Momofallboys' Journal

[momofallboys]

Well, I think I'll start journaling. Last year I journaled on another board and it really helped my find out some stuff about myself. Hopefully journaling will help me through this long dreary winter.

First off, my goal is to be able to wear my wedding ring by Christmas day. It was always a little loose and after DS2 was born, I lost a bunch of weight and had to have it re-sized because it kept falling off. I can't even get it over my knuckle right now and it bothers me to no end. I haven't worn it in almost 3 years - since I was about 5 months along with the twins.

A little about myself - I have 4 boys, ages 7, 5 and two year old twins. I'm 32 years old and will celebrate my 10th wedding anniversary in May '07. I'm a SAHM and I like to read and crochet. I'm going to explore the world of candlemaking this week. I need hobbies to keep myself from going insane, LOL.

Last winter was a dark winter for me. I was stuck at home with a needy 4 year old and 1 year old twins. I was very tied down and reluctant to deal with boots, hats, mittens and carseats so I rarely went away. This year is much better, DSs 1 AND 2 are in school and DSs 3 and 4 are much more independent.

That is enough for now, I'll add more tomorrow. I have to try to get a workout in now.

[momofallboys]

I managed to get a workout in. I did BodyMax2 - the warmup, cardio section and stretch. Nice long stretch in that one. Clocked in at about 40 minutes. Not bad considering DS3 has a cold and wouldn't nap.

A bit more about myself. I've never had a weight problem in my life. I've always been a healthy weight but I do have an unhealthy relationship with food. I gained over 50 lbs with DS1 and lost down into the 140s. I gained a healthy 25 lbs with DS2. He has a lot of medical problems and I was spending all of my time in Dr's offices. I never had time to eat and I respond to stress by losing my appetite so I lost down to the 120s. I was also exercising 5 times a week.

I slowly started to put on weight again, about up to 135 because of unhealthy food choices and became pregnant again. I was very sick and the only thing that made me feel better was nibbling constantly. I miscarried and comforted myself with food. Two months later I was between 140-145 and ended up pregnant again. With twins this time. Imagine my surprise at my routine ultrasound to find out there were two babies! I was in shock for a good long time, LOL!

I gained about 50 lbs with the twins and after carrying them to 36 weeks and having a c-section, I lost the weight rapidly. At my six week check-up, I was about 160, only 15-20 lbs from my pre-pregnancy weight. I was breast-feeding and the weight was literally falling off. Then, it stopped. And I started gaining! The twins were born in June, by December I was up to 178 lbs.

In January '05, I finally went to the doctor. I was diagnosed with severe hypothyroidism. It took about 8 months to get my meds right. I lost about 5 lbs over that 8 month period, then the weight loss stopped. Over the winter I researched hypothyroidism and weight loss and reluctantly came to the conclusion that I needed to low-carb in order to lose the weight.

I started low-carbing in April of '06. I've lost 24 lbs (half way to goal) in 4 months. Then I just....stopped. I don't know - I was so happy to be a normal weight I seemed to completely lose my motivation.

I went to the doctor for a regular checkup about 3 weeks ago. I told him that not only my mom but my sister needs to take meds to regulate their blood sugar. He told me that even though I've lost weight, I need to make dietary changes NOW because I am very high risk to develop high blood sugar.

So, recommitment happened last week. I lost the 4 pounds I gained back and am now officially 149 again. I now think of low-carbing as a lifestyle, not a means to an end. Junk food and sugar do not belong in my diet anymore. More later.....

[momofallboys]

I did not officially work out yesterday. I was still pretty sore from my Monday workout which was the warm-up, upper body and abs portion of BodyMax2 and the lower body floor work from Butts and Guts. I mowed the lawn instead - that took about an hour.

I was positive I was going to lose weight this morning because I'm not hungry at all and my breath is awful but I was still 149 this morning . Hopefully the whoosh fairy comes to my house soon!

It is kind of frustrating to be so proud of a 4 lb loss but still depressed because it was weight I'd already lost at one time. I want to be able to change my stats!!!!

I have to get my blood drawn tomorrow. It is a fasting blood test to check my thyroid, blood sugar and cholesterol. I'm curious to find out what my numbers are going to be.

[momofallboys]

Wow. This is the day that would never end. I cannot believe what an awful day I've had! DS2 was home from school and he is, I kid you not, the neediest child I've ever come across. He kept badgering me for things until I wanted to snap! The child WILL NOT take "no" for an answer, he just keeps asking and asking and asking until I either give in or punish him! AAARRGHHH!

DS3 has a cold and cried about absolutely every freaking thing. If I said "no" he ran to his room crying, if I said anything except "yes" he would run to his room crying. He kept picking fights with his twin and making HIM cry. I AM SO SICK AND TIRED OF CRYING KIDS!!!!!

Okay, rant over. Tomorrow should be better. I hope. Please let it be better.

I did Tom Holland's Total Body Workout today for the first time. He was a little weird but man, did he manage to pack a lot into 42 minutes. I will definitely be doing this one again. I got a bunch of Jari Love DVDs today too (Deep Discount DVD had their 20% off sale) so I'll be doing a lot of new workouts for the next week or so.

Tomorrow is looking to be a very busy day. I have to go pick up my orders for my blood tests, pick up a part for the garage door opener (on the other end of town) and I also wanted to stop off at a health food store. I don't know how much is going to happen since I suspect DS4 is getting sick too....

[momofallboys]

Well, now I understand why DS3 was crying about everything. Poor kid feels terrible. Last time I posted was Thursday - it is now the next Tuesday - and I caught what he has. I feel just awful. I think it might be the flu.

I don't think I'm running a fever anymore but I still am not feeling well at all. Did I mention I'm hosting Thanksgiving this year? My house is a wreck, my kids are all sick, the laundry is out of control and I have to be gone most of the day today. Good thing I work well under pressure!

On a positive note, I'm down to 148 - it was almost 147 but I can't quite claim 147 yet. Of course, it is probably just water weight but I'm still going to take it.

I still haven't managed to get my blood drawn. There just never seems to be a good time to go to the lab. I haven't been working out, either (understandably) but hopefully I'll start feeling better later in the week.

Well, off to start my day. I don't think I'll update again until next week or so (unless of course, I lose more weight ) because I'll be so busy.

[momofallboys]

Just had to quick pop in and say - I survived Thanksgiving! I woke up at 147 yesterday and this morning I was STILL 147 - yay me!

I planned to indulge yesterday, and I did. The thing is, my portion sizes were VERY small. My appetite is nothing like it used to be and I never went overboard. I had a small helping of potatoes, turkey, two dinner rolls and some cauliflower. I had a small piece of pie - everything was in moderation.

I had a terrible tummyache yesterday, though. I am happily back on plan starting this morning.

Gotta go!

[momofallboys]

I'm in shock - I lost another pound! 146 - WOOOOHOOOO!!!

I am just thrilled. Not only did I survive Thanksgiving, I lost two pounds last week! I even went to a wedding Friday night and said no to the wedding cake. I've never said no to wedding cake in my life! For some reason, that is my stumbling block. I LOVE wedding cake.

I am getting over my cold (it might have even been the flu) and feeling much better. My week isn't terribly busy so hopefully I'll be able to break out that candlemaking kit I bought a few weeks ago. I want to give candles to my SIL's as Christmas gifts so I have to start practicing.

I'm starting a very intense workout program this week - P90X. Because these workouts are advanced (lots of chin-ups and push-ups, very heavy weight-lifting) I'm going to add more good carbs back into my eating plan.

I'm going to add in a whey protein shake made with milk as a post-workout snack to start with.

I have to go, I hear the twins wanting to get out of bed.....

[momofallboys]

Well, I'm still the same weight - 146 - and I'm okay with that. I figure it will take a while for my body to adjust to working out with heavy weights. I've also added more carbs to my diet. Higher carb veggies - today I ate mixed veggies (carrots, corn, green beans and peas) and I found a super low carb bread.

35 calories per slice, 8 grams of carbs, 3 grams of fiber. I've been eating two slices every day so I'll see how my body tolerates it.

I FINALLY found time to get to the lab today and get my blood drawn. 5 VIALS! I'm anxious to find out what my results are. I'll call in a few days.

I'm going to take my measurements on Friday. I'm very curious to find out what P90X is going to do for me. I am wearing my pre-pregnancy jeans now but they are a little tight. I could wear a smaller size at this weight before so I definitely was more muscular before.

Even if the scale doesn't move, as long as my jeans get looser, I'll be happy. Fat loss and muscle gain is what I'm looking for.

I did Chest and Back Monday. Brutal. I think I pulled something during the divebomber pushups. I can do exactly one pull-up without assistance. I could barely move my upper body today I was so sore. I did Ab Ripper X too but didn't like it so much. I prefer Cathe's ab workouts so I'll be subbing her workouts for ARX.

I did PlyoX today and actually had fun. It wasn't a killer - I was very challenged and have something to work for but I didn't feel like I was totally out of my league. My outer thighs are sooo sore. All of the lateral work will be seriously good for my legs!

Tomorrow is shoulders and arms.

[momofallboys]

Still 146 today but I'm not surprised. I'm eating A LOT more than usual. I've been terribly hungry the last few days. I've read that is normal when lifting heavy weights. I've been eating all legal foods - no sugar or junk food, just eating more of it.

I did shoulders and arms yesterday and really liked it. I felt very strong! (Except for my triceps. My triceps are my weakest muscle - can't wait to build up some strength!)

I didn't do any abs because I was pressed for time - I had to go to the dentist. And get this - I had a cavity! I haven't had a cavity in over 10 years and as soon as I stop eating sugar - I get a cavity. Ironic.

Because I rarely have to go to the dentist I've built it up in my mind as this terrible thing to be feared. I had to get an old filling replaced last year and I was so worked up about it I was a puddle of sweat in the chair.

I literally shook for a 1/2 hour after it was done. I don't know why I'm so irrational about it but I simply can't handle going to the dentist. I'd rather go through labor and delivery again, I kid you not.

Today is YogaX. I'm not a yoga person at all and it is 1 1/2 hours long. I don't have much going on today so I'll give it a whirl but I don't know if I'll make it. Or like it. We'll see.

[momofallboys]

Okay - first of all, I was up to 147 today but I have raging PMS and I always retain water. I probably won't lose any more weight until next week Wednesday when my body always gets rid of the water. Gotta love being regular and predictable.

I called the doctor yesterday and my thyroid function is right on target, so is my liver function. My glucose level was 73 which is perfect. Normal glucose levels are 70-99. I was very happy with that as developing high blood sugar petrifies me.

Now, the bad news. My total cholesterol was 269. My "good" cholesterol was very high which contributes to the total being so high but wow, was I surprised that it was so high. The doctor doesn't want to treat me as the rest of my tests were normal - he wants me to work on it through diet and exercise.

I really thought that since I had been lowcarbing and working out that my cholesterol would be lower. The last time I had it checked it was 240 and I was out of shape, eating a lot of junk food and not working out.

Well, I have another year to get it under control. Low-carbing has helped a lot of other people improve their lipid profiles, so hopefully I'll be one of them.

On to some other news. I measured myself today. My stats compared to last March (about when I started lowcarbing) are...(drumroll, please)

Upper Arm - 1 1/2 inches lost
Upper Torso - 2 lost
Waist above BB - 4 1/4
Waist below BB - 3 3/4
Natural waist - 2 1/2
Butt - 2 1/4
Thighs - 2 1/2
Hips - 6
Weight - 24 pound difference (I was 171 in March)

I started low-carbing on April 6, 2006 at 173 pounds. As of 12/1/06 I've lost 26 pounds and 26 1/4 inches.

I'm in complete shock about my thighs. I've been taking my measurements on and off since 1998 and my thighs have not been 22 inches since I was in the lower 130s. Must be the couch to 5K. Running does wonders for the thighs.

The rest of the measurements are pretty much on target for when I weighed this much previously except the waist measurements. Probably because I had twins. It is going to take a bit more to get my stomach whipped back into shape.

[momofallboys]

Unfortunately the raging PMS has gotten the better of me and seems to be hanging around. This has been a very weird TOM - light spotting and I'm very swollen and crabby. I've been eating huge amounts of salt - cashews, popcorn, etc. I feel very icky but I can't seem to get it together. I'm not eating sugar or junkfood (perhaps popcorn is considered junk food for some but I consider it legal for my woe) but I'm overeating high fat, high salt, high calorie stuff.

I'm going to keep my stats at 146 even though I was bouncing between 147-148 this morning. I just have to drink a ton of water the next few days to flush out my system. If I'm not back to 146 by Friday I'll definitely change my stats. Then I know the weight gain is for real and not just water.

I finished my first week of P90X. You are supposed to do 6 workouts per week but I only do 5 so P90X is going to take me more than 90 days, probably more like 120 days.

I did KenpoX yesterday and loved it. My back and shoulders are sore from the punches and my hamstrings are sore from all of the kicks. Today I do Chest and Back again. I'm hoping to do a few toe pushups today. Because my back is sore from KenpoX I don't know if I'll be able to do any unassisted pull-ups. I'll just have to see how it goes.

[momofallboys]

Well, it is Friday and I'm still 148. Definitely time to re-evaluate my eating. I thought that because I've been working out regularly and strenuously I could eat more carbs. Wrong.

The things I've added in the last few weeks are...popcorn, cashews and low-carb bread. Since discovering the bread my meals have gotten much, much easier to plan and I'm eating less cheese, mayo and sour cream. I'm having a tough time deciding whether or not to cut it out. I don't think it has caused any cravings and less cheese is always good. I think I'm eating less fat and calories overall when I eat the bread.

The popcorn and cashews are definitely out, no doubt about it. I've been munching on them after the kids go to bed and I think they are the culprit. I'm not sure why I've even been eating them. I'm not hungry - I just want to munch on something. I'll have to start grabbing a piece of gum!

I'm definitely not in ketosis but I didn't want to be, either. I wanted to move to OWL because ketosis makes me feel so icky. I never like exercising when I'm in ketosis. I'm not craving sugar or junkfood so I don't feel the need to do anything drastic like M&E.

Well, I think I've made my decision as I type! I'm going to cut out the popcorn and cashews. I'm going to keep the bread - no more than 2 slices per day. I'm going to stop eating after supper - if I do eat it will NOT be popcorn, it will be cheese or meat or veggies.

I'll re-evaluate again next Friday. If I'm still not losing, the bread is out.

The exercising is going well. I did Chest and Back on Wednesday and did all of the push-ups on my toes! I did 7-11 per round. My back was killer sore from KenpoX so I didn't do as well with the pull-ups.

Yesterday I did Plyometrics again. I didn't do nearly as well as the first time but it was because I was so sore. I hurt all over! It felt good to get moving but my chest, back and abs were sore to the point I was popping Advil like Tic Tacs.

I was afraid I was pushing myself too hard. I'm not liking the feeling of being sore all over all the time. But, I am feeling much, much better today. I think I can do Arms and Shoulders today and not feel like I'm overdoing it.

I don't normally work out on Saturdays but I'm going to try to find the time to do YogaX. I didn't work out on Monday because life got in the way and I want to get in 5 days this week. I don't want to get too far behind in the rotation. I'm already messing it up by only doing 5 days per week instead of 6.

I don't know if I'm going to make my goal of wearing my wedding ring by Christmas. Gaining weight this week really messes that up. Christmas is only two weeks away and I'm still a looong way from being able to wear that ring. I'm just going to keep trying and lose as much weight as I can.

As much as it pains me, I'm off to change my stats.

[momofallboys]

I lost a pound over the weekend! 147 again - I'm hoping to be 146 soon.

The bus just pulled up so I have to go - gotta look at the kids' papers from school.

I did manage to do YogaX today. Saturday didn't work for me.

[momofallboys]

146 again!!!! Wooohoooo!

Oh, this is sooo cooool. I can eat the lowcarb bread and still lose weight. I am so excited about this!

I am loving my diet. I'm eating so much good stuff. I just can't believe that I'm eating what I am and still losing weight.

So many of my meals are bread or bun based. To have a bread that I can eat is huge. I've also converted my family - they are eating this stuff too instead of white bread. I thought there was going to be a huge outcry but my twins love it and my two oldest griped a little but admitted they actually like it.

The exercising is going well. Yesterday wasn't fantastic but I did get more than half the workout in. Today is Chest and Back again. I measured myself quickly this morning and I think I'm losing inches.

A pair of pants that were snug acoss the butt a few weeks ago were a bit baggy last night.

I tried on my wedding ring last night and I got it over my knuckle. I couldn't get it all the way on my finger yet but at least it slides over my knuckle! I weigh almost what I did when I got pregnant with the twins and my ring fit me then. I'm thinking my fingers must have swelled up big time and it is probably going to be one of the last places I'll lose weight.

I'll have to think of a new goal because the wedding ring by Christmas isn't going to happen.

[MLE777]

Momofallboys - I've loved reading your journal! I'm seriously considering getting P90X in the spring. I can't wait to hear how it's going!

[momofallboys]

Hi Emily - I didn't realize anyone was actually reading my journal - I haven't updated in a while because life has been absolutely chaotic.

My SIL had a baby so I ended up taking one of her other sons for several days and journaling got shoved to the back burner.

All of my kids are home from school for vacation and it is going better than expected. I can't believe how mature my 2nd grader is. He helps out a lot.

P90X is absolutely fantastic. I haven't lost any weight but my body is changing dramatically. I went out Saturday and bought some new clothes from the second hand store because mine were so baggy - very unflattering. I had to get size 8 pants and medium tops.

I have to admit I'm a bit disappointed in the whole vanity sizing thing. I have size 14 jeans from 6 years ago that are just a little loose but I'm buying size 8 now? I look in the mirror and see a size 10-12. I can barely button my old sixes. Some of my tens are still too tight. I'm NOT a size 8. I wish the clothing manufacterers would stop with the vanity sizing - it just bothers me.

But - back to P90X - my calves are rock solid. There is no give in them anymore. My triceps are popping out - they are my weakest muscle but the improvements are astounding. I'm amazed with my improved strength. I'm doing all of my push-ups on my toes and I can do an unassisted pull-up!

I'm in my recovery week for phase one. I did Core Synergistics today and it was a little strange. I should have previewed instead of jumping right in. Plus I was interrupted a lot with phone calls and kid "emergencies".

My eating has been absolutely atrocious. I had a few bad days (emotionally) and fell back into binge eating (chips and dip). I thought I kicked that nasty comfort eating habit because it had been so long since I did it. I have to be vigilant ALL THE TIME.

Thankfully I've been faithful with the working out so I haven't gained much weight - maybe one or two pounds - plus it is PMS week so I'm not too worried about it.

There is something about a new year that makes me especially diligent. I always seem to lose weight after the new year. There are no social obligations and things slow down until spring. I've always been very successful losing weight in January and February. New years resolutions are baloney to some but they work for me.

I'm going to hit the workouts and the eating super hard and try to hit my goal by my "atkinsversary". By April 9, 2007 I want to be 125-130 lbs.

[chloe2t]

hi. i'm chloe, a little new here.

I wouldn't worry too much about what scales say around your TOM, because that is a strange time for all women. My weight can fluctuate around 5 lbs during that time, and I know that unless I want to feel bad without a good reason, i avoid weighing during that time.

I think you can hit your anniversary goal, and i am rooting for you!

chloe

[MLE777]

Originally Posted by momofallboys

Hi Emily - I didn't realize anyone was actually reading my journal - I haven't updated in a while because life has been absolutely chaotic.

I didn't mean to invade I was searching for P90x and came across your thread. You are doing a fabulous job and if you managed to make it through Christmas and only gain 1-2 pounds then you are amazing! You'll make goal!