Witchy Weight Loss and Support - Yule be losing some weight with us! - Page 3

[Queen of Cups]

Who am I?  I'm a mom to a six year old and a five year old, I work part-time, and my husband just started a new job so he's working out of the home for the first time since before we had kids. This summer he traveled for work a lot and we got to go with him - it was a lot of fun and we ate out a TON. And, it seems, I gained nearly a ton!  We moved back to the area where we grew up 3.5 years ago and I'm now about 25 lbs heavier than I was when we moved (I was between 130-135 then).  Ugh. I've been struggling with my weight since we moved, my kids both weaned and after tandem nursing for a few years my appetite was out of control!  I work out - hard - every day, so I just need to get the eating part of it under control.  I've struggled with an eating disorder in the past, so I have to work hard not to go nuts when I try to loose weight.  I seem to have overcome that problem a little too well the last couple years... maybe I've been too hesitant to commit to a diet for fear of it overtaking my life, but at this point I am really miserable with my appearance.  I'm pretty muscular and in great shape - I just have too much fat on me.

Goals? As of this morning, I'm 158 lbs.  I want to get down to 125. 

How I'm going to get there? I'm tracking everything I eat using an app on my Droid, and I'm going to stay at 1350 calories/day until I get to my goal weight, then I'll figure out how many I need to eat to maintain.  I'm making a permanent commitment to tracking my calories and my weight on a daily basis.  I've tried weight watchers, intermittent fasting, and south beach the last couple years and none of them work for me for more than a few weeks - I get too frustrated with them.  Nothing is as simple/easy as just sticking to a calorie allowance. I'm going to continue my exercise regime: walk and/or run with my dog every morning and do either the 30 day shred workout video or go to the gym and work hard on the elliptical.  I try to get a long hike or bikeride in every week or two.  I just started doing the Shred a few weeks ago, before that I was lifting weights - when I get tired of the Shred I'll go back to weight lifting.  I use a heart rate monitor and stay between 70-85% of my maximum heart rate during my workouts.  I really prefer to do as much exercise outdoors as possible, it feels almost wasteful to workout indoors instead of doing useful work outdoors... but there's just not as much outdoor work to be done this time of the year and I don't like the cold, either, so I'm trying to make the best of working out indoors.

This week will be tough - we celebrate Thanksgiving with my in-laws on Thursday, and with my parents on Friday.  Portion control, portion control, portion control!

[aweynsayl]

i've had a couple powerful revelations, ladies!

i realized that part of my problem is that we dont have a consistent schedule-- which means no good eating schedule. we virtually never eat dinner together during the week, and that's unavoidable. but i've been really inconsistent with breakfast as well-- some mornings cooking really nice big meals with eggs and meat, and some days grabbing coffee and not even eating til like 3! so, i'm working on making that more evened out. i got some (gasp) pre-packaged things, so i can at least still get something to eat, even if i'm running out the door not to be back for hours. 

oh, and did i mention that within days of my deciding to go back on the raw coconut, the store discontinued it? gah!!! so so typical of me! lol

the other thing i realized, working with the FEs, is that i have a historic lack of feeling nurtured. i was born a month early, and i know some people set a lot of store by that, though i've never much thought about it... but i started a sacral chakra flower that's supposed to be good for people who feel malnourished, and i started putting it IN my belly button. i dont know why, but i did, and i had this amazingly powerful realization-- a sadness (and maybe fear?) at the loss of my umbilical cord! crazy, eh? it's funny though, because i've always had sort of strange issues with my belly button.... so, i've been working on that. and i know i need to deal with other facets of my in utero experience and birth and early years. i was a "surprise" and probably not a very welcome one, one that certainly turned a few lives upside down.... and i do have some vague feelings of really nasty things being said or at least thought. i was very cognizant as a child that i was not a full/real person, unlike my cousins and other kids who were "legitimate." this is all really hard for me to face, but i'm finding the ability to look at it honestly. i'm fairly certain this and a couple other things from my childhood will help me solve my belly problems. (here's the flower i'm taking for that, in case anyone is interested!)

all that being said, i am VERY much looking forward to that huge turkey tomorrow...........

hugs and happy wishes to all!!!

xoxoxoxoxo

[Queen of Cups]

How are the holidays going for everyone? 

I'm so proud of myself - yesterday I ate very light all day, worked out, then had Thanksgiving Dinner at my in-law's house.  I had small portions of everything, savoring every bite.  I did have more wine than I'd planned on, but otherwise I did great. I actually weighed less when I went to bed than when I woke up!  Today will be a bigger challenge, we're hosting Thanksgiving Dinner at my house for my family and so we'll have all my favorites on the table!  I'm going to try to stick to the same plan though - small servings of everything and really enjoy every bite without going back for seconds. I had an egg white omelet for breakfast and already did my 30 Day Shred DVD, and after dinner I think I'll take my dog for a nice long walk if it isn't raining.

Aweynsayl, do you think its this time of year that makes us evaluate our place within our family and how we interact?  I've been thinking about family situations a lot... Its weird, I am much better at controlling my portion size and eating at my in-laws than when I'm with my parents.  I guess its because I feel safe and secure and not at all judged when I'm eating with my parents.  My in-laws are very concerned with weight (they mask their concern as for health, though), but I did have a good talk with my FIL yesterday.  A few years ago I had to tell my in-laws to stop harassing my husband about his weight, my FIL once said to me that he was happy that I "obviously didn't have an eating disorder" about a year before I actually developed an eating disorder (that wasn't a very nice way to tell a college student that she was chubby), and it seems like whenever I'm around my in-laws they end up critisizing overweight people. So, I'm terrified they'll think I'm fat or overeating and so I don't like to eat much in front of them.  Talking with my FIL yesterday, though, I told him that I was trying to loose weight because I've gained 30 lbs since I moved here and he didn't believe it and said he really couldn't tell - which made me feel a bit better.  Maybe my weight gain isn't as obvious to everyone else as it is to me, especially when someone I know to be obsessed with weight didn't notice.  Anyway, my in-laws are coming to our house today so I guess the stress of them being here will help me stick to my plan. When I'm with my parents I eat till I'm full - or past full - and enjoy the conversation and the shared enjoyment of food and family.  I need to figure out how to not be so stressed about food in front of my in-laws and how to be more in control of my portions around my parents.

[Aubergine68]

Just wanted to say Hi and welcome, Queen of Cups!  You raise some interesting questions.  I'll come back later when I have more time!

[Aubergine68]

Hello again!

No holiday weekend here in Canada.  Hope all is going well for all of you.

aweyn, your insight re: the flower essence, the navel, and nourishment sounds really important.  It's got me thinking about some of my own stuff, too - thanks for sharing!  If I ask the question "where did my health go wrong," I have to come back to prenatal experience, too, actually, since I was born with congenital issues most probably relating to a tranquilizer that my mom was prescribed during pregnancy (a drug that even in the late 60s, they knew better than to give to women of childbearing age).  And these issues are the reason for this surgery I'm having early next month, actually.  I am having a lot of ideas for tapping relating to this!  

Now, honestly, I do believe - have always believed from a very young age - that I chose before birth to be born with these health issues. ETA and I want to be clear that I believe this for *myself only* -- am not implying that what I believe is my truth is necessarily anyone else's truth.

Hmmmm.  That doesn't /wouldn'tchange the fact that these issues are/were traumatic for me on physical/mental/spiritual levels, that these traumas are still playing out. Even if karma played a role in all of these health issues,  this trauma needs to be healed.  Well, now. That's more than enough work to be going on with for the weekend.

I was feeling really crappy physically lately, but now am doing a little better.  Actually had 30 day shred out from the library and didn't work out to it once, between this infection stuff and being in the red tent.  NOW I could go for it, but had to return it to the library.  Maybe I should do some hooping tonight.  Do not want to go swimming as my immune system is a bit low and I don't want to risk catching someone's flu or gastro bug and miss my surgery date.  

Originally Posted by Queen of Cups  do you think its this time of year that makes us evaluate our place within our family and how we interact?  

Yes, I absolutely think it is the time of year.  And I think evaluating our place within/reaction to our family is very important.  The holidays raise grief issues for many people as well.  I have lost my grandma and a special aunt this past year, and I am really avoiding thinking about the first Christmas season without them.  Now if that isn't a recipe for unhealthy eating/living, I don't know what is.  

Edited by Aubergine68 - 11/26/10 at 4:10pm

[umami_mommy]

subbing! what an interesting take on weight loss!

[femme_rouge]

Welcome umami mommy.  I love your quote.  I was in a choir this summer that performed a piece with that poem I do believe.

Aubergine-((hugs)) Are things any clearer for you after the weekend?  That is a lot to think about.  I hope you're feeling better.

Queen of Cups-Interesting question/thought indeed.  I spent the last few days reflecting on this actually.  For me, my weight is wrapped around a lot of my family dynamics.  Thanksgiving with the in-laws went fine.  I felt relaxed and comfortable with food.  I ate what I wanted in the amount that I wanted.  The next morning I did a web cam with my parents and then unconsciously walked directly over to the pie and continued to eat in a mindless way the rest of the day.  It wasn't until the next day that I unraveled the connection.

Well, I'm in the stabilization part of my program.  I've gone up a bit, but overall I'm OK with how things are going.  Hope everyone is feeling some peace with where we are.

[spughy]

I think it's unfortunate when grief overshadows times of joy with our families.  My father died fifteen years ago, in early January, and yes, the holiday season reminds us of that, but he would have been SO upset to think that his death forever marred our enjoyment of Christmas... I miss him, so much, but in a way I appreciate my sisters, my mom, my husband, and my daughter so much more during that time because I realize how completely precious they are and how wonderful it is to share special times like that with them.   I get to actually spend the whole season with them up north this year and I am really looking forward to it. 

[_ktg_]

Welcome Queen of Cups & Umami_mommy!  Queen of Cups - Interesting question!  I find myself better in control with my parents too because of comfort to turn down items or take a small portion vs if it was my in-laws I would feel obligated to take more especially in the desserts area.   With my family - its easy to discuss our dietary choices - though they don't 100% get why I eat more fats in light of "research" out there, but they understand and respect I know what makes me feel healthier and help where they can to support me.  For instance my mom totally embraced having whipped parsnips/carrots instead of mashed potatoes.  

I wish my DH had parents like mine!  T-day is a terrible holiday for him as he relives all the criticism and harassment he used to get (and still does on occasion) from his family. UGH.  He was so depressed he just slept most of the day and didn't interact except for coming down for dinner.  It was awful because my parents thought it was them, and its not - its 20 years of horrid  thanksgivings before it which causes him to spiral down.

Aweyn - I'll send you a PM but thank you so much for the FE pages - I have some picked out but I'm going to run it by to get your thoughts. 

Today I weighed in after the holidays - -5.1 lbs per the Wii (now my official scale in the house!). Now to just stick to only eating 1200 cal/day - I swear its like salad & carrots/celery sticks only, which makes kt a sad panda!

Wishing everyone a bright & happy Monday morning!!

[Aubergine68]

Welcome, umami mommy! 

Quote:

Originally Posted by femme_rouge 

Aubergine-((hugs)) Are things any clearer for you after the weekend?  That is a lot to think about.  I hope you're feeling better.

Queen of Cups-Interesting question/thought indeed.  I spent the last few days reflecting on this actually.  For me, my weight is wrapped around a lot of my family dynamics.  Thanksgiving with the in-laws went fine.  I felt relaxed and comfortable with food.  I ate what I wanted in the amount that I wanted.  The next morning I did a web cam with my parents and then unconsciously walked directly over to the pie and continued to eat in a mindless way the rest of the day.  It wasn't until the next day that I unraveled the connection.

Well, I've been a little teary, feeling overwhelmed sometimes - just trying to process the emotions.  Lots going on, yeah.  Thank you so much for asking!   

So interesting about your pie trigger!  I need to start paying attention to that.

Originally Posted by spughy 

I think it's unfortunate when grief overshadows times of joy with our families.  My father died fifteen years ago, in early January, and yes, the holiday season reminds us of that, but he would have been SO upset to think that his death forever marred our enjoyment of Christmas... I

These are words I needed to hear right now, thanks, deep thanks, for this.  It has been 11 Christmases since my dad died...

Originally Posted by _ktg_ 

Welcome Queen of Cups & Umami_mommy!  Queen of Cups - Interesting question!  I find myself better in control with my parents too because of comfort to turn down items or take a small portion vs if it was my in-laws I would feel obligated to take more especially in the desserts area.   With my family - its easy to discuss our dietary choices - though they don't 100% get why I eat more fats in light of "research" out there, but they understand and respect I know what makes me feel healthier and help where they can to support me.  For instance my mom totally embraced having whipped parsnips/carrots instead of mashed potatoes.  

I wish my DH had parents like mine!  T-day is a terrible holiday for him as he relives all the criticism and harassment he used to get (and still does on occasion) from his family. UGH.  He was so depressed he just slept most of the day and didn't interact except for coming down for dinner.  It was awful because my parents thought it was them, and its not - its 20 years of horrid  thanksgivings before it which causes him to spiral down.

Best wishes to you as you support your dh through rough times for him.  The holidays can be so much pressure, sometimes.  
 

[Maiasaura]

Originally Posted by _ktg_ I swear its like salad & carrots/celery sticks only, which makes kt a sad panda!

ROFL sad panda! My sweet M introduced the panda thing to me...OMG he's a hoot.

Welcome to the new mamas. I have been sort of holding steady in the 164-167 range. I am going to go back to losing more weight in January.

[umami_mommy]

thank you for the welcome witchy mamas. 

i have lots to say, but am very busy with the kids right now. 

i am an almost 45 year old married mama of 2; a 3 year old and an 8 year old. i homeschool and work from home. i have been an "out" witch for ummmmm 17 years? (i guess) i was originally initiated as a dianic-mcfarland wiccan type witch. (a very traditional british trad) i trained all the way up the ranks to HPS. after i left my first husband i also left my coven and began identifying as a reclaiming witch. i have been a witchcamp organizer and teacher and currently do nothing very organized except meeting for the solar holidays with a group of pagan families with kids. 

my life is busy and that is one of the reasons i am fat. anyway, more about my fatness later. off to the Y with the kids. 

UM

[Valerie.Qc]

I'm letting go of the idea to loose any wait/getting fit for now...

My goal is just to stay up, feed my body and stay sane and healthy while I mourn.

I'll see in a few weeks how I feel about all this...

[Aubergine68]

Hugs, Valerie.  Thinking about you today.  Please be kind to yourself while you feel what you need o feel, work through what you need to work through.

Hi Maia!

umami mommy,  I am one of those who loses weight when very busy, eats like mad when not busy enough.  Trouble is, getting really busy causes me other issues --  3-day migraines every week, mostly -- and that is not the way I want to be.    I need to find a way to be all-around healthy.

[umami_mommy]

i swam laps for 20 minutes @ the Y today! i took the kids and my friend's DH was there and he played with all the kids while i swam. (i watched his kids while he worked out too) my food consumption is another story. but i'm not beating myself up right now. ugh!

[Maiasaura]

Hi Aubergine! Welcome, Umami I got down to 164 at M's, but I am up to 167.4 today, even after a high protein/fat day yesterday I am having a HORRIBLE morning. DS is way, way, over-the-top hyper and that does not bode well for a good day. I have been up an hour and I'm already exhausted. After yesterday (uber-depressed all day), I was hoping for a better day today.

[aweynsayl]

QofC~ i dunno, i obsess over my family relations year-round, personally. ;-) lol but i hear you on the "problems with food around the in laws." my family is totally relaxed and no-rules, the in laws are the opposite. so, it's just more STRESSFUL to eat (or not eat!) there. i dont think stress and digestion go well together... uh, if you wanted to bore yourself you could go back and work out my weird, messed up issues regarding stress and digestion, lol.... but yeah. it doesnt help.

aubergine, wow, hon. huge hugs. yes, tapping (and flowers! yes! flowers! maybe mariposa lily would help? the way they word it doesnt quite resonate with me, but i think the essence of it might be helpful in some way), but what about quantum k? did you ever keep up with those? i havent done it in soooo long, but i keep thinking i might. i've been thinking about something we vaguely discussed before-- about issues my *grandmother* had, while she was pregnant with my *mom*..... quantum k might be helpful in releasing those, though, really... flowers are resonating with me so much right now, and have effected such amazing changes with me already......

i do think for me, it's all about nourishment. i'm finding with the star thistle so far that certain foods are not appealing to me, and i'm really craving more.... nourishing... foods. interesting. i'm trying snap dragon (for jaw tension and the need to be chewing-- i'm an ice cruncher!), and chamomile, for stress held in the belly!  i've noticed, too, that several flowers talk about the connection between imbalance between the lower and upper chakras. i wonder, aubergine, with how much you and i like books, for example, if we're not both a little on the side of upper-chakra-over-stimulated, and lower-chakra-under-stimulated.... because we lacked nourishment in the lower chakras in utero/as babes? it's all connected, imo. i said way back when in the chakra thread that i knew there was a connection between my throat and sacral chakras...... i forget what my focus was, in that conversation. was that really a year ago? i think! 

[_ktg_]

Oh the chraka thread - there are some days I wish to go back to it, I'm still learning but wow that one really set me on trying to get to the bottom of this and just seeing how scattered and closed off in some areas I am. Imbalance is my middle name I feel like this year.  Next year... BALANCE and NURTURE sound like my words I want to focus on.

Doing great in keeping to my 1200 cal and getting ready for my trip to Sunny San Diego! My goal is to have fun but not to overindulge too much and get lots of walking in during the day since I won't be stuck behind a computer for 8 hours.

[aweynsayl]

how about we start a new one for the new year? maybe in H&H rather than spirituality? or.... if we could get those private threads going, we could REALLY get into stuff in a more "safe" setting! 

(eta: i mean chakra thread, not ww thread) :-)

[aweynsayl]

i just have to admit, despite how much i whine about the dust and dryness and heat and lack of "real" plants here, i do rather love the fact that it's sunny and 70 and i just had the most LOVELY swim...... ahhhhh.