I'm pretty sure this is the first year of my life that I didn't have a single piece of Halloween candy. 

I sort of came to a low point during the middle of last week.  Long story, but the outcome of it all is actually really positive.  I got that kick in the butt that I needed, I found my motivation, and I've been going full steam ahead.  No more doing things half way.

Today is day 7 of going to the gym.  As you know, I've been working on my eating for a while, but I hadn't really been following through with exercise.  I've always had this fear of going to the gym, especially by myself; but I had to face that fear...and wouldn't you know, it wasn't so bad!  I actually enjoy going by myself...I just get on that treadmill and go!  It's been sort of therapeutic.

I don't like the elliptical because for some reason it makes my feet tingle (almost like the sensation you get when they fall asleep) after about half a mile.  So, I've taken to trudging along on the treadmill.  My focus right now is keeping my heart rate in the cardio range, so I'm not worried about if I'm doing more walking than jogging.  As long as my heart rate is where I need it to be!  I've already noticed that I have to move a bit faster to keep it up there, so that's a nice sign of progress to see.

I think that's the hardest part of all of this...it takes time to see results.  I feel better, and maybe I'm crazy but I'd swear I'm feeling things shift around in my body.  I don't think I've necessarily lost any pounds yet, but I just feel better.

A couple questions:  Should I weigh myself regularly?  I hesitate to, because I didn't want this to be about the numbers.  I wanted to embrace a new lifestyle, and do what's right for my health...not just obsess over the number I see on the scale.  Also, is it bad to go to the gym every day?  I know my body needs a break from the exercise, but while I'm trying to establish a routine, I'm afraid that if I skip a day that will start a downhill slide.  My plan is to go every day (some days taking it easy, basically just getting in the door!) for another couple of weeks, until it's an established habit.

I could really use all the support and encouragement you guys have to give!  Getting a handle on this and developing a healthy lifestyle has been a lifelong struggle for me.  Maybe that sounds melodramatic, and if so I apologize, but I truly have struggled with this as far back as I can remember.  I feel different this time.  I can't explain it, but I really feel like I can do this.  I think the biggest difference is that for the first time, I can honestly say to myself that I am doing this for ME...whereas in the past, I would say I was doing it for myself but really it was for other people. 

Thanks for listening!

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OMG my feet do that on the elliptical too! I thought it was just me or that I am in the beginning stages of some neurological disease, LOL. Mine do it after about 20 minutes. I tried with different shoes, I tried with stocking feet. Still happens. No, it is not bad to go to the gym every day - the only thing that's bad is if you do weights with the same muscle group 2 days in a row. But if you're just doing cardio, everyday is fine. Good luck! SQ

I'd suggest weighing yourself once or twice a week. That way, you're not getting freaked out over the small fluctuations from day to day. Make sure you do it at the exact same time of day (I always do first thing in the morning), though, or it will throw the reading off. Also, try measuring your waist or other parts of your body. Sometimes the scale doesn't budge but the waistline shrinks. ~i&b

Thanks guys! i&b, my fear of weighing myself is this: the scale always seems to go up at the beginning! I believe I posted about that here before and someone explained why that happens. I may give it another week, then start weighing myself regularly. Thanks again! Cecilia

Don't be afraid to weigh yourself, it's the only way to know where you started, so that you can chart your progress. I go to the gym fives days a week (M-F), and take the weekends off. I never have a problem being motivated to be right back in there on Monday morning, because it is my routine. Once you get the mindset, that your exercise is part of your regular schedule, it's easier to keep going. You just get to the place where not going is not an option. Congratulations on conquering your fear and getting to that gym and sticking to it for 7 days already. You're going to love the results! ~~misspm

Cecelia, just wanted to also give you some enouragement. Don't be afraid to get on the scale & just see. Then you hae something to look at. And sounds like you have the right mindset in so many ways. It can't be ALL about the numbers, because even as you lose inches, you may not lose as much weight because you are also building muscle. I go much more by how my clothes fit than the number on the scale. You absolutely have the right idea about establishing a pattern and making exercise a habit. Living ans eating healthy is about so much more than a number on the scale. Go for it girl, you sound like you have everthing in place. cc

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Posted by: katiesbeach
Date posted: Tue Nov 3 9:23:29 2009
Message:
I have never been a candy eater, but I coudn't stay away from the stuff in the past week.  I can feel the fat popping out all over the place.  I'm going home tonight and getting on the treadmill followed by the pliates chair!  Shame on me!

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I hope you dumped all of the treacherous stuff out of the house! ~~misspm

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Posted by: bookworm
Date posted: Mon Nov 2 22:09:26 2009
Message:
I'm not getting on the scale till next Monday.

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I think that might be safe. ~~misspm

Same here but for a different reason. This is the week that I can't really tell my true weight. ~i&b

Same here...just coming off now. ~~misspm

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Posted by: Ralphi
Date posted: Mon Nov 2 21:55:31 2009
Message:

Well, I joined and then I kind of stayed off the board for awhile.  I was lurking but just haven't had enough computer time to post.  I did weigh myself as requested.  It was pretty horrifying, lifetime high.  But I did get back on the scale a week later and I had lost about 2 pounds.  Need to weigh in again though.  I've been a LOT better about not drinking regular soda...not so great with the coffee.

I'm doing pretty bad as far as candy.  I must be craving chocolate because I can't stay out of the candy drawer at work.

I have decided that it's in my best interests to rejoin Weight Watchers.  The only meeting we have in town is Tuesday evening at 5:30pm and right now that's while I'm at work.  Next month I switch to Graveyard shift so I'll just have to make sure I wake up in time.  I've already downloaded the mobile app to my iPhone so that I'm ready. :-)

I've also found a new place to go walking.  It's level which is what I need right now, and it's got a view.  I've also gone as far as plugging my treadmill back in and pulling the walking section down so it's ready to use...now I just need to get back on it.

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Good job on making the changes you've made-and your two pounds. Weight Watchers is a great program and walking is the best. STAY OUT OF THE CANDY DRAWER!! LOL Thanks for checking in...I hope you get a chnace too more often! ~~misspm

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Posted by: Bonk5
Date posted: Mon Nov 2 18:25:01 2009
Message:
I decorate the house, put up the lights, hand out candy, but we hardly get any kids!! So yeah I was eating the candy, not a whole lot, but enough. I had a bad headache Sunday am.

I am having stomach, due to nerves or stress, I think, Issues. happens now and then and my anxiety pops in. So making it hard to stick on diet. But last Th. I as down about a pound, put a bit back on by this am.

I did walk a good mile or more yesterday, headache and all LOL!!

Going to pump up the exercise I have to , just have to!!

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Sorry about your stress Bonk. It makes it hard to stick to your program, but maybe walking will help with both. Especially since we seem to be having summer all over again around here. Congrats on last weeks pound though! ~~misspm

It has been warm, too warm for me! ~~B.

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Posted by: Nancy
Date posted: Mon Nov 2 17:37:25 2009
Message:
I did indulge in candy over the weekend (hangs head in shame).  However, according to the scale this morning I haven't gained.  My goal for this week is more exercise to counteract the candy.

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Pick your head up...candy was the name of the game this weekend. I would have done the same if I'd had any! Glad you didn't gain any though :-) ~~misspm

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