January Review

[Mitra]

How did you do in January?

What did you learn?

I saw the biggest weight loss I've had for ages - but it was because I'd eaten too many carbs in December and had lots of water. So I lost five pounds in January - and pretty much all of it was in the first five days of being back home and on plan again. After that, it seemed as if the numbers were maybe starting to edge upwards again, so just right at the end of the month I went back to recording everything, plotting graphs and weighing all my food and all that other tedious stuff. I don't know what will happen in February, but any changes now are "real" not just the water weight.

[Ammy]

Mitra, I could MIRROR your post!!

I had a big weight drop as well, and for the same reason...had some excess TO lose :o.
From 12/27/07 I have re-lost 9.5lbs...not bad.

However, just like you Mitra, I have been very stable the last couple weeks...STUCK at 207.5. But I'm just going to wait it out...
Anything I lose in Feb is REAL weight loss!!!:D

What did I learn?? That I can do this again...at 100%. And when I do follow the plan, many things happen:
1. My cravings go away
2. The idea of passing up carbs when they are in front of me is easier
3. I have the energy to exercise
4. I feel more at peace
5. I won't die cause I haven't had bread...

[maxlharris]

I have no idea. No scale = no knowledge.

On the last day of the month, I did not have a single carbonated beverage. I did have three cups of full test coffee, but, I'm not dumping coffee, just ramping down caffeine and carbonated beverages.

Here's some fun math for you. If I buy two 20 oz bottles of soda a day on weekdays, and go through a 12 pack of cans a week at home, and I'm paying $1.25 for the 20's and $4 for the 12....

I save $50 in 20's and another $16 in cans. Over the course of a year, at that constant rate of consumption, I have $850+ back in my pocket. That buys some nice stuff.

[Karole]

Yes,, lot's of $$$$, Max !! You can save it all for your trip in May ??

I did fine at maintaining in Jan. --well on checking my journal for January 1st. I actually lost .75 lb. So I am fine with that. I'm sure I am going to bobble around a bit.

I am trying to limit my caffeine a bit as I really want to work on my cholesterol before I go to the doc in April for my yearly check up. Every thing I read says coffee raises bp and cholesterol. Is it coffee or the caffeine-- I don't know for sure.

[gitfiddle]

I had a good month. I did not weigh, nor did I get a blood test, so there are no numbers. I do have THE BELT to tell me I'm okay. It's flirting with the last hole again. :cool:

I Neaned through the holidays, which made January a craving-free month. That means no mood swings or weight gains. January has long been my worst month, so I'm contented.

[Billie]

I did okay, not great but okay. I am the same weight and that is okay, but I think my carbs were not as in control as I want...ah let me rephrase that, they were not as in control, no thinking about that! But last day of January I did get to the gym so hopefully setting a precedent and my goal for February.

What I did like about January here, is that people came and went and it felt so free and easy. We could share things and vent and someone always had a similar problem or a new solution. For me it always brightens my day to come to the board. I just could use a few more days with 30 hours in them!

[maxlharris]

I forgot. I found an acceptable replacement for ice cream. I take 1 cup of mixed berries, frozen. I let them thaw for about half an hour. I don't want them completely thawed, but I want them soft enough to eat. I put 2 tablespoons of Kool Whip on top, then fold in. DW suggested blending. I dunno. Spooned up, it's not ice cream, but it's an acceptable replacement.

[Claudette]

Ah, Ammy,

Your 1-5 item list sounds like I could have written it! I especially resonate with 4 & 5.

I had the best January in along time. I only lost 1lb for real, but inches have been moving, so I am now in the next size down, still too tight to wear out, but buttoned and I can see if the inches keep going, they will fit very soon.
The biggest in change in habits for me this past month, is, consistant exercise. I am sure that is a big reason the inches are going, my muscles are looking toned.

Max, wow, $850 a year is nothing to be sneezed at.
Will try you ice cream replacement, sounds good.

Claudette

[Relief]

My eating was totally on target this month--took home cooked food for every meal eaten at work. one goal was to cut back or stop eating LC bread--I had none at all during the month. I might add it back as it didn't seem to make a difference. Weight has been up and down--or rather down and up again.

initially had some success getting the holiday 7 pounds off--lost 5--then gained back 3 and am really struggling to stop gaining and start losing --for no apparent reason--no change in eating patterns.

the only thing that actually changed was the drugstore swtched brands/providers of my thyroid. gaining started shortly after the switch, so it really makes me wonder. I do have a call in to the Doc!

On other fronts--will begin weight lifting this week. planning a M-W-F alternating upper and lower body with a slow burn style. will add rowing and/or running sprints on the alternate days.

[maxlharris]

I got on a scale at the gym in the basement today. I was wearing clothing, but was down from where I was when I left. I don't want to put a number on it (scale was a pos, different scale, different situation), but down is down. So, it was a good January.