The past week was an especially challenging one for me. I faced challenges and stress at work, at school and in my personal life. I felt drained emotionally, physically and psychologically. Therefore it should serve as no surprise that I had the worst food cravings I've had a while.
This past week also confirmed what I've known for quite some time; I am an emotional eater. I'm not saying that eating keeps me from functioning, but I am comforted by food when I'm stressed or anxious. Though I realize I do not bear this burden alone, as I stated in my previous post, it doesn't matter who else eats when they're stressed. My body and my life are all I can control.
So, for the first time in a long time, I didn't call a friend to get drinks and appetizers in an attempt to put my life in perspective. Instead, I powered through a couple of workouts (not as many as I should've but I moved none the less), and still closely watched my food intake, journaling 4 out of 7 days. The days that I didn't journal, I chose foods that I was familiar with calorie and fatwise so as not to throw my caloric intake into a tailspin and sabotage two weeks of hard work. The result: another pound down, officially having lost 20 lbs since the summer of 2012 and 12 pounds so far this year!
I'm not perfect by any means and I would be lying to myself if I said I'd never pick up a slice of pizza when I'm sad again. It'll just be thin crust, with a salad and diet coke as opposed to wings and a margarita :)
~Tash
Monday, February 25, 2013
Sunday, February 10, 2013
It's Human Nature...
Study after study has shown that humans do not thrive without relationships. It is in our very nature to seek some sort of relationship with something in life. Even those who don't interact with other humans form relationships with animals, or even inanimate objects (that's a different subject).
My point is, whether or not we are conscious of it, we feel some sense of relief or comfort when we are in the company of those with whom we relate, whether it is a relationship of choice (friend or signficant other) or a familial relationship. It is in our very nature as humans to relate to others on some level.
Having healthy relationships and receiving support, affection and validation is usually a very healthy thing. However, in the case of weight loss, it can be a tricky.
I love having the support of others along this journey. In fact; let me take a sentence to pause and say a huge THANK YOU to each person who has taken the time to read my blog, comment on Facebook or tell me in person that they can relate to and support me on my journey. The support of others keeps me accountable and energizes me simultaneously. However, what I and others on this journey must avoid is the natural human tendency to compare ourselves and our weight loss journeys to those of others.
I have been weighing in at work each week along with several of my co-workers. Even though we weigh in privately with the nurse, it's still a natural reaction to discuss how things are going. The sense of competition is kinda fun and can even be motivating. However, the line between competition and comparison is a thin one.
I guess my point is that one must remember to value his or her individual journey in life. It goes back to that whole "the grass is greener on the other side" cliche'. It's important not to lose focus on my own journey because I'm so busy comparing myself to someone else whether they are more, less or equally successful.
When it comes to weight loss, the goal should not be to look like someone else or to beat someone else. In addition, we should not become complacent because someone else has, and we most certainly must refrain from using someone else's lack of progress to excuse or validate our own.
Even though I'm bound and determined to surpass my co-workers and take home "the big pot" at work, I'm more determined to beat the scale. Whether or not my co-workers gain or lose another pound, it's me against the machine (the scale), me against my own body, and me against my natural inclination to quit when the going gets a little tough.
It's me against my human nature. This is one time when I truly don't care what anyone else thinks. Call me self absorbed!
By the way... I've lost 10 pounds ;)
~Tash
My point is, whether or not we are conscious of it, we feel some sense of relief or comfort when we are in the company of those with whom we relate, whether it is a relationship of choice (friend or signficant other) or a familial relationship. It is in our very nature as humans to relate to others on some level.
Having healthy relationships and receiving support, affection and validation is usually a very healthy thing. However, in the case of weight loss, it can be a tricky.
I love having the support of others along this journey. In fact; let me take a sentence to pause and say a huge THANK YOU to each person who has taken the time to read my blog, comment on Facebook or tell me in person that they can relate to and support me on my journey. The support of others keeps me accountable and energizes me simultaneously. However, what I and others on this journey must avoid is the natural human tendency to compare ourselves and our weight loss journeys to those of others.
I have been weighing in at work each week along with several of my co-workers. Even though we weigh in privately with the nurse, it's still a natural reaction to discuss how things are going. The sense of competition is kinda fun and can even be motivating. However, the line between competition and comparison is a thin one.
I guess my point is that one must remember to value his or her individual journey in life. It goes back to that whole "the grass is greener on the other side" cliche'. It's important not to lose focus on my own journey because I'm so busy comparing myself to someone else whether they are more, less or equally successful.
When it comes to weight loss, the goal should not be to look like someone else or to beat someone else. In addition, we should not become complacent because someone else has, and we most certainly must refrain from using someone else's lack of progress to excuse or validate our own.
Even though I'm bound and determined to surpass my co-workers and take home "the big pot" at work, I'm more determined to beat the scale. Whether or not my co-workers gain or lose another pound, it's me against the machine (the scale), me against my own body, and me against my natural inclination to quit when the going gets a little tough.
It's me against my human nature. This is one time when I truly don't care what anyone else thinks. Call me self absorbed!
By the way... I've lost 10 pounds ;)
~Tash
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
By George...I think she's got it this time!
Hey friends, family and people who are bored! Time for another blog. This one will be not nearly as whiny (or at least that's my plan).
This past weekend I faced the first major battle on my road to fabulously fit...a holiday weekend with family and lots of yummy FOOD! In my opinion, you haven't mastered a "lifestyle change" until you've figured out how to perpetuate the change in all facets of your life. If your family is like mine, get togethers include the tastiest, richest, most wonderful food items, a lot of laughs and love, and very little cardio. This weekend was my first attempt to master the change and fun, food and family. So the results are in and...I DIDN'T GAIN A POUND! WAHOOO! Though I didn't lose any weight, this is the first time in a looooong time that I didn't put on some extra weight. This is a BIG DEAL folks. It may not seem like it, but for me, the day after a holiday weekend has always been full of regrets about what I ate and the work out I didn't get in. Here's what I learned (which will be common sense I'm sure).
1. You can't live your life in a restricted manner. Eating is a part of life. Though some people have mastered the whole "eat to live, not live to eat" concept, many of us haven't and that's okay. Food is not life, but it can be an expression of life. The more you tell yourself "I can't eat this, I can't eat this" the more you begin to feel miserable, and miserable feelings lead to binge eating. So, I say eat what you like but manage your portions!
2. No one cares about what or how much you eat more than you do. This weekend, there was beer infused bread, yummy sausage queso dip, lasagna, fried chicken, pork chops...the list goes on. Everyone around me was eating all of it. I did too...but I thought about what I ate. No one told me to cut back on the bread/pasta, pass on dessert and eat more greens and salad, but that's what I did and it kept me from gaining weight. No one can want it for you more than you want it for yourself.
3. Even if you don't work out, you can squeeze in physical activity. I didn't hit the treadmill or do my 45 mins of Zumba, but I managed to get in a lot of walking throughout the weekend. I KNOW this made a difference. If you're going to eat, you need to move. Period.
So today I returned to writing in my food journal, getting my cardio in and closely monitoring my portions. I'm confident I will be back to business in a couple of days. This is a pretty good feeling. I think I've got it this time folks.
One of my wonderful Sorority Sisters wrote something on her Facebook page that was so amazingly simple and profound that I can't help but repeat it: "If you want to stop starting over, stop giving up". That makes too much sense. Thanks Inga.
Feels like the first time,
~Tash
This past weekend I faced the first major battle on my road to fabulously fit...a holiday weekend with family and lots of yummy FOOD! In my opinion, you haven't mastered a "lifestyle change" until you've figured out how to perpetuate the change in all facets of your life. If your family is like mine, get togethers include the tastiest, richest, most wonderful food items, a lot of laughs and love, and very little cardio. This weekend was my first attempt to master the change and fun, food and family. So the results are in and...I DIDN'T GAIN A POUND! WAHOOO! Though I didn't lose any weight, this is the first time in a looooong time that I didn't put on some extra weight. This is a BIG DEAL folks. It may not seem like it, but for me, the day after a holiday weekend has always been full of regrets about what I ate and the work out I didn't get in. Here's what I learned (which will be common sense I'm sure).
1. You can't live your life in a restricted manner. Eating is a part of life. Though some people have mastered the whole "eat to live, not live to eat" concept, many of us haven't and that's okay. Food is not life, but it can be an expression of life. The more you tell yourself "I can't eat this, I can't eat this" the more you begin to feel miserable, and miserable feelings lead to binge eating. So, I say eat what you like but manage your portions!
2. No one cares about what or how much you eat more than you do. This weekend, there was beer infused bread, yummy sausage queso dip, lasagna, fried chicken, pork chops...the list goes on. Everyone around me was eating all of it. I did too...but I thought about what I ate. No one told me to cut back on the bread/pasta, pass on dessert and eat more greens and salad, but that's what I did and it kept me from gaining weight. No one can want it for you more than you want it for yourself.
3. Even if you don't work out, you can squeeze in physical activity. I didn't hit the treadmill or do my 45 mins of Zumba, but I managed to get in a lot of walking throughout the weekend. I KNOW this made a difference. If you're going to eat, you need to move. Period.
So today I returned to writing in my food journal, getting my cardio in and closely monitoring my portions. I'm confident I will be back to business in a couple of days. This is a pretty good feeling. I think I've got it this time folks.
One of my wonderful Sorority Sisters wrote something on her Facebook page that was so amazingly simple and profound that I can't help but repeat it: "If you want to stop starting over, stop giving up". That makes too much sense. Thanks Inga.
Feels like the first time,
~Tash
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Not your average New Year's Resolution...
On November 25, 2013 I will be 30 years old. Anyone who knows me knows my favorite quote "I don't do _____________________ (fill in the blank with some form of debauchery ). I'm almost 30".
In reality, I realize that being 30 is far from getting my AARP card (no offense to my elders). As an unmarried young woman with no children I will be the first to admit that I still enjoy the occassional weekend excursion and I'd like to think that I still know how to have fun (some of my friends may beg to differ and to them I say "shut it" SMILE). However, there is one thing I can no longer do...eat crap and expect to stay healthy/slim.
That's right. It's true; the older you get, the more difficult it becomes to lose weight. There was a time when I could eat...and drink...junk and I wouldn't see a huge change on the scale. If I did gain a couple of pounds I would simply eat salad and drink water for a day or two and drop all that I gained and then some. That was then, this is now.
As I live out the last months of my 20's, I am forced to face the truth. When I look in the mirror I see the evidence of years of eating junk, sleeping when I get around to it, and a lack of consistent physical activity. I also see the results of "dieting". I have clothes in my closet that range from sizes 4 to... never mind. We'll get to that in a later post. Bottom line is, I see a loss of control.
In my work as I counselor, I teach people how to face the problems in their lives and set goals to change what they can. I can set a mean goal. I can tell you about making it specific, making it time based, getting people on your team, etc, etc, etc. I cheer on my students/clients and pride my self on practicing reality based counseling strategies. I'm good at helping other people deal with reality. It's high time I face reality myself when it comes to my weight and the way to address it.
In reality, I don't have control over what my family or friends eat. I don't have control over the unhealthy menu options at most restaurants. I don't have control over the number of hours in the day. These are things that will not change.
I do have control over what I eat, and I have control over my actions and activities throughout the day. So, I'm taking control over my weight and setting a goal: to weigh 130 pounds by my 30th birthday.
I've shared this goal with several of my friends and family members. Some have said that I will be too skinny if I lose that much weight. Some have said that I may be a bit too ambitious. But my parents and my best friend immediately said "You can do it, get it done this year once and for all". To them I say THANK YOU! I love my close friends and family members, but I've been reminded that there is a reason you only share your goals and dreams with those who've proven that they will stand by you in truth and reality. The truth is 130 pounds is a healthy weight for my height and the reality is I'm overweight. So, thank you to those who've tried to be kind and tell me that I look alright and that I don't need to lose weight but, I do and I'm going to.
Changing the name of this blog is evidence of a greater change. I am changing my approach to getting healthy and facing the reality that it may not be as easy as it was when I was 21, 25 or even 28. I have started this blog over in the past but I must admit that I haven't had much of a focus. Now there is a clear end in sight. When I set my sights firmly in a particular direction, there's no stopping me and at the risk of sounding cocky...I usually get what I want. Well size 6 jeans, increased energy and fabulously fit life, I WANT YOU, watch out, I'm coming...
Thanks for reading this. I hope you'll stick around :)
~Tash
In reality, I realize that being 30 is far from getting my AARP card (no offense to my elders). As an unmarried young woman with no children I will be the first to admit that I still enjoy the occassional weekend excursion and I'd like to think that I still know how to have fun (some of my friends may beg to differ and to them I say "shut it" SMILE). However, there is one thing I can no longer do...eat crap and expect to stay healthy/slim.
That's right. It's true; the older you get, the more difficult it becomes to lose weight. There was a time when I could eat...and drink...junk and I wouldn't see a huge change on the scale. If I did gain a couple of pounds I would simply eat salad and drink water for a day or two and drop all that I gained and then some. That was then, this is now.
As I live out the last months of my 20's, I am forced to face the truth. When I look in the mirror I see the evidence of years of eating junk, sleeping when I get around to it, and a lack of consistent physical activity. I also see the results of "dieting". I have clothes in my closet that range from sizes 4 to... never mind. We'll get to that in a later post. Bottom line is, I see a loss of control.
In my work as I counselor, I teach people how to face the problems in their lives and set goals to change what they can. I can set a mean goal. I can tell you about making it specific, making it time based, getting people on your team, etc, etc, etc. I cheer on my students/clients and pride my self on practicing reality based counseling strategies. I'm good at helping other people deal with reality. It's high time I face reality myself when it comes to my weight and the way to address it.
In reality, I don't have control over what my family or friends eat. I don't have control over the unhealthy menu options at most restaurants. I don't have control over the number of hours in the day. These are things that will not change.
I do have control over what I eat, and I have control over my actions and activities throughout the day. So, I'm taking control over my weight and setting a goal: to weigh 130 pounds by my 30th birthday.
I've shared this goal with several of my friends and family members. Some have said that I will be too skinny if I lose that much weight. Some have said that I may be a bit too ambitious. But my parents and my best friend immediately said "You can do it, get it done this year once and for all". To them I say THANK YOU! I love my close friends and family members, but I've been reminded that there is a reason you only share your goals and dreams with those who've proven that they will stand by you in truth and reality. The truth is 130 pounds is a healthy weight for my height and the reality is I'm overweight. So, thank you to those who've tried to be kind and tell me that I look alright and that I don't need to lose weight but, I do and I'm going to.
Changing the name of this blog is evidence of a greater change. I am changing my approach to getting healthy and facing the reality that it may not be as easy as it was when I was 21, 25 or even 28. I have started this blog over in the past but I must admit that I haven't had much of a focus. Now there is a clear end in sight. When I set my sights firmly in a particular direction, there's no stopping me and at the risk of sounding cocky...I usually get what I want. Well size 6 jeans, increased energy and fabulously fit life, I WANT YOU, watch out, I'm coming...
Thanks for reading this. I hope you'll stick around :)
~Tash
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