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Meg's Diary

megd44
megd44 Posts: 385 Member
in Social Groups
So, I have really struggled with starting this because it didn't work out so well for me in another group. But @totameafox asked for more of us to start one. Her vulnerability in starting this group and all of her work on this page are inspiring. Here it goes.

I am 56, live in northwestern lower Michigan. Traverse City area for those familiar. I work in the non-profit sector. In the office in TC 2 to 3 days a week, WFH the rest. Married for almost 26 years, no kids but three pups. The pups are big, all over 100 pounds, and getting older.

I may be today in a different spot than many of you. But I haven't always been here. I lost significant weight (70 ish pounds) in my early-to-mid 20s, too much TBH. Got to a steady weight and stayed there until early onset menopause at 44. Hence my screen name. Found MFP then and got it off. Until early 2023.

Quit smoking after 37 years in January. That, coupled with winter in Michigan, led to weight gain. About 20 pounds. So I came back. Had some great results in first six months, but it was because I got suckered into one of those "do this and...you'll be magically thinner forever" situations that wasn't sustainable and I knew better. Oh well, at least the exercise portion is good.

Back to the basics I went, really reading the forums, paying attention to the quality of what I was eating, etc. Got almost to goal in May 2024 and went on a 25th anniversary trip to Belize. Ate one too many breakfast fry jacks - soooo delicious - and had way too much alcohol. Then it's summer here, friends and family visiting and bad habits stayed. About 10 pounds up from May. Come September, it was time to get serious again.

I bought a food scale finally. This has been a game changer for me and very eye opening. I am focusing on getting enough protein, fiber and
calcium; eating mainly whole foods; cutting down alcohol;my life. EVERYTHING; and intentional movement 5 to 6 days a week. Everything I am doing now needs to be what I will commit to doing for the rest of my life.

Getting closer to goal, only about 2 pounds to go. My goals will be all about movement. You probably won't see me post much about weight. Though happy to provide it if your curious. Here to cheer you all on, continue to be inspired by you, and help support where i can.

My March goals are:
Walk 300,000 steps
Record 20 exercise activities over 20 minutes on my Garmin
Find an outside 5k path when the snow/ice are gone and start training for a July race with my nieces.

Wow, that got long. Best of luck to all of us!

Replies

  • meachemcrystal795
    meachemcrystal795 Posts: 61 Member
    Yay! I love learning about people. We may all be in different situations, lead different lives, but we are all here!
    I have been cutting a lot of food dyes/chemicals/ artificial EVERYTHING! Out of my family’s diet, it’s hard when the food I grew up on was cheap & not great quality because my parents didn’t know any better.
    Thanks for sharing & I wish you all the best!
  • totameafox
    totameafox Posts: 1,080 Member
    Thank you for mustering up the courage to try again. That means a lot to me. It is also nice to have someone at a different part of their weight-loss journey. You are truly inspiring. And three fur babies are delightful. I'm not a pet person. My boyfriend wants a dog but at the place we are renting it just isn't feasible. They allow them but I would prefer having an electric wheel chair so I can walk it while he isn't here. Plus he wants a husky. I'm not sure he realizes how much exercise those need and you can't just let them go like my mom did with my American bulldog.

    anyways, seeing your activity is just as inspiring to me as reporting numbers so THANK YOU <3!!!!!
  • mucky1217
    mucky1217 Posts: 42 Member
    I'm originally from lower MI and we used to visit Traverse City a lot! I'm glad you feel comfortable enough here to share and so we can support you too! Everyone's goals are different and no need to share anything you don't want to.
  • pamelaory
    pamelaory Posts: 38 Member
    Thanks for sharing your story, it is inspiring! (I have about 70 pounds to lose). And, I’m working on mustering up the courage to start a blog/thread. I think it would be helpful to have a spot to record my ups and downs, accomplishments and struggles, or whatever you want to call it/them. I have a few fur babies too, and I thought I had my hands full, lol, mine weigh 15 pounds but think they weigh 100, 😂
  • megd44
    megd44 Posts: 385 Member
    Thanks all for your kind words and support. I think this group is pretty awesome and glad to be part of it.

    First few days of March going fairly well. It helps that we had a few sunny days. Got several great indoor walks in. So hit my step goals 2/3 days. Third day I was over 10k, so super close. Took a short walk outside yesterday and think after this week I'll be able to move a chunk of my walking outside. Roads should be ice free by then and snow is melting enough that there is room to get off the road with traffic.
  • totameafox
    totameafox Posts: 1,080 Member

    I love how 'ice free' is your determination of acceptable outside conditions and I'm like 'once it hits 80 degrees' maybe I'll convince the boyfriend to go picnic at a riverside park. 😁I would never survive in Canada.

  • megd44
    megd44 Posts: 385 Member

    Lol, To Tame A Fox. In Michigan, we are experiencing what we call "fake spring." So it has been sunny and in the 40s. Saw 46 driving home from my office. And...3 hours later it is 28 and supposed to snow. We like to say it isn't bad weather, it is bad gear. Looks like I'll be able to wear my new coat this season after all. I only buy great gear on sale at the end of the season. Cuz that's when I can afford it.

    So yep, no ice on the road means o can walk outside.

  • pamelaory
    pamelaory Posts: 38 Member

    I also buy my gear using end of season sales. I’ve gotten some great items that way, and they last and last, and last, which I love. I’m in Oregon and we’re getting a bit of the fake spring here too. My daffodils are rising to the occasion, I just hope we don’t get a big freeze now. We certainly don’t have weather anything like you in Michigan though. I hope you get lots of ice free days this week!

  • megd44
    megd44 Posts: 385 Member

    @pamelaory Oregon is beautiful! Your comment made me go check to see where my daffodils are, but snow covered. Not sure that will be much longer.

    Still lots of pressures with work. I am trying to go back to what I can and cannot control to help, but it is tough. We just learned of the cancelation of a grant that provided local, nutritious foods in pantries and emergency meal sites. Slashed current funding in half, just as local farmers are planning for the growing season. That one really hurts.

    Had more beers than I should have this week. But stayed in calorie range and worked out a lot and hard. Rage exercise is what I am calling it, lol. Down half a pound, which was the goal.

    Hubby and I have decided against taking a big spring trip this year. Going to save to go on a longer, bucket list trip next year. Need to start working on my Spanish.

    Looks like spring really is here. We'll still get more snow flurries I am sure. It us supposed to be sunny and 60 on Friday. Super excited for that.

    Going to have another crazy work week. Lots of events and late nights. Going to focus on working my plan, managing my stress and eating for health.

  • yakkystuff
    yakkystuff Posts: 227 Member
    edited March 9

    Hugs... sometimes i rage chop veggies!! lol.

    Huge Congrats on quitting smoking.... i also gained when i quit, but seems appetite returned back to usual after awhile. Think the hardest part was unwinding the cigarettes from so many activities and replacing them with other positive (non-food) things.

    I hadn't realized but i had developed a 'have a smoke and then I will do _____ whatever thing' narrative... Same with some snacking like making a bowl of popcorn when we sat down to pay bills, after we had a smoke of course! LOL

    Anyway, sounds like you are well on your way with it and that's a way cool thing. Yay U!

  • totameafox
    totameafox Posts: 1,080 Member

    Sorry things are getting rough at the moment Meg. I will admit I keep my head in the sand with the news. I will keep you in my thoughts and hope your stress isn't more than you can handle

  • megd44
    megd44 Posts: 385 Member

    Thank you Fox. Got home from work about 30 minutes ago, so a 10 ish hour days today. We had an evening reception to celebrate and thank our small business partners. It was wonderful to celebrate with like minded folks. And to see about half of our total staff. Physically exhausted but my heart is happy.

    Will be at my office for the next two days as well. Will be tackling some of our challenges with our leadership team and other program leads. These folks are super smart and so dedicatedand passionate. I am confident that after being together for the next two days we will come up with a stellar plan and path forward.

    Despite our challenges, we are all choosing hope. We all believe we can help build stronger communities and will work together to make it happen.

  • pamelaory
    pamelaory Posts: 38 Member

    wow, it sounds like you really love your job. That’s awesome! I love hearing about people working together to build community. My education is in social work, that kind of talk livens me right up!
    glad things are going well (as can be expected given the circumstances) .

  • megd44
    megd44 Posts: 385 Member

    Thanks @pamelaory I do love my job!! Just never thought that getting fresh, local nutritious foods to our most vulnerable community members would be targeted. Our clean energy wirk and community design, yep thought that one. I have been in non-profit fir 30 years, lots of different organizations and types. But this is tough to take. And I am the development director (fundraiser) so guess whose job just got 100 times harder abd 1000 times more important? But no pressure, right. 🤣Though I think we have developed a great plan to move forward.

    Had a crazy busy week. Reception for our small business partners, leadership budget retreat, learning group and Board meeting. 2 of my 3 days were over 12 hours and involved dinners. Fortunately we have a lot of farm to table restaurants, so good food choices. But some beer and wine, so not so good. Glad it is Friday.

    Spring is coming so plan on taking a long walk after lunch. Hubby may even come with. I think this path will be long enough to be my 5k training path. Fingers crossed.

    Hope everyone has a fabulous weekend.

  • pamelaory
    pamelaory Posts: 38 Member

    I know, ive been shocked to see and hear what is on the chopping block. I hope by some miracle your org gets spared. You have an important and difficult job for sure! I did some grant writing in school and with my internships, not for the faint of heart. Enjoy your walk!

  • mucky1217
    mucky1217 Posts: 42 Member

    **Virtual hugs** I know too many people in similar boats as you.

  • megd44
    megd44 Posts: 385 Member

    Thanks all for your kindness and support. I used the beautiful weather Friday and Saturday to recharge. Some great outdoor walks. And rage cleaned my house, lol. Today it is snowing again. Pretty but I am a bit over it.

    Going to keep focusing on the good in this world, and there is a lot, and on hope.

    Here is to a good week ahead.

  • totameafox
    totameafox Posts: 1,080 Member

    I do hope things smooth out for you. I would much rather you get outside for your walks than have to do them at your desk. Spring is getting closer. Just hold on for a few more weeks!

  • megd44
    megd44 Posts: 385 Member

    Thanks Fox. It was 11 degrees when I woke up. Today was definitely an inside morning workout. Husband came down to see me jogging in circles around the basement. Good laugh for both of us. Hoping for a more sane work week this week.

    Supposed to be mid 40s by Thursday so I should be able to get outside for walks/baby runs by end of the week.

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