Day 144 Progress with pic.

So... here I am, day 144.

To bring you up to speed, for those of you who haven't read my blog postings. I started my journey on MFP 31st of March this year. I injured my knee pretty badly, and could not walk without excrutiating agony and crutches. My weight back then was 238.6lb, I HAD to get weight off that knee. I had started to get in the pool, to try to exercise without weight on the knee, but the only way I could swim, was with one leg. Not great, but at least I was exercising. My doctor arranged for me to have physio, and my physio was wonderful. I claim it was her, she claims it was me doing as I was told, and continuring the work at home, but WE managed to get me walking without crutches by January. So... what next. I started to do a few more steps each day, even though walking was still very painful, walking around the supermarket was exhausting, and I would have to ice my knee.

I decided to look for an app for my Blackberry, one that would help me log the few measly steps I did, with the idea of trying to improve on that count each day. I stumbled across the MFP app. Like many people, I found the website through the app. I had always found in the past, writing down on paper what I ate helped me stay on track.

I started swimming more, and walking more...most of my walking was with Wii Walk it Out, as I did not want to go out walking on my own, stumble and fall, and have an even more serious injury. Walk it Out is actually pretty good for days when you have bad weather too. Before I knew it, I was increasing my steps, and walking a mile or two a day. My distance continued to increase, not only due to Walk it Out, but I bought a Fitbit...I LOVED it..it really does get you moving. About 4 weeks ago.. I lost it, whilst walking in a store. I miss my Fitbit. Well, decisions had to be made... do I replace it, or buy a HRM? Well I decided to leave it a week, and see what I wanted to do. I was driving home one day, and saw a girl running on the oddest things I had ever seen. I decided to do some research, and found out they were Kangoo Jumps. I read and read, and researched, and they sounded like just the things I needed to help keep the strain and impact off my knees.
I ordered them, along with a HRM. Kangoo Jumps have to be experienced, you really can't tell someone how they feel, except to say... I can jump in them, and I can't jump without them.

So, where am I today?
I have a love hate relationship with my bathroom scale... I love it, because it is accurate... no matter how many times you step on and step off.. it gives you the same figure. So, despite it not giving the full picture, it is at least consistent with the lies it tells. As we all know, the bathroom scale does not paint the whole picture.
At the beginning of my journey.. I measured myself.. and was horrified at the measurements... I am still horrified at my measurements.. BUT, here is what I have lost

38lb
Around ribs 4.5"
Calves 8"
Bust 13" (and very happy about it)
Neck 4"
Forearms 4"
Waist 12"
Hips 15"
Thighs 18"
Upper arms 8"

A grand total of 86.5 inches in 144 days.
15% body fat... GONE
Gone from a US size 22, and this last weekend I bought a pair of size 12 jeans, size 10s won't be far away.

I lost no weight for over a month, yet my body fat monitor showed I had lost 1% body fat and I have exercised away 19264 calories away this month, yet NO actual weight loss. I was also convinced, that part of it is due to hormonal changes

I log every morsel of food and drink. I am under my calorie goal each day, watch my sodium, and drink at least 8 glasses of water. I don't drink soda, or coffee.

I usually jog/run (in my KJs) for 30 minutes running 5+ miles in my 30 minutes. Not fantastic, but not bad for someone who couldn't walk 5 months ago.

I was told to stop the cardio for a week or so and up my calorie intake...I started doing strengthening exercises, upped my calories, and HEY PRESTO, I have started to lose weight again. I will reintroduce my running next week..and make sure I change things up a bit.

I still have a LONNNNNG way to go, and I am frustrated, but not giving up.
I am by no means, the picture of perfect nutrition, and could still make many changes, I am sure.


IF you are just starting your journey...
1. measure yourself as soon as you can.
2. log everything you eat
3. there is NO such thing as a "cheat day". Cheating is a shortcut to your goal... you are NOT "cheating", you are lapsing. I do not have a lapse day.
4. Don't just go for hundreds of MFP friends.. quality over quantity... support each other. Don't expect support and not give it.
5. Remember.. despite how accurate your bathroom scales are.. THEY LIE!
6. Use measuring cups and kitchen scales. Your idea of a serving, is probably more than it should be.
7. Keep active!
8. Do DRINK THE WATER!
9. Make small changes at first...and add more. They will become habits. Believe me.
10. Remember... you have choices. How badly do you WANT it? NO EXCUSES!

I wish you all, the very best on your journey to a healthier happier you!

I HATE having my photograph taken.