It has been a few weeks since my last update. It’s certainly not because I haven’t had anything going on; on the contrary, I’ve definitely had a few successes and a few set-backs. My biggest set-back was perhaps the New Year Eve party and subsequent weekend. I don’t party much anymore, really very little in the last three or four years. I definitely haven’t attended social functions since I began the SWENDO program. Avoidance is not a good tactic for long-term handling of trigger-situations, but I was using it for the short-term.
Since I didn’t have any (many) other techniques for dealing with the party situation, and since so many very yummy treats were offered, I partook, and didn’t even count the calories. I also forgot, when trying to recreate the crime-scene later, that I did have a few alcoholic drinks – guess what? those alcoholic drinks have calories too!
So, New Year’s Eve, the following Friday, with boredom and some personal stress added in, a treat to my favourite Dim Sum restaurant on Sunday, and you can imagine my horror at my regular Monday weigh-in. Yes, I had gained five pounds. Five and a half!
Now, the success: I got right back on the program. Monday, January 4, I had a little chat with myself. The entire holiday season was officially over, no more excuses. Listen, no guilt – because we all deserve a little party, a little splurge, a holiday! And, I am so ecstatic that I get this, I have the tools I need to keep up, or resume, my weight loss. So, I did. I started back in with my shakes, and my put-together meal. I started my exercise again. When I weighed in on the 11th, I had lost seven pounds.
Honestly, I’m not sure exactly if I really gained and lost those five pounds. It could have been some water weight, or other temporary body mass fluctuations, which I really don’t want to go into during a discussion of my own reality. But the net over the two weeks was a loss of two pounds, and that is number I can accept.
Having regular check-ups is a good thing, when you are actively working towards a goal of any kind. My weekly weigh-ins are very, very helpful. But every once in a while, you need some follow-up. On this program, we schedule a re-measurement about two months into the program. This week, I had my re-measurement and my diabetes follow-up with the endocrinologist (two separate appointments).
During my re-measurement, we confirmed that I had lost 8.5% of my starting weight. I had increased my “multiplier,” which is the indicator of metabolism. And I had lost inches from all over. Half an inch from my neck to three inches from around my waist! I complained to my nutritionist that I can’t see the change in my clothes, and she retorted that it would be more apparent if I had been wearing clothes that fit in the first place. I wear baggy clothes. They were baggy when I started, and I guess they’re baggier now – but that’s why it’s not apparent to me.
We discussed the fact that I only have three more weeks in the program. I asked if it was time for me to move to real meals. So, I am now on five regular meals. 1400 calories per day – this will keep me still on a losing path (that’s good, in this case) – but transition me off from an unrealistic shakes-only diet. I can still use those protein shakes, especially to supplement those mid-meal snacks, but I can also use real “snacks” – some protein carb combo that is less than 150 calories and no more than 15 grams of carbs – ah yes, didn’t think I remembered that I’m diabetic, did you?
Brings me to my appointment with Dr. Ferraro. I think I was in there fifteen minutes – my readings have averaged 128. He started off by saying that he wanted to see me back in six months – then thought he’d better check with me in three (not too far from the ending of my weight-loss program). I went to have blood drawn to check my A1C, and will do so again in April, right before my appointment. I am hoping the results of this one will not be too disastrous.
I have only been on my real meal diet for two days – day 1 went spectacularly well – I ended the day on 1100 calories. Less actually, because I now round up to make my math easier. I am continuing with my daily exercise regimens, although I need to add strength training into the mix. I feel more fit, and more energetic. And when I reach the next milestone – which is to have a number on the scale less than 200, I’m going on a tiny little shopping spree.
That last statement brings our discussion to rewards. You have to reward yourself. The end result will be a reward in itself, but being human, we want those stupid little pats on the back, don’t we? I fully intend to get down to my goal weight of 140 (maybe this year, maybe not – not pushing it, as long as there’s a downward trend). But at those mid-journey mile-stones, you have to stop and congratulate yourself. Now, a dinner out might NOT be the best choice, so I’m going to treat myself to one or two new outfits – tailored or form-fitting, whichever feels better, but it will be nice to get something a size (or two?) smaller than my current 18.
Special note for today: My blood glucose level after my walk and right before lunch was 89. I’m not “normal” yet – but it is so nice to see.
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