July 10: The RFL Sweet Spot

Thankfully, I've hit the point at which RFL is "easy".  By easy I don't mean that I never want something carbolicious, but the cravings are easily bearable and I just automatically eat what I eat.  Food itself loses it's importance and turns to fuel.  I eat because I'm hungry, not because something will taste good.  I select the good because it will meet my protein and veggie requirements, not based on the whim of, "hmmm, what sounds good right now?"

Thus far I am down 4 pounds in 5 days - great start!

I forgot to provide my beginning stats:

Weight: 172

Chest: 41

Waist: 31

Hips: 38.5

This was my starting point.  I'll post updated stats on Monday.

I made a big decision regarding the financial stress I whined wrote about on my last post.

I'm selling my house.

It won't pay off every dime of the financial pit I have sunk into but it will certainly take off a lot of the pressure.  It will reduce my monthly living expenses by nearly $900 a month, allowing me to actually live within my means. (relief!)

It's funny how things happen.  I made that decision, and the very next day, things started going my way.

* I got an unexpected check in the mail instead of a bill

* I got a call telling me about some unexpected money coming my way (only $17 but better than owing $17)

* I got a raise at work - not a lot but it works out to an extra $120 a month

In my personal philosophy, those things are God's stamp of approval on my decision.

The next week will be frantically busy as I scrub and declutter, getting my home ready for a *quick* sale and negotiating with those to whom I owe money. 

Of course the next questions everyone asks are these:  Where are you moving? What are you going to do next?

My answer to both is, "I don't know."  My hope is that this decision will open me up to opportunities that being tied to one place won't allow.  At 41, I really want meaningful employment.  I want to feel positive and creative at the end of the day.  I want to feel like I made a contribution through my work.  I want to have the time and peace to enjoy my kids.  I am open to whatever the universe brings my way.  I know, when the time comes, the right opportunity will present itself.  If nothing exciting is in the works, then I will just move here in town and keep my daughter in the same school and relish the freedom of not spending more than I make.

For now, though, I'm dreaming of a better future.

July 7: Dollars, Diets, and Doldrums

Well, yesterday was definitely rougher, diet-wise, than today.  Not by much but I felt a little more energetic today, at least.

The stress of being broke is starting to really get to me.  You know how sometimes you can slide by without enough money for a long time, and then suddenly your precarious house of financial cards begins to shake, and one by one, they all come fluttering down? 

Every day this week, I have come home to one, if not two, items that must immediately be paid or terrible consequences will occur.  It's really starting to wear on me.  Today I came home, feeling fairly pumped to go to the gym and get a half an hour of weights in, and found two messages of impending financial doom.  Now, I just feel like sitting here like a big slug.  I'm hungry, I'm cranky and I make minimum wage.  Sigh.

Something is going to have to give.  I need to take a long hard look at the budget, but it's hard to make a budget when your income doesn't pay for your necessities.  Okay. Whinefest is over.  We will now resume our regularly scheduled blogging.

Stress has such an effect on dieting, especially super-strict dieting like I'm doing right now.  At least I no longer have the urge to drown my sorrows in cheeseburgers, because that would be even worse.  But all of the less than pleasant side effects of adjusting to this diet seem to be multiplied.  I feel shaky.  Is that from anxiety or from lack of carbs?  I have a headache.  Is that financially related or is it a side effect of being effing hungry?  I can't concentrate.  Is that because my brain is whirling around in my head, hoping to randomly land on an answer, or is it because I'd really like to have a donut and a bowl of mashed potatoes?

Okay, I guess the Whinefest had that one little encore presentation.

Eats have been a lot easier to figure out this time around because I'm just repeating previous meal plans.

meal one: egg white omelet, veggies, tiny amount of shredded cheddar
meal two: tuna, fat free mayo, and veggies; or leftovers
meal three: chicken concoction with veggies
meal four: protein float

I have to confess, that Diet Root Beer protein float is the highlight of my day right now!

To paraphrase Scarlett O'Hara, I'll think about the rest of it tomorrow.

July 6: The Gum That Saved My Life

Why is Day 2 of RFL so difficult?  Holy cow, I'm a cranky one!  I had to resist the urge to gnaw on doorframes today.  I was getting so antsy at work this afternoon that I couldn't sit still.  Finally the person next to me offered me a piece of gum.

That woman is a saint, destined to glide straight through the pearly gates.  Admittedly, a piece of Hubba Bubba (sugar and all) is not really on plan, put it was truly the best piece of gum I ever had.  I didn't just chew that gum, my friends.  I savored it.  I felt as thought I was a hummingbird sipping nectar from a flower.  I think I may have actually heard harps playing somewhere as I tasted the flavor of that gum.

It's not like I didn't eat.  I packed my bag with my omelet for first break, and chicken and green beans for lunch, my iced coffee and my Diet Coke. 

Anyhow, I survived Day 2 and lived to tell you about it.

Lesson for the Day?  Never underestimate the power of gum, or a friendly co-worker!

July 4: Happy Independance Day!

Hi!  Happy 4th, to all of my American friends!  I hope your day includes, family, friends and fireworks (and lots of wonderful grilled food!)

It's really not like me to procrastinate, but I managed to make myself several excellent excuses and am not starting RFL until tomorrow.  I don't know why I'm dreading it so much.  I'm only going for 3-4 weeks this time around.  Anyhow, tomorrow, no excuses.  I am just going for it.  At the end of the day, I am throwing out or freezing any temptations and putting my nose to the grindstone.  There is fat to be lost.

I promised to invite you all to the new blog when I started it, so here is the link.  It's very different from this one, so I hope you enjoy it.  Let me know what you think of it!

Adventures of a Fitness Flirt

This blog, A Future Success Story, has been my weight loss plan.  The new blog, is my maintenance plan, although I'm not quite done losing weight yet.  So for the time being, I will keep writing both, to support my two different goals.

Yesterday I actually spend a little bit of money on myself and got my hair cut and colored.  I've still got weight to lose, so I hate buying new clothes right now, and I wanted to spruce up my appearance a little bit.  Here is a photo of the new 'do:

Today is a workout rest day - I've kind of overdone it this week and my legs are telling me about it!  I just have basic errands and tidying to do this afternoon, and then food prep for my impending round of RFL.

Have a great 4th, my friends!  Be safe!