The Stripalicious Challenge

She takes a licking but keeps on ticking

2010-06-30T16:03:00.000-07:00

No, I haven't completely given up.

It's been such an emotional roller coaster with Dad's illness and all the downsizing at work, that I haven't done much more than eat junk, lay on the couch and cry myself to sleep.

I decided a few weeks ago to stop getting upset over things I have no control over. If you read my other blog, you know that I'm a big fan of Jillian Michaels and I bought one of her DVD's and have been doing it every day.

I feel so much better even though at this early stage, nothing is really showing as far as weight loss.

But I got past the first few weeks and it's become routine now. I actually look forward to doing it and if there's the occasional day where I'm not in the mood, then I go jogging instead.

Under the cloak of darkness, jumping over skunks at 10:00 at night, of course. God forbid someone sees me jogging during the day.

Food has still been a bit of a struggle. Well, if you consider ice cream food.

But, hey, baby steps.

No one said you had to like it

2010-06-02T18:23:00.000-07:00

Just did P90X Yoga and couldn't have hated it more.

Bite me, Tony Horton.

Read it and weep

2010-06-02T05:05:00.000-07:00

Okay, no more pussyfootin' around the truth. No more, "I lost 2 pounds."

Two pounds from what?

This is the cold, hard truth.

Fuck you, Weight Watchers scale. I never want to see you say this again!

Round 2

2010-05-02T17:33:00.000-07:00

I stopped going to the gym last week. Bye, bye free membership. I know...I know. I had to. I was so BORED. I swear, the only thing that kept me going was the stories I might get for my blog. Bad reason.

Instead, I decided to start P90X for the millionth time. I usually can't make it past the first 4 weeks but this time, I only made it 4 days. It's a huge time commitment; an hour a day, 6 days a week. And the stupid yoga that I hate is 90 minutes!

Since I own every infomercial exercise program out there, I decided to mix things up and do a little of each so I don't feel overwhelmed or bored. I started doing Winsor Pilates again and I had forgotten how much I liked it. I really need to focus on my core and this is just the workout to do it.

Look out Daisy. Chrissy's in the house...

I'm also walking/jogging 45 minutes every night. When it's dark. And no one can see me except for the skunks that I have to look out for.

I've decided to not weigh myself for a while because it just makes me too number focused and sets me up for defeat. Instead, I'll be able to gauge my weight by the clothing that I can fit into in my closet.

Right now, that would be none, so at least I have my baseline.

Curses!

2010-04-29T20:21:00.000-07:00

The Devil sent me this Blizzard of the Month email from Dairy Queen yesterday.

...Hot fudge, peanuts, and choco chunks blended with creamy vanilla soft serve...Buster Bar Blizzard.

What do you mean, I'm normal??

2010-04-25T16:57:00.000-07:00

Okay, so here's the scoop. I went to the endocrinologist on Monday and she sent me for bloodwork to test my thyroid, pituitary gland, cortisol, etc.

I got a copy of my results before she called me back and Googled everything. I really had no idea what I was reading but I deduced that it must be my thyroid and/or my out of control cortisol levels that were making me fat.

I had already looked up all the medications that I likely would have to be on for the rest of my life to control my "condition" when the doctor called me at 4:55 on Friday afternoon.

"Hi Chrissy, it's Dr. Manos. I just wanted to let you know that your bloodwork looks pretty normal so that's good."

"Are you sure? That doesn't make sense."

"Well, the only thing I would like to run another test on are your cortisol levels. They tend to vary during the day so we'll need to test your urine throughout the day to check it."

Great. So now I need to carry around 4 or 5 vials and fill them with my pee throughout the day. Will they give me an insulated lunch sack or something? Maybe I can find a way to be less conspicuous.

I know. I know. I should be happy that there's nothing wrong with me. (physically, that is) But I just can't believe that I've gained all this weight through my own volition.

I guess it's time to step up my game and really focus on my diet as well as my workouts. Admittedly, I've been less than strict with myself and have allowed far too many "cheats".

I've already sent an email out to my staff informing them that if anyone offers me cookies or candy that they will be fired.

30 Pounds to GO??

2010-04-17T12:30:00.000-07:00

I know...I know....where the hell have you been? You haven't posted in 17 days!

I know...

As you can see, I'm not doing very well. I do feel like my body is "shifting" so my clothes are fitting a little differently, but the scale is still being a bitch and reminding me just how slowly it's coming off.

Admittedly, the last week has been tough. I've mentioned how I've always been an emotional eater and I was fortunate enough to never gain weight after my binges but those days are gone.

My father was diagnosed with terminal cancer 6 months ago and he was doing great. However, his tumor has grown and he's become increasingly weaker. I've been trying to spend as much time with him as I can so when the choice is to workout or see him, it's a no brainer.

I do know that I need to do this for myself, though, because I'm emotionally drained and being physically overweight just adds to the burden but it's hard not to feel, "In the grand scheme of things, what's the point?"

I am finally going to the endocrinologist on Monday. I work in a hospital so you would think that I would have been able to get an appointment sooner but the other doctors I called wouldn't see me until June! I finally just drove over to the office with my hospital ID on and sweet talked the secretary into getting me an earlier appointment.

Wish me luck!

Hope on the horizon?

2010-03-30T20:37:00.000-07:00

I went to the doctor today for my follow up visit. A few months ago, she switched one of my meds and we talked about my weight gain. As you know, I've been diligently working to try to lose this weight, but I feel like there are things beyond my control that are keeping me from losing it. And no, I don't mean the Cadbury eggs.

She looked back over my history and saw that my weight has remained the same for about 10 years. Her exact quote was, "I remember how thin you were when you first came in. And you've always stayed about the same."

I know! That's what I've been trying to tell you!

I think she was convinced when I showed her Exhibit A & Exhibit B.

"I don't remember those."

I know! That's what I've been trying to tell you!

She finally agreed that this probably isn't just a case of closet eating and couch sitting. She referred me to an endocrinologist so hopefully they'll have some more insight into what's going on.

Measurements

2010-03-28T06:53:00.000-07:00

Okay, I don't feel as bad as I did yesterday. I've lost 2.5 inches! One off my hips, one off my waist and (sadly) 1/2 off my bust.

I'll take it!

Week Four Weigh In

2010-03-27T20:59:00.001-07:00

I'm pretty disappointed but I'm hoping that "if you take it off slow and steady, it will stay off" is true because gosh, it sure is coming off slow!

Keeping up with the Joneses

2010-03-21T19:43:00.002-07:00

You know how I joined the local YMCA because they were offering 90 days free for residents of the county, right? Well, I know the place is free and I appreciate it. I really do.

However, it really is a dump.

I think it's one of their older facilities and it's obvious that they haven't put any money into it in years. There's only a handful of treadmills, bikes, ellipticals and steppers and they're crowded into a room that's not much larger than someone's basement. The walls could use a fresh coat of paint and I'm afraid to use the showers. This sign is usually on one or more pieces of equipment.

My girlfriend asked me if I would consider joining this club that just opened about 4 months ago. Take a look...

Locker room

Cardio room

Class room

Cafe

Showers WITH curtains

Weight room

Indoor pool. So you know that means there's an outdoor pool

I gotta tell you, it's tempting. Since they're new in town, they're offering crazy low rates but it is further away than I have to go now which wouldn't be a hassle in the summer but I'm guessing I wouldn't want to do it in the winter.

I told her I would wait and see if I get in shape. I like that 90% of the people where I workout now are just as overweight as me. No intimidatingly beautiful bodies here.

Do any of you workout at a gym?

Week Three Weigh In

2010-03-21T19:43:00.001-07:00

I'm a workout infomercial junkie

2010-03-16T17:54:00.001-07:00

I've bought The Firm, Core Secrets, P90, P90X, Cathe Friedrich and Winsor Pilates. I'm an infomercial addict.

Really? All I have to do is get billed 100 easy payments of $29.99 and I can look like that too? Sold!

Here's the latest one I saw on TV. Does anyone know someone who's tried the Brazil Butt Lift Workout?

I'm such a sucker for infomercials but I've never heard of this before and I really want the "taut tush of the gorgeous girls on the beaches of Rio de Janeiro!"

What a COOL top

2010-03-15T19:24:00.000-07:00

I have to tell you about this fabulous top I bought for working out this weekend. You can read about the downside to the thin fabric here but I'm going to talk about the positives now.

You've probably seen the ads for a fabric that "wicks" sweat away from your body and keeps you cooler. Personally, I never believed the hype and I couldn't justify spending $20-$30 on a T shirt when I could buy two cotton ones for the same price.

I decided to bite the bullet and spend the $20 and I'm thrilled that I did. I tend to sweat a lot and even 30 minutes into my workout, I was comfortable and felt cooler than I usually do. It was fabulous!

The fabric is manufactured under a few different names depending on the vendor.

Dri-FIT-Nike

CLIMACOOL-Adidas

PlayDry-Reebok

I can't wait to go buy more. Two thumbs up from me!

Scary Statistics

2010-03-14T00:02:00.000-08:00

Two out of five women and one out of five men would trade three to five years of their life to achieve their weight goals.

In 1970 the average age of a girl who started dieting was 14; by 1990 the average dieting age fell to 8.

A study found that women overestimate the size of their hips by 16% and their waists by 25%, yet the same women were able to correctly estimate the width of a box.

After viewing images of female fashion models, seven out of ten women felt more depressed and angry than prior to viewing the images.

The “ideal” woman - portrayed by models, Miss America, Barbie dolls, and screen actresses - is 5’5, weighs 100 pounds and wears a size 5.

Young girls are more afraid of becoming fat than they are of nuclear war, cancer, or losing their parents.

One out of three women and one out of four men are on a diet at any given time. Two thirds of dieters regain the weight within one year and virtually all regain it within five years.

35% of occasional dieters progress into pathological dieting.

The diet industry (diet foods, diet programs, diet drugs, etc.) takes in over $40 billion each year and continues to grow.

30% of women chose an ideal body shape that is 20% underweight and an additional 44% chose an ideal body shape that is 10% underweight.

The average U.S. woman is 5’4” and weighs 140 pounds whereas the average U.S. model is 5’11” and weighs 117 pounds.

2010-03-13T20:22:00.000-08:00

Week Two Weigh In

2010-03-13T09:45:00.000-08:00

I have to tell you. I was really dreading this weigh in today. As I've said, I'm an emotional eater and it's been an especially challenging week. There's a total reorganization going on at work and each day, I wonder if I'll have a job.

As if that wasn't enough, on top of my father's cancer, my mother ended up in the emergency room on Thursday with what they thought was congestive heart failure. Fortunately, her lungs were clear but she's still there because of an existing heart condition and they're continuing to monitor her.

Normally, ONE of the events would cause me to overeat and TWO would send me into a complete tailspin. Surprisingly, I did eat a few Cadbury eggs but I was able to stop at that instead of eating a whole basket full.

I gave up Diet Coke for Lent, however, I did start drinking it again on Thursday. Right now, the wrath of God is the least of my worries. Just kidding, Big Fella..

AND...get this...dare I say, I'm actually enjoying my workouts! Don't get me wrong, I would choose the couch over the treadmill any day.

I knew that if I got over the hump and just did it, that I would actually be motivated to continue.

To keep me even more motivated, I lost 2.1 pounds this week! Yippee! I still hate the fact that we have to weigh in every week but I guess I do find myself being more conscious of what I'm eating at the end of the week because I know Saturday morning and the scale are right around the corner.

Any successes or challenges to share this week?

1st weigh in

2010-03-06T09:10:00.000-08:00

Okay, this is going to be harder than I thought. Apparently, I can't drop 5 pounds in a week like I used to BF (Before 40).

I didn't lose a pound.

Nuthin'. Zilch. Zippo. Nada.

Was my diet perfect? No. In fact, I did have one huge slip up. I took Dad for his chemo on Thursday and his breathing just seemed really labored. That scared me. He has stage 4 lung cancer and his prognosis is not great but he's been doing so well.

As I've done forever, when I got back in my car to go to work, the first thing I wanted to do was eat. So I went to the McDonald's drive-thru and ate a Mc-something. It satisfied me for a minute and then I felt disgusted with myself for eating it.

Now, normally, I would figure I had already screwed up, I might as well ruin the whole day. But I was good. I stuck to my diet the rest of the day. AND I went to a movie last night and didn't have my usual tub of buttered popcorn.

I didn't gain this weight overnight. (although, it sure seems like I did!) I know I won't lose it overnight.

One day at a time.

How is everyone doing?

Tips for getting started - Exercise

2010-03-04T18:20:00.000-08:00

**If you've been sedentary for a long time, are overweight, have a high risk of coronary heart disease or some other chronic health problem, see your doctor for a medical evaluation before beginning a physical activity program.

**Set realistic goals. Don't set goals that you know are unattainable because you'll just be setting yourself up for defeat. One day at a time.

**Choose activities that are fun, not exhausting. Add variety. Develop a repertoire of several activities that you can enjoy. That way, exercise will never seem boring or routine.

**Wear comfortable, properly fitted footwear and comfortable, loose-fitting clothing appropriate for the weather and the activity.

**Find a convenient time and place to do activities. Try to make it a habit, but be flexible. If you miss an exercise opportunity, work activity into your day another way.

**Use music to keep you entertained.

**Surround yourself with supportive people. Decide what kind of support you need. Do you want them to remind you to exercise? Ask about your progress? Participate with you regularly or occasionally?

**Don't overdo it. Do low- to moderate-level activities, especially at first. You can slowly increase the duration and intensity of your activities as you become more fit. Over time, work up to exercising on most days of the week for 30-60 minutes.

**Keep a record of your activities. Reward yourself at special milestones. Nothing motivates like success!

2010-03-03T18:35:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone,

Thanks for joining me here at The Stripalicious Challenge. Now, I know when I say challenge, it sounds like a competition but it's not. It's just a place to exchange workout or diet ideas and to keep each other motivated.

Personally, I would like to lose 35 pounds. I'm truly shocked that I've gained so much weight. I've never had a problem with my weight so I'm really struggling with this.

I'm sure that my age is a factor and I think that some of the medication I started on last spring is contributing as well.

Since it's been SO long since I've worked out regularly, I'm easing my way into it so that I don't overdo it and decide to quit. Like I usually do.

This week, I joined my local Y on Saturday and I've been there 3 out of the last 4 days so I think that's a good start.

I'll try to post at least every other day and I welcome guest posts from all of you.

I've added a weight loss ticker for myself. If you would like to add yours here, go to www.tickerfactory.com and just email me the HTML code.

So whether you have to lose 5 pounds or 50, let's work together to be Stripalicious!