Non-Scale Victories

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When I started my weight loss journey in November 2009, I honestly thought the only thing that mattered would be the number on the scale. Wow...

... Was I wrong.

In the beginning, sure. I focused just on what the scale was saying and that is how I judged my mood for the week. Being completely honest, I had a breakdown when I had my first gain. It was only 1.2 lbs, but up til that point I had lost each week. It was at that point, I had to re-evaluate my priorities.

I was doing Weight Watchers to create a healthier lifestyle for myself. I didn't want to be the unhappy person I was inside anymore. I was working through the program for more than dropping the pounds.

As the scale fluctuated with life (especially in 2010 when I was much more lax with my tracking/commitment/etc) and I got frustrated with that, I looked to other things that were still plusses and positives to look for to help me continue on.

I think I can actually remember the Non-Scale Victories (NSV) more than the weight milestones.

Some of my favorite non-scale victories in the last two-plus years:

1) Getting outside of my comfort zone and trying classes at the gym that I wouldn't normally have tried on my own: Spinning, Zumba, Hip Hop, Yoga, Pilates, etc.

2) Being able to buy pants in a decreasing order! I started wearing a size 18 and I just bought a pair of size 8 pants two weeks ago. I remember how excited I was when I got back into a size 12 - that felt amazing - so you can only imagine how the size 10 then size 8 pants experience felt.

3) I was able to wear a dress in Hawaii without having to squeeze into a pair of Spanx! I hadn't worn a dress without Spanx in years...

4) Being able to fit into clothes at the Lululemon Athletica clothing. It was a goal of mine for so long so the first time it actually happened ... I cried! And now I'm not even the biggest size in the store anymore. :)

5) Sitting on a plane or train and not spilling over into the seat next to mine.  I can sit in those seats now and have room to spare.

6) I don't hide from the camera like I used to. Prior to WW, I would hide behind other people in photos - turn to the side - or hide behind my friends so only my head would show. If I was sitting on a couch, I would make sure to strategically place a pillow in my lap to cover my stomach.

7) Learning to complete and enjoy filling the WW Healthy Guidelines on a daily basis. Now my body craves fruits and veggies...

8) I am more confident in my running. I have worked hard and it is paying off. I am posting times and splits I never through imaginable. I signed up for another marathon (first was in September 2006) and I never thought I would do that again.

9) CONFIDENCE! I was never a very confident person unless at work. I always felt a sense of myself and confidence when in "work mode," but outside of work, I was much more timid and shy. But now, I know I am stronger and worth more than I used to give myself credit for.

...and one of the biggest NSV of them all?

10) I like myself now. I don't love everything about myself since I think there is always room for improvement. But, my old feelings of wanting to "hurt myself" or the "this world would be better without me" thoughts, have completely gone away. (More on this topic next week)

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So please, when you see a standstill on the scale, don't give up. Think of how this journey has impacted the rest of your life. Think of how positively your changes have not only affected you, but the people around you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What is your favorite NSV?

Three Things Thursday

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1) I took a fitness evaluation at my gym (Boston Sports Club) with my cousin's trainer Jacqui. And guess what folks? I am NOT as weak as I thought I was. :) YAY!! She also made me weigh-in. Let me tell you that freaked me out. Sorry, I weigh in on Tuesday morning at 8am at Weight Watchers - not on Thursday night after a full day of food. :P But I was less than 2 lbs heavier than my Tuesday AM weigh-in, which means I am right on track. So yay I survived my pop weigh-in. :P We sat down and went over my history and what I was looking to get out of the eval. Let me tell you, I sound injury prone when I go through my medical history: broken foot, sprained ankles, patella injury, IT band injury, back surgery, sprained neck, etc. I sound a lot older than 29. ;)

Prior to the eval, I had enjoyed a nice easy 30 min on the elliptical and my 3 60 second straightarmed planks for my #plankaday program. Then she had me do a 90 second plank. Sure why not? Yup, that made a total of 4 and a half minutes of planks. Works for me!

I told Jacqui that I obviously tackled my weight loss and got the cardio under control, but I really need to work on weight lifting and toning. I told her some of the exercises that Mel gave me before I left Chicago and she showed me some new ones I can incorporate in.

Thankfully she let me know at the end of the eval that I am in fact not as weak as I think I am. Score! My body fat is actually in the "fitness" range, which is great. Who woulda thought? Me in the fitness range. Heck yeah - that is a pretty sweet Non-Scale Victory.

(Tomorrow's post will be about Non-Scale Victories)

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2) I have decided on trying a new concept: breaking out of my comfort zone at least once a week. Last week I actually had two instances of breaking out of my safe zone. 1) I bought the Lululemon shirt that shows skin and 2) I tried spinach and quinoa (actually second time on quinoa, but I still count it). I stepped out of the box and lived to tell the tale ... I actually even enjoyed the spinach and quinoa.

What will I do this week? We are going to make spaghetti squash on Saturday night. I am really looking forward to this one since we have bought spaghetti squash twice before, but let it go bad before we actually got around to making it. That WON'T happen this time.

(Monday's post will be about Breaking Out Of My Comfort Zone)

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3) I am proud of myself. A lot of the time I get caught up with what is going on in life that I don't give myself as much credit as I deserve. But, now that I have more time to think and put myself first, I am realizing that I am pretty awesome. ;) Well, you all knew that already! :) I kid, I kid.

I think I need to take more time to take inventory on how far I have come. How hard I have worked. How much I have accomplished.

So today, I am. I am kinda freakin' amazed with myself. For this - I am giving myself a *Bravo*!

My Journey Is My Journey

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I am 100% proud of what I have accomplished thus far in my weight loss journey. I thank Weight Watchers for giving me the kick in the butt I really needed. Okay I guess I need to thank my friends for taking that dreadful picture of me on Halloween 2009 that gave me the kick in the butt I needed to make a change. I could never have imagined I would have achieved as much success as I have in the last two-plus years. I have reached my weight goal, lost 63 lbs, rekindled my love of running, found a love in Spinning, tried foods I would've never thought to try, liked foods I have never thought I would like, shared my story with the world through social media, started this blog (or my little slice of the web), been featured in a magazine, started to really like the person I am and yet ...

I have always thought I could do - or be - more.

How could I not compare myself to the others around me?

Well I may have lost 63 lbs with Weight Watchers, but what about the man that lost over 300 lbs. He should be working and representing Weight Watchers over me. I haven't had as much success as him - or have I?

Why did TimeOut Chicago want to share my story when the guy on the cover lost over 200 lbs and is a Vegan. Over 200 lbs, amazing? Giving up steak? Commendable. What did I do? I lost jsut over 60 lbs and didn't give up a single food I liked. Heck yeah I still drink beer and eat french fries.

Who am I to be writing a blog? What information do I have to impart on the world? Do people really want to read what is going through my mind on any given day? Why choose my blog when there are such better writers out there.

Why must I always compare my life - my journey - my accomplishments to those around me? Why? Because that is what society does. It seems as if it is second nature in this day and age to immediately compare what you have done to someone else.

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This topic is something I think about often, but was brought back to the forefront when a woman came in to Weight Watchers to weigh-in and lost 1.5 lbs. A-freakin-mazing. But she was upset. Why? The woman before her lost 5 lbs that week and she wished she had lost that much. But the truth? She didn't need to lose 5 lbs that week. She was much closer to her goal and didn't have as much to lose. It was just the fact that she wanted that big of a loss.

I turned to her and said - each person's journey is their own.

We need to remember this ... I need to remember this.

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Everyone is unique. Every person is on their own journey in life. We need to stop looking to others to judge our accomplishments and to celebrate what we do. Every. Single. Thing.

Okay, I need to stop looking to others to rate whether my accomplishment is really all that great.

I should really be proud of the weight that I have lost. Hey 63 lbs is nothing to scoff at. Do I wish I could say I lost 100 lbs? Sure. But, I never had 100 lbs to lose. So it isn't an attainable, realistic goal in my life.

I have improved my 5k time from 38:21 to 25:27. What a difference, right? I have cut 13 minutes off my 5k time in a seven year span. But, would I like to run a 5k in 21 minutes? Of course, but that may not be something in my DNA. It may not be in my grasps.

I am 100% a perfect person to work for Weight Watchers. I love to share my journey (as we can see) with others and want to listen/help/aid/cheer and just be part of others who are doing the same thing. It doesn't matter if you need to lose 5 lbs or 100 lbs. I am the person is taking the steps to be part of a healthy lifestyle - that is the real journey!

I need to try to top myself and stop trying to top someone else's accomplishments.

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I am making a pact today to continue to celebrate my journey ... but to STOP saying they aren't enough. That I cannot share what I have accomplished because it isn't as great as someone else's best.

I will be happy with the best I do ... but where to start?

My next big milestone is hitting Lifetime with Weight Watchers. I am hoping it will happen on February 21st. If it does, I am vowing to shout it from the rooftops. But to start, I will throw some confetti in the air and give myself as much as a Biggest Loser Finale moment as I can get! Get ready ... I will be sharing that moment! :)

Truth Tuesday - 0.2 lb Loss

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Well this is the first Truth Tuesday in what feels like a looong time ... sorry for the delay people!! My last Chicago official WW weigh-in was January 17th and I was 154.2 lbs.

I then took three weeks off from weigh-ins because of the big change in my life of moving back to Boston from Chicago, which led to two weeks of goodbye parties, goodbye lunches, goodbye drinks and a 1,000 mile road trip.

I finally found time to do my first Boston official WW weigh-in on February 7th and I was 154.0 lbs.

PHEW!!

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Today: Loss 0.2

Starting Weight: 217.4

Today’s Weight: 154.0

Total Lost: 63.4

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So thankfully that was my weigh-in for Week Four of maintenance and I am still 1 lb under my goal weight of 155 lbs. So now I just need to weigh-in between 153-157 lbs on February 14th and 21st and I will FINALLY hit Lifetime! Ahhh ... it is crazy to think I am so close to that dream! What a feeling that will be!!

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I finally took the plunge and broke out a new weigh-in outfit. Everyone told me it was time to retire the skirt that was three sizes too big. :P

 

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I can tell that my body is really loving the healthier lifestyle that comes along with Weight Watchers. I know I wrote the same thing after Hawaii and it is true. I had two weeks of goodbye parties/lunches/drinks and then a two-day 1,000 mile road trip and there was nothing "healthy" about that time. Lots of fried food, beer and old habits and man did I pay for it. My body was a wreck. It was craving fruits/vegetables/health!

Thankfully I made a decision that once we got to Boston I would be back on track and I have been. Today is Day 8 of being back on plan and my body feels AMAZING!! Each day I have gotten in at least 30 min of exercise (mostly walking due to my knee injury), completed the six healthy guidelines, done my #plankaday, drank at least 100oz of water and tracked everything. I feel motivated and back in control.

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How could I not feel motivated now that I am working for Weight Watchers and seeing such amazing members on a daily basis?

I have been with Weight Watchers for almost a week and I have loved every minute of it. All of my coworkers have been so friendly and helpful, which makes the transition easier.  :)

I will be sure to leave more info about the first week at work in it's own post...

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Did anyone else face the scale for Truth Tuesday?

Truth Tuesday – 0.4 lb Gain

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Since 2008, this last week is always the toughest in January for me. I am out of my comfort zone and in a hotel for almost the entire time. I had my weigh-in and hit goal Tuesday morning, that night I moved into the Hilton Chicago and I was there through Sunday afternoon. I tried to prepare myself as best as possible and brought snacks, my workout clothes and my blender with me. :) During this week I normally gain between 1-2 lbs since I end up imbibing too much wine which then results in eating too much food ... and hangovers. Which lead to basically another day of eating horribly. So Thursday-Sunday for me this week were horrendous. Just ugly foodwise.

I am proud of myself because I kept my workout streak alive and made it to the hotel gym each day for at least 30 min of activity. (small victory)

Since I wasn't home and used Monday as a get back on track and stay in the gym for an hour, I didn't weigh-in. I had NO idea what to expect. I just wanted to be under 157 (to stay on track for Lifetime). My home scale showed a 0.3 lb gain. Whhaaaa??? I went to my WW weigh-in and I gained just 0.4 lbs! Wow! I will take it...

Today: Gain 0.4

Starting Weight: 217.4

Today’s Weight: 154.2

Total Lost: 63.2

I am still under my goal weight (155) by 0.8 lbs heading into Week Two of maintenance!

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I am upset with myself for not having better control of my snacking and drinking, but I accepted what happened and have moved on.

These next five weeks are crucial in my journey to Lifetime. I am ready to get back on the horse - which I did yesterday. It felt wicked good to eat on plan and hit all my healthy checks. I just felt normal - even after one day. :)

The really tough stretch is the next two weeks as we prepare to move to Boston. This week alone we are going to a Blackhawks game and two Going Away parties. I am going to devise and plan and stick to it. I am going to increase my activity, as well as, bring snacks whenever possible.

But, the main thing is - I will not beat myself up over anything. This is the last time I will see many of these people for awhile and I want to enjoy the time we spend together.

I will make sure to really keep the wine and beer in check. I don't like the hungover feeling - I mean who does (but this week I had two hangovers in three days - my first since early October). But it really messes up my eating schedule the next day, as well as, my workout schedule. And frankly, it's not worth it. Time to reign that in.

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Today was also our final WW at work meeting. It was extremely emotional for me. I didn't outwardly cry, especially we had such a good time laughing during the meeting. But, inside I was sad to see the time end. Not just for me, but also my coworkers. They have all done so well. As a group since April, we lost 325 lbs. Woo! How freakin' great is that!!

I really hope they can get 20 interested people in order to restart the group in April. I am keeping everything crossed for them...

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I am so proud of all my participants in the #100ozchallenge. I cannot believe over 35 people have joined in to my challenge. I am even thinking of maybe having a prize or something down the road. That would be cool right?

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Did anyone else face the scale for Truth Tuesday today?

Truth Tuesday – 4.2 lb Loss & GOAL!!

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Well folks, I was really hoping for at least a 0.6 lb weight loss this week since I was at 59.4 lbs gone last week and I wanted to hit that lovely round # of 60 gone. I tracked everything this week - even when I let my guard down Friday and just enjoyed my goodbye dinner with my friend, I still wrote down everything I had - so I was hoping for a good loss. Also, despite being sick, I worked out at least 60 min every day. I liked the # I saw on the home scale this morning so I was hoping the Weight Watchers scale would be as nice, but you know what? It was EVEN better!! I lost 4.2 lbs this week for a total of 63.6 lbs gone ... and that means I passed my goal weight by 1.2 lbs!! :)

Today: Lost 4.2

Starting Weight: 217.4

Today’s Weight: 153.8

Total Lost: 63.6

Pounds From New Goal: NONE!! :)

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It is absolutely crazy to actually be at goal - like real goal not the fake goal I set before. Haha. I will not be changing the goal weight again ... for now ;) Haha. :P

It is surreal to see that I am at goal. I mean it is time to transition the brain from losing weight to maintaining. That starts by changing my daily allotment of points from 27 to 32. What will I do with those extra points? I told my Leader an extra glass of wine each night. ;)

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Since getting back from my honeymoon and starting my Dynamic December and Jammin' January challenges, which includes #back2basics, #30for60 and my #30daychip, I have lost 14.4 lbs!! Wow!

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I really want to thank each and every one of you that has traveled on this journey with me. Many times a day I just stop and think how truly lucky I am.

I really am proud of myself for sticking with this process. So many times I wanted to just stop and just eat everything in sight, but I knew I didn't need to do that. I didn't need to turn to food in emotional times. I could, and would, heading out for a run instead or putting in some time at the gym. Those endorphins can really do wonders.

I think I am still in so much shock that I can't even put into words what I am feeling. I am excited. I am thrilled. I am proud. I am nervous. I am anxious. I am fearful. But really? I am happy.

Isn't that all that matters?

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Wordless Wednesday

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The motivation that keeps me going every day...

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Me cheersing my WW guru, Suzi Storm, in the new Weight Watchers commercial that premiered NYE!

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Sometimes you end up in a magazine and it is surreal... Thanks again TimeOut Chicago!

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Hard work pays off! 0.6 lbs from 60 gone and 3 lbs from goal... I Believe! :)

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Enjoy your Wednesdays everyone!!

Truth Tuesday – 1.2 lb Loss

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This week I didn't weigh-in at home once, which is sooo unlike me, but things kept getting in the way of my 8am weigh-in time. This led to me going into today's weigh-in pretty blindly. I weighed in at home at 7am and was down 1.5 lbs from last week. Okay! I would be happy with anything over a 1lb loss (even though I was internally wanting a 1.8 lb loss so I could hit 60 lbs gone) because it would be a loss. I headed to my new 8am weigh-in at my future Weight Watchers meeting and was pleasantly told of a 1.2 lb loss! Yay!! I am just 0.6 lbs from the 60 lb weight loss mark...

Today: Lost 1.2

Starting Weight: 217.4

Today’s Weight: 158.0

Total Lost: 59.4

Pounds From New Goal: 3.0

I am hoping to hit the 60 lb weight loss mark next week, but will be happy with any loss on the scale.

I don't have too much new to report today since I did a LOT of blog posting this weekend as you can all see.

I am hoping to just keep taking each day one at a time and keep getting back to basics!!

But, for today? I Believe In Me! :)

New Year's Day 5k - 1/1/12 - 25:27 (8:13 min/mile) - PR

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There were many reasons I was looking forward to this New Year's Day 5k, but the most important was that I would be able to run the race this year. Last year, my wife and I signed up to run the New Year's Day 5k and then BAM! Herniated disc. See ya later activity. What could I do? Walk. That was it. I technically wasn't supposed to walk for more than 30 minutes a day, but I had already paid for the 5k. I was going to do it. So my wife and I got out there last year on 1/1/11 and walked the 5k. It took about 48 minutes to complete. I felt accomplished, but upset I couldn't try my hardest.

So once the race registration opened for 2012, I was on it. I was determined to run it this year. Yes, I know I just got diagnosed with an IT band/patella injury, but the PT told me I could run today. I had withheld from running for 2 weeks so it was okay to test it.

Getting off the bus and walking to the pre-race area was a rush ... not just from the wind gusts Chicago was rocking today. Wow! I have really progressed since this time last year. Heck, I lost 27 lbs this year ... that alone was monumental!

Despite feeling some soreness in my knee, I was ready to complete the run (plus it was MUCH warmer than last year). I had my patella brace on. I was stretched. I wasn't going to push for a PR since my eye is on the F^3 Events Lake Half on January 28 - but I wanted to finish in under 27 minutes if possible.

(Note: Crazy that I now push for sub 27 min 5k. My first 5k was 38 min and for years I tried to get under 30 min and now, now I amaze myself)

I kissed the wife before we started and we were off. Wow! Did getting back on the path feel gooood. I didn't care that my knee hurt. I hadn't run in two weeks and my body missed it.

Throughout the first 1/2 mile, I felt some sharp knee pains, but I adjusted my knee brace and pushed on. There was NO WAY I was going to stop running.

As the race went on the pain turned to more of a dull, constant pain. This is to be expected the PT said.

I saw the sign for Mile One and was psyched, I was sub 9 minute miles and ready to push myself. I got back into my normal groove and started to pick up the pace. As I saw the sign for Mile Two, I realized my pace was about 8:20 per mile. My PR is 8:14. Okay, time to go all out. I knew I wouldn't be running for a few more weeks so might as well give it all I had today ... now that there was a shiny PR in sight.

I got to Mile Three right as my Runkeeper announced 25 minutes. Okay, time to go all out.

I crossed the Finish, hit the Runkeeper, looked down and saw an unofficial time of 25:26 (8:13 min/mile) ... A PR by 8 seconds! You gotta be kidding me. :) I couldn't stop smiling. I knew I would have to wait for the official results, but my Runkeeper isn't usually off by that much.

My knee was sore after the race, but just the same dull, nagging, constant pain.

After realizing I had dropped $12 out of my pocket (Happy New Year whoever found it), the wife and I headed home and I iced my knee/foam rolled.

I really hate how long it takes some organizers to post the results, but I understand they have post-race parties/lives ... but still. I am anxious! :)

Finally got the results...

My Runkeeper was off by only one second: I got a new shiny PR of 25:27 (8:13 min/mile) and cut seven seconds from previous PR (25:34)! I finished 155th overall (out of 753), 40th among women (out of 411) and fifth in my division - F 25-29 (out of 49)! Okay well tied for fourth on the last one. The girl listed before me had the same time (25:27), but must've crossed just before me.

But, man I will take it. Last year, I could only walk the race and this year I PRed. I am feeling truly lucky and blessed right now. So happy to have reclaimed my love of running!! Because if you didn't know...

Running Changes Everything