Friday, June 3, 2011

Slimmer This Summer



In my plea to be healthier I have stumbled across some weight loss blogs and I came across this challenge from Debbi Does Dieting.  It couldn’t have come at a better time for me! 

I am looking forward to being healthier and in the works of it all, losing some weight.  I miss my old self: energetic, happy, optimistic and strong.  I look forward to regaining my lost self.

My goals for this 12 week challenge:
-I want to lose an average of 2 lbs a week (so 24 lbs over all).  Committing by writing this down, scares me to death.  I don’t want to fail!

-I will drink 80 oz of water a day.

-I am going to work out 5 times a week for 45-60 minutes each session: including strength training and cardio. By the end of the 12 weeks I would like to be able to jog/walk a 5k again under 40 minutes. I am working with a chiropractor to overcome some neck and back issues that have kept me from running.  I am hoping to be able to pick it back up.  40 minutes seems like an appropriate goal at this time.

-I will keep a food journal and log what I am eating.  I will follow the diet I was given when I was diagnosed with hypoglycemia.  It is a restricted carb diet, that I hate to call low-carb because you can have carbs, you just have to count them.  It worked for me 12 years ago, let’s see if I can get it to work for me again.

It is a point system diet. 

For every 15 grams of carbohydrates= 1point. 
Every 8 grams of fiber= -1point. 

Each meal or snack has its allotment as follows:
Breakfast: 2 points
Snack: 1 point
Lunch: 2-3 points
Snack: 1 point
Dinner: 3 points
Snack: 1point

I lose weight when I count calories, but I walk around like a zombie, because I can’t keep my blood sugar level.  When I count my carbs and focus on eating protein several times a day I live a more balanced life and actually can lose weight in the process.  I really want to focus on laying off the sugar and white starches and getting enough protein to keep my blood sugar from plummeting.



-My last goal is to build an on-line support network.  I have blogged for the past several years, but not about my weight issues.  I feel vulnerable getting on the internet asking for support from others.  At the moment I am anonymous with my blog, just to dip my toes in the water.  I am hoping I can grow and learn from others out there who have been successful in their weight loss by blogging and sharing on the web.


The Challenge begins Monday!!! 
Here we go! 
I can do it!

11 comments:

  1. Hi Amber! It's great that you're joining Debbi's challenge! I have Type 2 Diabetes and struggle with the same issues as you. My tip: diet sodas take about 2 weeks to get used to and only after you've cut out all other sugar, and that takes your taste buds upwards of 3 weeks to kick the sugar habit. You always hear lots of people saying how diet sodas leave a bad aftertaste, after years of drinking diet soda, I now believe the same about sugary drinks. It takes some getting used to but don't give up or give in. You'll get there. Now I prefer drinking unsweetened iced tea and Crystal Light. Try the different flavors and find one you like and stick to it. It'll help you get off sugary drinks and will help with getting your 80oz of water in each day! :)

    Good luck!

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  2. If the point system works, go for it. Just have a plan and stick with it! It looks great and I am looking forward to starting the challenge. 12 weeks will fly by fast and so will the pounds!

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  3. Hi this is Nicole from Colie’s Kitchen! I am doing the Summer Slim Down Challenge also and saw your blog posted on Debbi does dieting. I wanted to drop by and say hi. I am your newest follower! Good luck with week one!! I would love to have you drop by www.colieskitchen.com

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  4. I'm cheering you on and am praying daily for the challengers. We'll do it!

    And the number one way to build support: give support. The number two way: post often. People will come to you if you go to them and "introduce" and support them. Otherwise, they won't know you're alive.

    God bless and let's be strong this summer --in all sorts of ways.

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  5. Working toward balance will help you off the sugar. Exercise (especially that much) will help, too. The protein, especially right after a workout, will help build muscle and help burn the other. Stay with it, especially since you know it makes you feel better. Rootin' for ya.

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  6. I've also been hesitant talking about my weight issues and I'm trying to change that with this challenge. Best to you.

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  7. It's going to work for you! We're all going to share some amazing success stories in August! Good luck!

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  8. Amber! You can do this! As others have said, it will take several weeks for the craving to subside. All you have to do is make it through fifteen minutes at a time. You can do ANYTHING for fifteen minutes. Just follow that first fifteen minutes with another fifteen and then before you know it, you have a whole day then a week and then...You're Free!

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  9. Glad to see you are in this challenge, too. Your goals sound realistic. We will all support each other as we work hard to get healthier and fit. Best of luck to you. Michele at http://ruminationsasiuncoverthewomanwithin.blogspot.com/

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  10. I understand that feeling of vulnerability, I've kept a level of being anonymous on here just while i get used to it. You know what, it isn't so bad at all - actually it's rather exciting and very encouraging. I am so glad i stumbled on this challenge and glad you did the same - here we are and here we go! Look out!! ;) Best of luck!

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  11. I'm late in reading everyone's goals, but just wanted to add that I understand everything in your last paragraph. This community (which I found a week before the challenge began) feels wonderful, and like a small miracle that I happened upon them.

    Good luck!

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