Heading to the Beach

It has been two weeks since my last weigh-in, so when I cautiously stepped on the scales at the Lakeland Clinic, my palms were clammy, and my heart racing. Something tells me that feeling will never leave. I am happy to report the maintaining is going well thus far. Was down a pound, (down in fat, up in muscle). This past week I really tried to pick up the pace in the exercise department. My niece and I have even started incorporating a little bit of jogging in our walking program. If this means I can burn a little more and eat just a wee bit more (sensibly, of course) I am definitely game.

My daughter and I are headed to the west coast, which is less than two hours from home to plant our stressed bodies on a stretch of sand and leave our worries behind for a few days. This will be my first time on the beach with the new and improved me since ..... well, years. If I close my eyes I can feel the warm sun, hear the roaring waves, and smell the salty air. Does it get any better than that?

In lieu of filling my face with sugar and starch while I loaf on the west coast shore, I will fill my brain with useless information from the latest gossip magazine. Can't forget to drink plenty of liquids, (mostly bottled water), and snack on some chicken and a hard boiled egg. A brisk walk on the breezy beach is just another healthy, but glorious way to enjoy the precious time I am given with my almost grown daughter. It really doesn't get any better than that.

My next blog will shed light on my experience with metabolic testing and what I learned from my results. Until then, the Gulf is calling my name.

Now What?

Okay, world. Here I am. Now what? Last Monday I felt a little tired, but still took an hour walk around the neighborhood with my niece and my incredibly adorable grand nephew. I am always glad when I make myself move, even if I don't feel like it at the time. The rewards always come several hours later when the body and mind feel more at peace. Even though I felt a little off on Monday, I was somewhat productive last night.


Still trying to get used to the new me. I have not made the mental transformation yet. It may take awhile. They usually say it takes time to get used to a change in your life. Who are 'they' any way? I do feel better about myself, but still have a ways in building my confidence back up.


Last Tuesday the weather was cool, almost chilly for Florida, and the walk went much better.

Note to myself: Can't keep peanut butter and almonds in the house. I have become addicted to peanut butter. I have tricked myself into believing since it is protein it is okay. I hated the stuff as a kid so makes it all the stranger that I am so into it now. I don't think I can keep it in the house. I will have to go bum a spoonful from someone when I really get the urge. I am still making life style changes. Almonds also appear to be a test to the new me. It is still much better than candy bars, cookies, ice cream and french fries.

Last night I purchased graham crackers, marsh mellows and Hershey bars for my daughter and friend to cook over a fire in the back yard. I will not touch the chocolate bars as much as my stomach is trying to trick me.

Last Thursday I was up a pound. In fat. I am a little surprised since I did major walking and a lot more water intake. Must be the peanut butter. And the almonds.

Going weekly makes me accountable. When they eventually wean me from coming and weighing in every week I will probably hang onto the door and protest until they give in. Or, maybe there is a support group. Or, I could start one. Have to check on that one.

Even though one pound isn't bad, (since I am still below my goal weight), I don't want to trick myself into thinking that it is okay. However, I do want to share with anyone who may read this is that once you reach your goal weight it is not over. You have to fight every day, and the days you do make different choices, don't beat yourself up but try and make better choices the next day. That's what I'm doing.

Fifty and Fabulous

I am a food addict. In some ways it may have been easier to be an alcoholic. At least you can drive by the liquor store. Passing the grocery store is not an option. In defense of myself, I was raised on Hostess Cupcakes and Twinkies. I could always eat an enormous amount of starches and sugars and still managed to keep my weight down. When I was younger and stressed, I had no appetite. Food was about as appealing as a pile of sawdust. I still managed to squeeze in my sugar fix, but not a lot of anything else. I was able to slide by until I got older. The older I got, the less I exercised and the more I ate. Instead of turning my nose up at food as I did in my younger years, I welcomed it like an old friend.

My "friend" saw me through failed relationships, a troubled son, elderly parents, and a teenage daughter on the brink of womanhood. The only way I was taking care of me was rewarding myself with chocolate ice cream and chocolate chip cookies to accompany it. My other friends were Peanut M & M's, Hershey Bars, and whatever other starch and sugar I could get my hands on.

2010 was probably one of the most challenging years of my life. My 24 year old son who was living with my daughter and me (on house arrest) went back to jail and is now probably facing prison time. My aging parents health was not good, and I spent a good part of my time helping them. Layer upon layer of stress encouraged me to eat more and more. This only added layer upon layer of fat on me. I was treating food as if it were a recreation instead of fuel to live.

The defining moment was when I turned fifty in July and saw a photograph of myself at the beach holding my grand nephew. I couldn't change the fact my son was in jail or my daughter was growing up. I couldn't control my parent's health. The only thing I could control or change were my eating habits. Just because I was fifty didn't mean I had to look like it.

With much anxiety and skepticism I entered the Medi-Weightloss clinic here in Lakeland, FL. My fears and doubts were erased when I met Dr. McFadden and everyone in the office. During my journey they have been very professional and supportive. I lost 10 lbs my first week and the rest is history. I lost a total of 40 lbs and went a few pounds past my goal. I am still not used to the new me and am only reminded as I am buying much smaller clothes or people comment on my change. I know that this has to be a conscious life style choice in order to remain successful. Even though I have been exercising as well, I intend to step that up even more.

This is the first of many blogs I plan to post in hopes I can help others take that first step. It is good to be amongst people who understand and can remain supportive throughout the process and be part of the celebration when the goal is met.

A big thanks to Medi-Weightloss in Lakeland, FL. It really is "the one that works!"