Fat Class Recap 5

Let me be completely honest.  What I'm about to say is freightening... but it's the truth.  I'm not sure if it's a result of the lack of food or just a basic change of heart, but my fat class mates are starting to grow on me.
That's not to say they are not still annoying.  Course, they totally are!  And, they are definitely still dramatic, especially Jed.  I can't even remember exactly what he was going on about last night. 

But, I entered class with Cathy going on about Ginah (the instructor).  "I told her I can't planning my week like that!  And, she hasn't called on me since!"  Apparently, quite disguested with the expectations of our instructor.  When we first enter class we must write on the board our number (total meals eated, total calories burned, etc).  The first thing two things are listed as PC and WS.  PC is phone call.  EVERY week people say, "WHAT IS PC??"  No one remembers it means phone call.   We are REQUIRED to make a midweek phone call to Ginah on Thursday mornings, updating her on our progress.  A very annoying requirement.  Maybe even worse than having to eat the food.  It's silly and ridiculous and when we don't do it Ginah fusses about her having to call us (which is HER job).  But, that's a whole other blog.  WS is weekly summary.  We calculate totals on a paper and then report out. Yesterday Cathy says, "That's just STUPID!  If you are putting your numbers up on the board, then you have OBVIOUSLY done your weekly summary!!!!  DUMB!"  And, that's where it started.  I realized that despite these people's annoying comments and habits, they were also frustrated by some of the silliness of the program.  Again, this could merely come from the fact that I'm on a very low caloric intake and therefore unable to make intelligent decisions.  Anyway, I began to feel a connection. 

Last night we were required, for the first time, to put up our 4 week weight loss.  Here's a breakdown of how our friends are doing:

Persons Name/4 Week Total Weight Loss
Waverly                   10
Jed                          23
Cathy                      11
Shoeless Wonder    7.8
Paulie                   16.5
Me                          15

Yes, my friends, I'm down 15 pounds.  Whoo hooo!!!  I lost 5.4 last night.  It was great to have a loss after last week's disappointing weigh in.  Waverly walked into class after I had already put up my numbers and she looked around the room with an fierce expression and said, "WHO's CHRISTY!????!"  I didn't answer.  Her question sounded angry so why would I want her to know who I was.  She turned to Shoeless Wonder, who was next to her, and said... "Who is that?  I should have already lost 15 pounds!!"  Shoeless Wonder turned to me and said, "Who's Christy?"  I was like... uh, me!  Then she turned back to Waverly and said, "Oh, it's the baker...Betty Crocker!"  (Last time I was Rachael Ray.  Will I be refered to as a different cook each week?)

I was asked to create a cookbook for the class of HMR recipes.  I suggested they try google first -- since that's pretty much where I stole the recipes. 

Waking Up Thin

I've mentioned before that I've always dreamt of waking up thin.  This morning I did.  Well, sorta.  I woke up feeling a lot lighter.  I'm not sure if it was my extra walk I got in yesterday evening with Brody (the dog).  Or, just a body fluctuation.  But, at the gym this morning I was down about 3 pounds.  Let's hope it stays that way for the scale tonight. 

And, for the record...  It's really nice waking up thin(ner). 

Noteworthy Occassions

This has been quite a week!  Lots of exciting celebrity encounters (see photos below), but also a couple of somewhat sad, significant anniversaries.  Today marks the 5 year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina and I spent my morning in New Orleans at the taping of NBC's Meet the Press.  The weather was terrible.  It felt like I had to drive through Katrina to get there.  But, it was very special to be there today at the taping with some dear friends. Friends who were impacted by Katrina.  And, the same old friends who also helped me remember my older sister earlier this week.  For those who don't know, we lost my older sister 17 years ago.  She would have been 40 on Tuesday. So, it was hard this week to stay on track and not break away from the box.


Tomorrow is weigh in/fat class again and, as I've been writing, I'm not anticipating any big weight loss this week -- which is disappointing.  Despite this, I am proud of my ability to stay focused this week.  Stay on the diet/in the box in spite of a week full of noteworthy occasions.... with lots of opportunity or even reasons to deviate.  I'm going to concentrate on that accomplishment. 

Hanging out with Hugo of the New Orleans Hornets.

Backstage with Dr. John at the Manship Theatre.

With (HBOs) Treme's Wendell Pierce before Meet the Press.

After taping Meet the Press, a quick pic with friends and Brian Williams.

Taking One For the Team

I've had lots of you tell me I'm inspiring you with this blog... though, I'm not sure how that is possible these last couple of weeks.  I know my posts haven't been all that exciting or upbeat. It's hard to be when your goals seem to be moving farther from you, despite strong discipline and hard work.

Many of you have also mentioned to me your own struggles with living healthy, weight loss, and physical activity.  Several have said that they wish they had the strength to do what I'm doing.  It's good to see people really do know how hard it is to revamp my life.  And, I appreciate people wanting to do what I'm doing.  Actually, these comments help keep me focused... almost like I'm taking one for the team.  Like, I'm doing this for all of us.  Coz we all want to live healthy, but we all know it's a helluva lot of work!

So, since I'm doing this for all of you... please enjoy some chips and salsa, drink a Westerhall and coke, or relax with a full-bodied, beautiful glass of cabernet for me.

FYI, I'm Still Fat!

In case your wondering if my month of torture has paid off, well... I am still fat.

It's amazing how quick we expect to see results.  Now, it took me 38 years to get to this and I expect to completely change my body in just a month.  It just can't happen fast enough, can it? 

The first week I started to see results immediately and, even though I was hungry, I was able to stay focused.   This week has been, by far, the hardest week yet....  partially because I gained 2 ounces last week (instead of seeing a loss) and partially because as of this point in this week, I'm still not seeing any kind of loss on the scales.  It's hard to think I'll have another weigh in with no weight loss.  And, so early on in this process.

So, here I am.  Still fat.  Frustrated.  And, depressed.

I know this isn't inspiring.  But, I don't care.

Becoming a Big Head

When I first started the diet, I spoke to my 7 year old about it.  She's already very aware of her larger frame and concerned about weight.  At 7?  :-(  Anyway, we were talking about the diet and me losing weight.  She asked if I was going to end up with a big head.  I, of course, thought she meant conceited.  When I questioned it, she said "No, the girls in the pictures.  The skinny ones with the really big heads."  Ah, super models.  How very observance she is at 7.  Yes, those girls do appear out of proportion.  And no... I assured her.  Mommy will never be a big head.

Fat Class Recap 4

I've been too depressed to report in.  The third week on the diet proved to be pretty disappointing on the scale.  I had a 2 oz INCREASE.  Increase?

I was disappointed, obviously.  I mean, I'm eating about 800 calories a day... and I am IN the box.  So, here's the best part. What do we do in class?  Ginah passes out a piece of paper that shows everyone how many box foods they'd have to eat to maintain their current weight.  I ate about 40 box foods this week.  The paper she gave me indicated I'd have to eat about 100 box foods to maintain my current fatness.  Her point?  As long as we stay in the box we will keep losing!  Hmmmm, hold on.  Let's recap.  I basically maintained this week.  And, I did NOT eat 100 box foods.  So why didn't I lose?  I could have eaten 60 more meals this week and stayed the same.  Why did I stick with only 40?  I think that's what made the whole thing worse. Not losing one week after two big weight loss weeks makes sense.. but don't then hand me a piece of paper basically saying I'm guaranteed to lose weight each week if I eat under a certain amount.  (And, I'm 60 under that amount).

Therefore, class time was not fun.  I checked out after the distribution of that paper.  I played Angry Birds on my iPhone.  Seemed fitting.

Class was especially long and not as many interesting comments.  Waverly didn't show up for class and that was nice.  Jed was back and the Shoeless Wonder was in perfect form -- shoeless.  We had a bunch of newbies last night.  Three more men.  They didn't say much yet.  But, let's hope they add some sanity.  Jed referred to me in class as the "Cookie Lady" and I told them I had new treats.  I brought Soup Muffins and Peanut Butter Cookies.  I did some taste tests before class started.  But, once that paper was passed out I had no interest.  It was especially frustrating to sit there and listen to everyone else go on about their losses this week.

Both the nurse and Dr. DoGood could sense my disappointment when I met with them after class.  Even though I didn't harp on it at all, they both kept talking about it:

• "Week three is always hard."
• "Look at how much you've lost so far... you're still averaging like 3 pounds a week!"
• "Didn't you say your clothes are looser?"
• "Your blood pressure has really come down.  You've reduced your chance at a stroke or heart attack by 50%"
• "You'll probably see a BIG drop next week!"  
• "Don't forget - you were already exercising a lot before the diet.  Most of the others were not. So, your weight loss will be different."

Let's not forget that I'm fit fat and have an athletes heart and yadda yadda yadda.  And, right... my blood pressure was 102/80 last night.  In fact, the nurse said it was pretty faint.  What does that mean?  She had to do the reading a few times.  In fact, my arm is bruised today from it.

And, the truth is... who cares if I'm healthy?  I just want to stop having to shop at Large Bryant.  Isn't that the reality?  I just want to look good... so what if I am less likely to have a stroke?  Because this book is all about it's new cover.  Isn't that how everyone feels when dieting?  I'm just speaking the truth.   Of course, I do want to be healthy... but in the moment of a 2 ounce weight gain after a very restrictive and disciplined week -- the only thing I could think of is I'm just ANOTHER week farther from being pretty, and thin.

Exercise On Demand

One of our assignments for Fat Class last week was to incorporate a new exercise into our routine.  Our instructor, Ginah, mentioned that you can watch some free exercise videos through Cox On Demand.  So, over the weekend I checked it out.  I did two of them:  a Jillian Michaels workout and a walk routine (so the kids could join me).  I will say that the Jillian Michael's routine made me absolutely sore the next day and I'm still recovering from Saturday's workout.  I think she's trying to kill me.

While searching through these free exercise resources, I stumbled upon a dance section.  There are quite a few 5 minute segments teaching dance moves.  (Why did I spend all that time with Leonard this spring learning dance moves??)  My two favorite were learning how to dance like a diva (or rather trot like one) and a choreographer giving step by step by step instructions on Michael Jackson's pelvic thrust (as seen in the Billie Jean video).  In case you are curious, I put the images below.  Please, please... I urge you (beg you, even) to find these (especially the Michael Jackson one) and watch. Some of the best laughter I've had lately.  And surely, that burned some calories!

Box Party

Saturday night I had friends (Rob and Jess) over for an informal dinner in the box.  Rob and I needed to  work on a script for an upcoming charitable event.  And, he and Jess have both been interested in this whole box thing.  So, I did a dinner party for them - featuring seven different box entrees along with a few different flavored shakes.  Cheesecake is always a favorite.  Though, most people say it takes like cake batter.  A delicious cake batter.  But, the peanut butter chocolate shake was also yummy. 

As you can see by the photos, we had quite a smorgasbord.  And, in general, the dinners were well received.  Brandon also made fish tacos - in case box food didn't make the cut. You can see from the photo below, Rob is full and satisfied.  :)

The nice thing about eating in the box is that I don't get that stuffed feeling after a dinner party - so we actually got some work done!  But, I think my creative juices flow better after a glass of wine.  I might have contributed more to our script if I had enjoyed a glass or two.  Course, I did stay my strange and silly self even without the wine. See the photo below that Rob took of me!

                                                                  I'm starting to feel a difference in most of my clothes. I have my third weigh in tomorrow night.  I feel okay about it.  Not sure the amount of weight lost this week.  The scale always varies so much for me.  Regardless, it just feels really good to notice a difference in my clothing.  I did take measurements all over my body before starting the diet.  I'm planning to check those again at week four.  Can't wait to see how many inches I've lost. 

Fat Class Recaps

I've been wanting to give some regular recaps of Fat Class.  I've made some mention, like our skinny minnie instructor and Waverly.  But, there has been so much more to tell.  Sometimes my fat class mates say the most bizarre things.  So, why don't I do a quick recap?

Fat Class Recap 1

Members of the class greet the instructor with questions about why she's teaching.  She's thin. She has nothing to worry about!!  Instructor, who I'll call Ginah (the H on the end is important), handles their interrogation well.  She explains that her family has weight problems and this work is a passion of hers.  We meet Waverly.  Waverly talks a lot and we quickly learn more about her than we want to know.  We also meet Jed.  Jed is a 50 something business man who is too overweight.  Course, weight on men always reads better than on women.  So, maybe he's heavier than I imagine.  Jed makes some pretty dramatic statements.  At one point he makes a proclamation that if we all vow, right here, right now (with his index finger pointing up to the sky) to stay in the box then we will make it through!!!  He goes on saying that he pities those eating the fruits and vegetables.  I look at Paulie (who is on the spa treatment program) and say, "Jed pities you."  She laughs.  We then know that Fat Class is going to be an interesting experience.

Fat Class Recap 2

We meet Cathy.  She might have been there week 1 but was outshined by Waverly and Jed.  Cathy fuses at Ginah about HAVING to buy the minimum prescription of food saying it's basically a way for them to make a bunch of money.

Jed tells us about a conference he went to last week.  There was no microwave in his hotel room and he has to eat all the entrees cold, and survived.  He also ate 11 bars during the week.  He found them helpful during the conference breaks and he reported in surprised tone no one ever walked up to him and said, "Hey, what are you eating!?!?!?!" 

We start writing our totals on the board (not total weight loss yet).  I see I ate 37 things that week.  Then quickly notice that my buddy Paulie, who is doing the fruits & veggies, had 74 things (and lost much more weight than I did).  Jed may pity her, but I don't.  I become very envious of the spa treatment diet. 

Fat Class Recap 3

I'm the first to arrive, and Cathy enters after me.  She tells me that she was had to go to South Carolina last week and so she spent two days driving 12 hours -- meaning she didn't get her PA (physical activity) in on those days.  She said, "You know what I did?" and looks a little devious.  "I looked up how many calories you burn driving and put that down."  She went on to tell me her source said you burn 200 calories driving.  Now, I went home later and googled this... and never did I see estimates that high.  So, anyway... she put down her driving as physical activity.  Ridiculous.  By the way, it was the most PA she had had in her two weeks on the program.  Once class started, Ginah asked us about our homework assignment -- which was to add 50 additional calories burned to one of our PA days.  Ginah asked the class what they learned from this assignment.  No one speaks.  She asks again.  Cathy says, "Well, I didn't die!"  I think... this is the woman who put down driving as her physical activity!!! 

Class just gets better and better.  I start making notes of quotes.  Here are a few other memorable moments:

• When talking about the shakes, one lady says "Even the smell is sort of getting to me!"  and another woman says "If I drink the third shake, I get reflux!" (Good to know).
• Jed goes on about how he didn't "fall off the wagon" this week, despite three major whammies.  He didn't want an "accolades" (he must have said this four times) but he was proud of himself.  Here are his whammies:  
1. Dinner at a restaurant where he ate his HMR entree cold with a big diet coke.  
2. His birthday where he didn't have a cake for the first time in his life (I'm thinking try being born on Christmas, where cakes are rare, buddy!)  
3. His daughter came in from Africa and they had a big party with 5 Papa John pizzas.  (He explained they couldn't decide what kind to get so they just got five).  He then started to weep. Yes, seriously.  He cried. 
• Waverly goes on a tangent about pools and how absolutely nasty they are.  She goes off on how they are all filled with stat.  Stat, she said.  I'm sure she meant staph.  But, she really was adamant about pools and her never going in one (unless it was her own pool). 

Paulie then looks at me and points out that the lady seated next to Waverly is shoeless.  So, as Waverly is raving in disgust about "stat" in the pool, her neighbor is sitting there shoeless.  I made sure to get a photo!

Later, when discussing things you can do to enhance the shake experience, I unintentionally mention the fact I had made cookies out of the shakes and cereal.  The class turns and looks at me like a pack of blood-starved vampires at a blood drive.  Needless to say, I was scared. I pull out the zip lock bag of the cookies I had and ask if anyone would like to try one.  Within 10 seconds the cookies are completely gone and one classmate says, "Would you like your zip lock back?"  And, I hear a collective moan.  Classmates rave about the delicious cookies.  But, I know the truth.  Their sense of taste is distorted after two weeks in the box.

Paulie tells them I've also made muffins out of the soup.  The Shoeless Wonder says, "Wow!  You're Rachael Ray!!"

When I leave, people stop and thank me for bringing cookies and ask what I might bring next week.

Distractions and Temptations

I've had a hard time getting to my blog this week.  I didn't have air conditioning for two nights, which was not an environment conducive to writing.  And, my work schedule has been insane this week -- draining all my energy.

So, I've been distracted.  But, not from the diet.  I'm still in the box and maintaining my fitness routine.  And, this week my body feels like it's beginning to shift in size.  Clothes feel a little looser.  So, that is exciting and reinforcing the box.

However, it is hard to always be in the box.  Tuesday night I had a charity function at a gorgeous home with lots of wine and delicious looking refreshments.  I would love to have had a glass of wine.  But, I didn't.  I stuck with the water.  Hmmm, wine.  I miss you, my friend.  Then, today... we hosted a board retreat for a nonprofit I work with... well, actually I'm board chair.  My staff took care of the catering order.  So, I never had to think about it.  But, I was hungry when I got there.  Really didn't eat much before the retreat.  The catering came and there were sandwiches for days (none of those looked tempting), SunChips (which did look tempting, especially considering my love for crunchy things), and finally there were cookies and cookies and cookies.  The cookies were so inviting.  And there was a tray of them untouched.  An entire tray!  An entire tray of delicious chocolate chip cookies saying take me home with you... I could imagine them dunked in milk.  Hmmmm.  So, I took them.  Yes, I did.  I took them.  When the retreat ended, I grabbed the unopened tray of cookies and left the building.  I ran to my car and drove straight to the daycare in the neighborhood of my office.  I walked in and handed them to a teacher there I know.  I can not tell you how excited they were to get them.  The kids were thrilled, and the teachers seemed even happier.  And, so I said goodbye to those evil, vicious, delicious, tempting chocolate chip cookies who wanted to see me out of my box.

Sweating to Sleep

I know I was suppose to do an update after class Monday night.  But, I came home to a house without air conditioning.  So last night was pretty distracting.  Tonight isn't too different, as the A/C is still out.  Good thing it's only 90 degrees outside.  We are all camped out in the den with a huge fan blowing.... all sweating to sleep.  I'm hoping the lack of A/C will help shed the pounds this week.

Speaking of shedding pounds...

Well, something crazy happened yesterday.  I lost nearly 4 pounds!  I don't know what happened from early yesterday morning to weigh in last night, but my body completely shifted. Seriously, something crazy happened.  And, now I am down about 10 pounds since I started two weeks ago.  I'm thrilled!!

There's more to say, especially about "Fat Class" itself... but right now I need to sweat to sleep.

Down Right Depressing

Ok. So, tonight is weigh in. Two weeks in the box.  Week one brought great results.  But, week 2 will not.  I don't know what is going on this past week... but the scale isn't budging. And, I was IN the box all week.  I'm actually worried about it showing a gain.  What is going on?  And, this week I should be especially rewarded -- as I was able to get past several challenges:

• I made it past movie popcorn last night when I went to see Eat, Pray, Love... even though both my friends ordered some. 
• I declined SEVERAL offers of cake at the Kindergarden party Saturday afternoon....as well as an entire pizza they were trying to discard.
• I got thru a dinner at our friends home on Saturday night, where I was desperately craving alcohol and the munchies they were eating pre-dinner. 
• I made it past two lunch meetings last week for work. 
• I was able to get thru the first week of school, several frustrating work experiences, and my annual visit to the gynocologist without cracking open the rum! 

Last week's weight loss helped to keep me focused and motivated.  What will keep me on track this week?
This is just down right depressing. 

I'll post an update after class.  Maybe I can shed 5 pounds between now and 4:30?  I'm open to suggestions.

What a Difference a Blender Makes!

Picked up a new blender recently and it's amazing how much thicker the shakes are now.  What a difference a blender makes... I even got a small one (a single drink size) for the office or traveling.  Only used it once, but worked great!

However, this morning I had a slight issue with the new blender.  It was more the end user than blender, as I hit the button to liquefy a second before getting the lid on.  A second too soon as you can see.

This morning hasn't started off quite like I was hoping.  I woke up at 4:40 am and thought it was Friday.  Bolted out of bed thinking I was running late and got ready for the gym.  Was putting on my tennis shoes before realizing it was actually Saturday and I could have slept in.  Uggh... WHY did I wake up???  No wonder my alarm didn't go off, I thought.  I lay back down to get in those extra Zs that Saturday usually affords.... but, I could not fall asleep.  Course not.  Got myself too worked up trying to rush to the gym.  I watch a lame Hallmark movie with Campbell Scott (who I love) -- and even that doesn't put me to sleep (just made me drowsier).

Now, I am feeling tired and uncoordinated (see photo above) and for some reason my right eye keeps twitching.  Let's hope this isn't an indication of what the rest of the weekend will be like.

Soup Muffins

So, here is a soup muffin. 

What do you think?  Make you hungry?  Want to jump through the computer and take a bite?  Probably not. 

They aren't bad, actually.  And, both my girls loved them.  They, of course, being 5 and 7 years old don't understand there's a difference between what Mommy can eat and what they can eat right now.  When the muffins came out of the oven the girls were ready to devour.  This recipe made quite a few so they were able to test them out.  My oldest just said, "Those muffins are wonderful!!!!" (Course, she's never been overly picky).

What I like about them is that they are an alternative... giving me another option, something different to eat.  I also like that I can chew them.  The shakes feel like they make up the majority of my diet... and there is no chewing with that. 

So, welcome soup muffin.  Welcome to my box of opportunities. 

Wish It Away

Why can't I just wish the weight away?  I really, really, really want to be thin. Isn't that enough?

This week has been hard.  It's not that I've wanted to cheat (though I do have cravings).  It's more that I am feeling no change physically.  Plus, I still feel hungry a lot.  This more is better seems suspiscious to me.  How can I just keep eating?  The other thing is... I have a limited number of things to choose from should I want to eat.  I can eat a bar, shake, entree, soup.  
 
I did make a shake and cereal mix into some quite awful cookies.  I wouldn't say horrible... since over the week I have eaten most of them.  I found the recipe online from some other Boxer who got tired of the diet.  I'm going to try a muffin recipe next.  Not sweet muffins, dinner ones.  You use the chicken soup mix.  Let's hope it's the best thing since sliced bread.  I need a little pick me up.

My Fat Philosophies

I believe we have all established by now that I am fat.  Pretty much always have been. And, well, assumed I probably always will be. It use to depress me too much. Then about 10 years ago I came up with some fat philosophies for myself. 

Fat Philosophy #1:
God had to make me fat because otherwise I am absolutely perfect and that would create too much chaos in the world.

Fat Philosophy #2:
I spend too much time on these muscles -- I need to protect them with padding.

These philosophies have been a great coping mechanism.  And, should I remain fat after living in the box I will continue to subscribe to this obviously distorted perception of my reality.

My Scale MUST Be Broken!!

Ok.  I know I lost a lot of weight the first week.  SIX pounds is really a lot....I know.  I weighed again this morning and I've gained almost TWO pounds since Monday.  Seriously?   This is not right.  So, I think... the scale's off.  Has to be! I go to the gym at 5 am and weigh there.  Same result.  Grrr! 

Yes, my body has a history of massive weight fluctuation over a short period.  But, nine days into a diet I really can't endorse this behavior.  I do not have time or the patience for a gain.  And, I have been completely in the box.  So, what is the deal?

Force Fed

Two of my oldest and dearest pals, Shannon and Missy, stopped by last night.  They were in town and wanted to see how I was doing.  When the blood pressure escalated in July, I was staying at their place in New Orleans.  So, last night on their visit I force fed them one of my shakes.  I call it the Lemon Icebox shake.  And, they loved it.  (Well, who knows if they really did?  Maybe they were just being supportive of the whole diet gig I got going).  Anyway, they look happy, don't they?

I see that I'm becoming one of those people that is going to make you take part in my personal decision.  I already warned my friend Neena if I get to be unpleasant about it (or really, just obsessive) to slap me.  But, I am thinking of hosting a Box Party, where I serve only food from the Box.  I think that could actually be pretty fun!  And, since "More is Better" no one would have to worry about calories!

Like a Junkie in Rehab

So, what I've come to realize is that I have a bit of an addiction to crunchy, salty things.  Last week I felt like a junkie in rehab... in need of a fix.  I was constantly craving a triscuit or wheat thin.  This diet doesn't really have an outlet for that.  There are a lot of shakes and entrees and bars, but not anything really salty.  So, last week was pretty rough.

I spent a lot of time this weekend researching "in the box" recipes -- things you can make out of the shakes, soups, etc that keep you in the box.  I found a recipe using the soup mix that basically makes crackers.  Last night I tested it out. 

I'm so very happy to report that it will suffice and allow me to remain addicted to crunchy, salty things. 

2.72155422 kilograms down!!!

Tonight marks the one week anniversary of my time in the box.  I was eager to weigh in (a first).  I wanted to see if this change of life was going to show some immediate benefits.  Well, I'm happy to report I'm 6 pounds lighter than I was last week at this time. Yes, six pounds is A LOT.  But, it's completely doctor supervised and I even met with him tonight.  Also, my blood pressure tonight was 126/80.  So, it's also looking good.   

My friend in the class, Paulie (which is not her name, but what our teacher continually calls her - we're not sure why), lost even more than me!  We were both very happy.  What we aren't completely happy about is our inability to vote classmates off the island.  Truly, the diet is challenging enough.  Do we really need three annoying personalities to deal with each week?  Well, three are all that we have identified as of now.  Stand by, I'm sure there will be more.  We have chosen our first candidate to be eliminated from the program. This older lady, Waverly, is definitely the worst.  She talks constantly and about nothing relevant.  She over explains everything and I have no patience.  I'm already hungry and cranky!!  Paulie and I sit directly behind her and it's difficult to not tell her to be quiet.  I've even noticed our slim instructor is starting to give her looks. 

Anyway, I survived the week!  And, 6 pounds lighter to boot.  Off to a very good start. :)

Stablizing

 

The original impetus for the doctor's visit to Stickthin was due to my increased blood pressure.  The coastal events were causing me a lot of stress and I couldn't keep my blood pressure down. 

 

The night before my very last coastal event in Venice/Boothville, my friend Mike bought me this mobile blood pressure unit so I could regularly check my stats at home. 

Here I am a week into the diet (and a week past all coastal events) and it appears my blood pressure is already beginning to stabilize!!

 

Pretty awesome. 

Treats from a Friend!

It's great to have friends that support you!  

On Friday, I went to an early showing of The Kids Are All Right with Neena and Jess.  A great film, by the way.  I was a little nervous about the cinema experience.  The smell of movie popcorn might send me back to the other side, you know.  I'm a big popcorn lover -- maybe one of the few left with an actual air popper. And one thing I'm really missing on this diet is an outlet for my crunchy, salt cravings. 


I already warned my friends about the diet but encouraged them to still get any theater concessions they desired as I needed to get use to this life change.  Besides - I was prepared!  I snuggled in a low calorie diet  bar and a couple of bottles of SOBE 0 calorie flavored water. (Don't rat me out!)  I had them all jammed in my purse and it wasn't a pretty site.  My purse wasn't exactly equip to keep the waters cool!  But, it was a great first try.  After the show, we stopped at the Grape for a quick drink.  I asked the waitress for an empty wine glass and a tall glass of ice water.  She was happy to assist.  I poured my SOBE pink colored drink in the glass and enjoyed the experience almost as much as if I was drinking a good cab.  Almost.  The mind is a wonderful thing.  If you can get your brain to buy into the experience, then it makes this transition so much easier.

The next day, Neena stopped by with some treats.  She went to Target and got me some better equipment to better assist me in this life change.  Target has some adorable lunch bags that look like purses!  She picked me up a couple so I could always pack my goodies without it being such a big deal, or being so obvious. A really cute small one that looks like a fun handbag and a larger black one for days I'm out longer.  I can't wait to put them to use.  She also found a SOBE flavor I had NOT discovered yet.  Syrah!!  Almost like the real thing.  At least when I'm drinking that one, I can say I'm drinking a Syrah! It's called Syrah Grape Berry, perfect for an evening with the gals drinking wine.

I was worried, at first, my friends might stage an intervention when I told them about my decision -- saying this diet of yours is cramping our fun times.  There has been some discussion about how it does impact what we do.  But, everyone's been great.

Like I mentioned before, it's wonderful to have friends who support you during challenging times.

You'll Never Be Hungry

One thing Dr. DoGood said to me on our visit was "You'll never be hungry on this diet!"

Hmmm.  Oh kay.  Well, here's the dilemma.   Week one you basically buy the "minimum prescription" of food.  So, it's a little difficult to practice more is better since you don't have more.  Get it?  So, I'm sure I wouldn't be hungry on this diet if I was eating every time I was hungry.  But, I don't have that luxury this week... so I can easily say I definitely HAVE been hungry on this diet.  I've actually been scared to eat more because I've been worried I'd run out of food and be completely starving by the end of the week.  And, as it happens... I am very low on food.  It's a terrible feeling during the first week.  At least those on the "spa treatment" plan can eat a fruit or veggie if they get hungry.  That's in their box.  But, not me.  So, I found myself hoarding my food a little this week. 

Tomorrow I go back in and pick up another supply.  This time I plan to buy a lot of extras.  They'll probably laugh at my order -- all the basics PLUS 12 soups, 18 extra entrees, 65 lasagnas??  Ok, well that that one is because I want to plan a dinner party one night and cook for my friends.  Wouldn't that be hilarious?

Anyway, just reporting in Dr. DoGood, I am hungry!

119

Here it is folks.  Another great example of my low heart rate.  I'm 17 minutes into the workout.  Already at a mile and a half, with a resistance of 14 out of 20.  So, I'm not just leisurely exercising.  I'm working, man.  Now... check out my heart rate.  What is it?  That's right -- 119 on the nose... that's my number. 

119 is 911 backwards.  Should I take that as a sign?

Dinner with Friends

Last night I incorporated my new lifestyle into social engagements for the very first time.  I knew I'd have to figure out how to do it at some point, so why not move forth and conquer immediately?  After all, I'm not going to be a hermit and just hide away until I can eat real food again. 

I was bringing dinner to some good friends, one of which had recently had surgery and I wanted to do something for him.  Now, I would usually join them in the feast and wine.  Especially the wine.  I love a good, nice bottle of red.  But, none of that right now.  Nor can I partake in fancy dinners.  So, instead of putting off my visit, I brought dinner and wine for them and one of my entrees.  I purposely brought them fish, since I'm not fond of fish and knew it wouldn't tempt me.

I enjoyed my 0 calorie SOBE life water flavored drink in a gorgeous wine glass while they drank the Pinot Noir I brought -- that Brandon and I picked up at a great little vinyard outside of Portland, Oregon last year.   And, we heated up my small pasta dinner and even put it on a plate.  It really wasnt so bad.  They were supportive and understanding of what I was trying to do.  And, after dinner when it was dessert time (not that they ate theirs -- I think too stuffed from the dinners), I pulled out my key lime shake.  We had a wonderful time.  We talked for hours around the dinner table and I never felt deprived.  It was great to spend the evening with people I love and not let the diet get in the way. 

I know they won't all be that easy!  But, I'm not worried about hiding away from my normal life....

Is 2 Days 2 Soon???

I've enjoyed an ongoing fantasy throughout my life where I would wake up and automatically be thin.  There are, in fact, many days I wake up and feel different.  I get excited!  Maybe my dream has come true??  Then, I look.  Of course not. 

This morning I got up at 4:15 am to get going for my palates reformer class at 5.  When I first woke up, I had that same fantasy.  And, it was still a fantasy.  But, something did seem different.  I did feel a little lighter.  In fact, during class when we were doing tricep dips, I was actually better at them.  I'm certain it's not because my arms are stronger.  I think I was slightly lighter than the last time we did them.  I always think how much easier it would be to do those exercises (dips, pushups, etc) if I didn't have this magnitude of mass.  I look at the smaller girls and think... if I was your size I'd totally be able to do this with ease.  I mean, I'm lifting one of you with me! 

The sign that the dips were easier gives me hope.  We did three sets, with the last set on one leg (while raising the other leg in the air).  Granted, my form wasn't beautiful.  But, I did get the exercise done.

So, is 2 days in too soon to notice a different?  Is this sheer optimism and hope?  Have I lost my mind?  Or, is it really already working?

An Athlete's Heart

Had an appointment with the Doctor overseeing the program.  Went over my EKG and lab work.  Doctor DoGood was very different from Dr. Stickthin.  He was much more sympathetic and interested.  All my labs were good, my LDLs, HDLS, glucose, cholesterol... all good.

I asked about my heart.  For a long while now I have been concerned about my heart.  When I'm working out, I have a very hard time getting my heart rate higher than 119.  Sometimes I can stay in the 120s.  And, if I'm really pushing it so that I feel like I might die then I can hit the early 130s.  But, I really can't maintain that for longer than a minute or so.  Now, this all seems very low to me.  There are many times when I'm at the gym and the girl next to me, Twittlestix, is doing the same machine at a much lower resistance and her heart rate is 150 or 160.  So, I'm thinking... what's wrong with me?  Is this why I can't lose weight?   I'm not getting my heart rate up enough!  Why is Twittlestix's heart rate so high?  Is that why she's so thin?  Dr. DoGood looked at my EKG and took a listen to my heart then said, "It looks like you have an athlete's heart."  He meant this not in the sense of the syndrome -- which is an enlarged heart and not a good thing.  He said my heart is highly conditioned (like most athletes) due to the years of regular exercise. 

He then went on to say I am a "fit fat" - which is when the patient is very healthy and in good shape except that they are overweight.  He also said (and this might be my favorite thing any doctor has ever said to me), even though Twittlestix (he called her that too) is getting her heart up to 160, she isn't moving nearly the magnitude of mass through space and time as I was and, therefore, probably isn't burning nearly as many calories. 

Moving a magnitude of mass through space and time.  That's me!  I rather like that perspective -- less personal, more scientific and matter of fact.  Though it does sorta give me the vision of a very, very large astronaut moving through space in a XXXXXXL uniform.  Dr. DoGood may be my new favorite person.

More is Better???

Day One.  I started the diet after class, since I had not eaten and was ready to start.  I had a dinner that included FOUR raviolis.  And, then enjoyed a shake.  All in all, it wasn't bad.  So, I went ahead and prepared my shakes for my first real day on the diet.  It was going to be hard to do it in the morning (since I leave for the gym at 4:50 am).  I made several shakes at once and froze them all together so I could easily drink them throughout the day.

First mistake was combining the shakes. One might even say it was a BIG BIG mistake.  I had pretty much sucked them down by 10 am not realizing it was my entire intake for the day.  I had really pushed hard at the gym and was feeling especially hungry.  So, when I got to work I started drinking and before I knew it they were gone.  What's worse is that I actually had a shake before I went to the gym!

The program has a motto of more is better.  Their theory is simple.  Patients must do the minimum required food daily.  If they are still hungry, then they can eat whatever additional items they want (as long as they are in the box).  Eating more foods in the box will reduce their hunger and keep them from eating other higher calorie foods not on the diet.  More is better is repeated regularly throughout the class.  In fact, the young slim instructor from class even showed charts with data indicating that those who ate more lost more weight over time.

But, here I am.  It's day one.  10 am.  And, I'm sucking down my last drop of chocolate shake.  Uh oh.  I mean, I know I can have two meals later.  But, let's recap -- last night's entree had only four raviolis!  So, I start thinking... eight raviolis til tomorrow?  Is that possible?  Can I do it?  They say more is better.  But, what if I run out of my food supply?  Is it really better?  I can't believe I screwed up already.  I'm only on day one.

By 3 pm I am STARVING!  I practice more is better and hope for the best....

Learning About "The Box"

I started my day with an EKG after leaving the gym and before heading in to the office.  The nice thing about this program is they do a complete overview of your stats.  Blood work, too.  I will see the doctor tomorrow for the results.  But first, tonight I start the program.  A two hour start class to teach us how to live in the box.

I'm surprised to see an acquaintance.  A colleague.  Someone I don't really know well.  But, we have a mutual friend that I love.  And, therefore, I am excited to have a partner in this. We quickly discover we're on different diet plans.  I'm on, what I call, the "all inclusive" plan.  That's when I eat ONLY their food.  Shakes, meals, bars.  She's doing one that also includes fruits and vegetables.... or as we call it the "spa treatment" plan.  In 13 weeks I will have the option to move over to the spa plan.  But, I wanted to go all in to start. 

We were met with food again.  Apparently, this is a common activity in the weekly classes.  They will let us try different meals or ways to make the food.  I like that.  I feel, already, that they are trying to teach us not just spout out rules.  And, I'm feeling good about getting in the box. 

Our classmates were somewhat entertaining... some animated, others dramatic, and some down right annoying.   There was one I was ready to vote off the island.  But, apparently that isn't part of the program.  

Last Meal(s)

Since I'm going to be in the box for a while, I spent the weekend trying to enjoy those meals I may never have again. Or, at least for a very long while.  Yeah, this is a sad (but true) fact.  And, I'm sure I wasn't the only one doing it.  I mean, I didn't spend the weekend just eating.. I merely wanted to spend my last meals enjoying my favorite entrees.  We ordered in food from restaurants I will miss... like the Chimes.  What I discovered was -- while I love these foods, I'll be fine without them.  Sure, they taste good.  But, none were anything I would die for.  Not one meal made me question my decision about getting in the box.