In my quest to lose 100 pounds, the second week has not been as easy as the first.
I think that's typical of weight loss. The first week, you're motivated. You're pumped. You're ready for whatever comes your way.
The second week is just hard. The motivation is waning. Old habits are pushing against new goals.
This week has seen sabotage, migraines galore, overcommitment, and frustration.
These are still not my feet. Mine are still tattooed.
Overcommitment
There are not enough hours in the day to play with Gracie, work, blog, exercise, read the Bible, read The Spark, journal all of my food, and sleep. As much as I'd like to shortchange myself on sleep or stop using the bathroom, there are not enough moments in the day for everything. So far, I've cut out The Spark (though I really want to get back to it as soon as possible) and food journaling.
I still believe the food journal to be a helpful and necessary part of my commitment to a healthier lifestyle. I'm not sure how it will work into my schedule just yet.
Sabotage
Isn't it frustrating when someone who loves you rewards your weight loss with food? Hershey bars? Scrumptious cakes and cookies?
Sweets are my biggest weakness, and I abstained sometimes. I indulged sometimes, too, which was both a frustration and disappointment for me.
I'm not beating myself up over it, but I'm going to have to come up with a plan to deal with these kinds of temptations.
Migraines Galore
I get migraines once in a while. Fortunately, I don't get them more than once a week - normally.
This week, I've had three migraines that were so bad I crumpled into bed and slept for hours at a time. I missed big chunks of my life.
No one wants to spend hours in bed with a migraine. I ended up drinking pop in an effort to ease the pain with caffeine. It didn't work, and I drank a lot of pop.
I'm not sure how to prevent future migraines, though I'm going to start with more iced tea. Down the road, I'm going to look for a way to break the caffeine habit without the pain.
Frustration
Frustration is what happens when your body rebels against your goals, and you lose track of the things you intended to do. That's where I'm at right now.
My joints hurt. My back is sore. I'm not sure if that means I need to rest more or if it means I need to push through. I'm glad I'm taking this step now so that sore joints and back aches don't become my norm as I get older.
Small Successes
Joe and I worked out together on the EA Sports Active. We figured out how to get it to recognize both of us at the same time. It was really cool to challenge and push each other. (Not to meant that getting sweaty together has certain aphrodisiac qualities...)
We have been eating at home more and eating out less. We can only really control what goes into our meals when we prepare them ourselves.
I've been drinking a great deal of water and iced tea - between six and twelve glasses a day.
I'm not too concerned about what the scale says this week. I gained a 1.4 pounds over last week, but I'm still down 8.2 pounds overall. I'm gaining momentum, regardless of the week I've had.
Photo by Alan Cleaver
Heather says
Hang in there, Tara! I am using Matthew 5:3 to help me thru these low points. One day at a time, girlfriend. You CAN do it!
momof2boyswifeof1 says
I get migraines too and they are NOT fun! I went to the hospital last month with one and they gave me benadryl in an IV - try it, it might work. If pop is not the thing you want to drink take a caffeine pill instead or ask your doctor for meds. It's hard when people try to sabotage you - my IRL friends are all FAT friends - not FIT friends and I'm "ignoring" them until I have myself under control. I make sure I dont put myself in any situation where their food choices could influence me.
daenel says
Don't give up. The hard part is pushing through the frustration and once you get to the other side, you'll feel so much better.
tlestrogen says
Hang in there girl. I think tough weeks are the norm this last week. Keep going whether you're sore or not--it will get better!
Trish says
Keep pushing...2nd week is hard...some weeks will be harder, some easier. I know you have it in you!!
Tiffany says
Oh, I'm with you on week two being challenging. Last week was my week two, and I also had my monthly. Good grief. It was a struggle. As in multiple 100-calorie packs each day. Guess I won't be buying those again. Geeeez. Here's hoping you and I both get back on track this week. We can do it! Slow and steady.....
leahsegedie says
Everything you said has happened to me. It's like I'm listening to myself from years ago. I want you to step back. You need to do baby steps. I'm telling you this because being obese didn't happen to you overnight and it's not going to come off overnight. I want you to make 2 small changes for this coming week. Just two and make them small ones. DO NOT OVERWHELM YOURSELF!. I know I'm yelling, but it's really important for you to hear. I heart you and I want you to succeed. This is a marathon, not a sprint. The purpose behind making small changes is so you can get used to them before you add more. Set yourself up for success. And getting used to being successful is important. That builds confidence.
Here I come out with the corny stuff--cause if you really BELIEVE you can do it, you CAN. It's true. But the only way to believe is to set yourself up for success. XXOO
colleen_mouse says
good luck...I know the past year I went through times I was doing great and times I just needed to back off(but just for abit). Then I would get back into gear and be good. Having your body ache is a hard one too...if it feels like you may be injuring yourself try switching to a different workout. I know the active would bother my knees so I would still workout but would do less of the things that made my knees hurt. Good luck!
Katie {FrugalFemina} says
I just want to make it all better for you! Sounds like a lot of people are having the migraines from the sugar withdrawal, etc. I know you can do this. Do you know that you are one of the most inspiring people at Mamavation to me? It's ok to cut some things out if you need to. I'm hoping for a good balance for you this week!
SuburbHouseWife says
The good thing is is that you're still trying and that speaks loudly. The fact you're finding ways to make time for yourself is awesome, most important thing is you 1st. In order to have a healthy and happy family, take care U!
Maggie @thebusybabymama says
My goal is 100 pound too. Good luck!! <3
FeelsLikeHomeBlog says
Headed to look that up right now. Thanks, Heather!
FeelsLikeHomeBlog says
Yes! Me, too. That's a lot of the problem. We have the same habits. I want to change my habits, and I'm not sure how they fit into that new lifestyle.
I can't take migraine meds per se (long medical history), but I may check into the Excedrin migraine. I know they have caffeine in them.
FeelsLikeHomeBlog says
We can! I know we can! One day at a time. The 100 calorie packs are good for me because I'll eat just one. If they're not good for you, try something else. You can do it!
FeelsLikeHomeBlog says
Thanks 🙂 I totally agree. It's been hard getting through the frustration. This is where I've always given up before; isn't that sad? But I'm not giving up. Each day, I can start over and erase the mistakes of the previous.
FeelsLikeHomeBlog says
I never have. I've also heard that a chiropractor can do good things when meds aren't an option. I'm already on a preventative medicine, but I'm going to give a chiro a try, too.
Rachel says
Have you tried massage for the migraines? It might help, it worked wonders for me when I was getting them while I was pregnant.
Don't beat yourself up too much, this is a new week and a fresh start. Small changes over time = new life!
lastminutemandy says
Yeah, mama! Get your EA groove on! *wink wink, nudge nudge* 😀
I totally hear you about the migraine. I get them often too. Mine are allergy/environment related. So, I have to pop a bunch of pills when it comes on - decongestant, excedrin, allergy meds - and if it is due to a pressure front, that doesn't even do it sometimes. Ugh. But you have to give yourself that time to feel better. Nothing else can be done - so just forgive yourself and move on. You are down over 8 pounds, and that is wonderful!
MrsFatass says
Hang in there. I have a good friend who struggles with headaches, too, and my heart just breaks for her. Man. But stay connected and know that you can do this!
Amy Thue says
I totally hear you with the overcommitment. It is so hard to find balance. If you find it, please share. . . Good luck this week. Small Successes are still Success! Keep focusing on your goals. Baby Steps. We are here for you!
mommymomo says
Oh im sooo sorry about the migraines! Those are brutal! Drink lots of water. You've made some great goals and consistency is key! dont be to hard on yourself. There is going to be ups and downs. Just keep with it. Good job girl!
Tracy says
Baby steps! Don't put too much to your challenge all at one time, you will find the combination that fits into your lifestyle AND works! Good luck.
Janice - Fitness Cheerleader says
I've never tried the EAS Active - that sounds really cool that you can work out with your hubby - I would love to do that with mine. I have no idea what to say about the migraines - I get them too, but they are hormonal or when I allow my blood sugar to get too low. DO you eat a small meal with a carb and a protein every two hours? That may help. Keep up the good work!
Janice - Fitness Cheerleader says
I've never tried the EAS Active - that sounds really cool that you can work out with your hubby - I would love to do that with mine. I have no idea what to say about the migraines - I get them too, but they are hormonal or when I allow my blood sugar to get too low. DO you eat a small meal with a carb and a protein every two hours? That may help. Keep up the good work!