On January 8, 2017, I made the decision to change my lifestyle. No, this isn’t some coming out notice or anything along those lines. The lifestyle change I am referring to is weight loss and weight loss maintenance. When I stepped on the scale the morning of January 8 and read the numbers “167.5”, I had the realization that 170 was becoming a future reality for me. I did not want that reality, and I made the decision to get as far away from 170 as possible. I immediately set a goal: I will get to 155.0 by March 1.
The first step I took was not eating past 7pm. In fact, I made sure I brushed my teeth between 7:00 and 7:30 to ensure I didn’t eat. I realize that may sound odd, but for me, once I brush my teeth, my desire to eat diminishes.
The second step I took, simultaneously with step 1, was weighing myself every day at the same time of day (morning) and writing the weight on the mirror (every day). Seeing the number kept me focused and motivated – even when the weight didn’t drop and/or increased a bit.
The third step I took came into play after my husband, Rob, had to go on meds to address his high blood pressure. In an effort to help the meds better improve a change in his blood pressure, we decided to join a gym and exercise on a regular basis. Around February 11th, we joined Anytime Fitness.
I had not exercised for years. Someone once told me they were on an exercise hiatus. I thought that was hysterical, and I started telling people the same thing.
Since joining Anytime Fitness in February, Rob and I have been exercising regularly – at least six days a week, and with my hard work and commitment, I made my goal on March 1st, weighing in at 155.0.
Once I hit 155, I wondered if I could drop to 150.
I decided to extend my workout a little longer and push a little harder, to continue weighing myself daily and writing down the number, and to continue eating a healthy diet. By the middle of April my weight was 147.0, and this morning – my weight was 145.5.
Today I had my annual physical, and for the first time in over 15yrs, the doctor’s scale was below 150. I was elated. In fact, I was beyond elated, because the scale showed a weight of 147, and I was fully dressed, with shoes, and it was 1:15 pm in the afternoon.
But “weight” there’s more.
Last year, my doctor wanted me to take an iron and a vitamin D supplement, because I was anemic and had low vitamin D levels. I did as I was told for a few weeks, but I slowly got out of the habit. However, when I began this lifestyle change, I started taking a Flintstones chew-able multivitamin. (Yep, Flintstones. Yep, the same multivitamin my boys take.) I wasn’t 100% certain the multi-vitamin would have enough iron and vitamin D for me, but I figured it was better than nothing. Plus, it’s way more fun to hang out with the Flintstones than it is to hang out with One-A-Day.
Today, along with being elated about my weight, I was elated to find out my blood-work was excellent. The results of the blood-work impressed my doctor greatly, and she said it’s the best numbers she’s seen [in all her patients] in years. My iron and vitamin D levels are smack-dab in the middle of normal. And my normally low blood pressure? It’s lower, too at 102/60. (Previous normal low was @ 110/70.)
I am pleased with myself. I started this new lifestyle, and I set it up in a way that I know I can continue living it. I’m making this lifestyle a priority in my life, and I make sure there is time for it. It’s not always easy, and I don’t always look forward to going to the gym, but the positive results I’ve gained continue to motivate me. I look good. I feel good. And, I am stronger. Plus, like many of you, I kept my old clothes, hoping to fit in them again one day. Well, 15yrs and 20 lbs later, that “one day” is here! And, lucky for me, my fashion sense has always been lacking, so my lack of style 15yrs ago is still as [not] happening as it was then. #winning
As they say, “That’s my story, and I’m sticking to it!” I made a lifestyle change, and I am happily living it out. Good job, Lenore. Well done!
My 48yr old self with my 24yr old friend/coworker. We look like we just walked off a college campus, right? Well, one of us does.
.::.
Afterward
I was losing weight without exercising, by simply not eating after 7pm. The weight-loss was slow but steady. When I added the exercise, the pace of the weight-loss increased, but it was still a seemingly slow process. Being patient and letting the weight come off gradually was hard, but I kept going, because I wanted to meet the goal. One doesn’t gain weight overnight – so one can’t expect to lose weight overnight.
I am married, have two kids, two dogs, and two cats. Both my husband and I work full-time. We pay a total of $60 a month for our gym membership. Monday – Friday, Rob and I typically go to the gym after dinner. On Saturdays and Sundays, Rob and I will go to the gym in the morning. Adding a structured exercise program doesn’t make it an easy lifestyle for us, but the benefits outweigh the challenges.
I am married. We have two boys, two dogs, and two cats. I am on the Oxford Comma team. I look forward to my first large cup of coffee, black, every single morning, and I look forward to that second large cup of coffee, still black, every single afternoon.
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6 thoughts on “Pardon me while I pat myself on the back.”
You look great, you feel great and, more importantly, you fit into old clothes. Congratulations – you are an inspiration!
I also made a resolution to lose weight and get healthy a year ago. It has been sloooow. I’m doing pretty well – down 53 pounds but, although I walk often, I haven’t gone back to the gym where I was once a faithful workout maven. It’s been 2 years now. I know I need to, and I know I’ll feel better, but it’s a matter of reestablishing habits. You’re really motivating me, so thanks.
The vitamin D experience is of special interest because I have the same problem. Were you able to go off the supplement because you’re getting enough in your diet now?
53 pounds! That is awesome!! Well done and bravo to you, Ms. Peg. And, if my post further inspires you, I’m honored. Keep on keepin’ on.
With regards to vitamin D, I didn’t stop taking the supplement with permission. I just stopped, because I kept forgetting. The Flintstones multi-vitamin seems to be sufficient enough to keep my level normal. Aside from the dairy, I’m not sure where my vitamin D comes from in my diet. Sad, eh? I do eat two nutritional bars each day (Good Greens and Think Thin 150), which contain vitamin D. But the fruits and vegetables I eat – I don’t think they have vitamin D.
Hi Lenore Diane. I have wondered about you and how you are and now I know. Congratulations, keep on keeping on as we say. Somehow I seem to have fallen off your list so have today resubscribed.
Hooray!! That’s fantastic — good for you! I have been ebbing and flowing (mostly in the right direction) but slowly. The late eating thing is key. The VitD advocacy that’s been so popular over the last few years is being eroded by more and larger studies showing little/no benefit for the updated higher target plasma levels — but it won’t cause a problem.
I’m so happy for you — that’s really a big achievement in such a short time (even though it feels like a long one). Slow/steady weightloss is also shown to have less “rebound”.
Thanks, Steve. Yes, slow and steady wins the race. It does feel like it has taken a long time to me, but I realize it was pretty quick all things considered.
The late eating thing was the killer for me. That’s when I eat the entire back of chips, pint of ice cream, M&Ms, etc. Coming home from work, sitting down for dinner, and then brushing my teeth – that was a step in the right direction.
And with regards to vitamin D – I tended to blow off the recommendation for taking the supplement, which is why I stopped taking it. It didn’t seem overly important to me. (The stubborn side of me.) The Flintstones multi-vitamin seems to be doing the trick and meeting my vitamin needs with no issues. Plus, it’s fun to eat! (smile)
Lenore! You DO look like you just stepped off the campus! Congratulations. You did this the hard but smart way. One day at a time of really smart choices, no silly starvation or “allergy” diets! Way to go. I really admire your strength. And…you are at a great age in life. My 50s were my very best decade. I hope you’re looking forward to them without dread.
Lenore's Thoughts Exactly 
You look great, you feel great and, more importantly, you fit into old clothes. Congratulations – you are an inspiration!
I also made a resolution to lose weight and get healthy a year ago. It has been sloooow. I’m doing pretty well – down 53 pounds but, although I walk often, I haven’t gone back to the gym where I was once a faithful workout maven. It’s been 2 years now. I know I need to, and I know I’ll feel better, but it’s a matter of reestablishing habits. You’re really motivating me, so thanks.
The vitamin D experience is of special interest because I have the same problem. Were you able to go off the supplement because you’re getting enough in your diet now?
53 pounds! That is awesome!! Well done and bravo to you, Ms. Peg. And, if my post further inspires you, I’m honored. Keep on keepin’ on.
With regards to vitamin D, I didn’t stop taking the supplement with permission. I just stopped, because I kept forgetting. The Flintstones multi-vitamin seems to be sufficient enough to keep my level normal. Aside from the dairy, I’m not sure where my vitamin D comes from in my diet. Sad, eh? I do eat two nutritional bars each day (Good Greens and Think Thin 150), which contain vitamin D. But the fruits and vegetables I eat – I don’t think they have vitamin D.
Hi Lenore Diane. I have wondered about you and how you are and now I know. Congratulations, keep on keeping on as we say. Somehow I seem to have fallen off your list so have today resubscribed.
Hooray!! That’s fantastic — good for you! I have been ebbing and flowing (mostly in the right direction) but slowly. The late eating thing is key. The VitD advocacy that’s been so popular over the last few years is being eroded by more and larger studies showing little/no benefit for the updated higher target plasma levels — but it won’t cause a problem.
I’m so happy for you — that’s really a big achievement in such a short time (even though it feels like a long one). Slow/steady weightloss is also shown to have less “rebound”.
Hooray!!
Thanks, Steve. Yes, slow and steady wins the race. It does feel like it has taken a long time to me, but I realize it was pretty quick all things considered.
The late eating thing was the killer for me. That’s when I eat the entire back of chips, pint of ice cream, M&Ms, etc. Coming home from work, sitting down for dinner, and then brushing my teeth – that was a step in the right direction.
And with regards to vitamin D – I tended to blow off the recommendation for taking the supplement, which is why I stopped taking it. It didn’t seem overly important to me. (The stubborn side of me.) The Flintstones multi-vitamin seems to be doing the trick and meeting my vitamin needs with no issues. Plus, it’s fun to eat! (smile)
Lenore! You DO look like you just stepped off the campus! Congratulations. You did this the hard but smart way. One day at a time of really smart choices, no silly starvation or “allergy” diets! Way to go. I really admire your strength. And…you are at a great age in life. My 50s were my very best decade. I hope you’re looking forward to them without dread.