My Story - my discovery about health and fitness

[Ginny19]

First, I'll begin with a little background about me. 

 Even after giving birth to two children, the youngest when I was almost 36 years old, I maintained a very low weight and was always petite and in excellent shape.  I'm only 5 feet tall.  For many years my weight remained at 92 to 105 pounds.  I could eat anything and never gained weight.  I exercised, but nothing excessive.  Even at 9 months pregnant, I weighed only 110 pounds at 35 years old, and within 2 weeks of delivery I was wearing a bikini.

 

At about 40 years old, after being injured in a car accident and being inactive for 3 months, I noticed a weight gain.  A few years later, upon being assigned a new doctor, I was tested repeatedly for my thyroid.  I had been on medication since I was 15 years old, which was probably why my weight remained low all those years.  My new doctor continued to decrease the amount of my thyroid medication.  With each decrease, I found myself gaining more and more weight.

 

I began exercising a little again and walked about two to three miles three or four times a week.  I stopped eating fast foods. 

 

However, the doctor continued to decrease the strength of my meds and my weight continued to increase.  Nothing I could do seemed to help.  I couldn't figure out why this was happening. 

 

I finally accepted that I was getting older and this was just the way it was going to be now.  I accepted me exactly as I was and loved myself, even if it was difficult to say that as I looked in a mirror.  Each time I would buy new clothes, I bought larger sizes.  The more weight I gained, the more difficult it was to move, so exercising became out of the question.  Walking was difficult.  I could no longer dance - something I always loved to do.

 

Last December I turned 60 years old.  This is difficult for me to admit, but in June of this year (2008) I weighed 174 pounds - my all time high.  Remember, I'm only 5 feet tall.  Even taking meds for water retention didn't help.  My legs and fingers were almost always swollen.  My legs and feet were almost always in pain.  My arms were in pain when I'd awake in the morning. 

 

Again, I convinced myself that this is just simply what happens when a person ages.  My blood tests had always been good.  I had remained healthy (or so I thought), so what's a little weight?  WRONG! 

 

At my doctor appointment on June 3^rd, 2008, I could see the concern on my doctor's face, when she looked at the results of my most recent blood tests.  My cholesterol was up, my triglycerides didn't look good, she was worried about the potential for diabetes, and my blood pressure was up.  She also noticed the swelling in my legs and didn't like that at all.  She had been telling me for a couple years that I needed to lose weight.  This time, she said it with even more emphasis.  I sat there completely frustrated, with tears in my eyes, and told her I didn't know what to do.  She gave me a booklet about calories and carbs and said to stay away from the pasta and rice (and soda - which I don't drink), but to eat more fish.  "More"????  We never ate fish, because hubby didn't like it.

 

Another bit of advice from my doc was to avoid the "diets", such as Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig, fad diets, and ANY diets.  This is NOT about dieting.  It's about learning how to change habits and eat healthier. 

 

Well, the very next day, hubby and I both began our new healthy eating plan.  I never did read the booklet the doc gave me.  But, I did research calories and carbs on the internet.  And, I dug out a book I had about healthy eating.  I purchased more books. 

 

 I created a spreadsheet, and promised myself to keep track of everything I ate.  EVERY time something went into my mouth, it got recorded on the spreadsheet, along with size of the portion and calories and carbs.  At the end of each day, I had a total of calories and carbs for that day.  I developed a chart from that information to see where I was each day. 

 

The first week, the first 5 pounds dropped off immediately, without any effort.  Without any exercise I was 5 pounds lighter!  I'm fairly certain this was the extra water retention, but it didn't matter.  Finally I felt better.  The pain in my legs and feet disappeared.  It was a miracle!  There was no more swelling.

 

Next I began doing simple exercises at home - some simple Pilates type exercising.  I continued maintaining the information on my spreadsheet, faithfully. 

 

More weight was released.  I was down ten pounds at my last doctor appointment, and she was quite pleased.  I was concerned because it seemed to be taking so long, but she told me that was a good thing.

 

About a month ago, hubby and I joined a gym.  I try to work out four times a week at the gym.  And, I still do the Pilates at home in between.

 

I have now released 21 pounds.  I have much more to go.  It might take awhile, because it's happening slowly.  But, I accept that.  My only immediate goal right now is to not gain, and to continue to release, even if it goes slow.

 

The only problem right now is that my old clothes are too big and the new ones are still a little snug.  It would be nice if the clothing manufacturers made "in-between" sizes!  Of course, if this is the only problem I have, then I am happy.

 

Last week, when I went on the 2-day business trip to Houston, I was amazed at my new found ability to walk very fast through the airports to catch my connecting flights.  Four months ago, I could not have done this.

 

 

So, to summarize what has worked for me and things I've learned in this process ...

 

1.   Never - I mean NEVER - call it "losing" weight.  If you "lose" it, you will most likely "find" it again.  Instead, say "releasing" weight or "releasing pounds.

 

2.   Never "diet".  Find eating habits that are healthy for you and stick with it for the rest of your life.

 

3.   Avoid any gimmicks.  Everyone is looking for a "quick fix".  Stop searching now.  There is no such thing.  There is NO pill or drink or piece of equipment that will remove pounds by itself.  If you've ever purchased any weight loss item, check out the paperwork that comes with it.  I once purchased an Ab-Flex.  It came with an exercise video and a nutrition booklet.  I've learned you can become healthy and fit without the item you purchased.  All it takes is healthy eating and exercise. 

 

4.   Maintain a spread sheet or some type of record of what you eat, at least in the beginning.  It's unbelievable what you will discover.  If you're like me, you will discover that you are eating many more calories and carbs than you "thought" you were.  This spread sheet keeps you aware and mindful.  You MUST be honest with the information you enter on your sheet.  Remember, this is for you and you alone - meant to help you.  This is not to impress anyone else, so you must be truthful with yourself.

 

5.   Don't deprive yourself of something, especially if you have a craving.  Wait a few minutes before immediately reaching for it.  Sometimes the urge will dissipate.  But, if it doesn't, then go ahead and indulge.  It's okay to have candy, ice cream, pasta or something you like.  Just have it once in awhile - not every day - maybe not even every week; and have a smaller portion.  It will be so much more enjoyable then too.

 

6.   Eat slowly, take smaller bites, and mindfully taste each bite. 

 

7.   Drink water.

 

8.   Learn to like foods that are healthy for you.  This was something I thought I could never do.  I had excuses.  I had excuses for everything.  I had myself convinced I could not eat healthy.  I thought I couldn't eat fruits, because of my IBS stomach problems.  However, with eating other healthy foods, the fruits no longer have the adverse affects they used to have on me.  I now eat salad every day - but with only lettuce and tomato, and I measure the dressing.  Salad tastes just as good this way as it did loaded with cheese and croutons and other extras.

 

9.   Exercise - ANY movement is better than none at all.  Do whatever you are able.  You might be surprised how quickly you are able to build up your strength.  My arms have always been a weak point in my body.  When I began exercising again, I decided to exercise my arms and even lift weights.  Even at 60 years old, the "flabby wings" under my arms are disappearing! 

 

10.   Be conscious of good posture.  This is something I need to constantly remind myself of.  And, whenever I think of it, I hold in the stomach muscles tightly.  Ever since my hysterectomy nine years ago, I've gained a "pouch" that just doesn't want to go away.  I'm sure being 60 years old doesn't help either.  This is the one part of my body that just doesn't cooperate real well.  But, I will keep talking to my gut, until it listens to me. 

 

11.   Take vitamins.  I've always done this.  I have noticed when I don't take them, my energy level is down.  (Speaking of energy - exercise gives you more energy too.)

 

12.   Recognize that your new healthy eating and fitness regime is a choice.  It's YOUR choice.  If you don't want to do it, there's no one who will force you to do it.  You can stop any time and go back to your old habits.  However, you might be surprised at how addicting this new lifestyle can become.   

 

13.   Smile and keep moving. 

 

Please keep in mind that not any one plan is right for everyone, whether it be a health and fitness routine or anything else.  Each of us must discover what works for each of us.  And, then, incorporate those new habits into your own individual life.

 

Please understand that I am NOT promoting anything here.  I'm simply sharing some ideas that might help.  And, imagine - there's nothing to buy!  WoW!  what a concept!

If anyone is interested in seeing a sample spreadsheet or getting a template of the spreadsheet, please let me know.  I'll be happy to share.   

I also have some names of books and websites to share for anyone who is interested.

 

 

 

[sonja007]

Sep. 16, 2008 at 6:22 PM

Congrats on your weight loss.  Very proud of YOU!!!

[Mylovngheart]

Sep. 16, 2008 at 7:15 PM

Good for you Ginny, keep on movin on!

VERY proud of you, and I'm so glad you're feeling better...FANTASTIC job!

I love you!

[Lb128f]

Sep. 16, 2008 at 7:51 PM

GOOD FOR YOU!!! Thanks for all the great ideas and suggestions!!! WAY TO GO, GINNY!!!!!!!!!!

[lalisweet1]

Sep. 16, 2008 at 9:05 PM

*jumping up and down, raising hand*

ME ME ME!!!!

Send it thru PM, ginny!

Thanks!

[carmel92]

Sep. 17, 2008 at 7:53 AM

Good job!!!  I'm waking up on taking care of myself more.....I always have an excuse for not going to the gym, but when I do I feel so much better!  If you lived closer we could workout together and share recipes!!!  Take care and will be movin' along with you during this process of being released from the extra weight!!!

[Ttime]

Sep. 17, 2008 at 9:02 AM

Good for YOU!!  Excellent viewpoint ~ I totally agree with your approach to "releasing" bad habits & embracing a lifestyle change.  Sharing your story was truly inspiring!  Can you hear me clapping!!!  There's nothing YOU can't do!!!

[LavenderMom23]

Sep. 17, 2008 at 4:08 PM

Congrats on finding what works for you. I have gained so much on birthcontrol. I want to get off birthcontrol, but I'm too fertile and maybe scared a little.

[ilovecoffee95]

Sep. 17, 2008 at 4:23 PM

Congrats on your weight loss,I too need to loose weight. At 5/3 I am 173LBS. I had blood clots last year and could not be active thus the LBS.gain,Robin

[forRobyn]

Sep. 17, 2008 at 4:26 PM

Congratulations!!  I have been trying to change my lifestyle all of this year.  I got really serious about it a few months ago, and then I had a huge anxiety experience and I quieted my anxiety with junk food.  Ugh...  Time to pick myself up and try again.  I love doing step aerobics.  I step to my daughter's "Kidsong" DVD's!!

[autumngal]

Sep. 17, 2008 at 5:21 PM

Voted you popular...cause, ya know?,,,,you are, baby.  Great job!  I'm a 5footer, too with lots of those extra baby pounds left......and my kids are 15 & 5...lol.   I finally have started to lose ( or should I say..release) and get into better shape too.  Down 12lbs and I feel better already.  Great advise, my love.  It's not like the old days when we could drink a diet pop and have a cig and be set for the day, huh?  My how our bodies change with age.  Take care and keep up with much success.  I love you.

Laura  :)