Getting back on the path...

I have been struggeling for the last month and a half or so with not really losing on the scale or that I can tell in my clothing.  I have been frustrated especially when I have been working out as much as I have.  So the other day I came up with a plan to help get me back on the path I need to be on to make this journey a true success.  I am now making out a meal plan for a couple of days at a time and give myself permission to change it the night before, but will do my best not tchange it the day of (exceptions are allowed, but will be exceptions, not commonalities).  Yesterday at PNC support group we talked a lot about carbs and I learned somethings I had not know before.  The biggest eye opener for me was that when you eat carbs your body burns the carbs, rather than your body fat.  So, I realized my mistakes and altered my meal plans to take into account the new information I had obtained.  Now along with planning my meals ahead of time I will also track calories, fat, carbs and protein and aim to get in 800 calories, 40-60 carbs and 50 or more grams of protein.  So far today has been good I have stuck to the meal plan and even avoided the bag of 100 calorie pack chips ahoy crisp that I pulled out and opened and then realized that I should simpley eat lunch (it was noon) rather than just having a snack and then eat lunch an hour later.  Tonight will be my big challenge as it is when I tend to snack the most and eat the worst, because I am home alone and no one can see what I am eating.  I have realized though that people can see what I am eating, they see it in the lack of melting that is happening.  So, I am back in the middle of the road with a new walking stick in hand and ready to trek along this time staying on the path, because while I enjoy venturing off the path when out hiking it is not a good idea when it comes to nutrition!  Love & Hugs to all! Nicole  P.S.  I did not post this to get my booty kicked I have done it myself, but have put this out there to share with all those who may also be wrestling with the carb or snack monster or just need an idea to help them along the way. 

Nicole....    Hugs....connie d

YOU my dear are doing awesome and I am excited to follow your journey! You can do it!!!

Thanks for your post.  I have been attacked by the carb monster recently too.  Had never heard what you said about carbs from the PN meeting.  I almost came this week, too! Anyway - thanks for the suggestions & information.  It helps! Hugs, Laura

Laura~Yeah I was suprised by what Barb said as well, which is why I made sure I wrote it down and decided to share it here with everyone.  That carb monster is sneaky and stubborn, but I did good yesterday and only had 50 grams of carbs the whole day.  I was suprised at how many carbs were in the things I was eating. 

Nicole - you should also look at your weight now and ponder...  is this a weight that I spent a great deal of time at in the past?  Most people lose to a weight they had been at for a long time - our bodies feel familiar with that weight and hang there for quite some time.  It's not at all unusual.  When I was at that "familiar" weight, I didn't lose more than 15-20 pounds for close to 5 months!  That's a DRAG, when you've gotten used to dropping 4 or 5 a WEEK!  But your body DOES need time to adjust.  As long as you continue to do the right things, follow that plan, it'll kick in again.   As for YOU, personally, I'd have to think you're building a lot of muscle!  Which weighs more than fat, so even tho you aren't losing in numbers, your body is transforming!  You may not even see it in the clothes for a while, 'cuz of the muscle bulk.   But changes ARE happening.  We just need to stop putting that scale up on a holy pedestal. You look fabulous, you are doing an INCREDIBLE job of honoring your tool!  Just ramp up the patience a smidge, and you'll be FINE!

Darla~You hit it right on the dot!  Yes this is the weight I was at from about 8th grade through most of college so I was here a long time.  I think that is where a lot of my frustration is coming from; I want so badly to get below this weight because it has been so long since I have been less than 180 that I think I will go into shock if the scale says anything less.  Thank you for letting me know this is normal to sort of stall out here.  I will continue to work my tool to it's full extent and hopefully be back running next week.  I hadn't thought about the muscle bulk with my clothes either. Thank you for your wise words it helps give me another burst of patience and I have made a promise to myself to only weight once a week instead of everyday.  Hopefully my progress will pick up again!

              Thank you, thank you.... I'll be here until Thursday.

Let me know how you meal plan worked out! You always have such good ideas.

Thanks!  I will start posting them on my profile (or will try most days when I remember)!  I have to actually brainstorm ideas for next week so I can pick up what I need at the store this evening!