Truth Tuesday - 2.2 lb Loss

Since my office is closed this week, there was no at work meeting so it was time to check out what will be my regular meeting once the at work program ends in three weeks. I will be switching from an 11am weigh-in to an 8 am weigh-in. I wasn't really sure what to expect, but I knew I had done my best this week (especially since the wife and I had a low key weekend). So I stepped on the scale and ... I lost 2.2 lbs! Woo! You know what this really means? I AM IN THE 150s!!! Okay, it is 159.2, but it is a 1 followed by a 5! I am beyond psyched - especially since I started 2011 in the 180s (186.4)! Woo! 

Today: Lost 2.2

Starting Weight: 217.4

Today’s Weight: 159.2

Total Lost: 58.2

Pounds From New Goal: 4.2

I am on Cloud 9 today! If you asked me in 2009 if I thought it was possible for me to lose almost 60 pounds and be in the 150s in a little over two years, I would've called you CRAY CRAY!

I texted my normal crew about my loss and I was so happy to get the following text from my dad "and lost it in a healthy way." Exactly dad! I didn't go the route I went before - not eating is not the answer - instead I put the time in. I have made me, my health, my life ... a priority. Believe me, there is never and will never be a day when I don't think about my battle with eating disorders, but now I know I am stronger than that. I can eat and lose weight.

I have never felt healthier and stronger than I do now. I am so thankful for Weight Watchers Healthy Guidelines. I have really made an effort to fill those every day and my body appreciates that.

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I want to thank each of you again for taking the time to read this little piece of the Internet I call home. The support, accountability and motivation you all give me cannot be measured. The high fives, bravos and congratulations as well make me smile. I had tweeted earlier that I hoped to bottle up all the love today to keep around when I am feeling blue and one lovey Dacia sent me this (I promptly started tearing up from the love):

"@IrishEyes1982 for you: one coupon good for warm, fuzzy, happy, supportive, loving words to be redeemed at any time. *never expires"

The online community (Twitter, Facebook & blogging) I have become a part of has picked me up and kept me going on this journey more times than I can count. I wish I could meet each and every one of you and give you a big hug! :)

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The wife bought me a new blender today since the one we have is old and difficult to use. This new one is lighter and transportable, which is huge. I will need to stay in a hotel for five days in January and then I will be in AZ for work for six weeks in February/March and now I can make my WW protein smoothies while out of the house. Yay!

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So I have three more at work meetings - January 3, 10, 17 - before I permanently move to the 8:30am meeting on Tuesdays. Here is my game plan since I don't want to switch back to weighing-in at 11am: I will head to WW at Wilson Yard to weigh-in at 8am, but then attend my regular work meeting. I will at least give it a whirl on January 3 and see how it goes.

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How did Truth Tuesday treat everyone else?

Truth Tuesday – 2.2 lb Loss

I really owe a big thanks to @tryn2bfit for coming up with the #back2basics challenge for December! (I will be carrying it into January for sure!) Not only am I feeling stronger and more in control, but I am seeing major results on the scale. My home scale was telling me to expect a 1.8 lb loss, but instead I saw ... 2.2 lbs gone! Wha wha?? :) Today: Lost 2.2

Starting Weight: 217.4

Today’s Weight: 161.4

Total Lost: 56.0

Pounds From New Goal: 6.4

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Since starting the #back2basics challenge at the beginning of the month, I have lost 6.8 lbs! :)

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I can't believe I FINALLY hit the 55 lb mark. I originally hit the 50 lb mark waaaay back in July (July 5th to be exact). Wow that is a looong time ago. I can't believe it has taken me over five months to finally cross the threshold of 55 lost. But, I know - that is life. It also gets a lot harder to drop big numbers the closer you are to your goal weight (and technically I am past my original goal weight).

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My new goal is to try and hit 25 lbs lost in 2011. Right now I have dropped 23.8 lbs since my first weigh-in in 2011 (January 4). I would need to lose 1.2 lbs at my weigh-in next week. Since work is closed, I will be going to a center meeting (Dec 27 at 8:30am). This meeting will be 3 hours earlier than my normal meeting so I am not sure if that will affect my #s at all. But, I am just going to keep doing what I am doing and hope to see some good results.

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I actually sat down and looked at my WW numbers this weekend:

11/2/09 to 1/5/10 - 22.4 lbs lost 1/5/10 to 1/4/11 - only 9.8 lbs lost 1/4/11 to present - 23.8 lbs lost

Total 56.0 gone!

You can really see that something happened in 2010 that slowed me down. During that time, work was so busy that I rarely got to attend an actual WW meeting. I really think that killed my progress. I was only accountable to myself and we all know how much easier it is to lie to ourselves than the WW scale.

But, I am happy to see that I was able to refocus myself and come back strong this year. Having the meetings at work have done wonders for me - and my coworkers. :) I was really lucky to have the experience. I only hope that we are able to get 20 people in April so we can restart the at work group after it ends on January 17.

Thankfully my boss is super supportive and is letting me come into work a little late on Tuesdays so I can keep attending meetings (8:30am at Wilson Yard). I need those meetings to continue my success ... since we all know this is a lifelong journey!

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How was your Truth Tuesday?

Truth Tuesday – 1.2 lb Loss

I honestly wasn't sure what to expect on the scale this week. I usually check in with my home scale a couple times during the week to get a gauge. I step on the home scale every Tuesday AM (actual WW weigh-in day), Friday and Monday. I try not to take what I see on there too hard since your body can fluctuate throughout the week, but I like having an idea. I used to weigh myself every day so this is a big step in the direction of just weighing in once a week like the experts recommend. Plus I now realize how harmful it is mentally to weigh-in every day. Well after seeing my home scale this AM (which said I would lose 1 lb), I was hoping for about a 1 lb loss. The official WW result was ... 1.2 lbs lost. YAY!

Today: Lost 1.2

Starting Weight: 217.4

Today’s Weight: 163.6

Total Lost: 53.8

Pounds From Lowest: 0.6

Pounds From New Goal: 8.6

I was psyched. So I gained 5.2 lbs over the two week period including the honeymoon and in the two weeks since returning home I have lost 4.6 lbs of it. I am definitely happy with this result. I hope to be at either my lowest or a new low next week. :)

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I am feeling really good right now. I have been really focusing on getting back to the basics, like I mentioned last week. I have been making sure to complete all the WW Healthy Guidelines, which I think makes a HUGE difference in how I feel.

But, don't think I am not treating myself. That is why I love WW. You can eat normal food just in moderation. For example, I had Chinese food on Wednesday night. But, I made sure to measure out the 2 cups I had allotted myself of General Tso's Chicken, throw out the rice right away and make 1 cup of carrots to be my side. I ate that and felt completely satisfied.

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I feel for the people that are trying to eat well around Holiday party after Holiday party. Not getting invited places/not having a life is actually helping me out this month. :P I do not envy those people that have to do so much planning this month. For the past 18 days since returning from Hawaii, I have been able to get back into the zone and keep my splurges in control. :)

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On Friday, we found out a colleague, and more importantly, a dear friend passed away. My initial reaction was to turn to food. Thankfully through the support through Twitter and my friends, I was able to suppress those feelings, make healthy food choices and find other ways to grieve. I can tell you I have never cried so hard during a run as I did on Saturday morning. I am sure people passing me were wondering if I was being chased or what was going on. But, it was a healthy way for me to deal with the loss.

I was also able to distract myself slightly from thinking about it while attending two WW center openings.

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What do you have to share on Truth Tuesday?

#7daychip 8!!

Truth Tuesday - 3.4 lb Loss

I was looking for a good weight loss this week after the gain last week. I was trying to lose all 5 lbs, but I knew that wasn't realistic so I am pretty happy with what I did see. I lost ... 3.4 lbs!! :) Today: Lost 3.4

Starting Weight: 217.4

Today’s Weight: 164.8

Total Lost: 52.6

Pounds From Original Goal: 1.8

Pounds From New Goal: 9.8

I feel amazing this week. I kicked off my Dynamic December challenge and am loving it. It is a great motivator and a community to keep me in check. :) I have gotten back to the basics of Weight Watchers - the time when I first started and I tracked, measured and looked up the points values of everything I ate ... and I am noticing the difference. Additionally, I worked out for at least 30 min everyday this week and it helped lift my energy for the week.

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This week we learned more about the new tweaks that Weight Watchers unveiled for the 2012 season. For me, I am a-okay with them. To be honest, they don't really affect me - besides losing a point on my day. I don't mind the points still dropping as long as I have enough points to fulfill my Healthy Guidelines - I can supplement the rest with water and 0pt fruits/veggies.

Since starting Weight Watchers, I have never felt hungry or deprived ... and THAT is why I think I have been able to stick with the plan and succeed.

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I am honored to have the chance to speak at not one, but two Weight Watchers centers grand openings this weekend. As I am still on this journey, I can't believe people would want to hear from me. But, I am excited. I enjoy sharing my love for Weight Watchers, exercise and the weight loss journey I am on.

I can't wait to tell you how it goes. :) And unlike the Jennifer Hudson opening ... I will actually be speaking. ;)

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Along the same lines as the WW openings, I was actually chosen to be featured in a Time Out Chicago issue about fitness. I was interviewed by the reporter and last night took part in the photo shoot. I can tell you I have never had as much makeup as I had on last night. ;) They wanted to film me doing something that I wouldn't have done before the weight loss - so they filmed me Spinning.

It was a surreal experience. I am not one used to getting my picture taken - let alone professionally. The people were super nice and I think they did a great job. Well, I will find out when the issue comes out on December 29. :)

Truth Tuesday - 5 lb Gain (2 weeks)

Okay well I knew that this would be a gain. I mean hello I was traveling and out of town in Hawaii on my honeymoon for about 8 days total. I knew there would also be some bloating due to all the salt/beer/wine from the previous week as well. I was expecting a 7 lb gain since that is what my home scale was telling me, but I was pleasantly surprised when I saw a ... 5 lb gain. I will take it, accept it and move on.

Today: Gained 5.0 (first weigh-in in two weeks)

Starting Weight: 217.4

Today’s Weight: 168.2

Total Lost: 49.2

Pounds From Original Goal: 4.2

Pounds From New Goal: 13.2

Since I am trying to be more positive, I will list good things that came out of today's Weight Watchers meeting: I am still in the 160s, I was asked to be a success story at another WW center opening, my size 10 pants still fit and the most important ... I faced the scale and lived! :P

Overall, I am really am feeling positive. I am on Day 3 of my latest attempt at a #7daychip. This is four-fold:

1) Do a #plankaday everyday

2) I need to hit all 5 of the food-related WW healthy checks (liquid, healthy oils, vitamin, fruits/veggies and dairy)

3) Track EVERYTHING

4) Get in at least 30 minutes of moving/exercise everyday

This has been great. I am feeling empowered and overall healthier. Despite trying to keep moving/running/exercising while in Hawaii, I was eating crappy since we had to eat out EVERY meal and feeling gross. I am happy to be back in my comfort zone and back to my workout routine. Next time I go on vacation (should be sometime in the next decade :P) I want to go stay somewhere where I can cook/make my own breakfast/lunch.

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As we talked in today's meeting about the impending Holiday season, I realized that I am pretty off the hook for the rest of the year. I only have one holiday party to attend for work and that is it. I am not traveling home for Christmas. I don't have cookie exchanges to attend. I don't have visitors coming in to town. The remainder of 2011 will be pretty status quo for me. I am hoping this gives me time to really buckle down and get closest to my newly set goal weight as possible. Only time will tell.

I am going to start a new December challenge for myself. I think I am going to look back at my successful Stupendous September challenge and take a couple notes from that.

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Did you face the scale today despite the holiday?

Truth Tuesday - 0.2 lb Gain

Well, I knew this week would be a toughy. I had lost 2 lbs the week before, hit goal and wasn't sure how my body would react. I also knew that on Saturday of this week I would be celebrating my one-year anniversary. I tried to do as much prep work as I could before Saturday. I used just 7 weekly points and worked out like it was my job! Overall this week I earned 40 activity points - yes you read that correctly. So I was planning on having 42 weekly points and all activity points on hand for Saturday's events! I thought that would cover me. Well I ended up feeling nervous about the weigh-in so I did double workouts on Sunday and Monday as well and started today off with a 10-mile run. I was just hoping to be down at least 0.6 lbs to reach 55 lbs lost. Well, I hit the scale today and ... I was up 0.2 lbs. I think I dropped a big F%^& when I saw that. Today: Gained 0.2

Starting Weight: 217.4

Today’s Weight: 163.2

Total Lost: 54.2

Pounds From Original Goal: -0.8

Pounds From New Goal: 8.2

Well, let's just say I didn't handle the gain very well. I was super upset with myself. I left the meeting after weighing-in and immediately ate a pumpernickel bagel with cream cheese. Did I need to eat it? Nope! Had I planned for it? Nope! But I was upset and immediately turned to food. Not good. Really not good since it was 0.2 lbs. If my friend had gained 0.2 lbs, I would've said "C'mon it's a wash. You just didn't pee enough." But it happens to me and I lose it. I just wanted to head into Hawaii on a positive note - a loss.

So I sent out my usual mass text and tweet about the results and was thankfully brought back down from the ledge my my ever supportive support group. Phew! That could've turned into a downward spiral pretty quickly.

I need to remind myself that I am human and that you can't always control how your body handles a given week. I had to be reminded of the positives. I am still under my original goal by 0.8 lbs. I have still lost 54.2 lbs. I did complete a 10-mile run this morning in a kick ass time (for me). I went out of my comfort zone this week and tried a Hip Hop/Funk dance class and braved a new Zumba class. And the best news ...

I was contacted by a newspaper today that wants to interview me and include it in their article "How I Lost It." Wow! I had responded to a tweet about it a couple weeks ago, but never thought I would really be picked. That honor definitely turned my spirits around.

So after talking to a couple people today, I have calmed myself down. I tracked the bagel and reset my food plan for today so that I still hit my 29 Daily Points. I moved back into a positive mindframe. I told myself again that it is just one week in a lifetime journey.

Now, I need to refocus my mind for my next weigh-in (November 29), which will be following a week in Hawaii. I will know that there will be a gain, but I will try to be as active as possible while I am gone to combat being out of my comfort zone foodwise. I am going to indulge in as much fresh fruit as I can, but make sure to really enjoy a place that I have never visited before ... and probably won't again.

Life is about balance. Sometimes I just need to remind myself of that because ...

Truth Tuesday ... GOAL!

Never did I think this day would come. I remember walking into my first official Weight Watchers meeting November 2, 2009 and being asked: What is your goal weight? Hmmm... sitting at 217.4 lbs I couldn't fathom what to write. So I figured out the weight that was at the top of the BMI Healthy Range for my height and went with that: 164 lbs. Wow! Was that a daunting task to look at or what? I would have to lose 53.4 lbs to make that happen. Wow! Could I do it? I had never stuck with a weight loss plan long enough to see a goal through. Would this finally be the time it clicked? Flash forward to November 8, 2011 - just over two years after that first Weight Watchers meeting and BAM! There is was on the scale starting back at me: a 1 then a 6 then a 3. I had done it. I had hit that magical day when I could say ... I HIT GOAL!!!!!

I couldn't laugh. I couldn't cry. I couldn't even smile. I was in such shock that it finally happened. I believe my exact words were: "FINALLY." I just felt a sense of relief wash over me. My hard work. My dedication. My time in the gym. My passing on the pizza. My turning down that offer to hit up the bars. All of that finally paid off.

On October 4, I weighed in at 165. I needed just 1 lb to hit goal and life got in the weigh. Between work and general business I missed four-consecutive WW meetings. Ugh, I was spiraling. I was weighing in at home, realized I had gained 3 lbs in 3 weeks and got refocused. Yesterday I got on the scale and saw a 2 lb lost since that long ago weigh-in...

Starting Weight: 217.4

Today’s Weight: 163.0

Total Lost: 54.4

Pounds From Goal: -1.0 ;)

I still look at these numbers and can't believe I did it. But, for the first time in I think forever, I had one whole day where I thought only of positive things about myself. Yesterday, I allowed my brain to accept all the compliments, congrats and love from friends, family, Facebook world and the Twitter community. I allowed myself to relish in my accomplishment. I thought about the journey and gave myself an imaginary pat on the back.

What I loved about Weight Watchers through this entire journey (which is still ongoing) is that they allowed me to live my life. I didn't have to hide at home with frozen foods. I wasn't deprived of my loves: wine, beer, peanut m&ms, etc. I have learned how to truly live a healthier lifestyle, while still indulging my cravings ... just in moderation.

Sure, there were weeks where I completely fell off the wagon - we all remember the 6.6 lb gain one week - but WW was always there to pick me back up when I was ready.

The Healthy Guidelines have been an unmeasurable motivator. I try my best everyday to fulfill the 5 main Healthy Guidelines - healthy oils, liquids, veggies/fruits, vitamins, milk/milk products - and have felt such a difference since starting that plan. I just feel healthier when I check them all off. Plus, I love seeing the smiley faces when you complete the task on the iPhone app. ;)

I owe Weight Watchers, my leaders, my wife, my friends, my family and all my other supporters a huge Thank You for sticking with me while on this journey. But, I really need to thank myself. As I was talking to my dad yesterday, he said I could've kept putting losing weight off. During the past two years, I could've kept on the path I was on over the past two years and put more pounds on, but instead I took control. I was the one that signed up for Weight Watchers. I made myself attend the meetings. I make myself get up at 5:30am to go to the gym or out for a run. I am in control and it feels amazing. I am stronger and more valuable than I give myself credit ... and this journey has taught me that.

I really think hitting goal turned a little switch in my head. The positive self-affirmations came streaming out of me yesterday. More in one day than in the past few years combined ... and it felt awesome! I am worthy of the positive thoughts and I think it made hitting this milestone to make it click!

I had been toying with the idea of running my second Full marathon (and first since 2006) in 2012. I told my wife if I hit goal yesterday I would sign up ... and I did. I am going to OWN the Rock 'n Roll Full Marathon in Savannah, Georgia on November 3, 2012. I am ready for the challenge. I am ready to improve on my first marathon time (5:59).

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As I let the 163 lbs since into my head, I could hear my doctor in the back of my mind: 155 ... 155. Prior to my back surgery in January, I had a physical and was discussing goal weight with the doc. I told him how my goal was 164 - the top of the healthy range on the BMI and asked his opinion. He said for my height I should really shoot for the middle of the BMI, which would be 155. Well, I am ready to take on the challenge. 155 may be unattainable for me, but I am ready to give it a go.

Pounds From New Goal: 8.0

 There is one thing I do know ... I will never go back to being that miserable, unhappy, unenergetic 217.4 lb person again.

Truth Tuesday

This may be the first week since joining Weight Watchers that I didn't get on the scale once during the week between weigh-ins. It kind of felt refreshing to not be constantly monitoring, but to just live. As a result, I thought I would gain, but instead ... I lost 2.2 lbs! :) Starting Weight: 217.4

Today’s Weight: 165.0

Total Lost: 52.4

Pounds From Goal: 1.0

Can you believe that? One little pound from the goal weight I dreamed about back on November 2, 2009 - my first day on Weight Watchers. I honestly never thought I would be this close to that number. But, I am proud proud proud of myself. I have worked really hard at changing my lifestyle ... and I really have. My life is completely different than when I moved to Chicago in 2008 - and all for the better. :)

I was chatting (okay tweeting) with some other WW ladies on Friday night. We were talking about "goal weights." Now one girl had hers set for her by her WW leader, which I had never heard of before since I set mine on Day One. I don't think there is any way someone else can tell you what your goal weight should be. It is up to you - what you are comfortable with - what you are happy with! WW gives you guidelines/suggestions, but at no point have I been told a weight I should be.

So how did I pick my goal weight? I actually went to the BMI and picked the highest weight of the "healthy range." I don't think there is a point in my life where I was actually in the "healthy range" so that is where I wanted to be. I know we can't go by the BMI 100% since it doesn't take into account a lot of factors, but that is what I wanted. It happened to be the same weight of the WW healthy range for my height. So perfection! 164 it was.

Prior to my back surgery in January, my surgeon made me go to the doctor for a check-up since I hadn't really had one since starting WW. When I chatted with him about my goal weight, he wanted me to set it at 155, which is smack in the middle of the BMI for my height. My jaw dropped literally. I could not imagine having to hit my goal and lose ANOTHER 9 lbs after that. But, I thanked him for his input.

Fast forward to today while i was chatting with my leader, Lisa. I was telling her how when I set my goal weight, the biggest thing that ran through my mind was: What weight do you never want to get heavier than again? (Besides when I am pregant) She brought up another good point, what is a weight that you can healthily maintain? Good good point. The doc may want me at 155, but can I sustain that? Maybe. I honestly don't know since I haven't been my current weight since probably freshmen year in High School.

They have given me food for thought. I have decided to keep my WW goal as it is. Will I continue to drop a few pounds after I hit it? For sure. I will not immediately enter Maintenance. I am going to feel my body out and see what it has left in the tank. Especially, since I look in the mirror and can definitely spot 9 lbs on my body that I could live without. ;)

How did you set your goal weight?

Weight Watchers Jennifer Hudson Center

Okay so let me start this off by saying I am incredibly honored to have been invited to the opening of the Weight Watchers Jennifer Hudson Center this morning (now here comes the but) ... but, it wasn't the experience I thought it would be. Thankfully my wife was able to attend the event with me.

I didn't really know what to expect. I had a rough outline, but no specifics. It said there would be media and to dress business casual. So I stressed over an outfit since I don't have many that fit and decided on my cute green Ann Taylor Loft dress (thanks Linds). I didn't know if I was going to have to talk or greet people. Maybe I would meet Jennifer Hudson, but probably not!

We arrived at the center and stood in line with my current and former WW leaders, both named Lisa. We waited there until the "Success Stories" were called. We entered the center - wow it is nice and new! We were told to sit wherever there were open seats. It wasn't until I was seated that I noticed my picture and inspirational quote were on the wall (cool!). We were serenaded by the group, Soul Children Chicago. They kicked butt! They were wicked talented and a pleasure to listen to. They ended with an amazing rendition of God Bless America. Then the WW person got to the podium and kicked off the event. Once she was done, she turned it over to Jennifer Hudson. OMG, she is HOTT! She doesn't look too skinny in person. She looks healthy, which I love. She had great things to say about WW and her own leader, who was in the front row.

After Jennifer spoke, the mayor of Chicago Rahm Emanuel got on stage to say a few words. His portion was a little too "political" for me, but it was a huge honor to have him at the opening. Once, he finished, they started shuttling people outside for the ribbon cutting. I stayed back so I could take a pic of my pic on the wall. ;) I had to!

So we all trekked outside in the rain for the ribbon cutting. Now, at this point, my email said we were to go back inside or mingling and a tour. Apparently not, I went back inside with my wife and nothing. They were asking us to leave - saying the event was over. So, I think there was some miscommunication on the part of WW.

Thankfully, I was able to talk them into letting my wife take a pic of me with my pic on the wall. I mean c'mon, I needed to do that :)

But, after that, we left and headed back home to head back to work.

Overall, it was a cool thing to say I was a part of. I am more inspired to continue on and to finally hit goal.

Here are some pictures that my wife took. Enjoy!