I suppose this was a mini plateau and I must say it sucked. I kept on exercising though and stayed in the right calorie zone for the most part. I did have a few "screw it" moments and went over my calories, but I have had no "binges" since I began this journey in April. It just wouldn't be worth it. I don't miss the hurting stuffed stomach or the acid reflux from eating too much. I have come close with the Watermelon this summer, but better Watermelon than the processed carbs I used to binge on.
I still have an obsession with food and I constantly think about eating. I am a food addict. I know that sounds strange and just outright ridiculous to people who eat normal, but it is true. I don't know that I will ever stop struggling. I do know that I want a healthier relationship with food and that I want a healthy body and that means I have to work at it daily. So, I can't really escape the food. Unlike alcoholics and drug addicts, I need my drug of choice to sustain life. Life would be so much easier if I didn't need food. I could just quit cold turkey and fill my days with so many other things. Sigh.
For exercise I have been attending a fitness class 3 times a week. It is very intense for someone my size, but I do feel like I am in much better shape. The first time around that I took the class (for one month when I weighed 258) I literally thought I might die - that my heart was going to pop out of my chest. Now, I merely get out of breath, but about 15-20 minutes after class I literally feel energized! The instructor is obsessed with squats (are you seeing this Brian?????- More back of the leg exercises please!) so the fronts on my thighs are rock hard. I feel like I am getting Hulk thighs!! Meanwhile the backs on my legs (hamstrings??) feel mushy and desperately need to be toned. Squats don't do it for me- I only feel it in the front part of my legs. Anyway, I have started doing exercises at home for the back of my legs - it makes me feel better even though I have been told I can't "spot train."
Since three times a week isn't enough I am stepping up the exercise and on the off days I have been bike riding with my 6 year old who thinks it is great fun. It IS great fun being able to keep up with him!! This is what I have been dreaming about. Although I am not at goal weight yet, this was one of my goals - to bike ride with the kids. As the weight keeps coming off I envision longer and more exciting rides.
Here is the most recent photo - this weight was 219:
Speaking of legs, my legs and butt are still one size smaller than my gut. I can now squeeze into the Size 16 jeans hanging in my closet and at the store I pulled a 16 off the rack and it went on with ease and there was no muffin top. I think when I am down about 5-8 more pounds my 16's should fit comfortably and be wearable in public. I can't wait!!!
