Sharing Blog Posts From My Weight Loss Journey: When The Pocketbook Meets The Scale

I’m sharing old blog post from my weight loss journey when I blogged on another site:

May 2, 2011

When The Pocketbook Meets The Scale

I am going to have to pay for my WI today. It is a new month and I will be over my goal by more than two pounds. I am hopeful the “more than” part will still be manageable. Weight loss and maintenance for me are both very mental. So really it is my pride that takes a hit in addition to my wallet. The scale does not dictate a good week or a bad week. It is just feedback. And, I have not had to pay since the month of January. There are many positives among knowing I am over my goal. I know it isn’t permanent. I will do what I need to do to get back under goal because I am confident in my weight loss and maintenance and my new healthy behaviors I have set in place.

I have been in quite the funk lately. Not really sure what is going on. I am in the middle of training for a half marathon I will be walking on May 14th. I completed an 11.25 mile walk a few weeks ago and since then I seem to have lost my motivation. I am tired. I am missing Kenyon since we are on opposite shifts with only one overlapping day off. I am just really in a rut. I was a bit loosey goosey with my food intake two weeks ago and am really paying for it (literally) this week. I am not sure if my thyroid is off or I am just looking for an excuse.

I am also feeling fat. I hate fat days. Sort of like a bad hair day but worse. There are times I look in the mirror and think I am fine and there are times I just feel fat. My clothes feel tight or I see my muffin top hanging over my jeans more than usual. I would LOVE to be down 5 pounds but realistically, that just takes too much effort. I got tired of trying to lose on 29 DPA and finally just said, “to heck with it.” I increased my DPA to 35 and have been making a really good effort to track really well. I have been eating out more than usual and again this week will involve a lot of eating out. I can manage. Balance. Back to basics. I need to remember this!

So, as usual, I just keep moving forward. There really is no other option. I could throw myself a pity party inviting all the foods I used to know and love. That wouldn’t solve anything. I would just feel more miserable, fat, and just have to pay another week at the scale.

So, pull up my big girl panties and get back into it. I have 13.1 miles to bust out in a few weeks!

Sharing Blog Posts From My Weight Loss Journey: Four Years With Weight Watchers

I’m sharing old blog post from my weight loss journey when I blogged on another site:

January 14, 2011

Four Years With Weight Watchers



I have not written in a while. We were restricted at work from the internet for a little bit and I sort of got away from goofing off like I used to. I even bought an iPad so that I could enjoy being on the internet at home without having to start up the computer. 

January marks the four year anniversary of joining Weight Watchers. I know everybody says the same thing, “If you had told me I would be 130 pounds lighter, I wouldn’t have believed you.” I really can’t believe how far I’ve come. In the last four year I have gained my life back, lost weight, walked several 5Ks, a 10K and a half marathon. I also have three Lifetime keys (20 months Lifetime in November) and have only had to pay twice in the last two years. 

I have to remember my accomplishments. Some days I need a reminder of why I am on this journey. The day in/day out and struggle with wanting to drop some weight gets tiring. 

I am up 10 pounds from last year. I don’t really know why exactly except I am sure it has to do with diet and exercise. I just sort of got tired of living by the scale. Is this the weight my body wants to be? Perhaps. I still want to lose some. My pants feel tight and I would like to get rid of my muffin top. It all takes time. It is a slow process. 

What I have come to realize is that once the eating habits change for the better, weight loss can seem harder. I am eating about 80% healthy and 20% unhealthy. So, I either have to cut back that 20% and feel deprived or I need to work out extra hard in the gym. Neither sound like much fun to me. 

Truth is, I don’t like being right at my goal. When I was 10 pounds under goal it was carefree. I didn’t have to worry about going out to eat the night before WI because I knew I was still under goal. Often, I am stressed and worried I will have to pay.  So, something has to change. 

Why it is hard for me is because my eating habits have not gotten worse. I still weigh and measure all my food and I almost always eat what I planned even when coworkers are eating out. I have safeguards in place. I don’t worry about going to McDonalds and getting a Big Mac. I don’t worry about eating a whole pizza instead of just a few slices. I have control over my food. So where is the missing link on losing weight again?

I am still working on that. Still trying find the right combination to kick start my weight loss again.  In the meantime, I keep doing what I am doing because even though I have gained 10 pounds, I am still at goal with WW and still a Lifetime member. That….is….awesome!

Sharing Blog Posts From My Weight Loss Journey: I Look Normal

I’m sharing old blog post from my weight loss journey when I blogged on another site:

June 23, 2010



I Look Normal



I don’t look good or bad but just normal. I saw that written on a blog I read once. I think it is a good reminder for me. I can get pretty down sometimes when my pants are tight and/or the scale is up (or both…no wonder my pants are tight!) I do not weigh 166 like I did before Christmas. I also do not weigh 304 like I did before I joined WW. 

When a WW member gets to goal, all the leaders always discourage you in going too low below your goal. WW sets the “lifetime status” restrictions so that a person says between 2 pounds above or below their goal. That is actual quite reasonable. I knew being 10 pounds below my goal wasn’t the best. Now that those 10 pounds have found their way back to me, my pants are uncomfortable and my muffin top feels HUGE. 

What is most frustrating is that my nutrition has not changed. I am not eating Twinkies and HoHos or going to the fast food joints for double cheese burgers with bacon and mayo. I am still eating my fruits, veggies, and lean protein. I still get in my water and eat my whole grain carbohydrates. It really does drive me crazy! The unknown right now could be my thyroid medication. I am on a new dose and seeing a new specialist so that is the best I can do right now. 

I am also getting ready to change shifts at work. I like being on night shift. I enjoy getting up in the afternoon and getting my exercise in. The sun is shining and it makes going out for exercise that much more fun. I am planning to take classes at the Y again. Try to focus on something other than my pants not fitting anymore. 

Losing weight is only the first part of the battle. The second part is keeping the weight off. Only, keeping the weight off takes longer then losing the weight (or for me it did). I’ve known others to struggle at the scale. I’ve tried to help understand what they are feeling but never really knew how stressful it is to be that close to the “high end” of your goal and possibly having to pay to attend meetings again. 

I am not beating myself up too much. I am down about 2 pounds or so from our cruise. I just have to stay mindful of what I’m eating, keep tracking, and make good food decisions. I also need to up my exercise just to ward off being sluggish a lot. My body is strong. It doesn’t matter the number on the scale.

Sharing Blog Posts From My Weight Loss Journey: What Do Others Think Of You??

I’m sharing old blog post from my weight loss journey when I blogged on another site:

April 28, 2010

What Do Others Think Of You??

Have you ever wondered what people think of you when they see you? 

I have recently gone back to an “old” WW meeting where I used to attend. With my rotating shift-work schedule at work, I find myself at new meetings all the time. I actually enjoy meeting hopping as you meet great people and there are so many great WW leaders in our area. Who could you attend just ONE meeting?? I could attend SEVEN easily. 

So now, being in a meeting where I only recognize two people who know me along my journey, I wonder “what do people think of me when they see me?” 

Only my family, friends, coworkers, and long-time WW buddies know I’ve lost 140 pounds. To those that don’t know me and how far I’ve come, do they just think I have about 20 pounds to lose? That is basically what I’ve got to lose. I’ve lost 140 pounds and yet I am STILL about 15-20 pounds overweight per the BMI scale.  

I really don’t care what people think about me. I know who I am. I know I am a good person. I know I am deserving of all good things that come my way. I don’t need anybody to convince me otherwise. Sometimes, I wonder though if the other WW members in my group hear my “advise” and think, “Does she even know what she is talking about?” 

I have come a long way. Sometimes (well most times) I let the number on the scale make me feel inadequate. I sometimes feel as if I have worked so hard and yet can’t seem to get back into the 160s. Ugh. Never ending battle ‘eh? I guess it is good we are all on similar journeys and all in the same boat together. 

Row on…row on….

Sharing Blog Posts From My Weight Loss Journey: I Miss The Other Lindsay

I’m sharing old blog post from my weight loss journey when I blogged on another site:

March 28, 2010

I Miss The Other Lindsay

That is what my friend said to me the other night when she came over to dinner. I have recently gone back to counting points this week. So, I made turkey pot pies with leftover turkey breast, a can of cream of chicken soup, and frozen mixed veggies. I top them with a reduced fat crescent roll for a total of 5 points each. We sat down to have our pot pies, asparagus, and salad while we chatted away as we usually do. 

I have always been a social eater. If anything I just ate huge portions of high fat/high calorie foods while I sat and gabbed with my friends over happy hour. So, it didn’t surprise me when Jenny said, “I miss the other Lindsay, the one that used to go to TGIFridays all the time for happy hour appetizers and margaritas.” That’s right folks….I know all the good deals in town. We used to frequent TGIFridays most days for $2.00 appetizers and the yummiest margaritas in town for $3.00. Boy, those were the days ‘eh. No wonder I got to 304 pounds! 

I just laughed at Jenny and said, “she comes out every once and a while.” 

What I have learned through my three years with Weight Watchers, and my recent one-year-at-goal celebration, is that food tastes good. Now that I don’t have TGIFriday’s happy hour food and drinks as often, I now can enjoy how yummy it tastes when we do go and have an evening out with friends. Food doesn’t have to have control over you. I choose what I put into my mouth. Would I like to eat happy hour food and drinks every day since it tastes so good? Sure. However, I’d be right back where I started and unhappy. 

I’m okay with the “other Lindsay” only coming out to play on occasion.

Sharing Blog Posts From My Weight Loss Journey: The NUMBER On The Scale Is Only A NUMBER

I’m sharing old blog post from my weight loss journey when I blogged on another site:

March 7, 2010

The NUMBER On The Scale Is Only a NUMBER

I tell myself all the time that I need to not focus so much on the number on the scale. It really is just a number. And now that I am on maintenance, that number jumps all over the place. For those that are not yet in maintenance, once you get there, the days of hoping for a “loss” aren’t there anymore. Instead of “gains” or “losses” you just sort of go up and down in a “weight range.” My weight range is 166-170. I feel really good at 166 and at 170, my pants are tight!!! I know I don’t like staying in the 170s and really do prefer to be 166. 

Lately, I have been in the 170s (or pretty darn close to it) since after Christmas. I’m not quite sure why I can’t seem to keep my weight at the “lower end” of my weight range. I think mostly it has to do with just being comfortable with eating. My day-to-day eating is right on track. I will always bypass the fast food joints. I will always go for something that will satisfy me before I go for something that will just be empty calories. However, my sweet tooth still enjoys its fair share (and then some) of goodies daily.  

Since I rotated to the graveyard shift at work in January, being up late at night at home on my days off has posed some challenges. It has tested my boredom-eating a time or two. I really struggle with boredom and with a full kitchen at my disposable I have really had to try and dig my heels and try to refrain from overdoing it. I have been successful at times and also not-so-successful. I will always struggle with boredom eating. 

So, back to the number on the scale – why are we so hard on ourselves?? I am doing GREAT. I know I’m doing great. I will have been at goal for one year on March 14th. When I got to goal I weighed in at 173. Today, I am 170.4. I looked back at my book to see what my weight was last Christmas. I was wondering if I was “heavier” during the winter months last year. Since I was still in weight loss mode last year, I actually am 10 pounds lower this February then I was last February. I am doing fine. I have not had to pay for a WW meeting in the last year. I am not above my goal like other Lifetime members around me. I am at goal where several other WW members have not yet made it to their goal and have been a WW member longer then I have. I am doing fine. So why am I so hard on myself??? 

I went for a walk/jog today in the sunshine. Boy, do I miss the sunshine. I also miss my days off with Kenyon. Right now we are on opposite shifts with little days off together. I am so looking forward to shift change. There is a lot to look forward to this summer. We are going to Arkansas for a wedding. I’ve never been to AR. Then my friend Phoenix is getting married and I am a bridesmaid. Then we have our Alaska cruise in June. So much to look forward to!!!! That is what is important. Not the number on the scale! Silly me.

Sharing Blog Posts From My Weight Loss Journey: Reflecting Back On The Journey

I’m sharing old blog post from my weight loss journey when I blogged on another site:

December 9, 2009

Reflecting Back On The Journey

I often spend time thinking about my weight loss journey and how far I have come. I am reminded about how hard I worked and how much I pushed on even when it got tough. Weight loss is not easy. Getting healthy, learning how to manage food, and breaking down old food behaviors is tough. It is sort of like re-training yourself after years and years of always doing what you always did. 

However, anybody that makes the decision to change their life and embark on a weight loss journey will find it is very empowering. It can bring out stuff in you that you didn’t know you had. Once those exercise endorphins hit ya, there ain’t no going back!!! It wasn’t always like that though. There have been just as many “down in the dumps” times as there have been “feeling fancy free” times. I still have days that I feel fat and I have days that I feel thin. There have been struggles and upsets along with many accomplishments. All wrapped up in the journey I was on for about two years before I made my weight loss goal. 

It took me two years to lose the “bulk” of the weight. I have continued to lose and am now ten pounds under the goal I set with my doctor. I am at the point now where just an extra 5 pounds makes my jeans fit different and very uncomfortable. I am at the stage where I have to use these tools I built up to sustain my weight loss for the rest of my life. After all – I want to be the “results not typical” and one day even the “half my size” story you see in the magazines. 

I reflect back on my journey at different times. It has been more frequent here lately with the Biggest Loser season 8 contestants and the finale that just aired last night. It will be three years that I joined Weight Watchers this coming January. It will also be 10 months at/below my goal. And it feels great. 

Kenyon and I went to the Gary Allan concert last weekend. I was people watching before the show and saw several women that were quite large. They were looking sort of uncomfortable in the small seats and most looked to be sitting further out then their neighbor and even spilling over into their neighbor’s space. That is what reminded me of what I used to be like. I have no real concept of what I used to LOOK like. I do remember what it used to FEEL like. I hated being in the middle of two people at the movie theater. I felt too big for the seats and always tried hard to restrict my movements so I didn’t disrupt my neighbor. In this case, it was an eye opener on how far I’ve come. When Kenyon and I went to take our seats, they were next to a big ‘ol tall cowboy wearing a hat, button up shirt, boots and all! I didn’t hesitate to tell Kenyon I’d sit in the seat in the middle. I felt comforted to know that I didn’t have to disrupt either of my neighbors (although I did lean over to Kenyon’s side but that is a different blog post). 

I am so proud of my accomplishments. I am so happy that I no longer have to fear the seatbelt won’t buckle on the next plane ride like I had to worry three years ago when we went to Vegas. I don’t have to fear sitting in the middle of my friends when we go out to a movie. I can now continue to live my life as I always have…just in a smaller body!

Sharing Blog Posts From My Weight Loss Journey: How To Cope With A Large Weight Loss

I’m sharing old blog post from my weight loss journey when I blogged on another site:

November 18, 2009

How To Cope With A Large Weight Loss

Where do you find the books that explain how you are to cope with a large weight loss? I’ve come to realize that nothing can prepare a person for it. There isn’t anything out there to explain what happens once the weight is gone. There is no guidance on how you start seeing yourself as this new “thin” person. Where do you find the instructions on how you now keep this weight off that you worked so hard to take off? And when do you actually start to see past the excess skin, muffin top, and arm flab?? 

This is what has been on my mind. I’ve realized that in the short time it has taken me to lose this weight that it will take me the rest of my life to perfect these new skills I have developed. I am very lucky that I had a lot of weight to lose. I had time to learn and develop new eating habits. I don’t struggle with the fast food drive-ins or the temptations of eating out when I’ve already brought my lunch to work. I am in control of food. And it feels great. Yet there are still times I struggle. There are times that I still feel “fat.” There are times that I just wish this darn muffin top would go away. The new book I am reading is “Half-Assed: a weight-loss memoir” by Jannette Fulda. Jannette lost 190 pounds and her story is just entertaining and empowering!!! I love books like this. 

At our WW meeting we have been discussing the upcoming Thanksgiving Holiday and all the food that is sure to be served. Tricks and tips on how to get through the day and what the points values are of the foods. My leader, Sheliah, this week asked, “How many of you are thankful for Weight Watchers?” I am thankful everyday for WW because without it I would not be the person that I am today. All I can think about is the years upon years that I made sure to wear my elastic waistband pants to the Thanksgiving dinner in hopes of getting “all I could eat.” Wow, am I even more thankful now for WW that I don’t even view food as that important anymore. 

These last few weeks have been a struggle. I’ve been trying really hard to get back into exercise and my foot is still hurting me. I was 0.2 pounds away from getting my 140 lb star and marking that next milestone. It doesn’t get any easier. These last 10 pounds I’ve got on me could take quite some time to lose. I’m still trying to decide where I want to be and I continue to remind myself of where I came from. I’ve put my body through a lot these past almost-three years. I’ve come a very long way and I plan to continue to keep the weight off. I have to. I don’t want to go back and as I said before, food isn’t just that important to me. 

So….onward. To another Thanksgiving Feast!

Sharing Blog Posts From My Weight Loss Journey: I’m Turning 30 On Sunday

I’m sharing old blog post from my weight loss journey when I blogged on another site:

October 21, 2009

I’m Turning 30 On Sunday

My 30th Birthday is fast approaching and I am nothing but excited for it. I have a whole new life to enjoy “in my next 30 years” thanks to Weight Watchers.  

I set a goal last year that I wanted to be at goal by my 30th Birthday. I am at/under my doctor's goal and have been for 7 months now. I am not yet at WWs goal. I'm not sure if I want to be 155 pounds and if I want to work for WW. I thought that is what I wanted but now I'm not so sure. The weight loss is very slow now that I do still have time to decide. As of now I am at my all time low of 165 pounds and I have lost 139.8 (yes I missed that 140 pound star by .2 lbs). 

I love WW. It is a fantastic program and it helped me to understand how to build healthy eating habits and how to find control over food. I feel WW is a great program when it comes to weight loss but it is lacking in the tools needed to sustain that loss forever. There really isn't much guidance once a WW member hits maintenance. Often, in my many chats on the WW boards, I read posts several times a day of how people are scared to gain the weight back, how they just cannot seem to stop losing weight, and how they just aren't sure they can eat anymore food.

This is why WW needs more information once members hit maintenance. Since we are 'free' once we gain our Lifetime status, WW doesn’t make any money off us anymore. But aren't we just as important as all the other WW members?? I know I sure could use support and guidance along my new journey I call maintenance. After all, I have to learn now how to KEEP this weight off forever. 

I have switched to calorie counting. I had a hard time with points in that points still equal calories. Just because something has extra fiber in it does not mean it has less calories. Often WW members will hunt for the lowest possible points value foods and eat and eat and eat and before you know it, they have gained an excess of calories and can’t figure out why the scale won't move. A 100 calorie food, whether one point or two based on fiber, is still 100 calories. So I am finding that calorie counting and I work well together. I still weigh, measure, and track my entire food intake. I will never stop doing that. It is what keeps me on track. 

I have also started to learn how to understand food and nutrition and how food fuels the body. This is also very important for making this maintenance journey a success. Not every day needs to be low point/low calorie/low fat. That is when you are in losing mode. But at maintenance you can eat more, enjoy treats again, and really find the balance between high calorie and low calorie food so you are giving your body all it needs. It takes time, but I’m figuring it out. 

Reflecting back on my last 30 years is like a trip down memory lane. Where I have been, how far I have come, and the great things that have come out of the journey I've already taken (my amazing husband, Kenyon, is just one example). Life really is like a box of chocolates and you really don't know what you will get. So keep enjoying it, keep moving forward, and cheers to another 30 years ahead!!

Sharing Blog Posts From My Weight Loss Journey: Life Is Like A Box Of Chocolates

I’m sharing old blog post from my weight loss journey when I blogged on another site:

June 14, 2009

Life Is Like A Box Of Chocolates

Life in general! How to handle life when it decides to throw you a curve ball?? That is the question indeed! I’ve never been a quitter. I occasionally get to a stressed out/tired point where I can feel a little down in the dumps. I usually break down and cry to digest it all. But do I quit? Never. I’m generally a very positive person. I have trouble seeing the negative in most situations.

Lately staying positive has been tough. My work schedule has been completely turned upside down and I’m feeling stressed!! This is only the beginning. We have many months to go before we can get the new staff trained, up to speed, and out on their own. So what does that mean for the rest of us? A hell of a lot of work hours!!! 

On average right now my work week is 5 days long. What?? I thought everybody worked 5 days? I am a police dispatcher. So we are now working four 12-hour shifts and one 10-hour shift each week. Then we rotate the remaining shifts left to be covered and we all work another sixth 10 or 12-hour shift every other week. 

Stressed! That is the best word to describe it. That and tired. 

My day starts at 2am. The alarm goes off and I make myself get up without hitting snooze. I’ve got my routine down now where I’ve got enough time to shower, get ready, and make my breakfast while also making and packing my lunch and snacks. I couldn’t be successful to my WW journey if I do not plan and stay on track. I just don’t know how people do it without planning and preparation! I get to work about 3:45am and work until 4pm. If Kenyon is home we get to spend some time together where I get in my exercise before I go to bed. If he isn’t home I have dinner ready to go when he gets home about 7:15pm. We have dinner and then it is bed time – 8pm!!! I cannot allow myself to stay up any later than 8pm as I’ve got to get up at 2am the following morning and start all over again. I’m exhausted just thinking about it. 

So what does this all mean you ask?? It means the scale right now is suffering!!! How bad? Not as bad as I could be. I’ve realized two things.

One, I need to not use my work and being tired as an excuse to not follow the program or continue with my weight loss journey. Two, I need to not be so hard on myself. Weight loss is very mental or me. And when I gain at the scale knowing I’ve not strayed at all from the program or eaten anything out of the ordinary, it sends my mind into a tailspin! I’m trying to figure out what happened. Well you know what, life happened! This is what happens in life and once I’m over this hurdle I’ll be back onto the downward trend I’d like to see on the scale.

WW is a lifestyle change. It is not a diet. You’ve heard this before?? So what is it going to take to believe it??? If I was just dieting and had not changed my lifestyle do you know how easy it would be to say, “Ahhh I don’t have time. I’ll just get Burger King!” Meanwhile several hundred calories later (after all who gets a burger and not French fries??) I can’t seem to figure out why I’m gaining! Who knew all that stuff I used to eat really was “bad” for me??  

I have to keep moving forward. If that means I maintain my weight loss for the next six months until things at work improve – sure! If I maintain I am that much better off then saying, “I just can’t do it” and gaining back what I will then have to lose again. 

Whoever is reading this – I hope it helps. I hope it helps you to understand that life is what it is. Life will run smoothly, rough at times, and also stressful at times. It is the strength you have to pick yourself up, dust off, and keep going that proves you can overcome it. You can move forward even when it feels like that big ‘ol bag of chocolate sitting here at work looks like the answer. It isn’t the answer. And unwanted calories that could cause a gain at the scale isn’t going to help me out either. 

So I keep moving forward and I do the very best I can while keeping my head up and my eyes focused forward. As the old saying goes, “This too shall pass!”

Sharing Blog Posts From My Weight Loss Journey: Lifetime! A Time To Reflect On The Journey

I’m sharing old blog post from my weight loss journey when I blogged on another site:

April 25, 2009   
Lifetime! A Time To Reflect On The Journey



I’ve just reached my Lifetime status with Weight Watchers. That means I get to be a member for free now. Yeah baby! Weight Watchers helped me lose (to date) 132 pounds. I’ve gone from a size 26 jeans to a size 14. I’m no longer a XXXL. I am now a size medium. I’ve lost 43% of my total body weight and my BMI went from 49 to 28. Oh…and I’m not done yet….



Reflecting back on my weight loss journey



I’ve been asked all sorts of questions during these last few months on Weight Watchers leading up to reaching my goal and getting my Lifetime award. I’ve been asked if I even recognize myself when I look in the mirror or see my image in a window. I’ve been asked if I feel tons better and just love being more active. I’ve been asked if I just love my new self and am just so happy. 



Yes, Yes, and Yes. 



It is funny. I never had an actual idea of what I looked like. I never liked pictures and so unless Mom or Dad took pictures at each birthday celebration I didn’t always have a picture. When I would see one I’d not even believe it was me. A mirror does not do justice. I looked in mirrors everyday never really seeing what I looked like. I was active (although just socially), I was outgoing, and I was just a fun person to be around. I loved myself for me. When my Mom would recommend some sort of weight loss program saying, “You can be fat after you get married” I’d tell her, “I want somebody to love me for me. Not just somebody they like to look at.” And I stood my ground. Slowly getting larger and larger in the process!!! 



I’ve been on Weight Watchers (known as WW) before. I did it once with my Mom when I was younger. My sister Jenny reached her Lifetime status at the age of 13. I wasn’t doing WW for me. I was doing it for my Mom. She felt I needed to lose weight. My Mom was always trying some new diet. We were always trying to find ways to lose weight. Between my junior and senior year of high school we went on this new program called the Prism Diet (no not Prison Diet like it sounds when you say it although sometimes it felt like Prison.) You couldn’t have any white flour, potatoes, or refined sugar for six weeks. It was hard but I adjusted. I also lost 30 lbs in three months. I was about 180 when I graduated from high school. I remember wearing a size 14 jeans and feeling good about myself. 



I suppose I just started getting heavier and heavier in college. Living the single life and enjoying life in general. I can’t really say it was one thing or another. Poor food decisions and no exercise. I remember going to the doctor and slowly the scale started to increase. When the nurse weighs you, to be police they always started the weight at the 200 lb marker. I always told them to start it at the 250 lb marker as I knew I was over 250. One day she moved it to the 300 lb marker. I couldn’t even believe I was over 300 lbs. How did I get this way and why didn’t anybody tell me?? Because YOU have to be ready to change. Nobody can make you do it. Nobody can make you want to eat healthy and exercise. It has to be your choice and it has to be for the reasons you want to do it. 



So I joined WW. I cried the day after I signed up while on the phone to Mom. I didn’t know how I was supposed to take this list of healthy foods and make a meal out of it when I ate out for all of my meals. She told me if it was going to be that hard then to just quit. (Mom has said this to me at a couple of different crossroads in life. It serves its purpose as I don’t quit anything). I decided to make WW work for me. I continued to eat out and make good food decisions and lost weight along the way. Slowly my healthy eating got even healthier and I started cooking at home and trying out different recipes. Now I love to take a recipe and see how I can make it more WW-friendly. It is fun. And I know my husband, Kenyon, get the benefits from it as well. 

The weeks leading up to getting to goal were tough. I had set a goal for 175 lbs, which was the goal I set with my doctor. At the time I’d lost almost 100 lbs and was not yet under 200. I did not feel that 155 was a weight I wanted to be at. WW’s goals are based on the BMI (Body Mass Index) chart. According to my height of 5’6” I have to weight 155. I remembered my last successful weight loss journey in high school. I was happy at 180. I thought I looked good at 180. So we set the goal for 175. I have now reached that goal and see that 155 is right there within reach. Also, I cannot be a leader with WW until I reach that 155 goal so I’m going for it! I really want to be a leader. I was trying on clothes in the dressing room at JC Penny’s the weekend before I was to get my Lifetime award. I just started crying. I finally realize that I’ve done it. That I have changed my life and that I did what I set out to do. 



It is amazing what an impact weight loss can have on a person. It is way more than just losing pounds or looking good. For me it was a whole life change. It was making the outside match how I felt on the inside. No longer hiding and no longer allowing myself to make excuses. I’m active, I’m alive, and I love my life. I have a great husband, great family and great friends. My support system is HUGE! And I am grateful for each and every one of my supporters. 



Weight loss is possible. For whatever reason you choose to motivate you and whatever program you choose to assist you – embrace the change. Enjoy the journey. Remind yourself why you are on this journey and what you want to accomplish. Set small goals. Holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, funerals, and weddings all come throughout the year. Remember that they are just one day. Enjoy the day and then get right back on track. Keep at it even when you have a gain at the scale or a bad day where you eat more than you should have. Don’t give up. Put yourself first because YOU are worth it!

Sharing Blog Posts From My Weight Loss Journey: My Two Year Anniversary With Weight Watchers

I’m sharing old blog post from my weight loss journey when I blogged on another site:

Saturday, January 24, 2009   

My Two Year Anniversary with Weight Watchers Current mood:  strong   I will have been a member of Weight Watchers (aka WW) for 2 years on Monday.  I can’t believe it has been two years.  What a program this is.  What a lifesaving tool it is.  And what great support I have gotten from my friends, family, coworkers, WW members, and my WW leaders.  It has been a great two years  I started in Nampa with Lynn.  She was so supportive and loved to talk about food struggles.  She was always so positive and shared with us her current weight gain and how she was working hard to get it back under “goal.”  Lynn retired several months ago.  I was sad to see her go.  She was off to travel the world and left us her email address to be in touch when we reached our own goal.  I can’t wait to contact her when I get there.  From there Mom and I went to the Caldwell meetings with Tamela.  Tamela is so upbeat and positive and was so much fun.  We really enjoyed her meetings.  I reached my first major goal of 100 pounds lost just before we had to switch meetings.  They were all so very positive!  I miss Tamela’s meetings.....  We are now at Nampa again.  This time with Kimberly.  I’m not sure what to think of her.  At first she wasn’t my favorite leader.  She seemed to focus more on activity and exercise and less on food struggles.  She was no less amazing like my other leaders.  Kimberly lost 65 pounds and has maintained her weight of 155 pounds for a few years now.  She is also a trainer at the YMCA, I look forward to taking her spin class in the future.  So here I am approaching the eve of my two year anniversary with time to reflect on where I have come from and where I still have to go.  It has been the most amazing journey.  I am healthy, fit, and happy.  I am enjoying my new healthy lifestyle and my new size 14/16 jeans.  I still have many more pounds to lose.  If I want a chance at being a WW leader I have to weigh in at 155 pounds.  Quite a feat for somebody that started at 304 pounds.  But I’ll get there.  Just wait and see!!!  Here is to two years and counting!  122 pounds down and 27 pounds to go!  It has been a very successful two years!

Sharing Blog Posts From My Weight Loss Journey: Blog Update

I’m sharing old blog post from my weight loss journey when I blogged on another site:

Thursday, December 11, 2008   

Just a Blog - an Update   I just feel like blogging today.  Pretty slow at work so why not eh??  I completed my very first spin class at the YMCA on Tuesday.  I can't even believe it.  If you had told me two years ago I'd be doing a spin class I'd say "no way."  It feels good though.  Not as sore today as I had expected so I plan to go again every Tuesday for a little while.  We have joined the YMCA in Meridian for their Healthy Holiday challenge.  For six weeks you have to workout twice a week.  At the end of the six weeks if you want to become a member they will waive the joining fee.  For us that is $120 so it is well worth it.  Having fun.  Almost to finish up our second week there (I think just second??)  Other news, Kenyon and I are house hunting.  We have met a great realtor, Christina with Swope Enterprises.  We are having fun looking at houses and even found a couple we might consider.  Waiting another few weeks to look at more houses on our list.  So far so good though.  I have never wanted to be a homeowner but I am excited for this new journey with Kenyon.  I can hardly wait to have "our" home.  I might be whistling a different tune come summer when I am out mowing the lawn.  But for now it is fun.  We found out yesterday our dispatch center will be merged with RCCE from Pocatello.  I am very sad these dispatchers have to decide to up-root their lives if they want to keep their job.  Although I am anxious to meet some of those that do move, I wish them all the best of luck in what they decide.  I can only imagine how tough it will be.  So as of July 1, 2009 we will now dispatch for Regions 3 through 6.  Major work on our end and lots of new area to learn!  I am still plugging away at Weight Watchers.  I am getting closer to the goal I set with my doctor of 175 pounds.  I am now 117 pounds lighter and feel great!  I love my new active lifestyle and I love live in general.  I'll get to that goal (and beyond).  Right now my sights are set at being at goal by my 30th birthday, October 25, 2009.  Should be enough time eh?? I hope you all have a safe and Happy Holiday season.  Many wonderful wishes for the New Year that is quickly approaching!

Sharing Blog Posts From My Weight Loss Journey: Skinny???

I’m sharing old blog post from my weight loss journey when I blogged on another site:

Monday, September 01, 2008   

Skinny???   Yesterday while at the store I bumped into my Dad's cousin and her daughter.  Upon talking for a bit she said, "Wow, you are just looking so skinny."  Obviously she made me feel good.  I did the usual, "Oh thank you" bit I usually do when somebody says that to me. However it is still hard to hear. I was then leaving the store when I bumped into my sister's friend, her husband, and their two kids.  After we talked for a few minutes she said, "Man you are just so skinny."  Again I sort of laughed, smiled and said, "thank you."   It is weird.  I do enjoy hearing positive comments such as those.  And sometimes I find myself wanting to hear them since the scale doesn't always move in the downward direction.    However, since I am currently weighing in just under the 200 lb mark I wouldn't have ever thought people would describe me as skinny. Hmmmm very interesting. In the meantime I'll keep plugging away at it.

Sharing Blog Posts From My Weight Loss Journey: A New Weight Loss Goal

I’m sharing old blog post from my weight loss journey when I blogged on another site:

Thursday, August 14, 2008   

My New Weight Loss Goal Current mood:  optimistic As I have bogged before, and some of you I have complained to, my weight loss journey has slowed a bit.  It has been very frustrating and depressing at times here recently (a 3 pound gain where I cried after I had my weigh in).  I have decided I need to focus more on the toning and less on the numbers.  I have been doing The Biggest Loser Maximum Cardio DVD for two weeks now as well as Walk Away The Pounds 2 and 3 Mile VHS (old school).  I have been feeling good but have been up and down at the scales.  My new goal is to be at my goal weight by my 30th birthday!  That is right kiddies….by October 25, 2009 I'd like to be at goal with weight watchers.  My doctor and I set at goal weight at 175 pounds.  So I have another 25 pounds to go as of today's date.  That means a lot of work since it is just creeping off these days.  That will be 129 total pounds lost!  I think a little over a year is a reasonable time frame.  After all…it is not a race it is a journey (I have to keep reminding myself of this).   Thanks to all that have been encouraging and supportive during those times I needed a good pick me up.  I have come a long way…and I still have more to go!  Onward….

Sharing Blog Posts From My Weight Loss Journey: I Did It! 101 Pounds Of Fat Gone

I’m sharing old blog post from my weight loss journey when I blogged on another site:

Friday, May 30, 2008   

I did it! 101 pounds of fat gone!!!   Just a follow up to my last blog.  I needed to lose 3 lbs last week and I lost 4 lbs for a total loss of 101 lbs.  Very...very excited.  Since my starting weight was 304 lbs I still have 4 lbs to go to be under 200.  I am working hard again this week but figure I'll give myself a few weeks to get that off.  Then....time to focus on goal.   Thanks to everybody who has encouraged me this last year and four months.  I couldn't have done it without you all!!!

Sharing Blog Posts From My Weight Loss Journey: Losing Weight At The Speed Of A Snail

I’m sharing old blog posts from my weight loss journey when I blogged on another site:

Tuesday, May 20, 2008   

Losing weight at the speed of a snail! Current mood:  annoyed   I have been working up to losing 100 lbs on Weight Watchers since I started.  That has been the first goal I set for myself, to lose 100 lbs.  The next is to be less than 200 lbs.  And then finally start setting my sights on my final goal weight.    I am getting very close to the 100 lb mark but also getting very frustrated.  I swear…it is as slow as a snail trying to lose weight sometimes.  I am now at 97 lbs.  I want to get my 100 lbs by next Tuesday since I have to change meeting sites.  I want my Caldwell group to share with me the excitement of reaching 100 lbs.  Now…although 100 lbs is a lot of weight to lose it is not the end of the line.  I still have a lot more to lose (that is what happens when your starting weight is so damn high!!!)  But needless to say I am still working at it.   Looking at my last blog post, it has taken me a really…really…really long time to lose these 25 lbs that will take me to my 100 lb mark.  I had not realized I reached the 75 lb mark in December…yikes!!!  However I'll make it…if not this next Tuesday, perhaps the next.  So guys…gals…anybody out there reading this…I have 3 lbs I have to lose this week to get my 100 lb weight lost by May 27th.  A large feat ahead of me but I am going to follow the program, stay within my points, drink lots of water, exercise like crazy, and resist all sugar temptations.  Oh…and no trips to Target just for their popcorn this week!  Or least keep it to a minimum. I'll check back in once I have completed this task.

Sharing Blog Posts From My Weight Loss Journey: 75 Pounds Lighter

I met a new WW member at my meeting (if you are reading this Kate B. hello to you!).  I shared with her my blog if she was super bored and felt the need to read up on my super uneventful life.  Kate reached out to me because she is a new member having just completed her fourth week and wanted to pick my brain on tools for staying motivated.  If you have met me in person, you know I love to talk so I am happy she chatted with me.  We have exchanged info and I look forward to chatting with her more.

Anyway, it got me thinking about my prior blog that I had during some of my weight loss journey on a site called Freewebs that a lot of the WW members on the message boards were using.  I found my old blog link but it appears the link isn’t good as the site has done some changing (it was getting hard to blog on that site anyway so I moved over to blogspot).  I am still able to get into my old blog posts though the admin side so I am going to start posting some of them here so I have those memories on record.

Friday, December 14, 2007  

75lbs lighter.... Current mood: excited 2007 has been quite a year. I am not sure 2008 can top it! I am not one that likes to toot my own horn (at least not as much as my sister Katie) but I feel this time calls for it. Some of you know I have been going to Weight Watchers since the end of January of 2007. Almost one year! It has been the best thing I could have done for my life and my health. I am a huge Weight Watcher promoter and really believe in this program. My Mother joined a month after me and is down 65lbs. Jenny started a few months ago and is down 16lbs. Katie has lost 40lbs (I think) by just changing what she eats and all on her own. These Ihli women are not only stronger and also better looking than ever! Now back to the tooting my own horn. I was very close to hitting my 75lb mark two weeks ago. I missed it by .2lbs. I weighed last week (after giving up desserts and sugar…HARD) and lost 2.8lbs. My total weight loss is 77.6lbs. I am so excited. I started Weight Watchers at 304lbs. As you can see I still have lots more to lose. But with the support of Kenyon, my family, friends, and coworkers I know I can do it. With the year mark coming up rather quickly I want to thank everybody for all their support and their kind words. I am so grateful to have people who care so much about me. Okay…I'm done bragging…at least for now!