1Year4Days: 2011 Recap

Hey Folks!!!  I know you thought I had given up on the whole 50 pound weight loss journey.  But I am still here and will continue to work toward reaching my goal of losing 50 pounds.

+20lbs Dec2010

-20lbs Dec 2011

Well lets recap all the different diets and exercise programs I attempted to incorporate into my lifestyle.

1. The How to Lose 20 lbs. of Fat in 30 Days from the book "The 4 Hour Body"
• Lost 8lbs and didn't seem like something I would consider doing continuously
2. Counting Calories
• Lost additional 4 pounds for the couple of months I focused on calorie counting.  I think this works for me, but you have to stay focused and make sure you track everything
3. Roller Skating
• I really enjoyed roller skating and think if I did this at least twice a week it would make a huge difference with losing weight and keeping the weight off.  This is something I think I could continue to do and add to my lifestyle
4. Salsa Dancing
• Salsa dancing was fun, but it requires you to have a partner.  Currently I am single, so it really doesn't fit into my lifestyle as something I can depend on doing throughout the week.  But who knows, maybe in 2012 I might find that special someone who is game for going out and doing the latin 2step!
5. Going to the Gym
• SMH...I think I went to Golds Gym maybe 3 times this year.  I know not working out is the major reason why I haven't dropped as much weight as I have hoped for.  I recognize that I am just lazy and trying to find the easy answer to losing weight and keeping it off.  
6. P90 X
• P90 X is made for someone who is already dedicated to working out on a regular basis.  For someone like me, I think it is a little to much to soon.  It is difficult to go from no exercise to 6 days a week worth of exercise(avg 60 mins per workout).  I believe I would have had better luck with 30 minute workouts 3 times a week.
• After the first month of P90X I was burn out and think I averaged 1 workout per week during second month.  The last month I didn't even do 1 workout.
7. Phentermine (appetite suppressant)
• Phentermine is appetite suppressant that can be prescribe by your doctor.  It is great if you need a little jump start to help kick those food cravings that occur when you decrease your food intake.  When I take phentermine I am to get through the day without feeling like I am starving, which usually leads to over eating.  
• I am currently only taking phentermine when I feel I need it.  This month I actually have not taken it because I no longer feel like I am starving between meals.  I rarely crave unhealthy food now and noticed that I crave healthier foods (fruit and veggies)
8. Weight Watchers(WW)
• WW worked really well for me and I am still participating in the program.  When I finally joined WW in June I had put on weight about 6 pounds and felt myself slipping back into old habits.  I lost close to 18 pounds while on WW, bringing me very close to 25 pounds total.  Unfortunately November 2011 I fell of track and let the holiday dinners and desserts get the best of me.  By the time December rolled around I had gained about 6 pounds.
• WW is great for the support and if you attend the weekly meetings will encourage you to be more accountable for what you eat.

I didn't reach my 50lb weight loss goal, but I am happy to say that this time last year I was 20lbs heavier.  When I look at my weight loss compared to my starting weight in Jan 2011 I feel pleased with the progress I have made.  

I will continue to share my weight loss journey with all of you until I reach my goal.  For my next post I will share some of the new exciting things I will be doing to help me reach my goal.  

Looking forward to a happy and healthy 2012!!!

+20lbs Dec2010

-20lbs Dec 2011

DAY 91: I Am SOOO HAPPY!!!

Happy Friday Folks!!!

Besides the fact that it is Friday, there is a lot more for me to be happy about.

I am Happy because I can now groove and glide on roller skates, instead of "groove/scoot/glide a little/wobble".  When I went roller skating on Sunday I decided to rent skates instead of using my old skates.  Well who would have guessed that my old skates were "Jacked UP".  All this time I was working overtime trying to get around the rink because my wheels on my skates didn't spin as fast or as long as other skates.  When I put on the rented skates I couldn't believe how great I was skating...I think I am actually close to skating on beat for most of the song!!!!!!

I am Happy because my Alma mater VCU is in the NCAA Final Four basketball tournament.  GO RAMS!!!

I am SOOOO HAPPY because I lost TWO pounds !!! 
The dancing, roller skating and staying more active is paying off!!!!  I have added several other activities into my schedule, which keep me busy and my mind focused on other things besides EATING.  This is my current weekly schedule: 

Monday...Group guitar lessons

Wednesday...Vocal lessons

Thursday...Salsa dancing at clubs and restaurants that give lessons

Sunday...Roller Skating

Now if I can just maintain that level of activity and stay around 1200 - 1400 calories a day, then I believe I will continue to lose weight.  I will admit that my appetite has increased with the added activity.  I am strongly considering getting a prescription for Phentermine, which is an appetite suppressant.  In the past I have used Phentermine for about 4 months and it helped me lose around 30 pounds.  It just made it easier to not focus on being hungry and concentrate on eating healthy and exercise.  I know that for me being "Hungry" is at least 75% mental.  When I took phentermine I felt like it turned my hunger thoughts OFF.  This time around I wanted to try to lose the weight without taking any type of medication.  Even though it is taken for a short time, I just didn't want to feel dependant on something.  But when I look at the scale and it isn't moving for months because I keep falling victim to my overwhelming cravings more often than not, well it makes me reconsider my options.  I would rather get a little help from meds now instead of having my weight get out of control and end up needing to have surgery in the future. 

Several weeks ago I wrote about how I would be performing at Blues Alley on 3/22/2011.  I was very excited to be performing, but felt a little discouraged because I had nothing to wear.  I couldn’t find anything in the stores and all the dresses in my closet no longer fit, so I was having a really bad FAT moment.  But I decided to say “F   IT” and threw on a pair of black pants, shirt and called it a day.  I was so surprised at how many of my friends and family came out to see me.  It felt great to have so much love and support, which made my wardrobe drama a distant memory.  In fact, I decided to make my attire a little more comfy by I kicking off my shoes before taking the stage for my debut as a Jazz Singer!  I wanted to share with all of you one of the jazz tunes I performed at the show. 

Enjoy Folks!!!