It’s already Wednesday again? October has been flying by, and I’ve been so busy with work and other obligations that I feel like I’m not concentrating on weight loss as much as I should be. Or, maybe it’s just become such a routine (in a good way) that I have it down pat and I don’t need to put as much effort in? I’ve definitely developed some long-lasting habits in terms of weight loss that are beneficial, but I know that there’s more I could be doing so that I could see more dramatic weight loss. At my size, I should be able to lose more than just 1-2 pounds per week and still be safe.
When I jumped on the scale this morning, this was the readout I saw, and I couldn’t believe my eyes!
First of all, I haven’t seen a “1″ in front of my weight in over 10 years, but then for it to show a weight that’s below my goal weight? I was awestruck! I had to get on the scale three or four times, and they all showed the same readout. This picture was taken right after I jumped off the scale the 4th time. What was going on?
And then I turned the scale over and realized that it was set on kg, instead of lbs. 
Once I moved it back to lbs., it took at least 10 times for me to get a number that was closer to my actual weight. First it was showing that I had lost 25 pounds (in one week), then that I’d gained 15 pounds (in one week). I felt like I was on the scale from The Biggest Loser where it moves up and back until finally resting on the person’s real weight. (I think it’s time to buy a new scale!!) So, seeing this number 4 times in a row, I think this is the correct weight for this week:
Which means I lost 1.8 lbs. this week, for a total loss of 4.4 lbs. Slow and steady, right?
I know I should be happy that I lost another (almost) 2 lbs, but since I started this in August, I only have a net loss of 4.4 lbs, which is ridiculous, especially at my size. Now I know that last week I was saying that this was great progress considering that in the middle of all of this I’ve quit smoking, moved, and been sick, and that’s still true, but I’m getting impatient with myself. I know that I can do better on my eating. I want to stick more closely to the 1200 calories, but I’m finding that I constantly want to eat – even when I’m not hungry. I know this is the “oral fixation” thing that comes when you quit smoking, but I’m so tired of it. I need to stop giving into it, and just show some will power. I stuck to a 500 calorie/day fasting regime, so why can’t I stay with 1200? I can! And next week, I will. I also need to stop giving in to the “I’m so exhausted” feeling and make sure to workout at the gym at least 4 times a week.
Which leads me to the second part of this post, a challenge.
Scale Warfare and I have been feeling a little humdrum lately, and both decided that it’s time to revive my Countdown to Christmas Challenge from last year. I’ve decided to take the challenge past Christmas, so that I can have 9 full weeks, so it will officially end on December 31st.
2nd Annual Countdown to Christmas/NYE Challenge
The Rules:
- Choose a specific, realistic goal that you can achieve by December 31st.
- Post weekly updates (you choose the day) about your progress.
- Add the challenge button to your blog post/sidebar.
- Decide on a gift (reward) that you’ll give yourself when you meet your goal.
While not an official rule, it would be nice if you linked back to Scale Warfare or me.
My Countdown to Christmas/NYE Challenge:
- My goal is to stick to 1200 calories M-F (1400-1600 Sat & Sun) AND to hit the gym 4 days a week.
- I’m going to start posting on Fridays.
- My gift is going to be a new pair of sneakers.
Hopefully we’ll get lots of people to join in on the challenge!
I like your goal for the Countdown to Christmas Challenge! It gives you some flexibility to live a bit more on the weekends! Are you going to look at calories consumed or net calories?
I think you need to focus on the consistent losses that you’ve had over the last couple of weeks
These last few weeks youve been rocking it with tracking! Youre doing so well.
Trust me I know how frustrating it is…we both do. Youre doing so well right now that I dont want to see you put all of your effort off. Sure you can be working out more…we all can. Even if you do a slow and steady 1.5 lbs a week, you’ll be at your 30 lb goal before you know it.
PS-I’ve TOTALLY done the same thing on my scale…first KG then stones (WTF?) I thought I was in a weird dream that I never wanted to wake up from, ha!
I’m just going with calories consumed; any calories burned I’m considering bonus.
Bella, we have ALL been there in terms of frustration with weight loss. I agree with SW, you have to remember that you’ve behaved AND lost consistently for the last several weeks! It does suck that you had the moving weight to lose, but overall I think you’re doing awesome.
I’m totally in on the challenge! My goal: 4 “formal” workouts per week from now until Christmas. I’ll be traveling some, so this will be a challenge but one I really want/need!
I accept your challenge. I’m in! My goal? Four, 60-minute workouts EACH week. If I could actually do this consistently it will be my own Christmas miracle. My reward? A stronger, fitter bod and the knowledge that I followed through. What could possibly best that?
[...] it is, Week #2 of the Countdown to Christmas/NYE Challenge, and somehow I forgot to post last week’s update. I guess we can chalk that one up to [...]