Weight Loss Wednesday: Running Start

This was my first week of many dieting weeks, I will assume.  And if there is one thing I know about beginning a diet, after having lost almost a hundred pounds once upon a pre-Marin time, it's that when you start a diet, the very first week?  You need to do it in the most ass kicking way possible.  And so I did.

This week’s loss: 7

Left to goal: 49

Yippee!

(Disclaimer: I'm going to write this entry, chock-full of ass-vice like I know what I'm talking about (because I do, if experience means anything) and with lots of My Dieting Style information, because I received quite a few comments and emails after last week's entry, asking what my specific plan is.)

As I did the last time I lost a substantial amount of weight, I am using the Weight Watchers points system.  It is the most long-term useable plan, in my opinion, and it applies to real, everyday, every-situation life.  And just as I did before, I am doing it on my own at home using the Weight Watchers materials I have from the first time I tried the program eight years ago.  No internet tools, no meetings - just me and my honesty and my scale.

I gave myself a higher-than-usual amount of points this week and then tapered myself down as the days passed.  It is way too hard to begin a diet by starving yourself to death, and I refuse to do that.  Diets aren't about punishing oneself for all of the bad things you've eaten or lack of exercise -- they are a way to GIVE yourself something wonderful -- your health, back.  And so it's important to be kind to yourself. 

I also allowed myself one night off this week, on Saturday, when I went out for girls' night out (and ate the hell out of a giant Turkey Pesto Ciabatta with cheese bacon, french fries and a dish of apple cobbler, without an ounce of guilt, if I may say so.)  And I didn't do any type of formal exercise - that will most certainly come in time.  I did take my kids to the zoo one day, and big grocery shopped another. 

And I still lost seven pounds.

Last week I talked about all of the "mental stuff" that went along with my weight loss in 06-07, and I think that is the biggest thing that comes into play for me.  I approached this first dieting week knowing that I was ready to take on the challenge, believing that I deserve to return to my healthy weight, and fully convinced that I have everything it takes to be disciplined enough to lose all fifty-six pounds over the long haul, no matter how long it takes.  And believing in myself and really, truly, deep-down loving myself, is everything.  It is how I diet, it is how I parent, it is how I achieve most anything I set my mind to.  As far as I am concerned, my every success is based upon exactly that.

This week I will get a little closer to hitting in my daily points range, and I will choose one day or a part of a day that I will eat whatever I want, to both keep up my spirits and give my metabolism a swift kick.  I know the toughest part is when I leave the house and cannot cook for myself, but all I can do is try.  Really, will there ever be a time when I don't leave my house for a while and can just diet without the lure of restaurant food and (three!) upcoming Thanksgiving celebrations?  Oh, right.  January, February, March.  Blech.

Until then, I'm taking it one day, one meal, one step at a time, losing what I can, maintaining where I have to.  Shooting for another good week. 

If you happen to be dieting too, at this crazy time of year, please feel free to check in here.  It's always more fun with friends!

Comments

[Jen L.]

Congrats on a great start!!

[Tina]

Congrats! WOW!!! Great start! I wish I could lose it that fast! I have only lost about 10 pounds in the past 8 weeks (would have been 12, but I gained 2 pounds in Vegas!). I only average about a pound a week. 10 down and 30 more to go.

You certainly never do anything half-assed! Awesome start!

I am now on a 6pm-2am car. So, I have been getting up around 10am and going to bed around 3am. so, give me a call whenever you get a chance. And maybe we can get together on one of my days off or prior to my shift.

love you guys! =)

[glamgranola]

Your will power is insane! I cannot seem to use my ww books and just do it at home...I've tried a time or 12. You are such an inspiration!

[HollowSquirrel]

Yay you! You seem very pragmatic about what you want to do and what needs to be done to get there. Awesome! I'm cheering you on from up here!!

[SJ]

I've been doing Weight Watchers now for 51 days and I've lost close to 12 pounds. I'd say 7 pounds in one week is FANTASTIC!

I'm here for you, and dieting with you every step of the way!

Good luck.

[Bethany]

Way to go!

I seriously need to do something instead of just talk about it. I was doing WW before getting pregnant and was doing ok. Then pregnancy, post partum, blah blah blah...
I need to stop pissing and moaning about it and just do it.

[Jenny]

Sorry to have added that third Thanksgiving! ;)
I will try to have some (relatively) healthy options available!

[Mama Leone]

First time commenter. I started WW last week (again) I lost 3 lbs. I have 60 lbs. to go. Don't forget as a nursing mother you are supposed to add 12 pts to your daily range. I have a full set ( I think) of the new WW material handouts. Send me an email with your mailing address and they are yours if you are interested. Congrats for taking the first step. Job well done.

[Erica]

Way to go! I was inspired by your post last week, and have been upset with myself for about 6 mos. so I decided to go for it too. So far 5 lbs. I think I am going to join ww, last time I did it online, but I think the meetings may help me more. Congrats!

[Stephanie]

That is awesome! Damn WW and it's system that totally works, when you stick to it. I have done ww for almost four years and been right around my goal for three. Everytime someone tells met that WW doesn't work for them, I wonder what they are doing. Not counting points? Eating their points in snickers? (not that I have tried that)

Congrats on a great week!

[Rachel]

I know you can do it! And, you've started out with a bang!!!