Some months ago, I saw this dress that just said “perfect for summer” on it. Well, I could barely get it over my head and force it down over my shoulders– and zipping it up was impossible. When I attempted to try it on in the store, I was afraid I was going to get stuck and have to get help to get it off ! No matter all of that, I bought it anyway, saying to myself “You’ll get there !” Periodically I have tried it on, and gradually things have gotten better.
Well, this morning the wonderful blue dress went on easily and the zipper slid with nothing to worry about. And Mr. said “That’s my favorite dress !”
A beautiful summer morning and something new and nice to wear that actually fits ! It doesn’t get better than that, does it ?
Over the past couple of months I’ve struggled with sleep deprivation and serious problems involving friends and family. Weight loss has stalled, plateaued, and been a source of frustration. All the while I’ve tried to soldier on, resisting the temptation to throw in the towel– you know the feeling all too well, no doubt.
But every once in awhile there’s a little victory that renews your belief in your ability to make it happen.
This morning, as I drove to work for a change, I found myself regretting that I had to drive today, wishing I was out there walking– so I can be assured that the next challenge will be met. You see, there’s this other dress I saw the other day….
7 Comments
KB, I am really sorry about your family’s loss.
Catdog, congrats about your dress. That is awesome.
J4T I will work on forgiving myself for a few minor career-related disappointments that may not have even been under my control.
HUNGER
My weight has skyrocketed from 126 to 133 pounds and has maintained at 133 for the past week. Presumably, this is the aftereffect of my forays into the depths of Atkins. Doing Atkins does in fact increase my metabolism. But its still a metabolism. There will still be a finite number of calories that I burn. And God knows what that is.
My experiment to both do Atkins and calorie count has gone completely awry in the past few days. After several weeks of not having experienced hunger, I forgot what it felt like. And when I tried to count calories again it was like I had to relearn the skill of tolerating hunger from scratch. In the meantime, my body popped out of ketosis, which made me have sugar cravings. Additionally,
I had to attend an professional event yesterday which I did not want to attend. Before and after going to this event I binged on nuts to distract myself from thinking about it (which was REALLY an effective strategy – not).
On top of all of this, several weeks ago, I gave away my fat clothes (including the nice work ones) to charity as a way to burn my bridges. Now, my size 6 jeans are tight and uncomfortable and do not look good, and I am seriously panicking about not being able to fit into any of my clothes.
I am trying to figure out the culprit of what it was that popped me out of ketosis originally… there are three theories so far.
1. Genoa salami
2. Diet soda
3. My attitude towards hunger
Genoa salami
Some salamis are cured with sugar, so it is possible that the Genoa salami I was eating had sugar in it.
Diet soda
During the first week on Atkins, I eliminated diet soda. I lost a ton of weight during this week. During the second week, I reintroduced diet soda – just in moderation, about two glasses per day (along with eating more indulgent foods). During this week my appetite seemed SO much higher. I have been researching this topic a lot. I discovered several studies that show that in some people, even the TASTE of sweetness, regardless of how low in calories the food is, can cause the body to produce insulin. One study was done on rats – the taste of sweetness was placed on their tongue but they were not able to swallow anything… and one minute later, their bodies produced insulin (which induces hunger).
My Attitude Towards Hunger
When I was growing up my Mom did not always have enough money and sometimes was unable to feed me (surprise SURPRISE!) … I distinctly remember going to bed hungry and then having it be rationalized away later by an adult. I also remember being overfed when we did have enough food. So it would make sense that I hate the sensation of hunger and want to avoid it at all costs. The sensation of hunger induces some sort of psychological pain.
A few nights ago my husband ate dinner at 10 PM as he often does. As usual I asked, “Weren’t you hungry at dinner time?” And as usual he answered, “Yeah. So what? I was busy.” Apparently, unlike me, he doesn’t feel the need to NEVER feel hunger… I am talking about normal daily hunger here that everyone feels, not starvation.
For the past several weeks I haven’t experienced normal daily hunger and I will admit it felt great.
But I’ve obviously been eating more than I need to exist (or the wrong combinations).
Hunger, for food and for all sorts of things that we want in life is part of the human condition. It motivates us to hunt – aka work, create, produce, strategize, grow, gain, acquire. For me its a terrifying sensation whether its food related or sex related or money related. However it is a sensation that motivates movers and shakers to get things done. Its also a sensation that one would be wise to learn how to live with and know when to indulge it and when not to, and how to indulge it, and how not to.
I looked up genoa salami and found something very interesting– http://www.ag.auburn.edu/~ckerth/470/classnotes/recipes/GenoaSalami.htm
Two different kinds of sugars in this recipe. Hmmm.
Also, I think the sweetness in the diet soda might be a problem, but you note “more indulgent” things as well. Depending on what those were– ?
I’ve been drinking “Sobe Lean” beverages which aren’t particularly sweet in taste (at least to me). When I was consuming at least 2 bottles of that per day I was dropping weight faster. When I tried diet Coke (with lime) instead, not so good.
Attitudes developed about food and memories of food in childhood play such important parts in what we’re trying to do here. I remember a friend who, at one point, said when she was in high school all that was in the fridge was beer and mustard ! Does she have a weight problem ? You bet.
Diet drinks aren’t all that healthy. I don’t know if two a day is going to hurt, but I personally keep it to two a week if possible.
Catdog -
That genoa salami recipe you found is nasty! Did you notice – a pound of salt for twenty pounds of meat? That is gross. No wonder I’ve been gaining weight! Maybe it is all nasty water retention! It seems like the only things MISSING from the recipe are saltpeter, gunpowder, and lye. I think I will be throwing away all of my cured meats tomorrow and sticking with grilled chicken breasts and lean beef. TY for kicking my ass. I shouldn’t have turned a blind eye to deli meats’ sick contents. And also thank you for kick my ass about needing to deal with food issues. You were right, despite my complaints.
Bomshell
Ack. Sorry about the typo above.
AND the fact that the meat is ground up cold, cured, and then given a HOT SHOWER to finish! That about turned me off of cured meat for good!
Thanks to you there’s one more caloric substance I won’t be eating.
Maybe we can celebrate later when I get back to having a blue dress day too.