Hi everyone. I realize that I've been rather quiet this week. I went out of town last week (to beautiful Mt. Baker) on a scrapbooking retreat. And while I had the most excellent time (including several walks in the crisp mountain air) and finished scrapbooking my pictures from 2003 (start to finish!), I came back home exhausted and moody.
This week is half-days at school, so I have kids in my house and screaming in my backyard most of the day. Talk about a rough re-entry into real life!
I have been neglecting to eat enough vegetables and sneaking bites of wildly inappropriate foods all week. (French fries, for instance.) I'm tired, disappointed with myself and feeling less than hopeful. Will I ever get it together enough to lose another twenty pounds? I'd settle for ten pounds!
Anyway, today, I and my puffy eyelids weigh in at 170.8. (Last week I was at 168.6, I think.) I am positive that some of this can be blamed on water retention (my rings won't even budge), but some of it may be the result of dark chocolate peanut M&Ms. I'm just saying.
Now, it's your turn to weigh in. And today, I'm asking you for advice. What do you think I should do to lose the final twenty pounds? I rarely ask for advice (I'm so defensive by nature), but I'm curious what you are all thinking about my efforts.
I have heard that a new excersice goal like training for a 5k or something can be very motivating.
I think you are doing great just by maintaining your weight loss for so long. That can be very difficult!
I can't resist dark chocolate myself, I mean who has that kind of will power...not me. I think sugar is evil the more I get the more I want!
Posted by: Majenti | October 18, 2007 at 11:55 AM
Honestly I think your efforts are amazing. You have lost over 50 lbs. Those last 20 lbs are probably going to take a while to get rid of, and will be a lot harder. I think the key is to just keep trying. Never give up. That is what I am telling myself. Find a new goal to work towards, a new strategy or work-out, and if that does not work, then move on to the next one. I am at 184 lbs, down 1 lb in the last two weeks. The weight loss has become really slow for me. Partly because I had to nurse my ankle back to health, partly because I need to watch my diet a little closer. I just remind myself about how much better I feel compared to 6 months ago. That makes every weight loss effort I have made well worth it.
Posted by: Karen | October 18, 2007 at 12:31 PM
I think you should bump up from walking to jogging, and use a regular bike outside instead of the stationary one at home. Working harder is a sure fire way to lose the weight or at least change the fat to muscle.
Posted by: Trish | October 18, 2007 at 12:43 PM
What's this sad and dismal tone I hear? (Probably the same one I heard in my own head just a week ago...) Oh, Mel - don't feel like a failure. I will tell you what is working for me currently - I am down 4.0 pounds (some is water, for sure, girl) and am at 162.
I started back on a structured diet program to get this last f-ing 30 off my bod. The gentle coddling approach just doesn't work well for me - I need something downright militant to get my lazy ass in gear. I am doing Lindora again, the online version(more info at lindora.com). I've been successful with this diet before and have kept off the last 20 pounds that I dropped on it. The issue is, I have been stuck here at 165-ish for over a year and I am sick and tired of it - must press on and lose the rest, you know? By Christmas, I should hit my goal. The loss is fairly rapid, which means constant vigilance as you begin to eat more but I've done it before and I'll do it again. Lindora is not for everyone but it sure helps when someone puts french fries in front of me and I can just say to myself "no, currently off limits." I need those sorts of boundaries or else I will just dive into the cookies at the next emotional moment...
I also got a new workout - Girl, you NEED something fun to do, not just some stationary bike (though I lost 40 lbs once just doing that). I ordered the (now don't you laugh) Hip Hop Abs program from Beachbody.com. I absolutely LOVE it. It is so fun, and it goes by so fast, you hardly feel like you're working out. If you are not at all dance-inclined, you may hate it but I would recommend that you check out Beachbody.com. They also offer TurboJam and Slim In 6, both excellent DVD programs. Spice up the workouts and I guarantee that you'll feel more motivated and lose a few more.
You will make it throught this minor slump, I know it! Just keep in mind that you've already lost more than 2/3 of the weight - you're almost there!! Let's get to the end together.
Posted by: breckgirl | October 18, 2007 at 01:20 PM
I'm still pregnant and gaining: up to 176 lbs. this week. I'm due in 6 weeks, and I'm not sure how much bigger I can get!
As for losing the final 20 lbs., I think you probably know exactly what to do--it's just hard to do it (especially when the weather has been so gloomy up here in the Pacific Northwest, and curling up with a blanket and a warm dessert sounds divine). I suggest pushing the fruits and veggies like it's your job. It's going to get harder to find fresh produce as the weather gets colder, but frozen stuff is often just as good, provided there's no sugar, salt, or fat added. Look through cookbooks (yours or the library's) and search the Internet for new recipes.
When I needed to jump-start my weight-loss last year, I had great sucess with Dr. Joel Fuhrman's 'Eat to Live' program (www.drfuhrman.com). It's challenging, but it was the kick in the pants that I needed.
Posted by: Noelle | October 18, 2007 at 02:17 PM
Well, I am sure I am 168, but I will say 169. I kept my pajamas on this morning when weighing. I was 169 last night after my shower!
I don't really have any advice. I am going through the same thing. I am hoping to be 150 by the new year!
So, I only have 18 pounds to go. Just look at what is ahead (150!!!!!) and push yourself even more. Change your exercise routine!!! That really helps me. Do something different!
I got throught the covered bridge festival yesterday without eating a thing!!! yay me!!!!!
Posted by: LeeAnn | October 18, 2007 at 02:40 PM
Mel,
this is my first comment, but I've been a long-time reader. How long? You have been such an inspiration, that I've lost close to 50 lbs since reading your blog.
It's been the struggle that you describe so well, and nothing helps me more than to know that I'm not alone.
I've got more to lose, so I'm going to keep reading. You have a gift for writing that is especially useful when dealing with weight issues. It's unsentimental and straight forward which is what I need the most. Thanks.
I don't know that my advice would be helpful to you, but I'll give you a couple of things that work for me. You may have tried them already or they may not be practical. In any case, I just felt like I wanted to help in any way I could, because you've helped me so often.
I don't like to jog, but I love to take walks. After a few months of walking I put a 3 lb. weight on each ankle and it really helped move the scale back down. I've been doing that for three months and I suppose I could add more weights but I'm afraid of injury. I just try and increase my walking speed instead.
...and I know you love your oatmeal...I love it too, so good for you. But, I had to switch to two eggs only for breakfast, because the oatmeal was keeping my craving for carbs at too high a peak for me to handle later in the day. You may not have this problem, but if you'd like to try eggs, just scramble them with a little cayenne (great metabolism booster) in a small nonstick pan with Pam. Try to get the most Omega-3 rich eggs you can find.
I know you'll hit your stride and lose that last twenty when you're ready.
I thank you for all your inspiration!
blessings from a smaller and humbler Julia
Posted by: Julia | October 18, 2007 at 02:46 PM
Sorry things are kind of a bummer for you, this maintenance thing is just as hard as the dieting, from what I have heard, there is a lot that you have to learn about your body as it adjusts.
Remember that a lot of people gain a couple of pounds as winter approaches.
Anyway, I am 175 right now. Well, not right now, but this morning I was and that's what I am sticking to! I think I missed last week, I was 178. So down three.
Posted by: JanB | October 18, 2007 at 02:56 PM
Gosh I know that dismal feeling...at least for me about once a month I get a sense of new opportunity...can you capitalize on that? I still struggle with time troubles (lack thereof) and bad influences (taking the girls to the state fair tomorrow) where I don't eat right.
I think...
1) if I learn weight maintenance I am learning a valuable life skill...ESPECIALLY if it involves real life eating challenges I can survive.
2) that doing exercises that make my body toned makes me feel better (and look better) even at the weight I am at.
3) that there is "some" value to letting my weight stabilize (plateau) where I am at weight wise...I think it may make it easier to start the defined weight loss process again when I am ready to commit.
4) I need to focus on water as I did a much better job of drinking lots of water when I was following the diet carefully.
5) taking time to find, plan, and make new recipies I enjoy helps me keep my focus (takes more time though;) )
I was at 174.5 today. That is only a couple pounds over the -60 pound mark....that IS something to celebrate!
Posted by: Sandy McCann | October 18, 2007 at 02:57 PM
I have been reading your blog for quite awhile and am as inpsired as the rest. I have sensed hopelessness in you recently. DO NOT give up! DO NOT beat yourself up! PRESS ON! Thank God you're maintaining!!! That in itself is an accomplishment. Believe that you will lose the rest and be patient with yourself. Don't lose hope. Renew your committment to eating well every meal if you have to. Isaiah 41: 10 Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I WILL HELP YOU. I will uphold you with My righteious right hand.
Posted by: Sue | October 18, 2007 at 03:25 PM
Yes, amen, Sue! God is with ya, Mel, even when it doesn't seem like it.
Posted by: breckgirl | October 18, 2007 at 04:03 PM
First of all you have already lost a LOT of weight!!! And depending on the time of the month your weight will go up and down.
My advice would be to drop anything with sugar/carbs(the enemy!!!) and not be afraid of natural fat(nuts). I love the natural nutty snacks from Mrs Mays(buy them cheap from amazon)and your body does need some fat.
You GO GIRl
Posted by: Susanne | October 18, 2007 at 05:29 PM
You truly are an inspiration and should be really proud of how far you've come but with that said I realize your committment to the remaining 20 lbs you want to take off.
A friend of mine was doing your type of plan for over and year and lost 50 lbs then stalled. She recommitted by joining Weight Watchers to do the point system because she was feeling really deprived from certain food groups for so long. Her weight loss stall is over and she's down 8 more with 12 to go. Sometimes the body...and the mind needs a change. Also, the weekly weigh ins and being able to track everything you put in your mouth online with Weight Watchers is really motivating as well. Just a thought.
Posted by: Jen | October 18, 2007 at 05:38 PM
First off, you've done great - and who am I to make any suggestions? I've been doing the up-and-down for, oh, five months now?
Second, I've noticed that lots of weight-loss blogger types (you, me, PastaQueen, others) are having a hard time right now. I'd say it's something in the water, but we live in all parts of the country!
Third, I lost half a pound this week, down to 178. I've been discouraged that I haven't reached my goal yet, but I know that if I don't keep trying to go forward, I'm liable to go backward. And nobody wants that!
Posted by: Melissa | October 18, 2007 at 06:06 PM
I weighed in yesterday--down another pound and a half to 179. It feels so good to be out of the 180s.
I'm now where I was when I started the South Beach Diet three years ago ... the diet where I lost thirty pounds and gained 43 back.
So advice? Do I dare give any? Yes, I do. Here's what I'm doing:
1. Drowning in inspirational literature. Have you read The Philosopher's Diet? Start there, and then follow his advice and read mounds of inspirational literature. I'm going through four or five diet books a week. Some of the advice is wacky, and much of it is contradictory, but you get lots of ideas.
2. I agree with other posters that the walking probably isn't enough now. I've started jogging ... slowly ... by downloading a few new songs and music videos to my iPod. Janet Jackson and Madonna are kicking my butt right now and I love it.
3. Journaling is good. It keeps me from helping myself to my kids' French fries or old congealed leftovers when I'm doing the dishes.
You can do this, Mel!!!
Posted by: Poppy | October 18, 2007 at 06:26 PM
I'm at 172, which is down a pound. As for advice... sigh. I don't have any. I'm struggling to stay on track myself and get past 20 pounds lost. Don't be discouraged though - you've come so far already.
Posted by: Keri | October 18, 2007 at 08:19 PM
Hi Mel,
I have been following you for a while and everyone can beat me up but the truth is your not keeping your strict plan. You keep attacking the cookies or as you said the french fries. I was amazed by your loss and you can and will keep going if you just don't vier right or left,stay straight ahead and you'll reach your goal.
Now I'm going to duck so I don't get hurt too much from the punches
Posted by: Debra | October 18, 2007 at 09:35 PM
I agree with most of the posts that say changing up your exercise routine would probably be the best way to jump start you again. The idea of giving up all of the french fry moments probably won't happen. As a physical therapist I would tell you not to put any weights on your ankles (as suggested above) as it can really lead to injuries (changes your whole walk), instead try wearing a backpack with a couple of your son's algebra books inside - same exercise, same time involved, but a few more calories burned.
Good Luck
Posted by: Katie O | October 19, 2007 at 01:23 AM
Down two tenths of a pound. not a lot. too much chocolate. I can totally empathize with you but don't have much to offer. I seem to be able to get down to 188 but never any lower. Maybe this is a new week. Good luck to you.
Posted by: Cindi Mansell | October 19, 2007 at 05:41 AM
I was down 4.4 lbs this week but I have no idea how it was possible. The weeks I feel like I eat more I lose and when I try harder it seems I gain. I guess that's normal. No idea how you can lose 20 more lbs maybe change in the exercise routine?
So my official weight as of this past Monday was 280.1
Posted by: Susan | October 19, 2007 at 07:21 AM
Mel,
I have no advice, but just the comment that sticking with it after losing so much already is amazing. And inspiring for the rest of us.
I am up .2 pounds this week to 215.4 on Thursday (probably more today...didn't weigh). I'm really kind of surprised that it's not more, as my eating this week has been many meals out (mostly unavoidable, but still). So, I'll take it, and I'll get back on track soon. Thanks for being such an example and constant encouragement!
Posted by: Stephanie Painter | October 19, 2007 at 09:04 AM
Weighing in at 128lbs. I have ZERO advice for your last 20lbs. I'm in the same rut, I can't seem to get these last few lbs to go away. I personally am going to step up my walking speed and start using heavier weights to see if I get any results that way.
Posted by: MJ | October 19, 2007 at 09:51 AM
I am frustrated and disappointed - I'm exactly the same as last week 241.8. 1.8 measley pounds to get to my 50 pound mark. Grr. As for your program, my dear, I can empathise with plateau frustration. The only suggestion I can offer is that my complimentary YMCA trainer pointed out to me that muscles like to be challenged every 4-6 weeks. So she suggested circuit training to me. If you're exercising at home, you can lift some weights or soup cans a few times, and then do 2 minutes crazy fast on the bike. Then do some crunches, and another 2 minutes of crazy biking or some other cardio stuff. Be sure to warm up with 5-10 minutes of cardio before the circuit stuff. Here's our friend Wikipedia's definition. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circuit_training
Also, I've been thinking what if our metabolism needs to be challenged every 4-6 weeks too? Maybe increase your protein intake? I don't know if that works - I'm just postulating what I may do to change my diet. I think I'm going to up my protein a bit. And remember that your body is protecting you against famine. It doesn't want you to starve. And I'm learning it is hard to be grateful for what you have accomplished when you still want more. Be proud of where you are and then we'll shake it up together!
Posted by: SaraB | October 19, 2007 at 10:11 AM
Hi Mel!
well, as many have said, you are still an inspriation so stop beating yourself up! I love your writing - it reminds me of my mother's (who has now passed on) so thank you for that.
Also, I would agree- more intense exercise would be good - try an intermediate/advanced level video, or switching to walk/run. Who knows, you might enjoy pushing yourself after awhile and it will definitely get the boredom out! also, I wonder why you keep things like french fries and baked goods in the house. I know, I love to bake too, but it's sooo much better not to be tempted by this stuff constantly. Your kids should understand. have you tried many of Ronis' recipes from Weight Watchen? They are all fabulous, especially the desserts! Also, she posts what she eats every day and I am eating similarly to her, with good results. She is someone who loves to eat too, so it's easy to relate. Thank you so much for leading me to her. Much support from me and all your readers.
Posted by: Rachel | October 19, 2007 at 10:13 AM
Also, it occured to me that you may want to include a low-cal dessert in your diet every day? This may keep you from feeling deprived.
Posted by: Rachel | October 19, 2007 at 10:15 AM
I know you have been struggling lately. It gets harder to lose the closer you get to goal--that's the truth.
My suggestions would be:
(1) Shake up your exercise routine--add a backpack to your walking, start jogging, or try a new activity like yoga or pilates. Switching up your exercise routine is often the change your body needs to get that scale moving again.
(2) Add weights to your exercise routine. I know I have advocated this before and you bemoaned the lack of time you have, but come on, there has got to be SOME time you could do it! Use some inexpensive hand weights and do some squats, lunges, bicep curls and tricep dips while watching TV. Even 20 minutes, twice a week will help immensely. Building muscle burns more fat, so strength training makes a big difference when you are trying to lose weight.
(3) Journal your food. I know you hate to do this, but it helps, you saw the evidence yourself!
I hope these suggestions help. I admire how much weight you've already lost and how you've been able to maintain it. Don't beat yourself up too much, you are great!
Posted by: coraspartan | October 19, 2007 at 10:16 AM
One of the unfortunate things about losing weight is that the closer you get to your goal, the harder it is to lose weight. Your body doesn't need as much food to maintain your new, lower weight, and you burn off fewer calories exercising than you did at a higher weight. So everything you did to lose the weight you've lost may only be enough to maintain you at your current weight.
So, obviously, the only solution is to modify your exercise plan and modify your eating. I've seen tons of articles about losing weight by walking and the key is almost always interval training - where you intersperse your moderate exercise with short intervals of intense activity, such as running, very fast walking, or hill climbing (this is easy to do on a treadmill, more challenging outdoors). That way you get more bang for your buck in your hour of exercise. You probably don't have time for my other variation, which is to increase the distance you're walking. (I've always believe that five miles a day is the magic number for losing weight.)
As far as eating... well, obviously you can't expect to lose weight while nibbling french fries and rice krispy treats. I think you need to take a militant, boot camp approach to get off the plateau and lose a few pounds. I'm not saying you can lose the whole 20 you want to lose, but you should be able to shake loose 5 or so pounds before Thanksgive and Christmas kick in. I'll email you a 3-day diet (which can actually be used for more than 3 days) which I found very helpful (and completely satisfying) when I was trying to lose a few pounds last winter.
And I would suggest buying Halloween candy that doesn't appeal to you. No Reese's peanut butter cups and twix bars! (Oh, those are my weaknesses...)
Posted by: Kristin | October 19, 2007 at 12:45 PM
Okay, I do not have a scale still, but I have been measuring certain areas like bust, waist, and hips. I am down 1 inch in the bust and 1.5in in the waist. My hips have stayed the same, but at least they have stayed the same.
I was doing the same thing for 3 months and I have in the past 2 weeks been bumping it up a notch, because I could see I was plateauing. By jogging for 15 min and then walking up hill on the treadmill. Today I began Tae Bo. If you have comcast cable on OnDemand under sports and fitness you will find it. So my goal is to do some aerobic activity twice a week and then doing the treadmill the other 3 days. I agree with everyone change up your routine, make yourself really sweat.
You are doing great, keep it up, do not be discouraged. You'll get there.
Posted by: Marianne | October 19, 2007 at 01:37 PM
Have you read that book Fit after 40? I think it is by Prevention Magazine. I read it and it was interesting to see what happens as our body ages and how that makes staying fit/losing weight even harder. Try it.
Also, ditto on the strength training. Muscle burns more calories in a day than fat does so you need more muscle.
As for my weigh-in, I'm at 165 today but I was 167 yesterday and 166 a day or two before that. Methinks there may be some hormonal influence here! So, I'll go ahead and grab that 165 and see what happens next week.
Posted by: She-Ra | October 19, 2007 at 02:37 PM
I'm coming off my thyroid meds and my doc said, "For the love of your own sanity DO. NOT. WEIGH. YOURSELF. FOR. 6 WEEKS." I might weigh in next week out of sheer curiosity and masochism.
I think interval training is the most effective for MY weight loss. That is where you run/walk/jog/walk/run for time intervals. Also, weights are huge for me to lose. But I may be 150 soon without the fake thyroid hormones, so we'll see!
Posted by: B | October 19, 2007 at 03:52 PM
Hi Mel,
Long time reader, some time commenter.
First, let me say that you have achieved something very impressive; losing and maintaining a 50+ pound weight loss.
Second, try not to worry so much about the numbers on the scale. Remember, muscle weighs more than fat. Mayhap you are losing body fat while building lean muscle mass, so the numbers on the scale are not budging.
Third, please keep writing. You are truly inspirational.
-Beth
Posted by: Beth | October 21, 2007 at 10:40 PM