20 and counting ... watching the weight go

Hey! Remember me? I know, it's been a while. But the day after my last blog post, I embarked on a very important, and somewhat time-consuming project -- ME! Even though I began the year talking about battling the bulge. It was March and I hadn't really done a thing about it. While I love Bob on The Biggest Loser, his book and plan just wasn't the thing for me.

Lucky for me, a co-worker and the best friend of my supervisor were doing Weight Watchers and having success with it. Personally, I know that Weight Watchers works -- I've done it twice before and seen great results. Unfortunately, I returned to my poor eating habits and sedentary lifestyle each time and like my girl, Oprah, gained it all back and then some. So, I became a member of Weight Watchers for the third time on March 25 -- and there are 20.2 lbs. less of me around these days.

Each Wednesday, I look forward to stepping on the scale and claiming my "sticker" for the week. I'm just like a pre-schooler about those stickers! I've got three "5" stickers, and I can't wait to get to next Wednesday's meeting to get my fourth star and more importantly the elusive 10 percent keychain that I never quite got to in my first two attempts. (And yes, I weighed that much and still weigh that much! Since it doesn't even take a math whiz to figure that out. LOL)

Since March, I've also been working out consistently for the first time in more than 10 years. From walking in the park, to hitting the elliptical and treadmill, to shaking a tailfeather in Zumba class -- I try to get some kind of cardio in five days a week.

I have to admit that I don't see much of a difference when I look in the mirror. I guess that's because when I look in the mirror I see a thin Keela. It's not until I see a photo of myself that I realize that I've gained 50 pounds in the last 10 years! And I haven't really taken any pictures because I don't want to be disappointed when I still can't tell a difference.

What's most important is that I feel so much better. And my clothes are fitting much better, or falling completely off me.

I'm happy about my success, but I also know that my journey is just beginning. So, I'll continue to work at it. And I'll continue to celebrate my 1 or 2 pound loss each week because I know that those little numbers add up to a lifetime worth of results.

Yes, Bob. I'm Ready!

It's 2009! Hard to believe another year has come and gone, and once again we are making resolutions to be better, stronger, nicer, leaner ... and all that other stuff.

I've decided that 2009 is going to be a year of prepartion for me. (I have a big milestone birthday next year, and I want to be fabulous!) And I picked up this book in the library last week that is going to help me. It's not the first time I've started the year out with some kind of "diet and exercise" book. But this time, the book includes information about the emotional aspects of weight gain. I know for sure that's something that I need.

Last year my coworkers and I had a couple "Biggest Loser" contests. And the cash pots should have been incentive enough for me to shed the pounds, but after a week or so, I always went back to the unhealthy, comfort foods that made me feel better. I did manage to lose 10 lbs, and could see a difference in my clothing and the way I felt.

Unfortunately, my reaction to my grandmother's sickness and eventual death put an end to my efforts. I gained back the 10 lbs. I lost and 10 more. I've never eaten as much junk or moved around less in my life. I told someone last year that I hadn't really shed any tears, but I have eaten enough to mourn the deaths of a hundred people.

My grandmother wouldn't have wanted that. In fact, she told all of us to take better care of ourselves so that we would have a better chance to fight high blood pressure and other diseases that are more likely to strike overweight, sendentary people.

This book by Bob Harper, a trainer from one of my favorite shows, The Biggest Loser" starts with working through the "why" of eating. I think that's a good place for me to begin. I especially like the fact that Bob admits to being an emotional eater -- even though he's in phenomenal shape. He's just found a way to recognize and overcome the habit of overeating.

I got a gift card from Barnes and Noble for Christmas, so I think I'll buy my own copy of this book. Hopefully by the end of this year, it will be worn and a bit tattered from use. And there will be no question about my readiness!