Month: November 2024

Posted in Emotional Well-Being, Just a Thought

Learning to Redress Yourself

Posted on by HeatherLynn

At one point in the past, I was pushing past 400lb. mark on the scale, which meant that my clothing was not only plus-sized, but it was also super-plus-sized to accommodate the extra bulges.     I have wardrobe of clothing which reflects this very fact.    This brings me to the dilemma I now face.

My clothing is no longer suitable for the body I have now.    I’ve dropped a significant amount of weight and gone down several sizes.  This equals out to every piece of clothing I own looking baggy and unkempt when I put it on.  Shirts fall off my shoulders, pants constantly slip from my hips.  What continues to surprise me is when I pull a shirt from the realms of the dresser.  Those dark depths contain the shirts I liked but they were simply not big enough for me and I was unwilling to toss them.   I put them on now and they drape across me like a hastily hung blanket in the window.   It’s a refreshing surprise and one I am secretly loving every time it happens.     Motivation comes in all forms!

However, I had no choice but to return to the stores to rebuild a new wardrobe.

It started about four months ago, my rebuilding phase.  I held it off until then, knowing that I was still on my journey and numbers and sizes can still change.   I was clueless on my size at this point, so I decided a trip to Lane Bryant for new undergarments would be my first stop.   The ladies there took my measurements and let me know that I had indeed lost inches around the waistline, but my chest stubbornly remained the same robust size it had been for years.     With this information, I went to the local Walmart and bought a pair of inexpensive jeans, and I hit up Amazon for a few t-shirts.   It was summertime and those were the basic items that could get me by.   

What I am learning as I continue my journey is this, when it comes to your wardrobe:

1. Assess your current wardrobe. Put aside all clothing you know is way too big on you now.  Donate it or sell it.  Get it out of the house and make it so it is no longer an option.  We don’t save the close in case we get big again.  We are NOT going back.     Personally, I am hanging on to my jackets and hoodies, and a few heavier shirts for the Winter so I can layer properly.   

2. Choose correctly sized undergarments. I’m sure there is a scientific reason to do this, but I say do it because its far more comfortable.   Saggy underwear is uncomfortable and feels weird, a bra that is too big will make your shirts look lumpy.   Besides, new undergarments always make you feel good.

3. Grab essentials and staple pieces. Get a few things that will get you by.  A couple pairs of jeans, a few t-shirts, a nice dress shirt or two.   You’re still on your journey and clothing costs no matter what size you are.

4.  Look for sales.  Especially this time of the year.   Frequent the thrift shops and the discount stores.  You do not need to be spending hard earned money on clothing that is only going to be used for your transitioning period.   

5. Congratulate yourself for a job well done, but don’t stop moving, this is now your life!

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Posted in Emotional Well-Being, Encouragement/Motivation, Food Stuff

Self-Destruction and Re-Learning

Posted on by HeatherLynn

I’ve been stuck on this barren plateau for nearly two months. Its frustrating and disenheartening, but I’m the queen of self-sabotage. I’ve cheated on myself several times. I ate outside my eating window. I ate things that I knew were not healthy for me and I over indulged. I didn’t exercise willpower at the store and I doubled up on portions when I knew I should have had one. I have no excuses. I could try and justify it but those who know me would see right through the veil of disguise. I have only myself to blame. I am responsible for my actions.

Knowing this, I must start over.. How shall I do this? The hard way, of course. Re-learn the basics.

  1. Cut back on carbs
    Yes. Cut back on carbs right as Carb-Season hits. Such an easy thing to do for a girl that loves bread and pasta and potatoes. This is where the willpower is needed but often lacking.
  2. Increase exercise frequency or intensity.
    Time Change. It doesn’t matter that you gained an extra hour of sleep, it does not help because it takes at least three days for your body to figure it out. In the meantime, its dark when you get home from work. Exercise feels “wrong” when its dark, I don’t know why, it just does. Your motivation wanes with the daylight. This is when you must push yourself and find that inner strength to go to the gym or do that extra 15 minutes of exercise in your living room. Every little bit helps.
  3. Track everything you eat
    Every piece of stolen Halloween candy, every time you do a “This once won’t matter”; every taste test when you’re cooking; it all adds up. Tracking is a major pain and using the available apps helps! It does help you visualize how much you are consuming.
  4. Don’t skimp on protein
    This is unwaveringly true. Protein sustains you for a long time and you do not get hungry near as quickly as if you had just filled up on vegetables alone. Proeins also boosts your metabolic rate which translates into calorie burning. Eat some chicken, eat some beans, treat yourself to some steak!
  5. Manage Stress
    This is the most difficult of all. Stress comes in many forms. Family issues, work issues, personal, and even national. Many of us handle this by eating. Its a normal response, but its one that has to be controlled, especially when you have chosen to lead a healthier lifestyle. Make sure your snacks are healthy, stay within your portion size, and if you are intermittent fasting, do not stray outside of your eating hours.
  6. Avoid Alcohol.
    During the holiday season. Okay, it is sound advice, after all, alcohol packs a lot of calories, it loosens inhibitions which may lead you to overindulging, and it can suppress fat burning. I personally found that with the weight-loss, I also have no idea what my alcohol tolerance is. If you do drink, limit yourself to one or two and switch out to water.
  7. Eat more fiber.
    Perfect time of the year for the hot cereals like Oatmeal and Cream of Wheat. There are many other sources of fiber as well. Chickpeas, barley, broccoli, and kidney beans just to name a few. The fiber fills you up and helps with your digestive track.
  8. Drink water, coffee, or tea
    If you are intermittent fasting, you are already doing this. Remember to avoid the creamers and sugars – this includes the fun flavored black coffees. Stick with Columbian Roasts or Jamacian Blends. Green teas are particular good to drink but don’t shy away from the black teas, they are just as tasty. Water is always your first option. Its fine to drink seltzer water, but check the calories on the can first. I’ve found that some companies produce both water without sweeteners and no calories, and they also produce water that has sweetener and run anywhere from 5 to 10 calories a serving. If its sweet and has a calorie, its going to break your fast.
  9. Get plenty of sleep
    This is difficult. Time change messes with your biorhythm to start you off. Then there are the fluctuating temperatures that cause sinus issues and often difficulting breathing at night. The cold virus can run you down quick. Set yourself a bedtime just like you had to do when you were a kid, and stick to it. If possible, take a nap during the day, but no longer than an hour. Have a cup of Chamomile tea before bed to relax you, or a nice warm bath. Stay off of your social media an hour before bedtime to avoid stimulating your senses.
  10. The scale is a dirty liar
    One morning it tells you that you’ve lost 3lbs.; the next day it tells you you’ve gained 5lbs. It is not a reliable source of information when it comes to your weight loss. The way your clothes are fitting is a good indicator. The way people respond to you, the compliments you get, your overall attitude… all good signs that you are on the right path. The scale is just a tool and should only be brought out once a week as a guideline.

Don’t feel guilty about what has lead you to this point. Brush yourself off and go forward. All is not lost, you merely stumbled in the road. YOU GOT THIS!

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