50 lbs Milestone!

Weekly Stats
Current: 274.4
Weekly Loss: 6.2
To Go: 99.4
Total 50.6!!!!

I made a significant milestone. Since I started on this weight loss journey, I have lost 50lbs! I am only 1/3 of the way (weight!) to my goal, but I feel like I can do this!

Saturday, I had a yard project to get done. Our mailbox has been wobbly, so I decided to cement the post in and replace the box. I bought a 60 lbs bag a quick-set concrete for the job. I carried it the short distance from the back of the van to the project. I cradled the bag in my arms right next to my body and felt how heavy the bag was and could feel the extra pressure in my legs. I realized I was not carrying much more that I had lost! No wonder I was struggling physically! No wonder my energy has been sapped at the end of the day. No wonder I was having trouble getting up the trail on Baldy! I am looking forward to losing the better part of two more bags! If I feel this much better now, how much better will I feel when that weight is gone as well!

I have two more weeks to go on this strict diet that I have been on. I have been thinking through what it will take to maintain the weight loss and make it through the holidays. I can't let down my guard!

Hope all continues to go well for everyone! Gordon keeps posting the rides he goes on. He is in great shape both weight wise and physically. Hopefully next year sometime, we can go on a ride! Keep up the good work everyone!

Happiness!

Weekly Stats
Current: 280.6
Weekly Loss: 7
To Go: 105.6
Total 44.4
Exercise - Hiking and yard work.

My happiness comes from several things this week.
1. I lost another 7 lbs!
2. I hit another 10 lbs goal (see the new star?)
3. This is the lowest weight I have been in a few years.
4. I am fitting into clothes that I haven't been in for a while!
5. When I hit my next 10 lbs goal, that will make it 50 lbs I have lost since I started my blog.
6. I went hiking in Goblin Valley this week and felt much lighter on my feet!
7. I made it through my third week of this six week strict diet!
8. Even though I still have a long way to go, I am optimistic about making it to the end!

Thanks for all the encouragement along the way. It has helped me stay motivated and accountable. It was fun to hear from the progress that you are all making as well. It feels like we are in this together to get and stay healthy! Keep on going!

A Better Week

Weekly Stats
Current: 287.6
Weekly Loss: 5.8
To Go: 112.6
Total Lost 37.4

Just finished off the second week of my strict diet. This week was much better as my body finally made adjustments to the reduced calories. Monday night, I just started feeling half decent and it has been pretty good ever since. I had to fight through what was like a constant headache and craving, not so much from my stomach, but my something in my brain that was being denied that it was used to getting. That may not make much sense, but that's how it felt. Probably not to different than trying to go off any other addiction. I was determined to see it through the first week and I'm glad I did.

This week had a couple of challenges. With the severe reduction in calories, I knew that I wouldn't have a lot of energy reserves. A lady that we home teach, had her dog put to sleep after he was struggling with so many health issues. She asked Corey and I if we could bury her dog in her back yard. The ground in Orem used to be a river bed I believe. Just a few inches down there are many rocks that are cemented in clay. It takes a great deal of effort to dig very far down. I learned that early when I moved to Orem and ditched my yard by had to put in a sprinkler system and also planted a several trees. Corey was of help, but it was hard for both of us. I didn't even get a chance to eat before since both Corey and I had to be somewhere by seven. I'm glad we got the job done and we both had a better appreciation for each other after that.

The other challenge of the week is after we went to my uncle's funeral, my Mom and Dad offered to buy us all lunch at Golden Coral. If you don't know it is an all-you-can-eat buffet. I wasn't sure how I was going to stay on plan and eat there. But I headed to the salad bar and started with a foundation of lettuce. They had some chicken, shrimp and steak cut up into small pieces,which I was able to get my 100 grams of protein from my "approved" list quite easily. I then found some vinaigrette hanging out by the other dressing and I was set. I did grab another plate and got a little extra chicken and some salmon and put some strawberries with it and I was more than satisfied with what I ate! I didn't gain any weight and I didn't blow my diet! Whooohoooo!!!!!

Got good reports this week from others who are sticking with their health goals. Gordon is still going strong on the bike! Way to go! Lisa H. is hanging in there and still making progress losing weight! Yesssss! Rachel has kept up her training after completing a half-marathon by training for another! Wow!!! Bill H. finished the St. George marathon with a personal best time!!!! He has already started up training again and is looking towards the Boston marathon which he as qualified for two years in a row now! Impressive! Barbara has been faithfully keeping in shape for many years now! Amazing job!!! Thanks to all for the inspiration and examples that you set. I hope the others are doing good as well.

Two breakthroughs!

Weekly Stats
Current: 293.4
Weekly Loss: 9
To Go: 118.4
Total 31.6
Exercise - None

Back from my three week (thought it would be two) hiatus. I decided during my rest period that I would really focus on the weight loss. I did gain a lot by my exercise, but I also realized that my body was really taking a beating with all of this extra weight. I looked at various options and have decided to go on a very strict diet. It has been a tough first week, but my body is adjusting to the change and I am dropping weight. The weekly loss above really is just my net loss since my last reporting three weeks ago. I gained some back during my recovery. I actually lost 14.2 lbs this first week on the diet. I realize that this won't keep up at this rate, but it was a good start.

I was able to fill in another star! I passed two thresholds. I've not lost 30 lbs and I broke the 300 lbs level. Yippee!!!!! Hopefully I will never see 300 again!

Haven't heard how others are doing. Hopefully when I post my stats, I will get some feedback how others are doing. If you took a break, get back at it! We are all cheering for you!