DAY 1 : I've Gained Back 18.5 Pounds and I'm Scared!!

Hello, SparkFriends --

I've been "away" for quite a long time. During all my time on SparkPeople, I managed to go from a high of 243 lbs to a low of 178.5 lbs. That took over 2.5 years of hard work, a lot of it at the gym.

Fighting my way down into the 170's was something I didn't think I could ever do again--especially in my late 50's. But I did it--and on the way, I got a 1 rep PR of 150 on the deadlift (!), 50 on the overhead press, and 70 on the bench press. I felt strong, able, and accomplished.

I remember how desperately I wanted to get into Onederland before I was in it, and what a HUGE milestone it was when I finally got there. I was sure that after all the work it took to get the weight off, I'd never let myself become a statistic, or a cliche, and gain all my weight back.

HOWEVER, today I weighed 196 pounds!!! Holy crap on a cracker. That's 18.5 lbs I've gained back out of 64.5, and it happened quickly. WHAT THE HELL AM I DOING?!?!?

So--it's time to live by some of words of encouragement I've given others once it seemed I'd figured this whole thing out: We haven't failed until we stop trying.

I need to pick myself up, acknowledge that this is only a setback on a lifelong trip, and go back to what I know works.

So that's what I'm doing, starting (again) today.

The guidelines I'm starting with this time around, instead of trying to be ridiculously all-or-nothing:

o Avoid sugar and other "white foods". Bread is definitely not my friend.
o If it gives you pause when you're thinking about it, trust that and DON'T eat it.
o Eat lots of spinach and lean protein.
o Keep fruit to a minimum, as it's an Achilles heel for me--I always want to eat ALL the fruit, especially in summer.
o If I absolutely MUST eat something that violates these tips, have a half-cup serving and move on.
o Keep busy in the evenings to avoid mindless prowling for food!

I'm also going to take my own advice from another post a few years back and count my days starting now. That way, when it feels like I've been at it forEVER again, I'll be able to look back and realize exactly how long it's been.

Today has been a success so far, according to these guidelines. My DH has also agreed to take over grocery shopping so I'm not tempted to buy unhelpful things and eat 'em in the car on the way home.

I'm sure most of you have been where I am. Please chime in if you also gained back a lot of weight you'd previously lost, and let me know if you were able to get back on track.

Thanks--wish me luck, and rightbackacha!

Laurie

p.s. Here's a recent photo that I'll use as my new "Before" picture. I was about 190 in it, so not quite back to my new "top" weight of 196. Arms, legs and stomach all need lots of work!