's going on will help me stay on track. Now I have to...get on a scale. THE HORROR!
Here's to a healthier...me!
Elle
*The joint pain and swelling aren't new problems. I had some chronic arthritis type symptoms about 2 years ago that seemed to go away after I had Calvin. Now that my body is finally getting back to "normal" 18 months later, I have a feeling a few unpleasant issues are returning. All the more reason to get healthy!
Cross posted to The Giggly Gourmet
