Remember when I wrote about my recent weight gain due to marathon training? Well, since then, I’ve received several emails asking me if I am trying to lose the weight and what I am doing about it. This week alone, I’ve received three emails with the same question, so I thought I should readdress the topic in a blog post. I’m sure some of you guys are wondering too!
I am actively trying to lose the weight, but in a very laid-back manner. Like I mentioned in my previous post, it took me a good 5 months to gain the weight, so it might take meĀ just as long to lose it. I have no interest in doing anything drastic to lose the weight, so I’m basically just living my life, doing my thing, and waiting patiently for the weight to come off. Of course, I am looking more carefully at my food (and workout) choices, but I’m not stressing about them either. (I could never give up cookies, beer, and pizza!) I just want to be happy, healthy, and kick butt in my road races this spring.
A few people asked what I am doing to lose the weight. As you can see, I’m taking a pretty relaxed approach, but here are some specific things I am doing:
- Guzzling water
- Snacking less
- Doing more strength training
- Including proteinĀ in all of my meals
- Eating smaller portions of dessert
- Adding more veggies to my meals
- Drinking alcohol less often
I haven’t weighed myself since I wrote my initial post, but I feel like I’ve maybe lost a couple of pounds. My jeans are still tight, but I just feel better about the way they fit. I’m not sure if that makes sense, but I feel like I am moving in the right direction. Slowly, but surely, I’m getting back to my Feel Great Weight.
Lunch
This afternoon, I stepped away from my computer to eat lunch. Usually, I just chomp away at my desk while I work, but I’m trying to change this habit. Taking a break away from my desk was much-need and very enjoyable.
For lunch, I ate a big salad topped with leftover Soy-Glazed Fish, a scoop of garlic hummus, and a drizzle of Meyer Lemon Vinaigrette.Ā
My salad didn’t completely satisfy me, so I cooked a Dr. Praeger’s Sweet Potato Pancake with buffalo sauce a little while later.
I bought these Sweet Potato Pancakes a few weeks ago and sort of forgot about them until today. I’m so glad that I looked in my freezer because they are really good. My only suggestion is giving them enough time to cook. I took mine out of the oven before it was done and it was quite mushy. I like my sweet potato pancakes a little crispy.
Off to look for something sweet! Maybe baking a batch of Matt Damon Cookies would hit the spot? š
79 Comments
I feel like there should be a caveat for your weight posts that living through Boston winters is hard as hell. I’ve gained 5-7lbs this winter, as have most of my friends. It’s just tough. It’s not an excuse, but it’s a general pattern.
It’s nice taking it off with you!
I love those sweet potato pancakes! And they are gluten free!
oh Tina, i love your attitude about weight loss. i think it’s the pressure women put on themselves that makes losing weight that much harder. water is such an important part too, i know i lost when i stopped being dehydrated!
I don’t want to give up pizza, cookies, or beer either! I love your attitude toward weight-loss.
Do you find you use the bathroom more guzzling water? I tried that today and as a teacher it is so hard to get to the bathroom during the school day, I had to go 3 times before lunch..three!
Yeah, Tina, I commend you for even talking about weight gain. Just because we right health blogs doesn’t mean we constantly struggle with the cycles of “feel great” weight, “feeling super skinny” weight and “oh eff, my jeans are tight, i probably gained 7 pounds over winter” weight, which is something everybody goes through.
I’ve been eyeing those pancakes at the store and wondered if they were any good!
I can imagine how you trying to lose weight could get some negative feedback..but honestly, it’s not like you’re starving yourself! So I hope you’re not getting anything like that and they’re honestly just wondering.
I think you have a good approach!
You have a great and very smart attitude toward losing weight. Trying to adopt that patient attitude myself – and reading your blog helps. The big thing is to make choices every day that make you healthier and stronger – while still allowing yourself to enjoy the things you love!!
I love that you have such a laid back attitude about the weight loss. I’m sure once it starts to warm up a bit too the pounds will come off. I know for me at least I always eat more in the winter than the spring and summer months. It’s really inspiring that even though I read that first post about your weight gain, I haven’t felt like you’ve been going crazy trying to loss it either. It’s a great message to not have mentioned it so much, in my opinion.
I’m trying the Matt Damon cookies tonight. I’m excited to see how they turn out. Thank you for your honesty about your weight issues. I gained a little while training for a half marathon and I’m just getting back to my “feel great weight”. Adding Body Pump back into my workouts has really helped.
That is a really smart way to think about losing weight: live your happy, healthy, active life in a mindful way with a couple of easy tweaks and be patient. I’m moving in that direction and it’s the most at peace I’ve ever been with weight and my body. Thanks for helping me remember it’s OK not to go down the formal diet path!
Love your approach to living life, and knowing that a number doesn’t define you š
Sweet potato pancakes? Sign me up!
I like your motto. Just live life like you are…you look great Tina!
Matt Damon cookies always hit the spot š
Guzzling water helps with the weight loss a ton as well as clear skin š The important thing is that you’re healthy! You’re awesome, Tina!
I just tried to make one of Dr. Praeger’s Sweet Potato Pancakes last night! But I was lazy and I attempted to nuke it in the microwave…I left the pancake in there way too long and filled up my boyfriend’s place with lots of smoke. I’ll try the oven method next time š I love your blog, by the way!
Those Dr. Praeger sweet potato pancakes RULE, but yes… definitely leave in the toaster oven for an adequate amount of time! š
Thanks for sharing keep sharing such nice suggestions.