This post is written as part of a journey inspired by the Heart and Stroke Foundation’s My Healthy Weight Action Plan, an online tool geared towards helping you live a healthier life. Feel free to get caught up on previous posts: Week 1, Week 2, Week 3, Week 4, Week 5, Week 6, Week 7, Week 8, Week 9, Week 10, Week 11, Week 12, Week 13
Here are the stats to show my progress in my “Get Healthy Challenge”:
| Start Weight: 190 pounds | Starting BMI: 28.9 |
|---|---|
| End of Week 1: 185 pounds | End of Week 1 BMI: 28.1 |
| End of Week 4: 179 pounds | End of Week 4 BMI: 27.2 |
| End of Week 8: 175 pounds | End of Week 8 BMI: 26.6 |
| End of Week 13: 180 pounds | End of Week 13 BMI: 27.4 |
My goal is to reach a normal BMI which would be 24.9 (the top of what is considered a “normal” BMI) at 164 pounds and from there, I plan to reassess.
This is very difficult (and embarrassing) for me to write this week AND even harder to see those numbers. You read correct, I am up 6 pounds from last week. How is this even possible?!
Here are my reasons:
- It’s the time of month where my body naturally retains water – I’m hoping that it is retaining 6 pounds worth, but something tells me that is a false hope.
- It was a VERY stressful week around here for me and when I’m stressed, I tend to eat. This must change. I would love to change it to exercise!
- I made some bad food choices.
- I didn’t exercise much.
- It was Easter.
- We went away and eating away from home is always difficult.
- We ate out a lot and unfortunately I didn’t stick to just salads.
- When I start seeing my progress disappear, I get discouraged, this stresses me out and then the vicious cycle begins.
- Did I mention it was Easter and that means lots of chocolate temptations!
BUT just because I had a terrible week doesn’t mean that I am going to give up! I MUST get back on this journey and take control. I must! I’m worth it, I deserve it. I CAN do this.
So, it’s Monday morning (I usually write this on Fridays) and I am starting fresh. The weekend is over. We are back home and I will start my healthy living again. I will exercise. I will use the FREE online Heart and Stroke Foundation My Healthy Weight Action Plan Tool and I will get back on track. I admit that I didn’t use the tool at all last week and I am now paying for it. The tracking tool must become my best friend – I truly believe now (after spending a week away) that I need that tool to “stay on track”. No pun intended of course.
Off I go to drink some water, track the food I’ve had this morning (I started my day with a small bowl of oatmeal) and think some positive thoughts. Oh AND I am also off to recruit my amazing supporters because I need their help and their encouragement! Last week, in desperation, I started a Facebook Group where Moms who are on a similar “getting healthy” challenge can chat together about their goals, successes and challenges. Would you like to join us? Check it out here.
Have you had this happen to you? Have you started a healthy journey and moved backwards for a week or more? Did you overcome your hurdle? How did you do it?
This Healthy Challenge is NOT a diet for me, I am trying to make it a Lifestyle Change and after what happened this past week, I have learned why.
Here are the Blog Hops if you are interested in checking them out:
- Adventures in Miscellany
- Canadian Coupon Mom
- Kat’s Confessions
- Little Miss Kate
- My Little Review Corner
- Pampered Patty
- Sober Julie
- Whispered Inspirations
Ok, your turn. Tell me what one of your “staying healthy” challenges was this week!
Opinions expressed belong to Multi-Testing Mommy and are NOT influenced in any way. See MTM’s Disclosure for more details.
Oh man, that’s frustrating. 🙁 I feel for you.
I really need to get myself into some sort of “get better plan” because I’ve gained 50! lbs since last summer. I’m mortified. So depressed I’ve given up.
Every journey has its ups and downs. This is just a down moment.
And, remember, weight numbers are just a small part of being healthy. Don’t let a small increase or decrease ruin your day.
Well you know my story…I`m in the same boat and I`m so bummed out today! I love your attitude though that you`re not giving up and that it`s a new week, weekend is over etc. Let`s get back on track and stay motivated!
Around holidays is always going to be hard girly, it’s okay. It’s hard when there’s so many temptations right in front of you. This weekend was hard for me too. I didn’t count any points, I had alcohol, chocolate and tons of food, I do my weekly weigh in tomorrow, which won’t be good since today is my wedding anniversary and we’re going out to eat I can only imagine how much weight I’ve put on. Tons of hugs going your way girly. I’m sure you’ll loose those pounds quickly, I believe in you! <3
First off, you know I love you, right? Well now I am going to get harsh with you young lady!
Listen here, I read your post one thing stood out to me, you wrote: When I start seeing my progress disappear, I get discouraged, this stresses me out and then the vicious cycle begins.
Your progress isn’t disappearing! Don’t get yourself on a downward spiral. Yes you gained 6 pounds, you had a rough week, you need to get back to doing what was working. I know, I am not good at math, but by my calculations you are still down 10 pounds. It’s not as good as 16 pounds down, but it is still great, and you learned some valuable lessons from this. What you don’t want to do is focus on the negative, and undo the great work you have done!
So go forth, drink your water, and track that celery you just ate!
time to get back on that horse right? no worries, holidays are rough for everyone and travel on top of that is even harder. Keep Going Girl!!!!
No worries Mama! Weekends are hard and so are holidays, we still gotta live right!
I’m sure you are back at it this week 🙂
I think you’re doing awesome!
I’m in the same boat and I have to post my measurements for something different than this.
I’m doing FITMOM and I love it.
I’ve only lost a couple of inches but I have to make more diet modifications.
No more wine for me! Sigh……LOL!
Good for you sister, I’ve gone up that much before my time of month and gotten on track again and it fades off.
I’m so proud of you for writing it down!
Oh hon! Don’t get down on yourself! Those are not excuses they are the facts. I gain 3 lbs once a month “around that time” and at holidays we all usually overeat. You should see the garbage I ate this weekend!! I wish I could you a big hug and let you know that next week (same time, same bat place) you’re gonna feel better. Don’t let the scale break you 🙂
that must be frustrating. But, it sounds like your ready to start fresh so good luck to you this week!
Its all good! You know you can do it but I know how difficult it is to keep it off and keep on schedule with eating well etc.
The trick is to not let it defeat you and you seem to have that concquered!
Have a great week!
ps It takes alot of courage to post those numbers and for that you have my respect!
Ive been battling a plateau since Christmas so I empathise! So although the scale isnt budging, Im still committed to my 5 day a week exercise appointment.I wont call it a goal because then I can too easily procrastinate.
This was a bad week for me too. I’m sorry I didn’t post my Fit and Firm and I promise this week I’m back. WE all need support and you know, this week I’m up too. What’s worse is that I’ve gained so much weight since October, I don’t know if it’s because I’m anemic or whatever but, it’s been hard to lose. It’s so easy to get discouraged but, if you had a bad week, just start a new, don’t think you need to “punish” yourself for eating “bad”. It’ll only set you up for failure. ((BIG HUGS)) we will get past this hump together!
Oh – same here! Totally up this week. I do the same thing as you. Give up and start eating more! Today I started fresh. Healthy breakfast and lunch – and lots and lots of water. And my vitamins.
Also – PMS and Easter is a brutal combo. I know. Cuz same.
DRINK A LOT OF WATER. I know it’s the hardest part, but at the same time, it will help because there’s no way that’s 6lbs of food 🙂 Salt plays a big role.
There is always up and downs! Take today and start again! Easter messed my weight lost up too. But I am back in the game! Good Luck!
Sorry to hear that you’re having a rough time this week. Reading along and rooting for you.
journeysofthezoo at hotmail dot com
http://journeysofthezoo.blogspot.ca
I just started following you; found you through the Friendly Follower Blog Hop. I’m at http://www.paintingwithpicasso.blogspot.com & also http://buildingonjoy.blogspot.com – would love if you’d stop by.
Looking forward to reading through some of your posts! Take care!!
Oh Amanda I wish I could tell you to throw that scale away and focus on measurements. It pisses me off that that thing you step on can for one moment take all the good away that you’ve done so far. You have done more changes in the last few months and you need to be proud of all of them. Don’t let that number discourage you, there are changes that are being made on the inside as well. Chin up my dear, you can do this. Don’t let that number get you down. Next week will be better. I know things have been hectic for you and it doesn’t help but it will be better next week. You are doing so well and I am so proud of you. When you step on that scale and you see a number you don’t like, don’t let it overshadow all the great things you’ve done so far. Much love! xoxo Patty
I am looking to revamp my plan.. but the stress lately has been over the top… but I have to do this for me.
I feel your frustration… {{{HUGS}}}
Oh hun! I get your frustration I totally do. It’s so hard to see the number on the scale jump back up. I experienced that last month when Aunt Flo was visiting. I retained 8lbs of bloat for 7 days. It was hard not to dwell on it.
I think you are doing fabulously. Try not to dwell too much on the number beaming back at you on the scale. You have a great attitude and approach. You recognize that this hasn’t been your best week and you’re admitting it. That’s half the battle right there. It’s tough to stay on track around the holidays! Bear that in mind too!
Keep at it girl. I think you’re doing great.
SASS
visiting from SASS
You are inspirational!! keep up the good work!
Seriously I don’t know how ANYONE loses weight between Halloween and Ester, it’s hopeless for me. Every time I see your posts I want to start a healthy eating/exercise plan but I don’t know where to start.
At least now you know that it is your efforts that is helping you lose weight. So you know you can lose those 6 again.
I already commented on your post earlier in the week. SO I will just say that I am visiting from sASS
Oof. I’m sorry to hear about the news. These setbacks will happen, and I have to say that you do appear to be taking it in stride the right way.
Life happens, easter happens, but the change in how you think is what will last forever.
If it helps, I had the same sort of Easter. As many people here have said, lets all get back on track and support each other together!
(Visiting from SASS)
You are still doing awesome! There are bound to be ups and downs but as long as we get back up and keep moving forward it is success! Big hugs!
You are doing a great job! A healthy lifestyle is hard, but you can do it!
SASS
No worries about your stumbling block, keep pushing forward!
sass
You’re doing just great! YES, YOU CAN do it!! Think of the great results you’ve already achieved and get back on track.
Looking forward to hearing about your good results next week 🙂
SASS -http://www.littlecooltoys.com/blog/weekend-activities/
Your still doing great. I have lost about 15 pounds and the past few days i have been eating garbage. I havent even weighed since..I have had bad headaches and muscle aches and since I feel like garbage Ive been eating it too.
Your not alone…
Let’s get healthy together–Week 14.–Many of us have been in your shoes. We do raally well and then, boom, we slip and sometimes it is really difficult to pick your self up and start over. Do not get discouraged. My challenge this week was not drinking enough water. I am going to try harder. I am eating more vegetables an fruit so hope the scale reflects that. LIke you, I want this to be a life style not a ‘diet.’-Keep up the good fight. we are behind you.Elva Roberts