My change from last week –
Change in weight (3/4/20 –3/10/20): + 1.8 LBS
First of all, sorry for being late on posting this for everybody. We were in Vermont celebrating my birthday with family and I did not return until yesterday afternoon. As you can see, I think the celebration got the best of me.
So last week when I reflected I talked about how I did not feel like I was doing well, but I ended up losing weight. This week I had the feeling since Friday that I was going to have a weight gain week and this time, I was correct. The good thing about this weight gain is I know how and why it happened. The bad thing is I also know how easily it happened.
Let’s talk about exercise. I did not get many walks in on my work days this week. I knew I was approaching a long weekend and the workload I needed to get done was huge, so I had to put my head down for the majority of the week. I did do a Peloton workout on Tuesday and Wednesday, which felt good, but I wished I got at least one more in before we left for Vermont. There was some extended sedentary time as the car rides to and from Vermont were 3.5 hours but on Sunday I skied, which provided a good workout for part of the day. So overall there was a substantial decrease in activity compared to my recent weeks, though I still keep some of the momentum going.
Now onto intake. I won’t beat around the bush or sugar coat this. I let it go this week. I was pretty good early in the week but still was not as disciplined as I have been. Thursday night we got takeout so we wouldn’t dirty dishes and Friday was basically eating road food (and an absurdly good breakfast bagel sandwich with lox from this place Kupels in Brookline). Friday night was a birthday celebration at my dad’s which included lots appetizers and pizza. Basically it was an indulgence of cheese and other tasty things. This was the first situation where I “let it go” over the week and was not the last. I do not necessarily have regrets for the splurge as I feel that we need to allow ourselves periodic indulgences if we are to be successful in a weight loss journey, but I do feel that I could have been better about eating in moderation. I still struggle when there is a spread of food in front of me.
The rest of the weekend also included some routine Vermont treats like craft cheese, cider doughnuts, and local baked bread. I did try to rein it in a bit on Sunday after feeling pretty bad, but the damage had been done.
What is amazing is that week over week I can really try to be good and in turn, shed a couple pounds, or I can basically have 3 days where I do not think and can gain a couple. It really does just emphasize the impact that simply being conscious of what you are eating can have. I am assuming I am not the only one who can see gains diminished in a few meals.
So what is my mood? I am okay. I obviously am bummed that I have lost ground and can feel it in my body, but I feel good because I can identify the reasons. I am again resetting this week and I think I need to work on having fewer “reset” weeks. I am going to lay out my weekly plans and from now on revisit them each time I post on my weekly reflections.
Action Plan:
- 5 workouts. These can include runs, rides, or strength
- 3 work walks.
- 2 additional outdoor activities. This can include walks with my daughter, disc golfing, skiing, etc.
- 3 dedicated stretch sessions. Must be at least 5+ minutes per session.
- Purchasing no takeout food. Only eat what we acquire at the grocery store for the week.
- Track every bite. I am good at this, but I need to continue
- Drink 10 glasses of water per day.
Anyway, here is to losing by next Monday. I realized that I now weight less than when I came home from my freshman year of college. Obviously there have been ups and downs since then, but that is kind of cool. Now to getting down to where I was when I graduated high school in 06′. Let me know if you have any feedback, helpful hints, inspiring stories, or any general comment. I love feedback as long as you are not mean. 🙂
Please stay tuned for more updates. If you have been enjoying this, please become an email follower or a wordpress follower. Having this public audience has been a positive motivation for me to continue working towards my goals and so I really am thankful for all of you!
| Date | Change in Weight |
| 12/1* | – |
| 12/2* | -5.4 lbs |
| 12/9 | -5.4 lbs |
| 12/16 | -3.4 lbs |
| 12/23 | +2.8 lbs |
| 12/29 | -1.2 lbs |
| 1/6 | -1.4 lbs |
| 1/13 | -1.6 lbs |
| 1/20 | -1.4 lbs |
| 1/27 | +0.4 lbs |
| 2/3 | -1.2 lbs |
| 2/10 | -4.6 lbs |
| 2/17 | +0.4 lbs |
| 2/24 | -1.6 lbs |
| 3/2 | -3.2 lbs |
| 3/9 | +1.8 lbs |
-Ben
a better ben 