Fat Chat

January 18, 2012: 142.4

Just over seven years ago, I landed in Grand Forks, North Dakota, to visit my friend, Peanut, who was in law school at UND.  I arrived on New Year's Day in 2005, and I guess I stayed five days or so.  Turned out to be one of the coldest weeks on record there, with temperatures dipping to, oh, around 30 below.  That's Fahrenheit, folks!  It was truly astonishing.  I wrote a little bit about it here.

I remember a story in the local newspaper about an exotic bird--parrot, I think--that managed to escape out of someone's house during my time there.  Apparently, the animal didn't get very far, freezing to death only yards away from his prison.  I think his name was Pete.

Coming from a relatively temperate, southern climate, I made a few purchases before my trip of the outerwear and footwear variety.  My lightweight, but very warm, LL Bean parka--size medium--served me very well during my visit, and is still in great shape after all these years.  This is probably due to the fact that it gets less use here in southern Maryland AND because I've been too fat in recent years to wear it comfortably, preferring instead a large, ratty, old coat belonging to Tony, that has seen better days.

With 25 pounds lost, I'm thrilled that I'm able to put on that parka from 2005 and zip it up, even with two or three shirts underneath.  I'm all about the layers, dontcha know.

I remember that I weighed 142 pounds before my trip to that frozen wasteland.  I was on my way up the scale, having gained about seven pounds in just the few previous months.  I remember vowing to end the climb then and there.  Ha!

My culinary memories of North Dakota are few, but intense.  I was introduced to Culver's, home of the ButterBurger and deep-fried cheese curds.  Lordy, lordy!  Then there was a late-night visit in Fargo to a Krispy Kreme donut-producing establishment, where we enjoyed those sweet delicacies right off the production line.  If you haven't eaten a warm, freshly-made Krispy Kreme donut, well, you just haven't lived!

In other wardrobe news, today I said see ya to my fall/winter fat pants!  I was really beginning to like them because there was no longer any need to unzip them for any reason, fitting loosely enough to just slide over my hips.  This bagginess caused problems, though, at the lower end, where there was so much wear and tear on the hems that I appeared to be a down-on-my-luck something-or-other, I think, when out walking.  Tony never said, but I'm sure this look was an embarrassment to him and probably talked about behind the closed doors of people in the neighborhood.

In the weight-watching community, the it-fits-again coat and the demise of the fat pants are known as NSVs, or non-scale victories.

* * * * * * * * *

Pound-wise, I'm a little surprised to see a loss this week.  There was, after all, a full lunch out with Mom on Saturday, including a big, shrimp salad sandwich on a croissant, with french fries, followed, the next day, by a fried-chicken, er, incident.  This is further proof that weight loss can be achieved by alternating days of full eating and days of light eating.  Something about keeping the metabolism guessing, blah, blah, blah.  Maybe you can look it up on Wikipedia when the blackout ends.

More importantly, though, is the fact that these meals don't figure well into my plan to naturally lower my cholesterol levels and blood pressure.  Clearly, more work is needed.

That's it for today!

January 11, 2012: 143.0

Yesterday, I went to the doctor to check in, as I do every nine months or so. I mentioned a few weeks ago that I'm really, really interested in seeing if I can get off of some medications that I've been taking for some years now, and I wanted to get a feel for my doc's thoughts.

About a month ago, I quit taking Lipitor (for high cholesterol) because it seemed to be causing some intense muscle and joint pain. I can say that I feel so much better in that area--but now I'll need to really watch what I'm consuming. You know I love me some butter and cheese!

I also take medication for borderline high blood pressure. I have a lot of risk factors--being overweight, not tremendously active and smoking--though I'm hoping to address each of these issues fully in 2012.

My doctor was quite amazed at the weight I've lost this past year, which made me feel all smug and everything. When I told her that I was interested in losing another 15 or so pounds, she was rather taken aback, telling me that 140 would be a good place to be. However, I think I'll need to lose those additional pounds in order to say goodbye to the blood pressure medication.

I also have a plan in place for the smoking, but I'll talk about it at a later date. Leaving smoking behind will be difficult for me, but it needs to be done.

Overall, I don't think my doctor was thrilled with my decision to try to get off the pills. For example, when I mentioned that I quit taking Lipitor, she suggested alternative medications and other stuff to take in conjunction with Lipitor to ease the muscle/joint pain. I really like my doctor, and her skepticism makes me want to be successful in these efforts. You know . . . the I'll-show-her factor.

* * * * * * * * *

I continue to get about two or three miles of walking in nearly every day, thanks to my dog, Jack. He's a year-old (or so), 60-pound, poorly-socialized, behaviorally-challenged Black Lab/Shepherd mix, who we've been treating for a host of issues--skin condition, intestinal parasites, ear mite infestation, malnutrition, overall neglect, etc. He's full of love and highly destructive, needing constant supervision. It's a real push to keep up with his attention-seeking behavior and play-with-me demands.

Just now, we're out of sync--I'm too old for him and he's too young and big for me--but I hope, as the years pass, that we'll find that perfect place and be able to settle into a comfortable co-existence.

He's looking 100% better than he was six weeks ago.

 

* * * * * * * * *

Weight-wise, things are finally back in the groove, after the winter holidays. Most of the junk is gone and healthier stuff is making its way back into the rotation. Happily, my loss this week brings me to a total of 25 pounds lost!

Oh, by the way, I'm looking for some good recipes for beans of any kind, especially soups. Anybody?

See you next week!

 

January 4, 2012: 143.6

This morning, I gingerly stepped on the scale, gasped at the number displayed, quickly jumped off, scampered from the bathroom and never looked back.

Why the drama?

Well, it seems that in spite of my best, herculean, super-human efforts to consume all the leftover cookies, candy, nuts and so forth, left over from the Christmas holidays, I gained only a few ounces this week.

Was the weight displayed accurate? Who knows? Occasionally, numbers displayed on the scale seem too low, or too high, and I'll hop on and off a few more times to make sure I'm getting an accurate reading. Once in a while, the figures are incorrect.

This morning, I didn't bother to double-check, certain that I'd gained much, much more. We'll have to wait until next Wednesday to get a true picture. For now, I'll take it!

It's just a little, psychological game I'm playing, I guess, to keep my willpower and determination levels high.

I think I've mentioned that I keep a few charts going about losses and gains, and I started off 2012 with another little ploy--logging my beginning weight at 145. So, even though I had a small gain this week, I'm already--as if by magic!--ahead of the game so early in the New Year! This tiny, white lie provides a tremendous psychological boost, so utterly necessary at this time of year, what with all the over-indulgences.

My ultimate goal in 2012 is to lose an additional 15 pounds--taking me to 130 by August 1. Thus, by utilizing Anne's Peculiar Method of Weight Loss Book-cooking, I've lost 1.4 pounds! Woo hoo! Fortunately for my readers, my weight loss ticker doesn't lie, so you can always get a true assessment of how the project is coming along.

* * * * * * * * *

Another of my goals for 2012 involves completing weekly, out-of-the-ordinary projects around the house. This week, that involves taking down the holiday decorations, which I got a good start on yesterday. I consider this a "project" because it's a major undertaking, so there. Another early-in-the-New-Year psychological boost? Perhaps.

I'll report in on other, goal-related progress later. Now, I need to move my ass to the grocery store to stock up on some healthier options.

Bye for now.

January 1, 2012: 143.4

So, Happy New Year, everybody!

I am so, so, so glad that the holiday season is ovah! This year's seemed particularly busy and stressful. I don't know why, because it was filled with visits with friends and family, which was wonderful. In retrospect. In most cases, I guess, we women take on an inordinate share of the burden of trying to make everything just so and setting the bar too high--cooking, cleaning, entertaining, shopping, and so forth--so we're not always (read never) able to really just lounge around all that much. Is it the same at your house?

I'm happy to say that I kicked my own fat ass in 2011, with a loss of nearly 25 pounds--something I've never achieved, or had to achieve, in the past. Feeling pretty good about that.

For 2012, I want that momentum to continue until I reach my goal--a new, revised goal--of 130 pounds, more or less, plus or minus. You know, I'm 56 years old. I'm never gonna reclaim my youth . . . nor do I want to in so many ways. (Oh, sure, I'd love to have a little more energy and not to be plagued by certain aches and pains which are a feature of middle-age, but, oh well . . . ) At 130 pounds, I'm probably gonna feel as good as possible at this stage of life, so, yes.

Aside from losing those last 15 or so pounds, I plan to reclaim my life in 2012. For nearly a decade, now, my own mental and physical health has been tied up with the failing health of my elderly parents (and other, ugly, family dramas), and I cannot let this continue. People age and die. It's a sad fact of life. But, I'm going to try to act on the advice that appears everywhere in articles and books and forums about eldercare--take care of yourself first and foremost. That's not to say that I'm turning away from my obligations in any way, but I want--need--to find some balance and perspective and acceptance. I'll work hard to do that.

Do you take any medications for things like high cholestrol and high blood pressure? I do, and I have for several years now. I want that to end, if possible. In 2012, this goal will require some alterations to diet and lifestyle. I'll be working to do whatever is possible to lower cholesterol and blood pressure levels, without the help of pharmaceuticals. It'll be cheaper and healthier. Less fat and cholesterol in the diet, more fruits and vegetables, whole grains and legumes, less meat . . . you know the drill.

And, obv, the smoking needs to end. I'm not currently a heavy smoker--a pack can last me several days--but, you know, I've been smoking a long time, so the cummulative effects cannot be good, at all.

And exercise. With the addition of a new dog to the family, December 2011 saw a sudden increase in walking. I'm logging about three miles daily, I figure. It's good--I like it--but I need more . . . and different.

Along with the stresses of caring for aging family members has come a narrowed social existence. Over the years, the depressive effects of watching a loved one's decline and increasing neediness have caused a desire to remove myself from a lot of interaction with others. Turns out, that's just what I shouldn't have done. Laughs, good times, getting out, talking, sharing, enjoying others, doing fun, new stuff--all so totally necessary to stay in the world of the sane. But when you're depressed, it seems like climbing a mountain just to make a date. I'm gonna get out more in 2012, dammit!

Other things that draw my interest for the new year are learning something about relaxation techniques/meditation/yoga and my continuing quest to organize and downsize our collection of possessions. Less time on the computer, less TV, more reading those old-fashioned books, more keeping up with the demands of the house, more taking care of business and staying organized.

Lotta stuff there, I know. And, as I've learned during my weight-loss campaign, change doesn't happen overnight . . . or even during the course of year. But, it's good to have goals and to strive to reach them, don't you think?

And, just so it's not all about me, me, me . . . I want to do kind things for others, whenever possible.

December 31, 2011: 143.4

Just a quick, fly-by post to log the results of the last weigh-in of 2011. Too tired to write at length just now, but will try to collect thoughts for kick-off post tomorrow--January 1, 2012.

Until then, comrades.

December 28, 2011: 144.2

Hi there.

Gosh, I'm glad the Christmas Craziness is over. It was nice, and all, but my beloved routine was trampled, setting me on edge for several days.

We were anticipating a quiet Christmas, with just Mom here for a few days. However, the party grew to include my sister-in-law, Connie, my two nephews, Pat and Will, and Pat's girlfriend, Myra. So, a group of seven.

The kitchen was, and is, filled with holiday treats--candy, cookies, cake, savory treats, leftover turkey and ham and all the trimmings.

There was tremendous carnage in the wake of the Dinner, and it was then that the kitchen sink quit draining.

Days later, we are still without its use, and I'm slogging out to the garage to wash dishes by hand in the utility sink.

New Mexico Peanut will be arriving tomorrow for a few days' stay, leaving New Year's Eve day. I'm hoping to enjoy a quiet New Year's Eve, leaving me a little time to write a final post for 2011 here at Fat Chat.

* * * * * * * * *

Food-wise, I've been enjoying liberal, holiday eating, with minor binges here and there, mostly involving baked goods, chocolate and potato chips. But, I think that's all over now. The scale isn't reflecting these extra calories, I think, because, for weeks now, I've been logging miles and miles of walking--roughly 2 to 4 miles every day.

So, an actual loss this week is really gratifying. Hopefully, I'll be able to maintain, at least, through Peanut's visit.

I'll be back on the 31st and, again, on January 1 in the new year.

Bye for now.

December 21, 2011: 144.6

Happy Last Day of Fall. Winter officially sets in at 12:30 a.m. tomorrow, and I'm hoping for a mild next couple of months. Snow is nice, but I'm the shoveler here at Fat Chat, so, ya know, less snow works for me.

As is usual, I'm anxious for the holiday season to end. Even without the craziness of hosting members of Tony's family this year, who always require a higher level of cleaning and preparation--like window-washing and steam-cleaning of floors, etc.--readying for Mom's stay carries its own challenges.

For example, there's the need to protect the new, lightweight down blanket, linens and mattress pad I bought for the guest bedroom. I've done this by simply removing the new stuff, placing a shower curtain over the mattress, and remaking the bed with older blankets and linens. Sorry, Mom, but one accident could cause a world of pain-in-the-ass for me. I'm sure you understand.

While Mom isn't terribly discerning, I face another matter with Peanut's visit after Christmas. Since I know Peanut reads this blog, I won't go into details. I'll simply say that there was an incident regarding a hair in a hotel room when we traveled to NYC for a few days many years ago. So, once Mom leaves, Tony and I will be setting up the flood lights and getting out the fine-tooth comb and magnifying glass to prepare for Peanut's stay.

* * * * * * * * *

So, 144.6. With 10 days remaining until the end of the year, I think it's too soon to tell whether I'll make my year-end goal of 144. I know there will be lots of good eatin' in the days to come, so it's really too early to celebrate.

I'll be posting next Wednesday for the final Wednesday weigh-in of 2011. Additionally, I plan to check in on December 31 with a year-end number and, again, on January 1, 2012, with the dreaded resolutions and, probably, a slightly-revised (upward) goal weight.

In other exciting news, I'm still wearing my fat pants, which were featured here. However, they can now slip right off my boyish, hip-to-waist-ratio figure, if I'm not careful.

And, let me just take a moment to mention the very controversial Body Mass Index (BMI) figure. You know, a lot of people have strong feelings about the BMI, claiming that the calculation doesn't account for degree of lean muscle mass or fat. There are militant anti-BMI advocates out there who are adept at splitting hairs. But, as I read recently, you pretty much know if your own mass is primarily lean muscle or fat.

The BMI measurement is meant to be used as a guideline, people. Geez.

And, today, this guideline tells me that, generally, I am no longer overweight and, instead, considered to be in the normal weight range. However, like the article said, I know that I still have several more pounds of fat to lose. I only have to look at myself in the mirror.

So, there.

December 14, 2011: 146.0

Weight has been all over the board recently, from a high last Wednesday of 147.6 to a low of 145.2 this past Saturday. I'm happy to be back at 146 today. Life is busy right now (for everyone, I know), and I'm not looking for things to return to normal until after the New Year. This will be a brief post because, for some reason, Typepad is not allowing me to insert returns anywhere in this body of text. I would be happy to lose just one more pound by the end of the year.

Oh, there you go. Apparently, I have to sit on the enter/return key for a while. Anyway, I'll try not to miss posting on the remaining weeks in 2010, even if it's just a brief check-in with weight.

Hope everyone's enjoying the craziness that is the Christmas holidays. Mom will be spending a few days with us and then my friend, Peanut, will be coming from New Mexico for a few days between Christmas and New Year's.

Peanut and I have long struggled together with a few extra pounds, so I'm sure there will be lots of chatter about losing some bulk and goals for 2012. I'm also planning to offload some of those holiday cookies on her (or, if she chooses to give them away, her folks in Baltimore). Temptation, be gone!

I'm all jazzed because I bought a new, 2012 calendar recently. What is it about a clean, never-used calendar? The sense of possibility? The mystery of what's in store for the new year?

In terms of continued weight loss, the first days of 2012 will find me making small notations about weekly and monthly goals, developing tables and charts, etc., and logging any progress or setbacks. This is a tradition which has been in place for many years and gives me great satisfaction and sense of optimism. How pathetic is that?

Thanks for stopping by.

December 7, 2011: 147.6

A retro post here. You know, it's the holidays. I can only explain this gain with two words: holiday baking. Better to own up in the interest of keeping a full, honest account.

November 30, 2011: 146.0

Well, here we are.  The holidays are in full force, and it's my belief that the winter holidays come on way too quickly on the heels of summer and the back-to-school craziness (not that that's a feature in my life, but still . . . ).  I think we should bump the whole business forward by about a month.  This season, too, I've had a hard time adjusting to the end of daylight savings time.  At 6 p.m., I feel I should be in my pajamas and ready for bed 'cause, you know, it's dark!

I mentioned a while ago that Tony and I had some new carpeting installed on our second floor.  That has necessitated a major cleaning, decluttering and organizing project, which is STILL underway.  I'm making my way through scads of letters and pictures and papers which date back to the 1970's (and before, really, as I'm attached to my old report cards from school, which reflect my amazing averageness).  As I mentioned to Josh and Mary when I saw them briefly last Saturday, I've kept job descriptions and related papers from jobs I held 30 years ago!

Looking through all this clutter has brought back floods of memories, but the question is, I suppose, are these memories worth hanging onto?  Is it necessary to save 25 items when one or two representative pieces would suffice?  I'm trying hard to keep to that less-is-more philosophy, but it may be that a second culling will be necessary at some future point.  I'm sure of it.

What does all this have to do with my weight-loss campaign?

Well, the project--as well as the holidays--creates a sensation of things being somewhat out of one's control.  I don't like that.  Still, I'm happy to report that my reducing plan has always been on my mind, even while I sampled each of the nine kinds of cookies I baked in the days leading up to Thanksgiving Day.

Did you know that you actually have to consume 3,500 extra calories in order to gain just one pound?  Keeping that fact in mind as I munched my way through 10 or 20 cookies over a few days was helpful, and made me feel less guilty for indulging just a little bit.

But that's all over, now.  At least for a couple of weeks, when things kick into high gear, once again.

* * * * * * * * *

I'll dispense with the daily weights this week because they're incomplete, though I've started back to daily weighing for the coming weeks.

At 146 (a weight that feels artificially low, somehow) today, I find myself back on target for my revised end-of-year goal of 144.  But, there are tough (diet-wise) days ahead and, thus, celebrating would be premature, I think.

Finally, I'm gonna give myself a good pat on the back for getting through the first hurdle of Thanksgiving without completely caving in to all the temptations.  Oh, I didn't say no to anything, but I held my desire to have MORE, MORE, MORE in check.  And that skill--self-control--will need to be rock solid in the future if I don't want to slip back into overweightness.

As always, thanks for stopping by!