My Week 14 Starts Here

So, I have now completed 13 weeks on LighterLife. As I have said a couple of times, I started a few days after we commenced Foundation and the first session is called Week 1. By the time you end Foundation, you've really done 13 weeks not 14. They also talk about being in abstinence for 100 days; well, I've just worked it all out and my 100 days will be on the same day as my Week 2 Development session!

I am determined to be in the 10stones range when I complete 100 days; in fact, I'd like to be at least a couple of pounds into the 10 stones range by then.

As you know, I have been getting ever so slowly more frustrated with the plateau I seemed to hit. I was 11 stone 2lbs on my own scales on Saturday 19 May (over a week ago) then the scales went higher but not lower, oscillating between 11stone3 and 11stone2. Anyway, this morning, I jumped on, praying that there would have been a shift. And there was; a pound. A single solitary pound but a pound is fine by me. Tomorrow is week 1 of Development and I really, really, really want my scales to say 11stone tomorrow. I won't beat myself up if it doesn't happen but with my new motivated towards hat on, I feel these mini goals could be the difference that makes the difference (typical NLP phrase).

In the meantime, I still get the Weight Watchers weekly email newsletter from the time that I was an online member (it made a change from going to the classes and, to be honest, I was to embarrassed to go back). This week's subject is...plateaus and since a couple of us have slowed down for whatever reason - the weather, water retention, TOTM, I thought I'd let you know what WW are saying:

http://www.weightwatchers.co.uk/util/art/index_art.aspx?tabnum=1&art_id=29401

Are you frustrated that your weight loss has slowed down or maybe even stopped despite your continued efforts? If so, then read on to discover how to get back on track…

Plateaus
Plateaus are an unwelcome, but common, occurrence amongst individuals on a weight loss plan or those with a reduced calorie intake. Often a new diet makes a real impact at the outset, but weight loss seems to get frustratingly slow down as your body adjusts to its new calorie intake.

The 'Science' Bit!
A larger, heavier body will use more calories to move around, so as you lose weight and your outline becomes smaller, your body will typically use less calories. Also, as you lose weight, you may lose lean muscle tissue as well as fat which may cause your metabolism (the rate at which your body burns calories) to drop as muscle tissue burns more calories than other body tissue at rest.

A body which has a severely restricted calorie intake may actually slow its metabolism down in order to try and save energy. The body is highly adaptable and very clever. If a body is severely restricted of the energy it needs, it will slow down to try to preserve body mass and prevent starvation.

How to Beat the Plateaus
Exercise is a wonderful 'plateau-buster'! Exercise can help to reduce the loss of lean muscle tissue that occurs during weight loss and also burns calories, thereby assisting weight loss.

Aerobic exercise such as hiking, running, and cycling, is great for blasting calories and fat, and can help to boost the metabolism. Resistance exercise such as lifting weights will help to build muscle tissue once you have reached your weight loss goal, which will raise the body's metabolism - meaning you will burn more calories while at rest.

So, I think I know the answer; I STILL haven't called the gym to claim my week's free membership BUT I had a bit of a light bulb moment this morning. Yesterday was unnecessarily long and drawn out, my husband and I were really tetchy with each other and add PMT into the mix and it's not a happy outcome for either of us. I also made the mistake of drinking loads of water in the early evening so even though I was in bed for 8.30pm, I didn't get to sleep until 11pm. Hmmmm!

I realise that if I had gone out and done some exercise (FOR ME), I think it would have helped yesterday's feelings of frustration and being overwhelmed. Our neighbour opposite is currently doing triathlons; she said she loves doing them because it's something away from the kids, away from home and work and it's something just for her. I am beginning to see that I might be able to view exercise in the same way. Now this really would be a first for me; it's always been something I HAVE to do not CHOOSE to do. Wouldn't that be incredible if I could change my mindset and choose to train? In spite of being completely in awe of Lesley's efforts (and I truly have been so impressed but can't seem to convey just how much), I haven't done anything about my own exercise (beyond walking).

If you have seen the LighterLife DVDs, you may remember that there is one woman who had the realisation that she "might actually be slim...a perfectly slim person". It was such a big moment for her because, of course, she'd always thought of herself as big (or fat).

Since listening to Greg Dyke on Desert Island Discs last Friday, I can't get a Bruce Springsteen track out of my mind (I really don't like Bruce but my mum LOVES him!).

If I can change my whole take on exercise, I find myself wondering, could it be that I was born to run (sorry, cheesy joke but I had to say it)? Oh my goodness! I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed now by the fact that I might learn to enjoy exercise! I've also come to another realisation - based on the 'how do you learn' session about mastery. I need support when I am learning something new so...I might need a personal trainer to help me get started. NOT as an indulgence but as another tool to help me get where I want to go! Yes, I do have my Bodydoctor book but if I could get a trainer to help me work in the Bodydoctor way, that would be even better - particularly as I have to be careful about exercise and my bl***y condition. Just a few sessions to help me on my way...

I'm going to make that phone call today. Yes, I am!

Comments

[Lesley]

With Irish Mrs Doyle accent:- "Aaaah go on go on go on go on..." You can do it and it WILL help.

What you said in your post about wanting to train and wanting to do it for you was what I felt yesterday. I maybe didn't express it as well but it was the sheer shock of feeling that I wasn't going out in the rain becuse I felt I should, or had to, or to lose weight, or for any other reason than than I wanted to. So, exercise can change from a chore and a means to an end into a treat or a pleasure in itself and realisigng that that had happened for me was a major turning point for me yesterday!

Having said that I'm struggling to make myself do anything energetic today....I'll take the dog for a walk or a run later....

I hope you can do it and think it would help with your plateau too.

Keep it up Mrs..

Lesley x

[Cath]

I still get the weightwatchers emails too - at least you're good and read them. I haven't read any, don't even open them - just saved them for future reference.

I think you should make the call - you're going through bloody loads at home and I think the exercise will give you time for you and also distract you/empty your mind of all other things that are happening --- plus you do get a good buzz at the end of it.

I need to book an assessment at my gym and get the instuctor to fix me a programme as I tend to stick to doing the same things each time - however, though I think my Development class could be on a Monday when it starts so that means I'll be going to the gym 5 times a week for various classes so when I'll fit in just a 'gym session' I've not a clue!

Don't you just love 'light bulb moments' - I hope that yours just shines shines shines.

Cath
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