Thought I Would Share This Inspiration

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-07-2005
Thought I Would Share This Inspiration
6
Wed, 08-10-2005 - 12:26am

Someone on the 50-100 pounds weight loss WebMD board asked me this question today:

How long have you been at this? It seems like you just started this journey a little while ago, your progress is nothing short of miraculous.

And this is what I typed in response. I thought that I would share it all with you as a kind of Part One to the request that Jan made of me yesterday. So, here it is...

My initial weigh-in was 22 June/05, at 265 pounds. I did actually stop to think just yesterday that things seem to be going so fast...BUT...

My calorie intake is steady between 1200-1500 (like I previously said, my Dr approved that for me), and there are even days that I go over. It has been MANY MANY days since I was under. I find that when I eat my 3 meals I am pretty much bang on...even with my nightly low-fat popcorn.

I am exercising 1 hour daily (of course, except when I was sick, or on days that we went away). I have switched my mode of activity from going to the work-out room at the gym (where I get all sweaty and gross...GIRLS ARE NOT SUPPOSED TO SWEAT LOL), to going to the pool and swimming laps for an hour or more. I am VERY fortunate in having a friend who used to be a life guard and swim instructor who goes with me everyday. If I want to talk to her, I have to chase her up and down the pool LOL

I have created my "No Fail Environment", wherein there is no jink food in my house, and NO ICE CREAM here either! (I did, however, see Light Ice Cream at the store tonight. 1 ice cream sandwich is 120 cals and 1 gram of fat, so I may choose to purchase those for "treats")

I have not bought into the whole "you must 'reward' yourself for a good week on your plan" because to use food as a "reward" is not a healthy choice. Should I decide that I deserve a 'reward' for my diligence and hard work, I would much rather go to the store and buy myself a pair of short in the NEXT SIZE DOWN! Now, that is a reward IN a reward.

Also, all the fluid I have been retaining since May is finally beginning to go away. I KNOW that it has been responsible for some of the loss of poundage.

So, having just done this entire inventory yesterday, I do not think I am going about this in an unhealthy manner. I am just making sure that I record everything that goes in my mouth, even the 2 french fries I had at Geraldine's the other day. I am making sure I get to the pool everyday, and if I can't get there (like I likely will not tomorrow as I am going to "High Tea" at my British friend's house at the time that the pool is open for the families and not just the Military members), I will go out for a walk at some point during the day (and get all sweaty...ICK!)

I have begun thinking of family outings that involve an activity, instead of the usual BBQ, or meal, or...heaven forbid!, Dessert Night! - Yes, we used to have Ice Cream Sundae Parties! Case in point, we are going home to the Valley this weekend so we can see our niece and nephew one more time before they go back out West home and instead of emailing Grandma and saying, Can we all come there for a BBQ?, I emailed her and asked Why don't we all hike out Cape Split on Saturday? I think I can do it now! So, that whole change in my thought process, and choice of activity is beginning to shift.

All of these are healthy changes I have made/am making that has given me the enormous blessing of rapid weight-loss, and I believe will make the difference in keeping it off.

Gosh, this whole Post has me all teary-eyed and thinking of myself in a whole new way. I AM worth all this hard work...because as awesome as it is to get those compliments, it is ME who I am doing this for. ME and my kids. I want to give them a mother they have never had before. One who will say let's go hiking! Let's go swimming! And soon, let' go play ball! I am giving them a precious gift of a strong, healthy, energetic mother.

Very Best, Sveva
--
"You did what you knew how to do, but when you knew better, you did better." ~Maya Angelou

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-05-2003
Wed, 08-10-2005 - 6:54am
Sveva, how much have you lost? I began my 'journey' two weeks ago at 235 and have lost 9 pounds. I have kept my caloric intake under 1700 every day, but the past few days it has been under 1500, and there were only 2 days that I cheated and ate more calories than I should have. I am exercising 30 mins per day right now (it was 20 the first week), 4-5 days per week.
Christie
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Wed, 08-10-2005 - 9:24am

Thanks you for sharing your inspiration with us Sveva! From the sounds of things you are doing this sensibly-- and as we all know people lose weight in different ways, you maybe just one of those that lose it quickly!


Again, thanks for sharing, AND


CONGRATULATIONS!!!

~IslandGirl



::: Jump for Joy ::: Summer's Here :::


_____________________________________________________

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-07-2005
Wed, 08-10-2005 - 10:59pm

Hi Christie,
I began my journey in June at 265 pounds. As of yesterday I am 212 pounds.

You are doing GREAT! Keep it up. It is a slow thing to start, but once you get into your groove, you can Move Move Move!

Better Days,
Sveva

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-05-2003
Thu, 08-11-2005 - 6:52am
Wow, that is so great!! Congrats and thank you!
Christie
iVillage Member
Registered: 06-30-2003
Thu, 08-11-2005 - 9:32am

wow you are an inspiration.

Thanks to you I have a plan already done than I can follow.

keep up the great work and great postings.

Robyn.

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-07-2005
Thu, 08-11-2005 - 9:57pm

Robyn,
WOW! What a compliment you have given me! Thank you SO much. Just a month ago I was telling someone else how much of an inspiration she was to me. I could just cry. I am so glad that you have a workable plan. That makes all the difference in the world!
Feel free to IM me if you like!

Better Days,
Sveva