Monday, July 27, 2009

Is there such a thing as The Seven Week Itch?

I hope not because as of today I am at week seven of my self-proclaimed lifestyle change {if you’re just joining me, take a moment and read this to get caught up.} Seven weeks in, I think it’s safe to say that the lifestyle change is sticking. And I’m not going to lie, it’s actually been fairly painless.

I mean, once I got past the incessant craving for generic boxes of macaroni & cheese.

My day to day routine has consisted of lots of water {take your body weight, cut in half and that’s about how many ounces you need each day}, mostly fresh foods, good proteins, whole grain carbs and exercise four times a week. The results? Thirteen pounds lost and some delightfully loose clothing.

Honestly, as fun as it is to see the weight I’ve lost, what’s even better about all this is how much better I feel.  It’s been fascinating to watch how my body and mind together have responded to this change. I feel good.

While we were at the beach with Jason’s family I did my best to stick to the plan. It was helpful to have a full kitchen where I could make my fresh and healthy breakfast & lunch, as well as rooming with my brother and sister-in-law who eat mostly organic themselves. It made indulging in the communal dinners less guilt-laden. One afternoon late in the week we had lunch at one of those infamous 140 item seafood buffet places. Y’all, I went to town. Lifestyle change abandoned for the afternoon and fried foods galore.

I don’t know that my tummy has ever been more mad at me. Things were not right in that area until a good day and a half later.

I’m amazed at how sensitive my palate and stomach have become. Sweet tea is over the top now and so I drink half sweet & half unsweet. If I eat stuff that’s too fatty or preservative laden, I feel like crap for the next day or so. As of right now, I’m also not as preoccupied with food as I used to be. Food is food, nothing more. We’ve had a couple of really stressful weeks here at the Petree house and for the first time in I don’t know how long, I’m not using food to comfort me or numb out. Instead I head out the door to workout.

I know. It freaks me out too.

I’ve stuck mostly with power walking this time around. I’ve dabbled in a run here and there but the power walking seems to be something that my body is really responding to. I’ve found myself getting antsy if I haven’t gotten out and done three miles or so.

I know. It freaks me out too.

So there you have it. Pretty basic but apparently very effective. Who knew?

11 comments:

  1. Hooray! That's awesome.

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  2. I love this and I really, really want to hear more about it. :)

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  3. Good work! As we drove away from CFA on Saturday, I thought "Leslie looked thinner. I should tell her." Well, low and behold this post. So glad you feel good--that's the real pay off!

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  4. That is really terrific!

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  5. Really? 13 1/2 pounds? That's awesome. I think you should write a book, do a video, something. In the meantime, exactly what did you eat, I think it's time I got serious myself.

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  6. You go girl!! I'm proud of ya and am feeling a little motivated now:)

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  7. Good for you girl! :-) you're such an inspiration!

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  8. Great job with the weight loss! After being on WW for the past 7 months when I do eat something fried (a fellow NC gal here so you know I love my fried fish) I feel horrible. Its like my stomach is punishing me for stepping away from my diet. I don't know how I ever ate like I did before.

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  9. Anonymous11:48 PM

    Good for you! So proud of ya. ;-)

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  10. I went through this exact process about a year and a half ago. Still can't do a full glass of sweet tea-- half and half is the way to go! But the feeling of wanting to exercise instead of eat? AMAZING. Proud. of. YOU. :)

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  11. I have to tell you... we went out to eat with some of my parents friends while we were in NC. We went to a restaurant in Calabash, and it was hotter than Hates while we were waiting outside for our table for nearly an hour. I went it to the bar area and ordered two sweet teas to take outside for Reagan and I to have. This was my first sweet tea in over three years I think. I drank all of mine and half of Reagan's. It was SO GOOD! Then, when we finally go to eat, I had more tea with my dinner. I think I drank over an entire pitcher of tea by myself.

    I DID NOT SLEEP FOR TWO NIGHTS! AND I COULDN'T STAY OUT OF THE BATHROOM!

    It will possibly be another three years before I drink that delicious goodness again!

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