Maintaining weight: Update
I knew that maintaining my weight would be hard work, but I think over winter it has been even harder. In past winters I have enjoyed puddings with custard and cream or those lovely fruit tarts — but not this year, too many calories and as soon as I eat a bowl-full, on goes the weight. So I just stay clear of these o-so-yummy foods!! However with my birthday last week I did enjoy something "very naughty" - dark chocolate walnut brownies covered in dark chocolate sauce and ice-cream (!!!) without (too) feeling guilty (just felt rather sick afterwards!). Once a year can't be harmful can it?
But I can report that I have continued to maintain my weight and haven't seen too much movement up or down — just steady as she goes!!
Every morning (after my shower) my scales and I get together and see what is happening — yes, it can be a depressing way to start the day, but necessary. On previous weight loose occasions I would stop checking my weight and it wasn’t until I had packed on another dress size did I realise what direction my weight was heading (upwards) and by then it was far too late. For me, this appears to be the best way to monitor my weigh.
As I said, this winter has been a real test of self control . . . sometimes I win, other times it is a huge battle. The other day I sat next to a chocolate cherry mud cake for 2 hours. On Monday afternoons (from 1-3pm) I work in a different area —an open space area where there is often food (in celebration of birthdays etc). This Monday, lots of people came by and had a slice of mud cake and talked about how good it was. I was SO tempted, I really wanted a slice (if I was a dog I would have been drooling) . . . but I also knew it was packed with calories so for 2 hours I thought of other things and avoided eye contact with that cake. It was a real battle I have to admit, however I did feel good at 3pm when I walked away without eating anything, but now I know what an alcoholic must feel like when they are offered a drink but need to say no. Will-power is really hard work and the brain can play tricks.
I will report back in a few months once winter has past and let you know how I am going. To anyone else also trying to maintain weight —don’t give up, putting it back on (plus more) isn’t an option at our age.
What do others do to fight the cake (or your weakness) battle?
Hi Jo, yes I feel the battle. I hopped on the scales this morning thinking surely I have gone down after 6 days of training and very good eating to find I had gone up. But the truth is in the clothes you put on and not the scales. So I am so glad I am not led by what the scales say. Looking forward to some warmer weather to really did into salads and more fruit salads. xxx
ReplyDeleteIf you've been training after not exercising much for awhile, your muscle growth will make your weight go up until you get better toned and those muscles start eating away at any fat cells you have. So be encouraged! :)
DeleteYou should have had the cake. Having a slice of cake every now and then isn't going to make you gain weight, as long as you are eating sensibly on a regular basis.
ReplyDeleteThough I am conditioning my body to eat healthier, I still desire something sweet every now and then. Do I eat it? Of course, but I usually have a VERY SMALL amount as I just wanted a taste.
In the case with the mud pie, you could have simply had 2-4 bites full (less than half the slice),satisfied your sweet tooth while not feeling guilty. The key is eating in moderation and not depriving yourself.
I recommend the book, "Outsmarting the Female Fat Cell" by Debra Waterhouse. It's really been helping me put my eating habits and weight loss into a more realistic perspective.
Mara - its more the idea of eating the cake, as I no longer really enjoy the sweet taste anymore. It makes me feel unwell if I eat too much. Anyway as my stomach is now so use to not eating it, when I do, it complains as it did on Sunday. My weight has maintained itself for the last 8 months, so I am not too concerned, but I plan to keep a close watch on it so it doesn't go up. My eating habits have really changed in 18 months, but willpower will always be needed regardless. But I am quite strict on myself which I am happy with.
ReplyDeleteWell done Jo! Self control is a good thing to have. It's a fruit of the Spirit after all :) I agree that our taste buds change as we change our eating habits! I find I indulge now and then but it has no effect on my weight if over the week I've eaten healthy and well to balance it off. I lost close to 9 kilos about three years ago and haven't put it back on. I think balance and moderation is good and works well for me:)
ReplyDeleteHi Jo,
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your weight loss maintainence.
I find it is easier for me to say 'no' to something than to have a small amount and say 'that's enough'. That first mouthful is my downfall.
Have a good week
Barb from Australia
Yep, I can do that - I will just have one bit!! and it turns into 3 or 4 bits:))))))
DeleteWell done, Jo! I admire your self-control! :)
ReplyDeleteOne thing I've tried to get into the habit of saying is "I can, but I won't". We all CAN eat whatever, but to say that we won't empowers ourselves to say no more easily next time because we feel good about not having given in to temptation.
I think it's amazing you sat their for 2 hours without touching it! I'm trying to cut the sugar in public situations too - the past two Sundays there's been mudcake at our fellowship morning tea and I haven't eaten any either time! :) Feels good afterwards, like you said!
Each night when I have my cup of tea I have a little treat - that is "my end of day" reward and a nice way to end the day - so I don't like to ruin it with cake during the day, unless it is a special occasion.
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