frustration & stress

Just sitting here trying to find ways to really get things right this time. I know weight loss of 2# max a week is healthy. I know that I'm doing good but the whole "not good enough" thing is setting in. I know it comes from being expected to drop weight much faster then is healthy (military) and also having access to a gym, pool, and kids in daycare so I could kill myself before night crept in and I was far too tired. Back in the past when losing this much weight was something I was faced with.

I have a deadline rapidly closing in on me (Dec 2nd) and I'd really like to look good for that night. Supposed to see a friend that I haven't in years and I was the proverbial 80# sopping wet in the good old days. I'm glad I can say I'm not double that 80 anymore but the reminder of how close I am doesn't give me much room to be happy. Getting under 150 will be a huge milestone...in 4 more pounds.

I lost 2# this week, over 2 days and hit the brick wall again. I'm lucky (and thankful) I didn't gain with my stove going out and mcdonald's sabotage coming into play. No worries, keeping healthy microwave meals on hand to avoid future slippage into the evil fast food pit.

To get off 30#, if I can lose the healthy 2 per week leaves me with 15 weeks. Problem is, I only have 10. The arms that jiggle are my biggest concern next to the spare tire. I'll be in jeans so I'm not stressing too much on my legs but I am working them out. I know that I'll slim down but my motivation is getting challenged because of the stress. I've lost 30# in the past year so I'm dreading it taking another year to get off the rest of the weight.

If anyone has any pointers or suggestions right now I could really use them. I don't have a set in stone workout program going so that's probably not helping me. Joining a gym locally isn't an option right now and my budget is too fixed to get any more equipment right this moment. I just started the 100 pushup challenge and I know that will really push me harder on the upper arms and flab there. I'm doing jumping jacks, running in place, crunches, curtsy lunges, airplanes, leg lifts (4 ways), donkey kicks, and a pretty wide range of exercises... as well as working on my gazelle. I weighted it down with 5# diving weights (10# total, 1 on each) on the leg pedals so I have more resistance there (big difference) but I just don't think I'm doing enough.

Not expecting overnight results just having a hard time accepting that I'm doing as good as I could be.

You can do it! To help with your arms... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sSby1UUhyts&am p;feature=related <-- It's a bit cheesy but if it's anything like the 8 Minute Abs by the same company, it's REALLY worth it!

I think you are doing all the right things.  You just need encouragement to keep it up.  Don't try to lose 30# by Dec 2.  That is putting too much pressure on yourself.  Stick to your 2#/wk and you will lose 20# by then.  Being of small stature, getting 20# off will look and feel great.  You will not be at your goal weight yet, but who cares?  You will have accomplished so much  - and that is something to be proud of.  You already accomplished a lot.  So keep reminding yourself how well you are doing and keep going.  One more thing - you don't need to impress your friend.  If she/he is a good friend, they will not care what your weight is.  They will be happy to just see you after such a long absence.

Go girl! You're doing great.

Cheesy or not this is great. I like the compact timeline too. Just sat here and worked through arms, legs and abs... I Like these! Thank you!!!

and thanks Laura.  I need to back it down some.  Figure setting the bar a little higher will give me something to push for so I can look back and say hey, you made it this far.  Instead of going for 15 and letting myself slip more.

It really does sound like you're doing great. If the deadline of meeting the friend keeps you motivated, that is great, but keep in mind that you have already lost a good deal of weight and that the overall goal is for you to be healthier for YOU. So if it takes longer than that, don't be too rough on yourself, be proud of what you have accomplished and continue to accomplish. You wouldn't put such high expectations on others, so go easy on you! And keep up the good work.