Sheila's Journal

Claire Update
Nov 16 2009 11:56

11:50 am EST - Just finished talking with Claire and they are discharging her as I type this!!! 

Claire Update
Nov 13 2009 19:07

She thanks all of you for the well wishes.

Please see this thread:  http://caloriecount.about.com/claire-post-facebook-ft156605# 17

Soaring with Confidence
Nov 23 2009 12:00

Boosting her self-esteem was what prompted Cellotlhicks to lose weight. Along the way, she learned many things about the importance of mental discipline. After losing 35 lbs she not only looks better, she feels better as well!

She contacted us through our Share Your Story feature, and provided the following answers to our questionnaire.

1. What made you decide to lose weight this time?

I have struggled with the same 50 lbs or so since I was about 13. A few years back I managed to lose those 50 lbs and was in excellent shape. I taught fitness, had a six pack and wore a size 2-4. A depressing summer, and a more sedentary life in grad school coupled with bad food choices caused me to put on 49 lbs from my low weight. I hated feeling like a failure. I was very low on myself and I am sure I was making things miserable for those around me. I decided to turn it over to God, prayed about it, and stumbled upon this site a few days later. I knew right away that tracking my food was exactly what I needed. Exercise was not my problem as much as food was.

2. What other "diets" (programs, products, plans, or services) had you tried in the past?

I grew up in Tae Kwon Do (received my black belt at 14), and was in ROTC in high school. I credit those two things with giving me lots of discipline and a high tolerance for exercise. In the past when I did lose weight, it was through eating less and moving more, but I never had tools to track it.

3. What changes did you make to your usual diet, activity, lifestyle, and attitude?

My attitude was number one. I had to realize that the guilt, low self esteem and self sabotage were taking deep root and affecting my daily choices. That beating myself down was not producing weight loss. I never called myself fat again after starting this. I put my energy into coming up with different plans and goals, and got excited about them. I would set goals, like 3 days of weights and walk 20 miles this week, and would reward myself when I did that.

4. How did Calorie Count help you to lose weight?

The supportive community has given me a wealth of knowledge. I love my friends here. they are almost better than my real life ones. Writing in my journals has been therapeutic, and reading them over helps me to see how far I have come.  The analysis and other tools have helped me to learn to make much better food choices.

5. What was most challenging about losing weight?

In the beginning, I was shocked at what I was eating, and had to spend lots of time reviewing my choices and reading labels. That has become more second nature now. Also, I hurt my hip and knee, so I have not run in while. I really miss that. Aside from weights and occasionally the elliptical, I can only walk.

6. How long did it take you to see results?

I did not weigh in for a month. Instead of focusing on results right away, I wanted to focus on my mindset and habits, and not allow the scale to control my mood. But I did lose 8 lbs when I weighed myself later, and about 1 month after that I had lost 20 lbs and was halfway to my goal. I'd say that was the moment.

7. When did you realize that you were a success?

There have been many different moments where I have been proud of myself. For example, earlier this week I did 125 push ups (military style, some diamonds). I felt the same way when I was able to lose weight and not get off course even though I was in pain. Not reverting to over-eating again and being able to fit back into old clothes makes me proud as well.  I also realized I had not called myself fat in months, or felt guilty for eating less than perfect food here and there.

8. How do you prevent relapse?

When I start to think that I can pig out, I have to remind myself, that food is not just meant for enjoyment and that all the work I have put in can be reversed. Also, I want to continue logging, until I get the hang of intuitive eating (I do this weekends currently).

9. How has your life changed now that you've lost weight?

My confidence in all areas of life has soared. I know how to forgive myself and love myself for deeper reasons. I no longer have as much knee pain. I feel strong, and love the way I look.

10. What five tips do you have for other dieters?

• Know that forgiving yourself and focusing on your goals instead of your failures gives you more power.
• Often, there are other things we have let fall to the wayside along with our weight. Occupy yourself with getting other things back
  on track too so that it does not consume all your thoughts.
• Don't worry about how long it will take. The time will pass by
  either way. Spend it productively.
• Do not try to cheat your body. It will beat you at your own game. Don't eat less than what you need to be healthy.
• Give what you want to receive. The more people you cheer up, the
  more people you give kind advice to - the more people you will have in
  your corner.

This little piggy went to Tim Hortons
Nov 09 2009 09:00

This happened in a town about 15 min's from us. 

"I guess we're lucky we added a section to our health and safety manual for when someone leaves a pig in your washroom," Morelli said.


ROFL ... You mean this has happened before?

Today Is a New Yesterday
Nov 16 2009 12:00

Inspired by her daughter, Tabbyrabbit has lost over 70lbs and isn’t the “fat mommy” anymore.  In her story she explains that changing her mindset and incorporating healthy food choices with exercise has her “rolling” down hills and enjoying every moment of it.

She contacted us through our Share Your Story feature, and provided the following answers to our questionnaire.

1. What made you decide to lose weight this time?

In February of this year my daughter who is three wanted mommy to go out and play with her, but I was just too tired. I told her just that. She looked at me and said: "No mommy, you are too fat to play with me." That brought tears to my eyes. After years of wanting a baby and finally going to doctors to get help and have her, I turned out to be too fat to play with her. That's when I decided to change.

2. What other "diets" (programs, products, plans, or services) had you tried in the past?

The question should be what haven't I tried. I have done Weight Watchers, Atkins, liquid diets and even tried not eating.

3. What changes did you make to your usual diet, activity, lifestyle, and attitude?

The most important thing I think I have changed is my mindset. Until I set in my mind that I did have to workout and no - I was not going to die if I did not eat that cake. It was a very emotional ride for me. Now my lifestyle is very different. I go to the gym three days a week.  I just eat lean meats, lots of veggies, fruit and of course drink lots of water. I think the most important change for me was my attitude. I was very depressed. I lost my mom two and half years ago very suddenly and then three months later her brother passed away, so I ate to cope.  I realized my mom would want me to be happy and living to my fullest which I was not doing. So every morning I now get up and say: "Today is a new day and yesterday is past".

4. How did Calorie Count help you to lose weight?

It helped me by allowing me to research which foods were healthy and which ones were not. I was surprised by some. I love that Calorie Count has grades by the food. It also was a meeting place to go and meet new people who were just like me and trying to lose weight also.

5. What was most challenging about losing weight?

Motivation to me was the most challenging. I started off doing this with my family, but they have since dropped away.  Having to do this journey on my own was a real challenge.  I had to keep motivated by going to the gym and looking at my daughter.

6. How long did it take you to see results?

Well the first month I lost 19 pounds, but I really didn't see a change in my clothes until about last of April.

7. When did you realize that you were a success?

When my daughter in law came over one day and she told me we have to go through my clothes closet. As we started going through things I realized everything was falling off me.  She told me I have been wearing my clothes way too big and it was time to get rid of them. When she left I had 5 pieces of clothing left. I knew then I had made a huge difference.  Also when our local newspaper did a story on me, I thought: "Wow, I am a success".

8. How do you prevent relapse?

I get up every morning and say: "Today is a new day, yesterday is gone." So it doesn't matter what I ate yesterday because that day is gone. Start fresh today and go on about your day.

9. How has your life changed now that you've lost weight?

I can go out and play with my daughter. For the first time since I was a little girl I rolled down the hill. My little girl wanted mommy roll down the hill and I told her let's go. Boy, that was so much fun and just to see the look of happiness on her face was priceless! I can run and not get winded. I can jump and not get tired. I can walk for miles and enjoy the nature without having to sit down. That's how my life has changed.

10. What five tips do you have for other dieters?

• Take it one day at a time.
• Today is a new day and yesterday is gone.
• You cannot fail if you do not try.
• After each failure, just simply get up and try, try, try, until you get it right.
• Just think you can have new clothes. Could there be a better reason than that!?

H1N1 - We Think
Oct 30 2009 14:18

Not me but the whole family - ugh...  We won't really know until the Doc calls about the swabs.

So I'm afraid there is no Halloween for the kiddo's.  There is good information here from Health Canada if you suspect the H1N1.

Had my second dentist appoint yesterday and now they are saying that I need a crown on one of my teeth.  We have extended insurance but I'm not sure what percentage our coverage is.

Well I'm off to disinfect every touchable surface.

Wishing you all a Happy Halloween.

My Extreme Makeover
Nov 09 2009 12:00

Have you ever looked at a picture of yourself and didn't know who you were looking at? Well, that's what happened to Eyegal. Seeing a picture of herself at such a heavy weight was horrifying, but now it’s a constant reminder of just how far she’s come after losing over 110lbs.

She contacted us through our Share Your Story feature, and provided the following answers to our questionnaire.

1. What made you decide to lose weight this time?

For my Mom's 60th birthday, I planned an "Extreme Home Makeover" style party for her. My siblings, along with my cousins and myself, worked all weekend to remodel and paint her house. Pictures were taken throughout the work to create a scrapbook. I saw a picture of me, holding a hose outside, and broke down crying. I knew I was fat, but I didn't realize "how big" I had become. My weight was something I had carried around, but I had avoided looking at. I was forced to confront my size when I saw this picture. I knew I had two choices: I could give up and stay an unhealthy size, or I could get to work. I decided that day that I was going to conduct my own "personal" extreme makeover.

2. What other "diets" (programs, products, plans, or services) had you tried in the past?

I had the perfect excuse for being fat. I have a disability. On all of the diet themed shows, I have never seen a contestant featured with a non-obesity related disability. I have an amputation. I rationalized that I wasn't able to work-out. I suppose I used Snickers bars to soothe the pain of losing my limb.

I tried to monitor my weight after my amputation, but I was never successful. I needed to discover exercises that would provide me with success, and that wouldn't hurt my residual limb. Trying it on my own, and hiding my diet aspirations, was not successful. I needed to declare my intentions to my family and friends.

3. What changes did you make to your usual diet, activity, lifestyle, and attitude?

I've changed every aspect of my lifestyle. I replaced starchy potatoes and salty chips with brown rice. I eat fresh vegetables and salads every day. As a Mom to a young child, I knew that it was imperative that I raise him with healthy eating habits. I found it ironic when I realized I was giving him vegetables to eat with his meal, while my husband and I ate chips and Doritos with ours. The junk food has been thrown away.

I no longer use my amputation as an excuse for not exercising. Rather, my disability has become a challenge; something that I strive to overcome. I am now always trying new activities and testing the limits of living as an amputee.

4. How did Calorie Count help you to lose weight?

Calorie Count helped to keep me accountable. I love the research aspect. I am able to quickly locate the caloric information for all of the foods that I eat. I am also a fan of the exercise calorie converter. All in all, Calorie Count has helped to keep me on track and to not lose sight of my goal.

5. What was most challenging about losing weight?

The most challenging aspect of losing weight has been releasing the blame and anger that I held against myself for gaining the weight. I realized that I was hampering myself with negative feelings. It was difficult, but I have learned to accept the weight gain as a phase in my life, a physical symptom of the loss I felt over losing my limb. As soon as I began to forgive myself, the weight started to shed away.

6. How long did it take you to see results?

I saw the scale start to move within the first week. Unfortunately, being so large, I couldn't see a physical result for about 2 months. This was discouraging, but I tried to "keep my eye on the goal."

7. When did you realize that you were a success?

I went to an amusement park after I lost approximately 25 pounds. While waiting in line, I saw a sign detailing all of the ride restrictions. I noticed that the ride had a 250 pound weight capacity. I was appalled that, just a few months earlier, I would have exceeded that weight. Because I lost weight, I was able to ride with my family. This event solidified that I was on the right track.

8. How do you prevent relapse?

I monitor my food intake daily. I am now a fan of exercising, and that in and of itself is amazing! I know that I am gaining weight when my leg starts to get too tight. Staying at a healthy weight is imperative to my health. It is also important because it puts less strain and pressure on my stump. I keep a picture of "fat Peggy" on the refrigerator. Whenever I need motivation, I look at my little boy. I can't do anything about him having a Mommy with one leg, but I am determined that he will NOT have the one legged fat Mommy.

9. How has your life changed now that you've lost weight?

I have more energy. I am a healthier, happier person. I am a better Mommy and wife. I am becoming the person I dreamed I would be. After I lost my leg I never dreamed that I would see this person again... and now she is looking back at me in the mirror.

10. What five tips do you have for other dieters?

• Forgive yourself.
• Set small goals.
• Don't hide your diet from your family and friends.  They will be
  supportive if you let them.
• Discover non-food ways to treat yourself.
• Find something that you love to do and get busy doing it.  You
  don't have to be great, or even good.  It just helps if you are having
  fun.