5 1/2 Pounds and Counting

It was one of those cartoon moments.

This morning I got on the scale at 24 Horton Plaza and started sliding the thingys around...when it balanced out at 265 I didn't believe it. I looked first at the big thingy to make sure it was on 250. Yes. Then that the little one to see if it was on 15. Yes. Then I looked at the silver wall in front of the scale and did the math in my head again...carry the one...265. And then I looked back at the big one. And then the little one. And the big one one more time...and I was convinced.

It's still "just a number," but it's one I like better than what was showing a few days ago!

Day 5: Is My Stomach Shrinking?

It's Friday, and I'm feeling fine!

In 11th grade, in Mr. Swanson's health class, I remember being told that our stomachs don't literally "shrink" when we "diet." But I do think there is something like that going on in there because, after nearly a week of eating 1,500 calories a day, it doesn't take as much food for me to feel full--and feel full longer.

Since feeling hungry was one of my biggest fears, you can imagine my joy at having this feeling--it's one of my biggest gifts! (I better start thinking now about how I'm going to describe the gift of weighing 10, 20, 30+ pounds less, right?)

A couple of lifesavers for me this week, food-wise:

• Chicken soup. My mom's recipe (chicken, carrots, celery, parsley, water, salt) couldn't be easier. Since I no longer include a big pile of kluski (noodles) at the bottom of the bowl, it's a low calorie, satisfying meal!
• Black-eyed peas. Not typically a legume lover, those three little words have made me a convert. SBF Marji tracked down a wonderful recipe that includes some tomatoes, jalepeno heat and a bit of smoked ham for flavoring--yum!
• Microwave popcorn. I'll admit it--I like my popcorn. A friend turned me on to a cool device that makes regular, kernel popcorn in the microwave with no added fat. A couple of pumps of a butter-flavored spray and salt, and I'm happy!
  
• My NAFP. I haven't discussed my non-addictive food plan much, but basically it entails not eating sugar, wheat or aspartame and avoiding processed foods (like corn chips). On Feb. 9 I'll be celebrating 3 years "clean," and I feel so good! Being on my NAFP this week, and keeping it simple, has really helped in this challenge.
  

More lifesavers, spirit-wise:

• SBF Marji, who is quite the inspiration when it comes to calorie-counting. (Among a myriad of other things.) What a great supportive friend I have!
  
• SBS Teresa, who is always game to chat with me and offer her insights on weight loss. She is a fountain of knowledge and support in this challenge! (Among a plethora of other things!)
  
• Step class. With the music blasting and all my attention on the instructor, I can't think about any perceived "problems" in life. It's meditation in movement, and I love it!

Okay, bring on the weekend -- let's hope things remain as cheerful in the days to come.

Day Three & Feeling Better

I have to say, at the end of day one, I didn't post because I would have basically said, "I hate this so much." I was tired, hungry and grumpy. Step class wasn't its usual joy because my energy was low and in the evening, when I usually try to squeeze in a few more work hours, I was sitting comatose in front of the TV (watching "Top Chef," a bad choice for a hungry person) and finally went to bed.

I attribute the toughness of the day to several things beyond limiting my calories to 1,500, including tiredness from the weekend with friends in Portland at the Miracle Mastery conference, along with a little bit of caffeine (which I've been off of for weeks) and some questionable sauce (read: sugar) on lunchtime food.

Luckily, Tuesday dawned much brighter and today, well, today I am my chipper and energetic self, in awe of how I can make 1,500 calories last all day and not feel deprived. I've decided to postpone the weight training for a week or so until I really get into the groove of things, though.

My life has been made easy by eating the same thing all three days, that's for sure, and preparing those things ahead of time.

Plus, I got a mental and spiritual boost this morning when I was making breakfast. I just had the sensation--the lightness and brightness--of feeling slimmer. It was the nicest feeling. I like that! I want more of that! :)

Day One Towards a Slimmer Me

When I opened my eyes this morning, the first thought I had was: Day 1 of the 90 Challenge -- and it was a happy thought!

I am ready, willing and able to reveal more of a slimmer me. Marji, Kathy and I were at a Miracle Mastery conference over the weekend (gems to be shared in the coming months), and it was a super way to rev up my mental and spiritual energy for the challenge, the weight release and all the other "miracles realized" in the coming year.