Hello!
So, I haven't posted here in a while, because I had a very unhealthy past few months. Until January 2, I had been eating whatever I pleased. Although it was all vegan, it was mostly junk, and I knew I had put on some weight. I think I was over 200 lbs at one point.
On the 2nd of January I started eating healthily. I removed all oils and refined grains. I weighed myself on the 16th and found I was 193 lbs. I felt much lighter than before, which makes me believe that I must have reached or surpassed 200 lbs at some point. A week later I weighed myself again and was pleased to be around 186. However, another week passed (today) and I was still 186. My disappointment led me to have a very self-destructive night of eating! Lots of oil and processed foods. After a month of avoiding gluten, I had some bread today and had reactions that made me think I may have a mild gluten sensitivity.
I realized I need to re-evalute my diet. There are still some bad habits I am participating in. As proud as I was about sticking to an oil-free whole foods diet for an entire month, I was still only eating one (large!) meal a day. For example, one meal I ate frequently was 1/2 cup uncooked rice (cooked, of course!), one cup of frozen corn, 1/2 cup uncooked beans (again, cooked!), and a can of no-salt-added tomatoes, with hot sauce, spices, and fresh cilantro. I think if I took this meal and split it up I would have much better results.
For the next 5 days I am planning on doing the Mary's Mini plan, alternating between rice and oatmeal when necessary. I am going to weigh myself tomorrow, and at the end of the 5 days. I am going to make it my priority to eat 3 meals a day. My meals will probably be brown rice with some veggies and soy sauce or oatmeal with fruit. If I need a snack, it will probably be salad because I have some excellent lettuce and cucumbers and balsamic vinegar on hand. If I feel like I need to continue the plan longer, I will, until the 3 meals a day sticks.
Also, in November and December I was walking my dog every night. Since then I've hardly walked her at all! Which makes me feel sad for my dog and sad for myself. So now I am going to start walking her first thing when I wake up! She loves her walks and I need a little exercise.
I hope I continue to write in this journal. I am still extremely proud of myself for my ability to eat healthy and avoid processed foods for an entire month, and I'm not forgetting that. As a treat, I bought myself two shirts a few sizes too small. I hope I can fit in them soon.
And of course, my goal here, above all, is health. Losing weight doesn't matter unless I feel great and remain happy. I need to gain some self confidence and losing weight alone isn't going to fix that!
Time for bed. I've got to wake up early!