Oops I did it again!

 September 10, 2023  

I have struggled with my weight since 10th grade. I have always been super active, but love me some food.  Also, I have always turned to food in stressful times and also in social situations.  I have never been obese, but have gone up and down 20-40 pounds many times.  I have done everything from Jenny Craig, juice fasting, crash dieting, beach body, etc.  About 4 years ago, I did Weight Watchers (for like the 783 time), but something clicked and it stuck.  I lost 40 lbs, felt great and even kept it off for about two years.  Then Covid hit…..aka Covid-19 lbs.  It was a crazy two years.  During that time, I still manage to keep most of it off.  Several other things I think added to my weight gain.  I should rephrase that……I allowed them as excuses to gain weight.  I could have found better coping mechanisms, but turned to my old ways.  First, my daughter graduated college and moved away. Second my husband retired (I could retire too, but would be bored to death and spend too much money at Target) and I also carry our health insurance now.  Then my youngest graduated and went off to college.  We are empty nesting now.  I switched jobs in January, only to find out that I am old enough to be everyone’s mother and often seem to get put in the too old to handle really sick patients now category.  I do find it funny  that they give me ICU patients who often get discharged to home because they think I am not ready for them.  Okay, millennials and gen z….I make double your pay and have been a nurse longer than you have been alive, but you knock yourself out.  I am not saying these are the reasons I gained weight.  I gained them because I chose poorly on how I responded to them.  I turned to food.  I now sit here 40 lbs heavier and miserable.  I am starting this blog to document my struggles, victories, and figure out what is at the bottom of my overeating.  I just returned from a fabulous weekend celebrating my daughter getting her white coat from grad school.  I ate, drank, and was very merry.  I know I could have just enjoy the event without sabatoging myself, but I didn’t.  I feel like our culture uses food to celebrate everything.  Also, we need “social lubrication” to enjoy these events.  Yes, it is super fun to get enjoy inebriated (aka drunk), but is the hangover and stomach upset worth the 1-2 hours of fun.  Can we not have fun without getting drunk (aka one glass of wine)?  

Reasons why I want to drop 40 lbs:

1. Feel good about my appearance.

2. Be healthy and stay off medication.

3. Lighten the pressure on my joints.

4. My clothes will fit and look good.

5. Have more energy.

6. Reduce acid reflux and snoring.

7. Be able to stay active.

8. Live longer and not need care when I age.

9. Like the way I look in pictures.

10.  Look younger.

11.  Be a healthy example to my kids.

Today I start this blog help me identify triggers, success, and have some accountability.  I will make share it publicly mainly for my own accountability, but also for others who struggle with the yo-yo syndrome.

Here’s how I plan to do it:

Nutrition:  Weight Watchers…..also been the best for me.  Also, attend  the  meetings.

Exercise: Gym, running, yoga. Etc.  At least 30 minutes of exercise a day.

Journaling:  Tracking my points, journaling my feelings.

Drink water; only 1 coke zero a day and maybe wean off all together.  

Balanced Diet

More Rest

Alright, tomorrow is day 1.  This first weigh in.  Argghhhhh.  Night peeps.