Ok already! I give up!

I am officially admitting defeat. I feel SO entirely sick right now that I have absolutely no desire whatsoever to keep track of what I'm eating. There. I said it.

Out of Control...

Today's Weight: 131 lbs

Well, I haven't been keeping track of my food like I said I would. It's a little tricky right now. I have been SO bad the last few days, sporadically eating whatever and whenever I want, etc. Somewhere along the line, I lost track...

It's just so hard controlling my cravings right now. I'm feeling more and more sick as the days progress, so it's getting harder to even know what I want to eat. A lot of foods, smells and textures are turning my stomach. But, the things I DO want to eat, I eat TONS of, because I feel SO hungry. Pregnancy is strange, that's all I can say.

I did exercise at Curves yesterday, despite my utter nausea and exhaustion beforehand. I almost didn't go. But I kicked myself in the butt and did it. It really felt a lot better than I imagined it would, so I'm glad I went. I found hidden energy stores that allowed me to complete the workout. I burned over 500 calories! Plus, I've discovered that my nausea completely disappears while I'm exercising. Bonus!

I'm going to try to eat better today, so here's the report:
Breakfast:
1/4 cup oatmeal = 1
1/3 cup granola = 1
1 cup 2% milk = 3
Sub-total: 5

Snack:
1 can mandarin oranges = 2

Friday Report, Week 7

Today's Weight: 130.5 lbs

I went for my first prenatal visit today. Lots of peeing in cups and getting blood drawn. Fun! The doc informed me that I don't have to gain any weight in the first trimester, so my goal is to not let the scale creep up in the next two months. I will try to stay right around 130. But she said to keep exercising as long as I'm not at risk of injuring myself. And she said that there is actually not much that can hurt the baby (s/he is very well protected in there). I'll only hurt myself and be even more uncomfortable.

Breakfast:
1/4 cup oatmeal = 1
1/4 cup granola & raisins = 2
1/4 cup 2% milk = 1
Sub-total: 4

Lunch:
1 cup chili = 6
1/2 oz shredded cheese = 1
Sub-total: 7

Thursday Report, Week 7

Today's Weight: 130 lbs yeah!

I'm amazed that my eating the last few days hasn't skyrocketed my weight. Maybe my metabolism has caught up to my current calorie intake. I'm sure the exercising helps too. But I am floored by the immediate hunger and cravings I'm having from being pregnant. It could be just the fact that I know that I'm pregnant. If I didn't know yet, I'd probably still be dieting just the same as I was. But for some reason, knowing that I'm pregnant kills any and all motivation I had to maintain some self-control. Not that I want to continue the diet...I know that's not good during pregnancy. BUT, I do wish I could still be a little better in control of the QUANTITY and QUALITY of food I eat. It would curb a lot of unnecessary weight gain in the near future.

Breakfast:
1/4 cup oatmeal = 1
1/4 cup granola = 2
1/4 cup 2% milk = 1
Sub-total: 4

Snack:
10 high fiber crackers = 1

Lunch:
1 fried egg = 2
3 slices ham = 1
1 light English muffin = 1
1 cup 2% milk = 3
1 slice Amish bread = 3
Sub-total: 10

Dinner:
1.5 cups cheese tortellini = 8
1/4 cup tomato butter sauce = 2
1 slice french bread = 3
Sub-total: 13

TOTAL: 28

Wednesday Report, Week 7

Today's Weight: 131 lbs

And the news is that I'm pregnant! So, no more extreme dieting for me. At least, I won't be restricting calories to 18 points a day. I'll be aiming more for 25-30, and I will continue to exercise every day. Hopefully that will balance any excess weight gain that I really don't need, since I'm already technically overweight. We shall see!

Breakfast:
1 slice Amish bread = 3
1 cup 2% milk = 3
Sub-total: 6

Snack:
1 fried egg = 2
2 slices ham = 1
1 English muffin = 1
Sub-total: 4

Lunch:
1 cup chili = 6
.5 oz shredded cheese = 1
Sub-total: 7

Snack:
4 Oreo cookies = 5
1/2 cup 2% milk = 1
Sub-total: 6

Exercise:
1/2 hour Curves cardio/strength training = -2

Dinner:
1 cup mac & cheese = 9
1/4 pbj sandwich = 2
handful chocolate chips = 3
Sub-total: 14

TOTAL: 37 - 2 = 35

Tuesday Report, Week 7

Some recent developments are changing the way I will be dieting for the rest of the year. More updates soon... But I will still track my meals and exercise every day. I promise this to myself!

Today's weight: 130.5 lbs

Breakfast:
1/4 cup oatmeal = 1
1/4 cup granola = 2
1/8 cup raisins = 1
1/4 cup 2% milk = 1
Sub-total: 5

Snack:
1 slice Amish friendship bread = 3

Exercise:
1/2 hour Yoga Burn = -1

Lunch:
Romaine lettuce, tomatoes and cucumbers = 0
2 slices ham = 1
.5 oz shredded cheese = 1
fat free dressing = 0
Sub-total: 2

Snack:
6 Oreos = 8
1 cup 2% milk = 2
Sub-total: 10

Exercise:
45 min Winsor Pilates = -1

Dinner:
1 cup chili = 6
.5 oz shredded cheese = 1
1 slice Amish friendship bread = 3
Sub-total: 10

TOTAL: 30 - 2 = 28

Starting Week 7

Today's Weight: 130 lbs

Breakfast:
2 fried eggs = 4
3 slices ham = 1
1 cup 1% milk = 2
Sub-total: 7

Exercise:
1/2 hour Curves cardio/strength training = -2

Snack:
1 English muffin = 2
1 tsp strawberry jam = 1
1 applesauce muffin = 4
Sub-total: 7

Lunch:
6" Subway Club sandwich with light mayo & cheese = 10
2 bites meatball sub = 2
1/2 cup pink lemonade = 1
1/2 small dipped DQ ice cream cone = 4
Sub-total: 17

Dinner:
1.5 cups tuna helper = 9

TOTAL: 40 - 2 = 38 !!!

Sunday Report, Week 6

Today's Weight: 130 lbs

Breakfast:
1/2 orange = .5

Snack:
~20 high fiber Wheat Thins = 2.5

Lunch:
1 cup jasmine rice = 4
1/2 cup leftover Thai curry with chicken = 6
1 cup 1% milk = 2
3 oreos = 4
Sub-total: 16

Dinner:
1/2 cup cherrios = 1
1/2 cup 1% milk = 1
Sub-total: 2

TOTAL: 18

Saturday Report, Week 6

Today's Weight: 130.5 lbs

Breakfast:
1/4 cup oatmeal = 1
1/4 cup granola & raisins = 2
1/4 cup milk = 1
Sub-total: 5

Not finishing today...

Friday Report, Week 6

Today's Weight: 130 lbs

Breakfast:
1/4 cup oatmeal = 1
1/4 cup granola = 2
1 cup 1% milk = 2
Sub-total: 5

Lunch:
15 high fiber Wheat Thins = 2
1 can white tuna = 1
light mayo = 1
1 oz sliced cheese = 3
Sub-total: 7

Snack:
4 pieces Dove dark chocolate = 4

Exercise:
1/2 hour Curves cardio/strength training = -2

Dinner:
2 cup lettuce, cucumber, tomato = 0
1 tbsp fat free dressing = 0
3 oz cooked shrimp = 2
2 fried shrimp = 1
Sub-total: 3

TOTAL: 19 - 2 = 17

Thursday Report, Week 6

Today's Weight: 130 lbs

Breakfast:
1/4 cup oatmeal = 1
1/4 cup granola = 2
1/2 cup 1% milk = 1
Sub-total: 4

Exercise:
45 min Denise Austin Pilates/Yoga = -1

Snack:
20 high fiber crackers = 2

Lunch:
1 fried egg = 2
3 slices ham = 1
1 light English muffin = 1
Ethan's left over pizza crust = 1
Sub-total: 5

Dinner:
3 oz chicken breast = 3
1 cup Rice-A-Roni broccoli cheese = 6
1 cup 1% milk = 2
Sub-total: 11

Dessert:
2 pieces Dove dark chocolate = 2

TOTAL: 24 - 1 = 23

Wednesday Report, Week 6

Today's Weight: 131 lbs

Breakfast:
1/4 cup oatmeal = 1
1/4 cup granola = 2
1/4 cup 1% milk = 1
Sub-total: 4

Snack:
1 orange = 1
10 high fiber crackers = 1
Sub-total: 2

Lunch:
2 cups lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes = 0
2 tbsp fat free dressing = 0
2 slices ham = 1
Sub-total: 1

Snack:
1 fried egg = 2
2 slices ham = 1
Sub-total: 3

Exercise:
1/2 hour Curves cardio/strength training = -2

Dinner:
1.5 cup tortellini = 7
1/4 cup marinara sauce = 1
Sub-total: 8

TOTAL: 18 - 2 = 16

Tuesday Report, Week 6

Today's Weight: 131.5 lbs

Breakfast:
1/4 cup oatmeal = 1
1/4 cup granola = 2
1/4 cup 1% milk = .5
Sub-total: 3.5

Exercise:
50 min pilates = -1

Snack:
8 high fiber Wheat Thins = 1
1 apple = 1
1/2 oz cheese = 1.5
Sub-total: 3.5

Lunch:
2 cups lettuce, tomato, cucumber = 0
1 tbsp fat free dressing = 0
3 slices ham = 1
1/2 oz shredded cheese = 1
Sub-total: 2

Dinner:
1/4 small deep dish pizza = 12

TOTAL: 21 - 1 = 20

Starting Week 6

Today's Weight: 131.5 lbs

I've been steady at this weight for an entire week while eating around 30 points a day. I think now I'm going to go back down to 18 points a day and see if I can't shave off a few more pounds. I would love to be out of the 130's by next week. Once I get to around 126, I'll do a metabolic recovery again for one week and see if I can maintain. If I can do that, I know that reaching my goal weight and staying there won't be a problem. 30 points a day is definitely a comfortable amount to eat for the long term.

Breakfast:
1/4 cup oatmeal = 1
1/4 cup 1% milk = 1
1/4 cup granola cereal= 2
Sub-total: 4

Lunch:
1 fried egg = 2
3 slices ham = 1
1 light English muffin = 1
1/2 cup mac and cheese = 4
Sub-total: 8

Snack:
3/4 power bar = 3

Exercise:
1/2 hour Curves cardio/strength training = -2

Dinner:
2 oz canned tuna = 2
2 cups lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes, mushrooms = 0
2 tbsp fat free dressing = 0
Sub-total: 2

Dessert:
1 applesauce muffin = 4

TOTAL: 21 - 2 = 19

Sunday Report, Week 5

Today's Weight: 131.5 lbs

Breakfast:
1/4 cup oatmeal = 1
1/4 cup granola = 2
1/2 oz raisins = 1
1/4 cup 1% milk = 1
Sub-total: 5

Went to church...

Snack:
1.5 servings high fiber Wheat Thins = 3

Linner:
1.5 cup cheese tortellini = 6
1/4 cup marinara sauce = 1
Sub-total: 7

Exercise:
20 min walking = 0

Dessert:
2 chocolate two-times cookies = 6
1 cup 1% milk = 2
Sub-total: 8

Snack:
1/2 cup cooked shrimp = 1
2 tbsp cocktail sauce = 1
Sub-total: 2

TOTAL: 25

Saturday Report, Week 5

Today's Weight: 131.5 lbs

Breakfast:
3/4 chocolate power bar = 3
1/2 cup 1% milk = 1
Sub-total: 4

Exercise:
1/2 hour Curves cardio/strength training = -2

Lunch:
6" Subway Club sandwich with light mayo and cheese = 10

Snack:
2 chocolate pieces = 2

Dinner:
2 fried eggs = 4
3 slices ham = 1
1 English muffin = 2
sprinkle of shredded cheese = 1
Sub-total: 8

TOTAL: 24 - 2 = 22

Friday Report, Week 5

Today's Weight: 131.5 lbs

Breakfast:
1/4 cup oatmeal = 1
1/4 cup granola cereal = 2
1 tbsp raisins = 1
1 cup 1% milk = 2
Sub-total: 6

Snack:
10 Wheat Thins = 1

Lunch:
Chicken Caesar Salad at Friendly's = 10
Bites of quesadilla and ice cream = 2
Sub-total: 12

Snack:
2 pieces Dove dark chocolate = 2

Dinner:
Wedding Reception food = ?

TOTAL: ???

Thursday Report, Week 5

Today's Weight: 131 lbs

Breakfast:
1/4 cup oatmeal = 1
1/4 cup 1% milk = 1
1/4 cup granola cereal = 2
Sub-total: 5

Snack:
15 high fiber Wheat Thins = 2

Lunch:
1 fried egg = 2
2 slices ham = 1
1 high fiber English muffin = 1
1 cup 1% milk = 2
Sub-total: 6

Snack:
3/4 oz cashews = 3

Dinner:
1.5 cups spaghetti noodles = 6
1/2 oz shredded cheese = 2
bit of pork sauce = 1
Sub-total: 9

Dessert:
3 pieces Dove dark chocolate = 3

TOTAL: 28

Wednesday Report, Week 5

Breakfast:
1/4 cup oatmeal = 1
1/4 cup 1% milk = 1
1/4 cup granola cereal = 2
1 slice toast = 2
Sub-total: 6

Exercise #1:
45 min Rael System 17 Pilates = -1

Snack:
1 can tuna salad with light mayo = 3
15 high fiber Wheat Thins = 2
Sub-total: 5

Lunch:
1 fried egg = 2
2 slices ham = 1
1 English muffin = 2
Sub-total: 5

Snack:
1/2 oz cashews = 2

Exercise:
1/2 hour Curves cardio/strength training = -2

Dinner:
2 small slices deep dish pizza = 10
3 pieces Dove dark chocolate = 3
Sub-total: 13

TOTAL: 31 - 3 = 28

Wednesday Measurements

Today's Weight: 131 lbs
Lost so far: 5 lbs

Today's Measurements:

Arm: 11.75
Bust: 35
Waist: 29
Ab: 37.5
Hips: 39
Thigh: 23.75
Calf: 13.75

No change since last week, but lost 7 inches so far.

Tuesday Report, Week 5

Today's Weight: 130.5 lbs

Breakfast:
1/4 cup oatmeal = 1
1/4 cup 1% milk = 1
1/4 cup granola cereal = 2
Sub-total: 4

Snack:
8 high fiber veggie Wheat Thins = 1

Lunch:
2 fried eggs = 4
3 slices ham = 1
1 English muffin = 2
Sub-total: 7

Dinner:
1 cup cheesy rice = 8
4 oz grilled chicken = 3
1/4 mixed veggies = 0
Sub-total: 11

Dessert:/span>
1 cup hot chocolate = 2
2 slices toast with butter = 5
Sub-total: 7

TOTAL: 30

Starting Week 5

Today's Weight: 130.5 lbs
Lost so far: 5.5 lbs

On Saturday, I attended my second Curves Weight Management meeting. It marked the completion of Phases 1 & 2 of the diet. I am now supposed to move on to Phase 3, which is 2-4 weeks of metabolic recovery. The goal is to eat around 2000 calories a day. If my weight creeps up a bit, that is ok, as long as I don't go past 3 lbs of weight gain. Here's how it works:

My "low" weight (or current weight): 130 lbs
My "high" weight (low weight + 3): 133 lbs

Let's say I eat 2000 cal/day on Phase 3, and after 1 week I'm up to 133 lbs. I immediately have to switch back to 1200 cal/day (Phase 1) until I go back down to 130 lbs. Then I switch back to Phase 3. This time, it should take longer to go back up to 133 lbs (if it happens at all). Let's say I reach my high weight again after 2 weeks on Phase 3. I will switch to Phase 1 until I lose it. This cycle continues until I can maintain my weight at 130 lbs for two weeks on Phase 3. Essentially, I will have reset my metabolism to 2000 calories a day, which is ideal for long term weight management. When I reach my goal weight at some point in the future, I will be on Phase 3 forever so that I never gain back the weight I lost.

It is a little scary knowing that I might gain back half of what I've worked so hard to lose this last month. But, I do see the benefit of resetting my metabolism to burn 2000 cal/day. Other diets require that you keep restricting calories every time you hit a plateau in your weight loss. So by the time you've reached your goal weight, you are barely eating anything! If you want to maintain at that point, you can never increase your calorie intake, because your metabolism is set too low. You will gain lbs the second you start eating more. The Curves diet is short term sacrifice for long term success.

Breakfast:
1/4 cup oatmeal = 1
1/4 cup 1% milk = 1
1/4 cup granola cereal = 2
Sub-total: 4

Lunch:
2 fried eggs = 4
3 slices deli ham = 1
1 English muffin = 2
Sub-total: 7

Snack:
1 cup grapes = 1
1 chocolate power bar = 4
Sub-total: 5

Dinner:
1 cup spaghetti noodles = 4
~1/2 cup pork marinara sauce = 5
6 tortilla chips = 2
1/4 cup taco salad dip = 3
Sub-total: 14

Exercise:
45 min Power Flex strength training = -2

Snack:
3 cups microwave popcorn = 3

TOTAL: 33 - 2 = 31

Sunday Report, Week 4

Today's Weight: 131 lbs

Breakfast: None

Went to church.

Lunch:
1 slice cheese pizza = 7
3/4 cup spaghetti noodles = 3
1/4 cup pork pasta sauce = 3
1 cup 1% milk = 2
Sub-total: 15

Dinner:
1 flour tortilla = 3
2 oz ground taco meat = 2
1/2 oz shredded cheese = 2
1/8 avocado = 1
1/8 cup black beans, corn & salsa = 2
1 tbsp light sour cream = 1
lettuce = 0
Sub-total: 11

Dessert:
1 slice Amish friendship bread = 3
1 cup 1% milk = 2
Sub-total: 5

TOTAL: 31