Posts by daciakaiser

SW: 200 (07.02.07)

CW: 152.50 (5.26.08)

CW: 153.50 (6.2.08)

CW: 148.5 (6.9.08)

CW: 145.0 (6.16.08)

CW: 146.5 (6.23.08)

CW: 146.5 (6.30.08)

CW: 150.5 (7.7.08)

CW: 145.0 (7.14.08)

CW: 142.0 (7.21.08)

CW: 140.0 (7.28.08)

CW: 140.5 (8.4.08)

CW: 140.5 (8.11.08)

CW: 137 (8.18.08)

CW: 139 (8.25.08)

GW: 130

Sorry for the late post...I had the flu - YUK! On Monday, I was up 2 pounds from last week, darn it. My goal is to get back down to 137 on Monday, September 1.

Thank you MSPW for the compliment last week...didn't do so well with this weigh in.

Oh yea, I'll be posting late this Monday (Sept.1) too. I'll be able to weigh, but won't be near a computer to post.

Good Luck to Everyone! Finish the challenge strong!

Smiles,

Dacia

SW: 200 (07.02.07)

CW: 152.50 (5.26.08)

CW: 153.50 (6.2.08)

CW: 148.5 (6.9.08)

CW: 145.0 (6.16.08)

CW: 146.5 (6.23.08)

CW: 146.5 (6.30.08)

CW: 150.5 (7.7.08)

CW: 145.0 (7.14.08)

CW: 142.0 (7.21.08)

CW: 140.0 (7.28.08)

CW: 140.5 (8.4.08)

CW: 140.5 (8.11.08)

GW: 130

No loss and no gain.  I did see 139.5 on Saturday and Sunday, but I am expecting TTOM any day (should have already been here, actually) and thinking perhaps I am retaining water? Who knows? Either way, I can't gripe because I didn't gain. I don't think it is realistic to think I'll loose 10.5 pounds by Labor Day, but hopefully the scale will continue a downward trend. I best get back to work...it is a very busy Monday. Hope everyone has a good week.

Smiles,

Dacia

SW: 200 (07.02.07)

CW: 152.50 (5.26.08)

CW: 153.50 (6.2.08)

CW: 148.5 (6.9.08)

CW: 145.0 (6.16.08)

CW: 146.5 (6.23.08)

CW: 146.5 (6.30.08)

CW: 150.5 (7.7.08)

CW: 145.0 (7.14.08)

CW: 142.0 (7.21.08)

CW: 140.0 (7.28.08)

GW: 130

Whoop! Whoop! Down two more pounds! Horray. Last week was a tough week for me as I had the munchies all week long, but I preservered and chose to snack on carrots, cucumber, celery, and various other veggies (all without dressing) to curb my hunger. I did well on my exercise which certainly helped! On another exciting note, I went to my Doc and she was VERY proud of my weight loss progress. And, I grew 1.25 inches in the past year too! Could be that my posture has improved since dropping 60 pounds, could be that I added yoga and pilates at the first of the year in addition to my cardio and strength training (I've heard yoga and pilates helps to stretch and elongate the muscles) or it could be a genetic flaw (my Mom grew 1 inch between her 25th and 26th year, perhaps I was the late bloomer to grow between the age of 30 and 31). Who knows? Either way, I'm happy to take the extra height. And, since I grew my BMI is now healthy! HOORAY! I still want to loose up to 15 more pounds, but I am venturing into new territory so I'll be re-evaluating that goal every five pounds that I loose. We'll see how I look and how I feel. I'm not going to shoot for a weight of 125 pounds just to see 125 on the scale. Well, back to another week of dedication, determination and discipline to attain my goal (hopefully before Thanksgiving).

Smiles,

Dacia

I would say, on average I can gain up to about five pounds due to my cycle (the same occurs when I get sick, drink alcohol, et cetera and heaven help me when I've done all three within a week or so of each other). This varies based upon alcohol consumption, salt intake, water consumption, exercise, et cetera (during your entire cycle not just the few days or a week before your cycle begins again). Typically, my weight tends to even out by day 4 or 5 of my cycle. If it were me, I would weigh myself as scheduled and make a note on my log of whatever day of your cycle you are on. In my experience, I have had fluid retention differences of morning to night as much as 7.5 pounds, but typically my fluid difference on most days is 3 pounds. It is during TTOM that I have bigger differences. I purchased a scale that measures body fat and hydration which helped me better measure where the extra weight gain is coming from (when you are retaining water, your body fat will drop).

The following is my honest opinion, based upon my own experiences and I do not mean to offend. It is unrealistic to say that your weight gain is from birth control, unless it is an amount of ten pounds or less (roughly). If you measured yourself prior to starting on birth control, you would probably notice the changes in your chest/breast measurement. I have been on some form of birth control or another (Pill - and various ones at that, Depo Provera & Nuva Ring) for 16 years. Honestly, I was one of those people that blamed my weight gain (65 pounds over 16 years) on birth control and swore it would be difficult to loose the weight. The fact of the matter is, my weight gain was a result of my lifestyle and food choices - sedentary, no portion control, high sugar and fatty foods. Also, loosing weight is difficult because it requires you to face the issues that have caused you to gain weight - stress and emotional issues, unresolved childhood issues, lack of physical exercise, lack of portion control, basic apathy towards yourself, et cetera. I began my 'journey towards health' one year ago, remained on birth control and have lost 57 pounds to date. If it were true that being on birth control makes loosing weight more difficult, then I probably wouldn't have had the success that I have had during the past year (I 'officially' began my weight loss on July 2, 2007 and joined CC on July 19, 2007 so I could better keep track of calories and nutrition information).

The one thing that will make you the most successful in your weight loss is pure determination. Set your mind to loosing weight, know that it will not come easy and there will be days, weeks and even months were you don't see anything happening. I would highly recommend that you begin taking your body measurements at least once a month. I went through five months straight (which began exactly six months after my weight loss began) where despite all my best efforts, doing the same things I had been doing and even switching up my exercise and zig-zagging my calories where I didn't loose any more than two pounds a month and was very frusterated; however, I continued to measure myself during this time and discovered that my body was redistributing my weight (the breast tissue that I had lost miraculously returned and instead I lost inches in other places). Also, if you make bad choices let it be for the meal that you just consumed (or messed up on), not for the whole day. If I ate poorly for one meal, I committed to eating better the next meal and made sure I had a positive attitude anyway (do not get down on yourself for the poor choice you just made, you cannot take that choice back...instead tell yourself the next meal WILL be better and make sure of it). Each month I focused on doing one thing correctly: increasing water consumption, increasing fiber intake, increasing my exercise, increasing my consumption of vegetables and fruits, decreasing my consumption of alcohol, et cetera. Then I continued to build upon each thing (I'm not sure if that is clear). In other wordes, when I 'graduated' from working on increasing my water consumption to increasing my fiber intake, I still continued to drink my water at the same level that I just graduated from). Also, since my goal is to loose 77 pounds (57 down, 20 to go) I broke my goal down into smaller incriments and rewarded myself for my good work. My rewards were not related to food related and oftentimes free like asking for a massage from my boyfriend, painting my nails, taking an extra long shower to pamper myself, et cetera. Well, I got off topic there, but hope I was a helpful. Take care of yourself and PM me if you need anything else.

Smiles,

Dacia

P.S. I hope I did not offend you - it is not my intention.

SW: 200 (07.02.07)

CW: 152.50 (5.26.08)

CW: 153.50 (6.2.08)

CW: 148.5 (6.9.08)

CW: 145.0 (6.16.08)

CW: 146.5 (6.23.08)

CW: 146.5 (6.30.08)

CW: 150.5 (7.7.08)

CW: 145.0 (7.14.08)

GW: 130

Almost a full month later, I am back down to my all-time low for this challenge. I was very thankful to see 145 on the scale today - the bloat from TTOM and my weekend drinking finally came off. My goal is to not drink until after this challenge is over. By then, if I can make it seven weeks then I ought to be able to make it until after the New Year. Now, I am looking forward to next weeks weigh-in. I'm hoping to see 143 and aim to achieve this through healthy eating and lots of exercise. I know I can achieve it!

Great job everyone!

Smiles,

Dacia

SW: 200 (07.02.07)

CW: 152.50 (5.26.08)

CW: 153.50 (6.2.08)

CW: 148.5 (6.9.08)

CW: 145.0 (6.16.08)

CW: 146.5 (6.23.08)

CW: 146.5 (6.30.08)

CW: 150.5 (7.7.08)

GW: 130

EEK! Up 4 pounds in ONE week. Typically, this would make me cry (okay sob) but I'm not because TTOM is here and I am retaining water and am having difficulty going to the loo (sorry too much information). *SIGH* Such is life. Within the next few weeks all of this will even out and I'll be back down in the 140 range. To assure this happens I am staying hydrated (how can you not in the heat?), eating lots of veggies (today is the first day of our fruit and veggie challenge at work and I vow to WIN!), and continuing my workouts. Who knows? Maybe I'll have a week where I loose 5 pounds?

MSPW - I love Namaste Yoga. I try and participate as often as I can and will start to think of you when I do participate. I haven't done any of Sharon Mann's workouts yet, but I have caught the beginning or end of her episode and her workouts look great!

Wendywoo - CONGRATULATIONS on your loss! Fantastic job!

Safina1 - Good job eating healthy last week! Keep up the good work. Remember, one day at a time.

Smiles to everyone!

Dacia

I am in a similiar position. In July of 2007, I went to my gyn and told her that we were planning on starting a family in the next year and she told me that my pregnancy would go smoother and I would (probably) have fewer complications if I lost 50 pounds! That was not the best news I've ever heard, but it is what it took me to begin to develop a healthier lifestyle and loose weight. Last July I weighed 202 pounds in her office (I am 5'3.5" medium/large framed). So, I set my goal to loose 70 pounds before we started trying. Today, I am 146 and we are hoping to start trying around the first of the year. I am SOOO excited for my gyn appointment later this month...she'll probably be very proud of me.

Anyway, enough about me. I really don't think there is a problem with you loosing 5 to 10 pounds before you get pregnant. The advice you received from a few here is spot on - you are NOT eating for two, don't use the "I lost ten pounds before I got pregnant" excuse to gain an extra ten pounds during your pregnancy, et cetera. Besides, it is best to develop your healthy eating habits now before you get pregnant rather then after you deliver while you are exhausted and learning about your new baby and Motherhood. 

Best of Luck!

Smiles,

Dacia

SW: 200 (07.02.07)

CW: 152.50 (5.26.08)

CW: 153.50 (6.2.08)

CW: 148.5 (6.9.08)

CW: 145.0 (6.16.08)

CW: 146.5 (6.23.08)

GW: 130

EEK! Up 1.5 pounds from last week (and two pounds from yesterday). Oh well, it'll come back off (hopefully before next Monday's weigh in). Hey, you gotta take the good with the bad and so far this challenge, I've done pretty darn good. I'll buckle down this week.

Take care everyone,

Dacia

SW: 200 (07.02.07)

CW: 152.50 (5.26.08)

CW: 153.50 (6.2.08)

CW: 148.5 (6.9.08)

GW: 130 - this is a change from 134. I'm going to try and get to 130.

WOW! I lost 5 pounds last week. I've been really watching my caloric intake because I haven't done too well with my exercise. Plus, I spent the weekend at the hospital with a friend who's baby is in the NICU, so my exercise was spent pacing the halls of the hospital. My challenge was to avoid the sodium filled hospital food and the local fast food restaurants, which I realized would be problem in advance, so I brought all my own food. Hopefully, this is a real number and not a deflated number from the stress. I really was not expecting to see this kind of loss although many people (at work) last week really started complimenting me on my weight loss.

My struggle this week will be Saturday when I have my sister's graduation from the University of Oregon. Wouldn't you know that she put me in charge of the desserts! What was she thinking? Due to the large number of people at the Graduation Party, we're getting a huge Costco cake, four pies and ice cream! Heaven help me. I don't even have sugar in my house, let alone all these treats! I know I can have self control and be successful. It's a potluck, and to keep me on track I think I'm going to bring my own food there too, then I won't be quite so tempted. I tend to be an emotional overeater, so if things get to be too crazy with all the family (should be interesting as this is our first all-family gathering since my parents divorce finalized a few years ago) then I'm leaving and hopefully Katy (my sister) will understand.

Safina1 - WL is weight loss and CL (I'm guessing) is Current Loss. Oops, CL is challenge loss. :)

Take care everyone!

Smiles, Dacia

Hello Everyone ~

My BMI is down to 29.3 today! HOORAY! I am so excited, and this is even after a Christmas Party last night. I have another one tomorrow, so I'm not out of the woods yet. I still haven't had any alcohol, and I think my weight is reflective. I'm excited to be so close to a BMI in the 28's.

I hope everyone else is well.

Smiles,

Dacia 

Hello Everyone ~

My BMI is at 29.6, so in the past few weeks it has dropped .3 and is staying under 30! HOORAY! The mere fact that it is dropping during the Holidays, even the slightest bit is definately an encouragement to me.

I cannot remember who, but someone asked how to maintain motivation. My motivation is seeing myself in the mirror. I really like what I see; however, on the days that the scale increases by a pound or two, you cannot let that affect your interpretation of the picture. I just recently became comfortable wearing my size 12's outside of the house, which is also encouraging. Even when I wear my size 14's though, I'm still encouraged because of all the extra room they provide. Last week, the scale was playing tricks on me and keeping my motivation up to exercise was difficult, so I cut myself slack and decided it was okay to skip my bike workouts for the week. Instead, I bought myself a yoga and pilates DVD and did that. It was great fun and now my motivation to get back on the bike has returned. So, if you are having difficulties look at everything that you have achieved and switch up your workouts. Hope this helps.

I am under a lot of stress at work right now and the Holiday's themselves are stressfull so I am maintaining my journey by keeping my water handy and brining extra fruit to work with me. Also, because I learned the effect alcohol has on my body, I have given it up. I think doomie did this too and it was motivating to me. I had two glasses of wine on Thanksgiving and haven't drank sense. In the last week, I've lost five pounds. So, I'm going to continue this trend; although all bets are off on New Year's Eve & New Year's Day - I'm giving up drinking on Christmas Eve and Day to enjoy the New Year with Scott with a bottle of our favorite wine. Even that though will be less alcohol then I've drank in the past, so I'll still improve. Then, back on the alcohol free wagon.

Take Care Everyone!

Smiles,

Dacia