Day 4-291.6 pounds

Diet is going pretty good.  Still no major hunger pangs or headaches anymore.  I did try a new recipe this morning, as I have been drinking the Slim-Fast Cappuccino Delight in the morning.  I love McD's Frappe's, so I had a blender given to me by a great friend (since I didn't have one), and all I did was put about 2 cups of ice and the Slim-Fast shake, and blended!  It was amazing.  Turned a 10 oz. bottle of shake into a 22 oz. glass of frappe....  much more volume, took longer to drink, therefore more filling!  

Went to the gym last night.  Walked about 30 minutes on the treadmill.  Also did (only) 1 minute and 15 seconds on the elliptical machine.  As I was talking with my "coaches" (Ashley & Robin ;-) the other night I had mentioned that my knees are not so good, and I had always heard the elliptical is good for low impact but high calorie burn.  But that I also cannot do but maybe a minute or two at a time on there, because it kicks my butt!  It feels like my legs are burning the second it starts turning!  So, they offered the suggestion that if that is something I CAN'T do, that I should do whatever time I could EVERY time I was at the gym.  So, last night was a little over a minute.  I am shooting for 2 minutes tonight!

I am sharing a link to another blog with a recipe on it for a energy "bite".  I have not tried these yet, but this link was shared with me by a good friend who is along for my journey (even if it is from the couch, LOL).  They sound very yummy and are a great idea.  So, I will try them and see what they are, and if you want to try them and let me know what you think....

Here's the link:
http://smashedpeasandcarrots.blogspot.com/2011/08/no-bake-energy-bites-recipe.html

and the recipe is as follows:

No-Bake Energy Bites

1 cup oatmeal

1/2 cup peanut butter (or other nut butter)

1/3 cup honey

1 cup coconut flakes

1/2 cup ground flaxseed

1/2 cup mini chocolate chips

1 tsp vanilla

Mix everything above in a medium bowl until thoroughly incorporated.  Let chill in the refrigerator for half an hour.  Once chilled, roll into balls and enjoy!  Store in an airtight container and keep refrigerated for up to 1 week.

 

 

So, let me know if you try it!  I will let you know as soon as I do.

 

I know I have been doing this diet/exercise plan for a very short time, but I already feel better. I have been having trouble getting up off the couch, my knees would hurt horribly as I tried to put weight on them to get out of the very comfy and cushy sofa.  I was getting up and down last night, doing dishes, making dinner, and doing laundry, and was having no pain in my knees at all.  I was kinda astounded.  

I know there are alot of people out there that have excuses or maybe even medical diagnoses about why they are overweight.  I don't have any of that.  I went to the doctor a couple years ago and got a full physical, no problems with my thyroid or anything.  I was told by my mother years ago that my significant weight gain started when I was about 6 or 7.  I don't really recall, I just knew I was growing.  Supposedly my biological grandmother (who has not really been in the "picture" since about that age, anyway) said something to me about that I needed to go on a diet, because I was getting too fat.  Again, if she said this, she said it to a 6 year old. I don't really know if that is what began my struggle with weight, or the fact that we had hamburgers and french fries for dinner at least once a week, and every other meal consisted of meat, potatoes or noodles, and a SMALL serving of veggies.  Plus all the soda, sweet tea, kool-aid, etc. I wanted.  I don't know, but I would go with the more obvious...

 

I don't have any excuses.  I just ate too much of the wrong things, and didn't exercise.  I don't really think that has anything to do with my parents getting divorced when I was young, or an unexpected (at least to me) baby brother when I was already 9, or the passing of any family member or friend.  Although those things might have contributed to my stress level, and yes...sometimes when we are stressed we eat, but I chose to do that.  I chose to sit down with a plate of Oreos and a glass of milk instead of going for a walk to clear my head.  Those are choices, not excuses!

 

I have always been heavy, except from about the age of 6 or 7 and younger.  Then, I had been skinny as a rail!  I have always been overweight, and that has always been because of choices I made (or when younger, and didn't know better, food choices made by my parents).  I am not saying there are those out there that don't suffer from some sort of disorder (I refrain from using the word disease, as I don't believe it is).  I don't believe alcoholism is a disease, you choose to put those drinks in your hand.  I don't believe that anorexia or bulimia is a disease, as you choose to not eat, or eat and purge.  I DO believe that it is a disorder that you can suffer from, as there are triggers that might make you think and act on something.  I DO believe it is a real condition, but a disease to me is something you catch or something you are born with.  Sorry if I offended anyone, but that is a personal opinion, and you can take it or leave it.  

 

I am excited to be on this journey, I am humbled by all the support I have been given.  I have been asked if I am going to do the Slim-Fast for the whole year.  I don't really have an answer for that.  I am kinda just doing what is working for the moment.  Once my body gets used to having smaller portions, I think I can work into something more long-term (as I don't plan on drinking shakes the rest of my life).  If the shakes stop working or I am not losing steadily, then maybe I will try something different, but for now, I will stick with this.

 

Thanks again for reading!  Again, I am grateful for all the support!  And, yes I will get a picture up soon, just keep forgetting to have someone take a "before" shot!