Dannie here, well it’s Sunday and as promised I have a new update on my progress.
Part One: Thoughts and Feelings
I thought I would create a section that showed what goes on in my head. I feel it’s important, because most of the work in attaining a goal, no matter what it is, is mental. Also, to record any changes in activities or diet. What works and what doesn’t, as well as any tweaks I’ve made.
The biggest difference, I’ve noticed is increased energy. Before I started this, in the mornings I would lay in bed still exhausted when the alarm went off. I would hit snooze half a dozen times before I reluctantly dragged myself up and out of my comfy warm spot. Now my eyes pop open around 5 o’clock and I jump right up every morning ready to start my day. I look forward to what the day brings instead of dreading getting up.
My mood is the complete opposite, from being grumpy until I’ve had some coffee, to waking with a smile on my face. My stress levels have went from a 7-8 on a scale of 10 to about a 2. Although I still find myself yawning in the afternoons, it’s nowhere near what it used to be. Before, I would absolutely need a nap, because I didn’t sleep well at night. I’d nod off around 2-3 pm. I had no energy, and felt so lethargic all the time. All I wanted to do 24-7 was sleep. Now when I start yawning, I get up and find something to do. It’s helped, I feel the difference within myself and my energy levels are skyrocketing. When I finally call it a night, I sleep 100% better.
I was also having radical mood swings, I’m not talking psycho, but I would lose my temper at the drop of a dime, which was unlike me, but everything seemed to set it off. I started meditating again right before I started Adkins, I fell off track quite some time ago, but coming back to it has made all the difference in the world. My stress levels are down and my overall mood is good, even better than good, fabulous is the word that comes to mind. Just being able to take time to myself, let the world fall away and relax is so helpful, combine that with a clear head, focus, and stillness, well I have the winning combo that works for me 
I’ve been looking into a beginning yoga class, I’ve done a little in the past when I’ve done Pilates, but I’d like to learn to do it the right way. I can only see added benefit from this. I’m still walking, and doing some calisthenics, but I need variety and like pushing myself to try all sorts of new things.
I can’t even tell you guys how much writing this blog has helped me. It’s so therapeutic to get it all out. I hope in doing so it’s helps someone else, encouraging them to start a journey of their own or continue on if they have felt like quitting.
This week has been more of a challenge for me. My weight is at a stand still, but I’m still losing inches like crazy. I thought back to when I was on Adkins the first time, and the same was true then. He even hits on this topic in his book, which is the whole point of measuring yourself. I’ll tell ya, that’s the only thing that’s motivating me at this point.
I know in a few days I’ll get on the scale and see some progress there. I don’t know why the number is such a big deal, but even as much as I hate admitting it, it really is. It can be discouraging to work so hard then get on the scale first thing in the morning and see that it hasn’t budged. I’m no where even near giving up though. I still have my goal in the forefront of my mind.
Part Two: What I’m doing
I was on the Atkins message board site and was scrolling around reading posts and found something that hit home. As I stated before I knew I under ate, but I didn’t realize how much until I did some research. What I read was this :
Basal Metabolism Explained
The human body works with energy to function. This energy comes from foods eaten and the calories it provides. The very minimum the body needs are calories required for the energy needed to meet the needs for basic function — blood flow, respiration, heartbeat, brain function, regulation of body temperature, nerve impulses, etc. — called the “Basal Metabolism”. The energy required by the body averages 70% of calories required each day!
When calorie intake is restricted to levels below the Basal Metabolism, the body restricts its requirement for calories by conserving energy expenditure — it slows the body’s base requirement to survive in order to conserve it’s energy stores for an emergency (fight or flight responses). This is often referred to as “starvation mode” because the body is convinced it is starving and enters into a metabolic state that will conserve energy to allow survival for extended periods without sufficient calorie intake.
Losing Weight
In order to effectively be able to lose weight, one must meet the basic requirements of the body. It must meet the energy requirements for their Basal Metabolism so that they can avoid entering into starvation mode.
You need to make sure your body gets the calories it needs for basic function — the Basal Metabolism — you should restrict your calories only for what you’ll need for energy beyond that requirement — your body will know it is having it’s basic metabolic needs met and utilize it’s stores (your body fat) for energy needed above and beyond your base requirements without entering into starvation mode.
So what this is telling me is no matter how I have tried to lose weight, it has been in vain because I haven’t been eating ENOUGH…ugh
So I looked up my BMR online and I need to intake 1715.4 calories just to cover my resting metabolism. It goes up the more active I am…I-yi-yi. I’m not used to eating that much…This is going to be a challenge, but I’m up for it!
I also read somewhere that the coffee I drink can be a hindrance. Somehow it messes with blood sugar levels. I can’t even begin to tell you how much this sucks! I’ve been drinking coffee since about 8 years old, when I would sip on my step-dads in the morning. I LOVE it! I believe it’s the caffeine thats raising the B. S. levels in the study, so I’ve switched to 1/2 caff. I may need to switch to decaf soon, if for nothing else than to test the theory.
Another thing that may have me stalled out is …sigh….Beer. Total carb overload. I know this, yet continue to partake of my favorite alcoholic beverage. I’m not much of a liquor drinker anymore, I prefer a nice cold beer when out and about. I’m wondering though, what the range of differences are in each different kind. I’m going to do some research on this. Maybe there is a “healthier” alternative. *crosses fingers*
Part 3: Results
Here it is folks, the moment of reckoning
5-1-11
Weight – 210
Measurements -
Arms – L – 13.5
R – 13.5
Chest – 45.5
Waist – 37.5
Hips – 45.5
Butt – 44.5
Legs – L – 25
R – 25
Total – 250 inches
Losses from last week 1/2 lb and 12.5 inches
Total Losses - 10.5 lbs and 21.5 inches
WOW!!!! Now I’d definitely like to see some improvement on the scale, but I’m loving the loss of inches! My clothes are fitting better, some are getting to big (yay). I feel 100% better too. I’m going to up my exercise and tweak my diet a little and see if that doesn’t help with the weight loss. I’m hoping to have even bigger and better results by next week, stay tuned!
