Still on that quest to drop 50 pounds, but I feel like I’m up against a wall

 

I’ve been feeling pretty discouraged today.  When I climbed on the scales this morning for my weekly weigh-in, I saw the exact same number I’d reported last week, right down to the same 2 tenths of a pound.  227.20, which was not only the same number as last week, but the week before that as well.  Three consecutive weeks at the exact same weight, how can that be?

It’s not like I’ve fallen off the fitness wagon & gone back to former staples like Coke, bacon and cake; in fact, the last couple weeks I’ve almost redoubled my efforts.  But I seem to be up against that dreaded “weight wall”. 

I guess I could look at it as keeping those hungry fat cells around my middle at bay; I’m sure they resent the 35 lbs loss there & will do just about anything to get those cuddly inches back.  (Sorry fellas, but I don’t want to be carrying that extra tire around again.)   Still, what’s this going to take?

I thought I’d get on here and write down everything I’m doing wrong but guess what—I’M NOT DOING ANYTHING WRONG.  So here’s what I’ve been doing right!

1.  Until last summer, I drank a 20 oz. bottle of Coke a day.  Every single day. 

It’s now been 10 months since I’ve tasted a Coke.  I allow myself an 8 oz. glass of grapefruit soda once a week.

2.  Monday thru Friday breakfast used to be a cup of coffee & a pair of donuts, or a giant muffin or a couple of those godawful Lil’ Debbie snack cakes.

I haven’t eaten a donut, pastry or snack cake in 8 months;  I now enjoy a cup of coffee and a pear, banana, or apple.  I’m partial to pears.

3.  Saturday breakfast was 2-3 fried eggs, bacon or fried ham, and 2-3 slices of buttered toast.  Sundays were pancakes or french toast, and more bacon.

My weekend breakfast is now one scrambled egg & a sliced tomato.  (I still have 2 slices of toast on Saturday.)

4.  I used to pat myself on the back if I went 2 days in the same week without red or processed meat.

Now I’m surprised if I HAVE red or processed meat twice in one week.  I eat chicken, tuna or no meat at all.

5.  I never drank plain water, I mean NEVER. 

Since last summer I drink 32 oz. of water daily.  Every single day. 

6.  Walking was my only exercise.

I still walk, but for 6 months I’ve been working out a solid 45 minutes, 4-5 days a week.

Also, I can’t remember the last time I’ve eaten fast food and I haven’t eaten a single cookie or piece of candy since Christmas—and I’m okay with that!  But gosh darn it, for all the exercise I do... 

Grrr! 

So I don’t know what I’m doing wrong here, or even IF I’m doing something wrong.  Why did I stop losing after 35 lbs?  Am I eating too much still?  Not enough?  I can’t promise to step up my game, because I’ve stepped up about as far as I can go.  My one failing is sleep, I know how important that is for weight loss.  Problem is, I can’t seem to do it more than 5 1/2, 6 hours a night.  I tried giving up afternoon naps and going to bed earlier, but I’m still unable to fall asleep before midnight, or stay zonked past 5:30-6am.  

It’s ironic that sleeping in is the one luxury I can afford now, if only my middle-aged body would oblige.  So for now, I guess I have no choice but to keep doing whatever it takes to catch up to that skinnier me.  I just wish I didn’t feel like Wile E. Coyote chasing the Road-Runner.  I know just how he feels.