7 Quick Takes-The Shape of Me


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1. Yes, I shamelessly borrowed part of a title from a Dr. Seuss book. This should serve to a) give you an idea of how much Dr. Seuss I read to Tony on a regular basis, and b) pave the way for the other six quick takes.

2. Now that I'm completely healed from that simple little task of delivering an almost 9lb baby (gigglesnort) and I'm free to exercise again, I've decided to completely re-vamp my body. What exactly does this mean, you ask? Well, I'm about to do something I've never done and lay out my weight struggles for the whole world to see. I'm overweight. I have been for a very long time; honestly, I can't remember a time (maybe 5th grade?) that I wasn't on the "heavy" end of a reasonable weight for my body frame and height. I'm usually able to hide it pretty well, I dress for my body type, and I really do try to avoid clothes that highlight my problem areas. That being said, there's no denying it. For years, I would describe myself as "curvy" (and to be fair, I am), I have a larger frame, I don't exactly come from a family of tiny, thin people, etc. I'm familiar with pretty much every excuse in the book.

3. What is a healthy weight for me? I'm 5'7", so according to WebMd, a healthy weight for my height would be anywhere from 118lbs (which I definitely think is too thin for me) to 159lbs. I'm aiming for a compromise of 140lbs, and once I get there-not IF I get there-then I will re-assess and determine how I feel, how I look, etc.

4. I am currently 198lbs. Yes, I actually posted my weight online. Why am I doing this? So I can be held accountable for working out, eating right, and losing the weight. I'm going to do a "check in" every two weeks to see where I'm at. One thing I should note is that I'm exclusively breastfeeding Alessandra, and I don't know how (or if) that's going to impact my weight loss. I have to find that line between eating enough calories so she and I both get sustenance, but I drop the pounds at the same time.

5. I do NOT subscribe to any "fad" diets. Not Paleo (yes I consider Paleo a fad diet), not carb free, gluten free, anything like that. To be fair, I don't stuff my face with junk day in and day out. We rarely eat out, due to both health and budget reasons. I cook almost every single meal at home, and I'm very good about balancing each meal with lean meats, veggies, whole grains, etc. My biggest problem is snacking, and sweets. Also indulgences like my beloved margaritas (sorry, guys. You have to go. Far too many calories!). What I'm going to try to do food-wise is count calories, probably using Sparkpeople, and keep healthy snacks in the house so I'm not tempted. I will continue to cook my healthy meals, and have an "indulge" day once a week.

6. Last year I joined the YMCA, and it was one of the best decisions I could have made. Not only do they have free classes, but they have free childcare with WONDERFUL ladies who work in the nursery. It's a win-win situation for both Tony and I. I'm going back to the gym, starting today. I've always wanted to run a marathon...but the problem is I suck at running. Seriously, in high school I was that girl who was panting and gasping for breath after "running" approximately 30 seconds on the track while the athletes flew by me and ran a few extra laps, just for fun. I'm going to try the famous Couch to 5K program, combined with lifting on the weight machines to help build muscle. For me, I have to start out slowly. Not only because I haven't been terribly active these past few months, but also because I have a problem with heat migraines. Anytime I do anything too high-impact, or get overheated, I get an absolutely wretched migraine that stays with me for the rest of the day. It's horrible, and it renders me completely useless. In other words, no Bikram yoga, no Zumba, no Crossfit, probably no spinning class. The elliptical has worked pretty well for me in the past, and I may give that a try again.

7. Why am I posting about this, and more importantly, why did I use an entire 7 Quick Takes entry for it? Because I need to be held accountable. It's very easy for me to say "okay, today is the day I'm going to make a change for good!" You know how many times I've done that? Too many to count. I'm really a very lazy person, and if I don't have someone on my back constantly, I tend to slack off. So that's what I need from you, readers-to force me to stick with it. Don't let up. If you don't see a weight loss post in a while, ask me how it's going. Ask me how I'm doing counting calories, how the running is going, etc. I really need this. I also really appreciate it.

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Comments

  1. This is awesome, Marisa. I'm pulling for you as I continue my weight journey. I also made a resolution this year to get rid of extra weight without doing any crazy diet and it WORKS, it just is taking me time. Happy to email with you to help us stay motivated and on track! <3

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    1. <3 you Marci!!! We can definitely do this!

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  2. ROck Star!! Couch To 5K Is A GrEat Program. Go Go Go!

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    1. I just got back from the gym...and man that was rough! I feel pretty good right now though. I'm going to keep at it!

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  3. I've always struggled with my weight too -- I lost 73 lbs and ran a marathon following weight watchers, the slowly gained it all back! They have a fantadtic program for nursing mothers that I just signed up for... Trying to lose 40. I don't want to be obese for the next pregnancy!!

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    1. WOW good for you!!! I actually tried WW after I had Tony, and while I do think it's a great program and a healthy, realistic way to lose weight, it didn't exactly work for me. Mainly because I love to cook, and having to type in every.single.ingredient of every.single.recipe I like to cook was a huge pain in the butt (not to mention figuring out servings, portion sizes, etc). I'm checking out a few mama weight loss blogs, Sparkpeople, My Fitness Pal, things like that. Good luck to you!!

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    2. I'm also a foodie / cook, I think the reason it works for me is because I learned the program while working at home (I officed out of my house for 5 years), so I had the luxury of time to type all that stuff in, and now I just KNOW it all... Anyway -- I've used Sparkpeople too in the past and it works well, and a lot of my weight watchers friends now swear by My Fitness Pal!

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  4. You go girl! I too need to be held accountable. I started last year by joining Anytime Fitness and making the investment of a trainer twice a week (expensive but what I NEEDED), however being intrinsically very lazy I only went twice a week...not much good in the long run, but better than nothing. Then they started a wellness program at work which included (for a small fee)a GetFit segment at lunch on Tues/Thurs so myself and one of my co-workers signed up (more accountability)so we do that. Then another dear friend and I decided to do yoga 2-3 nights/week and one weekend day so again I'm held accountable...see the trend. IF I was able to do this on my own it would be both cheaper and easier but I know I can't so I am investing more money than I ever thought I would in myself...because hopefully the next half of my life I will be healthier than the last half and for me that's worth it.
    So I applaud your efforts and am here for any and all support and encouragement you need. ♥

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    1. Thank you Connie!! And good for you!! I totally feel you on the accountability thing...if I seriously don't have someone riding my a$$ every step of the way I know I'll slack off! :(

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  5. Reading this made me realize what an amazing daughter I have, and how proud I am of you! You have always been able to reach your goals, and this wall is here just to help you decide how badly you want what's on the other side! You will do it! ( Also made me realize how much I suck as a role model! :(

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    1. *hugs* awww...I have a pretty amazing mama myself! (You totally don't suck as a role model, btw). I think the hardest part of this challenge won't be exercising or eating healthy-I already do that. It's making a complete lifestyle change that includes a complete stop to unhealthy snacking, avoiding eating out of boredom, smaller portion sizes, etc. I think that's going to be the hard part for me, especially since we come from a family who celebrates with food at every possible opportunity!

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