Thursday, June 19, 2008

8 Sticky Pounds

About a month ago, my husband did this crazy lemonade diet...out of curiosity, I tried a modified version of it for a couple of days. I'm not saying it doesn't work for some people, but it messed me up! It put my body into "starvation" mode, dumped tons of toxins into my system and gooped up my intestines. For the first time, I was shocked that 5 stubborn pounds gained this past winter increased to 8 and appears to be here to stay! I believe that a fresh fruit and vegetable fast would have been much better-but even that can be hard as far as toxins dumping into the bloodstream.

So, after reading a few of your blogs about your struggles with weight, I figure I will share mine. Don't laugh (those that know me) I would like to lose the 8 pounds ( that's just my preference, as it is my pre- 4 babies in 4.5 years weight), but I have noticed that every time I cut back on food, I gain weight. Food, in my case-and in many others, I suspect, is not the problem, it is a lack of exercise and failing to drink enough water (preferably distilled). The key is, when I exercise more, I shouldn't eat more. I think I am also experiencing some insulin resistance-so cutting back on sugar specifically is a must. This article was very helpful in understanding what is going on in my body and why the usual "shock" remedies aren't working for me.

Here's the plan: I am going to cut back on sugar, increase my water intake, continue eating the way I have been, which is honestly pretty healthy and mainly up the exercise-30 min cardio (elliptical machine)a day and 10 min high rep weight lifting(using bands) to get things moving smoothly and an ab work out once a week, which will relieve stress and flush my body of toxins which in turn will keep my metabolism up. As far as fluctuating hormones tripping things up, I take Evening Primrose Oil, Calcium, Supermom vitamins and use a progesterone cream to help. Everyone's body is different so what works for one doesn't necessarily work for someone else!

Finally, the Lord wants us to be healthy and keep our bodies functioning at its best so I ask Him to guide me in the right direction when it comes to weight as I tend to go overboard if I do get into losing weight. When I have asked Him concerning the children and their health, it is amazing how He leads (concerning food dye sensitivities and such)! I will keep you updated!

11 comments:

Pam--in America said...

It's a good thing that you're catching your gain now while it's small and making the necessary changes before it gets out of hand. I think the plan you have sounds great! I can't wait to hear about your progress. I'm going to go check out that link now :)

Kimberly said...

You are wonderful!! I am happy to hear you are finding something that works for you. I know that the upside of exercising for me is the stress relief. I will be praying that you are able to do what you want to have the end results you want. I like the Walk away the pounds tapes, when you can't leave the house to go to the gym. Love Ya!

Jenny P. said...

My dear Heather you are doing wonderful and you are beautiful inside and out. I am glad you realized that exercise was what you needed and just eating right. I started to write more but it looked so long. So instead be on the look out for my weightloss testimony on my blog and i will write a bit more too.
You are doing great and I am proud of you for leaving it to God something I am learning every day.

Heather said...

LOL! Let me try this again....I was starting to comment on Pam's apron post, but then realized that I had clicked onto your blog. Anyway, I wanted to let you know that I found your blog off Pam's and am enjoying reading through your posts!

Shari said...

I have gained a lot of weight the last three years from different medicines I am required to take. I was always thin prior to that. Oh frustrating it was when I reached the 200 lb mark. Ugh! I put my mind to it and prayed and asked for the Lord's leading. I started a complete, whole, healthy, organic diet and started exercising 6 days a week. And, drinking lots of water! Nothing else! So far I have lost 14 lbs and 1.5 inches. This worked for me! I hope it can help someone else! :)

Anonymous said...

Heather,
I hope your plan works out for you! Honestly, I think you look fabulous just the way you are!!!
God Bless,
Cheryl

Heather said...

Thank you for the encouragement:)

Heather said...

Cheryl I am going to put that post up as soon as I fix this photobucket problem

Kristi said...

You go girl! You can do it!

Gotta go...the red lights on at Krispy Kreme.
;)

~Kristi

Anonymous said...

Hey girl, I have really been reading a lot and doing pretty well the past several months with weight loss. First (all my opinions, even though some are fact) is that it is natural to have an increase in appetite when working out more. Hence, more water and the right foods. A protien shake, or mixing the powder in a smoothie might help with this too. Preferably a few minutes after a workout. What you have planned is great and should work for you, don't get discouraged if you don't see the changes in the scale you want to see, with weight training it can be discouraging. I even threw my scale in the garage so I only weight about once a week. But you will probably see more of a difference around your body and clothes than in the scale. You may already know this. If you are already eating healthy with the occasional treats then that is great. For those that diet...it almost always comes back, it has to be a lifestyle change in food. I have cut out white flour and friend foods. It has made all the difference and I know I could go the rest of my life eating like this. I have had fried foods maybe twice in the last three months. It has made a big difference for me. Okay girl...I know you know all this...I love and miss you dearly!!! Now I am treating myself to some brownies and ice cream!!! hehe

Heather said...

Thank you so much for the encouragement-I def. should put the scale away...I don't go much by that anyway because it is not so much the number that I am displeased with, it is the FLAB that makes my clothes feel ichy :) Laurie, I love and miss you too...hopefully we will be able to visit soon!!!